Have You Become Your Dream?
Posted by Robin Easton
This post is dedicated to my friend Larry McDowell, a gifted guitarist and dear soul who sent me this song because it reminded him of me. Thank you dear Larry for “seeing”. I am deeply honored. This post is also dedicated to my friend Stacey Mathews, a beautiful child of the wind, a woman with great grace, a true heart and hungry soul. We are kindred.
For many years I was very nomadic. I left home at 18 and traveled through parts of the USA, Europe, Mexico, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Alaska and more. I went where the spirit called, and life was forever endless and I was forever young. I ate what was available or not at all, and sometimes lived off the land. I had lovers, some I barely remember and a couple I’ll never forget. I had occasional close friends, and met kind souls who took me in when I was ill, lost, weary and just plain lonely.
No matter the experiences, a sense of freedom ran through my days. I traveled on trains, planes, trucks, boats, cars, motorcycles, and sometimes bicycles, or walked. Life was simple: a pair of worn jeans, lace up boots, flannel shirt, jean jacket and hair hanging loose. I was rarely without a knapsack, red bandanna, passport and my dad’s hunting knife. They were as much a part of me as the freedom and dreams I sought. I truly was a child of the wind.
Did I find my dreams? I don’t think I knew what my dreams where then. Maybe it was more that I hungered for dreams, or simply that I hungered for Life, something other than what my culture routinely offered. I came face to face with myself and with Sweet Life. I grew to know both intimately.
Did I ever satiate my hunger for Life? No, I never will. Hunger for Life is as much a part of me as Life itself. It only grows stronger. For that I’m grateful; I’ll always be a free spirit. Lately I come to understand that it’s just who I am.
Today, do I have a better sense of what my dreams are? There are things I love to do and goals I’ve accomplished. Are THEY my dreams? No. My dream is very simple, almost indefinable. It’s as free as I am. It’s to experience as much of Life as I can. To fully live Life in all it’s myriad of emotions and experiences, wherever I am. To love those souls who come my way as much as I can. To love and forgive myself, and others. To sink into wild Earth and expand into vast Universe so completely that I become who I am. To allow myself to be wild and maybe sometimes a little domesticated. They are all me. My dream is not something I do. It’s not something I believe in. It’s just who I am…as I move with Life, and fall into Love.
As I walk this new journey with my book, Naked in Eden, a journey that, for a time, may take me away from the wild that I desperately love, and deeper into the land of humanity, a path filled with more towns, travel, speaking, being “someone”, being “about” something, being more clearly defined. And honestly? I am not about anything. I just AM. And each moment that changes. So I pray I will learn to move into this world just “being”…and nothing more.
I ask myself what is this new path I walk? It is unlike any path I’ve so far taken. I look at the words of Bruce’s song and feel certain that the new road I walk is very uncertain, unknown. So maybe it is a good road for me. One that will bring new experiences, bring me closer to the experience of Life, one that will make me grow in ways I’ve not yet grown.
“There’s roads and there’s roads
And they call, can’t you hear it?
Roads of the earth
And roads of the spirit
The best roads of all
Are the ones that aren’t certain”
© Bruce Cockburn
One part of me hungers to solely be in the “waiting” mountains, hiking barefoot, wearing jeans, flannel shirt and red bandanna, and yet another part compels me to write my story, to reach out to humanity with love and compassion, to move into the world—and through sharing who I am—experience more fully the life that I’ve lived. And through this, discover the yet undiscovered Robin that I now am.
I often weigh up what seems like “my two lives, as if they’re drastically different, one wild, one domesticated. But for today, I explore their sameness, as one life, one ongoing journey. As Bruce says in his song, “Sometimes it looks blessed. Sometimes it looks cursed. Depends on what you look at obviously. But even more it depends on the way that you see.” ~ © Bruce Cockburn
How would you describe your dream? What do you hunger for? Do you ever experience–what seem like–dichotomies in your life? How do you embrace them?
Love,
Robin
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This Site: © Robin Easton
Website: http://www.nakedineden.com
Blog: http://nakedineden.com/nakedinedenblog/
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23 Comments so far...
Mark Says:
3 July 2010 at 8:44 pm.
Expansiveness and grounded-ness, soul and body, earth and sky, in and out… the marriage of being, the practical and the mystery. Hobble your horse and then put your faith in god.
The art of simply being here. The grace, the possibility. Waking up in the morning and saying, “This is my day, I am here”. Feeling the light, the light of being. The absolute tenderness.
It is all in you, just a choice of attention, that is my prayer… attention.
Big hug.
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Jonathan - Advanced Life Skills Says:
3 July 2010 at 8:50 pm.
Hi Robin, I so resonate with your feelings here. I don’t think our dreams should be confined to one dimension or have preconceived limits placed on them. Dreams are by nature expanding and fluid, like a private universe. They don’t recognize different directions as conflicting and we can learn from that perspective. With a strong sense of adventure and openness we can embrace it all and still feel centered. This can be challenging if fear enters the picture and we get over analytical. So we let go of the fear and expand into a state of just being, and that reassures us that it’s all good and there is plenty of room for everything. I move easily through the many rooms of my dream because there are no closed doors, and plenty of open windows!
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Tweets that mention Naked In Eden Blog – Robin Easton » Have You Become Your Dream? -- Topsy.com Says:
3 July 2010 at 9:00 pm.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Jonathan Wells. Jonathan Wells said: Have You Become Your Dream? @RobinEaston http://bit.ly/bOhbxn [...]
nothingprofound Says:
3 July 2010 at 9:11 pm.
When I was eight and sitting at my desk in school, I drew a large heart on the cover of my looseleaf notebook, and inside wrote in big, bold letters the word “HAPPINESS.” That was my dream. And from the moment I dreamed it, it became my reality.
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Gail Brenner (AFlourishingLife) Says:
4 July 2010 at 7:49 am.
Robin,
You have so beautifully captured the essence of the truth in this post. Truth is not about becoming something better than we are or achieving a “dream” at some future time. Your title is just perfect. When we become our dream, there is no dream and no dreamer. There is only the current of life where all separate souls meet.
You have an interesting time coming up – playing at being someone, and certainly being reinforced for that by other people – yet knowing your true identity as the one heart. You are so ALIVE! Every single person who comes into contact with you is so fortunate to be in your glow.
Love and love,
Gail
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marcel lemieux Says:
4 July 2010 at 7:54 am.
I love this post Robin…beautiful in the way you express yourself and that video is right on..your words are as mine, what could possibly be added…i never really had a dream of wanting something, i just lived..i think i more had an invisible, intangible quest..to find a better world..did not find it in this world..but in my inner self and then there was an immense energy and peace that has touch my heart. My feet have memories of walking many roads,,my hands have memories of many lovers, my eyes have memories of many sights, my mind shall never forget..i,m still on the road, we all are…its just at what pace we travel on it…i think we are dimensional beings..Robin ,close your eyes for a second.. you are walking on that mountain trail, walking the towns streets and are in your lover,s arms….and you walk among the stars too..you are free as a spirit is free.its who you are…all life is a dream and we act upon it..do we need to dream a dream in a dream or to simply live!..have i become my dream, no i,ve become me and still discovering many things..have a superb day…peace..Marcel
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Nick Grimshawe Says:
4 July 2010 at 8:30 am.
Beautiful post Robin,
I love my life and my life is my dream. But here is what came to me when you asked that question. My dream is to be so wide open the universe could pass through me. (I just listen to the inner voice.)
Enjoy your journey and remember to take time to walk in quiet places.
Nick
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Christopher Foster Says:
4 July 2010 at 1:06 pm.
Such a beautiful blog Robin. I am so happy you took the time to respond to my post on kindness, that gave me a chance to connect with you.
Your story is my story in a lot of ways. Not in every way, it would be HARD to duplicate your story; but I relate to everything you offer on your site and I find great nourishment in it at a time when life has presented a challenge or two.
I was bought up in a middle class family in London but it just didn’t fit. I was in Southern Rhodesia as it then was for two years, then I spent some time in Australia and NZ (I didn’t go and live in a rain forest but I did pretend to be a hobo). But then I was back home trying to settle down and it just didn’t work.
So though I was an only child I just had to leave UK and go out to British Columbia even though it meant giving up a promising career as a reporter in Fleet st. There was this deep longing inside my heart, something calling me. What was it? I had no idea. But I knew that if I kept looking I would find it.
Never dreamed it was in me all the time of course.
A year or two after getting to BC I discovered what had been calling me. That is, I met a man (English aristocrat with a ranch in interior of BC) who started a spiritually oriented community, and represented for me what it was I had been seeking for for many years. But of course it’s not wise to DEPEND on another person for truth, the time came when it was necessary to come into the world again and that is the adventure I am on now.
So very very happy to have made your acquaintance Robin and if it develops into friendship I shall be even more pleased. Blessings to you.
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timethief Says:
4 July 2010 at 2:19 pm.
Years ago when we were in our early twenties my husband and I shared a dream. That dream was to leave the rat race in the urban jungle, move to the gulf islands, buy land, build our own home, and start our own pottery business. I’m happy to say that we are living our dream.
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Wilma Ham Says:
4 July 2010 at 4:15 pm.
Dearest Robin.
“a path filled with more towns, travel, speaking, being “someoneâ€, being “about†something, being more clearly defined. And honestly? I am not about anything. I just AM. And each moment that changes. So I pray I will learn to move into this world just “beingâ€â€¦and nothing more.”
A dream, an aspiration for life is inside you, it does not become, it always IS and from that you live your life. For me the danger has been to lose my dream and have it overshadowed with ‘dreams’ society wanted me to dream, have it overshadowed with the busyness of life to have things happen and thus losing time to connect with my dream.
Domestication is alright, as long as your dream inside you is not crushed, as long as domestication is not taking over the time you need to water your dream that gives purpose to your life.
I am doing my best not to let domestication and work take over, they are useful in life but NOT when it becomes everything I do. Fear of failure, impatience, thinking I am solely responsible for success have been things for me to watch as well. John taught me to not be afraid to put the brakes on when I had enough and it is time to roam wild for a while. THAT has been a huge learning to dare to listen when it is time to water the dream inside and go with my own rhythm rather than the world’s one. When roaming in nature that is easy, when in the ‘human’ world, the rhythms are not serving dreams and THAT is where I needed to develop skills to know how to nurture that dream inside me. This busy world is about taking our attention away from what matters, all we need to do is not let it and fearlessly sometimes say ‘no’ and retreat.
Much love to you in taming the wild beast that is current society. Pay attention as you paid attention to the snake, learn its behavior and know when it becomes dangerous.
Then who you will survive. Much love, Wilma
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John Rocheleau -- Zen-Moments Says:
5 July 2010 at 9:47 am.
Robin,
I guess that when we say we have a dream — if we are dreaming clearly — what we really want is to live in, develop, and explore life, with our essential nature. We just want to be who we really are, powerfully and fully. And unless we are separating life into isolated segments, we can live within and through our essential nature in any surrounding, be it a mountain forest or an urban jungle. It isn’t about places. It is about life. The wild child remains free. I feel that this is what you will GET from this new journey.
Love to you,
John
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Chris Edgar Says:
5 July 2010 at 5:24 pm.
Hi Robin — I can definitely resonate with the split you’re talking about — I love my writing and speaking and so on, and I also get the sense that there is a darker, edgier part that could stand to come out — perhaps in terms of playing more music, in a live audience setting, or something else. I’ve been puzzling recently over how to more deeply explore that.
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mike foster Says:
5 July 2010 at 10:51 pm.
Being just “am” is what we are all about, when we allow ourselves the freedom to just be. Hey, Robin, just because you appear to be closer to one of you dreams does not me that you are losing a sense of who you are and have always been…it’s just a result of all your hard work and focus, your desire and drive that has, finally, put you in position to become what you have always striven to be…think about it…
I look forward to reading your book and continue to be a part of your amazing life and persona…
peace,
mike
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S. Ali Myers - Soulful Body & Mind Says:
6 July 2010 at 5:35 am.
This is my first experience here at “Naked in Eden” and I have to say, you place your words in the right places. I love that you are a free-spirit. Everyone should be. What are you when you are not free? What are you when you let society dictate who you should be? What are you when you relinquish your freewill?
The honesty and compassion showed through this post. I wish you nothing but the best with your book.
Take care!
Ali
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The Exception Says:
6 July 2010 at 11:41 am.
Robin –
I am living my dream… maybe that is the message that I have been trying to come to terms with for the past few months and maybe it took reading this to understand that… or maybe this is something I need to consider more deeply Throughout my life I have had “wantsâ€â€¦ I wanted this profession, to be a mother, to travel, to do something that made a difference… but I don’t know that I ever dreamed as so many others did. I knew I had a purpose in life and yet, I have never believed that purpose to be anything more than living a life the best way that I could. I have felt the dichotomy of wanting the “traditional†dream and yet wanting to live life as it unfolds open to the opportunities that present themselves and being me. My life is about learning and experiencing and exploring and appreciating on so many levels – I never considered the idea that in living life as I do, I am actually living my dreams.
It seems that people dream of being something or doing something specific – doctor, lawyer, dancer, writer, president… I wonder if people dream of experiencing life? If they dream of living to their highest potential? If they dream of being a person of integrity and honesty and love?
I love that you live your dreams… that you are open to the new paths that are unfolding and the adventures that await. It seems that you may be finding another aspect of your dreams; your life; and who it is to be Robin… filling in great depth and detail while blurring lines a little here and there.
Thank you for this post Robin and your wonderful thoughts… and for the new way of considering my own journey!
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Larry McDowell Says:
6 July 2010 at 5:39 pm.
Robin,
First, I am humbled and honored to be mentioned within your wonderful post. I am without words right now and a little bit teary eyed. While writing this response, I’m sitting in my house with my new love, watching the rain fall and filling up the creek that runs through my back yard. I can honestly, truly say that I am living the dream. As always, thank you for your inspiring words and free spirit.
Larry
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Hilary Says:
7 July 2010 at 12:02 am.
Hi Robin .. what a great song, with wonderful words – which seem to combine so appropriately with your life and your explanation to us of where and how you are who you are.
I just feel privileged to be a part of your journey, to share with you, to learn from you .. it’s such a different world from mine .. but the interweaving is there .. and I look forward to having my own experiences .. my own dreams fulfilled .. now I can see a way forward – probably for the first time in my life.
The journey is happening, bits of this puzzle are falling into place .. allowing me to start again as such .. to experience new beginnings with some background, some goals, some place to go .. a new puzzle is set out I can see the picture .. it’s a good future ahead.
Great I love reading your words … and being with you in some small way .. and perhaps if you hop an aeroplane at some stage!! we’ll meet up over here .. another dream .. with love and thoughts for your journey – Hilary
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Lance Says:
7 July 2010 at 12:42 pm.
Robin,
Wild and free…that is how I think of you. The wild, though, is a very different “wild”. It’s more – connected to your soul – and to the truth it speaks to you. I feel that very much (and it’s truly what draws me close to you). It’s wild in you that it is – you, unabashed. The real you – that shines through. Robin – your gift is this story you have within you (or at least – one of your many gifts).
So, these roads you travel…they may be unknown. And I see, still, that this is all right and all good. Your story will touch people in amazing and beautiful ways – I know it will. And this will help others to be “free”….and to travel these roads, their own roads of unknown…and that too shall be deeply good.
So, my dream: It’s one that is unfolding for me. That continues to become more defined – and yet undefined. My dream is reach that place of deep connection with the collective heart….or – the hearts (souls/spirits/inner beings) of many. Mine with yours. Yours with mine. And yet it’s also undefined – as how do I truly define this? I don’t think I can (or should). It will be what’s right at the moment. Perhaps it too will involve many roads that aren’t certain….and perhaps that is the best of it all…
Much peace and love to you,
Lance
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Robb Says:
14 July 2010 at 6:10 pm.
Kia ora Wild Sister,
I have been away for while, always good to return and see the wisdom and hope shared here. My dream is to one day remove my foot from the world out here and place it next to the other one firmly planted in the wilderness.
I love Bruce. The Whole Night Sky is one I Listen to before every mountain journey. Rave on Wild Sister. I am heading to the mountains soon to celebrate my turning 50. Once on my own next week, once with my friend Gustav a few weeks from now, and then in early August with my beuatiful wife. My hip is ready and so am I. I shall bring your Spirit along. Kia kaha.
Aroha,
Robb
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paraluman Says:
17 July 2010 at 12:51 pm.
Dear Robin,
Thank you very much for this post. I just felt so moved by your story and how you painted it so beautifully with your words. I just felt a stirring inside. My soul, my higher self is also calling upon me and I’ve always said no because I am afraid, that i cannot do it. How can i? I havnt done that before. But you so beautifully reminded me that the most beautiful road for the spirit is the one which is unknown. Thank you so much Robin, the push that i need, i got it from you. Stay as beautiful as you are.
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Bob Zybach Says:
18 July 2010 at 2:27 am.
Hi Robin:
I love and admire your enthusiasm, your infectious joy for life, and your dreams of better things — for yourself and for all of us.
My own dreams are similar to yours. My story is somewhat different, but otherwise exactly the same. We are people that children follow, and the older we become, the more children we attract. For lots of good reasons.
My own children (those that call me Dad) are in their 30s now, and are older than many of my friends. My business partner just turned 90, and my grandson is almost 20. My best friend at this time is in her 30s, and has three teenage children who will receive copies of your book.
I know this makes sense to you. Please keep being who you are and growing toward who you wish to become:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZON2rv5XKzo
Best wishes,
Bob
[Reply]
Stacey Says:
20 July 2010 at 7:29 pm.
Dear Robin!
I am so deeply honored that you dedicated this post to me. As always you touched me deeply. And again have reminded me why I feel so deeply connected with you. We have led very different paths in many ways, but your description of your path through life, and feeling the pull of the domestic and wild is how I feel all the time. Its creating the perfect balance between the two, and I feel that I get closer to that balance with each year.
Thank you for being such a beautiful influence in my life, and this was such a beautiful post to read at the end of my hiking journey as I transition from wild to domestic (although this is the least wild trail I have been on). So thank you for writing the perfect thing at the perfect time!
Sending my love!!
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Becoming your dream « this time – this space Says:
7 March 2011 at 10:03 pm.
[...] On the beaches I find teeth, bones, and shells washed up from my friends in the sea. There are also colourful and interestingly marked stones, petrified wood, shells and pieces of polished glass. All these I collect and some become part of my webs. I catch my dreams and record them in my dream journal. Do you catch your dreams? My dream is very simple, almost indefinable. It’s as free as I am. It’s to experience as much of Life as I can. To fully live Life in all it’s myriad of emotions and experiences, wherever I am. To love those souls who come my way as much as I can. To love and forgive myself, and others. To sink into wild Earth and expand into vast Universe so completely that I become who I am. To allow myself to be wild and maybe sometimes a little domesticated. They are all me. My dream is not something I do. It’s not something I believe in. It’s just who I am … as I move with Life, and fall into Love. — Robin Easton in Have You Become Your Dream? [...]
