My Happy Place

This is me chill-axing at my happy place, the beach. As our vacation in Cape Breton came to a close, I was reminded of how necessary these times away from laundry, dishes, teaching and meetings are, but I was also aware of how difficult it can be to leave it all at home and immerse oneself in downtime. Staying busy, afterall, is one of the ways we avoid real life, and the pain of it. Pressing pause on the chaos, and stepping off the rollercoaster is so brave, and for me, difficult, but I know that it’s only in the state of relaxation that I can hear the whispers of Spirit, calling me home to healing and wholeness.

On our way through Cheticamp, we stopped at Freya and Thor’s cafe and gallery. I struck up a lovely conversation with Erin, the new owner who just moved back to NS from Seattle six weeks ago. Her stature reminded me of my sister, tall, gregarious and adventurous. When she asked for my name,  my heart stopped, fearful she would recognize me from the memorial anniversary and I wasn’t prepared for that conversation. 

As the deep ache of grief rose into my throat, I walked to a quiet part of the gallery and wept, thankful for my mask and sunglasses. The song playing, Hold You Dear, seemed to sweep me up and I suddenly felt held by Lisa’s loving energy. I gave thanks for her presence and walked back to the counter, asking Erin what song that was. 
“Oh that’s Hold You Dear by the Secret Sisters.” 
“Of course it is,” I said, and walked out feeling moved by the sweet synchronicity. 

I showed Catherine, who was traveling with us, my painted rock of the highlands I had just bought, and she replied excitedly, “Look at us, we’re rock sisters, I bought the same one!”  Sisterhood was alive in the highlands and I’m thankful that I was awake enough, or willing enough, or imaginative enough, to experience that tender visit from my secret sister.

Thank you Cape Breton for holding us in your natural beauty, we will be back!