The furthest I ever traveled from home was Kenya. The physical distance in so many miles and time zones, makes it an obvious answer for today’s prompt question. I know we all live in a very physical world here on planet earth.
I’ve been to Kenya twice. Each time I felt an overwhelming connection to a reality beyond what I have always accepted as real.
I felt like Africa had reached out to me at different times throughout my life. But then, when I finally found myself standing on the soil, truly experiencing the continent, or at least a tiny bit of it, I felt this strange familiar home feeling. Like a welcome back, a jaw dropping surprise or series of surprises that I will never forget. All for me? All for me.
Africa changed me. I loved her, I’d always known. I was surprised when Africa seemed to love me back.
I used to tell people, that trip changed me. Now I will say I was probably pushed closer to who I already was.
Life, civilization, upbringing, society, school those things sort of shaped me, maybe those things led me to conclude things that weren’t absolutely true. I don’t know, but I have often been mistaken about who I am. Or how I am precieved.
There always is the same me underneath all of that, we all are already ourselves. I’ve recently become curious about this concept.
I’m reading Martha Beck’s book, ‘Diana, Herself’ and it has caused this subject to come up a lot.
Also, I fractured my ankle five days ago, which has given me the luxury of a major perspective adjustment and a lot of literal down time.
When I said I was reading the book, I meant I’m reading through for the third time because underneath all the kitschi story telling, are some very interesting concepts. It’s an allegory, a silly far fetched fictional story, the kind I’m not usually a fan of because when its too obvious that the author is trying to illustrate a point, I don’t know, it’s usually not my thing, even if I agree with the concepts.
So here I am nearly finishing. Three times through, and I might be able recommend it. I’m not sure to who.
For me, it’s got me thinking about expirences like Africa.
Of moments when I felt the mystery that veils life for the most part to flutter open for a few seconds, which it does and has for me often. Those little occurrences that are impossible to explain, but reveal or awaken knowing.
Know thyself, Gnothi seauton
We all do, even if we forget, we do still know. And we are, all of us, much more than our tiny human brain thinks we are.
Peace Kit 