Our lives aren't meant to be fast and functional…Our lives were created to be vibrant--enriched with the foods that make us feel like we’re truly living, to the very fullest.
~Sarah Copeland
Dear Reader,
What is the thing that makes you feel safe, connected with yourself, and at home when you travel? My recent two travel weeks and four destinations provided me with a rich opportunity to ponder this question. While what I discovered wasn’t shocking, it cast a light on a few parts of myself that I don’t usually have an opportunity to see. Travel does that, doesn’t it? I find that the push out of my daily comfort zone into unknown spaces has always helped me grow.
Because I see some relevance, I will begin exploring this theme by reviewing the energy and lessons of the sun transit we are leaving behind. Last Monday, through Friday, 10/20 to10/24, the sun passed through what is known as Gate 50, the Gate of Values in Human Design. Its corresponding I Ching hexagram translates to The Vessel, the pot that holds what’s cooking. You can review my conversation with Lois and Christine on that theme here. It was within the energy of The Vessel that I found myself considering and reconsidering the question,
What’s cooking?
What is cooking in my life, and what is cooking within the collective? Although we each view what is cooking across the U.S. and the globe through different lenses, I am confident we can all agree that something is cooking.
Returning to my travels and what makes me feel safe and connected, I have discovered it is related to the act of buying and preparing local food. I was privileged to have the opportunity to shop at the markets and cook for myself in two of the four locations visited, and I can say without a doubt that these were the days I felt most myself and most at home. In this profoundly nurturing yet simple act, I could break from the role of tourist-observer and briefly experience a genuine sense of belonging.
This active role certainly doesn’t appeal to everyone; in fact, shopping and cooking may be precisely what you want to escape while traveling. But for the first time, I recognized its value for me. I used to look forward to, or so I thought, the luxury of being served. But now I realize I got that wrong. Rather than feeling nurtured and cared for in a glossy hotel, I felt empty and separated from my essence. Indeed, all of this new awareness will require further pondering.
Reflecting on my adult travel experiences, I realize the most meaningful destinations were all places where I slowed my travels, stayed in a self-catering arrangement, and shopped at the local markets. I’ve never given this any thought before, yet within this past week of The Caldron and the question of what’s cooking, the theme wouldn’t let me be.
One final related thought upon closing, all experienced cooks know that what you cook depends as much on the ingredients you put into the cooking vessel as on the vessel itself and how it is cared for while the cooking occurs. Do you turn the burner on high and carelessly walk away, or do you allow it to simmer and allow the flavors to meld? I am certain to have stretched this cooking metaphor as far as you can tolerate; however, if it has led you to consider your relationship with yourself, new experiences, cooking, cooking vessels, and connection, then this note has served its purpose.
As the sun moves into Gate 28 and we experience a new energy of Hexagram 28, Greet Exceeding, there will undoubtedly be further opportunities for self-reflection and considering the question, What have I outgrown? My advice for the week ahead: Go slow, turn down the heat, and let what arises simmer.
Tune into this new Scorpio Season chat for more insights.
Until next week
Case Collaborations
Calling all past Mighty Network members! Registration for the Case Collaborations module remains open. This five-month series, facilitated by Lena Kozlovets and Kara Strubberg, is required for Gemmo Consultant certification. The prerequisite for this series is the completion of Practicum One. All former Mighty Network members who have participated in Practicum One in past years are eligible to register. Live session dates include 10/25, 11/22, 1/10, 2/7, and 2/21.
Gemmo Meet-up
Will you join us for the live Gemmo Meet-up on Cold, Flu, and Viruses? All Option Two Gemmo School subscribers can access this free event scheduled for Friday, 7 November, at 130 PM ET.
Look What's Coming Next Month!
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