Processing the new while releasing the old amidst the cacti and cedars
On Monday, while boarding a flight to Arizona, I learned of the tragic death of a sister. She was only 51. Our entire family was in deep pain.
The pull to turn around and go home was powerful.
In shock and grief, I called my mentors. They encouraged me to stay the course and continue on to the healing workshop.
For the following days, amidst the cacti, cedars, coyotes and horses of the Sonoran Desert, I released negative old messages and emotions. I learned to recognize my self-defeating behaviors, their origins, and how to deal with them. I also shared my pain with my new friends, who helped me to process it.
Shifts happened.
On the final day, as I sat enjoying the clear sky and the majestic mountains clearly outlined on the horizon, a lizard darted under a pile of wood. Then, to my surprise, a majestic buttery yellow butterfly appeared. It flitted and floated, finally resting on a flower.
It was as if my sister was appearing to me—with that radiant smile of hers—to reassure me that she was ok.