Guided by an experienced and trained westerner, in a large home nestled in the madrone and redwood forest, a group gathered to journey together. This was to be my first time with this ally. I was nervous and excited and watching the rest of this new-to-me group closely. The guide felt grounded and centered. We started at sunset.
A pre measured amount to each person, based on their weight and experience, around the circle stating intentions, then gulp and we're off. Everyone up and moving to the rhythmic beat. Get the energy circulating and the vibration up. After a few minutes each person reclined in their spot. Some brought and created elaborate cocoons of comforters and pillows, surrounded with their crystals and feathers, eye pillows and sage. I have always preferred 'less is more' and laid down on the carpet with a small pillow. Listening...
After a while (perhaps 30 minutes) I began to feel strong whooshing energy blowing through my body in gusts. This was accompanied by a deep zinging sound. For next hour or so I was in and out of being present... I felt like there was always a lot happening, but I was dissociated from it at times. I would return from some place and not know what had happened, but felt like something was healing in the foundation of my being.
Then I got the idea to get up and explore. As there were no lights on, just one candle in the journey room, walking in such an altered state was quite interesting. I found the blackness inviting and the feeling of stepping outward into the night thrilling. Each step through the house, out on to the deck in the cold, and into the edge of the forest (it was a black starry night) was thrilling. I treasured the unknown all around me and the deliciousness of moving into it.
The stars were holding the overview and hissing metallically above. Off in the distance there was a dog's howl that seemed to swirl through the dark forest. I could feel the intent, the declaration in the howl, received not in words but in my belly. We seemed connected in the night, all of us together, in perception and exploration, the dog, the trees, the stars and the soft blackness.
I returned to the group and spoke of wonders while my cheeks and feet carried the fresh cold in from the forest. We laughed. I invited others out with me. No one really wanted to move... So I was off on my own again. My body felt sweet and strong and smooth as I moved back into the dark. I could feel the intent moving in my legs and arms. Like Aikido at its most ki-ful.
Moving around the house and into the forest, where each step must be felt before weighted, as bare feet sensed space and texture. Feeling the cool air smoothly across skin. A part of me wanted to keep going and walk from everything behind me into something, something wonderfully new. But I felt my love for my wife and others in the mix and wanted both the new and the love. Thus I found my way back. Around the trees and roots, step by step, toes sorting needles and stones... Then gravel and wooden deck, then metal threshold and carpet.
I spent the last of the adventure rolling Aikido style in the spare room, moving, spinning and rolling. Ecstatic movement. Then laying next to my partner and drifting to sleep. So relaxed, released and returned.
In the morning we sat in a circle and some discussed their journey and insights. I had very little to say. The receiving I felt was in by body and soul. I felt strong and quiet and unhurried. I felt a deep relaxed confidence that whatever would come in life I could meet successfully. I was present and open and satisfied.
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