This woman has no business card, website, Twitter or Facebook account and yet she profoundly influences people around the world. She is probably a senior by earth standards and yet she doesn't look over 50. She honors the Beloved in all of us and helps us remember our magnificence. After meeting this incredible woman, I was inspired to write “Hangin' Out in Easy Land”. It was my great joy to sing for her on several occasions.

Some people face huge challenges in their lives, feeling as if the cards are stacked against them. And yet, many emerge triumphant as they transform their traumas into their strength. One of my favorite passages from Emanuel is: “You have become caught in the illusion that your identity rests with your capacity to struggle. It does not. Your true identity is awaiting you beyond effort. The key is to remind the Self not to be afraid of anything anywhere, anytime, ever. Can a shadow on the wall hurt you? Death cannot kill You. Pain cannot hurt You. Years cannot age You. Welcome Home.”

It can be effortless to be in 'easy land' when we are on a vacation or when life is running smoothly. But tests can come unexpectedly when we experience financial stress, heartbreak, grief or upheaval. How then can we flow, move and meditate through the middle of the muddle? The only way to 'hang out in easy land' is to live wholly and completely in the Presence. One of my favorite Zen parables is the story about the man who was being chased by a tiger. Coming to a precipice, he caught hold of the root of a wild vine and swung himself down over the edge. The tiger sniffed at him from above and far below, another tiger was waiting to eat him. Then the man saw a ripe strawberry near him. Grasping the vine with one hand, he plucked the berry with the other. He enjoyed the most delicious strawberry he had ever tasted.

When you know that everything is perfect the way it is, the fun begins. Then with complete conviction, you can smile, speak and sing “Hangin' Out in Easy Land”.  So why not hang out and enjoy listening to the song clip above.

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​With love,