Reflections on Southern Oregon

Now that I've been back home for week, I've had time to reflect back on my trip. 
It turned out to be a pilgrimage...not just a trip. 

I had three intentions when I set out on this journey
1. To give myself the gift of time and space to JUST BE..without the pull of friends, family, obligations. I didn't even want to be in a place where there was a beautiful beach nearby, for example, because I didn't want to feel "obligated" to spend time there. 
2. I saw this as a test of sorts, a test for myself to see if I was committed enough to one of my personal passion projects to get it launched. 
3. Visit Crater Lake

That was it. Very few plans or expectations. This enabled me to follow my own intuition about how to spend my time. And that, I believe, was where the magic happened. Even the lead-up to the trip itself...I was planning to go to Costa Rica to the Artist's Residency. The two other artists dropped out. I did still have the option to to there, but something told me NO. That was my intuition speaking! So, I pivoted and planned this trip instead.

From the get go, it was obvious that I had made the right decision. 

One thing lead to another, and by the end of my time there, I had accomplished the following:
1. Made new friends...for life!

2. Learned a lot about organic and biodynamic farming, how to make soap, how to re-establish a forest and wetland, growers markets, Shakespeare, devotional yoga, the importance of soaking in warm hot springs, community, and medicinal plants. 

3. I learned that people LOVE sharing their passion, whatever it is. Everyone I approached with the question "Can I interview you for my podcast?" said yes, and then I got to see their face light up as they shared their stories about how they ended up doing what they were doing, and how much they loved it. 

4. I had a spiritual awakening, of sorts. Right in the midst of a devotional yoga class! And, everyone was supportive and I felt loved and understood. When it was over, I felt a great release and calmness. 

5. Completed 8 interviews for my Climate Hacks Podcast

6. Because I spent over three weeks there, I got a real feel for the community and one thing I learned, they like to cook and have awesome pot luck events! I was invited to people's homes, where I left with a bag of fresh tomatoes, or some other garden harvest...or, with a full belly...I had fresh apple cobbler, freshly baked bread, enjoyed goat's milk soap, a pizza party and musical gathering, and tons more that I can't even remember. 

7. I think one of the most important things I learned was about the Pachamama Alliance, a global community offering people the chance to learn, connect, engage, travel and cherish life for the purpose of creating a sustainable future that works for all. Pretty much in alignment with my goals for the podcast! So, I'll be leading symposiums and getting more involved with them...

8. I'm motivated more than ever to get involved with my own community right here in Campbell. 

Obviously, I feel like this trip was a great success. I learned a lot about myself along the way...now, I'm planning my next adventure! What might that be?

I'll keep you posted! (hint: maybe something around volunteering for an animal rescue organization)

I was planning to post more pics from my last week there, but my phone was stolen the day after I came home, so those photos are gone. Here's a few from previous weeks.

Thanks so much to those of you who followed my journey! I'll be heading back to Ashland this winter to visit my new friends...can't wait!