Writing Through the Pandemic: November 17, Number 2

November 17, 2020 By Laura Davis 1 Comment - Read & Respond

I stand up and show my soul when I …

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Linda Boccia says

November 20, 2020 at 2:31 pm

I stand and show my soul when social injustices are being perpetuated.
I stand up and show my soul when racial or sexual injustices are being practiced.
I stand up and show my soul when religion, NOT spirituality, threatens to destroy people or groups by tying to eliminate those who do not believe as the perpetrators want or expect,
I stand up against the tyranny of war.
I stand up when truth is being manipulated, as truth is the ultimate reality of my life, and I am prepared to give my life for truth. This is not fake news bent to convey or manipulate, but the universal truth of all life

I am a seeker: of truth, the rights of all to live without tyranny or fear and have sought many things in life. I have searched for the meaning of life, justice and equality for all, protection of our earth and the environment, protection for those unable to speak for themselves, does God really exist, what is my purpose here on earth, and what is my responsibility as a member of the human community? There are many more questions than answers.

But what I have learned is that if you want change to happen, you must be the change that you want to happen. Life is NOT fair and there will always be suffering yet how you respond is what is important. It’s not what your burden is that’s important, but how you carry the load.

I stand up for all people and realize that there are kernels of decency in each of us, yet some have trod more difficult paths than others and understood less.
I stand up for life, knowing that taking the life of the murderer will not bring back the life lost.
I stand up and show my soul and compassion for all who lack the courage or are literally unable because they lack a voice such as animals.
I stand up and show my soul when people are persecuted, abandoned, lost hope, or are forgotten. And I grieve for the earth when greed trumps preservation and protection of all the earth’s inhabitants in the sea, in the air or living on land.

I am a blessing given from the Ancients, and perhaps even those who may have visited this planet long ago from other galaxies. To stand up and to witness what is true in my soul is the greatest gift of life.

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Peru 2017

In which Laura and Karyn and 18 writers explore Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley of Peru.

Serbia 2017

In which Laura leads a workshop at the Incest Trauma Center.

Greece 2016

In which Laura explores the wonders of Crete and Santorini with a wide-eyed group of Write, Travel, Transform adventurers.

Vietnam 2015/16

In which Laura, who grew up during the Vietnam War, goes to Southeast Asia and finds out what Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia are really like today.

Commonweal 2015

A journey toward healing loss and grief in a magnificent Northern California setting.

Scotland 2015

In which Laura returns to Scotland with a new group for another jaunt through the wonders of the Scottish Highlands.

Scotland 2013

In which Laura attends the Edinburgh theatre festival and leads 14 writers to a magical retreat in the highlands of Northern Scotland.

Bali 2013

In which Laura visits Australia, and spends three weeks diving, exploring, and teaching in three regions of Bali.

Florida 2014

A journey into old age in America in which Laura brings her 86-year-old mother to Florida so she can see her last surviving sister one final time.

Mexico 2014

In which Laura attends the San Miguel Writer’s Conference and explores the artistic towns around Patzcuaro.

For many years I put off my dream of writing and traveling. I told myself the kids were too little, my husband could never survive without me, that I couldn't possibly be so selfish. I couldn't imagine realistically stepping out of all of my responsibilities and roles. Then I started attending Laura’s summer retreat at Commonweal in northern California and that became an annual gift to myself for the next three years.

When the opportunity to travel with Laura internationally came up, my Land of Later mentality said I could never pull it off. But when my friend got cancer at age 39, I decided to stop taking life and it's endless opportunities to grow, live, nurture and explore myself for granted.

My children were 6 and 9 when I began allowing myself the luxurious pleasure of taking 10 days to two weeks each year to travel abroad with Laura, to spend time with like minded, soul searching people who share a passion for living and writing, to have all my meals prepared for me, to have the space and freedom to stretch out of my cage and check in with who I am, what I want, and how best to get there.

Laura is a skilled and nurturing teacher who encourages her students to take risks, to grow as human beings, and to be vulnerable. She has provided me with a forum where I can gain all my CEUs and learn techniques on how to become a more engaging writer, all while completing yearly emotional rehab.

I return home from each of Laura’s trip a little wiser, a little more open, and a lot more compassionate. I greet my family, friends and daily life with sparkly, clean energy and a renewed patience, brought about by way of re-writing old stories that I needed to let go of. I come home ready to move forward in my life.

A retreat with Laura Davis is one of the best gifts I ever received and gave myself. It took many years to realize that I was worth the time and financial investment, but now there is no looking back.

Julie Sheehan, Livermore California

Writing Through the Pandemic: November 17, Number 2

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