What were the key lessons that another five years later, I draw from to share with you? 

Why do some people end up homeless and others do not? The key is our support network and whether we use it. I see that the pandemic has reminded humanity about the importance of community, connection and supporting one another. As property prices seem to continue to boom there are also many homeless in need of our viral kindness. 

This blog post was first written in April 2017 after my initial travels - this was four years into changing my life post brain injury. Healing takes time. As I review this blog post to reshare the key lessons, I am very blessed to have a wonderful home in Manly, Australia. For the first time in my life, I feel rooted, grounded, secure and safe. 

What were the key lessons that another five years later, I draw from to share with you? 

1. When that bad gut feeling says ‘this is a bad idea’ - follow it!

   Rationalising, explaining and justifying why you say or do something makes things complicated. If you decide to ignore your gut, the future will ensure you unravel this. 

2. Being vulnerable is deeply liberating

   . My decision to go on disability benefits and ask others for help in giving me a home set me free of ‘being together’. I often return to the question of how I can be more vulnerable and open to others. 

3. If you feel overwhelmed then opt to do less.

   Make less decisions, cut out what you can and allow the flow of the present moment to carry you more often. 

4. Know what you value in your life and your own value.

   We each have different values and priorities, yet a lack of self-worth and owning your value can be because we do not receive the value life gives us in other ways. Open yourself up to receive value in more ways and you will blossom to share greater value to others. 

5. Build a support network in your life with gratitude

   . There is so much support available at all levels (in strangers, loved ones, community, online) if we look for it and gratefully engage in it. The key is to walk away from those that complain, repeat victimised stories and seek empowering perspectives. Those who are grateful cannot complain. 

Since this blog post, my house sold. I relocated and obtained residency in Australia where I have consciously connected to the powerful land. I have great respect for the First Nations people who have a great wealth of wisdom from the land that is beyond my privileged background, and who have been disconnected from their homelands yet never lost their strength and courage to fight for their home. 

Original Blog Post published April 2017.

Often people ask "Where is home?" as I travel.  I don't know where I want to settle yet, except the weather conditions of the place are tropical!  So, as I sit in my house that is failing to sell and my frustration built about the past circumstances that still leave this hanging building around me it felt hard not to be sucked back into the misery of being back 'home'.

A HOUSE

The bricks of a building do not make a home.  I regretted buying my house before it completed.  My marriage was clearly falling apart and my then husband's promises that things would get better failed to materialise.  I lived in my house for less than 6 months, yet over 5 years later I still own that building although I have not lived in it.

We are told the fallacy that owning property will provide a home for us. But after my accident I was unable to work and afford my London flat.  My ex-husband habited the house and I could not move back in, nor did he pay me rent to help me afford another place to live.  Penniless and too ill to work, it was the generosity of my best-friend and sister, saved me from the likely chance of becoming homeless for 18 months.  I can never express my gratitude to them both for this.  So, my house never gave me shelter when I was in need.

THE WANDERER

When I chose to leave the UK in 2016, I had no plans on how I would fund my new life or find shelter.  I knew I wanted minimal financial concerns, less stuff, and the simplicity of a quieter life.  With £1,500 and a flexible ticket I arrived in Costa Rica with another yoga teacher training planned and no other plans for the 3 months.  It wasn't scary because the lack of plan was the only thing that didn't fill me with overwhelm and dread at a bad decision.

After completion of the teacher training the uncertainty about how I would fund myself or shelter myself began to worry me.  I stuck with staying open and a work exchange opportunity appeared: lovely accommodation and delicious food for teaching.  I recall that first night being overwhelmed with my good fortune!

Now as I meet other yogi teaching wanderers who complain about us not being paid for our work, but merely given shelter and food, I am surprised.  The value exchange ensures shelter and good food: our basic human needs are being met. It is a blessing to do something you love in exchange for your fundamental security.

HARBLEDOWN HOPE

My return to my house in England had me very grumpy about my old life.  That evening I attended the book launch in Canterbury at a charity called 'Catching Lives' about their new illustrated book about Harbledown, an urban fox, journey around Canterbury as the eyes of a homeless person.

I was so humbled by these people trying to rebuild their lives through creative exploration to something so profoundly simple and beautiful.  Their stories and journey about reconnecting with others to re-find their own sense of confidence, skills and new purpose touched me deeply.

I acknowledge most days how close to the brink I was to join them on the streets.  That is was the love and support I received from many people that helped me rebuild my life.  Sadly, this is not always the story of others with head injuries who may have substantial changes in their relationships.

HOPE TO FIND HOME

I feel more at home in a work exchange venues than in my house.  My travels help me clarify what I want from my home and maybe there is more than one place for me to call 'home'.  We can always find a home if we show our true shining self, feeling free and joyful. Because people are drawn to happy shining people!  But that means we each have a responsibility to keep our own hope and our own light shining.

For me, a home is not a physical structure that gives me security.  Home is where I am valued for who I am and lets me shine.  We become homeless when we cannot connect with others anymore, not even to ask for help from a kind stranger's helping hand.

If you too feel touched, please buy the book Harbledown Hope to support Catching Lives or donate to a Shelter.

IF YOU NEED SUPPORT

Perhaps a grateful, conscious and kind community of courageous open-hearted people sounds like it might be a place for you? Then, we would love to welcome you into the Embody Life Members Community Circle!

Each month I share practises on the monthly theme - you can opt in and out of the lives as you wish. 

We connect online and in a monthly group call where people can share what is moving through them and have healing activities from a teddy tea party to explore our different inner children or dance out the moods! 

Enjoy a 14 day trial period and know that support holds you from around the world. 

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