I just recently returned from a nonstop trip to Los Angeles and Palm Springs. I went from one event to the next, enjoying myself all the way. I spent two of the days in retreat with more than fifty like-minded people. I was most definitely upgraded in consciousness. I claimed a first-class journey and most definitely lived from that place. I even received two first class upgrades on my flight. During the time I was gone from the Island, we manifested our new home. No more worries in that area. However, something happened. I found myself losing my voice as of two days ago. I’m not sick, but I most definitely feel a bit restricted in the area of speech.

I ask myself why, when I felt so upgraded, would I bring myself down with laryngitis? I’m always looking for the spiritual answer behind everything in the world of form. The only answer I could come up with is I wore myself out. As I look back on the trip, I see I put myself into high gear and did not leave time for the simple things like exercise and meditation. I meditated, but not to the extent that I am used to. I also didn’t have any time for myself. I’m used to scheduling in me time. Does it make sense that I would suddenly not be able to verbally express myself as usual. If I can’t talk, I’ll have to relax, listen and perhaps take a moment to be with me. I needed to be in balance with giving and receiving energy. There are times to stop and times to go.

I believe life treats us exactly as we need to be treated. The Universe is always conspiring for our highest and best. I choose to look at this little physical setback as a gift. I rested more today. I had time to contemplate. I gave myself time to be quiet, to nap and to even write.

What I’ve learned from my upgrade of the last week is that when we are truly enjoying ourselves and when we are in the midst of so much fun, we might be afraid we will miss out if we stop, take a deep breath and say “excuse me.” We don’t trust that everything will be waiting for us upon our return. However, when we are in the flow, good times do not go away. There is always more to come.

And so, I’m taking a deep breath today and just acknowledging that I do not have to punish myself by being sick for not taking the best care of myself during my trip. In the present moment which has never been touched by anything, there is no past. I am free to take what benefits me from my journey and leave the rest behind.

Our month at CSL Kaua`i is about “giving and receiving.” How can I give of myself this month and how can I be open to receive at the same time. There is a balance and I am most definitely finding it. I find it by knowing that I am enough in every moment as I participate in life at the level of my own comfort. There is more than enough of me.

Love and Aloha,

Rev. Rita Andriello-Feren, Co-Founding Director CSL Kaua`i and the Institute of Magnificence and Author of “What Do I Need to KNOW? 101 Thoughts That Changed My Life” and “This Thing Called Treatment,” both available on Amazon.