Cinco de Mayo & the Swiss Alps

I just got back from walking in the park. The air was cool and the sky partially overcast. During my introspective walk I listened to an amazing compilation of Italian arias that were tastefully set to electronica. I was also accompanied by the wonderful scent of honeysuckle which blankets a good portion of Shelby Bottoms at this time of the year.

This is an occasion for me to make a conscious effort to admire the nature around me. In actuality, it does not take any effort at all; the outdoors seems to have a purifying effect on my psyche. This is the good dose of medicine that I need to handle the hustle and bustle of everyday life, a retreat from the mental pollutants of the information age.

Today however, I spent a good bit of time thinking about my upcoming trip to Switzerland. This August, Sufis from the Chishti Inayati lineage will be gathering on the Swiss Alps for a month of retreat, meditation and fellowship. I was invited by Atum, who will be teaching at the main tent for a week. I feel incredibly honored and humbled that I have been asked to share my spiritual practices and assist with the program for that week. This was the time my friends and I were planning to be in Spain and Morocco, but everyone has been very supportive of this opportunity. I am also looking forward to seeing Joan, Bovi, Yves and Simone. I will also be meeting my goddaughter Pascal and the other children for the first time. It has been years since we have all seen each other. This has been a long awaited reunion.