Convento de la Merced, Antigua, Guatemala |
|
|
In this Edition: The Beautiful Living Dead My Run for the Border Limping Toward Enlightenment My Triumphant Return & Run to Ruins!
|
|
|
Hi friend,
How are you? What have you been up to?
I have run behind in writing to you with an update, but rest assured, I'm keeping in time with the rhythm of life. I can't believe it's been almost a year since I packed up my life in the USA and headed south.
I'm still living here in Oaxaca City ('waa·háa·kuh') nestled in the Sierra Madres in Southern Mexico. I'm still very much enjoying my days here; the pace, the people, the art, the weather, the food, and the vibe. I've lived and traveled all over the world, but there's no place quite like it here. It feels good to be back. Yes, back!
I've had a few adventures since my last correspondence to you. But first: |
|
|
Mexico recently celebrated Día de Muertos – Day of the Dead. Oaxaca holds one of the most spectacular celebrations of this holiday, as it is still inhabited by more indigenous peoples than other Mexican states.
'Muertos' is the annual holiday where our loved ones who have passed on into the spirit world return to visit us here on Earth. |
|
|
We honor them by decorating their graves, and creating elaborate ofrendas – offerings or alters – with marigolds, candles, special food, drink, or other items they loved most when they were alive. |
|
|
My run for the border...
I had to renew my tourist card, so over the summer I took a short bus trip to Guatemala, the nearest Mexican frontera (border). It was an abridged but beautiful visit, pausing in Guatemala City, Antigua, & Xela. |
|
|
Convento de la Merced, Antigua, Guatemala |
|
|
When I returned back to the Mexico side of the border, I made another brief pause in the gorgeous city of San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas. But then an unfortunately unintended pause caught me off guard on my second day there. During a morning run, 'rounding a turn, descending a steep, cobble-stoned road, my foot landed on a rough edge of stone and snapped sharply sideways, severely tearing the ligaments in my ankle.
It was bad. Far worse than I realized at the time. |
|
|
My travel clock was ticking, so I wasn't able to see a doctor until more than two weeks later. The following day, the next leg of my journey was a'foot. I ventured a'ways northward to a remote locale situated a couple of hours beyond Mexico City. So, hobble onward I did. |
|
|
Limping Toward Enlightenment
On one foot, I hauled my pack in and out of four taxis, two buses, one plane, an Uber, and a packed car-pool of other spiritual seekers...
I set out to attend a Vipassana meditation course – a ten-day silent but rigorous practice of mind training. I arrived to the location feeling every bit as lame mentally and emotionally as I was physically. |
|
|
Vipassana is one of the oldest known methods of meditation from India. The word means 'to see things as they really are'. It is not at all "religious" but is framed with some basic Buddhist principals. These volunteer-run centers are located all over the world where the Vipassana technique is taught. The centers are fully funded through private contributions, no payment nor even donation is required from students, but are welcomed and appreciated as well.
The instruction was simple:
10 days. 10 hours of meditation each day, from the first bell at 4:00AM until the end of the final 'sit' at 9:00PM.
Simple. Not easy.
No communication of any kind was permitted; No devices, books, or note-taking were allowed. Distractions of the mind abounded. My ego bore quite a workout from both the physical pain of my ankle injury, as well as the feral hamsters running through the dark allys of my mind. |
|
|
In the end, the Vipassana course was one of the most enriching experiences I've had in my life. I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone who might be interested. If you have any questions about it, feel free to hit 'reply' and ask. I'd be happy to talk more about it with you. Or you can read about it on their website; www.dhamma.org
|
|
|
Triumphant Return & Run to Ruins!
Back in Oaxaca, after a long road to recovery with the help of an excellent physical therapist and my commitment to continued homeopathic care for my ankle, I'm running again!! |
|
|
In fact, I just completed my first ever "race / event"! It was a 12K run from the center of town to the top of Monte Albán – the nearest ancient ruins to Oaxaca City, and one of Mesoamerica's oldest cities, founded around 500 BC. I ran much better than I thought I would! But no, I |
|
|
didn't win anything. Everyone who finished the race received a medal.
My real prize is having full mobility back. I am beyond grateful for that! |
|
|
So, here I sit, falling back into step with this sweet little town.
I'm still studying and practicing ancient hellenistic astrology, and doing one-on-one astrology consultations with people, mostly over Zoom.
I'm also working whatever side-gigs present themselves, most recently; photo editing, website building/designing, copy-editing / proof-reading, and a little pet-sitting too.
Do you have any remote work you need done? I'd love to help!
Hit 'reply' and let's chat. |
|
|
Did you know that I'm a certified professional astrologer,
and a member of international professional organizations including the National Council for Geocosmic Research?
To check out my Services or Book a Session, visit:
Waxing AstroLogic
You can also browse my collection of travel photos
as well as all of my musical releases (5 albums)
from my former life as a touring singer songwriter.
Click the button below to run around my multiverse: |
|
|
Thanks for reading this long note, friend. You're officially caught up to date on my life.
Now it's your turn! Hit 'reply' and fill me in on what's been going on in your world. I'd love to hear about it.
Till the next time, I hope you have a bundle of wonderful autumnal fun!
Adios and namaste.
Love, .mg |
|
|
Melissa Greener
Certified Professional Astrologer |
|
|
|
|
