A couple of magical events happened on my drive from the Hilo wet side of the Big Island, Hawaii, across to Kona on the western side.
On my way, I stopped to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. It was there that a Kahuna Elder approached me and asked if I could see a white dog in the crater area below. After looking for a while, I had to concede that no, I couldn’t. He explained that Hawaii RetreatPele, goddess of fire, was often seen accompanied by her beloved dog and that those with ‘seeing’ eyes could sometimes see her dog. I was very disappointed and had to let go of the pressure of expectation I’d put on myself. On my next stop, I arrived in what I can only say is one of the most magical places on earth. To me, it literally felt like I was entering the kingdom of the faerie queen and king. At Akaka Falls, my skin tingled as I opened to its tangible sense of magic. As I stared into the falls with its stunning greenery and exquisite white flowers dotted like faerie lights, I felt entranced. Gazing into this feast for the senses, I began to notice the rocks behind the falls moving; I was being shown a gateway into another dimension. I was mesmerised by the beauty and mystery and it wasn’t until a group of loud tourists awakened me from this hypnotic state that I was able to recollect myself and continue on my journey, feeling filled and amazed.
Near Kona, I decided to stay in a campground on the beach. I’d been driving all day and was pretty exhausted by the time I got there. I just wanted to pitch my hired tent so I could be lulled into sleep by the sounds of the waves lapping the shore. That was not going to happen! The campground manager was away so I had to wait until he returned. I passed the hours exploring the hippy conclave of fascinating, artistic make-shift beachfront shacks. By the following morning, I had a fever, I was covered in sand, itchy and sticky and all I wanted was to feel a soft mattress and clean sheets and a long hot shower and comfort. I was over ‘roughing it’. I offered the paid for 3-day tent rental to a homeless woman who wore hibiscus in her hair. She befriended me by inviting me to share in her papaya for breakfast. It was easy to like her colourful youthful ways despite her senior years. She was delighted! Once I’d happily checked into a motel, done my laundry and had a wonderful hot shower, I could rest, relax and reflect on the lessons I’d just encountered. I realised that this heart-centred island of exquisite beauty was showing me where my heart had closed off to me; where I’d pushed myself rather than listened to my body’s needs; where I’d over-ride my knowing by not listening to that inner nudge. I’d allowed my mind to run the show and this was closing my heart. With gratitude for the seeing, I was able to forgive myself and choose to respect my needs, to ensure my own cup was full enough before giving to others – a long old pattern in my life. No, it didn’t turn out the way I’d imagined, but, what a gift I was given.
Life-changing Spiritual Retreats to sacred sites around the world with Lin Bell
Open to the Ancient Mysteries of the Sacred Sites we visit, seeding your intention for yourself and humanity. Connect to your deepest knowing as you open to powerful transformation. Expand your consciousness; develop your intuition; learn to set healthy boundaries; tools to communicate honestly with yourself and others. Have fun travelling with a small group of like-minded others.
UPCOMING RETREATS
Hawaii 7 nights 16-23 May 2018
Sedona-Hopi 13 nights 29 May-11 June 2018
Mount Shasta 11 nights 14-25 June 2018
Ancient Britain 13 nights 23 July – 5 August 2018
Byron Bay 5 nights 27 September -2 October 2018
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