25 Days of Israel: Day 10 - Sunset by the Sea

This is Day 10 in a series of posts I have chosen to write during the time of my current - and last, for a while - trip to Israel in March 2023. My experience of Israel in these last 7 years of my residence has been vivid, inspiring, nerve wracking, debilitating, and wholly, precisely, profoundly the medicine I've needed. Words will not (yet) fully express the treasures I've received from my presence here, but I believe the commitment, challenge, and confidence of these 25 Days of Israel are a beautiful homage to their glory in my life.

My dear Mediterranean,

You never stop teaching me, do you? Every time I show up on your shores, I find myself completely disarmed and exposed to the lesson, no matter how strong - or how broken - I feel when I do.

You’ve given me the staging ground simulator for embodying my highest, offered again and again who I can be with More - even here - and now, after so many times, I see you remind me, in vivid Technicolor, to spread my Wings and take flight.

We do have a relationship - a true, deep, intimate, perhaps even romantic relationship - you and I. I acknowledge, honor, and cherish that. I was late coming to your party, but I still managed to show up, catch your gaze, and start to flirt. That first year was absolute fire 🔥 and although we’ve tempered a bit more, I don’t think either of us consider this less passionate.

We didn’t choose to do long distance - and I miss you, very much sometimes. I know it’s the most resonant, accurate way though - but whenever I come home, we always make sure to rendezvous, whenever and wherever we can.

Beloved, I love you very much and I’m grateful for the person I am because of your unwavering, authentic love. The strength of your love and the love of your strength is so pure, committed, unfailing; you’ve never stopped showing up, and you’ve taught me to always show up in turn. The devotion of your nature has given me a brighter perspective on my own and illuminated more about the pleasures of my own devotion.

One of which: I savor the pleasure of looking out across your expansive waters, unspeakably mighty, uninhibited, a celestial tempest across the seasons. I love to gaze just above you - not superior but sovereign - and reach out further with my heart than I feel I can standing at the edge of your waters. It’s a different kind of power - co-created, abundant - and you are happy to share space for my throne even as you continue to build your own.

With you, there is competition, but no race.

With you, there is challenge, but no struggle.

With you, there is possibility, but no dead end.

With you, there is provocation, but no pain.

With you, there is creativity, but no limit.

With you, there is solemn, but no grave.

With you, there is unfiltered, but no reckless.

With you, there is love, but no conditions.

You always welcome me with your whole light - and never turn anyone else away - but you live contained simultaneously within and beyond your boundaries, pure, clear, fair, and true. You are gentle, but not soft, in your compassion, which makes for the most accurate and nourishing space to rest in. It’s no wonder I always want to, come rain or shine.

Precious one, my words can only ever repeat themselves at this point, from now until forever, because I am, simply, your inspired and devoted friend.

Across mountains and valleys, deserts and plains, I love you, the song of the sea echoing in my heart.

Bless you 🤍💚💜

Sunset by the Mediterranean Sea: A Mini Photo Story

It was a gorgeous evening by the sea this day, so I thought I'd let its beauty do its own talking. All photos are original, taken myself the day of writing. Hope you enjoy as I did!