Being on a train across the country is a perfect way to settle back into being in the states. It feels good to be home. I love America and I always have. The trip to Ethiopia and Kenya, gives me a profound sense of gratitude for every aspect of my life here. Particularly my relationships and the abundance within and without. I know, love and am loved by some remarkable and beautiful people. I love my city, Seattle and I love the world around me. Rooting in this the knowing, like rooting in the Self, brings a beauty to all experiences. This trip has hit me, in a warm and effortlessly exciting way. What amazes me, is the constancy of having to go far away to realize the importance of home. And yes, home ultimately is wherever you are, I don’t think the truth of that resonates until one celebrates who they are and where they come from in all aspects. Oftentimes,those with artistic, social or political concern encounter suffering and devalue the possessions or joy they have in an attempt to identify with the experience of those who are or those we perceive as suffering.

I feel the most immediate lessons in from travels thus far, is gratitude. My life is beautiful and abundant in every way in needs to be right now. I can’t hold the abundance of life against myself in anyway. I feel that where we are in America and all the abundance here even amidst the poverty and imbalance very much here, we must look at the abundance all around with an earnestness to share. Commiseration no matter how well-intended doesn’t heal the imbalance of care and the world’s resources. Compassion and valuing all we have is paramount. Yes, it is a matter of perspective, but devalue what we have because others have less is pointless. Value what you have and share it in recognition of your shared humanity. A thought, some cash, a meal, a hug, some music, words. Share and value what you have.

In Love and In Joy,

Evan