Monday 29 May 2023

June 2023 - Laughter

Reflections: Laughter

Imaginarium Magazine interview
"Space to Be: Space to Breathe" begins on 19th June
Summer Compass Rose Programme: "Time for You"
Book news
Dare to Blossom Monthly Circles on Zoom 
One to One Coaching



Reflections: Laughter

When I saw that the card for this month is Laughter, my first thought was "Oh good, yes please!" I love the warm, earthy red, reminding me of the sort of laughter that comes from deep inside. Sometimes for no particular reason, or perhaps there was a spark that set you off laughing with a friend, and then you just laughed and laughed until tears were running down your faces. Holding your sides to draw breath - then you look at each other and set off into more laughter and you cannot remember what was so funny originally.

Such life-affirming laughter truly is good medicine. What else is there? I am not sure as yet....




If you would like to join me in reflection, ask yourself the questions here and write in your journal. Or, if you prefer, read on and come back later.

  • What is your first response? To the word? To the colour?
  • What else is there?
  • And, what else?
  • What does Laughter add to Presence? How do the colours add to each other? What do all the words so far bring for you?

For me, Laughter brings grounding and joy to Presence. Encouraging me, maybe forcing me, to really be in the moment, to be present to what is here, right now.

Just recently I enjoyed a long-awaited and much postponed meet-up with a dear friend, and we were joined by another friend who also used to come along to what I still feel the need to call 'in-person' workshops.

We met at the beautiful Trelissick Gardens, a National Trust property just west of Truro, here in Cornwall. I decided to make a true adventure of my day and chose the most scenic route, across the county from north to south through country lanes and then crossing the River Fal on the
King Harry Ferry. (If you click the link you can find out more if you are curious.) Here is my view from the ferry as we travelled across the river.



We chatted over coffee and scones (I chose my favourite, a cheese one), and then took photos as I 'delivered' their signed copies of Your Compass Rose Speaks, plus a new one of me holding my book as requested by someone who is interviewing me soon for a podcast.




Here are Ruth and Maria on a sunny bench near the cafe in the courtyard.



Then we found a quieter place for my photo,  a shady spot under the trees before walking a little way down the fields of buttercups with a view down to the Fal Estuary and out to sea, just beautiful.



Then Ruth (on the left in the photo of my friends) had to leave, and Maria and I enjoyed a leisurely wander around the gardens discovering treasures as we went.  I will leave you with a visual tour with no need for words - just have to say I loved discovering the compass rose in the floor of the little hut with a view. There were also memorials to gardeners who had worked there carved into the wooden supports of the roof, one had served for fifty years.
















A truly magical day full of laughter and good company.

Imaginarium Magazine interview

I am a subscriber to this beautifully produced magazine, created and edited by Anastasia of
Imaginarium World.

Recently I was delighted when she suggested an interview about my work and my writing.  If you would like to read the full article you can buy a digital or print copy, or subscribe.

 

I was interested to see how one of my favourite wax paintings (which long ago went to a new home with a dear friend) would reproduce in larger than original size on matt paper - I was pretty pleased, what do you think?




"Space to Be: Space to Breathe" begins on 19th June

As mentioned last month, this four week gentle programme begins on 19th June. Before then there are two taster circles on Zoom, on Wednesdays 7th and 14th at 11.00 am UK time.




Click on this link
for full details and/or contact me to receive the Zoom link for one or both of the tasters.

Summer Compass Rose Programme: "Time for You"

This will be the next full six week turn around the Compass Rose, full details will be available on the website soon, and in the next newsletter, contact me if you would like more details before then.

Even though many people are busy at this time of summer holidays and family gatherings, that can be just when it is most important to allocate at least a little time, even if simply the one hour a week for our Zoom calls, just for you. 

In addition - for other people this can be a time of feeling lonely and a little lost, friends and family who you would normally spend time with may be away or busy. Regular routines may be disrupted, and so this structure of the weekly and daily flow of prompts in our turn around the Compass Rose, and the weekly live gatherings can be particularly valuable.



I will add the details to the website soon, and there will be at least one taster session, depending on the day I choose - which will partly depend on you, so if this appeals to you and my regular slot of 11.00 am on Wednesdays is not convenient, please do get in touch. Simply reply to this email, or use the contact form here. We will start in the week beginning 24th July.

Book news

Thank you to everyone who has already bought a copy of Your Compass Rose Speaks: Rediscover Your Inner Wisdom, either direct from me or online. 

I would be very grateful if you would like to write a review. I know from my own experience that I often intend to do this, and then never get around to it - yet I do my best and I know that is all I can ask of you, and thank you in advance if you do find the time. It will be very much appreciated.

If you do write a review, please will you send me a link when it is online? You can do that simply by replying to this email, or through the
contact form here. Alternatively, rather than posting on GoodReads or Amazon, you can email it to me with your permission to share it - and how you would like to be acknowledged.

As you see below, I now have plenty of stock to send you a signed and dedicated copy, or you can buy online wherever you prefer to purchase your books.




As I mentioned last month, there is an e-book in production now, and I am also recording for an Audible version. A slow process, and a challenge, although one I am keen to respond to as so many people kindly said how much they enjoyed hearing me read from the book during the launch celebrations. 

Here are some glimpses inside the book for you. I am delighted with the designs that Alice from the Golden Dragonfly Press chose for me to illustrate the different sections.

  


Dare to Blossom Monthly Circles on Zoom - a choice of day and time

The drop-in circles are held twice each month. The next is on Saturday 10 June at 11.00 am, and then Monday 26 June at 7.30 pm, UK times.






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. 

The full schedule of dates for 2023 is on
the website.


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,  Current pricing is £45 for thirty minutes and £90 for a one hour session.

“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.


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