August - Relaxation

Time sensitive: a change of plans this summer - a more flexible offering of 'Time for You'

Reflections: Relaxation

Book news: 'Your Compass Rose Speaks' ebook version now available

Dare to Blossom Monthly Circles on Zoom: 31st July, then taking a break in August

One to One Coaching

September Compass Rose Programme: Rediscover Your Inner Wisdom


Time sensitive: a change of plans this summer - a more flexible offering of 'Time for You'

Deciding on a change of plans for my offerings somehow led me to the image of a dancer pirouetting. In business people often speak about 'pivoting' when a new direction is needed, maybe from in-person events to online, as many of us did during the pandemic.

However, when I decided to look at what I could offer to best suit you - the people who love what I do - and attract others, I saw the image of a dancer pirouetting on stage in a spotlight. This hand-made card, created by my dear friend and amazing mandala visionary Kay Shelton, popped into my mind.



And, 'pirouetting' feels a perfect description of the change I am making for the next few weeks, full of joy, energy, and flexibility. I will return to the regular flow of my Compass Rose programmes as planned in September, continue with the dance.

Although the six-week 'Time for You' turn around the Compass Rose has been popular at this time of year in the past, it has not had enough sign-ups this time. So - I am in some ways returning to how I began, offering a series of workshops that you can dip in and out of as feels good for you. They used to be in-person events here in Cornwall, every other month through the year, visiting each point of the Compass Rose, beginning in Peace, the centre point, visiting each direction, and ending in Return to Peace.

Some of those who came along to the beautiful venue, the Blue Lotus Therapy Centre, came to every event, others just dropped in for one, or two, or more. Each had a theme, and each was self-contained.

And that is what I am offering you over the next few weeks: on Zoom, accessible wherever you are in the world. I will be offering them on different days of the week, and at different times of the day - so if you have been curious to try out a Magic Carpet Ride with me, this could be the chance to find a day and time that will be perfect for you. 

It is also an opportunity for those of you here who prefer not to be on Facebook as there is no online activity. Once you let me know you are interested, I will send the Zoom link, and afterwards you will receive a recording, and photos of the cards I draw for you. There is a fee of £25 for each workshop. If you have participated in previous programmes, or would like to discuss a place at a discretionary rate, simply contact me.

The first event, on the theme of Peace, is on Thursday 27th July (hence sending this newsletter early) at 2.30 pm UK time. Contact me through the website (where you will find more details) to book your place, or simply reply to this email.



Each event will be between one and one and a half hours, depending on who joins us.

The provisional schedule for the other five Zoom workshops is as follows, although I may make changes to dates and times here, partly in response to those who wish to attend, and also depending on my commitments: (all times are UK - UTC)

Compass Rose Summer Workshop No 2 Purpose, Thursday 3rd August 7.30 pm
Compass Rose Summer Workshop No 3 Passion, Wednesday 9th August 11.00 am.
Compass Rose Summer Workshop No 4 Power, Friday 11th August 10.00 am.
Compass Rose Summer Workshop No 5 Progress, Monday 14th August 2.30.pm.
Compass Rose Summer Workshop No 6 Return to Peace, Friday 18th August 2.30 pm.

So, an experiment, an invitation to dance together, which may or may not work out as outlined above - this dance is improvised rather than choreographed!
 

Reflections: Relaxation

Well, seeing this card after trying to write clearly for you about the change of plans above, made me smile, and notice my need for patience with myself, and with the process of allowing new ideas to emerge, bringing a sense of relaxation

Ah yes, Relaxation, with the gentle shade of blue. A reminder for me that this was the intention of my plan for the summer offering, 'Time for You'. And that means time for me too. Like many people,  I love giving to people, inviting them to share in the magic of the events I create.



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 Relaxation add to Presence? How do the colours add to each other? What do all the words so far bring for you?

So, after my first response, what else is there? I am also reminded that I need to refill my own energy reserves in order to keep giving to others, and for me true, deep relaxation is the starting point for this. There have been a lot of extra things I have needed to take on recently due to various health issues being experienced by my husband. I do this willingly, with love, and sometimes I feel I am in danger of letting some of those metaphorical plates I am spinning drop. I know when I become stressed, it is harder and harder for me to relax.

And what else? I can feel the tension in my body as I write this, as I reflect upon this card, drawn so long ago, in January. What does Relaxation add to Presence? What arises for me is how I have become aware, become present to, the messages my body is giving me. Freshly aware  - I have been taking notice, and putting support in place for myself at this time. And yet, every reminder, such as now, writing for you, is another nudge to care for myself too.

Looking at all the other cards two things stand out for me: all the blues, greens and purples, with the earthy red of Laughter standing out; and the fact that there are only four more cards to turn over, four months left of this year.

Time is such a slippery concept isn't it? Just recently I had a message from someone, a friend from Australia, who I last saw in 1978. We worked together in Te Anau, New Zealand, in 1974. After a few years we lost touch so reconnecting, and meeting up while she and her husband were visiting Cornwall has been such a joy. We simply dropped back into conversation as if we last spoke just the other day. 

How interesting where my reflection on 'Relaxation' has led me - where will you go on this month's step around the wheel of the year?


Book news: Your Compass Rose Speaks' ebook version now available

For those of you who prefer to read on Kindle and not amass more physical books, the ebook version is now on Amazon UK, and Amazon USA, hopefully available around the world too.

Whether you buy Your Compass Rose Speaks: Rediscover Your Inner Wisdom, direct from me or online, print or electronic versions, 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, or on Facebook, you can email it to me with your permission to share it - and how you would like to be acknowledged.

If you would like to buy a signed and dedicated print copy, I still have plenty of stock, although not quite such a large pile as in this photo.



I have completed recording for the Audible version, I will let you know when I have a launch date for that - I know that Alice from the Golden Dragonfly Press has a steady queue of titles waiting to be transformed into wonderful publications so it may be a while. If you would like to browse her books, pop over to her website here. I have quite a collection of her titles already.


Dare to Blossom Monthly Circles on Zoom Monday 31st July, then taking a break in August

The July Monday evening circle is on 31st July at 7.30 pm UK time. Contact me for the Zoom link if you would like to join us.

During August these are taking a break - there are plenty of opportunities to join one of the workshops, or the free taster circles for the September Compass Rose Programme (see more below).

The September dates are Saturday 9 September at 11.00 am, and then Monday 25 September at 7.30 pm, UK times.





You will be find the events on Facebook in due course,  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.

September Compass Rose Programme: Rediscover Your Inner Wisdom

I am just developing plans for this new offering, details will be on the website in a week or so. For your diary, the tasters will be on Wednesdays 30th August and 6th September at 11.00 am UK time. The six-week programme will open week beginning 18th September, with the Zoom gatherings on Wednesday. 

As I am sending this newsletter early, look out for a 'Special Bulletin' (or an early newsletter) before 30th August with full details - or simply contact me as always with any questions.

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.