Beloved readers and friends,
Words are hard to find in this moment. As the sun rose on this -- the 99th and final day of our epic journey together -- I found myself awash in a sea of emotions. Above all, I am filled-to-overflowing with gratitude, for so many reasons. I have chosen to list some of them today, using the letters of our campaign name as a springboard, as my tribute to this journey, to YOU, and to all we have been through.
O. For the Omnipresent guidance and wisdom of those spirits who have watched over us all during these 99 days.
N. for the Naps when rest was possible.
E. For the Evolutionary wisdom which I was privileged to witness in every corner of the world. Yes, it's true: we are evolving, in spite of any evidence to the contrary.
E. For the Encouragement from all of you to keep going, even in the face of enormous obstacles and challenges.
A. For the Acts of kindness of thousands, including you, beloved readers, whose strength and encouragement every step of the way made this journey possible.
R. For the Rides - trains, planes, buses, camels, and everything in between, that enabled us to move about the planet, delivering our "musical medicine" where it was needed.
T. For the Treasures given us along the way - everything from protective beads and sweetgrass from the indigenous peoples of the earth, to food, water, and blessings - precious gifts, every one.
H. For the Hearths and Homes opened to me and to our globe along the way. I can't begin to tell you how much those warm welcomes have meant to this intrepid traveler.
O. For the Opened hearts we met every step along the way. From the children of Tahrir kissing the globe, to the indigenous merchants in Quito, Ecuador who shrieked in delight when they saw the globe, every encounter was a blessing, a gift of heart and soul, which gave us the strength to keep going.
N. For Nature, in all of her aching beauty, which we touched in so many ways, so many places, on our journey.
E. For the Evocations of blessings and care that poured forth in so many languages, from so many beautiful human hearts and souls, on behalf of our beloved planet.
V. For the Voices of every human being we met, and those we have yet to meet, who are the very essence - the heart and soul - of this mission.
O. For the Oceans, whose cadences and pulls have infused, blessed, and healed us all. May we in turn bring those blessings and healings to their shores, post-haste.
I. For the Inspiration you all have shared with us along the way. This is OUR story; you are co-authors with us.
C. For the Coffee. (you know I had to say it)
E. For our good, good Earth. What more be said.
Soon we will arrive back at the place we started, Washington DC, and prepare to mark, through our moment of song, the long-awaited passage from the realm of Time to No-Time. We hope to see many of you tomorrow at the Old Post Office Pavilion at 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, at 4:30pm.
Where the road takes us beyond this threshold remains to be seen.
What I do know is this: we have learned much about and from one another over these 99 days. Above all, I believe we've learned that we're infinitely more deeply inter-connected and more passionate about the care of this beloved planet than we dared dream. With those two truths deeply anchored in our hearts, minds, and souls, I know our feet will be guided along the path that beckons us all - together - onward.
I love you all,
so very much.
Shyla
20 December 2012
New Jersey Shore, USA
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.