A lot has happened in the last 12 months and it all started with a trekking tour of the Grand Canyon in March of last year made possible by our friend Sarah (Thank you Sarah!). The trip spurred on our adventurous spirits and dreams of a life lived a little differently. The vast scale and awe-inspiring presence of the canyon practically forced our decision to take a leap of faith toward filling our days with such beauty and experience.

While at first a struggle, selling off and giving away nearly all of our possessions to follow this dream has brought about an incredible sense of freedom, and has opened us to some of the most beautiful places and inspiring people one can imagine. After taking some time to reflect on the tour, I realize that even in such a narrow space my perspective on the ways in which I relate to my surroundings and to those who share them has expanded. I’ve always found myself telling others that we are capable of so much more than we give ourselves credit for, and now I see that notion playing out in my own life.

Underlying the ineffable nature of this existence is at once simply and yet comprehensively the importance of three things: the quality of our intentions, our capacity to appreciate, and our ability to act; Intention, appreciation, and action. Each are decisions within our control, and each serves to define both our experience and our perception of such; our reality.

The distinctions we make – you, me, us, them, apart, am – are in essence but a product of our mind, and because that is such we have the ability to move beyond them, away from exclusion; and in doing so to realize our innate and limitless potential to understand relation, to experience deeply, and ultimately to love. In every moment we are presented with an opportunity not only to be thankful for, but also to use the gifts we’ve been given…to choose to live with integrity in honor of the one that gives.

We are so grateful for this opportunity, and for all of our friends and family back home. We love you guys.

Light and Love (A note to self) –

In the beginning there was not sight.

There was no underlying inference.

No noticeable impedance of thought, or of blood…

Yet this vessel is filled.

Inside one is led to question,

To clarity.

A stillness in which one can grow to know

Thyself, and in that self, others.

In every moment

Awareness,

As one whom light and love has become.

–

Receive it in the present,

Lest you tire and drift to sleep again.