Decades ago, Jill was fortunate to snag a work trip to Shanghai, China. With almost 24 hours of travel each way, she chose to leave Friday night instead of Monday to enjoy time exploring the city and surrounding areas during the long US 3-day holiday weekend before her counterparts arrived. 

Walking around Shanghai reminded Jill of New York City except with Asians with bright lights, tall skyscrapers, and not a single breath of fresh air. Despite the growing population, old Shanghai preserved its cultural mystique, traditions, temples, and local eateries. 

Seeking a different vibe for the last day, Jill booked a tour to a nearby town filled with gardens and river walkways. 

The tour guide eager to practice English seemed timid to talk yet guided the way. As Jill and the guide walked through the steep towering gates, heaven appeared before her eyes. 

The tall skyscrapers dissolved into lush, highly crafted areas. Bye bye square buildings. The rounded flowing walkways tickled her eyes with what peaked around each corner. Areas seemingly flowed from one area to the next with seamless precision. 

Jill’s heart rate slowed while her eyes captured each and every detail. Admiration, beautiful, and glorious all wrapped in each breath. Each flower, each plant carefully crafted into its special location. Only minutes passed by and Jill thought in her head, that she could stay there forever. 

The spaciousness, and open gardens dissolved every stress out of her mind and body into water pools that lined the pathways. The peace that trickled from her head to her feet turned electricity from the city chaos into a flow of water and peace within. 

The carefully curated gardens showed deep purpose and intention. The open, spacious design, thoughtfully connected each area from blooming flowers to water lilies to gentle waterfalls to a gazebo gathering area. 

With each fresh breath, more expansion arose. Source whispered deep insights into Jill’s mind. She found a sitting area and pulled out a napkin the only thing to write on. Out of nowhere poetry turned into art on a wrinkled napkin. 

From opaque skies in Shanghai to openers in Shouzou, a recalibration occurred. With renewed passion, Jill seized the opportunity to ask deep questions about her purpose and life ahead. 

Find the open, spacious places that evoke renewed passion and purpose. Here answers will arise naturally.  

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