A kind note from one of the supporters in camp about Practicum 2015:
I have so many thoughts about the entire practicum experience. I wanted to share a few – from a first year/newbie perspective! I am just so deeply grateful for the creation of this special event; I feel compelled to share.
In general, practicum surpassed my wildest dreams. I really could not have imagined the profound, and yet simple and easy experience that it was.
I will admit that I did not understand the intensity of the container until I got there. Though I should have, since my car literally felt like it was being pulled down that last driveway! The first evening, I thought that maybe I wasn’t really connected. All the talk about feeling the questers, sending things to the fire…and then…as I was nestled, warm and cozy, so very comfortable and happy in my tent…I suddenly felt great fear. Huh…there it was. Clearly not mine. And, energy does find its match. I had thought about how I would love to be out questing one year…but, then second-guessed that after dropping them off that morning and realizing that they would be in the absolute dark with critters running around! (Um, let’s just say that I would have to really find peace with the rodent nation before I could say yes to a vision quest.) I sent that brief thought to the fire earlier…and now here it was back with me, in a very intense way. I sent it on its merry way to the fire. Sent the questers my yummy feeling, and that was that!
One of the other very strong feelings I got during the last morning was a feeling of not having gotten enough out of the practicum week. HAH! Hysterical. Since I felt almost overloaded with learning. Happy and content. Not a trace of self-doubt. So…I sent that one along too. What was so marvelous was that it was all so very intentional. And, simple.
The kitchen crew really was unreal. In my 20’s, I cooked at a salmon hatchery on a remote island in Alaska. Cooking for a group is not easy, camping style even more so! The grace and ease created in the kitchen and in the energy of the food was spectacular.
The singing. Hmmm…who is healing who here? I cried tears of joy every single time. The beauty of that. Where it made my mind go…the community and love. And, I don’t sing! I can’t really carry a tune. But, there was so much love in my heart for the world that it didn’t matter. – I have always known that selfless service is right. I have been in many situations with this intention. But, never one like this.
The teachings and expansion of the mind, with journeying and discussion was something I hadn’t expected. And, the connection to the earth and humanity’s role right now…wow! Things just start aligning like crazy! And, I was so happy to be able to come home and share this new perspective on “climate change” with my teenagers. They are afraid. And, this was lovely to share. Through all the discussion, I also got a very strong message that LightSong should expand—into mainstream somehow, and definitely to the younger generations!
It was also great to share the idea of how difficult it really is to be human. Like getting your doctorate. All teens should hear this message!
The energy of the people, getting to know so many folks while in that container. Sharing tears and joy, singing and laughter. It is how humans should be. That also goes back to my songbird journey…that as a songbird, there was a peacefulness in just being what you were designed to be…a songbird, an elephant or a fish…and this way of being in practicum IS the way humans should be.
And, just when I thought it was over…we stepped into the gift-giving circle. The gratitude was SO strong. Palpable. I could feel it welling in my being. I just totally lost it. Sobbing. It was for spirit, for you, for all people and the world. So much love. And, felt in a way that I don’t do so much in my daily life.
And, speaking of daily life…for the journey for the lodge, we were told to ask for a method to find our signature on a regular basis. Well…my guide very clearly told me to breathe into that every time I wash my hands throughout my day. I asked for something more …um, beautiful or glamorous…the answer was, “Nope.” So as others were speaking in tongues, going off to far away lands, all this magical stuff…I was a little disappointed. Really? Washing my hands. — But, oh, the wisdom of Eagle. It is just what I need. A great reminder, all day long.
On a more earthly practical level…though I know spirit and intention truly were the driving forces for the success! I have never been to a camping event that ran so smoothly. Ever! With so many people. And, I have been a part of a LOT of large group outings. I have never seen one so well-orchestrated; without strife or emotional outbursts, with leaders so very poised…truly remarkable
Finally, I carpooled with a few others. We went to the ocean before heading home. It was a lovely transition. Nice to be able to share the jolt of being in public with others! When I stepped out into the ocean, I realized that I was going to go back to life in Portland, and I burst into tears. I didn’t want to leave the container. I’ve really been thinking about this moment a lot. My daily life and many relations just are not a match for my vibration. And, this even stronger, newer vibration after practicum makes that even more clear. Rather than slip back…I am consciously trying to hold on. – It makes me think of the question you asked me after your reading at New Ren this last year. I remarked that I couldn’t take another class, because I could barely get out to the once a month Level 2 class. You asked, “Why is that?” That question comes into my mind a lot. It’s the same reason that I burst into tears at the ocean. I am not being my true self. Practicum enabled me to finally answer that question truthfully. I thank you.
On a funny note…I found myself snorting with laughter and just at ease after practicum. I love that. I want more of that.
And, on a totally selfish note…as a full-time mother of two, I haven’t had a series of days without having to worry about anyone else, AND have amazing meals made for me…maybe EVER! Sheer bliss.
It’s difficult to describe to others, outside of Practicum, how truly remarkable the time was. How it felt as if we were in a valley of spirit, a bowl of energy that allowed, effortlessly, such deep and profound connection to spirit. It was like stepping into a journey, that lasted 6 days.
~JM, Portland
