January 2017 - Unleashing our power within

Welcome to the Dare to Blossom Newsletter - Happy New Year for 2017

In this Issue: 
Reflections: unleashing our power within
New coaching programme - and call for testers
Events: new workshops for 2017
Inspirational links

Reflections: unleashing our power within

Soon after I began writing about, and using for myself, the idea of rediscovering inner wisdom, I remember thinking: "Well, that is all very nice, but what is this wisdom for?" At that time I explored this question in my journal and some thoughts came up about inner wisdom being a solid foundation, a base from which to release my power within. Releasing power to be used for good: for myself, for those close to me, for the world.

'Power' is one of the words in the Dare to Blossom Rediscovery Cards pack, with a deep purple background. I remember writing in a blog or post somewhere about the many meanings and associations of that word. How I feel that the power I wish to feel is not 'power over' another person, but rather 'power within' me, to be released.

That was all some time ago, and it is intriguing to me that it has taken me so long to come back to that thought. Over the last year I have regularly been challenged, in various ways, to step up, step out, be more, be bigger, be more powerful. For a woman who as a girl learned her lessons well - be good, be quiet, be tidy, be nice, smile, don't show off - this is more than a little uncomfortable. I have already been doing a lot of stepping up: working as a trainer for many years; speaking in front of groups; running my own workshops and on-line events. Maybe I have thought that was all, all there is to blossom; maybe I have become a little complacent.

That word - power - is one of four that came to mind a few weeks ago, along with progress, passion, and purpose. Soon after that a centre point - peace - presented itself. 'Peace' is another of the cards, and one that comes out frequently for me. Interestingly, twice recently, whilst I have been having conversations with my own coaching support people, I have drawn a card and it has been this one. There are several members of my 'support team': some I buy coaching services from, with others we work on an exchange basis - either way, I would not be without their invaluable insights. (I have chosen not to mention names here for fear of leaving anyone out, but I will add in links below for some of them - and, again, apologise for those not mentioned this time.)

Every coach needs a coach - just like everyone else, I can't see what is right under my own nose without a mirror. And, I benefit from a sounding board, someone to help me hear myself think. So, these ideas developed over quite a short period of time, assisted by my over-arching theme of daring to blossom and the idea of petals opening.

This beautiful candle stand that arrived as a birthday gift in November played a part too, inspiring the shape of the flower that has become a base to work from in a Rediscovery Coaching session. With help from another 'support team' member, my graphic designer, I developed this:

In and of itself this functions as a reflection tool, with each word as a prompt. Maybe you would like to try it out in your journal or meditation practice:
- begin with whatever word resonates with you, choose to flow write or meditate. Then move on to the next, and the next, and the next, then the centre.
- what emerges for you?
- what gifts can you find within this process?
- do you wish to paint, draw, collage - express this visually in some way?

For me, that process took me a long way, including thinking of compass point associations (again prompted by a coaching conversation): North for my guiding star, my purpose; East for my energy, my passion; South for standing strong, rooting in power; West for new directions, the future, following the setting sun - progress; and the centre point - peace.

Next, I decided to draw a card for each point from my Dare to Blossom Rediscovery Cards; Here is what came out this first time:



I am still working with this, maybe I will share more next month, or on the Dare to Blossom Facebook page. Of course you could use any cards you wish, or simply, as I suggested earlier, follow your own process through journaling and meditation. Writing this now, on 31st December, I personally feel, not just on the cusp of a new year, but also on the brink of a big personal leap forward for me. I love that my card for Progress in the photo above is Synchronicity - I already know that much of my work is evolving through collaborations and connections. Many of these have arisen through synchronistic links and conversations. Who knows what more there is to emerge in 2017 and beyond?

New coaching programme - and call for testers

The process I have described above is evolving into the basis for my new coaching programme for 2017. Some details are already available on my website here, I will be refining that description - and giving it added impact and power, as the process continues to be tested.

And so, dear friends, I would like to ask your help in doing this with me. Will you share with me an hour of your time, plus a little more to send me some thoughts on the process afterwards? In return I will offer a sixty minute Dare to Blossom Power Flower Rediscovery coaching session, with a recording for you to explore later for more nuggets of your own inner wisdom.

I am offering seven spaces, to be taken up during January. One has already been taken, after someone responded to my very early thoughts on the process, so contact me by email to reserve your spot and we can discuss dates and times. 

Forthcoming Events

Illumination for 2017: Return of the Light - A Magic Carpet Ride Workshop 21 January

The first workshop of the year is at the Blue Lotus Therapy Centre at Scorrier, near Redruth, full details and booking link are here
We gather from 9.30 for coffee/tea and conversation before settling in to start at 10.00, through to 1.00. The price is the same as last year, £25.

Dates have been booked at the Blue Lotus throughout the year, as below, and I will be planning a programme for those events as the year unfolds:
Saturday 13 May
Saturday 8 July
Saturday 9 September
Saturday 18 November

I am still looking for a perfect venue, like the Blue Lotus, in east Cornwall - if you know of somewhere, please do contact me.

Here is a testimonial written very recently by Linda Hurr:

"I attended Mary’s Magic Carpet Ride last year and wanted to write a little piece about it to recommend it. I had been reading some short ebooks about learning to live a magic filled life and then saw the title of Mary’s workshop – it seemed too much of a coincidence so I enrolled, not knowing what to expect, but having heard good reports about it from a friend.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that Mary had created a very relaxed, informal environment and there was no pressure to ‘perform’ or ‘participate’ – we were presented with a variety of activities which were gentle and yet had the potential to be very powerful tools for enlightenment, inspiration, motivation, clarity, guidance, or, whatever was needed.

For me the workshop provided a lovely safe space for the crystallisation of everything I had read about living a magic filled life and confirmation that I was heading in the right direction. It gave me the motivation to push on with extra insights and pointers gained during the workshop.

I really felt that the workshop was a catalyst which kick started my new life in Cornwall and I left with renewed vision, excitement and focus. I also made a couple of new friends! I would highly recommend Mary’s Magic Carpet ride to anyone who would like some fresh insights and clarity for the direction of their lives in 2017." Linda Hurr B.Sc. Hons

Thank you Linda, I find it humbling to hear how powerful (there's that word again) a process the workshops can spark for people.

Glastonbury 2017

I have just begun exploring dates for a workshop in Glastonbury - I think it will be on Saturday 6 May. If this is something that interests you, please do contact me - and let me know if you would prefer a half day or a full day workshop. Having run both over the last two years, I think the full day offers more time for in-depth exploration. And, that requires more commitment, of time and money...... for me, and for those attending, so a choice to be made, something I will need do very soon.

Dare to Blossom at Home workshops can be booked at any time: if you are in Cornwall or west Devon and are interested in exploring the option to host a group of friends in your own home, have a look at the website here and contact me so we can arrange a chat to discuss what you would like.

On-line Programmes - new ideas evolving

Those of you expressed an interest in the 'Global On-line Magic Carpet Ride' I had planned to start on 7th January will already know that I have postponed that for now. The timing didn't work for people - probably too much happening over Christmas, not to mention to many out-goings. Also, since I publicised it I have arranged an upgrade of my broadband in early January. I know this will make hosting group calls easier, but in the short term it may mean interruptions so it would not have been wise to go ahead to a commitment to support people in an on-line group with daily interactions on Facebook.

I am so grateful for all your support with this and I have already been in touch with those of you who booked to arrange refunds or exchanges.

Inspirational Links

Just recently, on 23 December in fact, I was interviewed by Engel Jones, who is based in Trinidad and Tobago. He is recording a series of twelve minute conversations with inspirational people. Mine will be available from 22 February. In the mean time there are nearly 500 already available to listen to here. It is a intriguing concept and Engel has a set of standard questions - the variation in how people answer is fascinating, not to mention the interesting insights they share. We continued the conversation after the recording finished and a pack of Dare to Blossom Rediscovery Cards is winging their way to the Caribbean right now.

A few of my inspirational team
I began recalling some of my support team, there are so many more of you, my heartfelt thanks to each person, listed here or not. If you read this and would like a mention, just let me know. I am filled with immense gratitude seeing and feeling all the love and support represented here and in the many other people I have connected with this year. Not to mention those whose words I have read, or who may have given me encouragement in passing. Deep bows to you. I know we all remain linked, through the rich tapestry that joins us.

Amy Palko
Amy Oscar
Andy Britnell
Cas Smirthwaite
Julie Daley
Kathy Kane
Kim Coe
Mary McConnell
Ronna Detrick
Sandi Davis
Sheila Howe
Soleira Green
Soness Stevens
Victoria Smith

As always, please feel free to comment below with your thoughts and comments. 

If you would like to own a set of Dare to Blossom Rediscovery cards to explore their power for yourself please visit the dedicated page.

Thank you dear friends for visiting with me again this month and sharing my musings.

Until next time,

with love,
Mary

Find 'Dare to Blossom Life Coaching' on Facebook, @daretoblossom on Twitter

December 2016 - Slowing down

Action note: if you would like to book a place in the "Return of the Light - Illumination for 2017: Global Online Magic Carpet Ride Circle", the Early Bird special price of £25 ends on 7th December, after that it is £30, scroll down for details or click here to book.

In this Issue: 
Reflections: Slowing Down
Events: Magic Carpet Ride Workshops
Inspirational links: Guest Blog from Julie Daley of Unabashedly Female

Reflections: Slowing Down

This month I really have no idea yet for a theme for these reflections. At least, I didn't when I began. AS I reached the place in the set-up where I am asked for a subject line, the words 'Slowing down' popped into my head.

Sometimes it feels, especially at this point - the end of November - as if the pace of life is speeding up .If you have much to do to prepare for Christmas celebrations that will almost certainly be the case. For friends in the USA who have just finished with Thanksgiving for another year, I have no idea how you manage two such large events in quick succession.

And - for me, it still seems that slowing down is precisely what is needed. It will be time soon to plan for the new year ahead and all that I may wish to bring into action in 2017. Now, even in the midst of busy times, can be an opportunity. My recent workshop at the Blue Lotus, and the forthcoming one in Launceston (see more below) - prompted thoughts on 'Review, Reflect, and Re-Vision'. My personal spelling of 'revision' indicating that the time is not yet come to plan, simply to gain perspective on the year past, and see  more clearly the things that I wish to continue into next year.

I also see, now, as I write, that this is a continuation of the autumn theme of reaping the harvest of the year, winnowing the golden grains from the chaff. Continuing in the sense of reviewing what those golden grains represent; choosing which to store carefully away; which to plant soon; maybe which to gift to others. Writing, as always, in my own experiencing, in real time, here - talking with you through the screen, through these words - this may resonate with you. Or it may not, it may for you be a piece of chaff. Either way is perfect, the offer is there to share this fleeting experience, which I do freely in the knowing that in so doing you may find a nugget of gold of your own.

For me, this process cannot happen without slowing down. In the way that the pulse of the natural world slows in winter. As the plants become dormant, withdraw in self-protection against the cold, preserve resources for fresh growth in the spring - so we human beings need some time to turn inwards to ourselves.



That this opportunity comes at a time when many of us are busy with families and friends offers both a challenge and an opportunity. Maybe some of this process is best activated in community, not solely by ourselves, valuable as that lone contemplation can be?

For you, for your journal or meditation practice:
- if any phrase or word resonates with you from this piece, choose to flow write or meditate on those words
- what emerges for you?
- what gifts can you find within?
- do you wish to paint, draw, collage - express this visually in some way?

Forthcoming Events: Magic Carpet Ride Workshops

Monday 12 December, at The Business Space, Launceston.



This event is a little different as the room has been kindly donated by Annie Mitchell from Bamham Farm Cottages. This is being promoted in conjunction with Gemma Massey from TME Networking, and the plan is to hold a two hour workshop using the tried and tested 'Magic Carpet Ride' formula, with time for networking before and afterwards.

Arrive from 9.15 am, through to 12.30 pm.The price for this one-off event is £20 per person. Book here.

The information for all events is on the Dare to Blossom website as usual. Please contact me with any questions you may have.

Return of the Light - Illumination for 2017: Global Online Magic Carpet Ride Circle

Booking for the next on-line Magic Carpet Ride Circle is now open, with the Early Bird price ending on 7th December. Join a global group to explore how you wish to illuminate your year ahead in 2017 - whether business, career, health, relationships, creativity - any or all of these, you will receive insights and support here. More details and booking link here.

We start on Saturday 7th January, and run through five full weeks together, closing our circle on Friday 10th February. Each Tuesday evening at 7.30 pm GMT there will be the opportunity to join a group check-in call to share our experiences. This will be recorded in case you are not able to join us, and for you to listen again if you do as there will be many rich seams to explore through this process.

Each week you will receive a new guided visualisation to help you access your own inner wisdom. We will use the prompts of the Dare to Blossom Rediscovery Cards and a daily practice each week through a closed Facebook group where we can gather as if in a room together and support each other.

I know that many readers of this newsletter do not wish to be involved with Facebook, if there is enough interest, I could, as before, set up an email group - and you would still of course be very welcome to join the live group calls each Tuesday. Please contact me if this appeals to you.

The Early Bird price is £25 so book now to reserve your place. After 7 December the price will be £30.

Saturday 21 January at the Blue Lotus Therapy Centre, Scorrier


 

Returning to our new venue in a beautiful wooded setting at the Blue Lotus Therapy Centre, for the first of six workshops in 2017.

Continuing the tried and tested process, we will share creative visualisation, writing exercises, discussion, laughter - all those ingredients that people tell me make big breakthroughs possible for them. The freedom of the imagery of the magic carpet, combined with the Rediscovery Cards will allow you to experience a reconnection with your intuition, your inner wisdom.

For the New Year, in the sometimes dark days of January, we will focus on the time ahead, and journey together for illumination and inspiration for 2017. Knowing that the light always returns with the turning of the seasons; the new shoots will grow, produce leaves, blossom and fruit.

Venue: The Blue Lotus Therapy Centre,  Scorrier, Redruth, Cornwall, TR16 5AR Full directions can be found here.

 Date: Saturday 21st January 2017

Times: arrive from 9.30 am to settle in with a hot drink, start 10.00 am, end at 1.00 pm

Price: £25.00 per person. Book your place here.

Future events in 2017

Following the success of the first workshop at the Blue Lotus, I have booked dates throughout 2017, all Saturdays from 10 am to 1 pm:

21 January (see above)
18 March
13 May
 8 July
 9 September
18 November

I am still looking out for a similarly magical venue in east Cornwall, do let me know if you hear of anywhere. In the meantime, Dare to Blossom at Home workshops can be booked at any time: if you are in Cornwall or west Devon and are interested in exploring the option to host a group of friends in your own home, have a look at the website here and contact me so we can arrange a chat to discuss what you would like.

Inspirational Links

I have so many friends writing amazing inspirational blogs that I have decided to feature one of them here each month:

Here is Julie Daley of Unabashedly Female writing on how a walk can be a question.... Read here.

Writing now, on 30th November, it feels too early to wish you Merry Christmas, so I will simply send you a blurry, slightly festive, photo of our outdoor lights from last year ....



As always, please feel free to comment below with your thoughts and comments. 

If you would like to own a set of Dare to Blossom Rediscovery cards to explore their power for yourself please visit the dedicated page.

Thank you dear friends for visiting with me again this month and sharing my musings.

Until next time,

with love,

November 2016 - Mellow Moments

Welcome to the Dare to Blossom Newsletter

If this has been forwarded to you by someone else, you can sign up for your own copy every month here.  If you do not wish to receive future editions, please use the link below to unsubscribe. 

In this Issue: 
Reflections: Mellow Moments
Events: The Vibrant Living Show,  Dare to Blossom Workshops in Cornwall, plus the 2017 global online programme
New book: "The Dare to Blossom Rediscovery Cards Companion Guide"
Unusual gifts
Inspirational links

Reflections: Mellow Moments

It is amusing me that I chose this title for my reflections this month. I am not sure if I feel particularly 'mellow' just at this moment. I have embarked on finishing a whole lot of projects that have been hovering around, incomplete, for a while. The creating part is relatively easy for me; grappling with various online editing systems is not.

However, sitting here at my computer, the blank page in front of me, ready to write to you, I looked out of my window at the autumn sunshine in my garden. And, remembering the harvest we have been gathering, the walks I have been enjoying, and the anticipation of slowing down for a couple of days this week to spend time with family - yes, taking a deep breath, I can feel a little of the mellowness creeping in for me. So I set this as an intention: to allow myself some mellow moments, to seek them out. To enjoy the autumn sunshine when it appears, especially as it has today, following torrential rain and winds.

The autumn colours are only just emerging here in Cornwall and I have yet to take any new photos, so I will share these from past years:





Many years ago, when I ran Pydar Crafts, my business making copper enamel jewellery, one of my most popular lines was an autumn leaf brooch. I don't have one myself which is rather sad, but I can remember the people who visited my stall at the craft shows. They would spend such time and care choosing the perfect one for a gift - there was a selection of colours: from red and bronze to green and yellow. Being handmade, no two were exactly alike. A beautiful memory, a mellow moment.



If you are in the USA, many of your autumn moments may involve pumpkins for Halloween and Thanksgiving. As well as colours these may bring back the smells of your mother's baking; the texture of the pumpkin flesh as you carved it out; the tingles of delight as a child as you saw the scary face you had made illuminated by the candle inside. My husband and I don't grow the big pumpkins any more, though we did have some whoppers one year. Here is a photo taken at the Eden Project one year when they had just had a pumpkin carving day and these creations were on display.




So, where have these meanderings on 'mellow moments' taken me today? The enjoyable memories for one. And a sense of resting in that sense of completion of the cycles of the year, the harvest time, the leaves having done their jobs. The earlier sunshine was replaced by a shower and that in turn has now given way to a brighter sky again, with the trees lit against a backdrop of dark clouds. 

For you, for your journal or meditation practice:
- allow yourself to reminisce on some 'mellow moments', maybe browsing old photos as I have done
- what memories emerge for you?
- what gifts can you find within?

Events: the Vibrant Living Show, Dare to Blossom Workshops in Cornwall, plus the 2017 global online programme

I will be exhibiting, and giving a talk (at 1 pm, entitled "Will you dare to blossom?") at the Vibrant Living Show on 12th November from 10-4 at Heartlands, Pool, Cornwall. Further details here, or on Facebook here.

Winter Magic Carpet Ride - Review, Reflect, Re-Vision

Two workshops are coming up for the closing months of 2016, both on the theme of 'Reflect, Review, Re-Vision', looking back and choosing what to take forward to the new year ahead. Full details are here on the website page.

Saturday 19 November, at the Blue Lotus Therapy Centre, Scorrier, Redruth

As the year closes, join us at a new location for a morning of shared reflection, to review and re-vision the year, and look forward to the future. We will share creative visualisation, writing exercises, discussion, laughter - all those ingredients that people tell me make big breakthroughs possible for them. The freedom of the imagery of the magic carpet, combined with the Rediscovery Cards will allow you to experience a reconnection with your intuition, your inner wisdom. 

As usual, arrive at 9.30 to settle in for 10 am start through to 1pm, as usual, and the price per person is £25. Book Here.

Monday 12 December, at The Business Space, Launceston.



This event is a little different as the room there has been kindly donated by Annie Mitchell from Bamham Farm Cottages. This is being promoted in conjunction with Gemma Massey from TME Networking, and the plan is to hold a two hour workshop using the tried and tested 'Magic Carpet Ride' formula, with time for networking before and afterwards.

Arrive from 9.15 am, through to 12.30 pm.The price for this one-off event is £20 per person. Book here.

The information for all events is on the Dare to Blossom website as usual. Please contact me with any questions you may have.

Return of the Light - Illumination for 2017: Global Online Magic Carpet Ride Circle

Early notice of the next on-line Magic Carpet Ride Circle. Join a global group to explore how you wish to illuminate your year ahead in 2017 - whether business, career, health, relationships, creativity - any or all of these, you will receive insights and support here. More details and booking link here.

We start on Saturday 7th January, and run through five full weeks together, closing our circle on Friday 10th February. Each Tuesday evening at 7.30 pm GMT there will be the opportunity to join a group check-in call to share our experiences. This will be recorded in case you are not able to join us, and for you to listen again if you do as there will be many rich seams to explore through this process.

Each week you will receive a new guided visualisation to help you access your own inner wisdom. We will use the prompts of the Dare to Blossom Rediscovery Cards and a daily practice each week through a closed Facebook group where we can gather as if in a room together and support each other.

I know that many readers of this newsletter do not wish to be involved with Facebook, if there is enough interest, I could, as before, set up an email group - and you would still of course be very welcome to join the live group calls each Tuesday. Please contact me if this appeals to you.

The Early Bird price is £25 so book now to reserve your place. After 7 December the price will be £30.

New book: "The Dare to Blossom Rediscovery Cards Companion Guide"

Regular readers here must have lost count of the number of times I have mentioned work on a book as a companion to the Dare to Blossom Rediscovery Cards. And maybe understandably wondering if I would ever actually write and publish this. Well, the news is that at last I have ceased dithering over it and taken the 'just do it' approach.

This means that the first proof copies I ordered are already out of date before they arrive, as I immediately thought of lots of additions to make and a better design for the cover. However, the second batch of proof copies have been ordered, with the inclusion of a foreword by Nick Williams, author of The Work We Were Born to Do (and 13 other titles). I don't remember when I read his first book, but know it was before I became a life coach myself. Nick's work and his way of being present so authentically in his writing and his videos (recently broadcasting live every day on Facebook) has been inspirational. So, when he agreed to write the piece I was delighted and honoured.

The books will be available to buy direct from me, either as a stand-alone, or in a package with the Dare to Blossom Rediscovery Cards. Later the book will be available from Amazon and other booksellers' sites, as well as from Lulu.com, the self-publishing service I use. Here is the link to my Lulu page there where the new book will be listed in due course and here is a low resolution mock-up of the cover:



Thank you to everyone who has encouraged me to keep going with writing this book, it has turned out nothing like I expected, and, in some contrary way, at the same time, just as I hoped. I know that makes little sense, along the way somewhere the original idea I had after my year of blogging about one card a week, has split into two books. This is the first, the simple companion. Written not to tell you how to interpret the cards, simply to provide a little structure, in the form of prompts and examples of other people's reactions - to help you develop your own individual way (or ways) of accessing your inner wisdom. I am so grateful to the members of the Facebook group who have given me permission to use their comments anonymously. Thank you once again if you are reading this.

Oh, and just in case you are wondering - I don't know what the second book will be about yet, or when it will emerge. Right now I want to get away from the computer and focus on some new art pieces for my stand at the Vibrant Living Show, and displays at the workshops. And there is seasonal celebration and time to rest at the turn of the year to prepare for as well.

Unusual gifts

As well as my currently available three books (soon to be four as you will have seen), you could also look at my original artwork, and the greetings cards featuring my designs and photographs. Another way to buy is via my page on Redbubble. Here you can choose a design to be made into a print, a greetings card, a tote bag, phone case - a whole range of products. This can be a good way to order, especially if you are based in the USA, as that is where Redbubble prints them. (So, if you are in UK, and order a big package, as I did, please be aware you may be charged customs duties, plus an administration charge.)

I have so many friends who make the most amazing and beautiful things, that I am hard-pressed to choose any to feature here, so here is a website that highlights a number of different small UK producers, it is called "Wow Thank You." And there is the Made in Cornwall site being set up too.

Inspirational Links

This month's featured blog is Barb Parcells with Flower Bear's Garden. In her piece she mentions a Youtube interview with Natalie Goldberg on the thirtieth anniversary of her book Writing Down the Bones,  one of my early inspirations. I am watching it now as I write - another mellow moment. I love what she has to say about art too,and her reflections and stories.

As always, please feel free to comment below with your thoughts and comments. 

If you would like to own a set of Dare to Blossom Rediscovery cards to explore their power for yourself please visit the dedicated page.

Thank you dear friends for visiting with me again this month and sharing my musings.

Until next time,

with love,
Mary

Find 'Dare to Blossom Life Coaching' on Facebook, @daretoblossom on Twitter

October 2016 - Allowing the flow

Welcome to the Dare to Blossom Newsletter

In this Issue:
Reflections: allowing the flow
Events: Winter Magic Carpet Ride Workshop: "Review, Reflect, Re-Vision"
Your coaching package
Inspirational links

Reflections: allowing the flow

Laughing at myself a little ruefully as I write this:it is now 4.30 p.m. on Monday. I intended today to be a writing day. I said to someone this morning that I would be working on the latest book, then I remembered that I needed to start work on this newsletter to send out to you on Friday. And then.... well, you know the story, with your own variations: shopping, doctor's appointment, going back to collect medication as the dispensary wasn't open, emails to deal with, accounts to update, a friend to contact. Not procrastination exactly, but a version of it. (You may have seen this TED talk before? Inside the mind of a master procrastinator by Tim Urban)

The title 'Allowing the flow' popped into my mind as I was setting up the outline for this month's missive to you. Now I come to write about it, I need to explore what I mean by that. Or do I? Maybe it doesn't matter what I mean, or anyone else, by those words, they are simply words. Today I have seen two pieces in my on-line meanderings - both inspiring and thought provoking: one from Nick Williams on resistance. (This is a link to a Facebook Live piece, I am not sure if it will be accessible to you, if not you will find Nick writes about this subject in his blog too).Then this afternoon Lucinda Drayton shared this piece on Surrenderfrom her blog last year.

Allowing the flow, feels - for me - to be about a balance, a tension even, between those two things: resistance, and surrender. There are many meanings of the word 'resistance' - and I was interested to see that it derives from the Latin verb meaning 'to hold back'. To surrender is to cease resisting. Whereas 'allow' comes from "the Latin allaudare to praise, reinforced by medieval Latin allocare to place." (all definitions and meanings from the Oxford English Dictionary).

All these words, and the experiences they describe can be valuable. For today, I return to exploring 'allowing the flow'. I am intrigued by those two Latin roots: 'to praise' and 'to place'. Add to those one of the definitions, of which there are several, of the verb 'to allow': "Give the necessary time or opportunity for." - and I feel a connection back to flow - to giving time or opportunity for this to happen. The addition of that word 'necessary' - highlights for me that maybe I am sometimes unrealistic, too hard on myself perhaps, when I expect myself to be able to simply step into the flow. Whether that be something like writing, creating art, meditating..... or anything else, maybe it is necessary to give permission, to give time, to give opportunity?

Another thought arose for me: that sometimes flow is just that, flow. It needn't be a means to an end. I mentioned writing and art - I have a habit with those, and maybe even with meditation, to judge myself harshly if I do not produce something to show for having been in the flow; for having taken that time, used that opportunity. Does 'allowing the flow' also include the possibility of simply being there, as well as, sometimes, doing?

An image comes to mind - that of a wave: in physical reality the water in the wave doesn't actually move forward, simply rotates in a circular motion, until the wave reaches shallow water and breaks (if you are interested in the science behind this have a look here). It is the energy that moves across the ocean, rather than the wave. If I was out in the ocean I could allow the waves to flow by. Unless my boat was powered by wind or an engine, or carried by ocean currents, I would just bob up and down as the waves passed underneath me. Whereas in a river - the water is moving downstream, following a path determined by gravity and influenced by the obstacles in its path.



Several days later......

Returning to this piece to finish writing to you, I felt what I had written might not make sense, and not 'flow' at all. As I re-read my efforts to get to grips with the concept of 'allowing the flow', I saw that I was writing about precisely that: the allowing. And all the things that may get in the way of simply 'allowing'. The resistance. The temptation to surrender in a potentially negative way, that way of saying 'Oh, I give up!' when something is not going how I think it should.

And... I didn't give up, I went away for a while. I spent a wonderful afternoon with a dear friend visiting the Japanese Garden at St Mawgan. It was a dull misty afternoon, there were very few people in the garden, in fact for much of the time I think we had the whole place to ourselves. It was too early in the autumn for the dramatic colours, and too late for the blossoms - so we could really appreciate all the shades of green, the textures and shapes of the trees and their foliage. And the mosses, grasses, bamboo, rocks, sculptures......



I felt myself dropping down into peace, into stillness. Away, in fact, from any sense of flow. Simply being in the stillness of nature. A stillness that was not static - the wind was blowing at different places in the garden, the leaves rustling, the grasses moving. While we were standing looking at this view across the pool, the wind started playing the most deeply moving song on the wind chimes, as Sharon said, the effect was as powerful as that of a gong bath.



And we sat here by the raked gravel garden for a while, on either side of a beautiful wooden buddha. So many memories here for me as I visit regularly with different people. Some of those memories go back to sitting in these quiet spaces with my mother a number of years ago now.



This dropping down, into the peace within, seems for me to circle back around to 'allowing the flow'. It feels to me, now, to be connected with the circular flow of life - not only outside myself and my body, but within. My blood circulating through my veins and arteries, through my heart and lungs, keeping me alive; my breath flowing in and out, in and out.

The final photograph to share from the garden is this one: and I did not realise the true message for me until I saw it on the computer after downloading from my camera. Somehow the light gives the effect, the impression, the feeling that the koi carp could be swimming overhead, in the sky.



The sensation of dropping down, going within, is now - for me - opened up, turned around. 'Within' is linked to 'without' - not in the sense of lack, but rather the external. Interior space connected to the greater universe around: the place where down can be up; up can be down. So, I am now feeling I need to finish this piece, and not knowing really where to finish. My earlier anxieties, resistance, surrender, definitions, discussion have all led me here to this place of allowing, allowing the flow of life. Moving through life as I moved through the gardens, and at the same time being still within.

As a final thought, it was even later that I noticed the single tiny golden leaf floating on the surface of the water, showing that this was in fact water and not the sky, and for me, providing a subtle link back to last month's reflections on 'reap your harvest' and my thoughts of the golden nuggets I have collected throughout the years.

For you, for your journal or meditation practice:
- what does 'allowing the flow' mean to you? Maybe flow write or meditate on those words
- what emerges for you?
- what gifts can you find within?
- do you wish to paint, draw, collage - express this visually in some way?

Your coaching package

My new package of flexible monthly support is now available. Two coaching conversations a month: choose one hour or 30 minute slots. You can book and pay for one month at a time to ensure you have the ability to adjust to time and budget, and at the same time arrange the continuity of commitment to your own growth and development.

For full details visit the website here.If you would like to talk before booking: to ask any questions you may have, and to check out how I work and if it feels right for you - with no obligation to buy - simply contact me to book your initial (free) consultation.

Events: Winter Magic Carpet Ride Workshop: "Review, Reflect, Re-Vision"

This will be confirmed very soon, once I have visited our new venue on Monday and confirmed the booking, and then full details will be on my website and Facebook pages, here is a date for your diary:

Date: Saturday 19th November
Time: arrive from 9.30 am, 10.00 am start, 1.00 pm finish.
Venue: The Blue Lotus Therapy Centre, Scorrier, Redruth, Cornwall (NB still to be confirmed)
Price: £25.00 per person (book via the website or contact me direct by replying to this email)

Spend some time with a group of like-minded people to look back over your year so far; to review and reflect; and then to look forward into 2017. Full details will be provided on the workshop page and through a Facebook event page next week.

Dare to Blossom at Home workshops can be booked at any time: if you are in Cornwall or west Devon and are interested in exploring the option to host a group of friends in your own home, have a look at the website here and contact me so we can arrange a chat to discuss what you would like.

Inspirational Links

This month I am sharing the websites of two dear friends. Each of them I met through a series of synchronicities and mutual connections.

Sharon Whittock is a image consultant and fashion feng shui advisor (don't you just love that idea? I do!). Here is her beautiful website, do take time to browse and read about her story and all she has to offer.

And here is Mary McConnell, a massage therapist, reiki healer, and health coach. She also has a blog here.

As always, please feel free to comment below with your thoughts and comments. 

If you would like to own a set of Dare to Blossom Rediscovery cards to explore their power for yourself please visit the dedicated page.

Thank you dear friends for visiting with me again this month and sharing my musings.

Until next time,

with love,
Mary

Find 'Dare to Blossom Life Coaching' on Facebook, @daretoblossom on Twitter