From the Cocoon

It's been nearly eight months since I last posted here but not because I have abandoned this work. Actually, quite the opposite. Through a long dark winter and reflective Spring, I was fully invested in a sacred writing practice which, in total, took nine months to complete. A sacred and symbolic length. A gestation of sorts.

During these months, I sat in silence at my desk with stacks of journals, notes, and references from photographs, text messages, social media, and emails and wrote my first book, an autobiographical travel memoir about a three month life-changing solo trip from Ecuador to England, (with a brief hop to Italy) and two months in India. In the book I share my most vulnerable and painful moments, the beautiful people I met along the way, and describe my encounters with skilled spiritual healers from the Amazonian rainforest to the foothills of the Himalayas. But more importantly, the mystical magic and miracles I witnessed. This book has been an act of devotion. I cleared my life literally and figuratively to tend to it. I reduced my working hours (and thus, income) to make space for writing. I jettisoned possessions, keeping only things with meaning or practical purpose. I created a sacred space for sacred work. What I wasn't prepared for in this writing was the experience of re-living my most painful moments. I'm grateful for the blessing of a private space to embrace the process and for the support of my friends, family and a good therapist. For all I have healed, I found new layers to shed. But this time, in solitude, I could fully honor and alchemize in the emptiness.

At the start of May, I emerged from this deeply sacred and solitary time recognizing that now, my work truly begins. My book is in the final stages of editing right now, the cover art is complete, the right people have arrived to support it's birth. All of this is foreign to me. Things like "Pre-sale notices" will be coming by summer's end and the book even has its own social media handles and logos. And... I have a new website to serve as a connecting hub for my many expressive outlets. One of the things I have resisted the most in life is being seen. When I started this blog, I didn't use my full name or images on purpose. I wanted to remain anonymous and keep the focus on sharing experiences with the hope that anything I have learned may help someone else on their journey. What you will find at the new site is... me. I am lifting the veil.

I am using my name.

I am using my voice.

I am not yet sure if I will migrate these posts to my new site or keep this blog active. I'm certain I will arrive at the answer soon and, of course, post here with any changes. My intention through all of my work is to be of service to something greater than myself and remain humble in that quest. If you feel so inclined, please join me at www.tracieball.com

Love,

Tracie