Life Lessons Learned in the American Southwest

Something has changed within me; something is not the same… 

Traveling to the American Southwest was so much more than superficially seeing the glory of a few National Parks.  A deep and permanent metamorphosis occurred within each of us. Perhaps we now realize the tiny space that we occupy in the world or that nothing really belongs to us except the sky, the air, and our dreams.

On this journey we were forced to trust strangers; we lost sight of all that was familiar to us; we were constantly off balance; we took risks; we fell.  And we learned–learned more about ourselves, our existence, our purpose.

As we explored each landmark, we felt a profound change within our souls.  Nothing was subtle.  Although peacefully silent, the universe was speaking ever so loudly.

So what did we learn:

                     *Life Lesson at Horseshoe Bend*

Maybe the journey isn’t so much about becoming anything. Maybe it’s about unbecoming everything that isn’t really you.

 

                  *Life Lesson at Zion National Park* 

If you are on a path with no obstacles, it probably lead to nowhere.

 

                     *Life Lesson at Bryce Canyon*

You are only confined by the walls you build yourself.

 

 

                    *Life Lesson at Monument Valley*

If you want to be happy, be happy on purpose. When you wake up, don’t wait to see what kind of day you’ll have. Decide what kind of day you’ll have. Happiness is a choice.

 

                   *Life Lesson at Antelope Canyon*

Wisdom is knowing how unwise we really are. There is no final resting place of the mind.  Keep looking up, keep learning, keep making mistakes, keep growing.

 

                *Life Lesson at The Grand Canyon*

Don’t worry so much about changing the world; change yourself and the world will change.

So wherever you are in life’s journey, know that your path is supposed to be crooked. Rocks will crumble.  Steps are unstable. But know that nothing can grow inside of you if you remain in your comfort zone. Every struggle in our lives is shaping us into beautiful spiritual sculptures, so live on the edge. Trust your path and don’t judge the path of others. Have no regrets.

“What if I fall?”

“Oh but my darling, what if you fly?”