Reflections: Connection
"Your Cornwall
Quest"
Final group programme for
2022: "Time for You" four week offering
Book news "Your
Compass Rose Speaks - Rediscover Your Inner Wisdom"
Dare to Blossom
Monthly Circles on Zoom - a choice of day and time
Plans for 2023:
"Weaving Shadow and Light" Programme
One to one coaching
Reflections:
Connection
An intuitive friend
recently offered me this word - Connection - in response to my question:
"What will I be writing next?"
She also said it
could be an essay, or a book, or something else - in any case, I thought I
would begin here and share a few thoughts on 'Connection' with you.
I could say this is one of my key values, in my life and in my work.
Connecting with others, from my heart as much as feels comfortable and safe.
Aha - it seems to me that right at the beginning I have hit upon something
significant for me. So often, in the past, and although less so, maybe now as
well, I have missed out on that true connection through being afraid of how I
would be received. Worried that I, or the other person, would feel
uncomfortable.
And yet, over and over again, I have been shown that taking that step forwards,
towards someone else - another human being who may well be feeling the same -
is completely worth any 'risk' I may perceive. I do feel I need to say
here that in some circumstances personal safety does of course come first. In
fact, if I can bypass my fearful mind, my gut, my body-knowing, will soon tell
me if it feels right to proceed with offering connection. And tell me when to
say 'No' and to retreat.
Connections can come in many forms: emails, messages, chance meetings in a shop
or on the street. Travelling alone has brought me delightful conversations, on
a plane, a train, a ship. Some of these are a fleeting joy, others have
blossomed into deep and lasting friendships. And the much-maligned 'social
media' has brought me many true connections - so much so that upon meeting in
person much later, it can seem strange to say we have 'just met'.
And then there are the connections with the land, with this mother earth of
ours beneath our feet. For some of us this is with the place of our birth. Even
though my family moved away from my birthplace, Lyndhurst in the New Forest,
(in Hampshire, on the south coast of England), when I was very young, I
have always felt deeply rooted there amongst the ancient trees.
This photo was taken on a visit to the New Forest with my husband, some years
ago now, probably around this time of year.
Most of my life
since has been spent in Cornwall (with a few years living on the southern edge
of Dartmoor, bringing another powerful connection) - and the longest time has
been right here, near the north coast. As those of you who see my photos and
videos in these newsletters or on Facebook will know, I very often visit the
same small stretch of the cliffs, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Each time the
sky and sea, the weather and the wind, the birds and the flowers growing in the
ground beneath my feet are different.
These two photos are taken from the same stretch of the coastal path. Both with
the sun shining, each with different sea conditions and skies.
Walking familiar paths, wherever you are, and enjoying that familiarity, while
also seeing with fresh eyes, can bring a powerful sense of connection. With the
land, the elements, the creatures around us, with our bodies and with
ourselves.
As I was finishing this, I decided to simply search on the word, 'connection'
and see what the Internet would show me. I found this video by One Republic.
The lyrics speak
about being lonely in a crowd, and of not finding connection in the online
world. As I have already mentioned, the way I have been fortunate enough to
make links online has led to true connections for me.
There is something else for me also - that connection I feel watching a
wonderful sunset or gazing up at all the stars in the Milky Way on a clear
night. What else is out there that I cannot see, maybe cannot even comprehend?
That feeling of being a small piece of something much much bigger than myself.
And then, my point of view expands and I am that bigger energy - I can feel a
connection within the weave of life, of the Universe.
I have always
described this feeling as an image: of each of us connected by a thread in the
multi-coloured tapestry of life. Sometimes the thread is simply there and we
may never consciously connect. Or we may meet and feel that stronger sense of
companionship. Sometimes the link ebbs and flows. I know I have had many
experiences of spending a lot of time with someone, and then that connection
feeling as if it is fading away. Sometimes it never reappears, yet maybe one
day one of us will metaphorically give a tug on the thread that links us.
"Hello, how are you?" And the connection may renew and deepen again
for a while.
If you are reading this and we haven't connected for a while, and if you would
like to, do reply and say hello, let me know how you are - maybe there is a
reason why we will be drawing closer together in the weave of the Universe for
a while?
For you, for your
meditations or journal, one or more of these suggestions may appeal to you:
- What is your first response to the word 'connection'?
- What else is there?
- And, what else?
- How do you feel connected to the land where you live?
Book
news: "Your Compass Rose Speaks - Rediscover Your Inner Wisdom"
I have been awaiting
news of the projected publication date for the new book. As often happens
things can take longer than one might hope. At the same time, I know that all
is proceeding just perfectly and it will be ready at the perfect moment.
I am hoping that the final version of the cover will be ready soon after this
newsletter is released. In the meantime, here is a sneak peek just for you - as
soon as the final version is released and the publication date finalised I will
very much appreciate your help in spreading the word to anyone who may be
interested in buying a copy.
In the meantime this is a 'secret', just between us!
What is your first
response?
Personally, I love what Alice from the Golden Dragonfly Press has created;
after much debate over possible designs, this one feels perfect to me. I can't
wait to see the absolutely final version with the back cover too.
"Your Cornwall Quest"
Many of you will remember that three years ago, in 2019, I offered 'Your
Aotearoa Quest", when I invited you to 'stow away in my suitcase' and come
along on my trip to New Zealand. Maybe you booked a place for the card
with your name written on it, that was tucked away in the bag that went
everywhere with me? If so - thank you.
At the moment,
I am not able to plan another visit there - yet I can offer you another
opportunity to metaphorically travel with me.
This time it
will be "Your Cornwall Quest": the process will be the same, you will
book your place; I will write your name on a small card; I will carry that with
me for the duration of the Quest; later I will draw four Dare to Blossom
Rediscovery Cards for you, one for each direction of the Compass Rose. In
January 2023 I send them, with your name card, to you in the post.
Bookings will
open for you to buy a 'ticket', on 1st November, and close on 1st December. I
will be carrying you, as represented by your name card, wherever I go, out and
about around Cornwall from then until 1st January. To all those special places
in this magical land of stone and sea, river and trees.
After that date I will prepare reflections and photographs in a pdf document
that will be sent to you by email or Messenger, whichever you prefer.
There will be
two live Zoom calls for you to participate in as well, one before bookngs
close, and one in January, after you have received your cards, and the pdf
file. Here is a link to the Facebook event
for the first, on Monday 14th November at 11.00 am UK time. If you prefer,
simply reply to this email asking me for the Zoom link or contact me here.
The ticket fee
is £44, with a discount for you if you participated in the Aotearoa Quest, or
if you are a member of the Stay Connected Group (just contact me if you wish to
claim that).
Simply book your place here, or
contact me to pay by
bank transfer - or if you would like to arrange a Zoom chat to decide if this
is for you. The cost of posting your cards anywhere in the world is included.
There is also
the option to book a 30 minute one to one coaching session with me in January
to dive deeper into the insights you receive through the cards and the
experience of the Quest,
Final group
programme for 2022: "Time for You" four week offering
The final group
offering of 2022 will be a four-week gentle circle on the theme of "Time
for You" - allowing you to take at least an hour each week for yourself in
what can be a very busy time for many as we navigate our way through the annual
festive season. It can also be a time when loneliness and loss can be
highlighted, whether you are in the centre of a bustling household or literally
by yourself.
The Circle can offer a place for all and any experiences simply to be witnessed
without judgement - and that does not mean that you have to share anything, it
is the simple act of gathering together that brings the community and support
we can crave. When and if you feel like sharing this brings added depth for
you, and gifts for those of us witnessing for you in the Circle. Even though this
is a virtual community and we gather on Zoom, the connections are real and
powerful.
The booking link is on the website here, The
basic details are that there will be two taster circles, one on Wednesday 16th
November at 11.00 am, and another on Thursday 17th November at 2.30 p,m. (UK
times). Find the events on Facebook or simply reply here and I will send
you the Zoom link for the one you choose to attend.
The programme will begin on Monday 21 November, with the weekly Zoom calls on
Mondays and/or Thursdays depending the wishes of those who sign up to join me.
The fee for the four weeks is £96, and as always there is a discount for
members of the Stay Connected group of precious participants.
If you would like to know more simply reply to this email, or contact me here to ask any
questions or to arrange a time for a Zoom chat.
Dare
to Blossom Monthly Circles on Zoom - a choice of day and time
The drop-in circles
are usually held twice each month The next date is Saturday 12th November at
11.00 am.and Monday 28th November at 7.30 pm (UK times). I am
considering not offering the Monday evening time as my energy is rather low on
winter evenings and it can be a challenge to feel I am supporting those present
the best that I could. However, I will decide on that closet to the end of the
month.
If you feel especially drawn to joining us at either or both (and especially on
28th) please do let me know so I can have an ideas of the interest and send you
the appropriate Zoom link.
You can find the events on Facebook, or simply reply to this email
and ask me for the Zoom link. It is always pleasure to welcome those of you who
prefer not to connect via social media, all you need to join us is the Zoom
link that I send to you in advance of the time.
Payment is by donation, depending on your circumstances. People offer from zero
to £60. I host the circles with no expectation, simply deep gratitude for your
presence.
Plans for
2023: "Weaving Shadow and Light" Programme
While deliberating on the theme for the first six-week turn around the Compass
Rose, I have had some queries about when I will run "Weaving Shadow and
Light" again - and so, this will be the first offering of the new year.
As those of you who are regular participants in my circles know, I do often
repeat a theme that has struck a chord for people. Many of the prompts may be
the same, and I also tweak different parts as the group gathers and the flow
begins. In any case the magical alchemy that happens in the gaps between the
structure I often is the real essence of all this work - what you bring, what
others bring. Which cards are drawn, for the group and for each of us each
week. What visions of Magic Carpet Rides you experience yourself and hear
shared by the others in the group.
Every element creates a unique and specific experience for those present. The
overarching theme of "Weaving Shadow and Light" is about appreciating
all those parts of ourselves, and maybe especially the ones we judge as 'not
good enough', 'bad', 'unacceptable' - we can offer ourselves any number of
negative and harsh responses. In nature all the contrasts are a part of the
whole: night and day; summer and winter; hot and cold; and of course yin and
yang.
The seeds that will be starting to germinate in January when we embark on this
programme could not do so without the soft darkness of the earth to nurture and
protect them until the roots reach downwards and the tender green shoot are
ready to emerge into the light.
I will share full details and dates in the December newsletter, in the
meantime, if you would like to know more, simply reply to this newsletter with
your questions. We can also arrange a time to chat on Zoom if that would be
useful for you (and it is always fun too).
(PS the photo is of the beautiful Yin/Yang garden my husband created some years
ago. I have done my best to keep it weeded and cleared of fallen leaves over
the years, but since we have had our brown hens they have completely mixed up
the dark and light gravel.)
One to One Coaching
For many people, the deeper connection of one to one sessions is perfect for
them once in a while, either for a short block of six, or an on-going
arrangement as and when required.
Either way, I would love to have a Zoom chat with you if you would like to
explore the option of one to one coaching with me. There is no pressure, simply
an opportunity to find out what would be useful for you, and if my approach
would be good for you.
If you click on the 'Book Now' Passionflower, it will take you
straight to my calendar to book a twenty minute complimentary call. If you
prefer, to read more about the Rediscovery Coaching process click
here,
“I have found my
sessions with Mary to be a good balance of ideas for the practical things
I can do, and the bigger picture reminder of what I want to achieve. This
has helped clarify the direction I want to take and also sparked ideas
of how to get there. Mary helps as a reminder to stay true to
my experiences and has allowed me to be comfortable with who I am and
having balance in life and my work.”
You can read more testimonials here
on my website.
A complete review of one to one coaching offers and pricing is planned before
April 2023, so if you think you would like to explore the possibility of
accessing my support as we come to the end of this year, act now - if not now,
then when? When will you dare to blossom?
I send wishes for health and happiness for you and all
you love.
Thank you for joining me here this month, any thoughts, feedback, or questions
are always welcome.
Mary
