“If you are alone long enough to get thoroughly acquainted with yourself, you will hear whisperings from the universal source of all consciousness which will inspire you.” Glenn Clark, The Man Who Tapped the Secrets of the Universe
A few months ago, when I knew I was selling my home and belongings to embark on this trip, I heard a message in my head one morning that said I should spend the summer in Floyd, Virginia.
I had actually visited Floyd one evening last August. During a week that my daughter, Amy, and my sisters and I spent a week at a vacation home in Meadows of Dan we went to Floyd to shop, enjoy a meal and attend the toe tapping Friday Night Jamboree at the Floyd Country Store.
I began to explore options for some place to stay in Floyd. Since it is a popular tourist area near the Blue Ridge Parkway, the prices are quite high – up to $3000 for a month. I did make inquiries about a couple of places and had a response from Annie Rose Guppy, owner of The Stone Barn Inn. (My Mother’s name is Annie Rose.) This space was designed especially for personal retreats and was a price I could afford.
I arrived late last Saturday afternoon after a lovely mountain drive from Lynchburg. The space is large room plus a bath located on the second level of the barn, with a deck off of the back overlooking the meadow.
It has only “natural” breeze air conditioning, no television and my phone doesn’t get reception. It does however have wireless available most of the time, so I can stay connected.
In addition to everything I need in the kitchen, there are books and games and Annie kindly left me a wonderful collection of art supplies.
The setting is what I am calling a high mountain meadow of beautiful grasses and wildflowers. The peace and quiet is punctuated by cool breezes and continual birdsong.
One of the first treasures that I discovered was the inspiring book by Satish Kumar called Path Without Destination: The Long Walk of a Gentle Hero. He spent much of his life walking for peace. It is such good company for the beginning of my stay here.
Also among the books was one on body type diets that , from within an hour of arrival, has inspired me to choose a conscious eating plan. I learned that the pattern of continuous caffeine, fruit and refined carbs that I have been using for energy for years, is exactly the wrong approach for my body.
I have been trying to give coffee up for years, because while it gets me started beautifully in the morning, it also really lets me way down later in the day. It is amazing to me that I simply have no desire to drink coffee in this place.
My eating plan calls for drinking raspberry leaf tea. I drove in to Floyd for supplies, fresh vegetables and raspberry leaves. I found the wonderful local food store, the Harvest Moon. Among the choices was a big glass jar of dried raspberry leaves. I just scooped out my purchase into a little plastic bag. Coincidence? I think not.
So I am well settled in the perfect July House with time to get acquainted with myself. I have a distraction free month for careful listening, deep breathing, reading, writing, conscious healthy eating, exercise and connection with nature. Who knows what inspiring “whisperings” I will hear. I’ll keep you posted.
Happy Independence Day to one and all!
Hi, I'm Judy Henry. What if we left the past behind? Home? Years of accumulated treasurers? Friends and family?
What would Spirit teach us if we stepped into the unknown and just trusted – one day at a time?
I’m on that kind of journey. I invite you to come along with me as we explore new ways of trusting, new ways of connecting, new ways of being – as we let go of accumulated problems, beliefs, and limitations to reveal our true selves and to discover why we are here.
You have an open invitation to come along. Check in when you have the time. Sign up to receive posts by e-mail, if you like. (I'll never share your e-mail.) Perhaps we may even meet in person somewhere along the way.