Briefly, I visited Tibor and expressed my deep appreciation for my connection with both him and Marika. They were an anchor point for me, in their very creative and inspired life.
And then I spent a good bit of time with Andrew. On Sunday, Benjamin was was with him. We had all previously planned to visit the Labyrinth on Castle hill. We met at 11:00 for lunch, and then headed off to explore quite an elaborate underground maze. Many of my questions went unanswered as to its historic use, as most of the signage was either of a humorous nature, including the planting of a giant Pepsi bottle,
an imprint of the sole of a Nike shoe, and the mother board of a computer, along with images of petroglyphs sited in other caves throughout Europe. As one, who is always on the look out for meaning, for the sacred, I was a little chagrined, meanwhile Andrew and Benjamin had great fun with it, as did most of the other visitors. With my respect for dark places, I secretly would have welcomed more quiet time in its midst. At one point I was able to venture off alone, paying tribute for the gifts that it has to offer. While also vey much enjoying traveling thru this ongoing underground space with my new buddies.
Andrew and I shared a number of meals together over the course of my last two days in Budapest, along with multiple stops for a cup of cappuccino, all very European and delightful. I will miss that. And of course lots of conversation. The kind of conversation you have, knowing that the time for departure is drawing near. Conversation which includes those topics shared when there is little to loose and even deeper connection to be made. Not really knowing whether the connection will be maintained thru time, or whether it is one in which two souls have briefly crossed paths for the purpose of mirroring for one another the vast range of life experiences, not commonly shared, but a significant part of ones life needing to be more fully integrated in process of making room for the new. I believe we offered that to one another. As our relationship was slow in developing, thru a mutual appreciation and respect for one another, with an ever increasing tolerance for the awkwardness of coming together, parting, connecting, missing connection, deep sharing to bantering we explored our life’s with one another. Bringing into focus the finer aspects of self. Yes, it was a connection of honoring who we are, where we have been and even more precious where we aspire to be, as two individuals deeply passionate about living a True life.
I will hold this connection dear, regardless of time and place. I will keep it tucked away in my heart as a reminder of the real purpose in coming together, with other.
Fearing I would forget, who I had come to experience myself to be, I requested that he share with me, his experience of our connection.Upon arriving home, I received an email from him. I was pleased to read that that which I hold dear about this life of mine, he did indeed recognize. And should I forget, I know where I can go, to be reminded.
In honor of that which I hold most dear, I share it with you.
"On the penultimate day of Abbey’s recent Hungarian visit we again found ourselves travelling down from the Castle district by squat, cube-like bus, down a short hill to Budapest’s (uncharacteristically nostalgically) still-named Moscow Square. Braced standing on the bus at a sudden stop Abbey turned to me and said, “There’s a real art to standing near the door.”
This is how I remember Abbey. Over the course of wonderful weeks stretching into months we met and talked as we toured Budapest about a range of topics from the deeply personal to the profoundly global – and always in the context of the rapid transformation we are all experiencing in this age. Over the course of these weeks I found Abbey a consistently articulate and likeable conversation partner and as we opened up I really learned a lot about her, myself and our respective processes from these talks.
Her ability to stand in simple witness– to ask and to acknowledge and honor others’ narratives compassionately without easy judgment or advice – allows her to penetrate far into the walls of a situation towards the twin aims of understanding and healing. In doing so she stands her ground in terms of her own beliefs, yet is refreshingly open to updating her views in light of what she is encountering.
This European jaunt was a journey for her rich with encountering. I see her in this time coming shuddering back into a present life rich with possibility – rejoining the narrative of her own process of enlightenment to realize gratefully not only that nothing has been lost but that we are all correspondingly enriched by her experience and perspective. At least I am.
Thank you Abbey!
With love,Andrew "
Thank you Andrew for the Many gifts you have offered me, during my visit to Budapest.
Now it is time to leave this lovely City of Budapst. It has served me extremely well, as the base from which to explore new territory. Its richness runs deep and wide, from its history to its culture, politics, people and landscape. Over the past three months, as I wove my own very personal experiences of connection with self, others and Self, into the fullness of this “magical, mystery tour” an incredible tapestry of meaning emerged. One which carried me throughout, gifting me with a wide range of experiences. Experiences that I trust will help to inform me, as I carry on. I do not know where that is, however I trust that it will be into places of ever expanding service.
Many of you have traveled with me during this time. I have enjoyed your company. I have appreciated hearing how you have connected to your own journey, vicariously thru mine. That has been part of the magic, leaving little question that in the mystery of our interconnected nature, my journey is yours as is yours mine. Thru the blog, I have had the great pleasure of being the storyteller. I wish that experience for everyone, for in the gift of telling my story, I have been able to truly honor and celebrate many blessings, as they have come to pass. Thank you dear friends, for bearing witness. I have felt richly rewarded in being seen, heard and received. All gifts beyond measure.
From my heart to yours, may each of us continue to travel into ever expanding unknown territory, together, consciously weaving greater and greater tapestries of being.
With love,
Abbey
And now, to be with dear Sophie. My heart skips a beat as I look forward to being together.
....sweet, sweet connection.
