"Heartswell"...

Heartswell...that probably isn't a word, but I am making it one.  It is what happened to my heart as I began to read a new book, However Long the Night,  by Aimee Molloy. 

"It is the unlikely and very inspiring story of Molly Melching, an American woman whose experience as an exchange student in Senegal led her to found Tostan and dedicate almost four decades of her life to the girls and women of Africa.

This moving biography details Melching's beginnings at the University of Dakar and follows her journey of 40 years in Africa, where she became a social entrepreneur and one of humanity's strongest voices for the rights of girls and women."

I knew I was hooked in the prelude when tears burned in my eyes.  Molly was recounting her early days in Senagal with no electricity, no clean water, yet she built a house and made a life. Memories of my too short time in Santhe flood my heart.  Hence, "heartswell." Molly talks about walking through the village feeling intense love for the villagers and knowing of their love for her. Heartswell!  This is how I want to live, love and exist here on this planet, making a difference and loving.  I remember so acutely the feelings I had in Africa; the simplicity of live, the extreme poverty, but undying joy, love and music!  

Dreams.  I have had so many since I returned and most center around being instrumental in making something positive happen for women in a developing area.  Molly's story is so filled with love, joy and hope and I haven't even finished the first chapter!  She knows that success is in empowering women.  Not flying in, putting on Africa and throwing around power, knowledge or money.  It is in educating, supporting and empowering those women who live there to find their path to a healthier life, in their own time and space. She does not impart great wisdom, she meets them in love where they are. I don't care about power, status, wealth, I care about my heart, and those of other women.  I want to be a part of that sacred, quiet revolution! Heartswell.  

I am dreaming my dreams, believing my dreams and hope to live my dreams of making a quiet difference, leading a quiet revolution, somewhere with women who are waiting for that support. 

Heartswell. 

Hope

Sometimes I get really discouraged and think what is this world coming to?  Things are floundering and worse in the big picture.  Where are the leaders?  It feels very sad it what I end up thinking. But in the past few weeks through a beautiful women's vision circle I have met some of the most amazing women!  Young women who are caring, very bright and taking action.  I found our leaders.  Some are actively working on the GMO issues; others are creating birthing centers; and yet others are working in organic agriculture. There are others working in education, nutrition, family development, finance, empowerment and general health.  They are fresh, inspired and really grooving. They are deep, committed and soulful.  I am so happy to know that there are leaders out there and not just here in Colorado.  They are across this great big country of ours and in Canada.  They are organizing and leading a much needed and sometimes quiet but relentless revolution.  I cheer them one all.  We do have leaders and they are hard at work.  Thank you Sisters!

Beauty and Joy!

Last night I stood out under the stars that totally filled the sky with wonder.  A tiny waxing crescent moon hung up there too, with it's planet,  which I think is Venus. It shines like a diamond! I felt like a part of that sky scape and was in awe of the beauty.  I soared in the dark sky, the twinkling stars and planets, it was pure magic.  Later, as sleep overtook me, cuddled softly into my quilt, those same stars and planets shone brightly in my room.
This morning is crisp, cool and breezy.  I am feeling so attuned to my surroundings and really savoring all of the feelings; the cool that greeted me when I arose, the warmth of the sun creeping up over the mountain and falling on my face, the breeze gently caressing me.  Then there are the scents!  The roses whose perfume is carried on that breeze, the petunias, the dill and the rosemary and even the basil this morning scents the early morning air.

I am fully awake and aware this morning and loving my place on this earth and deeply grateful for the many gifts bestowed upon me here.  Life is good and I am feeling so centered and joyful!  Think I will go dance in the breeze and enjoy all the bounty that is right here in my backyard.

Friends talk about getting away, going camping, etc.  Yes, that might be lovely

but I always ask myself why would I want to leave this place of beauty?  I have it all right here...mountains, breezes, flowers, critters and so much comfort without even leaving home!
Ok, so maybe before the summer is over I will pack up my tent and Coleman stove and head out into the wilderness....maybe.  But until then I am savoring my own back yard.