So much has happened in the prior 3 weeks. Many houses I’ve stayed at, many beds I’ve slept in, many family members I’ve hugged or shaken hands with. My 96 year old Grandpa is still inspired to be involved and engaged with the going-ons of his life. His speech at my cousins’ wedding was enjoyed. The wedding was a “small” traditional Greek orthodox wedding of about 160 people. There was a more intimate close relatives’ gathering beforehand of both sides of the wedding where we learned traditional Greek wedding dances which we did our best to perform at the wedding reception (chaotic fun with form!) and the Traditional Aussie “Nut Bush” dance was offered in response (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_heNiNHqmnY).
It’s been wonderful to catch up with family members and chat with them. being surrounded by people who you’ve known for almost your entire life and seen them grow, who you know will love you and support you is wonderful. So many thanks to my blood relatives, particularly those who let me stay at your place (you know who you are <3).
I’ve fully engaged with study while I’ve been here, my trauma therapy training began and I have fully re-engaged my learning and studying capacities. I’m driven and curious and process-oriented for learning now, which is a wonderful way to be. My parents have expressed deep worry about my ability to be successful as a self-employed trauma therapist and coach, and I’m doing my best to comfort them. I guess they don’t see the picture I see, so I’ll keep communicating with them about that. There is trauma on the topic for sure so that’s something I get to practice with on myself.
In lighter news, I also participated in the Queensland Beatbox Championships which was an absolute gas! Beatbox events are my favourite, I really feel like I’m among my people there as we all share our crazy passion and interest, are able to speak in technical terms about the sounds we can make, and find so much intrigue and appreciation in the beats and sounds that others are doing. It’s such a blessing and super inspiring – much love to the entire Queensland bbx scene! I didn’t make it through eliminations this time but I’m getting closer and more fired up with each event (so many talented musicians! Wow!!).
So there’s certainly been less adventure since I’ve been in Aus, as my purpose here isn’t adventure – it’s family and studying and balancing. I think that’s one of the reasons why I haven’t been posting since I’ve been here: family is quite personal and sometimes more context is needed to understand what’s going on from an outsider’s perspective. But hey, there’s been some really wonderful cats and dogs in my life since I’ve been here thanks to Mom and Dad arranging their house sits that I have been allowed to stay at, plus my brother and sister-in-law.
Yes it’s been a challenge to stay balanced, strangely as I’ve had my needs taken care of with the help of relatives and I relinquish some responsibility, I have sometimes not taken steps that I normally would to get exercise or ensure I arrive at my destination on time. BUT, I’m aware of it and I’m working on it. All is well. Please, if you’re reading this, take a deep breath or two, and just pause in the stillness and the fray: everything is perfect.