Often, I find myself living a Spiritile.
As a die-hard fan of Houston Llew’s intelligent, distinctive, and important work - and honestly, just a huge fan of him and his family - his wife Lauren, his manager Matt, and the whole crew of artisans who use both their minds and their hands to create these consummately collectible artworks, it’s really no surprise that I find myself experiencing the very words and picture combinations I breathe in day in and day out.
For example, this past summer, I tackled something that genuinely terrified me: a five-day, four-night camping trip on the Choquequirao trail in Cusco, Peru. I had never really hiked. I hadn’t camped in over 30 years. I have a healthy fear of heights. And I am at an age where identifying the location of the nearest bathroom in any new space feels… essential.
Yet with determination, and a very good friend by my side - I took on the ancient trail. It turned into a remarkable, spiritual journey. It was terrifying and thrilling all at once, and I found myself living and breathing the words from Terra Incongnita - Spiritile #210:
“May your trails be crooked and winding — leading to the most amazing view.”
And that’s the beautiful thing about Spiritiles. They are overwhelmingly positive, yes - but there is often a gentle nod to what is difficult. To what is necessary, even, to endure in order to reach that joyful place.
(BTW - if you haven't discovered the simple, wonderful way to make gifting Spiritiles even MORE special - grab a gold marker and write a meaningful message on the back like I did for my dear friend who embarked on this life-changing journey.)
Very recently - like, a few days ago recently - I found myself with a handful of hours carved out for family, away from the hustle of the holiday buying frenzy that I both feed and nurture. Our unique and distinct offering becomes especially meaningful this time of year, and because I love what I do and believe in its importance, I tend to roll up my sleeves and put most of my life on hold for a solid six weeks.
But there it was: a few hours.
So I did what many of us do this time of year. I pivoted into motion. (A-type personality tasks.) I picked up around the house. Added another bushy garland to the window. Strung up a few more twinkling lights. Then darted off to Trader Joe’s and to a favorite BBQ place for some festive nibbles. Then — oh! Aunt April loves sparkling drinks — I need to go there too!
Very quickly, this little respite from work turned into a frantic, not-so-stressless, maybe-I-should-go-back-to-the-office moment.
And then I stopped.
I took a breath. And it dawned on me: I was love in action.
I was thinking about my family - what they would enjoy, what they would delight in eating, seeing, and experiencing - and I was doing. I was moving. I was acting. And there it was: another Spiritile moment. Spiritile #244, Yuletide:
“Christmas is love in action.”
I think I actually had tears in my eyes.
So I sat back and leaned into it. Yes, I was busy. Yes, I was running around. But I was loving the people who matter to me. Gratitude took over, and suddenly it wasn’t stressful. I leaned into it.
So that is my wish for you.
As these last days of the holiday season unfold, embrace the Love in Action. As you dart around in your own selfless acts for the people dear to you, be grateful that you can. Roll up your sleeves. Make your home beautiful. Fill those plates. And love - love, love, love.
Living Houston Llew Spiritiles
