Welcome to the Dare to Blossom Newsletter - Happy New Year for 2017
In this Issue:
Reflections: unleashing our power within
New coaching programme - and call for testers
Events: new workshops for 2017
Inspirational links
Reflections: unleashing our power within
Soon after I began writing about, and using for myself, the idea of rediscovering inner wisdom, I remember thinking: "Well, that is all very nice, but what is this wisdom for?" At that time I explored this question in my journal and some thoughts came up about inner wisdom being a solid foundation, a base from which to release my power within. Releasing power to be used for good: for myself, for those close to me, for the world.
'Power' is one of the words in the Dare to Blossom Rediscovery Cards pack, with a deep purple background. I remember writing in a blog or post somewhere about the many meanings and associations of that word. How I feel that the power I wish to feel is not 'power over' another person, but rather 'power within' me, to be released.
That was all some time ago, and it is intriguing to me that it has taken me so long to come back to that thought. Over the last year I have regularly been challenged, in various ways, to step up, step out, be more, be bigger, be more powerful. For a woman who as a girl learned her lessons well - be good, be quiet, be tidy, be nice, smile, don't show off - this is more than a little uncomfortable. I have already been doing a lot of stepping up: working as a trainer for many years; speaking in front of groups; running my own workshops and on-line events. Maybe I have thought that was all, all there is to blossom; maybe I have become a little complacent.
That word - power - is one of four that came to mind a few weeks ago, along with progress, passion, and purpose. Soon after that a centre point - peace - presented itself. 'Peace' is another of the cards, and one that comes out frequently for me. Interestingly, twice recently, whilst I have been having conversations with my own coaching support people, I have drawn a card and it has been this one. There are several members of my 'support team': some I buy coaching services from, with others we work on an exchange basis - either way, I would not be without their invaluable insights. (I have chosen not to mention names here for fear of leaving anyone out, but I will add in links below for some of them - and, again, apologise for those not mentioned this time.)
Every coach needs a coach - just like everyone else, I can't see what is right under my own nose without a mirror. And, I benefit from a sounding board, someone to help me hear myself think. So, these ideas developed over quite a short period of time, assisted by my over-arching theme of daring to blossom and the idea of petals opening.
This beautiful candle stand that arrived as a birthday gift in November played a part too, inspiring the shape of the flower that has become a base to work from in a Rediscovery Coaching session. With help from another 'support team' member, my graphic designer, I developed this:
In and of itself this functions as a reflection tool, with each word as a prompt. Maybe you would like to try it out in your journal or meditation practice:
- begin with whatever word resonates with you, choose to flow write or meditate. Then move on to the next, and the next, and the next, then the centre.
- what emerges for you?
- what gifts can you find within this process?
- do you wish to paint, draw, collage - express this visually in some way?
For me, that process took me a long way, including thinking of compass point associations (again prompted by a coaching conversation): North for my guiding star, my purpose; East for my energy, my passion; South for standing strong, rooting in power; West for new directions, the future, following the setting sun - progress; and the centre point - peace.
Next, I decided to draw a card for each point from my Dare to Blossom Rediscovery Cards; Here is what came out this first time:
I am still working with this, maybe I will share more next month, or on the Dare to Blossom Facebook page. Of course you could use any cards you wish, or simply, as I suggested earlier, follow your own process through journaling and meditation. Writing this now, on 31st December, I personally feel, not just on the cusp of a new year, but also on the brink of a big personal leap forward for me. I love that my card for Progress in the photo above is Synchronicity - I already know that much of my work is evolving through collaborations and connections. Many of these have arisen through synchronistic links and conversations. Who knows what more there is to emerge in 2017 and beyond?
New coaching programme - and call for testers
The process I have described above is evolving into the basis for my new coaching programme for 2017. Some details are already available on my website here, I will be refining that description - and giving it added impact and power, as the process continues to be tested.
And so, dear friends, I would like to ask your help in doing this with me. Will you share with me an hour of your time, plus a little more to send me some thoughts on the process afterwards? In return I will offer a sixty minute Dare to Blossom Power Flower Rediscovery coaching session, with a recording for you to explore later for more nuggets of your own inner wisdom.
I am offering seven spaces, to be taken up during January. One has already been taken, after someone responded to my very early thoughts on the process, so contact me by email to reserve your spot and we can discuss dates and times.
Forthcoming Events
Illumination for 2017: Return of the Light - A Magic Carpet Ride Workshop 21 January
The first workshop of the year is at the Blue Lotus Therapy Centre at Scorrier, near Redruth, full details and booking link are here
We gather from 9.30 for coffee/tea and conversation before settling in to start at 10.00, through to 1.00. The price is the same as last year, £25.
Dates have been booked at the Blue Lotus throughout the year, as below, and I will be planning a programme for those events as the year unfolds:
Saturday 13 May
Saturday 8 July
Saturday 9 September
Saturday 18 November
I am still looking for a perfect venue, like the Blue Lotus, in east Cornwall - if you know of somewhere, please do contact me.
Here is a testimonial written very recently by Linda Hurr:
"I attended Mary’s Magic Carpet Ride last year and wanted to write a little piece about it to recommend it. I had been reading some short ebooks about learning to live a magic filled life and then saw the title of Mary’s workshop – it seemed too much of a coincidence so I enrolled, not knowing what to expect, but having heard good reports about it from a friend.
I was pleasantly surprised to find that Mary had created a very relaxed, informal environment and there was no pressure to ‘perform’ or ‘participate’ – we were presented with a variety of activities which were gentle and yet had the potential to be very powerful tools for enlightenment, inspiration, motivation, clarity, guidance, or, whatever was needed.
For me the workshop provided a lovely safe space for the crystallisation of everything I had read about living a magic filled life and confirmation that I was heading in the right direction. It gave me the motivation to push on with extra insights and pointers gained during the workshop.
I really felt that the workshop was a catalyst which kick started my new life in Cornwall and I left with renewed vision, excitement and focus. I also made a couple of new friends! I would highly recommend Mary’s Magic Carpet ride to anyone who would like some fresh insights and clarity for the direction of their lives in 2017." Linda Hurr B.Sc. Hons
Thank you Linda, I find it humbling to hear how powerful (there's that word again) a process the workshops can spark for people.
Glastonbury 2017
I have just begun exploring dates for a workshop in Glastonbury - I think it will be on Saturday 6 May. If this is something that interests you, please do contact me - and let me know if you would prefer a half day or a full day workshop. Having run both over the last two years, I think the full day offers more time for in-depth exploration. And, that requires more commitment, of time and money...... for me, and for those attending, so a choice to be made, something I will need do very soon.
Dare to Blossom at Home workshops can be booked at any time: if you are in Cornwall or west Devon and are interested in exploring the option to host a group of friends in your own home, have a look at the website here and contact me so we can arrange a chat to discuss what you would like.
On-line Programmes - new ideas evolving
Those of you expressed an interest in the 'Global On-line Magic Carpet Ride' I had planned to start on 7th January will already know that I have postponed that for now. The timing didn't work for people - probably too much happening over Christmas, not to mention to many out-goings. Also, since I publicised it I have arranged an upgrade of my broadband in early January. I know this will make hosting group calls easier, but in the short term it may mean interruptions so it would not have been wise to go ahead to a commitment to support people in an on-line group with daily interactions on Facebook.
I am so grateful for all your support with this and I have already been in touch with those of you who booked to arrange refunds or exchanges.
Inspirational Links
Just recently, on 23 December in fact, I was interviewed by Engel Jones, who is based in Trinidad and Tobago. He is recording a series of twelve minute conversations with inspirational people. Mine will be available from 22 February. In the mean time there are nearly 500 already available to listen to here. It is a intriguing concept and Engel has a set of standard questions - the variation in how people answer is fascinating, not to mention the interesting insights they share. We continued the conversation after the recording finished and a pack of Dare to Blossom Rediscovery Cards is winging their way to the Caribbean right now.
A few of my inspirational team
I began recalling some of my support team, there are so many more of you, my heartfelt thanks to each person, listed here or not. If you read this and would like a mention, just let me know. I am filled with immense gratitude seeing and feeling all the love and support represented here and in the many other people I have connected with this year. Not to mention those whose words I have read, or who may have given me encouragement in passing. Deep bows to you. I know we all remain linked, through the rich tapestry that joins us.
Amy Palko
Amy Oscar
Andy Britnell
Cas Smirthwaite
Julie Daley
Kathy Kane
Kim Coe
Mary McConnell
Ronna Detrick
Sandi Davis
Sheila Howe
Soleira Green
Soness Stevens
Victoria Smith
As always, please feel free to comment below with your thoughts and comments.
If you would like to own a set of Dare to Blossom Rediscovery cards to explore their power for yourself please visit the dedicated page.
Thank you dear friends for visiting with me again this month and sharing my musings.
Until next time,
with love,
Mary
Find 'Dare to Blossom Life Coaching' on Facebook, @daretoblossom on Twitter
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