It had only been about two and a half months since I had packed up my things and acted on a life-long dream to live and work in Rome, Italy. While not knowing anyone except the friend of a friend, I made my declaration and the Universe started opening up wonderful possibilities like apartments, jobs and connections. 

It was sometime in June in 2003 on a gorgeous summer night in Rome. My new friend,  who was working for the Navy, stationed in Gaeta ( yes, he did have one of those Officer and a Gentleman uniforms )  was meeting me for a pizza. It was late - you didn’t eat in Rome until the sun went down. We had heard about Da Baffetto and wanted to try it out, so patiently waited in line until 2 spots at one of those long communal tables opened up. Conversation and wine flowed as we sunk our teeth into pizza that soothed our souls and appetites. All of a sudden, we heard some commotion and looked to our right as the owners...

I first shared this video on Facebook on Valentine's Day, 2018. The intention was to honor my friend and former business partner, Lisa Habicht who had died 2 months earlier. 

The response to this vulnerable sharing has touched my heart. There are times when being vulnerable feels scary  - it doesn't feel safe.  Yet, when we are vulnerable and are not afraid to be exactly as we are, the result can be great connection. 

Thank you for all those who have written to say that this story was a reminder to live now, to live fully. This is such an honor to Lisa's memory. What she has catalyzed in me  - this fierce commitment to create and to serve NOW - has been the greatest gift she could have ever given me. 

Lisa, Thank you. I love you. 

REST IN PEACE  : Lisa Habicht  1965-2017

#SoulfulSunday

You don’t know when they are going to happen. Magic and miracles are not planned. They are a result of seemingly random occurrences but are they really? Or are they divinely orchestrated?

It was a beautiful morning, not unlike some of the others I had been privileged to experience in the last week. The “morning ritual” consisted of rising early and reading, then hopping on my bike for a short spin. The wind in my hair as I went down the hill with feet off the pedals, like I had done years ago, rejuvenated my soul. At the beach I brought my coffee and towel to the empty shore and plopped down to begin my meditation practice, a new one that had been introduced at the Field of Abundance retreat in July.

......

At that time of day there are no sounds but the rhythmic movement of the waves and the random seagull. As I finish my meditation and dive into the beckoning water, I see no separation from where the sky ends and where the sea starts – it is...

It's that time of year when our hearts turn towards what we can truly be grateful for. Here is our first Day of this month's Gratitude Practice.