Slow Down People!!!

Visiting Utah brings on such interesting feelings. I am so drawn to this place because of its majestic mountains, it's dry deserts, it's yummy restaurants and my family and friends...of course. However, there is such a strange culture here, past the large population of Mormons, I can handle them.  The religion is understandable to me and I respect it.  So much of this culture is obsessed with money, vanity and social status. So much so that when I return home I feel the speed of everyone's energy and I become almost dizzy.  Success of business and money is all around me...suppressed economy? Not for the Utah folk. Younger and younger people are making big money and the gyms are as numbered as the churches, on every corner and packed full of sweaty bodies with perfect hair, makeup and the latest gym wear.  It's an incredibly difficult place to keep up with since it moves so fast and is all about the latest trend that everyone must have. Including the newest sport equipment on the market...how does one stay present in such speed and extreme consumerism??  I feel the push it all has on me and it makes me feel like I'm drowning. 

Those mountains I see in the background of this Utah Valley carry my soul and my backbone to this life. I find solitude, inspiration and strength when I scale across the rough terrain. On bike, foot, or even a pair of skiis. I long to breathe that dry air and feel the breeze on my face.  The wilderness here is my temple and I feel so close to God when I visit it.  But the pace of the valley people still makes me feel like I'm spinning out if control.  I went jogging this morning and my mind raced to dark places of dissconnection and frustration. Luckily a nice yoga class at 3B yoga helps to take it all away as I drift off into the deep places of my body and release this tension and discontent.  How do all these mothers give their children all that their children need physically and emotionally while moving at such a fast pace and having their hands in so many projects?? I can barely hit up a yoga class while giving my lil toddler all she needs and I do believe I'm giving her all she desires of me since she is in my arms every time she wants it.

She knows she can trust me. So why then do I feel like I'm being left behind? Why do I feel stagnant when I have such an important job?  Sometimes being awake and sensitive makes things confusing and hard. This culture this American culture is exhausting!!!!

I need to sleep like this baby!!!

Red Tent Gathering

A few weeks ago I met some really neat women. I was at a family farm called Lucky Ladds Farm with JJ and Mazi.  Instantly, we gravitated to each other. There were five of them, all with their young slung around their waists in wraps, slings, and backpacks.  I complimented them and they complemented me, we exchanged numbers, took pictures and I knew we would keep in touch.  I've been in nashville two years and this is exactly the connection with a community that I have longed for. 

The very next day I got an invite to a Red Tent Gathering.  Not knowing what it was exactly, I still knew it was exactly what I needed right now.  I invited my dear friend Amanda as we seem to be needed the same things in life, we were brought together by the universe and I love her so much.

The Red Tent Gathering was in the middle of the country, set up on a private farm named the Cooper Farm.  We were one of the early arrivers and we were greeted by the host, Alex.  Long sheets were drapped over rope making a complete circle, the grass was damp but there was a warm fire blazing in the center keeping us all close and comfortable in a tent like setting.  50 women showed up, few of us knowing each other, strangers to gather and release.  We engaged in some good conversation before it began and I was feeling the the feminine energy begin to flow. It was such a simple process. Gather under the night sky surrounded by nature, use the natural elements to open and release what is unnecessary to carry any further. Write down what you desire to let go of, stand and share it in a safe environment, if tears come, let them, then burn the written words and blow out that candle forever.  Completely nondenominational, open to all sources, only words, fire, and raw emotion.

Women gathering together weekly, monthly, yearly whatever it takes to continue to move forward with strength and vigor. Accepting our roles and shinning through our Divine Feminine. These should be put on all over the planet for every group of women in every community.  Our planet needs this. 

It was so beautiful and just the beginning of many more to come. The circle was safe and filled with compassion for one another and everyone felt it. This is something only our fellow sisters can give to us women because we walk in the similar shoes and we resonate together as One.

Thanks to Alicia and Alex for your efforts, your healing energy and for creating this space for us all.

~t