Day 6 - Sea of grass

The sea of grass - swish swish swish - the ironwood tree that I sleep under is at about 11:55 behind the tallest pointiest, skinnier one.

I spent the past two nights in the cabin as the wind blew and the intermittent rain came down. I was happy for the ironwood tree and her dry fingers. But it made me wonder - can I go on the vision quest in this weather? Should I delay it altogether?

I’m not calling her the sad little tent anymore. Pretty smart to lie down when the wind blows so hard. Now it’s the courageous tent or the smart little tent. The tent that holds me safe.

I went up for an inspection. It felt so good to be back. The wind blew hard but it was warm and the rain had stopped. There were two small puddles inside the tent which I poured out and sopped up with a towel. I brought back the sleeping bag, pillow and a shirt for drying (the sleeping back is already dry - about 15 minutes in the sun and wind.) The tent was flattened, as I imagined. But I’m not calling it a sad, little tent anymore. It’s not sad. It’s a survivor. Pretty smart to lie down flat in wind that strong. I’m going to look for some more string/rope to secure it better. Since the poles are too short for the tent - it can’t withstand the gusts. During yoga this morning, as I pondered whether I should postpone, I saw the tent like a cave - like a womb - perfect for the vision quest. I can prepare for it with garbage bags to keep things dry, a towel to mop up puddles and a change of clothes in case I get wet.

Firmed up and dried out. Going to get some string to tie it down in a few more spots.

Here’s my packing list:

• 7 large bottles of water (two per day for the three full days that I’m up there)

• Raincoat

• Duffel bag and two plastic garbage bags

• Journal and pen

• Sleeping Bag and Pillow (already up there)

• Tent - check

• Stick (for pigs or imaginary predators) already there

• pants and leggings

• Two warm cover ups

• T-shirt

• Long sleeved shirt

• Phone in waterproof bag - shut off - for emergency.

• Scissors to cut my braid (!) (for letting go ceremony)

• Sneakers

• Yoga Mat

• Toilet Paper

• Toothbrush and toothpaste

• Lip balm

• Glasses (I lost my sunglasses sigh)

After I firmed up the tent, I gathered the wet things and any dry items in the tent I placed into a garbage bag. As I reached the sea of grass - swish swish swish - I was surprisingly greeted by the property manager’s two dogs. They smiled and frolicked in the ocean with me. Thank you! What a lovely surprise.

Can you see both of them? Thank you!

Kriya - Pituitary Gland Series and, as usual, Icing on the cake - I was still sore from my kriya from two days ago. The pituitary gland series is my go-to. It’s hard enough and also relaxing. I could do it every day and be happy.

Mantra - My phone was dead so did them on my own, which felt nice. Morning Call, Mul Mantra and Ganpati Mantra.

Meal time - Oatmeal with banana and walnuts. Spinach and Romain salad with “egg” salad - made with chick-peas and fabulous avocado and balsamic vinaigrette. Plucked a tangerine off a tree for a snack.

Inspiration - Aykanna (who gave me permission to use one of their mantras, Ma, in my workshop. The mantra is for creating a divine shield of positivity), has released a new mantra - Gobindah Hari. I love it! It will be available on all music platforms soon and you can listen with the link.