by Aminah Ulmer
Loud, full, meaningful, slight, jarring, happy, cosmic, yummy, exhausting, challenging, funny, loving, happy, insane, chaotic! Everyday, with moments of quiet and peace.
Sharing meals, conversations, languages, glances, hugs, kisses, tears, laughter, colores muchas…Tables full of Indians, English, Mexicanos, Germans, Aussies, French, Africans, and those undiscovered as of yet.
Latihan, latihan, latihan, testing relationships, Mozart and Brahms, Hungarian folk music, salsa dancing, laughter yoga, birthday parties on the patio, workshops on service, communication, susila dharma, health, successful businesses, subud books, gift shops full of this and that.
Asking for forgiveness, grateful for much, finding my voice, courage, affection, humor, a light touch, confusion of great proportions, prayers for help, seen obstacles and unrecognized gifts. Self-acceptance and appreciation for all that is, for those I am made to see, for help unseen but solidly there.. Multi-sensory experiences graced by God.
by Athena Solbeck Robel
My husband, Raymond and I had planned the trip to Puebla but he died on 12/22/13 after being diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis in May 2013. My first reaction was that it would be too sad to go alone. I had a nagging feeling, however, that Raymond would want me to go.
After wildly positive testing at the L.A. helpers weekend, I knew I had to go, but I felt overwhelmed with making all the arrangements. Within a short time, everything fell into place for travel and lodging. and I received some unexpected money from Raymond’s saving account which covered the cost.
When I first got to the Congress, I felt quite sad and moody. After four days, I had my “sobbing latihan” in which I really let go. I felt better. Then I went on a tour to the pyramids and managed to climb the Pyramid of the Moon. The energy at the top was strong and the guide who had helped me up directed me in a healing ceremony. I felt lighter.
The experience that had the most impact was my connection and testing with three other recent widows, where I received to be grateful for my loving husband. While testing the question: how should Athena be in her new role?, I was standing tall and grounded while moving my arms around. It was almost as if I had a wand and was moving forward in life playing with life’s energy in a spirit of lightness and fun. The sense of love and support from my sisters going through similar transitions was profound.
My overall Puebla experience was so uplifting and following my receiving, I am traveling this fall to Japan and then meeting two Subud sisters to travel to Indonesia. Raymond is smiling.
- Entrance to Puebla Subud Center, leading to courtyard
