Oracle of Consciousness
Journeys of the Soul
"I Do"
Being of selfless service has been the driver of Angelique and Jake's lives now for a little over two years.
"I had heard Jake, Angelique spoke out one day, "that Being of selfless service to others, is at the pinnacle of conscious human behaviours."
Not only were they attracting mainly young, like-minded Millennials, but any age-people who sought a more aware, different and better life for themselves and others.
The common trend with these individuals, is a desire to think and live their lives outside the box, to step out of their comfort zone and break away from societal expectations.
Being an 'Outsider' as Jake would attest, is something of solitary journey, until one finds one's 'tribe'.
Most have a good foundational education, are well-travelled and see better ways forward for humanity, not necessarily visionaries, but in tune with their hearts, intuition and the possibility of creating a new paradigm of inclusiveness, cooperation, collaboration and most importantly, interconnectedness.
The sacred space the young couple have created, acts as an energetic portal, attracting all the right people that show up to embrace new ideas and behaviours.
Most of the retreats have been held over late Spring, throughout Summer and early Autumn, in other words, the warmer times, leaving Winter for themselves and continuing their own inner journey.
Immediately after each retreat, the couple would jump in the campervan with 'Mirza' and spend two or three days debriefing on what worked, what didn’t and what next, while throwing in some integration, relaxation and long leisurely walks in Nature.
Angelique's parents have visited for a few days every month to a warm welcome and joyous reunion.
Their love and admiration for both Angelique and Jake, grows with each stay.
They would help out with chores, some heavy lifting where required, Jake driving the Porsche and loads of relaxing meals, either at home or close-by restaurants.
It was during one of these dining-out meals that Jake surreptitiously excused himself and out of sight, made a request of their waitress.
Their main course was served, and eaten with relish of the taste, presentation and portions and as always, their waitress politely asked "How was your main course?" To which they all agreed, it was wonderful.
Their plates were dutifully cleared along with any lingering breadcrumbs from the gingham tablecloth.
Unexpectedly, except for Jake, the waitress appeared with a silver domed serving plate and placed it in front of Angelique, who promptly gasped out "What is this, I didn't order anything!"
The knowing waitress stepped back as Angelique kept lightly protesting.
Jake then asked her, "Well at least lift the lid, so we can all see inside, and you can decide if you want it or not?"
Angelique gingerly removed the domed lid to uncover a small, red, heart-shaped box containing a simple but elegant ring.
She let out a huge, loud yelp of delight, causing the surrounding diners to smile broadly, like they were all in cahoots.
Jake swooped on the box, dropped to his knees and lovingly posed the question: "Angel, my darling, I want to spend the rest of my life with you, will you marry me?"
Angelique and her parents, unaware of what was coming were gobsmacked, but beside themselves, grinning from ear to ear.
Angelique was speechless, deliriously happy and with Jake's prompting, planted a big passionate kiss on his lips and so the whole restaurant could hear, replied with a resounding "Yes!!"
To which the entire restaurant patrons, staff, and her parents, all gathered around clapping and hugging the young couple.
It was, one could say, an extremely memorable meal!
The wedding will be held in their sanctuary during the early Summer days, giving them four months to organise. It is to be a simple, authentic and intimate ceremony, inviting only close family members and selected friends, who meant a lot to them.
They planned for it to be outside, with the option of the renovated barn if the weather changed.
The two women relished in the wedding organising, shooing away the males and giggling like school girls throughout the process.
Jake and Jean-Pierre left them to it, only colluding together when joint decisions were required.
There were tasks to be completed, long discussions on philosophy and spirituality to be had, and the ever-enjoyable drives through the Provence villages, and spectacular landscapes.
In no time their wedding day came around.
Jake opted for a pair of linen slacks and smart open shirt, in lieu of a suit, which he had never owned and vowed to keep it that way.
Angelique choose a beige coloured crocheted dress, hand-made by her loving grandmother and hidden away for this very occasion and amazingly, it fitted her perfectly.
The day of the wedding as was 'planned,' arrived with sunny, blue skies, dotted with cotton-wool clouds, complimented with eager anticipation from all concerned.
Most of Angelique's family members opted to stay in the barn accommodation, one couple in the campervan and others in Air BnB's close by.
Jakes mother was the sole representative of his family and was housed in the cottage's spare room, much to her delight.
She had arrived two days prior to the wedding, to a somewhat strained reunion, but soon softened on seeing the enormous changes in her son. Angelique went out of her way to make her feel welcome, as did her parents on their arrival.
By 11am the marriage celebrant ushered the enthusiastic attendees to their place under the lightly sway leaves, while the sun did its part in sending dappled rays of light onto the heads and laps of the small, but eager gathering.
As planned, part of the informal ceremony involved the reading out aloud of both Angelique and Jake's hitherto undisclosed quirky characteristics and behaviours, much to the amusement of everybody, as evidenced by their spontaneous laughter.
And finally, they read their soul-commitments to each other and there was barely a dry eye in the gathering, such is the depth of their love.
Joachim who attended their first retreat, had stayed in touch and remained in France, was invited and duly serenaded the couple with his own created Rumi-like ballad, accompanying his adept acoustic guitar playing.
Jake and Angelique were unaware of his talent and were deeply moved by his words and music conveyed through Joachim's heart.
Everybody loved Joachim!
Of course, champagne flowed freely, it was France after all, and well into the night over their casual dinner held in the barn, and catered by one of their favourite little cafes in town.
The couple always believe in supporting their local community.
When asked in between courses where they were going for their honeymoon, Jake blurted out "Well ever since we met, our life has been one big honeymoon!"
To which Angelique, eyeing her father, retorted "Well the 'honeymoon' started a few weeks after we met, if I remember rightly my darling! "
Causing everyone within earshot to raucously laugh, leaving Jake slightly awkward with his 'foot in his mouth'!
Then she added, to quickly change the subject, "Dad has a friend who is attending the Monaco Formula1 GP and he said we can use his crewed motor yacht moored in the harbour for a few days, before he arrives with his guests"
"It will be stocked up and he said we can come and go as you please."
More than a few 'Ooooos' and 'Ahhhhhs' followed.
Monique went on to say, "Then we will take a three-hour drive from Monaco, north to 'Isle sur la sogue' and stay for a few nights, exploring the antique and art shops."
With Jean-Pierre announcing, "In the Porsche I might add, as I will be attending the Grand Prix and staying on the boat."
More 'Ooooos' and 'Ahhhhhs' this time mainly from the men, some just mimicking the ladies present.
It was then that Monique's Mum dropped the pièce de résistance on the couple, by proudly announcing she had booked them a hot air ballon ride while in 'Isle sur la sogue'.
This had been on their 'Bucket list' for ages and now it was to come to fruition!
Another box ticked on their ability to manifest their dreams come true, thanks to the inner work and resultant increased consciousness now available to them both.
More cause to celebrate, which was done with much gusto and cheering!
In all his life, Jake had never seen his Mum so happy and proud of him.
In the end, love conquers all!
And now we have come to the end of this portion of Angelique and Jake's soul-filled journeys.
So dear reader, you too are invited to live your life to the fullest and satisfy your soul's urge, whatever that may be.
"It is not about how much you do, but how much love you put into what you do that counts".
Mother Teresa
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