The week before my birthday, I hiked a lovely 60k coastal track located in Abel Tasman National Park. "Blessed with a mild climate, golden beaches, and lush, coastal native bush, the Abel Tasman Coast Track has it all" says the guidebook, and I completely agree. This walk was, perhaps, one of my easiest thus far. In addition, one of my favorite scenery-wise. Look at the photos below, and you will see why.
There were several parts of the track that crossed beaches only passable at low-tide. So you had to cross typically 2 hours on either side of low-tide. I found that part fun and exciting. There was one estuary always covered in ankle-deep water. It was fascinating to experience it knee-deep as I was hiking to the hut, and just ankle-deep as I left in the morning. So I hiked it barefoot, and the clams that scattered the sand like pebbles were actually softer to walk across than they appeared!
I felt like I walked through so many different types of scenery in just the 60k of the track!! All of it was breathtaking, and so many points reminded me of home... The desert... The Great Salt Lake... Until I would look to one side or another and see massive ponga trees and bush foliage spanning for miles, reminding me I was not in the desert, at all... ha. I must be slightly homesick :)
At one point, I came across a dead whale. That gave my heart a sinking feeling. I stood and looked at it for a long time... It's eyeball socket was HUGE! It looked as though it had been dead for quite some time. A few other trampers hiking the track had stopped as well, and took the photo for me. It was strange... The smell of the whale got trapped in the mountain that the track wound up on the other side of the beach.. It didn't smell at all right next to it, but the moment I climbed back up the mountain I could hardly breathe.
I was consistently stopping, turning 'round in circles at the majesty I was beholding, snapping photo after photo. Absolutely mesmerized and in awe at the views. I was blessed, once again, with magnificent weather. Enabling me to see out over the ocean for miles and miles, at every point I could.
I wrote in my journal, "Wow. I am in the most spectacular place. My soul feels as though she has wings. My listening ears hear the song of the Universe in all that surrounds me. I hear the chirping singsongs of a plethora of birds, the ocean crashing against the rocky foliage-covered cliffs, crickets chirping, bees buzzing, the wind whistling through trees, the crunch of the desert-like ground... I am at one with the Universe. God is here in the sound of "Ah." And I am grateful for this oneness, through the sound of "Om." I am sitting in a very special place right now. I am surrounded by desert bush and ground, I feel like I am home again in the deserts of Utah and California. Only to look out, and see the crystal clear ocean water and white sand beaches. With rainforest green bush tumbling down. It is magnificent. Everything I could ask for, all wrapped up in one sunny moment."
I wrote in my journal, "Wow. I am in the most spectacular place. My soul feels as though she has wings. My listening ears hear the song of the Universe in all that surrounds me. I hear the chirping singsongs of a plethora of birds, the ocean crashing against the rocky foliage-covered cliffs, crickets chirping, bees buzzing, the wind whistling through trees, the crunch of the desert-like ground... I am at one with the Universe. God is here in the sound of "Ah." And I am grateful for this oneness, through the sound of "Om." I am sitting in a very special place right now. I am surrounded by desert bush and ground, I feel like I am home again in the deserts of Utah and California. Only to look out, and see the crystal clear ocean water and white sand beaches. With rainforest green bush tumbling down. It is magnificent. Everything I could ask for, all wrapped up in one sunny moment."
Out on the track, I listened to hours of Wayne Dyer. One point he addressed that really struck me, was that what we think of, manifests. I, of course, knew this before, but on the Abel Tasman it struck me differently. He discussed how if we focus on all the negative aspects of an individual or situation, we will see those negative things manifest. If we focus on the positive, that will also manifest... Okay... duh.
But it meant something different in that moment. I claim that this sabbatical in New Zealand is a "soul journey," of sorts. I like to say I am focusing on becoming a "better" version of myself, or just consistently being me. Okay... All good.
However, am I focusing too much on the parts of me I want to "change?" The parts I am not satisfied with, or don't feel "belong?" Would it be possible, while of course being aware of thoughts or actions that do not necessarily fit with what the message of my life is, would it be possible to simply notice those things, and let them pass? What if I simply put all of my energy into traits and characteristics that I value, and choose to emanate those ---------- Could it be that simple?
But it meant something different in that moment. I claim that this sabbatical in New Zealand is a "soul journey," of sorts. I like to say I am focusing on becoming a "better" version of myself, or just consistently being me. Okay... All good.
However, am I focusing too much on the parts of me I want to "change?" The parts I am not satisfied with, or don't feel "belong?" Would it be possible, while of course being aware of thoughts or actions that do not necessarily fit with what the message of my life is, would it be possible to simply notice those things, and let them pass? What if I simply put all of my energy into traits and characteristics that I value, and choose to emanate those ---------- Could it be that simple?
I want: Love and Peace. I know, I know. That sounds so "hippie" and cliché. But in reality, that truly is all I desire. For, if I make every decision out of love, there is no room for decisions to be made that do not coincide with, or stem from love. If every decision or action I make is to further peace in this world, there is no room for fighting, or anger, or darkened energy, or fear, or war - with self or others. |
Later Note: I find it ironic, the life lessons I am taught on a daily basis - preparing me for future events or occurrences. I wrote this blog post a bit ago, simply haven't posted it yet, and have felt so at peace my last several weeks here. Meditating daily, chanting my "Ah" and "Om" and writing about peace and acceptance and love. However, life has a way of testing me to see if I am truly listening, can I practice what I preach? This past week, I have felt more anger deep within my soul than I have felt since I can remember. I find it beautiful that I learned a lesson of focusing on the beautiful pieces of me, and on love and peace with self and others, just in time to somewhat qualm the outrage I currently feel at certain life circumstances. I shall never again underestimate the power of the way the Universe conspires in support of me, when I allow myself to be supple, teachable, and open. Giving back all she gives to me. I sincerely hope I can stay this open. I do not desire war. I do not desire to stay in anger. I recognize my anger is simply a coverup for my feelings of betrayal and deep hurt. But that's another story.
It is what it is. Life is beautiful.
X Rachel
It is what it is. Life is beautiful.
X Rachel