April 2017 - Coherence and Integration

 

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In this Issue: 
Reflections: Coherence and Integration
Announcement: Point of Focus Membership
Events: workshops in Cornwall and Glastonbury, and the Global Magic Carpet Ride
Inspirational links: the Stoneprint Press

Reflections: Coherence and Integration

Coherence: the situation when the parts of something fit together in a natural or reasonable way
Integration: the process of combining two or more things into one
(definitions from the Cambridge Dictionary on-line)

I began writing this piece a few days ago, sitting in my garden, as a flow-writing exercise. I love to write outdoors, away from the computer, and this year - with a cold damp spring, this was the first time.The first three months of 2017, the first quarter, are coming to an end. Is it spring where you are? Or autumn? Or maybe you are in the tropics where your seasons are ore about wet and dry?

The two words in the title of my reflections this month - coherence and integration - have proved central to me this year. If you are a regular reader, you will know I recently developed a deeper way of using the Rediscovery Cards, through the 'Power Flower' symbolism. The explorations people have already made using this, in combination with the cards, has been proving a source of even greater insights, focus and clarity.

I am beginning to see how all the many parts of my work are, this year, coming together. Becoming integrated as parts of a whole. On my afternoon in the garden I paused here, and wrote:

"Closing my eyes to enjoy the warm sun on my face. Listening to the birds, I hear: seagulls, crows, a wood pigeon, a buzzard calling as she soars high overhead. And the smaller birds: blackbird, thrush, robin, blue-tits, sparrows - and others too, whose calls I cannot recognise without seeing the birds who are singing."




Alongside the growth and new life of spring, the jigsaw of all the methods, tools, techniques I use, are - this year - slotting together, naturally becoming a coherent whole.

Those of you who have taken part in the Magic Carpet Workshops already know how these ways of working, that I have been fine-tuning over a number of years, come together in those gatherings. At the recent workshop here in Cornwall we used the Rediscovery Cards in our introductions; we flow-wrote about one of my greetings cards - a randomly assigned photograph or piece of art. We talked, shared, witnessed, cried, laughed. We each went on a magic carpet ride journey in a guided visualisation following (or not) the words I was given to speak in that moment, for that particular group of people, on that one day.

People also made a gift for themselves to take away, simply the result of playing with coloured pens, stickers, feathers, glue, and the natural 'paper' from the sheaths of the new shoots of the bamboo that grows in my garden. At the close of the morning, we stood in a circle, holding hands as I gave thanks for what each person had brought to the workshop; the gifts each had contributed - at that moment I truly felt the magic as my work for the day was done. The magic of connection, of real conversations heart to heart, of the links that require no words.

For me, the integration is also the alchemy of all my past experience - coming together and transforming from 'good' or 'bad' to simple being - being a part of who I am today.

"Thank you Mary for gently leading and guiding us in wonderful, inspirational, empowering, enjoyable morning. Like all those who have mastered their crafts you made it flow seemingly effortlessly but have put in hard work to make it so.I really do feel full of a peaceful calm energy. Much to reflect upon. I'm going to start on your books now. New beginnings, new hope, new growth, new future." (one of the participants wrote this before I had even reached home afterwards).

Together, we explore, share, discuss, and experience openings and breakthroughs.

For you, for your journal or meditation practice:
- what will you choose to bring into coherence and to integrate this month?
- what emerges for you?
- are there any barriers? What are they? How can you remove, or navigate around them
- what gifts can you find in this process?
- do you wish to paint, draw, collage - express this visually in some way?
 

Announcement: Point of Focus Membership

For some time now, people have asked about how to stay involved with Dare to Blossom when they are not at a place when they wish to take up regular coaching sessions every week or every fortnight. And in a way that feels more active, and more personal than simply subscribing to a newsletter - though I hope you continue to enjoy this as well.

So, after a long process of deliberation, here is an offering for you.The Point of Focus Membership with three levels - and you can choose to stay with one or move between them as things change in your life and circumstances.




In the process of deliberation, I went through all sorts of complexities of names and pricing structures. In the end I came back to the underlying principle of a point of focus - using the simplicity of the Rediscovery Cards and Dare to Blossom coaching as a means to achieving clarity and progress.

And so, in the end, I chose simple titles and simple prices:

Level One - Your monthly Point of Focus Personal Cards Report: £10 per month
Each month you will receive a personalised pdf file with three Rediscovery Cards that I have drawn from the pack especially for you. There will be questions, suggestions and resources. Plus email support for you if you wish to discuss anything.

Level Two: Point of Focus Personal Cards Report plus 30 minutes one-to-one coaching: £40 per month
Your personal pdf file as above, and a chance to explore and deepen in a conversation, and to draw some more cards if you wish. A recording will be provided for you to revisit and truly hear yourself speaking your own inner wisdom. 

Level Three: Point of Focus Personal Cards Report plus 60 minutes one-to-one coaching: £80 per month
Your personal pdf file as above, and a chance to explore and deepen in a longer conversation with the luxury of a full hour together, and with the recording to return to as well. Level Three membership will also offer you discounts on other offerings through the year. 

So will you choose to make a commitment to yourself? To your own journey of rediscovering your true self: the voice that sings inside; the child who dances as if no one is watching; the woman who loves and laughs and rejoices in being alive - at any stage of her life. Will you?

Please take up the offer of a complimentary conversation with me if you have any questions at all, or you would just like to talk and find out more about me and how I can help you dare to blossom. This is a subscription which means you can sit back and know that your regular Report will arrive each month without you needing to do anything, and you will receive a link to book your monthly one-to-one with me. Each will provide you with a place to touch in with yourself and 

Please rest assured that you can change to a different level or cancel your regular payment at any time. Click here to read more on the website and to subscribe to membership, or contact me here.

Forthcoming Events

Workshops:



Saturday 6th May - Glastonbury - Early Bird Special is about to end on 31st March - book here, or contact me for an instalment option.
Saturday 13th May - Cornwall

Visit the website for full details

Global Online Magic Carpet Ride: Unfurl Your Power Within



For those of you who are not in reach of the workshops this new interactive programme begins on Monday 22nd May. for five weeks ending on Friday 23rd June. It will include weekly group calls (which will be recorded in case you can't be there in person), a private Facebook group (though you can take part without joining that if you prefer), and resources for you to keep.

The full programme will be available very soon. In the meantime there is a free group 'Question and Answer' call on Tuesday 25th April at 7.30 pm (BST) There will be no obligation or pressure to sign up for the group, simply a chance to to chat and share some time together with a group of like-minded people., and to try out the Zoom.us video-conferencing platform if you are not familiar with that, in preparation for the later calls if you do decide to join us.

To book your place on the Q&A call, email me via this link so I can send you the invitation to connect on the day. The call will last around 60 minutes. It will be recorded so if you would like to listen in even if you can't make it on the day - do make sure you register. You may notice I have used the word 'unfurl' instead of 'unleash' - I will explain more on the call, and when the full programme is published on the website, along with the pricing.

Inspirational Links

This month I am sharing the website of the Stoneprint Press in New Zealand. I discovered their work - books and some beautiful Wisdom Cards at the end of last year.

Here is the introduction from the site by Barry Brailsford:
"In my Stoneprint books I share the histories and ancient lore of the Pacific peoples and my recent research. Placing the latest scientific studies alongside ancestral wisdom creates exciting pathways into the future."

I am very fortunate to have received a pack of the cards for Christmas (on a special request to my family there - thank you) - and they are magical with wonderful artwork. I have read one of the books that I managed to obtain from the public library here in the UK, "In Search of the Southern Serpent", co-authored by Hamish Miller, who lived here in Cornwall for many years.

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 website - while current stocks last they will be at the same price they have been since 2012 - which will need to change with the new packaging and print run.

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

March 2017 - Life Shifts

In this Issue: 
Reflections: Life Shifts
Events: Dare to Blossom Workshops
Inspirational links

Reflections: Life Shifts

This newsletter is coming to you early this time, as I am part of a blog tour to celebrate the publication of a new collaborative book with Jodi Chapman and Dan Teck. This is the second in their series of 365 Books where I have been a contributing author.

The title of the new book is 365 Life Shifts, and I have two pieces of writing included this time. Both are about pivotal events in my life. Alongside these are another 363 chapters from numerous other writers, all sharing from their hearts with the intention to help others. So, this piece is of course to play my part in spreading the word about our joint project with contributors from all around the world. (You may spot me in the collage below, if you click anywhere on the photo it will take you to my Amazon page to order, and do come back and read some more.)

The title offers me an intriguing topic for my regular 'reflections' piece........ see more below.



So - where will this prompt of 'life shifts' take me? The sub-title is 'Pivotal moments that changed everything'.. We all have those in our lives. Sometimes it is clear that a big change is happening - when we experience redundancy, illness, bereavement, divorce, childbirth, or maybe simply a change of where we live (though that is not necessarily simple in my experience).

Musing today, on a wet misty afternoon in Cornwall, there are thoughts arising - as if from the mist, the fog, of obscured awareness. Something about life shifting around me even as I sit here. My heart is beating, my lungs are doing what they do, my body is functioning to digest my food and provide me with energy. In each moment, each second, changes are happening. Can you see the magnolia petal drifting down from the tree above in this photo? It is an interim moment, between being part of the flower and landing on the ground, to gradually fade and become compost.



If the flower had awareness, I wonder if it would be surprised? For me, I am reminded of the moment when the fog clears and something big is revealed that was not even hinted at a few moments before. This often happens when we are visiting the North Devon coast. Lundy Island is clearly visible on most days, on others the low cloud or sea mist obscures it entirely. 



I am curious - why has my mind taken me to this thought from the starting point of 'life shifts'? The clearing of the mental 'fog' in my life often happens in an instant: that may be a moment of insight. Or it may be a literal, physical shock, such as we experience when a near-miss happens when driving. A sudden appreciation of the fragile nature of our physical existence and how precious it is, each moment.

Part of my learning to sit with 'being' as well as 'doing' out in the world, has been that awareness of the fleeting nature of each day, each hour, each minute. To value that as best I can; and to forgive myself when my very normal human imperfection has me forgetting. To appreciate those pivotal, wake-up call moments.

For you, in your meditation or journal writing:
- what life shifting moments come to mind for you? You may choose to flow write or meditate on one of these.
- what emerges for you?
- what gifts can you find within?
- do you wish to paint, draw, collage - express this visually in some way?

To purchase a copy of  "365 Life Shifts" for yourself, click here. 
I ordered my copy this morning and look forward to reading the stories we have all shared there. Many of the authors offer bonus gifts, once you have your order number (from Amazon or any other bookseller) you simply need to visit the main website for the book and follow the instructions there to access them. I have not made a general offer this time - however as a reader of this newsletter or on my blog page, I would love to offer you an extended consultation, (30 minutes rather than the usual 20 minutes) - a chance to talk and to experience the Rediscovery Coaching process for yourself. Simply contact me to book a video-conference call.

Events: Dare to Blossom Workshops

There is a full programme of Magic Carpet Ride Workshops planned for the Blue Lotus Therapy Centre throughout 2017 in Cornwall, plus the special one day event in Glastonbury on 6th May. Just visit the Workshops and Events Page.



Inspirational links

Since I began writing this newsletter the launch of 365 Life Shifts has taken place, with the book becoming a number one best seller on Amazon in a number of categories and countries. The way that Jodi and Dan bring everyone together in a community to collaborate on their books and to share in promotion is inspirational. They have such a heart-centred way of doing this which feels so wonderful. If you would like to be involved in future books you can connect with them here on Facebook and on their website  You will find much to inspire you.

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

February 2017 - Harmony and Coherence

Welcome to the Dare to Blossom Newsletter

In this Issue: 
Reflections: harmony and coherence

Coaching packages
Events
Inspirational links

Reflections: harmony and coherence

Sitting here to write to you, there are a multitude of thoughts swirling around. So many recent conversations - with people for whom I am acting as coach, and others with people coaching me - have brought so much richness. In truth in any conversation the sharing of ideas, intuition, wisdom is a two way exchange.

Themes are emerging for me this year of pulling threads together, of bringing all my work into harmony, creating a coherent whole out of what has seemed for some time to be scattered. Artwork, photography, writing, coaching, working with people through the Dare to Blossom Rediscovery cards, speaking to groups in person, live on air or through recordings, running workshops.

Last month I wrote about unleashing the power within: that thought has been settling, percolating and evolving. The workshop programme here in Cornwall throughout this year has been part of this (more on this below), as will be a new on-line magic carpet ride circle.

Recently I have seen the phrase 'deep dive' mentioned several times in different contexts, by various people. It is becoming more and more central to the way I see my work emerging into a new phase of harmony and coherence. The people who came forward to help me as testers for the Dare to Blossom Power Flower process have been part of this: it has proved an extraordinary and magical experience for me, and I think for them too. Drawing the cards as part of coaching has always brought this quality - and will still be the preferred way of working for many situations. The simplicity and direct connection has proved invaluable over and over with different people.

When people do wish to take that deep dive into their own inner wisdom, to access their intuition and guidance even more powerfully - the process of unfurling the petals of their flower has brought extra richness and potential. I am still collecting feedback from these calls as people benefit from a period of settling and reflection first. I will include some of the early responses below for you. Thank you so much to each of you.

Speaking yesterday with someone who told me they are learning to free-dive, and how he had to learn not only about breathing but also 'equalising' the pressure in his ears, sparked some more thoughts for me. I start each coaching session, and each workshop, with a short exercise to connect with our breath and to centre at a point of equilibrium in our bodies, before we set off on our journey of discovery through our conversation and interaction with the cards. A preparation for deep diving indeed.
 

Looking for an image to illustrate 'diving deep', I was thinking of a deep blue sea, perhaps like this one taken from the cliffs near Trevone. Beautiful, sunny, the rocks clearly visible through the clear water.

Then I looked up from my screen and saw beside me the print of the photograph of koi carp in a pool that I took last autumn. The surface so smooth that the reflections of the trees in the water can cause a double-take - are the fish in the water or the sky? That was my first reaction back then, intriguing me and providing a fruitful avenue for my own journalling and meditation. It prompted thoughts about reality and obscured meanings; truth and false promises; direction and dead-ends.



I also chose it as the image to accompany the 'Review, Reflect, Re-Vision' workshops at the end of 2016 and it has sparked insights for others too.

Looking again now, I see new meaning in this image for me. What does lie below that misty, mirrored surface? What is there awaiting discovery, rediscovery? Do I dare to dip in, dive in even, to find out? Like many people I speak to, maybe you too are feeling a longing to draw back from the fast-moving world and connect strongly, truly with your inner wisdom - with harmony and coherence? I know I am.

For you, for your journal or meditation practice:
- if any phrase or word resonates with you from this piece, choose to flow write or meditate on those words
- what emerges for you?
- what gifts can you find within?
- do you wish to paint, draw, collage - express this visually in some way?

Coaching packages for 2017

Below you will see details of the the coaching offer based on the Dare to Blossom Power Flower, if you would like to see the Rediscovery Coaching package as well just pop over to the website page here.

Unleash your power within: you already know your purpose in life - at least most of the time. You have read the books, attended the workshops, been around this spiral a few times. Why not deepen the process by exploring using the Dare to Blossom Power Flower process.

Here is how it works: a one-hour deep-dive into your personal Power Flower. Together we draw a card for each petal, working in any order you wish, allowing each to unfurl gradually and naturally. At the end, if you so wish, I will take you on a guided visualisation with your Power Flower and the words on your cards woven into your magic carpet.

Following on from this, you will experience further deepening of the process through five thirty minute sessions, one for each petal, then ending in the centre. Each session takes place on the video-conferencing platform Zoom, and will be recorded for you to relisten and rediscover more as often as you wish. You will also receive photos of the cards and your Power Flower if you do not have your own pack of Rediscovery Cards, plus email support between our conversations.

And, remember, if we have not spoken before, you may like to take up your complimentary consultation to help you decide if this is right for you.

Comments from testers: some people have known me for a long time, others I have connected with just recently; some are in the UK, others in the USA.

"It was a very liberating experience, which I enjoyed immensely."

"The really cool part is that you can continue to work with these cards. I laid down to rest and they showed themselves to me with more information. This system is very neutral and can work with any belief system."

"I thoroughly enjoyed my first session with Dare to Blossom. My first session with Mary Lunnen using the Rediscovery Cards with the "Flower Power" was eye opening. It was so helpful to me to think about the aspects of life represented on the flower in relation to one of the cards. It helped me to see that I need to do some work on finding clarity of purpose in my life. I have ordered her Rediscovery Cards and will continue to work with Mary. The work I did with Mary was truly a rediscovery. I highly recommend her as a life coach."

"I love the simplicity of the Power Flower and being visually-oriented, it gave me something to actually work with, rather than trying to grasp a few words ... it definitely helped to have a few days to let things settle and allow the meanings of the cards on each petal to unfold in their own time."

Forthcoming Events

Full details are on the 'Workshops and Events' page.

Cornwall at the Blue Lotus Therapy Centre: Unleash your Power Within five workshop programme.

Each workshop will run from 10 am - 1pm, all are Saturdays. Each is a standalone event, and at the same time if you return to all or any of the others, it will build on the insights you have found before. Cost: £25 per workshop.

18 March Peace: strong roots; For more details and to book (open now) click here.
A starting point for our exploration of the Dare to Blossom Power Flower, this first workshop will begin in the centre, with Peace. Peace, grounding, growing strong roots on which to build. Using the Dare to Blossom Rediscovery Cards, flow-writing, guided magic carpet ride visualisations, along with sharing, laughter and quiet moments - you will find this workshop transformational as a stand-alone event and a strong grounding for further work together.

13 May Purpose: reaching upwards
8 July Passion: opening to the sun
9 September Power: ripening
18 November Progress: harvesting

Glastonbury at the Goddess House: Unleash your Power Within

Saturday 6 May, 10 - 4. Cost: Early Bird price until 31st March : £55.00, then £65.00

Join me at the Goddess House in Glastonbury, in the fresh days of May. We will journey together using the Dare to Blossom Rediscovery cards to take us on a magic carpet ride to rediscover our inner wisdom and unleash the power within each of us. A power - not to control others - a power to shine from within. To find our inner purpose, passion, purpose and peace - and through these to decide how to progress next in our lives.

The methods I work with can be described as practical and ethereal, with an impish humour and the serene atmosphere of talking with an old friend.

Full details here.

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.

Inspirational Links

I have so many friends writing amazing inspirational blogs that I have decided to feature one of them here each month:

This month the featured blog is from inspirational coach, goddess guide Amy Palko - who has set herself a challenge to blog every day in 2017. As well as her magic way with words, she creates amazing photographs

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

January 2017 - Unleashing our power within

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

December 2016 - Slowing down

Action note: if you would like to book a place in the "Return of the Light - Illumination for 2017: Global Online Magic Carpet Ride Circle", the Early Bird special price of £25 ends on 7th December, after that it is £30, scroll down for details or click here to book.

In this Issue: 
Reflections: Slowing Down
Events: Magic Carpet Ride Workshops
Inspirational links: Guest Blog from Julie Daley of Unabashedly Female

Reflections: Slowing Down

This month I really have no idea yet for a theme for these reflections. At least, I didn't when I began. AS I reached the place in the set-up where I am asked for a subject line, the words 'Slowing down' popped into my head.

Sometimes it feels, especially at this point - the end of November - as if the pace of life is speeding up .If you have much to do to prepare for Christmas celebrations that will almost certainly be the case. For friends in the USA who have just finished with Thanksgiving for another year, I have no idea how you manage two such large events in quick succession.

And - for me, it still seems that slowing down is precisely what is needed. It will be time soon to plan for the new year ahead and all that I may wish to bring into action in 2017. Now, even in the midst of busy times, can be an opportunity. My recent workshop at the Blue Lotus, and the forthcoming one in Launceston (see more below) - prompted thoughts on 'Review, Reflect, and Re-Vision'. My personal spelling of 'revision' indicating that the time is not yet come to plan, simply to gain perspective on the year past, and see  more clearly the things that I wish to continue into next year.

I also see, now, as I write, that this is a continuation of the autumn theme of reaping the harvest of the year, winnowing the golden grains from the chaff. Continuing in the sense of reviewing what those golden grains represent; choosing which to store carefully away; which to plant soon; maybe which to gift to others. Writing, as always, in my own experiencing, in real time, here - talking with you through the screen, through these words - this may resonate with you. Or it may not, it may for you be a piece of chaff. Either way is perfect, the offer is there to share this fleeting experience, which I do freely in the knowing that in so doing you may find a nugget of gold of your own.

For me, this process cannot happen without slowing down. In the way that the pulse of the natural world slows in winter. As the plants become dormant, withdraw in self-protection against the cold, preserve resources for fresh growth in the spring - so we human beings need some time to turn inwards to ourselves.



That this opportunity comes at a time when many of us are busy with families and friends offers both a challenge and an opportunity. Maybe some of this process is best activated in community, not solely by ourselves, valuable as that lone contemplation can be?

For you, for your journal or meditation practice:
- if any phrase or word resonates with you from this piece, choose to flow write or meditate on those words
- what emerges for you?
- what gifts can you find within?
- do you wish to paint, draw, collage - express this visually in some way?

Forthcoming Events: Magic Carpet Ride Workshops

Monday 12 December, at The Business Space, Launceston.



This event is a little different as the room has been kindly donated by Annie Mitchell from Bamham Farm Cottages. This is being promoted in conjunction with Gemma Massey from TME Networking, and the plan is to hold a two hour workshop using the tried and tested 'Magic Carpet Ride' formula, with time for networking before and afterwards.

Arrive from 9.15 am, through to 12.30 pm.The price for this one-off event is £20 per person. Book here.

The information for all events is on the Dare to Blossom website as usual. Please contact me with any questions you may have.

Return of the Light - Illumination for 2017: Global Online Magic Carpet Ride Circle

Booking for the next on-line Magic Carpet Ride Circle is now open, with the Early Bird price ending on 7th December. Join a global group to explore how you wish to illuminate your year ahead in 2017 - whether business, career, health, relationships, creativity - any or all of these, you will receive insights and support here. More details and booking link here.

We start on Saturday 7th January, and run through five full weeks together, closing our circle on Friday 10th February. Each Tuesday evening at 7.30 pm GMT there will be the opportunity to join a group check-in call to share our experiences. This will be recorded in case you are not able to join us, and for you to listen again if you do as there will be many rich seams to explore through this process.

Each week you will receive a new guided visualisation to help you access your own inner wisdom. We will use the prompts of the Dare to Blossom Rediscovery Cards and a daily practice each week through a closed Facebook group where we can gather as if in a room together and support each other.

I know that many readers of this newsletter do not wish to be involved with Facebook, if there is enough interest, I could, as before, set up an email group - and you would still of course be very welcome to join the live group calls each Tuesday. Please contact me if this appeals to you.

The Early Bird price is £25 so book now to reserve your place. After 7 December the price will be £30.

Saturday 21 January at the Blue Lotus Therapy Centre, Scorrier


 

Returning to our new venue in a beautiful wooded setting at the Blue Lotus Therapy Centre, for the first of six workshops in 2017.

Continuing the tried and tested process, we will share creative visualisation, writing exercises, discussion, laughter - all those ingredients that people tell me make big breakthroughs possible for them. The freedom of the imagery of the magic carpet, combined with the Rediscovery Cards will allow you to experience a reconnection with your intuition, your inner wisdom.

For the New Year, in the sometimes dark days of January, we will focus on the time ahead, and journey together for illumination and inspiration for 2017. Knowing that the light always returns with the turning of the seasons; the new shoots will grow, produce leaves, blossom and fruit.

Venue: The Blue Lotus Therapy Centre,  Scorrier, Redruth, Cornwall, TR16 5AR Full directions can be found here.

 Date: Saturday 21st January 2017

Times: arrive from 9.30 am to settle in with a hot drink, start 10.00 am, end at 1.00 pm

Price: £25.00 per person. Book your place here.

Future events in 2017

Following the success of the first workshop at the Blue Lotus, I have booked dates throughout 2017, all Saturdays from 10 am to 1 pm:

21 January (see above)
18 March
13 May
 8 July
 9 September
18 November

I am still looking out for a similarly magical venue in east Cornwall, do let me know if you hear of anywhere. In the meantime, 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.

Inspirational Links

I have so many friends writing amazing inspirational blogs that I have decided to feature one of them here each month:

Here is Julie Daley of Unabashedly Female writing on how a walk can be a question.... Read here.

Writing now, on 30th November, it feels too early to wish you Merry Christmas, so I will simply send you a blurry, slightly festive, photo of our outdoor lights from last year ....



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,