In the late 1980s I began to have a persistent sense that something was on the horizon. I was living a pretty mainstream life in Ohio at the time—knowing it was in no way a right fit. Within a couple of years, a major revolution…a fast train that involved jumping out of my old life and into the complete unknown, albeit guided by invisible direction. It turned out to be something beyond my wildest imagination or even knew existed. I’m thankful for every bit of it having brought me to where I find myself today. For some time that sense of something awaiting on the horizon returned and intensified. I’d known it was time to close that chapter on the form my lifework had taken for the last 25+ years: sponsoring spiritual travel journeys, retreats and mentoring.

Late this spring I made that final decision and took the actions necessary to dismantle a company and nonprofit—and felt immediate lightness. In essence, I’d also systematically dissolved my identity in the wider world and moved into a form of invisibility. I felt enlivened and continue to feel unbound, free to go wherever liminal space may offer.

Shortly after I made those decisive steps, I was having a conversation with my mom. She asked, “Now that you’re no longer sponsoring programs, are there places you still want to travel for yourself?” I thought for a moment and told her I’d like to return to India but to the Himalayas. I’d gone to Delhi and Rajasthan 26 years ago. It was a powerful time immersed in Sufi practices. Yet I felt India wasn’t finished with me.

Apparently not. A few days later an email invitation landed in my inbox to participate in a pilgrimage to the Himalayas with Sacred India Journeys. I had no idea how I got connected. However, I noted the synchronicity relative to timing…and clear direction such as I’ve received before to engage, the perfect segue through the threshold. Wasn’t it what I’d asked for? I’d learned long ago to follow the energy.

Beyond. ©2023 Carla Woody.

I returned from India 10 days ago. During the pilgrimage to the most sacred temples, caves and simply the most powerful vibrations held in the mountains and very land of the Himalayas…frequently little bubbles of joy would arise…bringing me into the present moment even more so. A gift delivered from Mother India in sweet silence.

On the first morning home… Since sunrise I’d gazed out my window at the high desert homeland that anchors me here, the close hills and farther mountains—especially the San Francisco Peaks—revisiting the journey…appreciating the patience, graciousness and devotion embedded in the culture of the Indian people and loving those I traveled with and what also brings me home. I’m recognizing how gratitude is at the core of joy. A few months prior to my departure I’d set my intent to carry forward all India taught me in a good way. Sometime soon I’ll start to write more about this precious journey once I can attempt to put words to what has few to none at the moment.

But now I’m going to write about Re-Entry, as much to remind myself as to share with anyone else who may benefit. This phase of a spiritual journey is equal to the experiences had and sometimes more important. You need to be prepared ahead of the return home relative to the elements. Otherwise, there’s a risk of being blind-sided by what you encounter increasing what could be difficult.

The most effective changes happen at the spiritual level brought about through that sacred container. The degree of transformation is directly related to how profound the experiences are—and outside the normal comfort zone your amygdala dictates. When that happens, you are opened by benevolent forces beyond your control. Suddenly, you now have a sense you didn’t previously. It has a trickle-down effect. There are shifts in your very identity in the world, your life beliefs, capabilities, behaviors and the environments you’re now willing to be.

You’ve gained awarenesses you didn’t possess before. Your eyes are opened and Spirit moves you. You’re someone other than you’ve been. It can be as confusing as it is exhilarating. The old way doesn’t fit to varying degrees depending on context.

Energy being everything, you may notice energy matches and mismatches in various contexts. This is about clarity and awareness, the first step to evolution.

Treat yourself as you would a newborn, in a protected manner, until this new being is stable on her legs. What does that mean exactly? Take time for yourself before “returning to the world.” Be still and present as much as possible. Appreciate yourself and the courage you have. Not everyone will embrace such changes and lead a prescribed life instead.

Recapitulation is a useful practice. Take yourself back to the time before you made the decision to join in the spiritual opportunity that presented itself. We do self-select for the journey. What do you notice about your state of being prior to the decision and afterward? Witness yourself along the continuum at pertinent times as you sense shifts. Bring yourself all the way forward into the present moment and then look back down that timeline. How have things unfolded in a meaningful way? Acknowledge yourself and hold that dear.

Here’s another important element. Remember that while you’ve undergone a transformation, perhaps in ways you can’t quite identify at this point, the world you returned to has not. Loved ones, friends and colleagues may respond in ways you didn’t anticipate. Certainly, there will be those who absolutely support you and curious about your process. It’s also not unusual that those closest to you may respond in negative and even hurtful ways. Almost always this has to do with their fear they’re projecting that you may not need them anymore or they don’t feel equal. If you look beyond the behaviors to see what’s at the core, more than likely you’ll gain an understanding of what’s transpiring. This is a time calling upon compassion and clarity to sort things through.

How can you share what you’ve experienced? To paraphrase poet Pablo Neruda, drop a petal on the ground. If they pick it up, share a bit more without expelling your energy. Photos are always an option. Your newborn needs time and consideration.

Re-entry provides a path for spiritual evolution…for coming into alignment. It’s like peeling the layers of the onion…coming home to our Self. Initially, the process may be quite dramatic. But over time, it lessens in intensity and becomes a kind reminder for a tweak. I call it the Re-Membering Process.