This summer, I took on the challenge of distilling Jane Goodall’s life down to its essence for my producers. I walked with her through the jungles of Africa listening to the vast stories that make up her life while I tried to assure myself that I was okay in my own. I was giving Jane the super hero cape she deserved, but I was, once again, defining my own life as small. I was pulling out of my body and looking to the world for reassurance. Am I enough?

And this morning, back at my studio, with my daily comfort of a warm Bhakti Chai, I stare blankly at my notes from Africa. I look down at my hands, I stare at them until they belong to me and then I come into my body with a knowing. In this place I recognize my authentic self, my muse, quietly waiting for my return and I speak to her.

What a journey you and have been through. What a path we have taken with our machete to get here. You held the compass and I am grateful you didn’t share it until I was ready, I would have given it away. I still might. You keep it safe while I battle with my worthiness.

Be where my hands are. When I am lost, with nowhere in the world to belong, you tell me to look down at my hands and belong in my body. You never rescue me, you feel with me. You never demand my actions, you nudge my intuition. You watch me, I feel you.

In all of my wasted efforts to fit in instead of belong you were there—so quiet and patient in your strength, aching for my deliberate awakening.

Teach me to touch, feel, taste and smell the essence I alone offer the world.

Stay with me. Your devotion heals me.

Share your story in the #BhaktiFuelsMe campaign. How are you living your “Bhakti” (your devotion) in life? How do you unwind and rejuvenate?

Post on Facebook or Instagram using #BhaktiFuelsme. Five finalists will be featured on Elephant Journal and will receive a year’s worth of Bhakti Chai. The Grand Prize Winner will receive not only the aforementioned prizes but will also be the “star” in a 2-minute film sharing his/her devotion with the world. Click here for all the details!

Keele Burgin is a writer living in Boulder, Colorado. She is publishing a memoir in addition to being the story-board team lead on a major motion picture about Jane Goodall.

Bhakti Chai is inspired by Keele’s grounding rituals and her courage to share a vulnerable part of her journey with the world.