I’ve gone through a string of changes in the past 10 years: two divorces, one marriage, a layoff, three jobs, three houses, health challenges and a drop in my account balances. Through it all two things have remained constant: First, an unshakeable conviction that I am being guided and held by a force outside of my own body. I feel myself being breathed even as I breathe. I’ve pondered whether that force is God or chi or prana or spirit or a profound expression of love that runs deeper than the trendy sentiment slapped on pillows and plaques. In the end the label doesn’t matter. Understanding is the consolation prize.

Second, I have been loved and cared for by the most heartful group of friends anyone has ever had. Probably that’s how the outside force works its juju. If friendship is the miracle that stirs the water, I have picked up my mat and walked countless times. If the kindness of others is medicine, I have taken the cure. Whatever my account balances, I am a rich man.

Seven of my friends attended a bon voyage brunch in my honor yesterday. Huge thank yous to Pat Murphy, David Kaar, Derek Presnail, Alan Hintermeister, Peter Piché and Mike Longnecker for attending and especially to host Ron Traxinger, who provided his trademark warm hospitality and great food. (Picture of our handsome crew below.) The best part of the brunch: Each attendee composed a poem in my honor. I can’t imagine a greater gift. Here’s one of them, a proper poem with rhymes and everything.

ASK: The movers come Thursday to deliver the heavy stuff to my storage space. I hit the road Friday. Between now and then, I’ll make 116 trips from the bedroom where I’ve been staging gear and clothes to my van parked on the street. I’d love to have company and help any time on Tuesday or Wednesday to feel into the just right place to put everything so my new home feels like home. Let me know if you’re available.

Second, this distribution list grows by two or three names with each update. After fielding a dozen requests, I’m going to switch to a blog format soon. Would love for someone who’s received most or all of these missives to copy and paste them into a Google Doc that I can use as a starting point.

MORE GRATITUDE: Thank you to #vanlife gurus Oie and Darren Dobier for their valuable recommendations. Thank you to David Ashworth for a deep and energizing conversation about, among a dozen other topics, the difference between being in nature and being of nature. Thank you to the irrepressible Darya Bor for introducing me to vibe camps, which have captured my imagination. Thank you to Mauri Cohen for supplying clarity and perfect words. Thank you to Amy Maxine for the artful rock painted with a fantastic Mary Oliver verse. Thank you to Shelly Hammes for the crystal tower that fairly hums with life. Thank you to John Bitenc for missing me already.