Soul Journey Around The World

“I am not the same having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world.”


Blessings to all my family known and unknown-

My name is Giselle.  I am a writer, artist, educator, seeker, lover and friend from the Bronx, NY. I am also an (over)sharer so chances are, you have been along with me for so much of this journey.

After a tumultuous Summer of sadness, fear of the unknown, mourning and healing from loss, I am tired.  I am prayerful. I am spent. If you know me, you know some of the reasons why. In talking to my roommate Sonia today, she said, "I think you need a bigger goal. I think you need to be audacious. It's ok to ask for help. " She noted that I am most alive when I have returned from a new place.


I have decided that I am going to take a leap, despite my terror, and venture out in exploration of a world unknown. I am traveling the planet in hopes of learning about myself. I am jumping off of a cliff and believing that life will catch me (or that the wings I have always had somehow know it's time to activate). I have not left the country since I was 8 years old (why is it only death that makes us say it is ok to go?) and I feel  it is time.


As an artist and educator living in New York City, my bank account on a daily basis looks like I'll never see the world. TBH sometimes it looks like I'll never see my rent paid but somehow miracles happen (and trust I never let an overdraft fee go unreclaimed). It's a great act of faith to ask for what you need but truthfully it is terrifying. I was taught that to ask for help is shameful. And no one ever says it explicitly. It is all in the doing. The telling of the struggle once the dust has settled. It is the black woman's way.



In a meditation last month, I got this message: "I am released from the bondage of self-reliance. Of the Super woman syndrome and the need to handle everything alone. Easing in a new pattern of being generous with my truth and asking for what I need." This is my release. 

I want to run through the tulip fields of Holland. I want to (learn how to swim first and then) wade through the bioluminescent waters of Jamaica's Luminous Lagoon and trace my ancestry beyond my grandfather and mother. I want to write poems on the bus to Lima in Peru. I want to stargaze in the deserts of  Morrocco.  I want to bury my toes in black sand and bathe in the healing waterfalls of the tropics. I want to be moved. I want to find my true self. I want to find meaning that is not based on my yearly income or my list of accolades (cuz tbh if that's where my meaning lies it's a wrap for me). I have yet to find a place that feels like home and so here I am, going out in search of it. I want to live a joyful life and liberate myself from fear.
(this is my Jamaican American Black girl eatpraylove. Especially the love... we got natural disasters and Korea's testing nukes come meet me half way.)

I also honestly just need time to focus on my work. My art. My writing. Right now I work to live, but it is the art that fills the living with meaning and I don't have time to devote myself to it. I want to draw inspiration from the world I am discovering and pour it into my art.

It is my intention to meet with people and create a space of beauty and healing in every place I get to visit as an offering. I will do a healing circle, writing workshop or art class (in a number of disciplines from weaving and jewelry design to zine making) for free in a community space to whomever would like to attend.



If you love me, if I have moved you, if I have  been your teacher, if you have any faith at all in the person I am and the one I will become. If I helped you out of a dark place in any kind of way. Brought some color, inspiration or light to your life. Or if you don't know me at all and want to give because you are a believer in the journey.. Please love up on me and bring some light and much needed time to mine. No contribution is too small. A dollar given in the spirit of love is an abundance. And if it is not in your means to do, please share this post and send me the energy and momentum. It is received just as graciously.  Help me and maybe I can encourage you, in turn, to also take a risk and honor your deepest calling. 





If everyone in my network contributed $5, I would surpass my goal. Collective economics is so powerful.

Your donation will help go towards

-My lodging, food, plane tickets, emergency expenses, etc etc etc. 

-Helping me create a whole host of art projects while I am gone. Prints, jewelry, zines, film photography. I want to finish writing my first book manuscript.




Places I am going/want to go:

FIRST STOP: Thailand and then the rest will be determined as I go along, depending upon my ability to do so with your support.


India
Bali
Nepal
Japan
Jamaica
Trinidad
Costa Rica
Peru
Guatamala
Mexico
Brazil
Turkey
Belgium
England
France
Italy
Spain
Berlin 
Switzerland
Greece
Nigeria
South Africa
Dubai
Turkey
Morocco
Australia
Hawaii
New Orleans
Joshua Tree

(and really, wherever else I am led). I know I probably won't get to all of these places on this on this trip and maybe I will end up in ones I didn't even consider putting on this list, but that's all OK.

I will share my journey in a weekly blog so you can follow my adventures, although electronic use will be kept to the absolute minimum. It is a journey of spirit and therefore a cleanse.

I am stepping forward in gratitude to every soul with me in love, solidarity and kinship on this human journey. You are what magic is made of. Thank you. Thank you.

“You must give everything to make your life as beautiful as the dreams that dance in your imagination.”