There is only one journey — going inside yourself.
Rainer Maria Rilke 

We’re going to the beach!!!!!!! I’m so excited and filled with anticipation that I can hardly wait. I love to journey because it is such an incredible opportunity to not only discover new places but to discover new parts of myself. When I set an intention for the journey, it becomes an even richer experience.

Years ago I created a retreat business called “Outward Journey for Inner Development”. For fifteen years, I took groups on personal growth journeys around the world to such places as Bali, Machu Picchu, the Galapagos Islands, down the Amazon river, and many more. It was such a gift to witness the growth and awareness that these participants experienced when they began to experience themselves more deeply. I created these retreats because I believed that when we journey outside of our comfort zones, we can face the issues that burden us with more clarity. But, it wasn’t always easy. There were obstacles on each journey. And, those obstacles were always the catalyst for change.

I remember the time that I took a group to the Galapagos Islands. Two women (sisters) signed up for the group but did not tell me that they were both afraid of water! Each morning we would take a small row boat to visit one of the islands and then return, in the afternoon, to the charter boat where we would eat, sleep, process the day’s events and travel to the next island. On one particular day, when leaving one of the islands, the two sisters got into the small row boat and my daughter, Alli, and I joined them. We began the short trip to the larger boat and, because the rocks were sharply pointed and broke through the bottom of the boat, we sank! Needless to say, both of the women panicked and there were several moments of chaos as we found our way back to shore. That evening, after we all returned to our charter boat, the sisters were able to acknowledge their fear and “work through” the underlying issues. It was breathtaking, difficult, cathartic and healing.

Yes, I do believe that there are potholes/obstacles on the journey of my life but it is up to me to face them and to find the meaning in my own life. It is then, that I can find true joy. I wonder what potholes I will discover on my upcoming journey? I’m looking forward to what I might learn from them. I’m also looking forward to the joy of new discoveries. That’s my intention.

A great example of this is found in a YouTube video that my husband, Michael, shared with me. It’s below. It lasts a bit over 5 minutes but every minute is worth it. I hope you take the time to enjoy it. I did!
I’d love to hear from you at docbeverly@aol.com about your journey. I truly would.
In Gratitude, Beverly

P.S. I won’t be posting a newsletter next week. But, I’ll have plenty to share when I get back!