Living the Mystery and the Territory of Faith from NC

Temporary studio in Durham, NC

From my December Newsletter:

There is only one life
you can call your own
and a thousand others
you can call by any name you want.

Hold to the truth you make
every day with your own body,
don’t turn your face away.

Hold to your own truth
at the center of the image
you were born with.

Those who do not understand
their destiny will never understand
the friends they have made
nor the work they have chosen
nor the one life that waits
beyond all the others.  

-David Whyte. Excerpt from “All the True Vows”     

After returning from the Parliament of the World’s Religions last month and a whirlwind time closing my home/studio and visiting friends, I arrived in Durham, North Carolina ten days ago. It was difficult to leave Oregon after 25 amazing years there but Portland is no longer the livable city that I fell in love with and was guided to make a radical change in order to continue following my soul’s journey where ever it may lead. I continue to ask, “How best can I serve our ailing albeit beautiful world with what is mine to offer?” This has been a leap into the mystery and the territory of faith.    

I’m not sure Durham will be my new home ground but have a short-term lease on house that is my transition space to ground back into my work, make connections, and explore the region. As we approach the Winter Solstice, this is an ideal time to carve out some precious time in your life and go inward, reflect on the passing year, and vision for the new. What is the “one life that waits beyond all the others” to borrow from Whyte? If you had one year to live, what changes if any would you make in your life?   

Our time in this bodily realm is so ephemeral and sitting with this again as another dear friend and colleague enters his dying time. Allowing the grief and present to the preciousness of existence. There was also an urgency that came through at the Parliament from every corner of the globe around climate change. That we must join together as people of faith and conscience–in the spirit of MLK, Rosa Parks, and Gandhi–to ensure a livable planet for all beings and future generations. I returned inspired by so many voices contributing to a more inclusive, loving, and sustainable world.      

Chief Arvol Looking Horse sharing his wisdom in the Lodge of Nations.

I also spent a lot of time in the Lodge of Nations and was deeply inspired by the generosity of our First Nations peoples to share their ancient knowledge and affirm the importance for each of us to rediscover our own indigenous roots. To quote Anishinabek elder Elder Jim Dumont: “We have to believe in the beauty of this world.” Still processing this but look forward to sharing more soon around what art/actions may emerge….       

Bow of gratitude to all the friends who drummed and prayed for us all the way across this beautiful country. And angels that guided us as we navigated snowy mountain passes, the Mojave desert, and heavy construction through major cities. We felt your support all the way!      

A blessed and joyful holiday season to all.      

In gratitude and love, 

Amy