Most Spiritual Experience

[Berkshire Road]

I think the most spiritual experience I have had this year happened in Albuquerque, NM, where my family and I, who live in NJ, were visiting my favorite cousin Bobby. Bobby is in his mid-50's. He has a son Mark who is 30 (also a daughter Dana who is 26 and has a baby daughter, but she does not figure into the story).

Anyway, we took a tram ride up to Sandia Peak, a beautiful mountain ridge, where you can hike right along the ridge line. The first miracle was that I felt well enough, that day, to even attempt a (verrrry slow) hike.

So we got on the trail, and after a while the five of us split into groups. My husband Jack (46 at the time) was a few yards ahead of me, talking with Mark, and my daughter Susannah (11) was behind me, deeply engaged in conversation with Bobby. And I was just walking along alone, in the middle, and marveling at the way all these people who belonged to me, who have been separated so much by age and distance, were bonding so easily and naturally. And as I walked, breathing the open dry Southwestern air, I felt this great sense of peace settle over me. A sense of being connected to my family, immediate and extended, and a sense of being connected to the Universe. Just in that one moment, I felt perfectly content and relaxed.

It's a memory that I treasure, and that I think about now and then when I'm alone. I don't know if it means anything, or if it would make sense to anyone else. I only know that it was deeply spiritual and beautiful to me, and I felt completely at home, up on the mountain ridge in New Mexico.

[leelee88]

It makes perfect sense...

I dont know what it is about the mountains, but they have that affect on me..
When we evacuated to Tenn, because of hurriane Katrina, We ended up in the Cherokee Mountains in a cabin that was just beautiful.. It was the most peaceful and spirtual place I had ever been, so even though I knew I had nothing to come home to, because my house was distroyed..

We had no cable tv and our cell phones would not work way up there...I had two weeks of pure serenity.. I think it really prepared me for what was to come....




Ronda

[ihurttoo]

What a beautiful experiance! That must have been incredibly moving. Thank you for sharing that with us here. You have just perfectly described spirituality. It is about the union of mind, body, and spirit and the feeling of connection and harmony with your surroundings. Your experiance fits that perfectly! Thanks again for posting it for us to appreciate!

Hugs,
Amy

[Trishann]

That is wonderful Carolyn that you had a great time being with family and able to enjoy it. No wonder you were so relax being out and able to view all the creation and the beauty it behold, it is breath taking. That is a memory for a life time.

Sending hugs, Trishann

[Sarojini]

It makes perfect sense. This is how I feel when I spend time with my family on the beaches of the National Seashore on the Cape... early mornings or evenings, when no one is around but the seagulls, the waves, and me. I always say that I leave what I guess I'd describe as my "soul" there... and when I go back each time I find it again. Then, I get that peace when it settles back into me, if only for a while...

[SharonA]

I also have that experience when I go to Amelia Island, FL. We stay at the same Condo on the top floor when we go. The very first thing I do is rush to the sliding glass doors, throw them open and walk out onto the balcony. There, I see the ocean view before me, breathe in the ocean air, hear the waves crashing onto the shore, and drink in the whole experience. That wonderful, spiritual feeling I get stays with me until I am able to go back. Even now, I can close my eyes and experience the ocean.

[Bessie]

Carolyn,
Thanks for sharing that with us

[Berkshire Road]

You know, it's funny, Jen, because I grew up near the ocean and I have always considered the seashore, and one particular spot on a barrier island off the coast of New Jersey, to be my real "spiritual home." But then, there is just something about the mountains... it kind of took me by surprise.

[tabasco32]

I love being lost in the moment. It is the best, especially if your thinking about god and jesus. I like the scripture also that says drink my water and you will never thirst. eat my body and you will never be hungry. to never worry about eating and drinking stuff that would hurt you. that will be great.

[ICNDonna]

I think the times I feel most at peace with myself and my world are when I'm with my family --- I have step-daughters, as well as children of my own (all are adults now), grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. When I see how all these young people: step sisters and brothers, their spouses and see how well they have melded into one very close family it totally amazes and pleases me. I feel truly blessed.

Thank you, Carolyn, for sharing your experience.

Warm hugs,
Donna

[ihurttoo]

I think the times I feel most at peace with myself and my world are when I'm with my family --- I have step-daughters, as well as children of my own (all are adults now), grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. When I see how all these young people: step sisters and brothers, their spouses and see how well they have melded into one very close family it totally amazes and pleases me. I feel truly blessed.

Thank you, Carolyn, for sharing your experience.

Warm hugs,
Donna

Same here, Donna! For me, it is watching Collin sleep at nite. There is something so beautiful, just watching the rhythm of his breathing, with his little mouth hanging open. He looks so peacful. Lots of times, I put my head down to hear his heartbeat too. I know that is corny as all get out, but for me, he is part of my soul.

Steve kids me all the time and asks me if I am going to go over to his house when he grows up, and sneak in his room at nite so I can still do that! He even got me a book to read to Collin called "I'll love you forever". It is about a Mom who does that. It is a children's book, but it is more my favorite than Collin's. I dont think he will ever really get what it means until he watches his own child when he sleeps.

Along the same lines, I guess the most spiritual experiance of all, was holding him for the very first time. Seeing this tiny person, totally dependant on me, trusting me to do everything for him. I was in awe of it all. It was very moving, to finally be holding him in my arms, after feeling his movements inside me for so long, wondering what he would look like, and there he was!

***sniffle**sniffle** I am such a softie!!! So, tell me, Donna. You have grown children....Do you ever get the urge to drive to their houses in the middle of the nite to watch them sleep? Or does the urge go away one day?

[dancemomof2]

I love being lost in the moment. It is the best, especially if your thinking about god and jesus. I like the scripture also that says drink my water and you will never thirst. eat my body and you will never be hungry. to never worry about eating and drinking stuff that would hurt you. that will be great.

Your not alone in this scripture I believe in it very much myself. No matter what religion it is how life works. THanks for sharing your thoughts.Just wanted to tell you I agree with this one

[ICNDonna]

I did get over watching my children sleep about the time they opened their eyes and said something like "Mom, what are you doing." :::::giggle:::::

Now those little babies who were so dependent have become very independent and I have some wonderful, loving, adults, who are my best friends.

Donna

[Bessie]

Amy,
I bought the same book for my son when he was little
I LOVE that book......I use to try and read it to him and would always cry before I could finish it. My son is now grown and I so want to go over and check on him. They never quit being your babies.

[vm]

I am closing this thread. It seems to be leading to divisive comments, rather than comments looking for the good and what we have in common among our different faith groups.