This phase of the journey is morphing into . . .

sjlehoven.com

Over the past few years I've been slowly whittling my name into different shapes.

First I added my middle name, Jane. Then I found that I liked to sign my emails with simply, sj. And then friends actually started calling me SJ. Over time I found that I really like it, the name, SJ, that is.

And so now, I'm starting a web site that will combine ALL the different parts of me into one . . .

Come  check it out

sjlehoven.com

I'll see you there!

-sj

Happiness is . . .

being here now
every moment,
every second,
every heartbeat,
every breath,
every bite of pizza.

Yum!

sj's thought of the day

Today in meditation it came to me how THIS moment exists only NOW. And each moment is new, its own entity. What's past is past, done, finished, and what's to come isn't here yet . . . there's only now. 

And so, as I start afresh every moment, so too does everyone else.

And it hit me how that applies to compassion, non-judgement, pure acceptance.
Just like I want to be accepted for who I am this very moment, so too does everyone else deserve that.

And with that comes a clear slate--hence the non-judgement, acceptance, compassion . . .

Yes, this is the kind of stuff I think about . . . : )



posted October 12, 2012 on facebook

Home Is Where the Heart Is

Tile Heart by Kathy Cowan

Home is where the heart is.* At least that’s how the expression normally goes. My husband has come up with his own version: Home is where the fart is. Think about it; he’s got a point.

For me, home has come to mean wherever I am at any given moment. During the past few years as I traveled, I found that once I entered my current lodgings and spread my green pareau on the bed, I was home. But then a funny thing happened. Little by little I found that I didn’t need to do even that. Whether I was lying on my Hawaiian sarong or sitting in a comfy chair in a coffee house, I was at home.

Yes, I’d found my way to my heart and my home.

I started this glob as a venue for writing about my observations while traveling. Solo traveling. On a recent trip with my husband, I realized that I just didn’t have the desire to write when I wasn’t alone. Why? Because it’s just such a different dynamic. But today on my bike ride, it came to me that I want to continue writing about my observations, my experiences. In the grand scheme of things, I’m still on my solo ride; we all are. We’re born alone; we die alone. We’re each on our separate journey of growth and discovery.

So, what the heck is this all about?

Just because I’m not technically traveling, I’m still engaged in life and observing what’s around me. And it’s fascinating. Just yesterday I saw a turtle while swimming at Anini Beach. Alone. Me and the turtle and all the fish. It was wonderful.

And later this evening, I’m joining our improv troupe, the InsPirates, for a private show. Even though I’ll be on stage with others, I’ll still be alone. It’s still up to me to listen and observe—both to them and to what the muse pours through me.

Yes, life is such an amazing journey.

Please join me as it continues in a different but similar way.

Isn’t that how each day is?

Similar yet different?

Each with its own flavor.

Yes, I’ve got some tasting to do!

*This expression has been attributed to Pliny the Elder (A.D. 23-79)

Ever get the urge to be still?

 

Have you ever heard that little voice inside of yourself that told you to stop? Just stop what you were doing and be still. Be still and listen. Just be.

For me, that was the beginning of consciousness. The realization that I don’t need to be in a hurry, that I don’t need to live a busy life, and that it’s okay, it’s necessary, in fact, to sometimes stop. Be quiet. Listen. And just be.

The rest can be a distraction.

A distraction from what really matters.

It’s hard to feel a gentle breeze on your face when you’re moving 500 miles-per-hour. 

I suppose some might say that is the breeze to be moving so fast. But for me, the gentle caress that can barely be felt is so much more.

Do it now.

Whatever it is.

Now is the time to do it.

But I don’t have the energy, the time, the funds.

Yes, you do. You just don’t realize it yet.

Do it.

Right now.

Call that friend who keeps popping in your head.

Hug your husband just because you want to.

Forgive yourself for whatever wrongs you may or may not have done.

Now.

It’s all we have.

Now.

That book you’ve wanted to write.

That song you’d like to sing.

Thoses flowers you’ve been meaning to plant.

Now’s the time to start.

Now’s the time to stand up, walk out the door, and jump off that huge metaphorical cliff that’s been waiting to show you there’s a pillow bed below.

It’s always been there.

Just out of sight.

There to catch you.

There to show you that you’re not alone.

You’re never alone.

No one’s ever alone.

Each and every one of us is surrounded by love.

Open you eyes.

You can see it.

It’s right there.

Sigh.

Yes, you see it now, don’t you?

And now,

feel it.

It’s there too,

in your heart.

It’s always been there.

Always.

It’s just up to us to show up,

to open our eyes and recognize

what’s always been there.

Always.

Yes,

now’s the time.

You knew it already, didn’t you?

I’m just reminding you of the obvious.

Time to stand up, scoot over, reach out, down or up,

whatever’s right for you.

‘Cause only you know what’s right for you.

No one else can tell you.

They may try.

And you can smile and listen and take it.

Or you can smile

and walk away.

Walk in the direction of your heart.

Your heart knows the way.

It always has.

Always.

It’s just up to us to show up,

listen,

and feel.

Yes, now’s the time.

I look forward to meeting you.

I’m sure our paths will cross.

All who follow their heart will collide into a huge burst of Love, at some point.

Yes, I feel it;

it’s true.

So what are you waiting for?

Oh,

you’ve already left.

: )

Bon voyage!

Peace be with you . . .

always.

The European phase of the trip is drawing to a close . . .

Dear Friends,

Yesterday, while spending the day touring around Strasbourg on bike, I decided to get my hair cut. It was just time. As you can see from the above photo, it's a lot shorter now than it was before.

What's it look like?

Well, that will have to wait.

Not long after this photo was taken, the camera decided to stop working. Whether that was because I yet again accidentally dropped it on hard pavement or because I had just taken this photo, I don't know. I'd been noticing for the past several days that the zoom motor was making an odd noise that reminded me of a person moaning while climbing steps, gasping while lifting a box of books, or panting after a slow and beleaguered sprint. It was tired.

Joan of Arc

I do have photos to post from my visit to Geneva, Vincenza, Verona, Freiburg, Karlsruhe, and Strasbourg. They will arrive when the time is right.

Meanwhile, I'm off to Frankfurt today to meet a sorority sister from my college days. Tomorrow I'm going to Heidelberg (again with my friend's bike in tow; so great how a person can bring their bike on some of the public transportation!) to re-enact the chicken dance that I learned there 30-years ago. : ) Care to join me? I think it's going to be fun!

Saturday I'm bidding Germany auf Wienersehen and traveling to the land of fromage and croissants. I'm signed up to attend this cool dinner at Jim's: http://www.jim-haynes.com/.  I'll let you know how it is!

“Have I continued with my language studies?” you ask?

You betcha! The big surprise was that I’d use my French speaking skills to converse with people in Italy who don’t know English (or prefer to speak in French : ). And my current hostess has been so good about teaching me new words and phrases (and busting my butt to pronounce the ö correctly!  : ~ ) Today’s word? “stöbern.” Yes, that it had an “o” umlaut was handy indeed!

And a language thrill? Yesterday, when I asked for more cream for my large decaffeinated coffee (while in Strasbourg), the friendly waiter replied, “Prego.” (Italian for “you’re welcome”) I’ll take that!

And for now, I bid you all adieu. May your days continue to be bright, your nights peaceful, and your friends loving.

From your Zugvogel,

-s j

der Zugvogel = migratory bird.

My Berliner family gave me a new moniker. : )

Bedeutungen (meaning):

    [1] Biologie: Vogel, der die kalte Jahreszeit in warmen, meist südlichen Regionen verbringt, in die er im Herbst zieht. The only catch is that this Zugvogel did this in reverse by traveling to cold weather rather than warm weather!