Is nostalgia a feeling for innocence that we’ve lost? Or is our innocence lost if we aren’t occasionally nostalgic, fully embracing all parts of ourselves as we move through the journey of life; past, present, and future?
In the words of David Whyte, the wonderful philosopher, poet whom I am fortunate to sit with on Summer Sundays:
“Innocence is not a commodity that is supposed to be replaced by experience. Innocence is our ability to be found by the world again and again at each new threshold in our life.”
This helps me to understand my nostalgia and the subsequent pangs of grief wafting through me, following my recent trip to Nelson.
Farewell Geronimo
Nelson is the remarkable community in the Kootenays where I raised my daughters and our animal family. Geronimo, a regal black stallion, was a noble and noteworthy member. He is symbolic in untold ways of myself and my girls during a unique time in our lives. Metaphorically, he gifted us with harnessing our own raw power. He was a living presence, an embodiment of how a powerful being can be both full of the potency of fierce life-energy and spirit, but as gentle as a benevolent grandparent. On this pilgrimage we celebrated and then sadly bid farewell to Geronimo as he crossed over the rainbow bridge. Our journey continued on with a book signing at Otter Books, and Yasodhara Ashram in Nelson.
Pilgrimage
Upon deeper and quiet reflection, as I age I encounter more of these significant passages. They all represent a pilgrimage from one place in time, one way of being, to an entirely new time and perspective. They are simultaneously disruptive, and heartening.
I had to find the spaciousness and compassion to hold the grief, as well as all the other memories moving through my body and emotions to allow my heart and senses to fully be with all of what is, what was and what may be. Assimilating all of this whilst supported by the wonderful care and companionship of David Whyte and his work, I realized that it is what we care about, that we are most nostalgic for. I came to the realization that it is through caring that we tap into our innocence repeatedly.
Caring
Caring is part of how we arrive here, get by here and leave here. Caring is fundamental to human nature and survival. We all witness how terribly wrong things may go when we don’t care for one another. Writing my book, Where Science Meets Spirit, and this blog I do because I care deeply about humanity and our collective future. I also care about you and your feedback and sincerely appreciate your support.
On that note, feel free to drop me a line on the website, and if you’ve read my book, please write a review on Amazon. Be sure to check my website for updates on upcoming events and book signings this fall.I will also be releasing videos on Youtube with a reading from the book and spaces for discussion. In addition, there will be practices for you so that together we may delve into the subject matter more fully.
Until next time, enjoy your journeyings.
With much love & care,
Mary-Jo