Milestones & Epiphanies
Epiphanies are frequent these days. Sometimes, I feel I'm just waking up. Ripening through the years, there is so much to appreciate, and awe at the wonders of Life. It isn't at all what I learned at my mother's knee.
Living and teaching in Puerto Rico for 2 1/2 years brought one awakening after another. I had the joy of being with my grandchildren during their early years, and had the privilege of witnessing my son as the remarkable father he is. I discovered I'm allergic to cockroaches, can endure humidity, and that we are all one no matter our history, ethnicity, lifestyle and beliefs.
I spent time with two young American English teachers from Florida. They taught High School English and I was the Lower School Librarian. We socialized on Friday nights, went to people's weddings and other ceremonies, camped, encouraged each other, and commiserated when the students were obnoxious. We learned to eat mangos, mofungo, plantain and do the salsa.
While in Ponce, PR I taught adults at Casa Rochira, a holistic health center where I also practiced yoga with the best teacher I've had to date. I met an El Salvadoran medicine man and healer, regularly did ceremony at his organic farm in the mountains, spent time with Puerto Ricans learning their history and indigenous practices and beliefs. It was during this time I realized I was a global citizen, no longer limited to being a whitebread American from California.
Returning to the States, I lived close to my daughter and her family for six years. There, I had the pleasure of seeing my grandchildren at school every day, and bearing witness to their unique ways of being. We went on nature walks there in remote Warner Springs, stood under the Milky Way, did homework together, played cards, went on adventures, and spoke of the concerns of the heart. I saw how my daughter and son-in-law had created a close family, their deep understanding of one another and their children, and knew they could weather any storm because of the strength of their commitments. When the time came, I knew I could leave them in their own safe hands.
I have come to know there is no past that cannot be healed, and no future to fear. Entering the Inipi (sweat lodge) Friday and Saturday nights for five years has been a humbling experience. I've learned how to pray with gratitude and free of supplication, honor the great teachings of our indigenous sisters and brothers, listen to the howl of coyotes and receive their primal messages.
The call to explore the hills and valleys and rivers of this great land has come. People all over the United States are searching for and discovering the wonders of life in the 21st century. I want to meet as many of those people as possible, share wisdom and laughter, explore questions and answers.
2009 is itself one grand epiphany. May all your experiences, both those you desire and those you would rather have bypassed, add to your treasure trove of wisdom, strength and possibilities.
Many blessings to each and everyone in the Class of 1957.
Joy E Butler
