Lost in France ~ Back to Paris
Oh the journey has been fun! If you've been following me you know about the romance in Paris on my birthday ;)
You came along with me to the aromatherapy museum, enjoyed some tapenades and pain du chocolat with me, well via the imagination, right?
I have so thoroughly enjoyed losing my cell phone in France and finding myself enlightened and enlivened in Provence. But alas, it's time to leave this beautiful place for a while and go forward with my journey. Next stop, another evening in Paris.
You are probably thinking, will she go and meet him again? One last time?
I took the fast train back to Paris first class and enjoyed my journey once again through the countryside. I was looking forward to spending a few more hours in Paris before flying home very early in the morning. Another chance to explore and see how life unfolds. What doorway would open next for me?
You see, travel has always been a journey for me on a soul level. I have been blessed to explore many places and learn more about my purpose, how I contribute to the world and follow my spirit's guidance.
Can you believe I did it again? I got lost! Seriously someone has a sense of humor.
The train station was literally less than half a mile from my hotel. I decided to walk. Yes, I had a google map I printed but don't rely on them or people on the streets to send you in the right direction.
Yes, my poor feet were crying out loud once again, "what are you doing to me"? So what better thing to do than stop to eat crepe, right? Little did I know the hotel was actually around the corner because no one knew when I asked. You see, streets can have 2 names sometimes or maybe they just liked playing with an American? Not quite sure, but needless to say I went back to the train station, got a taxi and we both laughed how close the hotel was to me all along.
I was getting a 'calling' to Sacre Coeur Basilica in the MontMarte region. I was glad I listened. The concierge said 'jump on the bus', my intuition said 'get a taxi'. Yes, I listened this time. Upon arrival, I saw a lot of steps, again. I swear my feet were talking to me and begging me to find some flat land. So if you decide to tour Paris, bring comfortable shoes and be prepared for lots of walking and steps and more steps!
I've seen many cathedrals in life from New york to Italy, Egypt, Greece and now France. The architecture always adorns my eyes in amazement and awe and I often wish our buildings in this day and age would be designed with such miraculous brilliance.
Strolling through, it reminded me of how much I love stained glass window, candles, sculptures and the sacredness of the space. I decided to light a candle for my family, say a prayer and revel in the moment. The mosaics, paintings and the adoration of the Sacred heart of Jesus Christ had an energy that wrapped a golden light around me. I felt protected, safe and Loved.
One of largest mosaics in the world of Christ in his Glory, represents Christ Risen, clothed in white and arms open wide, revealing his golden sacred heart.
I had to sit, overwhelmed and awed I can feel a powerful presence embrace me. You see I have always had a special connection with Jesus, since early childhood. I would see him in my bedroom at night, I would talk to him, I always felt him by my side and knew he was always a guide for me on my path.
Tears began to flow down my cheeks, not because of sadness, but a deep sense of peace and joy.
It felt as if he floated down from the dome and hovered over me. A grandiose feeling of bright light almost blinded me. I just sat and reveled in this precious moment. No thoughts, no worries, nothing but magnificence.
I don't know how long it lasted, I just knew it felt beyond amazing when a voice called out to me.
Gloria, you have prepared well, it is your time to speak the truth, to share your journey and to help many find their path and purpose. I have taught you, showed you your purpose which has always been to find and live the truth. Go forward and use the gifts I have given you. I knew in this moment, everything I had been delaying, things I questioned, feelings of inadequacy that popped up when insights came, all washed away and I knew I must leave the past behind and step into a new gateway, a golden one that would support me into the future.
My first assignment, as I call it, was to go to the dome and pay the entry fee to climb to the top. I did not know it would be 300 steps, spiraling straight upwards.
I will be honest, I stopped many times, put my hand on my heart and said "thank you for beating". There were moments I wondered if I would make it as I squeezed my belly in to let people pass by the narrow passage because I just could not keep up
I reminded myself of my motto "progress, not perfection". I felt it was a test on some level. Would I risk my life and what if I didn't make it to the top alive?
I thought, no worries, if this was the last heart beat, I would be doing what I love and I knew the love of Jesus was with me every step of the way.
Obviously, I made it panting away and exhilarated at the same time. Then 300 steps down, not any easier and more steps to go.
I had a sense of accomplishment. I felt unstoppable and knew I could go the distance with God by my side. It was time to leave for I had an early morning flight back to to my home town and I decided to grab a taxi. No more walking for me today. "TAXI"!!!!
My last ride for now around Paris would bring me through another section of this city.
A cabaret of stars brought the Joy of life during a period in French history, when the wars and industrial progress would give them hope at Moulin Rouge.
The queen of cancan to the legendary Edith Piaf, were just a few of the many who performed on this scene of this music hall to be legends.
The taxi driver took me around the Seine River again providing me another peek of all that was lost when I lost my cell phone. It was like a recap of my first precious moment(s) in Paris. If you missed it go to the first blog of this series.
I climbed these steps for the last time to my room, re repack, reminisce and advise the concierge to wake me up at 4 a.m.
I feel into a deep sleep, had amazing dreams and suddenly jumped out of my dazed state thinking I had missed my flight! Ah, alas I had 2 more hours so I got up, made sure everything was in order and prepared in a quiet space to begin another journey, one that would make be thankful for ever step, every adventure, every precious moment and all that awaits me in life.
Merci beaucoup for joining me on this quick journey! I'm so grateful I took this opportunity to prepare for June's retreat . I hope you had fun, imaging this adventure with me, laughing along the way, feeling the experience and enjoying the journey. Thank goodness you didn't get the blisters :)
My excitement continues, because next June, the lavender fields are in bloom.
Right now, I have a memory of this fragrance, it's intensity and beauty and I look forward to bringing soul journers with me to learn more about distillery, medicinal uses and enjoy their radiant beings in a photo shoot in the lavender fields.
I look forward to watercolor classes in very special places chosen by the instructor. Based on her description I can only tell you your experience will shine a light so brightly you will be awed too.
The fun will continue to St Tropez with a boat cruise, dining at a lovely cafe, enjoying some shopping and ending our journey together with a very special celebratory dinner.
Let your imagination grow. Allow your creativity to flow. You are being guided to live a full and glorious life, let it emerge!
Bless you all! Gloria
www.GloriaCoppola.com/france
