Risks and Burns...

     So, this past weekend I took and passed my Motorcycle Safety Class, and will be able to get my motorcycle license in about a month. Woo Hoo!  One of the things they emphasize in class--for safety's sake--is the acronym: ATGATT. This stands for:"All The Gear, All The Time." This means you must wear protective gear (most car drivers do not see motorcyclists, and all that is between you and the pavement is your own skin if you are not wearing protective gear). Gear includes full length jeans, ankle high boots, jean/leather jacket, leather gloves, goggles/eye protection and  a HELMET. So--I got my gear--and was very careful to wear it at all times. In fact, I was so concentrating on this fact, that I missed the obvious (a rather normal  occurrence in my life) and FORGOT TO WEAR SUNSCREEN!!! Therefore,  I got a sunburn on my face like you would not believe! It was very overcast this past weekend—and although I wore my polarized goggles... Let's just say I look like a raccoon in reverse! LOL!

 I have wanted to ride a motorcycle for YEARS—ever since age 8 when one of my neighbors got a minibike—and didn't share it. :( My father did get me a motorcycle (1968 Honda 90cc) when I was a senior in high school—but I could only take back roads. The gears seized up if you went over 30mph! Here is a picture of what it looked like:

     So, it was high time I got back on a bike--and the course was only $20! It was taught by some fantastic folks (Thanks Ted and Jim!) and had some very supportive classmates. My only challenge was the motorcycle that I was assigned to for class was a Honda 250cc Nighthawk that refused to stay in neutral! LOL! Halfway through the class they finally changed me over to a Suzuki. Overall though, I had a BLAST!

     Lets just say the sunburn was worth it--I learned so much! This is a great metaphor for life. When we do new things and take risks, we are likely to get a few scrapes/burns in the process. And sometimes, more often than not, I miss the obvious. But, it is still worth branching out, risking, and growing! I will never forget how to ride--and whenever I do get my own bike--I will be sure to wear sunblock (ATGATT!!!)

Re-Centering on God

      Wow--its been almost a year since I have written a post. This in itself is informative to me. Let me explain:

     This past year I have been in the process of deep growth and discernment. One of the time-proven methods of discernment comes to us through Ignation Spirituality which highlights the concepts of "consolation vs. desolation." In other words--as we go through our lives and decision making, we should overall experience "consolation," that is, a sense of peace and surety, even amidst trials vs. "desolation" or an increase in confusion and distress. Jesus himself promises us that He came that we might "have life and have it to the full." (John  10:10). This does not mean that we do not experience any difficulty in life--but it DOES mean the general trajectory should be one of increased joy, peace, contentment, and service to others. I learned many things this past year--but overall I was experiencing a great deal of anxiety as I was trying to discern. What is interesting, is that as I "reset" my course and recentered my relationship to God--an incredible amount of energy has re-surged in me--abundant LIFE! I have found myself journaling more, writing more (hence this post), and even painting more:
                                                               "California Poppies"   (P. Trice 6/6/2015)

Honestly, whenever my relationship with God is squared away, everything else seems to fall into place. So the adventure continues...One of my favorite musicians, Snatam Kaur has written these lyrics:

Take Me In (Snatam Kaur from CD: The Light of the Naam)
   (See:  You Tube: Take me in )

In the grace of thy heart,
In the flow of this crazy, crazy life,
I meditate on Thy Name
Burning inside
Like a warm, warm flame,

Reprise:
Take me in, take me in
To Where I end and You begin
To the place where I don't know
Exactly how the story will go
In Your love, In Your love
I can finally breathe
I can finally be me.

As the sun rises in the sky
My soul has already taken flight
Nothing more can I say
I serve Thy Light
Each and every day

(Reprise).
Wahe Guru (trans: the ecstatic experience of God)

May you all find your path to a deeper connection/centering in God--and the resultant peace, joy and life more abundant.