Two free calls this week: on Zoom 28/9 and 29/9
Events: Point of Focus online group coaching programmes, plus workshop news
Reflections: The space between ripening and harvest..... power and progress
I began writing this for you sitting in the late September sunshine in a sheltered spot in my garden. Reflecting on a number of things I have let go, some for ever, and some for now at least. Many of the plans I shared with you in my last newsletter have either been canceled or postponed.
It seems I needed to make space. Space to sit with the questions, to be comfortable living the questions, in the words from Rainer Maria Rilke:
“Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves, like locked rooms and like books that are now written in a very foreign tongue. Do not now seek the answers, which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them. And the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps you will then gradually, without noticing it, live along some distant day into the answer.”
This year of unfolding, unfurling, the petals of the Power Flower with groups of women at the workshops here in Cornwall has been a joy. The slow pace, flowing with the seasons, has felt a luxury of allowing, or living the questions.
Recently, on 9th September, we arrived at the penultimate petal for this revolution, this round of unfurling: Power "Ripening" in my choice of word. In November we move on to the final petal of this cycle - Progress "Harvesting". As the year turns, the cycle of growth will begin again. Another six dates are already booked at the Blue Lotus - and details of how that series will look in 2018 are still merging for me - like the new buds that lie seemingly dormant for a long time.
For me, now, sitting it seems in a space between Ripening and Harvesting, it feels appropriate that that I have come to a pausing point. It is not possible in nature to hurry the ripening of the fruit, the crops, the grain. Harvest has to wait until just the right time, when everything is as perfect as possible.
We have recently been harvesting some of our apples, choosing the perfect moment - a warm dry day, a gentle breeze. The fruit too has to be just ready - ready for that moment when the apples release from the stalk into the hand with only the gentlest twist.
And so, for me, the releasing of the old plans feels as if I have allowed the new to emerge, naturally. Those ideas put to one side are not wasted - they may serve as compost, as a growing medium for the new. They may produce the shoots of fresh growth themselves, given time.
The other part of this has been that reminder to use my own tools. To return to the tried and tested processes. So, I drew a Rediscovery Card for myself: Surrender, dark green.
Yes - I have needed to do that - and to allow the ways of nature to work, to connect with that dark, rich green.
A little later the same morning I hosted one of my occasional Facebook Live calls, and during that I drew two more cards for us to focus on as a group in that moment, and for people to reflect on if they watched the recording later. First Daring, bright fresh green colour. Surrender into daring, daring to surrender.
And then Clarity - a strong warm orange colour, a perfect counter-balance to the two shades of green. Ha! Surrender, then a little daring - leading to clarity.
Here are the three cards together:
While I was on that live call I announced the new programme, an addition to the Point of Focus membership. (You don't have to be a member to take part, but you will receive a discount if you are signed up. See below for more details).
For you, to reflect upon in your journal, your meditations, your art work:
- Which part of my words here resonates with you?
- Do you tend to try and hurry the 'ripening' of your ideas and plans?
- How would it be to pause, to let nature's pace be right for you?
- How do you react to each of the words, and the colours?
- Surrender? Daring? Clarity? Dark green? Bright green? Orange?
- The three together?
Two free calls this week: on Zoom 28/9 and 29/9
So, in connection with the Point of Focus group coaching programme, you are invited to join a Zoom video-conferencing group this week - either at 9.30 am on Thursday 28th September, or at 7.30 pm on Friday 29th September. These times are UK time and we are currently on British Summer Time.
The purpose is for a group discussion where you can learn more about the programme and ask any questions you may have about coaching in general. And to link up with others around the world and experience a little of the magic of these live groups.
The calls will be recorded and shared with anyone who registers. The easiest way to connect if you are on Facebook is to visit the Dare to Blossom Life Coaching Events page.
If you prefer not to use Facebook, you can join in by using these links. Please let me know if you are intending to join us.
Thursday 28th September call - click here at just before 9.30 am UK time If you haven't used Zoom before there is a short set up procedure, and you need to allow the use of your microphone so we can hear you, and your camera if you would like to be seen too. (each of these are under your control and can be turned off and on as you wish)
Friday 29th September call - click here just before 7.30 pm UK time.
Point of Focus Coaching Group Circle One: 'Money: from Lack to Abundance'
This was an easy choice for the first topic following a poll I conducted on what the burning issues are for people. In this month-long programme we will look at how you can reduce anxiety, bring your 'money-monster' at least a little more under control, and appreciate the abundance in your life. I can't promise to make us all suddenly financially wealthy (even if you should want that) - but I can promise that practising changing your thoughts and choices can have profound effects.
Key details:
Timing: The programme will run for four weeks during November, with two live group calls a week (recordings will be shared if you are unable to attend or wish to listen again), and a private Facebook group where I will post ideas and exercises and where you can visit to share and discuss your experiences.
Price: Each month of group coaching will be priced individually: for this first run the investment is £40, with a 10% reduction if you are a Point of Focus member. (Click there for more details).
If you have any questions simply ask, and if you would like to discuss this or anything else about my services and how they could help you, book a complimentary consultation here.
Workshop News
*New Event* Mellow October - a one day retreat for women
Saturday 21st October at Polmorla, near Wadebridge, full details here
10 am - 4.30 pm
Price £45
A special event in collaboration with Melanie of Camel Estuary Counselling. We are offering our unique mix of experience, wisdom and skills to provide a day of sharing and reflection in a beautuful location, with refreshments and lunch included.
Progress - Harvesting
Saturday 18th November at the Blue Lotus Therapy Centre, Scorrier
10 am - 1 pm
Price: £45 (see here for full details and 'frequent flyer' discount.
As always, please feel free to comment 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
