Report from Paradise, California – November 19 2018

Dear Jeff, 

I have been a subscriber to your emails for a year plus. On the mornings that I take the moment to read what you’ve sent, I’m always moved. I remember to appreciate the fact that I have opened my eyes, that my amazing husband and children are well and part of my life. Sometimes what you write inspires me for the full day to share joy and appreciation with everyone I come on contact with. 

 

This past week, we lost our darling home in the Camp fire. We were faced with a decision about shelter; I should say a luxurious decision in comparison to some of my community members. We were offered to act as caretakers on a piece of property; we had to purchase a trailer to live in to do this. I was struggling with leaving my darling little Paradise home, for life in a trailer. But this property is where my husband and I met 30 years ago, where we worked growing trees together, where we fell in love, where we decided to get married at 21, and where we got pregnant. 

 

I read your email and just knew. You are right, some options are glittered with gold, charmed. We’re taking the leap. I can’t wait to see how I evolve, how my husband evolves. What beautiful things may come from this leap. 

 

I have always wanted to thank you. Some days I open my eyes and forget about the magic of our existence. You have offered me a daily reminder of this magic and I can’t tell you how many times I was able to breathe a sigh of relief as I coaxed my thinking mind to just let go. And also for putting out your deepest thoughts to share with whomever may be reading them. That’s so courageous and giving. 

Thank you 💖 

Michelle Jurickovich 

 

Today I will take time to meditate, to pay attention to the tug of charm within rather than to my thinking, to feel gratitude for all that I have been given in life, and for all that has been taken away. To feel gratitude for the very experience of this breath.