And The Year's Not Over Yet

And The Year's Not Over Yet

New Year’s weekend 2004 into 2005, I began a ritual that I want to continue for the rest of this earthly incarnation...and maybe beyond. It was an out- of- the ordinary weekend in many ways. A retreat at a beautiful bay front home at the Jersey shore, attended by kindred spirits who danced, sang, drummed, laughed, cooked and ate together. Led by phenomenal Philly based performing artist and teacher Ron Kravitz; it was a transformative time for me and I daresay for the others there too.

At midnight, we went outside and howled at the moon overlooking the bay. The weather was unusual for this part of the country too, as on New Year’s Day, we did yoga on the beach in 70 degree temps. After the practice, I took a solitary walk at water’s edge and felt, as I occasionally do, a bit sorry for myself. I was facing challenges and saw no way beyond them at that moment. In a flash, I said to myself: “Snap out of it, woman! Let’s make a list of all of the loving souls you have drawn into your life in 2004 and all of the beyond- belief experiences you have had.”...and so I did. With each name and experience and step, I felt lighter physically and emotionally.

As the end of 2008 approached, I found myself once again meandering into that practice. I figure I have met thousands of people when I consider those I have interviewed for various publications, those I have married, and their families and friends, people with whom I have attended workshops and classes, and who have participated in workshops I have taught. Imagine how many people I have snuggled while facilitating Cuddle Party workshops who have gone on to 'spread the luv' to others. That doesn’t even take into consideration, people with whom I have made a heart connection, because other friends have introduced us. I am particularly grateful for those ‘matchmaking’ encounters. I also think about the serendipitous, ‘cosmically coincidental’ meetings, when people show up unexpectedly.
When I look at the list of experiences, I grin from ear to ear. I had the blessing of living a 20 year old journalistic dream of interviewing the Dalai Lama, began hosting my own internet radio show, traveled to California to visit friends...was that ever an amazing adventure!

I had gone to San Francisco to attend a reunion of Cuddle Party facilitators, those pj-clad wonders who teach people how to be authentic and give and receive nurturing touch without condition. Enjoyed time with my friend Jaz. Got to go to Cafe' Gratitude, indulging in raw food heaven, find a wild and wonderfully purple cotton jacket at Goodwill, went to a costume party, steppin' out in a new black silk and lace boustierre (my first, but likely not my last), skipped down the street holding hands with friends (hearing the 1960's anthem written by John Phillips of the Mamas and Papas ringing in my ears: “If you're going to San Francisco, be sure to wear some flowers in your hair.” Corny, but true. I met the 'spiritual cowgirl' red-ilicious Sera Beak who wrote The Red Book and was inspired by this red-volutionary whose work is nothing short of Divine sustenance. I did leave a piece of my heart in San Francisco.

The last night in the city, before winging Eastward, I found myself in a hot tub with friends (more like a cement pond with bubbling water) surrounded by tall bamboo, overlooking the San Francisco Bay, under a full moon. “Could life get much better than this?”, I mused aloud to ReiD Mihalko, ageless co-creator (along with Marcia Baczynksi) of Cuddle Party. His broadly grinning response: “This is your birthright, Babe! You get to have this.” He really does talk like that.

Now, we are approaching the end of 2009 and once again, I find myself musing about the intricacies and intimacies that make up my life. This year, I widened the platform from which I speak and write, adding several more journalistic venues and workshops. I have welcomed into my life, people who have enriched me beyond imagination...and I have a wild imagination. I have come face to face with aspects of myself that delight me and distress me and I embrace them all in ways I never would have before.

I have honored a major 'end of an era'. Last year at this time, I was in what may have been the final throes of mourning my husband's death 10 years earlier. This year, I feel a sense of lightness and freedom from the grief that is now enabling me to move on; with something as symbolic as reclaiming my birth name, as well as my identity as Bliss Mistress who encourages people to live rich, full, juicy lives by doing that myself.

My book, The Bliss Mistress Guide To Transforming The Ordinary Into The Extraordinary is fiowing beautifully. I've been honored to be on several radio shows, talking about Life, The Universe and Everything, as well as part of a growing global project called Live Your Peace www.liveyourpeace.com

A Cuddle Party workshop I faciliitated was featured on Fox29 news..how cool was that? I'm also now the editor of the twice monthly Cuddle Party newsletter.

I joined a gym and find myself relishing my 'play-outs' (as opposed to work outs).

I have launched my work as PR Goddess, supporting other entrepreneurs in living their right livelihood. That idea came as a result of being on Team Transformation that brought Michael Beckwith and Rickie Byars Beckwith into Philly this past September. My life continues to be transformed.

I invite you to find a way to honor all that you have done this year and all the wondrous people with whom you have crossed paths; folks that you may not even have known existed at this time last year. I encourage you to open your hearts to all the people you have yet to meet who are waiting on the other side of the threshold between last year and this one. I am eager to see who shows up by divine design in my life.

Wishing you a brand new year filled with everything your heart desires, as you leave behind in the previous year, anything that no longer serves.

Blissings and Blessings~

Edie