One year ago, I was regrouping after quitting my grown up career in social work, packing up my car, and preparing to head south with the intention to make music. Breitenbush Hot Springs was my second stop on the trip south. My Portland friends encouraged me to treat myself to a night at Breitenbush, so I splurged and got myself a cabin. I spent my time at Breitenbush in silent retreat, meditating in pools, journaling, reading in the library, and nourishing myself with the excellent food. I felt like a train wreck when I arrived, and I left feeling grounded and ready for the journey. I knew I would be back sooner rather than later.
Today I sit in the living room of a house named "Stonehenge", where I am staying while I work at Breitenbush. The rain is pouring off the tin pine needle-covered roof next door. There is a squirrel in the ceiling, escaping the rain. Life is very simple and so unspeakably beautiful. Everyone supports and takes care of each other, and there is abundant organic/local food and free heat. (As someone who loves to eat well and be very warm, I am in heaven.)
Breitenbush is a cooperative community that runs a retreat center focused on balance and healing. We are off the grid, using the river for hydro-electric energy and harnessing geothermal heat for the homes. I have been making and serving food, and doing lots of dishes, cleaning floors, chairs, and tables, etc. I know many people wouldn't choose a job like this, or would see it as a step down. Although simple, I find my daily work to be an honor and a joy as I serve a beautiful community that nourishes so many. My voice is opening up in new and beautiful ways, I am getting time to work on my songs (and share them with people who love them- such a treat), plus I am saving some money for my travels and upcoming album project (more on this soon... very excited about the production team that is coming together.) I am grateful for this experience of simple living, and excited to visit and serve at several other intentional communities on my road trip and tour south this fall.
As I think about all the people I've met since I left home- people who have opened their hearts and homes to me, inspired me creatively, shared tricks of the trade and tips, hooked me up with gigs, jobs, and contacts, let me store my stuff for free while I travel, co-written songs, and made me feel at home on the road- I am brought to tears.
I would not be where I am today were it not for intention and love.
I know I am very blessed.
Whatever it is you love, I hope that you can find a way to do it.
Dedicate yourself to the pursuit of your passion.
Find simple ways to create space in your life for it to happen.
Say "yes" to your love every day.
<3 NamasDaisy
Today I sit in the living room of a house named "Stonehenge", where I am staying while I work at Breitenbush. The rain is pouring off the tin pine needle-covered roof next door. There is a squirrel in the ceiling, escaping the rain. Life is very simple and so unspeakably beautiful. Everyone supports and takes care of each other, and there is abundant organic/local food and free heat. (As someone who loves to eat well and be very warm, I am in heaven.)
Breitenbush is a cooperative community that runs a retreat center focused on balance and healing. We are off the grid, using the river for hydro-electric energy and harnessing geothermal heat for the homes. I have been making and serving food, and doing lots of dishes, cleaning floors, chairs, and tables, etc. I know many people wouldn't choose a job like this, or would see it as a step down. Although simple, I find my daily work to be an honor and a joy as I serve a beautiful community that nourishes so many. My voice is opening up in new and beautiful ways, I am getting time to work on my songs (and share them with people who love them- such a treat), plus I am saving some money for my travels and upcoming album project (more on this soon... very excited about the production team that is coming together.) I am grateful for this experience of simple living, and excited to visit and serve at several other intentional communities on my road trip and tour south this fall.
As I think about all the people I've met since I left home- people who have opened their hearts and homes to me, inspired me creatively, shared tricks of the trade and tips, hooked me up with gigs, jobs, and contacts, let me store my stuff for free while I travel, co-written songs, and made me feel at home on the road- I am brought to tears.
I would not be where I am today were it not for intention and love.
I know I am very blessed.
Whatever it is you love, I hope that you can find a way to do it.
Dedicate yourself to the pursuit of your passion.
Find simple ways to create space in your life for it to happen.
Say "yes" to your love every day.
<3 NamasDaisy
Eat.
Pray.
Love.