March 2022 - The Key is You

 

March 2022
Welcome to the Dare to Blossom Newsletter 

If you would like to join me for the Dare to Blossom Circle on Monday 28th February at 7.30 pm, scroll down to the piece on Monthly Circles to read more.

Reflections: The Key is You
The Dare to Blossom Rediscovery Cards No 2 
"The Key is You" Coaching Package - and a special offer for you
Dare to Blossom Monthly Circles on Zoom - a choice of day and time



Reflections: The Key is You

As you can read below, "The Key is You" is the name of a new coaching package I am offering. Here, rather than talking about that, I wanted to reflect on the process of choosing this title and how that  opened a treasure chest for me during a Magic Carpet Ride.

'Keys' have been arriving in my life for quite a while now. Someone contacted me out of the blue because she had found one of the jewellery boxes that I used to sell enamel work in, with my name on. She looked me up and discovered I now offer life coaching. It was an amazing moment when she told me that the box no longer contained a piece of jewellery - just a key.

And then, last autumn I decided to gift myself something special for my 70th 'turn around the sun', my 70th year, that began after my 69th birthday on 3rd November.  I opened a newsletter that I receive regularly from Jo Anna Dane - one I only occasionally open and read, much like you may do with this newsletter. I looked at the wonderful 'Bespoke' options she creates as unique pieces, and decided on a Bespoke Oracle. Jo Anna explained that they take time to create, and delivery would take several months.  Anticipation was a big part of the enjoyment,  as well as my own Dare to Blossom cards, I love exploring insights from other decks of all sorts. Knowing someone was creating an oracle deck just for me, one that no one else in the world would ever have - well that was so deliciously exciting.

While I was waiting, my January 'Goddess Guidance' piece arrived from Amy Palko, it was The Sphinx, and contained these words:

"The image that I've got is of a set of keys and a series of locked doors before you. Each door represents each day of your month, but they don't feel like an obstruction or a blockage, because in your hand you hold all that you need to granted you safe and open passage."

More keys.... And then, when my Bespoke Oracle package arrived in the middle of January, I made myself a cup of tea and opened the beautifully packed delivery.  There was a cloth pouch, with a big key image on one side, and 'The Oracle of the Keys' on the other.  There were two packs of cards in green tissue paper (arranged that way to make the parcel as thin as possible to go through the mail). Keys! My goodness - how interesting.

I have been turning one card a day, there are 44, and with a few days at weekends I have missed, I have not yet read each card. Every one has a different key shape cut out and fixed to the bright green card. On the third day I drew 'The Key of Mary' - even more special. I am not ready to share more details or images just yet, maybe I never will, perhaps these cards truly are just for me - that will be as it will be as time passes.

And all this led me to a Magic Carpet Ride of my own, where I was shown a beautiful golden treasure chest containing gifts for my 70th year. Each time I visit, I find all my family and friends, some still living and others in the place where they have left their human selves behind, all there to celebrate with me. Each time I find a golden key in my pocket that hums when I touch it. When I place the golden key in the lock in the golden chest, the lid lifts up by itself. The first time I could just see golden light.  My mother was there, and she said "Your gift today is hugs, lots and lots of warm hugs."  She hugged me and so did everyone else.

The next time, my gift was Rest - deep peaceful sleep. And so it goes. I go there every so often in my personal meditation practice, and sometimes when working with the current group on the six week programme. 

During all these personal discoveries I realised that each of the parts of the Compass Rose that I work with in groups and in one to one coaching could be seen as a key. A key to unlocking our inner guidance system, connecting with the Compass Rose we each have within us. Our inner wisdom whose quiet whispers are sometimes drowned out in the hubbub of everyday life.

I had some fun browsing online and bought a bag of little brass-coloured keys, each a different shape.



I have been experimenting with finding backgrounds to photograph them on, I rather like this purple satin....

 
 

I love how all these different threads, with the common theme of keys (although it could be anything), weave together to bring me a rich tapestry of insights and support. When I look back I notice how 'keys' have been a theme for much longer than just the last few years I have written about here.

For you: for your journal, meditations, doodles -

• Are there any threads or themes you notice appearing in your life?
• If/when you find one, you may like to explore in flow-writing, or in a meditation, maybe a magic carpet ride.
• Look back and see if the threads have been present for a while without you noticing, do any further insights appear for you?

The Dare to Blossom Rediscovery Cards No 2 

Thank you so much to everyone who has already ordered the new cards,  I would love to receive photos to include in a future newsletter if you you are happy to share.

To order your own new deck, click on this link.  You can also purchase the Original Deck at the same time with a saving on post and packing. You can choose to receive each deck in a separate gauze bag or in a larger one.  I have begun to use both decks together as a big set of 100 words.



 
"The Key is You" Coaching Package - and a special offer for you

If you are thinking about trying out coaching - here is a special offer, a 20% discount for the first four people to sign up to this new one to one programme. The six coaching sessions, of one hour or 30 minutes, will take you around the Compass Rose, to unlock your inner wisdom. Beginning in Peace, rotating north to Purpose, east to Passion, south to Power, west to Progress, and then coming home to yourself, in Return to Peace.



The full details are on the website here  If you have already experienced the way I work with you through the Compass Rose process and are ready to jump in, just buy through the PayPal link or contact me to arrange to pay by bank transfer or to 'pay as you go'. If you would like to connect with me in person for a chat on Zoom before deciding, simply contact me (click on the link or just reply to this email) to arrange a time to talk so we can get to know each other a little.

Dare to Blossom Monthly Circles on Zoom - a choice of day and time

The monthly circles are now offered on a Monday evening at 7.30 pm, as well as Saturday at 10.00 am (until April, when we will return to the 11.00 am timeslot). The next dates are Monday 28th February and Saturday 12 March. You can find the events on Facebook or LinkedIn,  or simply reply to this email and ask me for the Zoom link. It is a pleasure to welcome those of you who prefer not to connect via social media, all you need to join us is the Zoom link that I send to you in advance of the time.

Payment is by donation, depending on your circumstances. People offer from zero to £30. I host the circles with no expectation, simply deep gratitude for your presence. 

I send wishes for health and happiness for you and all you love.

Thank you for joining me here this month, any thoughts, feedback, or questions are always welcome.

 

Mary

February 2022 Essence

 Welcome to the Dare to Blossom Newsletter

Before you read on, you are warmly invited, at rather short notice, to a Zoom gathering, on Thursday 27th January at 2.30 pm, or next week on Tuesday 1st February at 10.00 am (both UK times).  To receive the Zoom link, simply reply to this email with 'Zoom link' in the title.

These two events are 'tasters' for the new programme: "Be Powerfully You - Shine Your Light" (the title has evolved since I first explored the idea in last month's newsletter) - and there are more details on that below.

However I would love some of you who are simply curious to experience the processes I often write about here to join us. Even if you have no interest in joining a six week programme, it would be wonderful to have your presence live in the gathering. I will draw cards for each of us, and lead a Magic Carpet Ride guided visualisation.  

Reflections: Essence
The Dare to Blossom Rediscovery Cards No 2 
'Be Powerfully You - Shine Your Light' six week programme
'Coaching for Coaches' and 'Coaching for Creatives'
Dare to Blossom Monthly Circles on Zoom - a choice of day and time
Recommendations - Brigid's Grove and Womancraft Publishing


Reflections: Essence

This is one of the words in the new Dare to Blossom Rediscovery Cards No 2 Deck. (click on the image to find out more). There are fifty new words, and a number of new colours, people are already telling me there is a vibrant energy about these cards.

What is your first response? To the word? To the colour? What else is there? And, what else?



The card looks particularly bright in this first photo, taken out on the headland near Trevone, on a rare sunny day in January, and one when the wind had dropped. The light, the camera, and the screen it is viewed on all change how the cards appear. Not to mention that we probably all see, or perceive, colours differently. (if the image below appears sideways - my apologies, I have no idea why that is - it looks fine when I am editing here, but arrives sideways in the email version - most curious!)



You may choose to repeat those same questions.

What is your first response? To the word? To the colour? What else is there? And, what else?

For me, for this card, on this particular day, in this moment (and it will be different tomorrow, next week, next year) - my first response is to the sound of the word, even the feel of it in my mouth. "Essence......" How does it feel for you?

For me it is smooth with a hint of spiciness. Maybe the Essence of my experience is to understand that slight frisson. What else is there about that, about 'frisson'? Dropping into my deeper awareness, the feeling that arises is .... anxiety, fear?  How interesting. And, what else? Anticipation, excitement.  Aha, now I can see an image of someone, of myself - daring to step out, to be truly seen, to share the deepest essence of who I am.  That, that is where the spiciness is, the frisson, the spark of excitement mixed with the fear of being seen.

This connects to the new programme, to 'Be Powerfully You - Shine Your Light'.  And this is a challenge, for me, and for those who choose to join me. I am not a teacher, I do not run 'courses', I simply offer an experience for you to choose how much or little is for you.  And, I am also experiencing the programme along with all those who sign up, I am right there alongside you, a companion along the way.

The Dare to Blossom Rediscovery Cards No 2 

Thank you so much to everyone who pre-ordered the new cards, if you are in the UK you should have received your deck by now. If you are further afield, they are on the way.  I would love to receive photos to include in a future newsletter if you you are happy to share.

To order your own new deck, click on this link.  You can also purchase the Original Deck at the same time with a saving on post and packing. You can choose to receive each deck in a separate gauze bag or in a larger one.  I have begun to use both decks together as a big set of 100 words - although it is not very easy to shuffle them all at once....




 
'Coaching for Coaches' and 'Coaching for Creatives'

If you are thinking about whether coaching may be the type of support you are looking for, simply contact me to arrange an initial chat over a cuppa on Zoom. This will help you decide if my approach might be helpful for you, and if you feel comfortable talking to me. It is important to decide this for yourself in advance of committing to a coaching programme. I also find it useful to be able to assess whether it feels good for us to work together. If it didn't for any reason I have a big network of coaching contacts I could suggest for you once I know more about what you are looking for.

Often, once you take what can seem a large, and sometimes daunting, step of contacting me to arrange to chat, you will find that what I offer is perfect for you, at this time. There is no pressure to book, you can go away and consider - and, if you have got this far, why miss the opportunity? Why not book your coaching programme to begin whenever feels right in 2022?  If not now, then when?



I find that many of those I speak with are creative people who coach (in the broadest sense of that word), and/or coaches who are creative. In any case each of us creates our world in the way we respond to the events that we are presented with, the choices we make. If you would like to make an active decision to dare to blossom, I have capacity in my diary for two or three more one to one clients, so please do contact me to book that initial chat if you are intrigued.  Click on the flower image to go to the webpage for more details.

PS despite the titles, you do not need to be a coach (although many service businesses use coaching skills in their work with clients without seeing it as such). You may not think you are creative - and yet, we all are creating our lives, through our responses to the circumstances we are confronted with, moment by moment.


Dare to Blossom Monthly Circles on Zoom - a choice of day and time

The monthly circles are now offered on a Monday evening at 7.30 pm, as well as Saturday at 10.00 am (until April, when we will return to the 11.00 am timeslot). The next dates are Saturday 5th February, and Monday 28th February. You can find the events on Facebook or LinkedIn,  or simply reply to this email and ask me for the Zoom link.  Payment is by donation, depending on your circumstances. People offer from zero to £30. I host the circles with no expectation, simply deep gratitude for your presence. 




Recommendations - Brigid's Grove and Womancraft Publishing

If you see my posts on social media, you may have seen my photos of my second goddess sculpture from Brigid's Grove.  Today I took her out with a gift from a dear friend for my birthday last November. My Star Dance Muse goddess and rainbow fluorite look beautiful together.



Brigid's Grove is based in the US, and I buy my goddesses from Womancraft Publishing in Ireland, along with the goddess figurines. I have two now, here is the first, 'She Listens', along with the Learning card from the Original Deck.



Molly Remer, who creates the goddesses and other beautiful things at Brigid's Grove, is one of the Womancraft authors.  I loved reading her book 'Walking with Persephone' recently. It felt like an invitation to literally spend some time with her for the months when, in the myth, Persephone walks on the earth before descending to the Underworld once more.

Click on the cover image to learn more and to explore the other books from Womancraft Publishing. (I am not 'on commission', simply a huge fan of the very special library of books I have from Lucy Pearce and her authors).


 

with love,

I send wishes for health and happiness for you and all you love.

Thank you for joining me here this month, any thoughts, feedback, or questions are always welcome.

Mary

January 2022 - Flow and Shine

 Reflections: Flow and Shine

Pre-orders open: the Dare to Blossom Rediscovery Cards No 2 
'Coaching for Coaches' and 'Coaching for Creatives'
Dare to Blossom Monthly Circles on Zoom
January 2022 - "Grace and Flow" three weeks to step gently into the New Year

Reflections: Flow and Shine

Do you choose a word of the year? Last year I decided on two - Vision and Sanctuary. For 2022, two again - Flow and Shine.  If you read this newsletter last month, you may remember I wrote about 'Grace and Flow' there, and that is part of the title of the first programme this year (see more below).

For me, as I reflect now on Flow, and Shine, each describe ways I would like to be during 2022.  Ways that may help me to face whatever is coming for me in the year ahead. However much we human beings like to make plans and look forward, I have had that experience of everything changing in an instant.  The change is usually something that is not under my control. It may be something I may judge to be 'negative' - an illness, a death, an accident.  Or something I see as 'positive' - a chance meeting, an offer of work. And yet the outcomes of those things, the gifts they bring, can often be completely unexpected.

For example, my experience of cancer, which began 28 years ago in May, was a huge shock at the time, and yet looking back, in many ways my life changed for the better afterwards.

'Go with the flow' can seem an easy option, even like giving up, yet for me it is often the hardest.  Do I continue fighting against the current, the flow of the river taking me downstream? How do I know that 'upstream' is where I want to be, need to be?  A coaching client once had an insight related to this when she drew the 'Surrender' card.  She chose to see that as surrender to the flow, and she described how she was often so focused on her plans for her business, that even as she was allowing the flow to take her, she was paddling hard to go even faster,  looking far ahead to the ultimate destination. She saw how, if she surrendered to the flow, allowed the current to carry her at the speed of the river, then she had time to look around her on either side, and she could choose to pull into the bank, on the left or right, for a while.



Allowing the Flow, and then daring to Shine? Ah, I wonder why I wrote 'daring'? Well, I suppose I know why, although I feel a little sad that after all this time I still feel that way, react that way.  Small children simply shine their light, show their natural selves, without thinking, without feeling they need to 'dare'. As we get older we are taught, either directly or indirectly, to hide parts of ourselves away.

Parts we may feel are 'unacceptable' to others; too much in some way. Have you been told any of these things? Too much, too loud, too quiet, too sensitive, too clever, too bossy, too slow, too young, too old, too fat, too thin, too pretty, too plain, too short, too tall, too clever, too...... The list could probably go on and on, but I will stop now.  In fact, I am already rather shocked at just how many 'toos' came so quickly to my mind, and that I have probably been called most if not all of those at some time in my life..

No wonder I felt I needed to hide away, to keep quiet. Like so many people, my journey home to myself (those words that made me cry when I first heard them) has been all about rediscovering all those parts of me. For a long time I felt I had to be everything to everybody, do everything to help everyone, at the cost of my own time, and sometimes, of my own health. That this was my purpose in life, to serve by doing, and by being busy, busy, busy.

I gradually began to learn about Being rather than Doing. I love the metaphor of the lighthouse. The purpose of a lighthouse is to stand tall and shine a light to warn seafarers of the dangers of rocks below, often hidden beneath the waves. That is all, the lighthouse simply has to stand still, visible as a tall pillar, usually white in the UK, and at night seen by the unique signature of the flashes of the light. If the lighthouse were somehow to run around the coast trying to warn every passing ship, everywhere, of every danger - it would not then be fulfilling the unique purpose of being present on one specific headland or island. 


Hartland Point Lighthouse, North Devon

The same applies for human beings. My purpose, your purpose, is to discover, rediscover, our unique talents and gifts, and simply be ourselves. To shine our one unique light out into the world. To sing our song, write our words, create our art, raise our children, tend our gardens - what ever is right for you. You have this life to share those things that only you can bring to the world, if any of us die with our song unsung, then that gift is lost forever.

Yes, in doing all that I 'do' many things, and yet I now know that if I relate what I do to my true purpose, to simply be myself (and to care for myself as I do for others) - then I can authentically shine my light.

As I write, I remember another aspect of Flow: being 'in the flow' is that place when we are completely in the moment, totally absorbed in what we are doing. I go into that place, that 'zone' as some call it, when I am painting, writing, creating. And, when I am walking in nature and simply being in the wonder of the world - the pounding ocean breakers; the song of a robin over my head in my garden; bending to see the tiny violets blossoming by a footpath even now, at the end of December. Flow and Shine come together at those times for me.



All this has now come together in the theme for the first full six week programme of 2022, the provisional title is "Step gently into your personal power - and shine". (More details will be available soon, the planned start date is 14th February.)

For you, for your journal, meditations, doodles:

• What does 'flow' mean for you?
• When have you experienced flow in your life?
• How can you bring more of those experiences into your day to day?
• What does 'shine' mean for you?

Pre-orders open: the Dare to Blossom Rediscovery Cards No 2 

For years, people have been asking me to publish a second set of 50 cards. Those who are in the 'word of the day' Facebook group 'Dare to Blossom into Joy', may have already heard about this, and some people have contributed suggestions for the new words. Thank you if you were one of them, I ended up with well over a hundred words and then had the enjoyable task of whittling them down to fifty.

The process of getting them formatted to print is quite complicated so I have been quite resistant.  However, with help from the wonderful customer service team at my printers (moo.com) who were working over Christmas, I have now ordered two proof sets. 

If you would like to pre-order a set now, there is a link here for you to do that - if you would like to order more than one, or to add on the original set too, contact me first as I will be able to reduce shipping costs by sending them together. 
 
'Coaching for Coaches' and 'Coaching for Creatives'

If you are thinking about whether coaching may be the type of support you are looking for, simply contact me to arrange an initial chat over a cuppa on Zoom. This will help you decide if my approach might be helpful for you, and if you feel comfortable talking to me. It is important to decide this for yourself in advance of committing to a coaching programme. I also find it useful to be able to assess whether it feels good for us to work together. If it didn't for any reason I have a big network of coaching contacts I could suggest for you once I know more about what you are looking for.

Often, once you take what can seem a large, and sometimes daunting, step of contacting me to arrange to chat, you will find that what I offer is perfect for you, at this time. There is no pressure to book, you can go away and consider - and, if you have got this far, why miss the opportunity? Why not book your coaching programme to begin whenever feels right in 2022?  If not now, then when?



I find that many of those I speak with are creative people who coach (in the broadest sense of that word), and/or coaches who are creative. In any case each of us creates our world in the way we respond to the events that we are presented with, the choices we make. If you would like to make an active decision to dare to blossom, I have capacity in my diary for two or three more one to one clients, so please do contact me to book that initial chat if you are intrigued.  Click on the flower image to go to the webpage for more details.

PS despite the titles, you do not need to be a coach (although many service businesses use coaching skills in their work with clients without seeing it as such). You may not think you are creative - and yet, we all are creating our lives, through our responses to the circumstances we are confronted with, moment by moment.


Dare to Blossom Monthly Circles on Zoom

The monthly circles are currently scheduled for Saturdays at 10.00 am. The next is Saturday 8th January. You can book on Facebook or LinkedIn, or simply reply to this email and ask me for the Zoom link.  Payment is by donation, depending on your circumstances. People offer from zero to £30. I host the circles with no expectation, simply deep gratitude for your presence. 

In 2022, I will be trying out an evening event also, towards the end of each month, starting on Monday 24th January at 7.30 pm UK time. This may suit people in the Americas, Pacific regions, Australia or New Zealand, and those of you not free on Saturday mornings. Again, simply contact me to reserve a place.


 

January 2022 - "Grace and Flow" three weeks to step gently into the New Year

A gentle start to 2022, with an invitation to join me for three weeks. We will have a weekly live Zoom gathering, a private Facebook group (or you can receive the prompts by email if you prefer).

There are two taster sessions in January on Tuesday 4th at 10.00 am, and Thursday 6th at 7.30 pm (UK times)  You are most welcome to join us simply to enjoy receiving some cards drawn for you and to experience a Magic Carpet Ride guided visualisation. Book to join on Facebook by clicking the links or simply reply to this email to ask for the Zoom link.



The three week gentle flow begins on 10th January, with the first Zoom gathering at 10.00 am on Tuesday 11th (possibly with a second call at 7.30 pm on the Thursday depending on those who join us).

The fee to join us is £68. I am pleased to say this is definitely going ahead as there are already enough people interested for me to host the Tuesday calls.

All the details are here, and simply reply to this email if you have any questions.

with love,

I send wishes for health and happiness for you and all you love.

Thank you for joining me here this month, any thoughts, feedback, or questions are always welcome.

 

Mary

December 2021 - Step gently into 2022

 Reflections: Step gently into 2022

The Story Continues: Episode 7 of "Doris the not-very-brave dragon"
'Coaching for Coaches' and 'Coaching for Creatives'
Dare to Blossom Monthly Circles on Zoom
January 2022 - "Grace and Flow" three weeks to step gently into the New Year

Reflections: Step gently into 2022

Do you enjoy challenging yourself with New Year resolutions and targets? For me, those things can be counter-productive.  I find gently stepping in, at a time that feels right for me, is more fruitful.  Often my first thought after the Christmas season is to rest, to 'coorie in' as my friends in Scotland say.  Snuggle up in the warm with a good book.

And, wrap up well and go out for a bracing walk.  After the joy, fum, excitement; the sadness, stress, disappointments of the festive season, the general over-stimulation in all sorts of ways - early January, for me, is best stepped into gently, with grace and ease.

And then, then the flow can begin to revitalise and inspire. Simply allowing what is arising to bubble up and be seen. There is more below about the short programme I am offering for three weeks in January if you would like to enjoy stepping in with grace and flow in a Circle with companions by your side.


  

If you are in a part of the world where your Christmas, and New Year, are in the middle of summer, how does this resonate for you?  I would love to hear your thoughts if you would like to reply to this email.

I have spent this season once in New Zealand, and once in Australia, both some years ago, when I was probably less reflective about each new year than I am now.  The structure of the months and years we use is artificial, but does have significance for many of us. 

Wherever you are, here are some suggestions for you, for your meditation or journal:

How would you love to begin 2022?
What would flow perfectly for you?
What does 'Grace' mean for you?
Write a list of gentle possibilities (not a to-do list) that feel delicious for you to enjoy as you step gently into 2022.


The Story Continues: Episode 7 of "Doris the not-very-brave dragon"

Episode 7

“My goodness!” said Doris aloud as she continued to shoot upwards.  It was quite taking her breath away.  Now the colours around her seemed to be changing – to purples, pinks and a very dark blue.  As she looked around, while still flying upwards, she saw ahead of her a shape. It was rising at the same speed as she was, but had no wings, it looked more like a rocket, with a pointed nose of the brightest white she had ever seen. Doris wasn’t sure if this …. thing was alive or not, but just in case it was she said aloud: “Hello, where are we going?”

“Onwards and upwards!” a voice said, “Follow me.”  They were moving too fast for Doris to think about asking another question, much as she would have liked to find out who or what this rocket-being was, and where they were going.
 

 
Then, everything suddenly stopped. The rocket-being disappeared. Doris found herself flying towards a tree silhouetted against the light of a brilliant sunrise. She landed beneath the tree, feeling she needed a rest after all that high-speed movement. The grass beneath the tree felt soft and dry, and very comfortable, so Doris curled up thinking she would close her eyes for just a moment.



She was leaning against the trunk of the tree, it felt comforting and safe there. As she began to doze, she heard a voice: “Hello young dragon, have you chosen your name yet?” Doris opened her eyes slowly, a little afraid of who, or what she might see. Just about everything in this strange world she had been born into seemed to have a voice, and an opinion, of its own.

She couldn’t see anything that might be speaking, but then she felt the tree vibrating with a sound like a very deep laugh arising from the earth. She jumped and turned round to face the tree. “No need to be afraid,” said the tree, for it was he who was speaking, “you will find everything in this magic place is alive. Or at least, the world itself is magic, and you, as a dragon with plenty of magic yourself, are particularly sensitive to all of that.”

Doris took a deep breath, and then another one. “My name is Bernadetta, the brave dragon.” She said, realising her voice sounded a little hesitant and maybe not all that brave.

“Bravo, bravo!” said the tree, and she heard clapping and cheering all around, even though she still could not see anyone except the big old tree, and the sun rising higher behind the branches.

“Why don’t you rest here a while longer, and then you will be ready to go and find your fire.”  Oooh, thought Doris (no, my name is Bernadetta, she corrected herself) that sounds exciting, do I really have to rest first?

But then she found she had no choice, her eyes were closing and her body relaxing. As she slept, she felt her mother sit beside her. “Hello my daughter,” she said, “I love your new name, Bernadetta. Bernadetta the brave dragon, perfect.”

“And now you are ready to receive your gift of the ability to create fire. You must understand that it is important to use your fire wisely. Think very carefully before you do. Fire is a useful tool, for protection, for defense, and even for helping human beings keep warm and cook their food when they are desperately in need and cannot do this for themselves.”

In her sleeping awareness, Bernadetta thought aloud: “Human beings, what are they?” Her mother heard her thoughts, she laughed, “You will find out soon enough my daughter.”

Bernadetta dropped back into a deep, deep sleep, dreaming of fire, and of all the beings she had met so far, and all those she was yet to encounter.

 

 
When Bernadetta awoke, she found herself looking out over a strange landscape, she had a feeling that it was dawn, but in all her travels so far, she had not seen anything like this. She thought back: mostly she had been in caves, in watery realms, underground or underwater. This, this was quite different.

She realised that she was looking out from the mouth of a cave, although she had not realised that was where she was when she fell asleep learning against the trunk of the wise old tree who spoke to her. Or maybe she had been transported in her sleep? Bernadetta decided that was all too much to think about, her head was already spinning with all the new experiences.

As she looked out, she began to see a faint figure, flying through the red/orange sky – if that is what it was. She couldn’t see who or what the figure was, every time she tried to focus on the shape it rippled and shifted. 

Just as she was wondering about this, the shape, or figure, came closer and then appeared to transform into a fountain of fiery colours. Bernadetta drew back as she was sure she could feel the heat as if this was a real fire.
 

 
“Oh my!” Bernadetta said out loud. “Yes indeed,” a voice replied. Bernadetta again thought to herself that this adventure was full of strange voices speaking to her. She was not quite sure if that was exciting, scary, or just wearying.

“I am sorry if you are weary,” said the voice, as if it had read her mind. “I know how tiring becoming a fully grown dragon can be, as well as exciting and extraordinary.”

“Who are you?” asked Bernadetta, “I can’t see you.”

“Ah, you will, in due course, when you have received your birthright, your gift of dragon fire.”  “Oh!” Bernadetta couldn’t help a gasp escaping from her.

“I am great-great-grandmother dragon, many generations back. I appear to every young dragon like you, when they have been through their adventures of initiation.”

“Are you ready?”

“I, I think so,” said Bernadetta.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, YES!”

“Step forward.”

Bernadetta did as she was told, despite a little trepidation. As she did, the flames flared towards her, and yet there was no feeling of heat at all. She took another step.

“Yes, that’s it,” the voice said, ”Keep going, right into the fiery colours." Bernadetta took a very deep breath, closed her eyes, opened her wings, and jumped and then flew, right into the colours.

As she did, she heard her mother’s voice: “Hurrah! Well done little one. You are now a fully grown dragon, not so little any more. You have faced all your fears, experienced many adventures, and now you have the gift of fire. Now you will need to use it wisely. That will be another journey altogether.  You have chosen your new name, Bernadetta the Brave Dragon, and I know you will flourish and be an inspiration to young dragons in your turn.”

Bernadetta opened her eyes, and saw her mother, and behind her was great-great-grandmother dragon, not looking at all frightening. “Time to fly on your way,” said her mother, “Don’t forget I am always here if you need me. At the same time it is for you to find your own way now. And don’t forget, if ever you feel your chosen name doesn’t fit so well any more, you can always choose another.”

Bernadetta decided she wanted to fly, with her own dragon fire, and find a place to rest and absorb all that had happened. She opened her wings again and jumped…….
 

 
To be continued..... maybe

© Mary Lunnen 2021
 
'Coaching for Coaches' and 'Coaching for Creatives'

If you are thinking about whether coaching may be the type of support you are looking for, simply contact me to arrange an initial chat over a cuppa on Zoom. This will help you decide if my approach might be helpful for you, and if you feel comfortable talking to me. It is important to decide this for yourself in advance of committing to a coaching programme. I also find it useful to be able to assess whether it feels good for us to work together. If it didn't for any reason I have a big network of coaching contacts I could suggest for you once I know more about what you are looking for.

Usually, once you take what can seem a large, and sometimes daunting, step of contacting me to arrange to chat, usually you will find that what I offer is perfect for you, at this time. There is no pressure to book, you can go away and consider - and, if you have got this far, why miss the opportunity? Why not book your coaching programme to begin whenever feels right in 2022? (or choose to begin right now, there are a few slots in my calendar for 1:1 sessions free in December.)  If not now, then when?



I find that many of those I speak with are creative people who coach (in the broadest sense of that word), and/or coaches who are creative. In any case each of us creates our world in the way we respond to the events that we are presented with, the choices we make. If you would like to make an active decision to dare to blossom, I have capacity in my diary for two or three more one to one clients, so please do contact me to book that initial chat if you are intrigued.  Click on the flower image to go to the webpage for more details.

PS despite the titles, you do not need to be a coach (although many service businesses use coaching skills in their work with clients without seeing it as such). You may not think you are creative - and yet, we all are creating our lives, through our responses to the circumstances we are confronted with, moment by moment.


Dare to Blossom Monthly Circles on Zoom

The monthly circles are currently scheduled for Saturdays at 10.00 am. The next is Saturday 4th December. You can book on Facebook or LinkedIn, or simply reply to this email and ask me for the Zoom link.  Payment is by donation, depending on your circumstances. People offer from zero to £30, with no expectation, simply deep gratitude for your presence. 




 

January 2022 - "Grace and Flow" three weeks to step gently into the New Year

A gentle start to 2022, with an invitation to join me for three weeks. We will have a weekly live Zoom gathering, a private Facebook group (or you can receive the prompts by email if you prefer).

There are two taster sessions in December, on Tuesday 14th at 10.00 am, and Wednesday 15th at 2.30 pm (UK times) and two in early January. You are most welcome to join us simply to enjoy receiving some cards drawn for you and to experience a Magic Carpet Ride guided visualisation. 


The three week gentle flow begins on 10th January, with the first Zoom gathering at 10.00 am on Tuesday 11th (or 11.00 am, and possibly a second call at 2.30 the following day depending on those who join us). The fee to join us is £68. 

All the details are here, and simply reply to this email if you have any questions.

with love,

However you are spending this month of December, I send wishes for health and happiness for you and all you love.

Thank you for joining me here this month, any thoughts, feedback, or questions are always welcome.

November 2021 - Welcome In Change

 Welcome to the Dare to Blossom Newsletter

An early newsletter for November, for several reasons. As always, I love to receive your comments, questions and feedback, so please do email me by replying to this if you would like to offer your thoughts. Thank you.

Welcome In Change
The Story Continues: Episode 6 of "Doris the not-very-brave dragon"
'Coaching for Coaches' and 'Coaching for Creatives'
Dare to Blossom Monthly Circles on Zoom


Welcome In Change

If you read the October newsletter, you may have seen that I announced that the programme beginning on 1st November would be "Weaving Shadow and Light".  For me, this felt an appropriate time to offer a new version of this previously very popular six week flow, as here in the UK we would be entering into the darkest months, and elsewhere in the world, the brightest.

At the first taster session I offered, just one person of several interested was able to attend. As she had taken the time to be there, I hosted a circle for the two of us.  As it turned out, I am so grateful for those circumstances as I was able to take part myself as she is familiar with the process.

During the drawing of cards for each of us, and an oracle card from one of the decks in my collection, I received inspiration to completely change the theme for November into December. The words I wrote in my journal are "Welcome in the new - an exploration of change'.  And yet, when I came to set up the web page for this new offering, I found I was writing "Welcome In Change", followed by some thoughts on creating the new.

Here are some of those words:
 

"Welcome In Change" will be an exploration of how we can welcome in the new that arrives in our lives whether we are ready for it or not, whether we want it or not.

I notice in my own feelings the paradox of 'this, and...' - where I both wish for things to be different and resist change when it comes. Human beings are of course full of these paradoxes. One of my challenges, maybe yours too, has been learning to navigate change. Helping myself feel brave when I want to run away and hide. Sometimes advising consideration, even caution when I may be ready to dive head first into something without first metaphorically checking if the water is deep enough.

As we approach the end of another year of extraordinary events in all our lives, encompassing the individual flows for each of us - will you join me in this small group to explore how we can welcome in change - and create the new that we wish to see in our world?

Later, I found myself deliberating upon if it could be "Welcoming Change" - which is easier to say. But no, it needs to be "Welcome In Change", a more active, deliberate feeling. Since then, I have found that this new idea has resonated with a number of people: three spaces of the eight available are already booked, and there is still another taster circle to come.



If you would like to join me for that, it is on Tuesday 26th October at 11.00 am UK time. Contact me to book a place and receive the Zoom link. You do not need to be on Facebook, if you are interested in joining the six week flow around the Compass Rose as we "Welcome In Change", I can send you the prompts by email - although the interactions in the private FB group are always beautiful and supportive. In any case do come and join in the taster, there is no expectation that you will sign up, simply an invitation to experience a little of the magic.

Leaving all that to one side for now, here are some suggestions for you, for your meditation or journal:

What does the phrase "Welcome In Change" bring for you?
What new would you love to create in your life?
Do you notice any contradictory responses arising for you? This? And....this?


The Story Continues: Episode 6 of "Doris the not-very-brave dragon"

Episode 6

As you may know, dragons can sleep for a very, very long time. Years, centuries sometimes. So, even though Doris was a young dragon – or maybe because of that – she has been fast asleep for all this time. She was very tired after all those adventures. And, she had dream work to do, considering all those names that she could choose from to call herself.
 
She decided to begin with all the names that begin with D. Dorothy, Dorota, Denise, Deborah, Diana – ooh, she rather liked that one – and so many more. So many that she began to feel quite dizzy. So many names, so hard to choose. So, still asleep, she decided to let those go for now. She slept deeply once more, floating in a sea of deep, deep blue.
 

 
Later, who knows if it was minutes, hours, days, months, or years, Doris began to emerge from the blue, and more ideas for names popped into her mind. She thought: “I will be a Brave Dragon soon, so I could be Brenda, or Beatrice, or Bernadetta…..”  Doris really loved the idea of Bernadetta. “If I want to, I can be Detta the Dragon, or Bernie the Brave Dragon, and I can always change again whenever I wish.”
 
Doris was pleased with these thoughts and decided she needed just a few more moments of sleep after all that thinking.
 
When she awoke again, she was still surrounded in blue. It almost felt as if she was under water. Doris closed her eyes again quickly. Dragons do not like water, not at all. They are not really equipped for swimming, and anyway, what if the water put out the fire? “What fire?” thought Doris, still half asleep, “Oh, aren’t I supposed to be able to breath out fire and smoke?” She felt confused and sad, and then she remembered to ask her mother – or at least to relax and let the memories arise. The memories of her mother talking to her while she was still a tiny dragon inside her egg.
 
Strangely, this time it felt as if her mother was actually here, with her, now, rather than in her memories. “All is well, little one,” her mother’s voice said, “Your fire will appear when the time is right. For now, enjoy the impression of the watery world you are about to open your eyes into – and know that you will be fine there.”
 

 
Doris opened her eyes, rather fearfully, despite the reassuring words from her mother. She could see blues of many shades all around her, but quite different from the deep blue where she had been sleeping. There seemed to be a shaft of light coming down from above. Doris stretched, and shook out her limbs and her wings.
 
“How interesting,” she thought, “it doesn’t feel wet.”  She decided to fly upwards, towards the light streaming through what now looked to her like the mouth of a cave. Either her wings had grown stronger while she had been sleeping, or there was some energy propelling her from below, but Doris shot up, much more quickly than she expected. She popped out into the light, almost like a champagne cork out of a bottle.
 
To be continued.....

© Mary Lunnen 2021
 
'Coaching for Coaches' and 'Coaching for Creatives'

Since I offered these new services last month, I have been delighted with the response. Several people have already taken up the offer of a chat on Zoom to explore how it might work for them, and one person has already embarked on a coaching programme.



I find that many people are creative people who coach (in the broadest sense of that word), and/or coaches who are creative. In any case each of us creates our world in the way we respond to the events that we are presented with, the choices we make. If you would like to make an active decision to dare to blossom, I have capacity in my diary for two or three more one to one clients, so please do contact me to book that initial chat if you are intrigued.  Click on the flower image to go to the webpage for more details.


Dare to Blossom Monthly Circles on Zoom

The monthly circles for November are Thursday 4th at 9.00 am, and Saturday 6th at 11.00 am, UK times. You can book on Facebook or LinkedIn, or simply reply to this email and ask me for the Zoom link.  Payment is by donation, depending on your circumstances. People offer from zero to £30, with no expectation, simply deep gratitude for your presence. 




 

with love,

Thank you for joining me here this month, any thoughts, feedback, or questions are always welcome.