Day Two ...

Day two is rarely as sexy as day one, but I certainly gave it a go today.

From not making the pancakes I desperately wanted (thereby honoring the planting of the "body" seed yesterday) to going on an epic three mile hike on a hidden snowy path (if you knew where this trail weaved through, you'd lose your head), the first half of the day was certainly lived intentionally.

The evening, though, had a vibe of its own. What was just another gig for me (and I really don't mean that to sound jaded) was actually a major event for my dear Bug. As I continue to refine my engagement with shamanic practices, I gave her the opportunity to assist me for the first time.

There were a few lies in that paragraph.

She has assisted before, twice in fact, but in a much less pressured environment. (I'm sorry, but healing circles are just not as much pressure as shamanic journeys. Plus, there were other facilitators present.) And if I'm being really honest, it wasn't just another gig for me either.

Though I've been facilitating shamanic events for over two years (eight months as lead facilitator) there was a moment last night, just before the doors opened, when I felt, for lack of a better description, like a "grown up". Allow me to explain ...

With my name on the flier, and with no one else to fall back on (only one assistant, no wise old teacher, not even my usual co-workers, who I can often do without) it was a sink or swim moment. I'm happy to say I did well, and I suppose I'm not surprised, but still, it was a moment.

Bug did a marvelous job, as I thought she would (quite a bit better than I was my first time out, honestly) and it was very nice, just like when I work with The Dear Boy, to have someone in the room with me who had my back, and didn't want my job.

The ceremony itself was potent, and those who were brave enough to buck the culture and attend on Superb Owl Sunday seemed to get a lot out of it, including the studio owner, who showed a lot of faith in me, agreeing not only to book me quarterly for both shamanism and kirtan, but also gave me key access to the studio for the nights I am working. Indeed.

And now, to rest. I'm happy to say that I have no performances until Friday, and very little reason to even leave the house the next four days. Time and energy enough to dig in to all the shiny new projects that won't be shiny new projects forever. Ahhhhh.