Fellowship Fridays: Liberty Enlightening the World
August 7, 2009
Happy Friday, fellow travelers!
Today promises to be a spectacular day, as I’ll be visiting New York City for the very first time ever! I’m a fairly well-traveled person, having been to Brazil, Hong Kong, and several countries in Europe… but I’ve never been to “the big apple,” and today I get to go with the most wonderful guide, Nadia!
I don’t really know what to expect. I guess we will visit some of the must-see spots in town, maybe ride a subway, and eat a giant slice of pizza while watching a mugging or two. Who knows? Anything can happen in NYC.
One thing I know for SURE I want to see is the Statue of Liberty. Lady Liberty symbolizes so much history, opportunity, feeling, nostalgia, risks taken, fears overcome, and dreams pursued. Her torch stands for enlightenment, available to all who seek it.
To me, she doesn’t just represent America, she is an international beacon of hope and inspiration. People have come from all over the world in search of everything she stands for. Some have found what they were looking for. Others weren’t as successful, but are stronger for having tried.
I want to try.
I want to look up at Lady Liberty and know that so many others have stood there before me, thankful to be in her presence. I want to feel connected to everyone who ever truly, deeply wished for freedom and enlightenment… as I wish for it today.
Plus, as anyone who’s ever seen an end-of-the-world movie knows, the Statue of Liberty is the first thing to get struck by lighting, giant tidal waves, asteroids, and alien attacks. So I might as well see Lady Liberty while she still stands. Right?
Nadia and I will each post about our “meeting of the minds” some time next week, so you can get both perspectives about the day and a half we are spending together. I wonder which one of us will have more fun? Here’s a picture from last night, when Nadia and Jacob took us to their favorite Thai place for dinner…. yu-um!!!
If you haven’t had a chance to meet Nadia, please stop over to Happy Lotus and check out her beautiful, soulful blog. This will give you an idea of just how lucky I am to be spending this time with such a spiritual and unique guide. Lady Kindness is taking me to see Lady Liberty!
What about YOU?
Have you been to New York City? What are your favorite things to do there? Do you ever find yourself wishing for freedom, enlightenment, or the sense of being connected to those who have come before you?
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Lisis, So glad to see you’ll finally met Nadia…I am sure you will both learn so much from each other. But the best part about meeting like minded and soulful people is that you will instantly connect at a much deeper level.
I have never been to NYC but friends who live there tell me the Large pizza slices and the Lip smacking Hot-dogs are awesome. And Central Park seems to be my friends favorite quiet spot…but early morning before the hustle starts. Try it if you get the chance and let me know..is it really that good??
And may you find the enlightenment you’re looking for when you lay your eyes on Lady Liberty.
Lots of love…
Zeenat{Positive Provocations}´s last blog ..Want to be healthier?Learn To ENJOY more.
Hi Lisis,
I think this is so awesome, your family spending time with Nadia and Jacob! Have a fantastic day in NYC! While I’ve never visited there – it’s a must-visit some day soon.
And I visit Nadia and her blog every chance I get – so I know so well how deeply moving and soul-connecting her writing is. Nadia, if you’re reading this – know just how much it means to me, in everything that you write is so deeply written from your heart…I am so lucky that our paths have crossed in this great big world…
Nadia and Lisis,
Know that I think the world of you and your being in this world is such a gift. It’s like the whole world has a bit brighter glow today, and that’s you two, together shining goodness and light out into our world!
Lance´s last blog ..Where Is This Journey Taking Me?
I’ve never been to New york, but it’s definitely on my list of places to visit. Like you, I have this incredible urge to visit the Statue of Liberty. All that she represents, and all that she is. I think everyone has experienced those feelings, those desires for freedom that she represents.
I leave you with my favorite “New York” lyrics of all time, from Simon and Garfunkle’s “A Heart In New York”:
“A heart in new york, love in her eye, an open door and a friend for the night.”
Enjoy your visit!
Jay Schryer´s last blog ..Happy Birthday, Baby
I have never been to The States.
It must be fun to have guides like Nadia and Jacob showing you aroundand although I have not been to NYC, I have visited Nadia’s blog and I too do agree her blog is a place well worth visiting.
You all have a great time.
wilma ham´s last blog ..How I dare to ignore the recession.
You can’t watch a mugging and not act. Jerry, George, Kramer and Elaine tried that on Seinfeld and got thrown in the slamer.
New York is awesome. I’ve been there once before and have stood on top of the Statue of Liberty itself. It’s really a site to behold. I’ll definitely head back one day.
Keep on truckin’ Lisis and I’m glad you’ve met Nadia. Time for me to check out her blog…
John´s last blog ..Live Life as if You’re on an Adventure
Last week I was in NYC and managed to see a show and do some shopping on 5th Avenue — two of my favorite things to do in NYC! One thing I’ve never done is see the big Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center and I plan on doing that in early December this year. So excited! Have a great time on your trip!
Positively Present´s last blog ..turn the dial and tune in to happiness
I’m so glad you guys are getting to take Hunter to see some of our country’s landmarks. I wish I could be there with you, exploring! I can’t wait to read more about your time in DC & NYC, and to see more pictures, which we can feature on our brand new PHOTOS page (for those who haven’t seen it, look right under the Q4B banner, at the top upper-right of this web site).
Alison | Quest for Balance´s last blog ..Fellowship Fridays: “Liberty Enlightening the Worldâ€
Growing up in the midwest, and living most of my adult life on the West Coast, I haven’t had the pleasure of hanging out in NYC much. I’ve been there a few times and I love the “feel” there. The State of Liberty still gives me goosebumps – lots of history and personal meaning there, for me.
I second Alison, it is awesome for you to take Hunter to these places. What a treat for him!
Oh, and Ali, thanks for tip about the PHOTOS tab. I loved it! What a great idea! The pics there are just beautiful. Thanks for posting them and sharing.
I’ll see y’all around!
xoxox
Lori´s last blog ..Your Body is a Fortress, Part 1
I love NYC! Some of my favorite places and things to do:
Time Square – Hunter will love Toys R Us….I’m 45 and I love that Toys R Us!
Central Park
Central Park Zoo – I love zoos!
Greenwich Village is absolutely one of my favorite places!
And I’ve never been to NYC without seeing a Broadway show
Have fun and I can’t wait to hear more of your adventures!
Namaste,
Carol
Carol´s last blog ..Choices
How nice, when bloggers-in-kind, actually get to meet! It sounds like you’re having a fabulous time. Look forward to more.
Kaushik´s last blog ..A Gentle Honesty
Nope been a lot of places but not NY. You’ll feel the energy of my ansetors. Both sets of grandparents came from Poland via New York. Nadia let us know if you can be hired out as a tour guide when our time comes!
Tess The Bold Life´s last blog ..Bold and Free Compliments Cheer Up America
Wow, you are there already! I do think the Statue of Liberty is a very moving experience. It’s like you can feel how many people suffered and sacrificed just to catch a glimpse of that statue. I remember hearing stories of people bursting into tears upon seeing it for the first time, as they entered the U.S. And of course you are right about the different types of freedom. There is physical freedom, and there is spiritual freedom, and we are lucky to be able to turn our attention to both here. Thinking about that statue really makes me remember that.
As for NYC, as you know I lived there for 15 years, and my vote is of course the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The painting galleries are amazing, but really it is the historical room set-ups that I love – the Egyptian Temple of Dendur, the Buddhist art room, and some of the Eastern architecture rooms off of there. I have not been there in years though, so not sure it is all the same. And I LOVE anywhere in Central Park – so many interesting things to do and people to watch. And Greenwich Village, just about anywhere. And the 9/11 site, which is still very moving. You are going to have such a powerful experience, I think. – Lisa
Lisa (mommymystic)´s last blog ..An Interview with Gangaji
Lisis, 20 years ago I visited NYC quite a few times. Despite all the wonderful things I did there, one of my favorites was standing on top of one of the World Trade Center towers. Something you will unfortunately be unable to do. Despite my growing dissatisfaction with human excess, I am inspired by the incredible human achievement that built those towers and that city. One of my favorite views of all time was a cab ride from JFK to Manhattan just about sunset. The silhouette of the skyline was something I’ll never forget.
Stephen – Rat Race Trap´s last blog ..Paying the Price to Get Out
NYC is a beautiful city and you are apt to see anything there. Central Park and the zoo would be a must and you can find great shops. You have to try a real NYC bagel !!!
Have fun and stay safe.
BunnygotBlog´s last blog ..I Kicked This Guy In The Bots
Have fun Lisis! I thought the exact same thing when you mentioned the Statue of Liberty. “Isn’t the first thing that gets bombed by aliens!”
Albert | UrbanMonk.Net´s last blog ..How To Stop Fearing Time
I really appreciate and agree with the points expressed over here. Thanks to all for such nice thoughts.
Everything Counts´s last blog ..Keep Score!
[...] We even had to cut our second day short and miss out on several spots I had my heart set on, like Lady Liberty, because I couldn’t walk without excruciating [...]