Weekend at Bernie's

CHANGING MY RELIGION

Weekend at Bernie’s

By Jacqui Ray

Both Brenda and I were looking forward to five nights of pure relaxation in Tasmania. We had been waiting months for this trip to serenade ourselves with fun, rejuvenation and women’s empowerment. Once we arrived, our first encounter began when we pulled over for a coffee break. As we walked through the countryside, we came upon an Aboriginal yarning healing circle that had been the foundations for the elders. Their spirit was entwined in the land and their lives were still being recognized for their contributions to society. As we sat on the rock formations, I was picking up on energies of their existence.

A woman who was walking past joined us. She explained the heritage of the site and how the tribe and elders were a big part of the area and surrounds. She left, and we never asked her name. If our family members were there, the essence of the moment would not have happened. It was meant for us; it was a part of our journey. As we continued on, we saw a church. It was an old one with nothing much to look at within the barriers of the fence. We came to a grave yard that had two graves there. I walked towards them and Brenda stood next to me, we observed the graves of two priests from the congregation. It was a privilege for them to be cemented in time in that spot as they were being acknowledged for their services in the community.

While admiring our surroundings, tingling began through my body and I allowed the sensations to come through me. Brenda watched in amazement as my hands flickered around, I was blessing these priests and allowing them to join the light. At first, I did not know I was doing the sign of the cross, I asked Brenda to confirm what was happening. She understood the significance and so did I. I was a part of this experience and it was joyful to have the privilege of allowing the time and place to evolve together. But why was it happening to me? I stopped my thought process, grounded myself and told Brenda it was enough as I was starting to freak myself out.

We continued our walk in amazement and allowed everything to process. We then came upon a path which led down to a secluded beach. We followed the track that had mounds of rocks, stones and a sense of tranquility about it. We walked around the water’s edge in silence. I scrambled over the rocks and came upon a rock that was formed and shaped into a heart. In all my years, I had never seen anything like this.  I put it in my bag and still have it sitting on my dining table. Even my husband knows the significance. He sat and listened to my stories with interest, he was not like this normally. He knew it meant something to me and that was the main point of the journey.