Eighth Stop: Me

“Knowing how to be solitary is central to the art of loving.  When we can be alone, we can be with others without using them as a means of escape.”   Bell Hook

   This quote has never meant more to me than it does now.  I am learning a very important lesson that I have always been too busy to learn.  I have always been great at finding something to fill my time, or someone to hang out with as a distraction.  Here in this village... It is "me" time.  I cannot call someone to go grab dinner, I have no phone.  I cannot take my puppy for a walk because I do not have one... I can't spend endless hours at the gym acting like I am busy to avoid the underlying issue...ME.     

     I have been able to get in better touch with nature and see people living off the land.  Living with what many of us would classify as the basics is humbling.  It is refreshing to see kids outside being kids-Playing and being creative.  They do not have any video games, computer games, and whatever other distractions keep kids from exploring and playing.     Seeing that really has helped me focus on me and work on getting to the inner layers and issues.  My own personal therapist... time...