Dare to Blossom

Saturday, 27 March 2021

Vision + Sanctuary

Hello dear friends, I am writing to you well before the end of the month as there are two taster circles before the end of March. Also a chance to browse my encaustic art ahead of a long-overdue price increase in the new financial year.

Reflections: Vision + Sanctuary
New programmes April (Early Bird discount ends 31st March), and June
Dare to Blossom Monthly Circle on Zoom Saturday 10th April
From my archives: April titles poem
Dare to Blossom Art: a chance to browse before a price increase

Re the taster circles: If you see this in time, you are warmly invited to join us at a taster circle for "Vision + Sanctuary: Be Powerfully Yourself": They are on Monday 29th March at 7.15 pm UK time, or on Tuesday 30th March at 9.30 am UK time. Again, contact me to receive the Zoom link to join us. You can read more below.

Reflections: Vision + Sanctuary
When I came to look back at the last newsletter, I couldn't believe how much has happened since I wrote at the end of February. Then I wrote about 'Be Powerfully Yourself', and that was also to be the title of my April offering.

During March, I have hosted the short four week Circle, 'Space to Be: Space to Breathe', with a delightfully supportive small group. That experience has given me that space, to be, and to breathe, and to let the ideas for the April programme to grow and expand.

As that happened I connected my two words of the year for 2021 'Vision' and 'Sanctuary' with the Compass Rose, and with being powerfully myself. I now see Sanctuary as a similar place as Peace, the centre point of the Compass Rose. When I am myself feeling grounded and centred, then I also have a strong sense of peace, and of sanctuary. From that doubly powerful place, I can step out, I can connect with any point, any part of the Compass Rose, whilst staying grounded.

Looking west from Morte Point, North Devon

Vision is brought by all those directions, by Purpose, by Passion, by Power, and by Progress. At the same time all those expand my vision, enable me to see more clearly. To see the unexpected, to look beyond the obvious. Sometimes to see beyond the physical, particularly in my own meditations and magic carpet rides.

I have been using the photograph above while I have been publicising this new programme, even as my thoughts have been developing. I now see how it offers me that feeling of 'looking beyond'. There is something about the bright sunlight on the surface of the sea, and the haziness on the horizon, that brings a magical feel for me.

For you, for your meditations or journal - to flow-write, doodle, paint, dance, sing - however you wish to express your thoughts and feelings:

What is your first response to the word 'Vision'? What else is there? And, what else?
What is your first response to the word 'Sanctuary'? What else is there? And, what else?
What is your first response to the two words together 'Vision + Sanctuary'? What else is there? And, what else?
What is 'beyond the obvious' for you?

New programmes April, and June

Vision + Sanctuary: Be Powerfully Yourself - six-week deep dive Circle, April

Note: If you are already sure this is for you, take advantage of the Early Bird discount of £10 (reducing the price from £128 to £118). This ends on 31st March, but for newsletter subscribers I will hold it open a little longer if there are spaces left in the Circle. Contact me to enquire and book.

As I have described above, this new six week deep dive circle has evolved since I wrote in March. We will begin after Easter on 12th April, when the evenings are lighter here in Cornwall so I can offer an evening time slot for the Zoom gatherings, Mondays at 7.30 pm UK time. There will also be a gathering on Tuesdays at 9.30 am, to suit people in other time zones and with differing commitments.

If you see this in time, you are warmly invited to join us at a taster circle: On Monday 29th March at 7.15 pm UK time, or on Tuesday 30th March at 9.30 am UK time. Again, contact me to receive the Zoom link to join us.

Here are more details: this is an invitation to a deep-dive six week exploration of how to step up. Step into your true power. Be powerfully yourself.

If you are familiar with my work, you will know I have been reflecting on ‘power’ for some years now. Especially as a quiet one, an introvert.

The sort of power I wish to embody, and to help you do the same, is the power of community, of collaboration, of sharing. Power with, rather than power over, others. The power that says ‘together we rise’.

The first title for this new programme was ‘Be Powerfully Yourself’. In my reflections and meditations I realised that is not enough by itself, inspiring as it may be.

How? How do I do that? These questions arose for me, as they may for you.

Then I remembered the two words I have chosen as companions for this year, for 2021: Vision. Sanctuary. (prompted by the My Word Goddess reading I subscribe to each year, from Amy Palko – who now shares most of her work on her Patreon page here).

Exploring in my journal, on the first day this year that I found a warm spot on the cliffs to do this – a celebration in itself - I realised something.

I realised that those two words, Vision and Sanctuary, fit perfectly with the Compass Rose process I use in my six week circles. Sanctuary is another word for the Peace we begin with, and return to. Vision can be explored through the four points of the Compass Rose: Purpose, Passion, Power, Progress.

Here is the flow for the six weeks:

Week 1: Peace – finding your sanctuary

Week 2: Purpose – what is your vision right now?

Week 3: Passion – what lies behind your vision?

Week 4: Power – how to truly be yourself.

Week 5: Progress – what next?

Week 6: Return to Peace – vision + sanctuary

Read more and book your place on the website here.

June: Weaving Shadow and Light Circle

I have been asked to repeat this six week Circle that I first ran last year. We will begin on Monday 7th June and end on Friday 16th July, encompassing the Summer Solstice, or the Winter Solstice, depending on where you are in the world. The live Zoom gatherings will be on Tuesdays at 11.00 am UK time, and potentially with an additional time if there is enough interest.

Full details will be available soon.

The Dare to Blossom Monthly Circle Saturday 10th April at 11.00 am

For those of you who prefer a 'light touch' commitment, here is a reminder of the regular monthly Zoom gathering. Last month I decided to change this from 'pay as you go' to a donation basis. If your circumstances allow, and if you wish, donations are received with gratitude - but not expected. Just contact me after the event to arrange how to make a donation if that is what you decide to do. In any case, you will receive a photo of your cards, and a link to download the recording (just shared with those present live on the call).

Here is the link to book, or simply contact me as always. It lasts between an hour and an hour and a half, depending on how many of us are there, and is perfect if you just wish to join us occasionally. It can be seen as a replacement for the in-person workshops that a number of you used to attend, with the added advantage of being accessible to you wherever you are in the world, time zones permitting. In case you are wondering, donations are between £0 and £20, occasionally more when someone feels they have received a particularly powerful benefit through the experience.

From my archives: April Titles poem

We are who we’re waiting for
Changes
Journeys
Be what you are
On reflection
Emergence
Becoming sure
Changes, and rest
Daring
Coherence and integration
Purpose
Celebration
Waiting
Waiting
Celebration
Purpose
Coherence and integration
Daring
Changes, and rest
Becoming sure
Emergence
On reflection
Be what you are
Journeys
Changes
We are who we’re waiting for

Dare to Blossom Art: a chance to browse before a price increase

Many of you will have seen occasional mentions of the encaustic art I love creating. Recently, in conversation with artists more experienced than I in selling their work, I have realised that I have undervalued the pieces I create. Of course 'value' is subjective, and even more so in relation to art, yet I have decided to increase prices from the new financial year in April.

So, you may like to browse and maybe you will see something you would love to hang on your wall, or to give as a gift. Here is the link to the artwork webpage. Most pieces are priced at £40, plus postage and packing to wherever you are in the world. Two paintings sent together usually come in at the same shipping cost, although I need to pack and weigh them to check for you.

Enjoy browsing and seeing what images you see in the swirls of colour.

Thank you dear friends,

with love,
Mary

Find 'Dare to Blossom Life Coaching' on Facebook, @daretoblossom on Twitter

Thursday, 25 February 2021

March 2021 - Be Powerfully Yourself

Welcome to the Dare to Blossom Newsletter
Reflections: Be Powerfully Yourself
2021 programmes, starting with 'Space to Be, Space to Breathe' on 1st March
Dare to Blossom Monthly Circle on Zoom Saturday 6th March
From my archives: March titles poem

Reflections: Be Powerfully Yourself

Just now, as I sit to write for you this month, I notice how I feel. Not particularly powerful. And, - now I am noticing - not really 'myself' either. And, what does that mean, 'be yourself'? People often say that, maybe when I am anxious, perhaps in the past before an interview for a job. Or, more likely in the recent past, before standing up in front of a group of people to speak. How can I, can any of us, not be ourselves?

I know that often I may have felt that wasn't good enough: I didn't want to be the uncertain, wobbly, Mary who couldn't get her words out. The one who was (still is sometimes) told to 'speak up', 'stop mumbling'. The one who would rather have run away and hidden somewhere quiet.

And yet, in the years since I named my business 'Dare to Blossom' (and way before that actually), I have been doing just that, responding to my own challenge. Daring to blossom, to speak, to press 'send' when I have written a personal piece here that feels so sensitive that it might wither in the glare of other people reading my words.

If you have been here for a while you may have seen some of that blossoming, that daring. You may have read The Powerful Voice of the Quiet Ones; you may have been to some of my workshops, or more recently, Zoom gatherings; you may have taken part in daring to blossom yourself during one of my longer programmes. Over the last year, 2020, during that strangest of times, I have been privileged with the company of many of you in all the different Circles I have hosted. My last in-person workshop at the Blue Lotus Therapy Centre was on 25th January, since then everything has been on Zoom.

I feel so fortunate that I was already familiar with the technology, with the challenges, and with the huge gifts of being able to share real time conversations with people from all over the world. Following the first group programme this year, 'Your Powerful Voice', which has just ended, and the about to start 'Space to Be: Space to Breathe' four week circle (which I wrote about last week - still time to join us, see more below) - the new six week trip around the Compass Rose will be on the theme of 'Be Powerfully Yourself'.

I will be using the space of the month of March to write the detailed programme, which will begin on 12th April. As I sit now to write to you in the end days of February, with a good Cornish gale blowing outside, I can see the flow. I can see how another process I explored with a group last year (and still do in the open Facebook group), weaving shadow and light, how that is now helping me in stepping forward to be powerfully myself.

(I chose this photo of the power of the ocean. It was taken on my first walk for a while after what seems like weeks of wind and rain. The wind had dropped, the sun was shining, and as you see a huge swell was running. It was even warm enough to sit on a bench for a while and just enjoy. Just being there, being with the power of nature all around me.)

Constantine Bay February 2021

And, yet, sitting here now, again I bump up against that fear, that reticence, about claiming 'power'. I have been delving into this for a number of years now, for myself, with my one-to-one clients, and in groups - how we can choose 'power' when it is so often associated with fear and control. How to allow myself to choose a different power, one that I truly wish to embody, a power of collaboration, of love, of 'together we rise'?

This is my focus for a while, maybe you will choose to join me? Maybe come to one of the events, or simply join me as you journal, following your own reflections.

For you, for your meditations or journal - to flow-write, doodle, paint, dance, sing - however you wish to express your thoughts and feelings:

What is your first response to the words 'Be Powerfully Yourself'?
What else is there?
And, what else?
You may like to look at the separate parts of the phrase: 'Be', 'Yourself', 'Be Yourself', 'Powerfully', 'Powerfully Yourself'

PS I decided to change the portrait photo here the other day.(in the email newsletter it appears in the sidebar) It was taken nearly two years ago, at the awards ceremony for the Venus Awards, when I reached the final three in the 'Lifetime Achievement' category. I was not the one chosen for that award, and I had not prepared a speech, although I was ready to speak from the heart if it had been me. After that, I travelled around the world to New Zealand, I spoke at a conference there, and in various other places. In spite of almost a year of lockdown now, I still 'speak' regularly in my own groups and those of other people, and in interviews. I am notice I am writing that, not to remind you - but to acknowledge to myself how much I have done, and continue to do. And, most importantly, that it is OK to wobble, to feel vulnerable, every so often. Maybe even to retreat for a while and offer myself some tender loving care before stepping out once more. Maybe that is truly being powerfully myself?

2021 programmes, starting with 'Space to Be, Space to Breathe' on 1st March

Space to Be, Space to Breathe Four Week Circle, March

I have already written about this in detail in the February newsletter, this simple Circle will begin on Monday 1st March, with calls on Tuesdays at 9.30 am, and maybe also Thursdays at 2.30 pm (UK times), ending on Friday 26th March. The price is £88, with instalments available if that is helpful for you, and a £10 discount for Stay Connected members. Details here, or simply reply to this email with any questions or to book your place. If you prefer not to be on Facebook, I can email you all the prompts and the Zoom gatherings are the place where we meet and share, and in that way they are the centre point of the process.

The Dare to Blossom Monthly Circle Saturday 6th March at 11.00 am

For those of you who prefer a 'light touch' commitment, here is a reminder of the regular monthly Zoom gathering. The price is £20, and you will receive a photo of your cards, and a link to download the recording (just shared with those present live on the call).

From my archives: March titles poem

Changing your mind
Missed connections and reconnections
Free gifts
Driving into Fog
Falling
Allowing
Fresh start
Coming home
Life shifts
Growth
Visibility
The winds of change

The winds of change
Visibility
Growth
Life shifts
Coming home
Fresh start
Allowing
Falling
Driving into Fog
Free gifts
Missed connections and reconnections
Changing your mind

Thank you dear friends,

with love,
Mary

Wednesday, 27 January 2021

February 2021: Space to Be

Reflections: Space to Be

Dare to Blossom Monthly Circle on Zoom Saturday 6th February
From my archives: February titles poem
Taster Circles and 2021 programmes, starting with 'Space to Be, Space to Breathe'

Reflections: Space to Be

'Space to Be', 'Breathing Space' - what do these phrases spark for you? They came into my head as I began writing new ideas for later this spring. In April I will be offering a new six week deep-dive Circle, "Be Powerfully Yourself". I am hugely grateful to Nick Williams for the coaching session where his 'gently challenging' questions helped me appreciate what people receive when they connect with the way I work. I have to say, 'gently challenging' is powerful. As I watched the recording to gain further insights, I could see myself squirming in my seat as my six-year-old self may have done when asked a difficult question by the teacher.

Nick is a hugely experienced, skilled and intuitive coach (I encourage you to connect with him if you would like to know more, his books have inspired me right from the first to the latest, something like 17 now, forgive me if I have forgotten some). One of the reasons I was watching the recording was to hear for myself the words he heard me say: "Be Powerfully Yourself". I didn't remember saying that. and yes, I did, in connection with what I help people do for themselves. That experience shows for me, once again, how magical the coaching process is: having someone truly listening, and reflecting back my own words, my own wisdom, to me. Something I often say to others when I am explaining how coaching works.

Following on from that, I am giving myself the gift of some space to be, simply be. To reflect. To continue my slow-speed sorting and decluttering - a process that is bringing me so many gifts from the past. Messages from myself. Cards from friends with beautiful words within that mean even more now, if that is possible. I am loving working with a small group in the current run of the "Your Powerful Voice" Circle, and having time and space to use that for myself too. Using my own processes is one of the gifts I often forget I can access any time.

From all this is emerging the idea of a very simple Circle, to run for four weeks during March. We will have a private Facebook group where we can interact if we wish. There will be few, if any, prompts and activities to follow. Each of us will be encouraged to spend time with our journals, or art, or in nature, or all of these. And especially to just be, to connect with your inner guidance. This means that even if you are not on Facebook, you will gain much from participating. There will be a choice of two Zoom call times each week, to help you access the magic of a 'space to be' in real time. More details are below for you to find out more if you are interested, or simply click here..

Returning to my own reflections on a space to be: what does that mean to me? Space: space to stretch. A chance to take up my deserved amount of space. I have often felt, I sometimes still do, that I need to make myself smaller to accommodate others. Sometimes literally, physically. Sometimes metaphorically. I remember as a child, being bullied for coming top of the class in tests. I don't think I went as far as to stop trying, I do remember later, as a teenager, hiding that I was a 'clever girl'. Especially as I entered the world of boyfriends and dating. I think, I hope, that is changing for young people, especially girls, now. Sometimes this is another aspect of being a 'quiet one'. The feeling of not having space to think before sharing my thoughts.

So, I am claiming space to be, to give myself permission to take up the right amount of space in the world for me, at any one moment in time. And especially, space to breathe. Recently, on a rare sunny day in a stretch of dull wet weather, I took a long walk on one of my favourite cliff paths, near Trevone. There was a good swell coming in, booming on the rocks below. Even though there was ice on the ground, the sun felt quite warm on my face. There was a breeze coming in from the ocean. I stood and took some really deep breaths of that sea air. It almost felt as if I had not breathed properly for some time. When under stress, I know I breathe more shallowly, as most of us probably do. Almost as if I am afraid to breathe in fully, in case of danger - and currently that is all too real with Covid 19 being an airborne disease. Yet I know that breathing deeply helps my body physically in bringing more oxygen to circulate throughout my cells, and emotionally too, in relaxing me into a more meditative state

For your reflections, journal, meditation, art or doodles:
- What images or words does the phrase 'space to be' conjure for you?
- How can you bring more of that sense of space into your daily life?
- How will you offer yourself 'space to breathe'?

Enjoy reflecting and exploring and go gently with yourselves and all around you dear friends.

February Dare to Blossom Monthly Circle on Zoom: Saturday 5th at 11.00 am

This time we are meeting on a Saturday as a number of people have said that is a better day for them. In case this is new to you, the monthly gathering is simply a meet up on Zoom, an invitation to a 'pay as you go' circle at 11.00 am UK time. The fee is £20. As well as taking part, you will receive a photo of the cards I draw for you, and a recording of the call (only sent to those who are present live). Full details and booking are here, Or simply contact me by replying to this email if you prefer. You can book in advance, or choose to receive an invoice after the event, I will leave that up to you, and trust that if you enjoy the experience you will be happy to offer the fee in exchange for the love and energy I put into creating the Circle for you.

The provisional monthly dates for 2021 are here, still given as Fridays just now. After the February gathering I will decide whether to continue holding them on a Saturday each month if that suits people better.

This is a chance to gather, as if sitting chatting around a table, and simply share some time together. We will use the processes that are familiar to many of you, the Compass Rose Speaks opening and closing meditation, the Dare to Blossom Rediscovery Cards and the Magic Carpet Ride guided visualisation, to explore whatever is arising for us on that day. If you are thinking 'I am not familiar with those...' and would like to know more, please contact me. We can always chat on Zoom over a cuppa - and that is a chance to set up that service if it is new to you. Even though I describe this as 'light touch', the insights and experiences are no less powerful for that, for the fact we do not interact in a group between the monthly circles. In fact, people who enjoy being in the deep-dive programmes would probably tell you that the Zoom gatherings are the essential part of the whole process.

From my archives: February titles poem

Gratitude
Reasons to be cheerful
Repeating patterns, Cycles and Surprises
Feline Meditations
Reflections on the first Daring to Blossom workshop
Rediscovery
Return of the Light
Honesty, and Barriers
Grace and Ease
Harmony and coherence
Peace
Mystery
Clearing and changes

Clearing and changes
Mystery
Peace
Harmony and coherence
Grace and Ease
Honesty, and Barriers
Return of the Light
Rediscovery
Reflections on the first Daring to Blossom workshop
Feline Meditations
Repeating patterns, Cycles and Surprises
Reasons to be cheerful
Gratitude

Two free Taster Circles and the new 2021 programmes
The next taster circles will be on Thursday 18th February at 2.30 pm UK time, and Tuesday 23rd February at 9.30 am. I may be able to fit in another before then - if you are on Facebook you will find the details, when confirmed, on the Dare to Blossom page there, if you are not, just contact me if you are interested.

Space to Be, Space to Breathe Four Week Circle
I have already written about this above, this simple Circle will begin on Monday 1st March, with calls on Tuesdays at 9.30 am, and Thursdays at 2.30 pm (UK times), ending on Friday 26th March. The price is £88, with instalments available if that is helpful for you. Details here, or simply reply to this email with any questions or to book your place.

Being Powerfully Yourself - six-week deep dive Circle
The details are not fully formed just yet, the theme is how to step more fully into the true you, to be powerfully yourself. And doing this regardless of the doubts and wobbles and occasional setbacks. We will begin after Easter on 12th April, when the evenings are lighter here in Cornwall so I can offer an evening time slot for the Zoom gatherings, Mondays at 7.30 pm UK time. Full details will be available on the website here soon, and in the March Newsletter - and there will also be some taster circles where you can experience the magic and find out more.

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

Tuesday, 29 December 2020

January 2021 - Weaving the New

Welcome to the Dare to Blossom Newsletter

First, may I wish you the best possible year ahead in 2021. I am aware that many people have had the worst of times in 2020, maybe you have had Covid 19 yourself; maybe you are still unwell. Maybe family or friends are; maybe you have lost someone to this awful disease. Maybe you are a key worker and have not had a proper rest for so long, and now find yourself back in the midst of the new upsurge.

Alongside all of that, maybe there were some wonderful moments: nature in her beauty and glory; the kindness of strangers; the friendships sustained even when we could not see each other. My wish for you, for us all, is for a happy and healthy year ahead, and an appreciation of every moment.

Reflections: Weaving the New
Reader Reflections: On The Light Within
More New Artwork
Dare to Blossom Monthly Circle on Zoom 8th January
From my archives: January titles poem
Three free Taster Circles and the new 2021 programmes

Reflections: Weaving the New

If nothing else, 2020 has shown me that no one can predict the future. And yet, I can choose how to weave the new into my life. I am so grateful to everyone who has connected with me this year. The last six week deep-dive circle was entitled 'Weavers of Shadow and Light' - and there will be another run of this programme beginning in mid-January, as well as another 'Your Powerful Voice' programme.

As you may have seen in the extra bulletin recently, I am also offering a New Year's Day gathering on Zoom (read on for full details below) where we can explore 'weaving the new' together and welcome in 2021.

As I begin reflecting for myself on this year and all that has been happening, so much has changed. Looking back, around this time last year I was writing the book 'The Powerful Voice of the Quiet Ones - Reflections on an Introvert's Life', which I published in January. For me, it feels a whole new chapter in my life has emerged since then. Such a strange year: In January I hosted the first of the six workshops scheduled at the Blue Lotus Therapy Centre, and intended to flow right through the year to November as usual. That day in January turned out to be my last in-person workshop for the foreseeable future.

In February I travelled to Glastonbury to celebrate my friend Soleira's 70th birthday along with other dear friends. In March I exhibited at the Cornwall Business Show. That was on 12th and we were already aware that we shouldn't exchange hugs or even shake hands. Big announcements were imminent from the UK government, and the show closed early.

Since then I have barely been anywhere except in the local area. I was hugely grateful when lock-down was eased a little and I was able to drive the few miles to my favourite places to walk on the cliffs. And yet, life has continued. I am so lucky that most of my work was already online or easily transferable. Death continued also. I have not as yet lost anyone close to me to the virus, and yet the deaths that have occurred are made so much more difficult to cope with by the circumstances. At the same time, I honour every one, every person who has left their body this year (for me personally, that is two family members and several dear friends), and celebrate the gifts they gave me . And still do in the memories and insights that arise in reflection.

Weaving the shadow and light together without judgement of which events could be seen as 'shadow' and which as 'light' has been my way to cope. One of the participants in my groups this year recently sent me this quote: “The brighter the light, the darker the shadow.” from Carl Jung. My first response, as I write now, is to think of the bright lights of those I have lost in the physical world, who are still there, even if not in body, and who I believe are simply shining in a different way. Does that mean that the shadow of my grief is 'darker'? Deep maybe, not necessarily 'dark' - although it is all an interpretation. I find it hard to separate my own assumptions and judgements - those ones so automatic that somehow represent 'light' as 'good' and 'dark' as 'bad'.

If I have learned anything, I know that is not true. One small example is that I love very dark chocolate, and don't like white chocolate at all..... Other people may feel the opposite. And that does not mean one is good and the other bad - just a matter of taste. (Maybe not the best of examples....it could be argued neither is good!)

The beautiful deep shadows in this photograph would not be there without the light...

So - I am not quite sure where that piece of flow-writing without self-editing has taken me. I am choosing to leave it for you to read, or not, as you wish. Part of my own weaving the new is allowing that to be OK. To allow my perfectionist side to sleep peacefully and not awaken in horror when I dare to send something unpolished out into the world.

In the new world that is coming, as it always does, I am choosing to see all the shades of dark and light and especially colour. The rainbow colours in my photo caused by the bright light in the camera lens. All those extraordinary colours and aspects of nature which would not be possible without the contrasts. Night, day; winter, summer. Deep in the earth, high in the air. All those things we cannot change, yet we can choose what to focus on what to celebrate, what to leave behind, how we respond.

So, this year, I am making plans, as always. At the same time I am more aware than ever before of how the world can change in an instant. Whether that is a global pandemic, the sudden death of my brother, or the equally shocking loss of a close coaching friend. there is nothing I can do to change what happens. As a human being, I am sometimes afraid, grief-stricken, worried, wobbly - all those things. And those are all part of just that, being human. And, I can weave a tapestry of love, joy, memories, light, shadow, new ways of being.

This is an old painting, one you may have seen before. One of my favourites. Every time I look at it I see something different. Just now I see the 'green sprite' as I call it, in the centre. I see all the shades of light and dark in the green. I see the weaving together of all the other colours in the painting.

When I look back at 2020 I see something quite extraordinary. What stands out for me now, in this moment, is all the little kindnesses of thousands, millions, of 'ordinary people'. All those actions that they may feel are insignificant. All adding up to a different way of being in the world.

That is one of the 'strands' that I will take forward with me into 2021, to weave into the new I hope to see. And I am a little surprised, but then again not at all - to realise that the sadness of loss is another strand I will weave afresh. There is always loss. In nature many plants, insects, even animals only survive one year. Others such as the giant trees of the forest will out-live me by hundreds of years. The cycles of life and death in nature turn, as does the wheel of year. In my experience I know I never stop grieving for people I have lost. And yet, the presence of that grief, every day, can be woven into my new tapestry of life, as a contrast, as a counterpoint, as a downbeat note to balance the upbeat parts of my tune. Making everything seem richer, more resonant, more luxuriantly textured.

For your reflections, journal, meditation, art or doodles:
- What stands out from your reflections on 2020?
- What strands will you take forward with you to weave into 2021?
- Are you intrigued by any of them?

Enjoy reflecting and exploring and go gently with yourselves and all around you dear friends, as we step together into a new year, a new turn around the sun.

Reader Reflections: On The Light Within, from Catherine

Last month I received a number of replies to my reflections on 'The Light Within', which was accompanied by this painting. One of those was from a long-time subscriber, Catherine, who says this:

.
"I loved your painting of the light within. I felt a great familiarity and affinity with what you had depicted. I felt compelled to write in response.

On the recommendation of a friend, I recently began to hug trees on my walks in Bushy Park, near where I live. There are all sorts of trees there, scattered around the woodland garden: oaks, beech and a fantastic avenue of hornbeams that look as though you are standing inside a cathedral. It’s not a huge old forest, but here and there in the park are oaks which are clearly hundreds of years old - judging from their girth and shape.

I wanted to write to say my experience of hugging an oak is one of the most grounding things I have felt since lockdown. I feel the solidity of the tree. I’m aware of the branches above, the canopy of leaves (still a few at this time of year), but more strongly the rooted quality of the tree firmly planted in the soil beneath my feet, whilst standing on a pile of crunchy golden autumn leaves. I enjoy hugging trees so much that I dwell there for some time and it stills my thoughts and heart. It’s as if I can feel the strength, wisdom, and life force of the oak. There is an energy just like the light you depicted in your painting.

I introduced a friend to this tree hugging activity recently. She and I have shared some walks and cycle rides this year at social distance - but we hadn’t hugged trees before. She is going through the grief of losing her sister to cancer a few weeks ago. My friend also had a deep response to the delight of tree hugging. We became more playful with this tree hugging business by comparing the sensations we felt from different species of trees. The oak came out top. Something about the ‘wise old oak’ perhaps?

My friend and I both live alone, so to hug a tree has been very comforting in the current climate of no hugs. I wondered if you or your readers are tree huggers? I thoroughly recommend it. Anxiety, worry and fears seem to fall away whilst connecting with a ‘wise old oak’. I have found being in nature to be refreshing, grounding, healing and good for my well-being. A presenter on the BBC’s Autumn Watch programme explained some of the science behind the benefits of walking in nature recently. For example, they commented on inhaling the air in a wood and smelling the soil. I have loved the smell of autumn since childhood, that cool fresh air, even on a misty, frosty morning. I open my bedroom windows in the mornings with excitement at this time of year. Now I know why, it’s actually good for me!

If you’d like to post this to your readers I would be happy for you too. Hugging trees is a real joy. Just a word of caution, do ask them to be careful of brambles, roots and uneven land, and to step carefully before or after! "

Thank you Catherine. If anyone else would like to contribute to future editions of this newsletter, whether with a response as Catherine has, or thoughts on a new subject, please do submit something. I rarely reject anything, although I do reserve the option to do that if I feel what is offered does not fit with the ethos here.

More New Artwork

After I wrote last month I continued to play with new artwork. I have added more on the website. Here are two examples for you. This time I was experimenting with a selection of coloured papers, a vibrant red on which I used yellow, orange, and black waxes. And a cream, which lends a slightly different effect to the blue shades than my usual bright white base paper. Even though the photos are not equal, these paintings are actually the same size, 4" x 6" in 6" x 8" mounts - giving you little jewel-like paintings that do not need much space to display. Having said that, some people have them double-mounted and framed in a larger size, which is also very effective.

Dare to Blossom Monthly Circle on Zoom 8th January

As you may have seen last month, I have been asked to set up a 'light touch' circle - one where there is no commitment to a regular private group as with my in-depth circles. Of course people receive big insights from those, and - it is not always the time to do that in practical terms. Also, many people, especially those of you who subscribe to my monthly newsletter, do not wish to be involved in groups on Facebook.

This is simply a monthly Zoom gathering, an invitation to a 'pay as you go' monthly circle on Friday mornings at 11.00 am UK time. The fee is £20. As well as taking part, you will receive a photo of the cards I draw for you, and a recording of the call (only sent to those who are present live). Full details and booking are here, Or simply contact me by replying to this email if you prefer. You can book in advance, or choose to receive an invoice after the event, I will leave that up to you, and trust that if you enjoy the experience you will be happy to offer that in exchange for the love and energy I put into creating the Circle for you.

The monthly dates for 2021 are here, the next after January will be Friday 5th February at 11.00 am UK time.

This is a chance to gather, as if sitting chatting around a table, and simply share some time together. We will use the processes that are familiar to many of you, the Compass Rose Speaks opening and closing meditation, the Dare to Blossom Rediscovery Cards and the Magic Carpet Ride guided visualisation, to explore whatever is arising for us on that day. If you are thinking 'I am not familiar with those...' and would like to know more, please contact me. We can always chat on Zoom over a cuppa - and that is a chance to set up that service if it is new to you. Even though I describe this as 'light touch', the insights and experiences are no less powerful for that, for the fact we do not interact in a group between the monthly circles. In fact, people who enjoy being in the deep-dive programmes would probably tell you that the Zoom gatherings are the essential part of the whole process.

From my archives: January titles poem

Endings, continuations, and new beginnings
Simplicity
Old Year, New Year
New Year Review
A Joyful New Year
Reflections on A New Year
Finding solid ground (before leaping)
On 2013 and looking ahead
Trust
Delving Deep
Unleashing our power within
Simply Reflections
Cycles and Changes

Cycles and Changes
Simply Reflections
Unleashing our power within
Delving Deep
Trust
On 2013 and looking ahead
Finding solid ground (before leaping)
Reflections on A New Year
A Joyful New Year
New Year Review
Old Year, New Year
Simplicity
Endings, continuations, and new beginnings

This month I have recorded myself reading the poem for you, let me know if you enjoy this - use this link to Soundcloud to listen,.

Three free Taster Circles and the new 2021 programmes

The first event of 2021, is on New Year's Day, 1st January,on Zoom at 2,30 pm UK time. Book your place by replying to this email, or through the Facebook event page here.

The six week 'deep dive' Circles have attracted people from around the world during 2020, some of whom have returned time after time. I have two new programmes beginning in January 2021, with different themes, and differing times for the live Zoom circles to allow for as many people as possible in different time zones to join us.

The first step is to come along to a taster circle:

Tuesday 5 January at 9.30 am UK time: "Your Powerful Voice" taster. You can book on Facebook here , or simply contact me by replying to this email. The six week programme begins on Monday 11 January, in a private Facebook group, with the weekly Zoom gatherings at 9.30 am on Tuesdays. Full details here.

Thursday 14 January at 2.30 pm UK time: "Weavers of Shadow and Light" taster. You can book on Facebook here, or simply contact me by replying to this email. The six week programme begins on Monday 18 January, in a private Facebook group, with the weekly Zoom gatherings at 2.30 pm on Thursdays. Full details here.

For those of who have attended these circles before, you will know that the magic happens in individual ways for each of us, almost regardless of the theme I have decided upon. Of course there will be differences between "Weavers of Shadow and Light" and "Your Powerful Voice", and - whoever comes along, even if the choice is simply on the time, whoever comes along will receive exactly what is right for them.

I provide a structure, a container, with weekly and daily prompts; the weekly live gatherings with cards drawn for each of us, the Magic Carpet Ride guided visualisation, the Compass Rose Speaks meditation - and it is always the case that the true magic happens 'in the gaps; between all that. In the laughter, the witnessing for each other, in the tears, the tender moments that are shared. One of the processes is a group card, twice a week, so two cards for each place and point of the Compass Rose, building up into a beautiful pattern. Here is an example from a recent Circle. As we begin in the centre point, in Peace, and then return there in the final week together the only place to put those last two cards is as 'wings'.