The Perfect Gift Exchange
Even though it’s the holiday season, I’m not writing about the typical kind of gift exchange. No. This week, I’m sharing a story of switching one gift for another while dabbling in the world of my dear friend, Dorena, the Space Doula. She works with the energy in spaces like I work with the energy in family systems. We both look for what blocks the flow of energy and then offer ways to help get it moving again.
I’ve learned a lot from Dorena since fate brought us together four and a half years ago. For instance, I’ve learned to be on the lookout for objects in my home for which I may unknowingly have an unpleasant association. Objects like that can unconsciously affect my mental state or my ability to move toward what I desire. Recently, I discovered one such item hiding in plain sight.
I had a piece of artwork hanging in my bathroom that I received as a gift back in 2007 while visiting Sedona, AZ. I was on my way back to Miami during a magical cross-country roadtrip, and wanted to experience this mystical place with its gorgeous vistas and famous energy vortexes. I didn’t know anyone who lived in Sedona, but gratefully, one of my first spiritual teachers connected me with his good friend who had lived there for quite a while.
That friend (I’ll call him Eric) was incredibly gracious to let me stay with him considering we’d never met! He also took me hiking to some of his favorite spots in the vortexes. I must admit I did not experience any extraordinary energy, but the cliffs made of red rock were breathtakingly beautiful. I hope to go back someday.
Eric is a musician and a visual artist, but he’d been experiencing a creative block before I arrived. Because I showed such enthusiasm for his music and his artwork, at the end of my 2-day visit, he told me he felt inspired to start creating again. I was happy to have reignited his creative spark because I could see that his music and art brought him great joy.
To express his gratitude, Eric encouraged me to choose one of his art pieces as a thank you gift. Initially, I declined. He had already been so generous with his time and his home. But Eric insisted, so I chose one of his “kaleidoscapes” that incorporated a photo of the Big Sur sunset. It spoke to me as soon as I saw it, so that’s what I selected. That piece has been with me ever since.
Although I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Sedona, there was one moment that was not so pleasant. My visit coincided with the 4th of July holiday, and Eric suggested we watch a fireworks display that we could see from his front yard. How convenient that we didn't have to drive anywhere!
Eric was a daily marijuana smoker, and he smoked it throughout the day. I was not a marijuana smoker, but it didn't bother me. I have no judgment about it. I tried it once in college and did not enjoy the experience. So, when Eric offered me some to enhance my enjoyment of the fireworks, I debated whether or not to accept
It had been over 20 years since my last experience with pot. Maybe it would be different now. I admitted to Eric that I hadn’t smoked since college, and didn’t really enjoy it then, but I was willing to give it another try. When in Sedona…right?
Well, that turned out to be a bad decision. I inhaled a little bit, and within a few minutes, I was curled up in the fetal position on Eric’s couch waiting for that horrible feeling to pass. Physically, I had a mild headache and stomach ache, but the worst part was mentally feeling like something terrible had just happened. I was beyond grateful when it finally wore off about 45 minutes later.
Eric felt terrible about what happened, but it wasn’t his fault. It was a lesson I needed to learn. I know many people enjoy it, but marijuana is definitely not for me. I’m thankful I was in a safe place when it happened, and I haven’t touched it since. Unfortunately, that experience is what I remember most about my time in Sedona, and thus, what I think of, consciously or not, when I look at that Big Sur artwork.
As much as I love it, after reading Dorena’s recent "House Talk” emails, I knew it was time to take it down. But what would I put in its place? Well, Spirit answered that question quickly.
Recently, I offered a new friend the gift of a Family Constellations Session for her birthday. She was deeply moved by her first experience of the work a few years ago, and she wanted to learn more about it (and possibly become a facilitator.) It felt like the perfect gift.
I’m so glad she said yes. Her session was powerful and it was an honor to witness and help facilitate that beautiful healing. For me, that was enough of a gift, but my sweet friend had found something at an art festival that she thought I would like.
She presented it to me before our session, but I didn’t just like it…I loved it! It’s a heart-shaped piece of wood painted like a beach scene. "Coincidentally," the heart is just the right size for the space where the Big Sur artwork was hanging. It was the perfect replacement!
Not only does it fit the beach theme in my bathroom with more vibrant and cheerful colors, but the associated memory is filled with nothing but grace and gratitude. It makes me smile to think of my friend and the joy I felt to be able to co-create that healing experience with her. The energy in that space feels lighter and more uplifting!
Did my story make you think of something you own that may have a heavy or unpleasant memory attached? Maybe it’s time to swap it out for something else. You can always try it and see how it feels. And if you are feeling like something is “off” in your home that you can’t quite identify, I highly recommend a “House Whispering” session with Dorena. Visit her website and sign up for her free “House Talk” email. Each week she offers great Feng Shui and Space Clearing tips to help you get the energy flowing in your space again.
And if I can assist you in breaking free from an unhealthy family pattern, please consider giving yourself the gift of a private Family Constellations Session. Now is a great time to release what you carry for your ancestors so you don’t bring it into the New Year.
It is the witness to your state of mind, the outside picture of an inward condition.
A Course in Miracles ~ T-21.in.1:5