Looking back, I see two main phases in my life so far – the first half (mostly completed) and the second half – ongoing, unfolding.

In the first half phase, I learned, through people and various belief systems, how to survive and thrive in this world. Values and meanings, judgement of what is good and what is not. My focus was on the external world.

The second phase, or maybe the phase that has always been there, appeared very gradually at first. I caught glimpses of my essence, the Tao, or the spirit, when I encountered difficulties or pain. In moments of hurt, lost, uncertainties, emptiness, I learned to find the anchor within for strength, for the gentle assurance, the groundedness, the comfort and love, to continue no matter what may come.

I searched for writings that resonated with me, from the East and the West, in ancient philosophy, psychology, religious and spiritual teachings. Over time they melted into my own experience in meditation. Images and reflections came through. Without consciously knowing, the wandering in the landscape of my own soul started, seeing and observing the light and dark, peak and valley, beautiful waters as well as dark sludges in bottomless pits, clouds and silver lining. They are all there, within my soul. No judgement, just observe and witness the landscape.

Here I am, writing some of the encounters in this beautiful journey, searching for fellow explorers, for resonance, to share the beauty that we see in our lives, inner and outer, as life weaves through both worlds, back and forth. Light, love, beauty…