“The Desert leaves us disoriented, desperate for direction, grasping for meaning longing for solid ground. For endless miles we are confronted with a lack of clarity and existential dread. We are hungry, thirsty pleading with life to get back to normal-to become animated by the simple pleasantries of day-to-day life.
The desert offers no such comfort, and all must pass through it. If you can embrace the discomfort of the desert knowing you will someday reach water again, you can tap the potent energy of the landscape.
Its lights are blindingly bright and its darks terrifyingly deep, which makes for unbridled creativity and clairvoyant visions. Truths reside in the desert that otherwise remain hidden. The crows, the shadows and the coyotes surround you. Let the winds and sand work their deep magic, weary traveler.” *
I feel as though these words are accurately describing the stage at which I now find myself. I have been sensing many endings which are asking me to accept-to let go.
Let go of the fearless equestrian you used to be. Let go of the image of yourself as healthy and fit. Let go of the boundless energy you once embodied. Let go of the feeling of being balanced rather than stumbling over uneven ground. Let go of the skinny body and smooth skin you used to call home. Walk more deeply into the desert of now.
I have watched older people turn inward. I thought their world was becoming smaller due to lack of connection, mental function, or lack of family and friends. Perhaps they are simply seeing in a different way. Perhaps the details of their shrinking world are becoming more significant.
Perhaps my obsession with plant details is a result of my smaller focus. Perhaps my studies of light and dark are a response to this Desert Experience.
Perhaps, this is my job right now-turn inward, notice details, observe the dark and light and trust the wider world will reveal itself. Trust that there is more in me to discover and enjoy. Possibly ‘Unbridled creativity?’ Perhaps water will come and nourish an unknown part of me.
The Desert is the ‘Mystery of the Moment’-this time in my life.
I guess, I’ll see what blooms from it.
*The Wild Unknown Archetypes by Kim Krans
Stories & Pictures 
So Wise!
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Stunning Photos…. Go so well w this story!
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Dear, dear Elizabeth,
Has it really been three weeks since this beautiful writing and stunning photographs were posted?
Well, dear, another adventure in the “desert”here! I had the mother of all gallbladder attacks—worse than the shingles—and had to have emergency gallbladder surgery! All is well, but with my autoimmune stuff it has taken a couple of weeks to recover.
What is the truth revealed in the desert this time? Further clearing out of old wounds and past feelings stored in my body. Evidently, the gallbladder is a “storage” pouch for the liver. Often associated with anger (Louise Hay). So, as I have prayed for wholeness and the Universe has taken me seriously, “stuff” continues to be removed from my body! And it is always pretty wrenching as it has been in there for a long time and does not want to come out easily! I feel a further lightness as I did after the shingles😀…
So, my dear, once again I am deeply identifying with your inspired writing! The part of having to let go of old visions of myself—active, balanced, etc—is the challenging aspect now. But I do love the interior beauty of the desert and am grateful to have lived this long to continue to explore all the depths of that mysterious landscape.
My hope is that your lungs have continued to clear of their grief and that you are continuing to find the magnificent blooms in the desert 🌵.
Much love always,
No gallbladder Judy and M
https://judybennettcounseling.weebly.com
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Oh Judy – I will reply privately
Love you
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