28 November 2009
Lifting the Lid on Age and Death
Posted by Robin Easton under: Hobnobbin' with Robin .
This is Part Five of a five part series titled: Five Perspectives on Death. To read the first four articles in this series go to the links at the bottom of this post (under “Robin’s Related Links”). Now in part five we explore “Lifting the Lid on Age and Death”.
Simply an Exploration:
This article is not about beliefs. It’s an exploration of possibilities. Being guided mostly by experiences and explorations, I tend to have few “beliefs”. In this way I am more open to the vast array of possibilities and lessons that Life offers. I may choose something different to what is presented to me, but I don’t judge the other. I just let it go and focus on that which inspires me.
A Life Altering Insight:
When I was younger I walked around unconsciously thinking I’d die at the age of sixty-five to seventy-five. This unchallenged mindset probably came from family, culture, friend’s parents, school and so on. Then one day I met a couple in their mid-eighties who shattered every mindset I had about age. They climbed icy mountains and canoed white water, hiked for days in the mountains with packs, camped and traveled all over the world. They rode camels, lived with indigenous people, explored and continually tried new things. They lived more robustly than any twenty-year-old I’d ever known and looked twenty years younger than their age. They knew people even older who were as active.
Meeting this couple was all it took for me to lift my lid on age and aging. I no longer saw myself dying feeble at seventy-five, as if that were normal. I began to feel an unlimited ability to live. I asked myself, “How long do I WANT to live? What can I do to ensure that outcome?” Once conscious, I decided to live so deeply that Life would continually be new. It would amaze and shock me and continually break all preconceived notions. I would become Life and be driven to wild passion and fall madly in love with Existence. If you believe you are “old” find someone older who actively lives a rich life. It really helps to dislodge limiting beliefs.
Living Without a Purpose:
After a few months in the wilds of the Australian rainforest I began to ruthlessly seek out other seemingly invisible and unconscious lids that limited my life experience. If it was fear I moved directly toward it. I refused to let fear define the boundaries of my existence. There were no rules, no judgment, no shame and no purpose. In the wild Life just IS.
We humans often want there to be a purpose to life and for me there is none, only what I choose to give it each moment, and even that is forever changing. I’d long since lost my focal point, at least the one my culture presented me with, which was school, college, marriage, family, religion, work, make money so I could eventually have a life and do the things I wanted to do. This path left me asking, “And then what? And then I’m happy and my life will start and everything will be magical? And then what?” I never did find an answer.
The Questions I Asked:
In the rainforest my focus shifted from achievement and goals to simply experiencing as much Life as I could. I shifted from learning about Life to learning from Life. My questions changed from, “What then?” to “What is this thing I call Life? Death? What am I? More importantly, what have I blindly accepted as truth. What is possible for me to feel, experience and explore? Could I have my OWN unique relationship with life, one that has nothing to do with anyone or anything that has come before me. Could I meet life as if I knew nothing about it? As if anything were possible?”
All I had was my existence and each new experience. “Could I be so bold and brave as to chuck everything and move into the world with nothing…naked in Eden? Bare. Vulnerable. Bold. Brazen. Trusting that ‘I’ was Life itself and already fully intact, intelligent and complete enough in my knowing, and that what I didn’t know would be shown to me by the Life around me….if I lived in communion with it. If I listened and responded to it as my fully intelligent equal…even if that Life was in the form of a rock, a river, the sea, the stars, torrential rain, a leech, a frog. Could I do that?” I was surrounded by billions of years of flourishing intelligence. The closer I drew toward it the more I recognized myself. I became willingly lost in a vast expanse of infinite Life, Intelligence, Compassion and Love. I was aware of IT and IT was aware of ME. We communed instantaneously, thought to thought without words.
The Answers I Received:
One day I had a remarkable experience. I stood naked upon a hill looking out over the rainforest below. I could have stood there for three hours or three seconds. I don’t know because I lived in a state of continual bliss and had almost no concept of time. I desired only to let life pass through me and see how it felt, and the life around me did just that. It passed through me daily with information of all kinds.
That day on the hill I stood and listened to the forest. These unforgettable words floated through me with such compassion I wept, “You need never die Robin. Not even, what you call, your physical body. It is not physical. There is no physical. You are eternal energy. You are pure intelligence, fantastic creative intent. You ARE the thing you seek. YOU are IT.” Could I embrace that much freedom, that much power? Could I decide what death means to me and what “I” want to happen and when? Could I have my own intimate relationship with Death just as I did with Life, no matter what the rest of the world did or believed. Could I forge a new path, a new evolution? Could I be a force in the universe that molded itself?
Today I avoid much external input and do a lot of active living, listening and feeling, and little reading or studying, and no following. If I follow I miss myself.
Be a first rate version of yourself, not a second rate version of someone else.
~ Judy Garland
Love,
Robin
Robin’s Related Articles:
Through My Mother’s Eyes
When I Die I Want…
When We Don’t Speak of Death
Death as an Adviser
Other Related Links:
How Your Beliefs Create Your Reality
Through the Gates of Fear
Using Death as an Adviser
Death as an Adviser: Working with Your Own Death
This Site: © Robin Easton
Website: http://www.nakedineden.com
Blog: http://nakedineden.com/nakedinedenblog/
82 Comments so far...
Lydia Says:
28 November 2009 at 7:22 pm.
This is so powerful, Robin. I’m going to sit awhile with your words and the feelings they stirred in me. Will return to read the rest of the series. What a marvelous mind you have. What a marvelous mind you ARE.
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Tweets that mention Naked In Eden Blog – Robin Easton » Lifting the Lid on Age and Death -- Topsy.com Says:
28 November 2009 at 7:34 pm.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by RobinEaston, Zuzanna Musial. Zuzanna Musial said: RT @RobinEaston Naked In Eden Blog – Robin Easton » Lifting the Lid on Age and Death http://bit.ly/5Z0pEf [...]
John - Zen-moments Says:
28 November 2009 at 8:36 pm.
Robin,
I loved this. Your story of how it was, and is, for you is so powerful and simple at the same time. That’s my litmus test for the truth by the way — powerful and simple (simple in that sense that I know you understand).
You said: “If I listened and responded to it as my fully intelligent equal…even if that Life was in the form of a rock, a river, the sea, the stars, torrential rain, a leech, a frog.”
That is such a quantum leap from the usual separations we create in our minds. It is so easy to think “about” something apart from yourself, and so powerfully rich to “listen” and merge, and be a part of nature. The lessons and the joy never cease.
You are a courageous woman Robin.
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Robin Easton Reply:
November 30th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Dear John, While reading this I really sensed your own deep connection to nature. It felt very soothing to read your insights. I relate strongly to your “powerful and simple”. My experience has been that the most powerful things are usually the most simple. They are not heady, complex concepts, but rather the things that lie right in front of us, things that we humans so often overlook in our search for something “other”, something “out there”, something “more sophisticated”. We are almost taught that if it’s not complex then it has no value. I really appreciate your comment as well as your very gentle, simple and wise insights. And when I say simple I mean clean, easy to ingest, insights that don’t require hardly any brain power; they just seem to float into me. I LOVE that. Thank you dear John, you know I am honored.
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Lance Says:
28 November 2009 at 8:39 pm.
Robin,
The mention of the word “energy” near the end really grabbed me. I had an experience about a week ago, possibly the most profound experience I’ve ever had. And in that experience, I have come to see the “energy” within our bodies as so much more than I have ever experienced before. We are indeed energy. So, so much more than most of us can fully grasp. And that energy, is our life force, and what we make of it – it is up to each of us….that first rate version of ourselves. Robin, I was so moved by this experience, and how I am viewing life and living…or maybe how I now envision life and living to be.
Thank you, dear friend, for this whole series, and the love and compassion you always bring to all you share…
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Robin Easton Reply:
November 30th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
Dear Lance, this is a REMARKABLE experience you have shared here. Of course I was VERY curious to hear more about it. It sounds like one of those life-altering shifts that can happen to us when we are open to Life. As I was reading this I literally felt in my body what you are describing. It is a place I live from every day and due to that I am passionately desperately in love with EVERYTHING! I am so so excited for you, Lance, and I really hope we get to hear more about your experience. Maybe you will write about it. Sometimes doing that can bring the experience more to life. I also know that other times experiences like yours are just waaaay too deep and personal to share. Sometimes we just want to keep them close to our hearts to savor and cherish. Either way I am very honored, Lance, that you shared this with me and others here on this page. It offers hope and speaks to the great mystery that we all ARE. Bless you my dear brother friend.
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Jonathan - Advanced Life Skills Says:
28 November 2009 at 8:51 pm.
Hi Robin, even now, I am so wrapped up in what you’ve shared here that I have no words to say in response. Over the last year or so, I have had the privilege of many private conversations with you, and feel that I have come to know you fairly well. And yet, with all that we have shared, you still have the ability to totally amaze and astound me. Thank you for that, it’s wonderfully refreshing.
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Robin Easton Reply:
November 30th, 2009 at 12:22 pm
Dear Jonathan, Your words here brought tears to my eyes for several reasons. But one reason is that you shared this so humbly and from your heart. That just touched me deeply. Another reason is that it is an honor to be seen and acknowledged by you. You have lived an extraordinary life and understand much about facing fear, moving into the unknown and living with an open mind. So this comment from you is cherished and so very appreciated.
—and yes, my dear friend, you have picked up one of the key things in this post when said: “…you still have the ability to totally amaze and astound me.”
My friends often tell me that they don’t know what I’ll do next. LOL!! Aaah the thrill of keeping myself on my toes! Like I said in the post: “I decided to live so deeply that Life would continually be new. It would amaze and shock me and continually break all preconceived notions.” ‘When we live this way, we BECOME this way ourselves. Thank you for seeing that and reflecting it back to me is such a selfless and generous way. It means SO much.
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uberVU - social comments Says:
28 November 2009 at 9:18 pm.
Social comments and analytics for this post…
This post was mentioned on Twitter by RobinEaston: Are you walking around with unconscious mindsets about age and death? http://bit.ly/5Goi8d…
Miche - Serenity Hacker Says:
29 November 2009 at 12:14 am.
Wow. Beautiful. For a moment in time, I was standing on that hilltop with you, having that experience…
I am beyond words right now, moved to absolute peace…life…love…
..thank you..
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Robin Easton Reply:
November 30th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
Dear Miche, Oh what a joy to see you here. Since I don’t perceive time the way I once did in a linear fashion and barely perceive events in linear time, I tend to experience all possibilities happening at once…in no particular order, only what I focus on or put my intent on. So in light of that (in my world) it is quite possible that you WERE standing on that hill with me. In fact, THAT thought brings tears to my eyes. Thank you dear one for everything you ARE and everything you GIVE. It really makes a HUGE difference.
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Mary Says:
29 November 2009 at 5:00 am.
Resonating. One single, vibrating chord, deeply and truly.
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Robin Easton Reply:
December 1st, 2009 at 9:33 pm
Dearest Mary, I owe you an apology as I saw your comment come in and it meant the world to me. I was SO excited to see you here. I just felt so much love for you. Then somehow after a whole bunch of comments came in yours being teeny was hidden from me. LOL!! Teeny but VERY potent as I KNOW what you mean. And reading it my heart swelled with connection.
I am loving your writing and have wanted to tell that, but due to work the days just get away from me. I am move beyond words. You are as I always knew you to be all those years ago on ski team. You were like an anchor for me, an angel. And today you are all that and a thousand times more. YES, my dear sweet Mary we are resonating as if we had always known each other, even long before the days of ski team. I think of you every day and will get back to you. I am sending you loads of love and a HUGE warm hug. Robin
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Steven Aitchison Says:
29 November 2009 at 8:05 am.
Robin, you occupy a space in the universe that few of us dare to dream about and even fewer have experienced, it’s called ‘An Authentic life’. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for this series of articles, you have shown so much of yourself within these articles and yet given so much more. Thank you.
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Robin Easton Reply:
November 30th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
Dear Steven, Your words brought tears to my eyes. I cherish your then and your depth of insight and openness (and even your intermittent goofy humor on other comment you’ve left). LOL! I am grateful for you and humbled by your encouragement and kindness. I love your words “An Authentic Life”. I’ve never heard that used in that way before. It really made me stop and feel the magnitude of my own life and the potential we all have to REALLY REALLY live fully, and be who really are. I think the more we can awaken and realize that Life is REAL and that THIS IS IT, right now, the more fully we can live it. Thank you my friend. I believe in you. Don’t forget that.
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nothingprofound Says:
29 November 2009 at 8:11 am.
Magnificent! Just to be, to live. What else ? Nothing else.
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Robin Easton Reply:
November 30th, 2009 at 12:46 pm
Dear NothingProfound, Wow!! What could I possibly add to this? Nothing. Yes, “what else?” Such a good good question. One we all need to ask ourselves. You are wise indeed. Thank you SOOOO much. I think your comment is one for my wall. I will put your name and site link on it, so when friends ask who wrote it they can go to your site. Bless you and thank you.
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LIara Covert Says:
29 November 2009 at 8:58 am.
Dear Robin, you are a timeless, immortal soul. Revelations unfold at different rates until you vibrate at levels that lift you completely out of the dark matrix. Every energy being is progressing toward regaining full capacity of creative potential. Everything is coordinated by the higher self. Baseline frequency is something that can be changed throughout the process of remembering what you are. Fear thoughts dissolve and you align with high levels of creation.
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Robin Easton Reply:
November 30th, 2009 at 1:02 pm
Dear Liara, Yes. We become creation itself. Just as we become Love and the sweetest tender compassion we could ever imagine.
As we move toward the Unknown we become more Known to ourselves than ever before. One day (or moment) we look up and remember who we are. We see ourselves and fall in love, we become Love.
As we move toward that which we fear, that which we don’t know, that which is without purpose or boundaries….we go Home. A Home so sweet and familiar that we fall to our knees and weep. We come to know ourselves more than we ever thought possible.
Thank you dear friend.
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Earth Mother – In The Raw Says:
29 November 2009 at 11:17 am.
I could have stood there for three hours or three seconds. I don’t know because I lived in a state of continual bliss and had almost no concept of time.
I was almost one hour “late” to Thanksgiving Dinner with my family on Thursday. I burst through the door. Mother looked up and all she said was, “Let me guess, you were in the woods again.”
LOL, true! She knows her daughter! I’ll often lose all sense of time when I’m out gallivanting around the woods.
Thank you for the Judy Garland quote. LOVE it.
Sending many Blessings and Blissings your way!
xo!
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Robin Easton Reply:
November 30th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
Dear EM, What a beautiful life-affirming comment. I LOVE that you were an hour late for TG dinner. How precious and human is that just on it’s own? Very! And the fact that is was due to being “with” the woods just made my heart burst with joy!! I just think that is the bees knees. Good for you!! LOLOL!!! I just love you! You’re great. Rock their world girl!!! 
I also laughed that your mother KNEW the reason for your “tardiness”. LOL!
It is true that we lose all sense of time when we are in nature. Nature is so vast and expansive that we often forget everything. I’ve seen people who told me, “I’ll go for hike but I gotta be right back. I only have an hour and I don’t REALLY feel like going and, and, and.” BUT once out there with me in the woods these same people completely forget their commitments and forget time and forget everything. I see it all float away and watch them become lost in Nature. Free and at ease. So amazing. Thank you my dear EM. I am sending many many blessings back. You are a treasure.
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Fatima Da Says:
29 November 2009 at 12:53 pm.
Very Powerful thought provoking post Robin and here is the piece I so love “You are pure intelligence, fantastic creative intent. You ARE the thing you seek.” Thanks for sharing
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Robin Easton Reply:
November 30th, 2009 at 1:54 pm
Dear Fatima Da, Welcome to “Eden”…and what a lovely name “Fatima Da”….just as your website is lovely and full of uplifting advice and insights. Thank you for your kind words. Interestingly when you quoted back to me my own phrase: “You are pure intelligence, fantastic creative intent. You ARE the thing you seek.” I was deeply moved and got goosebumps on my arms. It’s as if YOU were saying it to ME, as if Life was saying it to me. It was. And I found it very empowering, as if I had not written it, but you had spoken it to me. Thank you for the gift of reflection.
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Gail @ A Flourishing Life Says:
29 November 2009 at 1:58 pm.
Dear Robin,
How beautiful to hear of your awakening to the Truth of existence – the truth of who and what you are not, and the eternal Truth of that which is always present. The end of seeking – what a joy to know who we are and to be humbled by the delicious appreciation of every morsel of this existence. Truth…beauty…love…You are a treasure!
You say, “If I follow, I miss myself.” How wise! Listening, feeling, being – so simple and effortless, and available…
Oceans of love to you,
Gail
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Robin Easton Reply:
November 30th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
Dear Gail, What a lovely sharing! Wow! You express so beautifully in such a small space what took me a whole post to express. I loved your words: “…the eternal Truth of that which is always present.” YES! It IS always present. It is here now, and right now, and now again. Forever, so close to us that we ARE it. May we all awaken to the beauty and love that we ARE.
I also loved your words: “Listening, feeling, being – so simple and effortless, and available…” AND AVAILABLE (I love that). Yes, it’s right in front of us. If we could never even move, it is with us, in us, of us and we of it.
Dear Gail, you have a radiant beauty that shines in all your words and actions. So very refreshing. Thank you for your kindness and love. It is all returned. Love, Robin
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Wilma Ham Says:
29 November 2009 at 2:49 pm.
Dearest nature Deva
Be the change you want to see, but for a long time I had no idea what change to visualize!
What life was there to be had?
YOU, my beautiful Deva finally sing me the image, you describe what Life is, you are giving me the most exquisite image my heart and soul can respond to.
This earth is given to us to dance with, to commune with, the earth is God and we can commune directly when we are naked, stripped of all the ballast that makes it impossibe to reach the mountain top.
Robin, let me tell you that you are taking me to the mountain top with every word you speak, with every video you make.
Robin, you are leading us back to the Garden of Eden and I can hear all of creation rejoice, I can hear myself rejoice.
Heaven is not somewhere else, it is here and eternal.
When Life is present, love will feed the body and make it strong and healthy as it wants to serve and live too.
Life is to support Life and the body wants to support Life as it too is Life.
Robin, Life is eternal with many chapters.
You are soo precious by singing this image for us and dearest Robin, as always the biggest hugs, Wilma
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Robin Easton Reply:
November 30th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
My dear friend Wilma, I’ve tears on my face from reading this. I feel SO much love for you. There is magic ALL around you. It’s just who you ARE. I see the way you embrace, without judgment, everyone who walks into your circle. To be seen by one who is sooooo open and wise and at ease with Life is the biggest gift anyone could give me. I think that’s what it is — you are REALLY at ease with Life and yourself and so you have no need to judge or analyze others. You just create this wonderful safe space for people to fall into. And boy do they fall into it. You don’t talk AT people; you talk WITH them. You aren’t afraid of them seeing you. That is greatness Wilma.
I am very touched by your encouragement and by your ability to love so openly. You are like the sea that cannot be contained. Aaah, that’s such a good good feeling. When you said: “Heaven is not somewhere else, it is here and eternal.” My whole heart just swelled with emotion, joy, love and truth. Yes, it is HERE. Right HERE…and eternal. What a gift we are given. To FEEL that through and through, REALLY feel that, can’t leave me with anything but tears of exquisite joy on my face. There is a whole field filled with glorious flowers out beyond our self-imposed and self-limiting boundaries. We really have nothing to fear.
Thank you for being a soul that encompasses sooooooo much. If I were a small child and I met you, I would run to you and wrap my arms around your legs, like little kids do when they KNOW someone is REALLY alive and safe and kind and loving. So as a grown woman I am giving you THAT kind of hug, Wilma. Love, Robin
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suzen Says:
29 November 2009 at 2:50 pm.
Hi Robin!
Magnifique! What a beautiful, soulful picture you paint of your rainforest experience. What a gift! Your writing is such poetry!
I smiled right down into my heart when you wrote of the older couple you met changing your ideas about aging. I have had the privilege of being friends with many “seniors” over the years, each one a character and anything BUT rocking-chair personalities. Most precious is the wisdom that they freely give when I took the time to listen. I write one blog a month called MillieWisdom (see this Monday’s and others in my archives) based on one lady who was not just wise but hilarious as well. She is also the main character in a book I am writing.
And now I am a senior myself. I don’t let the “old person” in – I swear it’s mental anyway. I think the secret (tho it isn’t one really) of active elders is what you found – active living pure and simple, doing your own thing (not following) and a flow of gratitude for the morning light each day.
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Robin Easton Reply:
November 30th, 2009 at 3:05 pm
Dear SuZen, It is soooooo good to see you here again! It just made me smile. Thank you for your kind words. Yes, the older couple made me smile over and over. Sooo remarkable.
I loved how you wrote: “I smiled right down into my heart…” Wow! Talk about poetic; that is a lovely line I won’t forget. I will definitely check out your MillieWisdom posts. That sounds just delightful. So many older people are lost between the cracks and with them is lost powerful wisdom, stories and love. I am really excited to hear that you are writing a book about this woman. Good for you.
I am fifty-five and I honestly never feel old. I often forget my birthday and age (in years). I really agree that active living, an open mind and heart is so essential to living fully. If we can be open to all kinds of new experiences we are forever amazed by life. Thank you dear SuZen, you are a delightful soul.
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Megan "JoyGirl!" Bord Says:
29 November 2009 at 3:15 pm.
What an incredible story you’ve shared here, and you have me asking myself, “Could I stop following others and simply ‘be’ by myself?” I feel I learn so much about myself from other people, experiences, and interactions. They all reflect me back to myself. What if I stopped looking for those reflections, though? I wonder what that might be like.
The message you received was, indeed, beautiful. Thank you for sharing it with all of us here.
Much love to you!
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Robin Easton Reply:
November 30th, 2009 at 3:23 pm
Dear Megan, It is such an honor to find you here. This comment and your BEAUTIFUL email really touched me. I can see why so many love you. Your heart is innocent and good and that is reflected in the way you treat others and respond openly to them from your heart. So wonderful to see that in the world.
I think a large part of our growth or reflection come from being around other humans. Although often in my culture we no longer sit in community circles sharing our stories, insights and dreams. The written word has in some ways wiped out human to human physical interaction and intimacy. Much of our counsel comes from reading other people’s written words. And as we become more techno-based and mechanized and “written”, we not only lose oral tradition but we lose connection to Earth and other beings who have as much to teach as we humans have to teach each other.
We move from a 3 dimensional world to a 2 or even non-dimensional world. It can leave so many feeling alone, hungry, lost, seeking,. Even if they read positive books, the books may not really reach into the soul and yank it out into the whitewater of full-on living. We are beings who hunger to touch, smell, feel, hear, taste, be held, be heard, and more. At present we may be listening to and seeking reflection from only a very small part of our world.
I know this; you are very wise and so open and kind. I think could do just about anything you set your heart on. It is an honor to connect to a soul so beautiful. Much love to you dear one. Robin
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Megan "JoyGirl!" Bord Reply:
December 1st, 2009 at 5:36 am
What an incredible reply – more than I ever could have dreamed or imagined, and once again, you’ve moved me with your loving words and energy. What you wrote with regard reading positive books, and how they don’t reach into the soul and yank it out into the “whitewater of full-on living.” That phrase was absolutely inspired, and excited me! As I read it I thought, “YES! She ‘gets’ me, and she understands living. This woman is tuned in on levels many haven’t yet reached.” Oh my gosh, Robin, I’m going to be referring back to what you’ve written here many times, I think, and sharing it with others. You’re incredibly wise and full of heart, and I’m tremendously grateful. ~ Namaste ~
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Robin Easton Reply:
December 1st, 2009 at 8:17 am
Dear Megan, in this bursting life-filled response you have confirmed SO much for me. More than you might think. First you have just confirmed that what I’ve seen in you is is not only true, but lives in you in abundance. You REALLY ARE Joygirl. You ARE a free thinker. You walk a very unique path, trust it and look to your beautiful heart for the confirmation you seek. It won’t let you down. And others may not be able to give it to you…only because they’ve not yet experienced the world in the way that you have and do.
My father once told me:”Robin, remember that sometimes people can’t see in someone else what they don’t have in themselves. They can’t confirm what they might have forgotten or have never known.” And dear Megan, you “see”, feel and experience life in the most remarkable ways, so much so that it is like second nature to you. It IS you. So you just keep shinning as brightly and abundantly as you were born to do because there are those of us who thrive on who you are. You are life-giving reflection for us. Thank you dear Megan. Hugs, Robin
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wendy Says:
29 November 2009 at 7:35 pm.
Very profound post. I love that you’ve opened my mind to new possibilities and reinforced some of my own beliefs or thought processes. I also love change, so one day I will believe that I need to have a “mentor”. The next day I will say to myself “I just want to be me”. And so it goes…..
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Robin Easton Reply:
November 30th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
Dear Wendy, Welcome to my little Eden! I love your photography. It is so personal and takes a look at life from an intimate angle, from the lakes to the ghost squirrel to the shadows and light to the grapes and flowers. It is all so beautiful. I’d say you are someone who LIVES with an open mind. I chuckled over your: “I also love change…” I’d also have to say you are the first person who I’ve seen write that right out there like that. I sense an adventurer in you. Always listen to your heart, Wendy; it’s a good one and will lead where you need to go.
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Melissa Karnaze Says:
29 November 2009 at 11:23 pm.
Robin, thank you for sharing your thoughts on living and death. Your encounter with the icy-mountain-climbing, white-water-canoeing, camel-riding couple was a powerful one! What a great way to shatter dysfunctional beliefs about old(er) age.
I know many people who like to blame things on their older age. They accept things like memory loss and loss of sharpness as part of who they are and like it’s their bleak fate, instead of actively keeping themselves engaged or doing exercises to keep their brains “fit.” It saddens me, but I know there’s little I can do to change their beliefs about their age and what that means about who they are.
Your thoughts on living without a purpose (in the traditional way that society dictates it should be) are really intriguing. I find it fascinating how that mindset can actually lead to more mindful purpose — in the present.
I especially appreciated what you said about asking the question, “And then what?” to going through the cultural hoops of school, college, marriage, family, religion, work, and making money. Yes, those things are important, but so easily do they distract from actually living!
Thanks Robin for sharing your experience and for getting me to think more about these important issues!
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Robin Easton Reply:
November 30th, 2009 at 4:17 pm
Dear Melissa, I just loved your post the other day! I went away happy and totally uplifted. I think what you wrote can really help people to set themselves and other free. I agree, that old(er) age is often used to blame many things on. Many many years ago I thought it was just normal to be dysfunctional when as we humans got older. As if old age were a disease. It is quite remarkable the things I once accept as truth.
However nowadays, I feel like a great explorer or like Star Trek, I think the saying goes: “Space: the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. Its continuing mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no one has gone before.”
Only I would rewrite it for my personal life as:
“Life: the infinite frontier. These are the voyages of Robin Easton. Her continuing mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new experiences, to boldly go where no one has gone before.” There is great freedom in that for me. It really speaks to who I am.
And yes, dear Melissa, to live without purpose has definitely made me more mindful in a healthy way, more appreciative and MUCH more aware of every single present moment. You are very wise to see that. Thank YOU Melissa.
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Patty - Why Not Start Now? Says:
30 November 2009 at 12:44 am.
Hi Robin – Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and sharing your wise and wonderful words. I’m so glad to have found your place here. I loved reading this story, and the question you asked yourself, “What am I?” made me sit up a little straighter. It’s such a profound inquiry because it asks us to step out of our boundaries and move towards depth and full experience. Thank you for that.
[Reply]
Robin Easton Reply:
November 30th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
Dear Patty, Thank you for sharing your kind words and beautiful insights. I really loved what you wrote when you said: “It’s such a profound inquiry because it asks us to step out of our boundaries and move towards depth and full experience.” So powerfully written. That’s exactly what it did for me. And still does. I never stop asking questions, and sometimes it is the simplest of questions that make me also sit up a little straighter and awaken to my full potential as a living being. Thank you for seeing this and reflecting it back to me. It felt good in my body just to feel it again. Makes me even that much more aware. Thank YOU Patty.
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Robb Says:
30 November 2009 at 5:31 am.
Kia ora Robin,
You affirm so much for me here once again. I just returned from a very short visit to the Ruahine with Gustav, one of my oldest friends. We were there and he looked at me and said Robb, you are just glowing, you look like you are 15 years old! I said I am brother! Wild Sister it is the eternal energy within me. It is so accessible to me in the Wild Places, which is why they call me so strongly. I too have stood in places swaying to the flow of mountain breezes or the songs of the rivers for minutes or hours yet in those moments there is no time, only Being.
For some reason I am thinking of the Grateful Dead song ‘Truckin” and the line “What a long strange trip it’s been”.
Robin, thank you for enduring your computer issues and the lovely email. Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving as well as your wonderful readers. Kia kaha Wild Sister.
Aroha,
Robb
[Reply]
Robin Easton Reply:
November 30th, 2009 at 5:18 pm
Dear Wild Brother, It is ALWAYS soooo good to see you here. Yes, dear Robb, you are FILLED with eternal energy. And YES!! It is immediately accessible in the wild places. There are no barriers or filters; the life energy goes into us instantly. Especially for those who are open, hungry and connected to the land. I think it is why it’s soooooo healing for children. But even those we might not be as open, Nature seems to reopen painfully closed doors and wounded hearts. She seeps into places that nothing else has been able to touch…and heals…and heals…and heals.
I know, well, that you have stood next to streams and on mountain tops in a timeless state, just being. I feel that in ALL your writing. I think it is one of the things we hunger for in the wild….BECAUSE it is one of the things the wild offers….just BEING. Isn’t it amazing that Nature offers that miraculous gift?!! She lets us just BE. In that timeless state all that is not us, all that is not true, all that is not needed falls away…and all this IS needed and IS us and IS true comes flooding into us until we weep from the sheer joy of it.
I absolutely KNOW, without doubt, that YOU know what I’m talking about. You have been there so many times. And yes, “What a long strange journey it’s been.” And amazing and astounding and filled with every emotion we could possibly think of. I am sending to you on the wind (when I hike) energy and healing and strength for your hip. You looked sooooooo happy on your trip with your brother Gustav.
Aroha Wild Brother.
Robin
You are most welcome and deserving re: the email. My Thanksgiving was spent looking a the most beautiful blue mountains, and filled with peace.
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Barry Says:
30 November 2009 at 5:45 am.
As someone diagnosed with incurable esophageal cancer, I’m delighted to discover your blog so rich in life and so filled with original content. I think I will be a frequent visitor.
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Robin Easton Reply:
November 30th, 2009 at 5:36 pm
Dear Barry, I am just thrilled by your comment and kind words. I was just at your site and your post that explores the possible (or not) relationship between suppressed anger. It is a very comprehensive exploration. And the photos are DYNAMIC. I found then soooooo compelling, riveting and conveyed more emotion than any photo I’d ever seen. They would make a fantastic exhibit on emotion. I also was captivated by your delightful sense of humor. Good…for…you!!
And Barry, thank you again for your ability to see something in my humble blog. I am truly honored.
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Zeenat{Positive Provocations} Says:
30 November 2009 at 7:59 am.
Dearest Loving Robin,
I could come there and hug you for the sheer divinity that radiates from this post. I love how you put the whole thing so simply..yet it has so much power it could light up ten Galaxies
You are so so right about death.
Our relationship with death should be of love, understanding and amalgamation…just like life. BUt how many of us actually live like that? The key is to live like that..so you can surely die like that as well…..And then in another plane…another dimension..our souls will meet again…our energies will collide and we will giggle about how we thought death was the end…when in all honesty..it will truly be a new new beginning.
You know…every time i come here to your blog…every time i read your words…I feel this deep connection….its probably my energy body dancing inside of me….just so blissful.
Thank you for being you sweet Robin.
I hope and pray that one day I get to meet You…in person…I dont mind astral projection either 
Lots of love my beautiful soul sister.
[Reply]
Robin Easton Reply:
November 30th, 2009 at 5:47 pm
Heeeey Dear Z, I’m grinning ear to ear to see you here. And what you wrote just knocked me over; it is SO beautiful. Do you know? You DID come here and hug me and it brought tears and smiles to my face the whole time you were here. I kid you NOT! This whole sharing of yours is just ecstatic with Life and…yes….” your energy body dancing inside of you”…and me. Wow! and what a dance it is. Right off the charts!
I LOVE these lines: “The key is to live like that..so you can surely die like that as well…..And then in another plane…another dimension..our souls will meet again…our energies will collide and we will giggle about how we thought death was the end…” That is so beautiful. It just FILLED me with Life and Joy. What an amazing soul you ARE. Fearless and charging into Life with so much gusto. Wow!
Also, I too feel the deep connection when I am at you place. I did the very first time I met you. I am chuckling over our astral projection “do lunch” meeting. LOL!! It would be an honor to meet you dear Z, in any way and any form. I know how you feel. And lots of love to you too my dear soul sister.
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Nadia - Happy Lotus Says:
30 November 2009 at 10:35 am.
Hi Robin,
I could relate to so much of what you wrote. Our experiences on the subject of death are somewhat similar. It is nice to meet someone who has had a similar thought process.
Life is all about the journey. Society gets so focused on obtaining results and yet life is not about the results. It is more about love and tolerance. Our souls will always live on and when our bodies cease to exist, what we take with us is how we lived. Not what we owned. We each have skills and talents which we should celebrate and use. We each are unique and there is no need to try to be like someone else.
We are all embodiments of the Divine. We are so much more powerful and amazing than we think. If we truly realized how wonderful we are, we would live our lives so differently. However, we each have to reach that point of knowledge on our own timetable.
Love and hugs to you, dear one!
[Reply]
Robin Easton Reply:
November 30th, 2009 at 7:42 pm
Dear Nadia, It’s heartwarming to see you here; it always is. I love what you wrote about Life being the journey not the outcome, and how society gets so focused on obtaining results. I agree. We humans have become so “results oriented” that we walk around totally believing that getting results IS the journey.
I guess that is why living without purpose forced me to view life in a whole new way. I had shift my focus from “results” to “being”. Just “being” can be very challenging for many people because most of us (at least in “the western world”) have grown up being pumped with “busyness”, or things that constantly kept us focused and leave us no time to be with ourselves. Whether that was school, TV, movies, books, studying, food, and various other things (which some of may not be bad in themselves) they all tended to keep us constantly preoccupied. So we had little or no opportunity to just sit with ourselves, just “BE”. I’ve seen small children who were allowed this and they are amazingly peaceful and calm.
So many good insights here: I also agree that we each grow and in our own way. That is why we are soooooo unique and must walk our own path. It is also why I can really only share my experiences or explorations. It is the truest gift I can offer anyone.
Thank you dear soul, and yes, much love and hugs to you.
robin
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David Says:
30 November 2009 at 12:08 pm.
I don’t do much reading either and have stopped following things, people, instructions etc. I’m in the fortunate position of not having a boss or anyone who tells me I should do this or that. When I was eight I went out into our front yard and just lay in the grass for hours. The mosquitos had a field day. But after awhile their bites didn’t bother me at all. Later I got sick and almost died probably from the mosquitos. But who knows? It was the only time I ever did it and it’s the closest experience I can relate to what you are describing. Except for chemical experiments in college. And I don’t think they count. Although they might. Im not sure. In any case thank you for sharing your experiences. You are a very strong person with very positive instincts and ideas. I admire you a lot and enjoy your writing very much.
[Reply]
Robin Easton Reply:
November 30th, 2009 at 9:10 pm
Dear dear David, This WHOLE comment just feels sooooooo refreshingly human. I laughed and cried. You are so dang…YOU. No pretense, no show, just YOU. I laughed over the beautiful child laying in the grass so in love with Life and so in the moment he just let the mosquitoes bite and hardly felt them. And I cried over you almost dying and remembered reading your beautiful stories of those times. Heart wrenching stories that only you could tell in such a poignant and warm way. Then I laughed again over “chemical experiments” in college and “…I don’t think they count. Although they might.” LOLOL!!! Then I cried over your kind kind words to me and for seeing me.
Do you see what I mean? Your comment is so like Life, full of laughter and tears…and tears and laughter. All mixed together to create a wonderfully vibrant, poignant and real life experience. I just love that. Thank you my kindred friend.
PS: Yes, I think black flies and mosquitoes can make a person very very sick and even possibly kill. We had black flies and mosquitoes in Maine and I knew someone who was rushed to the hospital from probably a hundred black fly bites (or double that), and they had on repellent and a mosquito head net. They were seriously ill. If you are ever stranded in the wild without bug repellent and the bugs are really bad plaster yourself with thick mud. So on your next safari when those mosquitoes are biting the crap out of you, you just remember your good buddy Robin, and you’ll think of mud. You know, word association. LOL!! Hugs across the the stars dear friend.
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David Says:
30 November 2009 at 12:09 pm.
Today I’m feeling a lot of frustration for some reason. Do you ever feel frustrated?
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Robin Easton Reply:
December 1st, 2009 at 8:45 am
Oh David, you are such a dear and this is such a human question. And yes, frustration is something I think we can all feel at one time or another. But I have to say that you produce the most delightful articles from your frustration. I’ve not read anything so funny in ages.
NOTE TO READERS: If you want to see what David writes when he’s frustrated check out these two posts.
Blogger Feels Frustrated: http://davidnotes.com/2009/11/30/blogger-feels-frustrated-plays/
Tiger Woods Misses Drive: http://davidnotes.com/2009/11/29/tiger-woods-misses-drive-decides/
I laughed out loud. You will enjoy David as both a blogger and a friend. He is warm, sincere and honest. He is one of those people who just is what he is. I love that.
David you are a blessing in my life and the lives of many…frustration and all.
Hugs, again, from outer space,
Robin
[Reply]
Chris Edgar Says:
30 November 2009 at 1:06 pm.
Such a powerful description of your experience and a wonderful conclusion to this series! It’s true, when we think about it, that “my body” is just a label I’ve learned to put on this flesh and bone thing that I see and feel interacting with the world. But I don’t even know what the “I” is that “my body” belongs to! All of our ideas and concepts that we’re so certain of break down at some level. What a mysterious and amazing thing life is.
[Reply]
Robin Easton Reply:
December 1st, 2009 at 8:55 am
Hi Dear Chris, what an honor to see you here!! Thank you so MUCH for your kind words. Your really clear insights are simply stellar. I loved what you wrote about labels. This line just rocks: “All of our ideas and concepts that we’re so certain of break down at some level. What a mysterious and amazing thing life is.”
I think you are the first person I’ve seen write that. What a profound insight and I love that right after you add, “What a mysterious and amazing thing life is.” To not only have that insight of our concepts breaking down, but then to choose to see this “breakdown” as mysterious and amazing reflects a wonderfully wise and enlightened soul. I really enjoyed what you shared here; it’s much appreciate. Thank you Chris.
[Reply]
Julie Says:
30 November 2009 at 5:25 pm.
Oh God Robin, you looked into my heart and spoke its words. With nearly every line, my breath caught. You also pulled the words right from my own mouth: that there is no purpose other than learning from life and finding the power of creation within.
But oh my god you spoke TO my heart, as sister to sister, when you said the words I’ve longed to hear since I was born, the words that tell me I am not alone in my ways, offering such beautiful empowering words of connection, of understanding, of heart to heart soul-filled understanding: that it’s OKAY to “…have my OWN unique relationship with life…what I didn’t know would be shown to me by the life around me…if I lived in communion with it…if I listened and responded to it as my fully intelligent equal…even if that Life was in the form of [anything else]…became willingly lost…communed instantaneously, thought to thought without words.”
Your beautiful, love-filled and loving tribute to life moved me SO deeply, SO powerfully… ah, nuts, the tears are welling, again…and I even waited a couple days to comment, I was so overcome. Overcome with connection, with belonging on a human level I’ve not encountered before. Everyone in “real life” has always looked at me askance, wondering at my solitary escapes into nature, at the way I stand and listen to the trees, feeling their words. …mystified when I speak of what the animals are telling me. …looking downright spooked when I talk of what I am told in dreams and in the events of wakeful moments.
You are so beautiful! So breathtakingly permissive. So brilliantly instructive when you show that living in harmony and communicating with all of nature, not just the sentient among us, reveals to us a grander version of ourselves than we ever knew existed. How does one put into words what occurs in those endless all-too-brief moments such as this one this morning, when my mare and I looked deeply into each others’ eyes, a scant inch apart, both of us unmoving, with such knowledge and understanding of each other as equals that passed between us in an unspoken language. To experience such communication is exquisite! In moments like this, we know there is no time, there is no space, there is no human or horse or body or earth…there just IS.
Your experience on the hill above the rainforest was the same. You saw the endless, timeless beauty of existence. You felt it and moved with it, and the MOST remarkable thing of ALL is that you continue being this open, this clear, such a pure channel of awareness always. And you share this message of Life with all of us in the most beautifully engaging of ways. You are just the dearest treasure…
Loving you,
~ Julie
[Reply]
Robin Easton Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 11:54 am
Dearest Julie. Holy mackerel!!! I read this and my whole heart just swelled with love. You’ve given me an unforgettable gift. I just went for a 2 mile jog out on the high desert and it was freezing cold and windy, almost no people on the trail and I felt soooooooo FREEEEEEE. …and the whole time kept thinking about your feelings and insights here and what an ASTOUNDING soul you are. As I ran I thought Julie would love this. The early morning sun rays hit the tops of all the dry grass and made them glow. I was in heaven. Even though it was so cold I just felt alive and it made me think of you because I KNOW, without doubt, that you also walk around feeling madly in love with the world around you, the birds, the dry grass, the trees, the play of shadows and sunlight, your mare and all of it. Then I remembered your story about wanting to take your beautiful horse into house when you were there alone. And I just laughed out loud. Talk about sooooooooo live!!
We humans often don’t realize that the tree, the rock , the mare actually FEELS us and hears our thoughts. We are NEVER alone. Never….. We humans so often walk around thinking other life is beneath us and due to this we totally miss who we ARE. Other life is soooo intelligent that it reads our thoughts instantly. As a species our inability to see and FEEL the intelligence of the world around us reflects on our own lack of intelligence or awareness. I tend equate intelligence with awareness and our ability to active live and makes choices from that place of awareness. We can read all the book in the world, we can study and follow a million “masters”, but if we cannot allow ourselves to fully experience Life, allow ourselves to come to awareness, intimacy and openness with Life around us we will never truly know Life….and hence ourselves. We are not, as we are taught, apart from Life. We are part OF Life. We ARE Life.
Julie, you are such an aware soul. I mean, VIBRANTLY aware. All morning as I jogged I kept thinking about your phrase: “You are so beautiful! So breathtakingly permissive” Before I left for my jog I went and looked up the word permissive. I had a general idea of it’s meaning but I wanted to know more specifically. I found of course the main general meaning that I already knew: “giving permission” and then there was a second meaning which just made my heart leap: “allowing freedom; esp., tolerant of behavior or practices disapproved of by others”, I LOVE that meaning. Oooh how juicy!! LOL! I have to say that you are the VERY first person who has ever told me that. It brought tears to my eyes. Why? Because I felt it in my body as truth. To have that seen and reflected back to me is an astounding experience.
As I’ve told you in the past I have few concepts, almost none and am not good at writing concepts and heady things, but awhile back I realized that I am good a loving. And today from your comment I realized that, yes, I AM permissive (allowing freedom). That is one of my greatest strengths. I have no need in me to control, to judge, to contextualize life or people’s thoughts, feelings, or experiences (or my own for that matter). As you so beautifully put: “…there just IS.” I am sooooo content with that. It is my peace and in that peace I am free.
Your own deep freedom and Life-driven insights have given me words for something I just live. I am hugging you for being a most precious and beautiful reflection for me. The pond of your life is crystal clear and reflects the most beautiful world. You trust yourself Julie. You KNOW. It’s that simple…you know.
I am hugging you for taking the time to share all this. It went in so deeply and gave me a mirror to see myself. What a gift THAT is. Wow!!! I really can’t tell you how important you are and what you gave is. There just aren’t words for that kind of thing. BUT, the beauty is that “I” know that “you” know. Thank you with all my heart. And yes, Loving you too, Robin
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Tess The Bold Life Says:
1 December 2009 at 7:07 am.
Robin,
This is so amazing I’m rethinking all of my free time and how I spend it. I just told a friend I didn’t have time to go hiking today. Some of us are slow learners!
I am going to print this off and read the other posts. I hope you don’t mind me using paper but I need to reflect, read, highlight, reflect, read, highlight.
I was just speaking with a friend about end of life and our physical bodies as my mom is 89 and is lying in bed on drugs after falling a few days back. She raised 10 children and a working farm and is wonderful. It just makes me sad to see her this way. I remember what Byron Katie says, It’s not my turn to suffer.” Because I feel her pain. ….So this is refreshing and I’m happy I found you. Now excuse me while I go dust off those hiking shoes;)
[Reply]
Robin Easton Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 12:17 pm
Dear Tess, I am just sooooo joyed to see you here. I just love your wisdom, your down to earth-ness, and your ability to see right to the core of things. This comment did me good because I know what you mean in terms of “I don’t have time to go hiking today.” I did that for awhile and I didn’t sleep good and found myself losing touch with the pulsing vitality of life. Then one day I just said, “Screw it! (LOL!) I’m going anyway! My life will be over and I won’t have hiked. That is NOT acceptable to me!” LOL!!
It wasn’t easy at first as I am REALLY busy. I just signed a book contract and I got 50 gazillion bazillion things going on. Then it hit me, THAT is WHY I have to hike. What is even more interesting is that since I made that choice the world has seemed to accommodate me. I go early morning or at sunset and I walk and jog across the high desert and sometimes up a mountain. It’s cold now that it’s winter and it’s sometimes windy, but I’m falling in love with it. Another odd thing is that my body is responding to the consistent exercise by becoming more energized and more alert. So when I DO work I am able to get much more done in a shorter time. I am clearer, more practical and focused.
During my walk/jog/hikes I always take time to just sit or stand and absorb the natural world. It is SO healing and automatically heightens all my senses, my intelligence, my sense of peace and happiness. It is quite remarkable. Our bodies start to awaken and say, “Oh! You are going to expose me to Life? Wow! Okay! I’ll start to wake up then.” LOL!! And so we awaken and come to life.
I too sometimes have to print things out Tess for the very reasons you state here. I just recycle what I print out and also pass on for others to read.
Also what a beautiful story of your mom. Wow! 98…amazing. You know, Tess, I love what you wrote about it not being your time to suffer. I have found that those who love me don’t want me to suffer with them, don’t want me to die with them. In fact, you are so life-filled as a person; that is your natural state and maybe the BEST thing you can give your mother. It is a gift if we can give Life to someone who is suffering or dying. It may not end their suffering or stop their death (whatever that is for them) BUT my experience is that Life isn’t always about stopping things; it’s just about feeling, living and being filled with vitality…or Life…even in death…or illness.
Thank you Tess for your kindness.
I appreciate it very much.
Hugs, Robin
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Hilary Says:
1 December 2009 at 11:07 am.
Hi Robin .. well those comments said it all .. and I read each and every one .. I am sure I will feel at peace and have solitutde for me at some stage .. but for now I plod on – I’d love to sit on a mountain top (not too high!) with a warming sun, clouds scudding about and just be – as you say .. no time frame.
I’ve always thought I’d arrive up there one day and be able to piece the world together – I’d like to understand why some things historically happened and why others didn’t .. but now I realise that would be beyond my understanding .. but I’m sure we’ll meet again – all of us …
Really interesting post and comments – it’s just great to read such wonderful comments and your replies .. with love and hugs Hilary
PS glad you computer bugs have wandered off
[Reply]
Robin Easton Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 12:53 pm
Dear Hilary, With all you have going on it just amazes me that you do your wonderful blog and leave such loving comments and even read ALL the comments here. WOW!!
I just LOVED your description of sitting on a mountain (not too high) with warm such and scudding clouds. There is a mountain I go here that is just like that. When I get to the top there are a lot of trees but if I walk to the rock-tumbled edge where it drops off I can sit waaay out on one of those rocks and just see the whole world out there. There is a small photo of this place on this post of mine: http://nakedineden.com/nakedinedenblog/a-woman-and-a-mountain/
I just LOVE to sit there Hilary. And if things are stressful or challenging or sad or overwhelming I go sit on this mountain edge and everything floats away to be replaced by an all encompassing peace. I have also found this peace right in my own backyard, just by going out and sitting on the Earth (or in a chair), closing my eyes and letting the sun hit my face. Everything seems to melt away.
Hilary you touch me because you so very sincere and honest. I am touched by your notes and comments…as well as you generously kind words. I too am sending you a big hug and lots of love. Robin
[Reply]
Evita Says:
1 December 2009 at 4:53 pm.
Robin – my dear friend, you never ever cease to amaze me with your magnificent being.
I don’t know if I will ever experience even half of what you experienced in those jungles, but when you write about your experiences, in so many ways I live through you, as if that was my experience too. I think this is perhaps because I feel your energy so much, it resonates with me as if it is my own. Or maybe perhaps because you have such a talent in writing that you draw every reader into your experience as if it were theirs.
Either way – this was one of the most beautiful posts, but then when you got to the last paragraph this is where, all my inhibitions just left me. My God – what depth you bring to this life. There is no physical…we are eternal… we need not die…
Oh Robin, how blessed I am to understand all that today. It resonates with me so strong and in the end I am left with the thought…LIFE JUST IS.
Thank you as always, I am overwhelmed with beautiful emotion!
[Reply]
Robin Easton Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 1:56 pm
Dearest Evita, It is like balm to see you here. I am hugging you for your kind words. open heart and your ability to “see”. You are so lovely like a clean mountain stream. You wrote: “I don’t know if I will ever experience even half of what you experienced in those jungles, but when you write about your experiences, in so many ways I live through you, as if that was my experience too.” I had this feeling (more of a voice) wash over me when I read those words. It said, “Evita feels this way because this experience is already within her.” You may or may not go the a jungle or the wilds, but the mere fact that your body, your soul comes alive when reading this might be because it matches something inside YOU. Something that is familiar to you, something that IS you. Already.
Often life isn’t about doing certain things, reading certain things, and so on, but rather about simply remembering who we ARE. For some the memories (feelings) come easily to the surface, for others it can take a bit more. But the most important part is to CLAIM them when the DO come to the surface. Doing that is almost more important than knowing WHERE they come from or WHY. If we can just claim them over and over every moment and day, our path will naturally lead us to the WHERE and WHY. Our souls KNOW…and we are never forgotten or forsaken. Although at times it may feel we are. My experience is that we are too much a part of everything to ever be lost or anything of our souls forgotten. We all know. We just know. Everything is in place and we are just remembering. Or re-membering.
And yes, LIFE JUST IS. Dear sweet Evita, I too am blessed to have your brightly shinning spirit touch mine. Never ever doubt it. I too am overwhelmed by beautiful emotion. You have shared much here. And I thank you deeply for it.
[Reply]
Dragos Roua Says:
2 December 2009 at 10:40 am.
The last part was enlightening… You have this gift of making things alive through your words, Robin. You are a fantastic creator. Your world, described through your words, resonated with me.
Thank you.
[Reply]
Robin Easton Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 2:02 pm
Dear Dragos, You are a gem. Your words brought tears to my eyes and for that I am grateful. I think it is only the “alive” flowing “through” me that you feel. Most days I am so filled with love that I can’t possibly contain it, Dragos. I have to share it or I’d implode or possibly explode. Feeling, Experiencing, Loving is my reason for living. I thrive on all of it. Once we realize that we are REALLY here, that this is REALLY Life, we don’t want to waste a single moment. Life becomes SO precious we savor everything. Thank you my good friend. I appreciate you.
[Reply]
Stephen - Rat Race Trap Says:
2 December 2009 at 7:08 pm.
Hi Robin, you NEVER cease to amaze me. I’m not sure I’ve ever me anyone (virtually or personally) with such a zest for life in such an unusual and truly pure way. I loved this “I shifted from learning about Life to learning from Life.” Now I really want to stand naked in a rain forest!
[Reply]
Bern ~ Walking in Stillness Says:
2 December 2009 at 8:11 pm.
That’s interesting because I was sure I was going to die at around age 25. I didn’t see my self going beyond that year. I am wondering if it was a past life feeling. This was also coming from a place where I felt I had no purpose. I was a teenager and was just going through the motions of school and everyday living or not living. But then when I finally made it to University, I asked an important question. What is the definition of Love? And the question has taken me to many places with many experiences to receive an ever evolving answer.
I loved your post Robin. You have a wonderful Way of feeling the world around you. Your words glow with Love.
[Reply]
Emily Says:
3 December 2009 at 9:43 am.
Hey, Roby — Loved this writing. So alive! — great finale to the five part series on death! — it is a cycle after all! Felt your being in this one fully. Am thinking of you and send lots of LOVE, Em
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“your one wild and precious life” « Breathing Says:
3 December 2009 at 11:04 am.
[...] In several of my favorite blogs this same issue is arising – how best to use this “wild and precious life”. Here are two more to illustrate my point. Mombacho and Naked in Eden [...]
Trish Scott Says:
3 December 2009 at 11:28 am.
Hi Robin,
I’m still mulling over this post. I wanted to comment but didn’t know what to say . So I put up a new post inspired by yours and others, “your one wild and precious life” with an amazing poem that I know you’ll love. http://scottfree2b.wordpress.com/2009/12/03/your-one-wild-and-precious-life/
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Dorothy Stahlnecker Says:
3 December 2009 at 7:50 pm.
Oh dear, I almost felt the freedom you described on the hill and the older couple I understood their impact as I had a similar experience with my older chemo ladies who I got to know while treating for my Ovarian cancer they taught me the sensation of the fight to life. Thus your post is empowering and engrossing for the soul I just loved it and understood so much of your journey I almost felt I was there. Being that I am such a coward when it would come to what you do in the woods and jungles I can only live vicariously through you.
Thanks so much for the gift you have with regards to explaining the inner feelings of life, death and fear we may have regarding experiencing all that our time here on earth can give us.
Hoping all is well..
My best, Dorothy
grammology.com
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Theresa111 Says:
4 December 2009 at 12:28 am.
Robin, I applaud your thinking and musing, your pondering about existence and oneness. Beautiful!
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Robin Ghilino Says:
4 December 2009 at 7:14 am.
Thank you for sharing such great wisdom! There is a time in life where we either accept the truth of our being or we don’t. Either way you truly got it!
Peace
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Michelle Says:
4 December 2009 at 9:58 am.
I could swear I had left a comment, but, I guess I had only thought about it.
The idea that there is no ‘purpose’ in the sense of action is so freeing. I can’t help thinking of Hamlet here! We are trained to be greyhounds chasing the mechanical rabbit.
We are all expressions of the One. Life and Death. The stories that we write, how ever we choose to live, are what have meaning. We must not confuse meaning with purpose.
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Boris Says:
5 December 2009 at 9:07 pm.
Robin,
Very enlightening and beautiful post!
Thanks for sharing.
All the best
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Hilary Says:
6 December 2009 at 11:46 am.
Hi Robin .. it is strange that age thing .. I’m not sure why but I always thought retirement was a ‘dead end’ – and if that’s what you thought – that’s what happened. Just by default .. I was always positive and ready to get up and go – I remember standing behind someone at and Marks and Spencer cashier in South Africa and thinking .. come on, get on with it .. and at that stage we had to produce ID cards for cheques etc .. and she produced hers and I nearly fell over – she was the same age as me & definitely looked 20 years older. The same applies now – if we act with ‘vim and vigour’ .. then we’ll be younger in our attitude.
As Tess, the Bold Life, posted a while ago .. jump in the deep end – and as you’re saying live life to the full and certainly in nature .. life just is.
I’m pleased I’ve found another way .. beyond the boundaries as defined by others .. they can be so negative.
I do hope that I can experience your aspects at some stage in the future – it must be awe inspiring .. I’ll work towards avoiding the external input and do the active living, listening and feeling … to learn the way.
This is a wonderful series .. and we’ve all learnt so much from it ..
With love – Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
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Chrissy Says:
7 December 2009 at 1:46 pm.
I do think I have some very strange ideas that are difficult to articulate sometimes. However, people who touch others are immortal because they are alive in the people that love them, be they on this earth or elswhere. For this reason Robin, you will always be alive because you touch so many…………
I know what I mean……….anyway
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Alex - iwalkdevon Says:
8 December 2009 at 1:24 pm.
The perfect conclusion to this series. I can’t use the word ‘ending’ as I now doubt that such a thing exists:-)
I heard a poem a while ago and one of the lines included the words, ‘and when we open to it, vulnerability is power’.
The image I have of you standing naked in the forest, illustrates those lines.
‘If I follow I miss myself’….soooo true. This resonates deeply with me, though it is still a very new revelation. I feel I have much to learn from others, but for the first time in my life I also feel I can uncover so much through turning into my heart and tuning into the universe. In the past if my view differed from someone else’s I would doubt and alter mine. I lost all contact with my intuition and lost my way. The WONDERFUL news is that IT never went away. I am rediscovering that primal sense, and my true-self and everything else.
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Lisa (mommymystic) Says:
9 December 2009 at 2:48 pm.
Very beautiful, very powerful post, Robin. You created the scene so beautifully I felt it. It was a transmission. And I loved the message you received “You are eternal energy. You are pure intelligence, fantastic creative intent. ” You know, it’s interesting, I have been reading about physical immortality a bit, but sometimes the material doesn’t resonate with me, because the focus seems to be on keeping our physical body as is, which is fine if someone wants that, but personally never felt very appealing to me. But this statement of yours is IT, is immortality, for me. We create our lives, we create our deaths (or non-deaths.) It is all the same. And it means that perhaps all we have read about death in the various religions – heaven, hell, rebirth, reincarnation, whatever – they are all true, not in competition, depending on where we take our energy and what we want to experience and create.
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Chicagoland Girl Says:
9 December 2009 at 6:44 pm.
Hi Robin,
I hope it’s okay to leave a comment even though I just discovered your blog today and only read part 5. I know I take the chance that my comment may not relate (as I haven’t read Parts 1-4) but after reading your thoughtful words I was left with this: What if living is actually about life after death?
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kombizz Says:
14 December 2009 at 2:28 am.
For sure you made a nice blog here. But not sure if you really happy inside yourself.
Perhaps you travel to India or a third world country beyond of 6 months, then I am sure your idea would change for ever.
Namaste’
kombizz
Robin Replies:
Thank you for your kind words on my blog. Since you’ve not explained your thoughts behind your statement I can only surmise here, but I’ve a feeling you may have missed one of the points of this post, which is that we can experience great joy and happiness even WITHOUT a purpose in life. For me, the “purpose” is not what creates happiness. It is in being comfortable with myself (happy as you say) even WITHOUT a purpose. Many people cannot find happiness unless they have a purpose. But for me, my natural state IS “happiness” with or without a purpose and I experience great “happiness” just in being alive. Thank you for visiting. Robin — PS: BTW, I have traveled to many parts of the world and lived with other cultures and ANYWHERE I’ve traveled has affected my life perspective.
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gene Says:
24 December 2009 at 11:54 pm.
I believe we live forever, if we get in touch with our feelings we will have them forever. I believe in reincarnation, so for me, when I die in this life time, I know I’ll be back again, continuing to Feel..
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gene Says:
25 December 2009 at 12:26 am.
last thing, this post made me think of the movie “My Giant” with Sharon Stone, awesome movie, you have to see it!
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Robin Easton Reply:
November 30th, 2009 at 11:54 am
Dear Lydia, I feel happy to see you here. I was just at your site the other day. Then I was back there this AM and just adored the video you posted. It’s a keeper. —Thank you so much, Lydia, for your kind and moving words here. I am very very touched by them as I know they come from your beautiful generous heart.
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