It’s a chilly evening here in Philadelphia. While Hurricane Sandy didn’t bring much damage or activity here, she did seem to bring the colder weather. I suppose I will take it in exchange for a generally quiet hurricane experience. On Monday, the Eve of Sandy’s arrival, I went to bed about 10:30pm content that I wasn’t going to miss much action by going to sleep. The next morning I awoke to conversations of “did you hear that wind last night?” And learned that for a period of about an hour and half the winds were so strong my host considered waking me up and moving me out of the third floor bedroom for safety. Alas, I slept soundly and in its wake, generally here all is well.
It’s the weekend, which is my free time here in my world of work and exchange. Last night I had the pleasure of attending the Krishna Das concert at the Mind, Body and Spirit expo held at Lincoln Financial Field, where the Philadelphia Eagles play. For those of you not familiar with Krishna Das, he plays what is called Kirtan music, that is call and response chanting of spiritual mantras. It was my second time seeing Krishna Das, the first was time back in New Orleans. In addition to his beautiful and devoted music, voice and chanting, I have to say that I like the guy! During his performance he shared stories of his time in India and he was earnest, compelling and funny. I was grateful to be able to attend the concert in exchange for helping Krishna Das sell CDs at their CD table. What a treat!
At the end of the night, as I was among the last of folks to leave I decided to take a minute to find my train ticket back home before heading out into the night darkness. And guess what… I couldn’t find it! I looked everywhere… emptied out my purse twice, checked all of my pockets. The trick of this situation was after purchasing the return ticket on my earlier train I only had $1 cash left on me, not enough for a new return ticket. Not my favorite situation to be in, but I trusted my gut and while I was eager to resolve the situation, I didn’t panic. I headed up the escalator in search of a cash machine. As I was going up there were two kind looking youngish men heading down. I eagerly asked, “Do you by chance live in Mt. Airy?” (the neighborhood in Philly where I reside) “Yes we do” they replied… Unbelievable! I quickly explained my situation and asked if I could catch a ride. My request must have caught them off guard as they seemed hesitant and a bit perplexed by my request… but after a moment or two… I was invited with them for a ride home. So I hopped in the backseat of their Honda Fit and were were on our way!
The ride home was quite amicable. My temporary companions were friendly and good company. The “driver”, we’ll call him, is a teacher of yoga and meditation as well as an interfaith minister. His loyal companion is in Seminary school studying to be a Lutheran Minister. And so it seemed I was in good hands! We shared our tales and adventures of working at Universities in Residential Life, an experience we all had in common. And before you knew it, we were in Mount Airy and I was happily home. What a gift!
Today I spent some time with a Reiki friend who I met in New Orleans, originally from and now living again in Philadelphia. We spent a few hours connecting and giving each other Reiki treatments. It has been at least a month since I have connected with others to share Reiki. Today was a great reminded how a little Reiki from a friend goes a long way. There is nothing like a Reiki treatment to turn down the dial of my anxiety, stress and generally being “wound up”. I left her apartment feeling all is well and grounded a bit back in my body and my being.
After that I made my way to the Art Museum. The first Sunday of the Month is free at the Philadelphia Art Museum. It was such a treat to get to head downtown in the brisk fall air and be out amongst the masses and go to the Museum. I spent most of my time there enjoying a contemporary dance peformance. What a treat! Not long after I made my way back to my host’s car that she generously lets me use, and found my way back to Mt. Airy.
It’s been a big week. Hurricane Sandy, Halloween, a busy weekend and a brief adventure with strangers. I am still in the midst of plans for a new adventure but things are taking longer to come together then I expected. So, for now, I am still in the US and, for now, in Philadelphia.
Tonight I cooked a simple but yummy dinner of black beans and rice for me and the fam. I am now up in my third floor “hen’s nest” chilling to some tunes on Pandora, one of my favorite things about returning to the States! Good night for now from the post Hurricane and thankful to be safe and sound world of Philadelphia.
Photo of Philadelphia Art Museum
Gypsy Woman 