Monday, 25 March 2024

April 2024 - Reflect

 

Welcome to the Dare to Blossom Newsletter


Last taster for the new six-week Compass Rose programme: "Diving for Life, Soaring in Joy"
Reflections: Reflect
New Dare to Blossom Cards: 'Time for You' coming soon
One to One Coaching: new programme "Deep and slow"
Monthly Dare to Blossom Circles

 

Last taster for the new six-week Compass Rose programme: "Diving for Life, Soaring in Joy"

The group is already gathering for the next turn around the Compass Rose, there is one more taster call, this Wednesday 27th March at 11.00 am. You are very welcome to join me, simply contact me to request the Zoom link.

The programme starts week beginning 8th April, with the weekly calls on Tuesdays at 7.30 pm UK time.

If you have any questions you would like to ask about the programme simply reply to this email and we can always arrange a Zoom chat. The full details are on the
website here.


Reflections: Reflect

My first response to seeing the card for April was to laugh. Once I included this word, Reflect, in the No 2 Deck, it was bound to come up for this piece entitled 'Reflections' sooner or later.



 

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 Reflect add to the other cards so far? How do the colours connect together? 


What else is there?

On the day I have settled down to begin writing this, Reflect is the word of the day in the Dare to Blossom into Joy group on Facebook (if you would like to join us, click here)  I used this 'water dragon' painting (one of a series of new works)  to illustrate my post there.



And, what else?

Today, I feel I am being encouraged to spend more time in reflection, so often I am busy doing - writing, painting, caring for others, walking, daily tasks. And, I know how valuable quiet time to reflect can be. And now another thought arises (another 'And what else?) - at a recent taster circle for the new Compass Rose programme, I experienced  a magic carpet ride with a profound message for me. My magic carpet was a pool of water, when I dared to step onto it, then it transformed into a beautiful creation, a carpet of silk containing all the colours of the ocean - a little like those in my painting above. 

I was taken to a beautiful beach where I met the other part of me (in a similar way to one of the journeys described in 'Your Compass Rose Speaks'). She took me to the water's edge and into the sea. Ever since an unfortunate experience when I was about seven, I have been rather afraid of swimming in the ocean. not sure if I can float. She reassured me that she was there to support me. The water was wonderfully warm, just the perfect temperature, and she helped me feel safe as I floated effortlessly..... feeling restored, and complete. As I finish writing this I am reminded that the title of the new programme is 'Diving for Life, Soaring in Joy' and I smile at the feeling of floating between those things during the taster  circle.

What does Reflect add to the other cards so far? How do the colours connect together?  

Another sea shade after the warm red of Story last month, how interesting.  They all connect perfectly to the centre point card, to Beauty.

New Dare to Blossom Cards: 'Time for You' coming soon

Just recently, out walking on the cliffs, on one of the rare days when the weather has been fit to do so, I was given an idea - for another deck of Dare to Blossom cards. My first response was to think, as I have in the past, who needs yet another deck?

And yet, the idea was there, and kept pestering me, not wanting to be discarded.  The first two decks are all about rediscovering your inner wisdom. At first I thought this new one might be No. 3 Deck, yet it (she?) has other ideas - the words are action prompts you can use to inspire your own playful creativity. You could spread them all out face up and choose, or you could shuffle and draw one randomly. I began writing a list, and that night, during several sleepless hours due to various worries, they kept on popping up, full of excitement - until I begged them to be quiet for a while and let me sleep, which I did in the end.

Over the next few days I soon had a list of sixty words, some contributed by the Dare to Blossom Community, and I think I now have the final list of fifty. The working title is Dare to Blossom 'Time for You' Cards - as well as playful creativity, they may also prompt actions for self-care and rest. I would love to hear what you think - just reply to this email if you would like to comment, thank you.

I am almost ready to begin creating the cards and allowing their colours to emerge in the printing programme as I do so, then I will order a proof deck before they will be available to order. There may also be a little guide book as well - not sure yet, and that will take longer. Watch this space.....



One to One Coaching: new programme "Deep and slow"

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. People often make big breakthroughs in one or two sessions, and then return for a 'booster' whenever is right for them.

If this appeals to you, I would love to have a Zoom chat with you over a cuppa.  There is no pressure, simply an opportunity to find out what would be useful, and if my approach would be good for you. 


So often ‘fast’ and ‘quick’ are presented as good – and often they are indeed. Yet sometimes slow is good: a lazy walk with a friend on a summer afternoon; a leisurely meal with family, taking time to savour the food and enjoy the conversations. Deep and Slow is about the process, rather than the results you will receive. Those results are different each time. The way I support you now is very different to how I began my coaching career back in 2003. So different in fact, that I sometimes hesitate to call it 'coaching' - although that is still a useful term as people have an understanding of that expression. When you connect with me, for a one-off session or a series, I am there as a companion as you explore your own inner wisdom. Sometimes I can offer guidance along the way from my own experience, always being aware that you are different to me and on your own unique path.

You can read more about this programme here, and  testimonials here on my website. Simply reply to this email to ask more or to book a Zoom chat.

Monthly Dare to Blossom Circles

The regular drop-in circles for April, are on Saturday 13th April at 11.00 am, and Monday 29th April at 7.30 pm (UK times)

There is no set fee, simply an invitation to offer a donation if your circumstances allow, and if not, it is always a joy to have your presence in our gathering. Simply contact me for the Zoom link.

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

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