"I Dwell in Possibility"

I love this quote from Emily Dickinson and it feels especially relevant right now. As we are settling in to our new life here in Nanaimo, BC we are experiencing so much newness and possibility. Our home is new. Our grocery store is new. Our evening walks are in a new place.

I love change so I was surprised that I felt a little unsettled when we first arrived. It has been a very long time since I have experienced so much disruption to the familiar all at once. Thank goodness for Derek's beautiful familiar face to keep me grounded (it is still mostly familiar even though the beard is new). We were in Vancouver this weekend for a celebration of life. As we arrived home on Sunday night I am happy to say that our new place had that familiar homey feeling.

The beautiful part of being in a new place is seeing everything for the first time. We live right in the harbour and every day we marvel at the birds and sea life, at the boats and ferries that come and go, and at the sheer beauty of our surroundings. On our evening walks we enjoy seeing the different activities going on in the park. So far we have stumbled upon a drum circle; ballroom, salsa and bhangra dancers; flame twirlers; various buskers; a religious service; and a candlelight vigil. It is a delight for the senses.

We are also creating a sense of belonging as we get to know people here. We knew very few people here when we arrived. Derek has started working part time and is getting to know his co-workers at the office. I have joined a multi-faith group called Nanaimo Green Faith. And we are both volunteering with the Rotary Club of Parksville. Making new friends is another area of possibility for us. It reminds me of being a child and moving to a new school. It is exciting to think of the friendships we will make here.

We will have another opportunity to meet new people this Saturday at the Multi-Faith Peace Day Celebration that is hosted by Nanaimo Green Faith. I am honoured to be among many other leaders from different faith traditions who will be offering prayers for peace on the planet. This event is near and dear to my heart as I care deeply about the environment, about spreading peace, and about creating multi-faith harmony.

If you are in the area I hope you will come out and join in on the celebration at 2pm in the Bowen Park Amphitheatre. Derek and I would love to meet you there!! This is our first opportunity to connect with some of you who are interested in finding out more or being a part of the possibility of this new spiritual community.

What are the areas of possibility in your life? Is there some newness in your life that is allowing you to experience the wonder of seeing things for the first time? Are you able to look at the familiar things around you with the eyes of possibility? I'd love to hear from you. Drop me a line at amanda.clsn@gmail.com or come and introduce yourself on Saturday.

Peace and many blessings,

Amanda Pope