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October-December, 2022

Anywhere But Here

by Rev. Ashley Rose Legrand, Ordained Ministerial Counselor

I’ve always been enamored with travel. Jetting off to exotic, beautiful destinations, exploring a new landscape, discovering exciting things that reaffirm my belief in the goodness of humanity and the wonder that is life. For as long as I can remember I have held images in my mind of far away lands, where all is “perfect,” all is well, all is in order. There is no worry or lack. Just happiness, ease, calm. There’s only space for the good stuff. These far away lands know nothing of my troubles.

Fast forward to the present. As a flight attendant, I regularly see hundreds of people a day, many holding that same sentiment that the younger me did. And in fact, it can be even more layered. They can’t wait to get away, to escape — to change their surroundings. Because then, surely they will find the peace they’ve been seeking. The happiness will arrive with them at their destination, as if it was just another passenger who paid their fare and is cashing in on a promise. A promise that the happiness which seemed so elusive in their everyday life will be waiting for them upon arrival, like luggage at baggage claim.

Although the “here” might look different due to a change in scenery, the “here” has not really been escaped, because it’s coming from the mind. That satisfaction being sought still seems not quite fulfilled. A little piece of the pie still seems to be missing. A nagging feeling that their sense of ‘completion’ has still been evaded.

What is really missing is the realization that the missing piece is the change in consciousness that did not occur. The change from within that was the necessary piece to bring about the shift being searched for, didn’t happen.

It’s only recently that I’ve seen this ego trick, working its mighty magic in an industry and a pastime and a life that I adore so much. But I take comfort in the fact that noticing it must mean I’ve exposed it. It can’t play its trick on me any longer. I can now see it for what it is — a false belief that’s hiding the truth. The truth is that real happiness lies within.

Coming to this realization hasn’t made me sad or disappointed or love travel any less. In fact, it’s been freeing. I can still be in love with travel, but now with no expectations. And isn’t that the most freeing and beautiful kind of love? The only kind of love? I can enjoy it for what it is — a beautiful journey that still will take me to those far off lands, to see amazing sights and marvel at God’s creations up close and in the flesh. But with an understanding that any “escape” it provides will only be temporary because as they say, “wherever you go, there you are.”

Travel can be a spark for change. But it can also be a decoy… leading us to forget the truth. That everything we’ve ever wanted is between our own two ears… in our minds. There is the key to change. The key to unlock all doors, transform all circumstances and bring about all the growth and expansion we’re looking for.

A change in scenery can be thrilling, can be needed, but as with many things in life, it’s only transitory. It’s not the silver bullet. It can’t stand alone, on its own. It must be accompanied by the right mind, the inner change. The silver bullet is merely just a false idea, created by the ego to keep us hanging on, to keep us searching, for what does not exist, “out there.”

This lesson that God illustrated for me, through a very practical and real scenario that is near and dear to my heart and an integral part of the fabric of who I am, has been a revelation and a gift. He has shown me once again, through another poignant example that what matters most is within. What matters most is my relationship to Him, who is my Source. And that no amount of travel or “escaping” can replace the peace that comes from the sacred bond of being one with Him. “Be still an instant and go home with Him and be at peace a while.” (W-pI.182.12:9)

He is always with me, no matter my physical location because He resides in my mind. “God goes with me wherever I go.” (W-pI.41) I will always love travel. In fact, I love it even more now, knowing I can let it off the hook. Taking the responsibility for my happiness is off of its plate, I can simply enjoy it — the sights, the sounds, the stunning and majestic views and landscapes.

I know that God goes with me wherever I go and I’d never want to escape Him. He is my most steadfast and devout travel companion, leading me to every good thing. Every vista, every sunset, every new horizon that I see with His eyes sparkles and shines like no other filter imaginable. It’s filled with a richer meaning and a deeper sense of wonder that could ever be conveyed in words. God speaks to me through my travels, through the most extraordinary experiences and even in those that seem mundane. Having His spirit, His peace within me is worth more than the price of any ticket. I now know that I can find it anytime. Right now. No travel or getaway required.

“I am content to be wherever He wishes, knowing He goes there with me.” (T-2.V-A.18:5) The “here” is the “where” I need to be, offering all that I need in the present moment. The change I seek is within me. My Home is within me. My adventure is within me. Because that’s where God is. Let me remember, I am one with Him.

© 2022, Pathways of Light. https://www.pathwaysoflight.org
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