Challenging Love to Be Unconditional - PART 47

TRAVELING LOVE

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Birthday Intermission Part 11 Part 12 Part 13 Part 14 Part 15 Part 16 Part 17 Part 18 Part 19 Part 20Intermission No. 2 Part 21 Part 22 Part 23 Part 24 Part 25 Part 26 Part 27 Part 28 Part 29 Part 30 Intermission No. 3 Part 31 Part 32 Part 33 Part 34 Part 35 Part 36 Part 37 Part 38 Part 39 Part 40 Intermission No. 4 Part 41 Part 42 Part 43 Part 44 Part 45 Part 46

Because Quinn didn’t rescue me from myself, I had to take responsibility for my own feelings.  I learned that in reality I was the only one who could really do that for myself, and that regardless of what happened, I was indeed more empowered not being enabled to count on others for my well-being. 

I came to accept that I was here for something way bigger than living out my conditioned responses, that I had a choice of how to feel, and therefore focused on becoming more present.  I was hoping Peter and Quinn’s girl engagement was only a passing phase, and found that as I became more accepting and less stressed about it, their focus on others diminished.  I was seeing that the Universe provided me opportunities to face my fears, and let them go, and found some solace in asking the Universe for the most benevolent outcome. And although I was not completely over the jealousy, I felt I had removed a thick layer that allowed me a more peaceful place in gratitude.  

Tuning in to the magnificence Quinn and I had enjoyed together for years, I kept active my awareness of the blessings I had already received.  I found it within myself to acknowledge that the love we shared was so incredibly powerful, that even if I didn’t like to share, and even if he had given some of it away to others, there was still an abundance of true love for me.   I personally had never known this intensity of love that had rocked my entire reality.  I considered how the lives of others could also be changed by such an eye opening experience, and felt selfish for wanting it all for myself. 

I didn’t really understand how someone could have and give so much love, and be so present with people without being overshadowed by ideas, or being depleted from so much interaction.  I could easily see how limited I was in sharing real love.  I still carried around many of my conditioned ideas, and continued my vigilant attention and focus on our relationship, taking in all the juiciness of our precious alone moments together.   I didn’t give in easily, but I did feel it was a challenge that deserved some serious consideration.

As far as I knew, nothing ever really came of their “outings”, except a lot of fun for the guys, a huge dose of sweet, loving, conscious, focused attention for the girls (I’d bet like nothing they had experienced before), and a lot of introspection for me.  Quinn returned to me as present as always, and we eventually all took off together on the Tour of the Heartisans, traveling to share our hearts, our art, and sound in conscious communion.

Our sweet ride!

Traveling together we made many connections, shared our passions, and drew a lot of attention by simply being ourselves.  Six or seven of us piled in and out of our mobile cafe at any given time.  

All cozy and comfy inside!

We sang and made sound everywhere we went.  We played music on the street and on the beach, in houses where we were invited to stay, and even in the van on the way, each of us playing our part from the heart.

Playing on the street in Charleston. I play the shoes!!!! So much freakin' fun! 

Drums were everywhere!

Creating collaborative sound.

Playing from the heart together.

One of our many booths, sharing our wares.

We also shared our pottery, jewelry, photography, stained glass, cards, and other handmade treasures.

Preparing my photography for our gallery shows.

We whipped up fabulous feasts (including taking over a large restaurant kitchen), hosted many gallery and restaurant shows, and outdoor festivals. 

Connecting with the people far and wide.

Taking in the love from a private invitation.

Dancing our hearts out!

We were shining the light everywhere we went.  Together we were quite a sight to see, each of us bringing our full and unique selves to the table to share with the whole. 

Another incredible night with the locals.

A friend made along the way.

Enjoying the abundance from a new friend's garden!

Little love and big love!

Appreciating magnificence.

These were times and experiences never to be forgotten.  Not only were there many people touched by our presence and us touched by theirs, the opportunity for personal growth was astounding.  It was amazing to me how harmonious our lives were living in such small quarters with an ever-changing environment, and with people we were getting to know along the way.  Though not up to Quinn's highest sustainable standards, we were indeed creating community on the road.  We seriously lived it up in moment-to-moment inspiration, and spread joy wherever we landed.

Even though Quinn and I were not alone, I came to really love this experience of being with others.  I gained a lot of perspective on relationships and freedom from being all together.  I got to express myself in ways that a "normal" life did not provide.  I let loose of some of my "hold" on Quinn.  I gained insight into how much people were really in need of loving and joyous experiences, and how much one small group of people, and each of us alone, could make a difference in the lives of others.  Life became richer, my awareness deeper, and our love ever stronger.

Thank you for reading my blog and for going on this journey with me toward Unconditional Love!

Stay Tuned for Part 48

Get in on the series from @saramiller about her own intriguing  personal experience at the @gardenofeden.

Check out the @gardenofeden website too to see how we're doing our part to change the world.