Welcome to the first Dare to Blossom Newsletter of 2024
Welcome in 2024 with a Dare to Blossom Magic Carpet Ride on 2nd January at 2.30 pm UK time
Reflections: Beauty + Angels
Taster Circles for the first 2024 Compass Rose Programme: "Coming Home to Yourself"
Dare to Blossom Monthly Circles on Zoom - the programme for 2024
One to One Coaching
Welcome in 2024 with a Dare to Blossom Magic Carpet Ride on 2nd January at 2.30 pm UK time
This will a chance to gently step into the new year in a small supportive group on Zoom, for about an hour together. Simply reply to this email if you would like me to send you the Zoom link. I have chosen the time to be a little easier for friends in the USA or Canada - it is 9.30 am Eastern time, and 6.30 am Pacific (which is still rather early I know.) If we are connected on Facebook, this link will take you to the event page there.
Reflections: Beauty + Angels
As we step into another new year, another turn around the sun on this precious blue planet of ours, I decided to repeat the 'wheel of cards' for each month. I have already chosen my 'word of the year' - Beauty. A reminder for me that there is beauty all around me, even in the most unlikely of places and difficult of situations.
Then I turned the first card, for January - Angels. another soft shade of blue. This always makes me smile, as I remember that saying "Angels fly because they take themselves lightly." A reminder not to take myself too seriously, weighing myself down with worries about things that probably will never happen.
If you would like to join me in reflection, ask yourself the questions here - for either or both these words, whatever you wish to choose, 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 do Angels add to Beauty? How do the colours connect together?
What else is there?
On Boxing Day, there was a rare dry day with no wind, no blue sky but a few gleams of sunshine. I took the opportunity to walk on the cliffs at one of my favourite spots, near Trevone on the north coast of Cornwall, just a few miles drive from my home.
I was delighted to see that the fulmars are returning ahead of their nesting season. If you are regular readers you may remember that I love watching these amazing sea birds as they swoop and soar close to the cliffs. I found this little feather, it could be from a fulmar, or one of the herring gulls that also live along these cliffs. It is also very similar to the photo with the card I took some years ago on a warm summer's day, in almost the same place.
I am not someone who places particular significance on finding a white feather - there are far too many seabirds who shed feathers where I walk to do that - yet, this 'coincidence', while I am writing about Angels, makes me smile.
I did my best to get some shots of the fulmars in flight - it is harder when there is no wind as they are having to use their wings more, rather than floating on the air currents. here is the best one.
What do Angels add to Beauty? How do the colours connect together?
I had already been so very thankful for the opportunity to get out and enjoy the Beauty of the cliffs I love so much. The Angels card reminds me to notice, the little things, the tiny quirks of nature, such as these stunning red fungi, (which I think are Scarlet Waxcaps) as well as the grand views of the ocean. The colours of the two cards were present all around me in the shades of the sea that day.
The new six-week Compass Rose programme begins at the end of January. Before then there are two more chances to experience one of the Zoom circle which happen every week. The 'tasters' are on Wednesdays 10th and 17th January, at 11.00 am UK time. Simply contact me by replying to this email if you would like to join in one or both and I will send you the Zoom link. To put your mind at rest, there is never any pressure to sign up for any of my paid offerings, simply an invitation for you to take up if you wish. If you would prefer to ask your questions one to one, again simply reply to this or contact me to ask and/or arrange a time for a Zoom chat.
If you read the December newsletter, you will have seen the details below already, you may like to read on to refresh your memory, Alternatively, the booking page on the website is now open, simply click here to reserve your place.
Reflecting on how that time has often felt in the past, I remember the numerous articles, in print and online, about New Year resolutions, getting fit, losing weight, creating a 'new you'. In fact I remember offering a workshop, many moons ago now with the title 'New Year, New You', and it makes me shudder now. Why? Surely there is nothing wrong with resolving to do all those things, to focus on a fresh start?
No, not at all, and yet, after many many years of reading about and taking part in 'personal development', and 'self-improvement', now I notice how bad many of those things made me feel. One aspect for me is the timing, January is a time when I feel like resting, if not hibernating, of snuggling up, keeping warm, withdrawing from the world until the green shoots of spring begin to arrive. By the end of January and into February, the hours of daylight here in the northern hemisphere are beginning to lengthen, green shoots of snowdrops may be emerging. For me this feels like a fresh new start to the year.
As I wrote last month, you may be familiar with this painting, one I created years ago at a workshop. If you have been on a Zoom call with me you will have seen it hanging on the wall behind me here in my home in Cornwall.
I chose it for this programme as it is a reminder for me that in coming home to myself, I have truly never left, my light has always been here, shining within to guide me, even when I sometimes lose the connection.
The programme will run from the week beginning Monday 24th through to Friday 1st March, there is a sliding fee structure so you can choose to pay the amount that feels right for you (and you can choose to pay by instalments). full details here.
You are very welcome to join me, simply reply to this email, or contact me via the website to ask for the Zoom link.
The first Saturday circle is on 13th January at 11.00 am, then the first Monday gathering is on 29th January at 7.30 pm (UK times).
The dates for 2024 are on the website if you are someone who likes to plan ahead.
One to One Coaching
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.
You can read 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.
