The Supreme Being (Cutts, 2007)
A couple of days ago I set off for Philly for a meet and greet/visions discussion that my friend and convener, Dawn M. put together at the University of Pennsylvania. She had organized a get together of a group of women for me to talk to about the Vision Quest Project, of which this blog is a part. I really did not know what to expect but I was excited as I set off on the train from Union Station. I was also a bit nervous but I tried to focus on my intention for the trip; to inspire and be inspired to continue on the path of living our visions to their highest expression. It was a beautiful sunny day and a delight to sit and look out the window at the passing fall landscape with its brilliant colors.
The first good omen that I was on the right track came when I arrived in Philly. I emerged from Penn station and found myself in swarm of lady bugs. Some people might have been irritated by the insects landing on them but I had to smile as I plucked a lady bug off of my glasses and tossed her into the warm Autumn air. Yes I know all lady bugs are not female but I appreciated the nod from the universe toward this feminine energy. Because it was a gorgeous day and because I had time, I decided to walk the few block to the university. Dawn’s directions took me on a walkway through a park that I had not seen before. As I entered the park an inscription on the granite bench there caught my eye. I don’t recall the words but it was an inspiring entry about the power and responsibility of women’s commitments to work and to realize their full potential. I had to smile again, grateful for the encouragement from this synchronicity. I made my way slowly down the path reading the inscriptions on the benches and bricks that line the walk. It seemed that most if not all of the words were focused on women. I marveled at how we can find inspiration anywhere, even on a simple walk through a park and noted how my simple decision to walk instead of take a cab had yielded the gifts of the lady bugs and the words of the walkway.
I arrived at Dawn’s office refreshed, happy and excited. We had plenty of time before the event so we went to lunch at this cool sushi place called Pod then came back to her office to hang out. She worked as I prattled on about something or other until it was time to change and head over to Houston Hall. Dawn had made some brightly colored signs to place all over the building to direct people to the room where the event was being held so we stuck those up then went to the room. It was a lovely room with a long wooden conference table in the middle surrounded by chairs. Perfect for the discussion we would have. The food and drinks had been laid out by the catering staff and looked neat and pristine, awaiting our guests. At 5:30 women started to trickle in and Dawn greeted them all warmly and made introductions. I felt relaxed and welcome, not at all nervous now. In addition to Dawn’s friends a couple of special women who I had met at the Governor’s conference for women also came. I was delighted that all these folks had shown up!
We started talking and connecting and just getting to know one another. I mentioned to someone the walkway in the park to find out more about it. One of the women said “oh you mean the women’s walk?” I actually had to laugh. This could not have been a simple coincidence.
We kicked off the program with introductions; people sharing where they are, what they currently do for work and why they had come. I was struck by the variety of interesting work. I shared a bit about the Vision Quest Project and how it began. To do so I had to share my story of how I got on this path. Essentially I shared that after finishing grad school I realized that I did not want to be a clinical psychologist in a traditional sense but really did not know what I wanted to do but felt a deep urging to figure this out and to live whatever vision I found (by the way, what I am doing now is the vision I found). After I shared my experience others were invited to do the same; to tell us about their visions and where they are on the journey. I was amazed at the level of sharing from this group of women, some who knew each other and some who did not. It is no secret that I get very excited anytime anyone talks about doing work they love or striving to do so. I heard stories of contentment, stories of going against the grain, wanting things that their families and others might not approve of, and above all I heard the human spirit continuing to want to express itself in its fullest manifestation, regardless of what reason and society might say. I loved that part of the evening the best.
After the meeting we parted company with hugs and thankyou’s and several women asking when we would meet again. Frankly I can’t wait until we do. As Dawn and I walked back across campus in the cool fall air I could barely contain my excitement and wanted to talk about when we can do it again but I realized, as always, I have to practice patience and know that the vision continues to unfold at its own pace without forcing from me. For now I will just continue to put one foot in front of the other and try to live in each moment of the journey, savoring the moments.
As always please drop me a line and tell me about your adventures. If you want to follow along on twitter please do http://twitter.com/SuccessDoc and Much continued success!
Nicole
(first posted 10.23.09)
After a period of struggle I feel as if I have reached the oasis. In many ways this is quite literal. I have come away to the Deleware shore to do some writing. In addition to the book on women living their visions I am also working on a fiction story and really felt the need to get away to be able to focus. A friend of mine directed me to the Bellmoor Inn and it’s perfect. I took a quaint room in the garden. Even as I write this I am looking out over the garden from my room and can hear the trickling of the rock fountain there. My room feels like home. A cozy beach cottage feel and tastefully decorated. It is about a two block walk to the beach. They have a fireplace in the library and they have a spa on premises. I am happy to report that I have been able to get a lot of writing done on my story.
