From Don: In her last This Nomadic Life post Alison wrote about the changes she has noticed in herself since we became nomads. Much of what she said could apply equally well to me, but of course, being a different soul and having a different body, I also have a somewhat different perspective.
I’ve changed from the Don living in Vancouver who was hoping and expecting to die early because he was bored and dissatisfied with life to the Don who now loves the life he leads, and loves seeing new and wonderful places all over the world. I’m much more engaged with life than I’ve ever been, and now I want to continue living in this body for many more years. Even though I still have some health issues I obsess about them much less I used to.
I’m much less afraid of the new and unknown, particularly since pushing through the terror that I experienced before we went to Burma.
How can I put it most succinctly? Two years ago I was given a vision of what might be possible: a new life that involved letting go of the life I’d had up to that time and going travelling instead. I had no clue when I said a big YES to doing that just how much more letting go I would have to do along the way. Do I have any regrets? None. Each time I’ve been faced with a situation or a decision that I would never have chosen willingly had I been offered the option, the end result of letting go and accepting the situation has always been more inner freedom: I’ve become less fearful, more openhearted, more sociable, and more willing to “let go and let God”. The biggest change in my life since becoming nomadic has been the enormous increase in my willingness to let spirit and intuition guide me; to let happen whatever the Mystery wants to have happen in what I used to call “my” life.
For the first time in my life I’m able to love openheartedly, and to express and receive love more fully than ever before.
All this does not mean that I wake up in bliss every day, or that I can levitate at will! It does mean that I am more at peace with the world, and myself, and I’ve become more adept at riding the emotional waves that still arise on a regular basis. I don’t get lost in deep dark holes as often or for as long as I used to. I have more confidence that the storms will pass by in their own time; and so they do.
I am increasingly grateful for the amazing life I’ve been granted. I woke up one morning last week in a beautiful apartment in San Miguel de Allende, walked in the sunshine along its beautiful, very European, streets and went for a fabulous breakfast with Alison at Via Organica: life is being very good to me, and I keep giving thanks for that to the creator/orchestrator of it all.
Living life moment by moment, accepting whatever happens as exactly what is meant to happen in that moment, not resisting, not complaining, not blaming others for what happens, is my via organica.
Photo of the day: At a village near Luang Prabang, Laos
All words and images by Alison Louise Armstrong unless otherwise noted.
© Alison Louise Armstrong and Adventures in Wonderland – a pilgrimage of the heart, 2010-2015.
As always, I enjoy your self-revelations. For me, people’s minds and hearts are so much more interesting than their external presentation… but yet we seldom get to view or learn about those more interesting aspects.
I’ve always wished that I had a special TV screen I could plug Ian’s mind into so I could watch it work and enjoy the show, especially when he’s apparently deep in ‘do not disturb’ mode with his inner explorations.
So thanks to both of you for presenting some of your current internal-shows right here in your blog. What fun to tune in to this channel from time to time! We can read travelogues and see travel photos and videos all over the ‘net, but it’s more rare to find a channel on which to ‘watch’ the inner travels that accompany those external adventures.
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Thanks Kate,
This is Don writing even though it says Alison said: my own computer has taken the huff and refuses to start so we’re sharing Alison’s.
It feels really good, though often scary just before Alison presses the Publish button, to have a place to share the inner journey, which we’ve discovered is at least as important as the outer one. Thank you for being such an enthusiastic spectator – we love having you along for the ride.
Big hugs, Don and Alison
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Lovely Don – your expression of letting go and letting be, and how the nomadic life has opened the heart. Beautiful! in peace….kai
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Thank you so much for your kind words Kai,
Blessings, Don
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I so very well connect with the worlds. Travel is indeed liberating and when I started extensive travel, I became far more accepting, adjusting and patient !!
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Yes, there’s nothing like travel for helping us let go of our expectations!
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Don, I have also gone through the post written by Alison about impact of nomadic life on her. From childhood, I wanted to live life like that. But our surroundings get you into such strong web that it needs guts to cut the rope and be free. When I go through the post which you have written about impact of your decision to leave operative life for nomadic life, it gives strength and inspiration. I loved your post. Keep it up Don.
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Sunil, I’m so pleased that you found encouragement in my words. You write about your desire for freedom on your own blog, and that’s what all this travelling has given me: more inner freedom. Best wishes to you, Don
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Letting go and letting be. Ahhhhhh….
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Ahhhh . . . now!
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Don, your post resonated with us. We know something about living moment to moment. Your voice rang true.
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There’s nothing quite like living in the present moment to feel more alive. Heartfelt thanks for the feedback. Don
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Inward and outward journeys have always been connected for me, as they are, apparently, for you Don. This is especially true when I take time to appreciate the experience. This morning I was out walking around 6 AM admiring the mountains and mist around Chetwynd and the experience was close to spiritual. –Curt
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Hi Curt, We had torrential rain here in La Manzanilla all through the night last night and when it finally stopped around 9:30 this morning and the birds began singing again I felt a wonderful sense of peace and well-being. Nothing like being in the present moment for enjoyment of nature and life. Cheers, Don
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This brought tears to my eyes ~ life lived beautifully!
Here’s to keeping our eyes open on this roller coaster!
~Andrea<3
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Thank you Andrea,
And our hands in the air! Yes it’s a roller coaster, but roller coasters are always at fun fairs.
We’re now in Oaxaca, Mexico for their annual celebration of dance and music: Guelaguetza. I’m continuing to get filled up with the beauty that others create to celebrate life.
❤ Don
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