A week ago I said goodbye to a place I have lived for three years.  I have to be honest that I was not expecting my inner reaction to leaving that apartment.  New Jersey has been a place I have lived and never really felt like home.   However, as I left my apartment, I offered my gratitude to the Spirits of the Land that held me as I dreamed this dream of New Mexico.

I wept as I said goodbye to the beautiful tree being directly outside my door.  She has protected me, grounded me, and companioned me these past three years.  I have spent countless hours sitting against her and laying under her in prayer and meditation.

This Land, that I did not always value, valued me always, held me always, loved me always, protected me always, and supported me always. For that I am grateful and blessed.  As I made my offerings, my heart filled with the deep gratitude for the gifts of this Land and this apartment:  timelessness, peacefulness, sacredness, sanctuary and more.

Without the support and space of this powerful loving Land, and this spacious apartment, I would be where I am today.  For this and more I am grateful always.

I invite you to take a few moments and recognize the beauty of the Land that you live on. How does this Land hold you? How do you express your gratitude for its presence in your life? As the new year begins, make an offering to the beautiful Land that holds, shelters and supports you.