I love this quote so much that I commissioned an artist friend Shari Kestenbaum Ubechel to paint it in spiral form on a drum I purchased from her many years ago. Each time I see these words, I am reminded of that unbreakable thread of connection to the woman who used to live here in Pennsylvania and was led to move westward to New Mexico. A fairy spirit (how I see her) blessed with artistic ability, Shari is most definitely in touch with nature and the rhythms of the Universe. I giggle when I think about a pivotal event that occurred in her life as she was visiting a place I had enjoyed when I had immersed into the healing Ojo Caliente hot springs. Not sure of the exact details, but that is where she and her husband Norbert met. My take is that when kindred spirits are scheduled to meet, they do.

A second think link connects me to another friend named Michael London, who is a hybrid: A Wharton grad, business professor and singer songwriter who takes the poetry of Rumi and sets it to his own music. We met via a mutual friend named Pat Harmon (now Harmony) who invited me to come to Michael’s CD release party many years ago. A photographer, with a keen eye, she had done a photo shoot for him.

The first time I saw the words of the ecstatic poet whose languaging speaks to the Divine Beloved (I think of them as love poems to God) as well as the Human Beloved, I felt a sense of Home. He was beckoning my heart too and I was helpless to resist. Why would I want to, when the call was so strong to embrace the truth that we are One?

I have many in my life with whom I can lie down in that metaphorical and literal grass and muse about life, the Universe and everything, as well as being still and silent. I am also amazed, but not surprised when I show up at the right place and the right time for certain encounters.

Yesterday I spontaneously went to Great Clips in Doylestown for a quick hair cut. Since my hair is wash and wear short, sitting in the chair is generally a brief experience. I always end up having fascinating conversations with the one whose scissors are snipping away. Charlie is a career hairdresser who loves her work, as she told me and enjoys talking to her customers. I shared, as I always do that hairdressers are privileged listeners like cab drivers, bartenders, therapists and clergy, she smiled and mused about the reasons for that dynamic.

When I told her that one of my hats is that of a motivational speaker, her face brightened even more and she asked how she could get started doing that. I asked if she was involved with a faith community and she said she is part of a small church in the area. I suggested she ask about speaking to the congregation. She mentioned that she is involved with a group of women there with whom she acts in a mentoring/cheerleader role. I added that it would be a natural place to continue her own motivational ministry. She liked that idea and plans to pursue it.

What field will you lie down in today?  Who will you ask to join you there?