there’s a discussion going on at the integral naked website, and below is a piece of what i wrote. i feel like sharing it over here too. it is intriguing to me to feel all of the concern and worry that people express about my travels to israel. i am so grateful for and comforted by all of the prayers and protection that loved ones are sharing with me, showering me with. i’ve felt so honored and special seeing the genuine concern and love in one’s eyes when they’ve said goodbye and wished me safe travels. it’s been different than any other “going away” experience that i have had in the past.

i’d like to share where i am right now, as these slightly stress-full moments of figuring out what to put into my suitcase pass through me. fear is not my present emotion. i am so excited and curious about the adventures that lie before me. there is such a deep unknown beckoning me… and i am thrilled to have the opportunity to dive in. i am not saying that there is NO uncertainty or nervousness present. any new experience that i embark upon seems to entice me with those nervous jitters. the tingling sensations stimulated by thoughts of this trip, however, are connected with the spiritual journey upon which i am embarking. the land is calling me, to be afraid is not. and so…with these thoughts, i found the words i posted about death to be interesting. while i was referring to more symbolic deaths than loss of human life, it all seems very relevant to my world right now!

…it is only when things die naturally that they push the creative edge to a new point. growth, change, awareness, creation…

and absolutely all “things” must die (thoughts, emotions, identities, things we love…but here i ponder… love? …it seems not to die. i share this thought non-experientially. i’ve never felt a death of love. i think that one’s life is one’s definition of love, so therefore in life, love cannot die…and obviously, that’s just one look at that FULL word–l o v e ). while there is much to be felt in death…it is equally a part of the cycle…and i love it. slyly present in my grief are the subtle threads of new life…in whatever design of manifestation.