April 19, 2026 – Late Morning, Ojai, California
I’m listening to Sam Garrett, a Reggae – Kirtan artist who recently appeared on my Instagram feed. His words sat with me: “I have no practice. I have no belief. Practice implies you have to do something in order to get somewhere. As I sit here, I know that we are complete.”
As I listen to his music and ponder my next phase of transition, I’m reminded that, for better or worse, I am exactly where I am because of me, because of my hard work, or sometimes because of the lack of it. Yet the journey of my life feels like a Camino, a path laid out by a higher intelligence beyond my comprehension. It is my dharma to walk the often times difficult terrain, take in the beauty along the way, to rest, and to recalibrate, as I did for some time in Pennsylvania and most recently in Santa Barbara upon my return to California, and now here in Ojai.
Planning my next chapter, as I prepare to lace up my proverbial boots, my heart swells with love and gratitude for my deceased parents, my brother, my children, and for God. Even in the wobbly, wiggly moments, I’ve held steady because of their love, encouragement, support, and blessings. I’m inspired to keep moving forward, to keep on keeping on, and to never doubt even tho’ some moments can be a bit “itchy” in their respective challenges. (lol;)
Today, I rest in this safe and beautiful place called Ojai, (La tierra de mi alma) as I prepare for the start of a new job tomorrow in Santa Barbara…a job that will demand more of my energy and all the skills I’ve honed throughout my career and personal life through practice.
It’s time to settle down now, for I’ve been adrift for a while. To do this, I must keep my heart in my practice. While I understand Sam Garrett’s message, what I feel he missed in his IG reel is this… while we are complete as we are, In my experience, spiritual practice through yoga, meditation, self-study prepares us for life’s difficult, wiggly, and “in-between” moments. We are already whole, and yet we must practice to remember it.
Practice has protected this human as she wanders the varied terrain of her life’s Camino and has prepared her for the unknown territories that life’s unique paths often takes her.
The move back to California and the opportunity ahead feels like the promise of a new life, one that may include a sweet little Mediterranean villa in a quiet neighborhood of Santa Barbara, its stone floors, airy windows, and antique furniture a tangible reminder of the Europe that lives in my heart.
Tomorrow, I lace up my boots for the next step, trusting that the path will unfold as it should.
Thru soulful eyes 