November 2023 - Blossoming

Reflections: Blossoming
Final 2023 Compass Rose Programme: "Coming Home to Yourself" 
Dare to Blossom Monthly Circles on Zoom
One to One Coaching
Book news: Your Compass Rose Speaks New reviews gratefully received

Reflections: Blossoming

I have no memory of the card for each month that I laid out back in January, so each time is a surprise for me - and I love this for my birthday month, Blossoming.



If you would like to join me in reflection, ask yourself the questions here and write in your journal. Or, if you prefer, read on and come back later.

• What is your first response? To the word? To the colour?
• What else is there?
• And, what else?
• What does Blossoming add to Presence? How do the colours add to each other? What do all the words so far bring for you?

What else is there?

So, after my first response, that I hope another birthday, another turn around the year, will bring more Blossoming, what else is there? 

Well, in this season of autumn, here in the northern hemisphere, I am prompted to think about bearing fruit. Yes, there are still many plants in flower in my garden in the mild climate of Cornwall. And we have already harvested apples, tomatoes, and many other crops. After my own blossoming, what is waiting to set seed, and then to be given a quiet, dark place to rest safely during the fallow time, before germinating into new life, new ideas, in due course?

In our modern world, always 'on' 24 hours a day, seven days a week, it can be easy to forget that living breathing organisms, human beings, and animals as well as plants, need time to rest. Need that fallow time when things slow, and settle. Time to absorb the goodness of what has gone before. Time also maybe to discard what is not required to go forward into the new season.

And, what else?
I come back to my first response, to celebrating my birthday in early November. Last year I thought about this a lot, all through the year as it was my 70th. This year, becoming 71 still feels significant, yet in a different way. There is a feeling of more new beginnings, plenty of potential, of blossoming, still to come.

I have bought myself just one gift, this lovely turquoise pendant. It was an impulse buy, online, and sometimes those can be a disappointment when they arrive. This, however, is even more special than I expected. I am not quite sure why yet. I have decided not to wear it until my birthday, maybe I will find out more then. It looks bigger than life-size in this photo, the turquoise stone is an inch and a quarter long.




What does Blossoming add to Presence? How do the colours add to each other? What do all the words so far bring for you?

My first thought looking at the spread of cards again, is how Blossoming, and laughter, are the only two cards in shades of red and pink. Almost diagonally across the circle from each other. Coming back to what Blossoming adds to Presence - for me, becoming truly present is the foundation for Blossoming in the way that is really true for me. How you do that would be very different as you are a unique and different individual, as we all are.

If you would like to share your own thoughts or reflections on this process I would love to hear from you.

Final 2023 Compass Rose Programme: "Coming Home to Yourself" 

As you may have seen, I recently sent you an invitation to two taster sessions for this, the next six-week turn around the Compass Rose. They are, or were if you read this later, on Friday 27th October at 2.30pm, and Wednesday 1st November at 11.00 am. (There is also the regular Monday Dare to Blossom Circle at 7.30 pm on Monday 30th October which will also give you a 'taste' of how this process may work for you - see more below). **If you are in a different time zone, please be aware that here in the UK the clocks go back one hour at 2.00 am on 29 October.

Simply reply to this email if you would like the Zoom link for one or more of these gatherings. And, to put your mind at rest, there is never any pressure to sign up for any of my paid offerings, simply an invitation for you to take up if you wish. If you would prefer to ask your questions one to one, again simply reply to this or contact me to ask and/or arrange a time for a Zoom chat.

Many regular readers will be familiar with this painting, one I created years ago at a workshop. If you have been on a Zoom call with me you will have seen it hanging on the wall behind me here in my home in Cornwall.

I chose it for this programme as it is a reminder for me that in coming home to myself, I have truly never left, my light has always been here, shining within to guide me, even when I sometimes lose the connection.

The programme will run from the week beginning Monday 6th November (with the private group opening on 4th November) through to Friday 15th December, I have copied the main details for you below.

The fee for the full six weeks will be £155, with a discount for those who have attended previous programmes. All the details and payment link are now on the website  - if you prefer direct bank transfer (which is good for me too) just ask.

What does ‘Coming home to yourself’ mean for you?

When I first heard those words, many years ago now, I felt tearful. I realised I had no idea where ‘myself’ might be let alone how to find my way home there. Over the years I have connected with many people who have helped me along the way, some of whom would have had no idea what that help meant for me.

This is really the essence of all of the processes I offer to you if you purchase the Dare to Blossom Rediscovery cards or my books, especially the most recent Your Compass Rose Speaks: Rediscover Your Inner Wisdom. We are simply walking home together.

The weekly Zoom meetings will be on Wednesdays at 11.00 am or Fridays at 2.30 pm, depending on the preference of those who sign up, possibly both times if there is enough interest. If you miss any you will be able to catch up on the recording.

Here is the outline programme, more details to follow.

Week 1 Peace Monday 6^th November

Week 2 Purpose Monday 13^th November

Week 3 Passion  Monday 20^th  November

Week 4 Power Monday 27^th November

Week 5 Progress Monday 4^th December

Week 6 Return to Peace  Monday 11^th December

There is also a daily flow of prompts throughout each week. If you prefer not to be in a Facebook group, even a private one, you can receive these via email and join the weekly live Zoom circles.

Dare to Blossom Monthly Circles on Zoom 
The drop-in circles have not been so regular of late for various reasons, but I hope that you may be interested in joining me on Monday 30th October at 7.30 pm, Saturday 11th November at 11.00 am, or Monday 27th November at 7.30 pm (UK times - do check in your timezone while the autumn time changes are taking place). 





You will be find the events on Facebook,  or simply reply to this email and ask me for the Zoom link. It is always 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 £60. I host the circles with no expectation, simply deep gratitude for your presence. 

The full schedule of dates for 2023 is on the website.

One to One Coaching

For many people, the deeper connection of one to one sessions is perfect for them once in a while, either for a short block of six, or an on-going arrangement as and when required.

Either way, I would love to have a Zoom chat with you if you would like to explore the option of one to one coaching with me. There is no pressure, simply an opportunity to find out what would be useful for you, and if my approach would be good for you. 



If you click on the 'Book Now' Passionflower, it will take you straight to my calendar to book a twenty minute complimentary call. If you prefer, to read more about the Rediscovery Coaching process click here,  Current pricing is £45 for thirty minutes and £90 for a one hour session.

“I have found my sessions with Mary to be a good balance of ideas for the practical things I can do, and the bigger picture reminder of what I want to achieve. This has helped clarify the direction  I want to take and also sparked ideas of how to get there. Mary helps as a reminder to stay true to my experiences and has allowed me to be comfortable with who I am and having balance in life and my work.” 

You can read more testimonials here on my website.


Book news: Your Compass Rose Speaks new reviews gratefully received

Two new reviews recently posted on Amazon:

Unbelievably helpful

When I saw this book as a group read along on Instagram, I jumped at the chance. I’m so very happy I did. Your Compass Rose Speaks takes you on a journey through visualization and prompts of each part of the Compass Rose beginning in Peace (the Center) then each of the four directions, returning to Peace.

It’s such a gentle guide to help with healing and finding your inner wisdom. I am blown away how this book has helped me on my healing journey. I will be keeping Your Compass Rose Speaks close by to return to it again and again. Ann M, USA  7 October 2023

If you enjoy guided meditations, you will love this book!

Mary has been a life coach for twenty years, throughout which time her imaginative, creative approach to self discovery has been tested, refined, and practiced by Mary herself and many of her clients. This book is an amazing distillation of a very clear and truly original process for connecting with our inner wisdom and guidance, to rediscover the self we always intended to be but may have hidden away as children to protect ourselves from hurt and worse.

Using the symbol of the compass rose, with its peaceful center and four directional points corresponding to purpose, passion, power, and progress, Mary helps readers find themselves by offering questions and prompts to consider and explore in reviewing each of these interwoven facets of personality. The process of contemplating and answering her questions brings us closer to recognizing - sometimes with surprise - the true nature of our thoughts, feelings, and values as opposed to what we think they are or what they should be. Mary provides further opportunities to better understand ourselves through guided meditations she styles 'magic carpet rides.' These loosely structured flights of fancy stimulate and unleash the imagination as a means of recognizing our potential to 'blossom,' to become our truest selves. The latter part of the book offers compelling and entertaining reports from Mary and some of her clients of their own, deeply personal magic carpet ride experiences.

I find Mary's approach to be an insightful, helpful framework for navigating my relationship with my inner life. It's so easy to lose touch with that quiet, inner voice amidst the 'noise' and hyper stimulation of our modern world. Reading this book brought me relief, hope, and greater confidence that I have the answers I need within me.

Mary is an inspiring coach. She writes with the authority and confidence of a master practitioner, which I greatly respect and admire. Her gentle guidance is clearly and intentionally centered on offering options, not prescribed solutions we should follow based on her values and interpretations. She begins from the perspective that each of us knows what is best for ourselves, and she proceeds to help us access that knowledge in a very practical way.

I highly recommend this book.

Christopher Benoit, Worcester MA , USA, 22 October 2023

Thank you so much to Ann, and to Christopher.

Whether you buy Your Compass Rose Speaks: Rediscover Your Inner Wisdom, direct from me or online, print or electronic versions, I would be very grateful if you would like to write a review. I know from my own experience that I often intend to do this, and then never get around to it - yet I do my best and I know that is all I can ask of you, and thank you in advance if you do find the time. It will be very much appreciated.

If you do write a review, please will you send me a link when it is online, as Ann and Christopher did? You can do that simply by replying to this email, or through the contact form here. Alternatively, rather than posting on Amazon, or on Facebook, you can email it to me with your permission to share it - and how you would like to be acknowledged.

If you would like to buy a signed and dedicated print copy, I have just five copies in stock just now. This month I thought I would share again this beautiful photo of the book at a reader's home in New Zealand.


 

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

October - Create

 

Reflections: Create

Final 2023 Compass Rose Programme: "Coming Home to Yourself" Advance Notice
Dare to Blossom Monthly Circles on Zoom
One to One Coaching
Book news: Your Compass Rose Speaks audiobook progressing

Reflections: Create

So many aspects to creating for me. Writing, painting, sewing, cooking a meal. And then, creating my experience, often unconsciously.



If you would like to join me in reflection, ask yourself the questions here and write in your journal. Or, if you prefer, read on and come back later.

• What is your first response? To the word? To the colour?
• What else is there?
• And, what else?
• What does Create add to Presence? How do the colours add to each other? What do all the words so far bring for you?

What else is there?

So, after my first response, what else is there? People have been asking me what I am writing next. Just now the answer is this newsletter, plus materials for the online programmes, and my daily posts. There are some new ideas bubbling up, jottings and doodles in various notebooks, often when I am out on the cliffs - although it may not be warm enough to sit and write for much longer now that the seasons are changing towards winter here.

As well as writing I create in other ways, cooking meals, often using home-grown produce; painting; colouring in my recently acquired first-ever adult colouring book. (Color for Clarity by Kristal Norton). I often do this while in a regular Zoom group where most people are knitters so while they busy themselves with that while listening as each of us shares, I have been doing this. Here is one with an appropriate message;



I am now inspired to create some ink drawings myself to colour in - maybe I will experiment with that soon.

And, what else?

In my first response above, I wrote about creating my experience, often unconsciously. After all my years of life, I do my best to respond, to insert a 'gap' between my first reaction to something, and the words I say. When I don't do this my reactions can be angry, negative, even hurtful. Often these words are only spoken to myself, being overly self-critical, or jumping ahead in my mind to a possible scenario where things go wrong. Sometimes I do speak words aloud to someone else and if that comes from a snap reaction those words can sound harsh and counter-productive.

And yet, where does the line come between adapting my reactions to become reasoned responses, and showing my true feelings in the moment? If I am always 'moderating' myself, how will others know when I am upset or worried? How can I find a middle way so I can be sensitive to the feelings of others, yet also true to myself?

I don't have any easy answers, sometimes it feels like walking a tightrope trying to balance - yet I believe there are lessons, and rewards, in the continued practice of finding that moderate way. What is your experience? I would love to hear from you if you would like to reply to this email.

What does Create add to Presence? How do the colours add to each other? What do all the words so far bring for you?

My first thought here is that being fully present (as much as I am able) brings conscious intent into the things and experiences I create. The colours are both deep and flowing, seagreen and dark blue. As for all these words together, they simply bring wonder at the power of these little cards.

Final 2023 Compass Rose Programme: "Coming Home to Yourself" Advance Notice

While considering the theme for the final turn around the Compass Rose of 2023, I sat on the cliffs the other day with my little travelling notebook. It was just about warm enough to sit and write for a short while. After  watching the sea, and the birds, and the sky, and then flow-writing, I decided on 'Coming Home to Yourself'.

This is the title of a chapter in Your Compass Rose Speaks, the last one in the Return to Peace section, before readers go on to visit the Travellers' Tales Circle. It feels appropriate at the end of what has been for me a year of ups and downs, highs and lows, losing myself, and coming home to myself again. Maybe this is true for you?

Many regular readers will be familiar with this painting, one I created years ago at a workshop. If you have been on a Zoom call with me you will have seen it hanging on the wall behind me here in my home in Cornwall.

I chose it for this programme as it is a reminder for me that in coming home to myself, I have truly never left, my light has always been here, shining within to guide me, even when I sometimes lose the connection.

More details of the programme will be shared on the website very soon. For now, here are the dates for your diary:

Taster 1 Friday 27 October at 2.30 pm UK time

Taster 2 Wednesday 1 November at 11.00 am UK time

(if you are in a different time zone, please be aware that here in the UK the clocks go back one hour at 2.00 am on 29 October so when the programme begins the calls may be a different time for you.)

The programme will run from the week beginning Monday 6 November (with the private group opening on 4 November) through to Friday 15 December.

The fee for the full six weeks will be £155, with a discount for those who have attended previous programmes. Payment link will be on the website very soon along with more details.

Dare to Blossom Monthly Circles on Zoom 

The drop-in circles have not been so regular of late for various reasons, but I hope that you may be interested in joining me on Saturday 14 October at 11.00 am, and/or Monday 30 October at 7.30 pm, UK times.





You will be find the events on Facebook,  or simply reply to this email and ask me for the Zoom link. It is always 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 £60. I host the circles with no expectation, simply deep gratitude for your presence. 

The full schedule of dates for 2023 is on the website.

One to One Coaching

For many people, the deeper connection of one to one sessions is perfect for them once in a while, either for a short block of six, or an on-going arrangement as and when required.

Either way, I would love to have a Zoom chat with you if you would like to explore the option of one to one coaching with me. There is no pressure, simply an opportunity to find out what would be useful for you, and if my approach would be good for you. 



If you click on the 'Book Now' Passionflower, it will take you straight to my calendar to book a twenty minute complimentary call. If you prefer, to read more about the Rediscovery Coaching process click here,  Current pricing is £45 for thirty minutes and £90 for a one hour session.

“I have found my sessions with Mary to be a good balance of ideas for the practical things I can do, and the bigger picture reminder of what I want to achieve. This has helped clarify the direction  I want to take and also sparked ideas of how to get there. Mary helps as a reminder to stay true to my experiences and has allowed me to be comfortable with who I am and having balance in life and my work.” 

You can read more testimonials here on my website.

Book news: Your Compass Rose Speaks audiobook progressing

As you may have read in earlier newsletters, after the print and Kindle books, work is underway on an Audible version for those who enjoy listening. As I reported last month, I have completed recording, and the files are now with my publisher . I will let you know when I have a launch date - I know that Alice from the Golden Dragonfly Press has a steady queue of titles waiting to be transformed into wonderful publications so it may be a while. If you would like to browse her books, pop over to her website here. I have quite a collection of her titles already.

Whether you buy Your Compass Rose Speaks: Rediscover Your Inner Wisdom, direct from me or online, print or electronic versions, I would be very grateful if you would like to write a review. I know from my own experience that I often intend to do this, and then never get around to it - yet I do my best and I know that is all I can ask of you, and thank you in advance if you do find the time. It will be very much appreciated.

If you do write a review, please will you send me a link when it is online? You can do that simply by replying to this email, or through the contact form here. Alternatively, rather than posting on Amazon, or on Facebook, you can email it to me with your permission to share it - and how you would like to be acknowledged.

If you would like to buy a signed and dedicated print copy, I still have plenty of stock, although not quite such a large pile as in this photo.



 

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

September - Reflect

 

September 2023
Welcome to the Dare to Blossom Newsletter 

Time sensitive: Taster circle on 30th August for 'Inner Power'

Reflections: Reflect

Book news: 'Your Compass Rose Speaks' ebook version now available

Dare to Blossom Monthly Circles on Zoom

One to One Coaching


Time sensitive: taster circle on 30th August for 'Inner Power', the September Compass Rose Programme

So, having said last month that the September theme would be 'Rediscover Your Inner Wisdom', I have done some thinking and have chosen instead to offer a completely new topic - 'Inner Power: how to find peace of mind, inner strength and optimism in tough times'.

You may feel that you do not have any power - and yet each of us does, we sometimes just need a helping hand along the way to rediscovery that inner strength. And that means you can not only cope with tough times but thrive and blossom.

I believe we are all travelling through this life, finding our way home, and if we can find companions to walk beside us along the way, that journey, that rediscovery, feels less lonely.

And the important answer to 'How much?' is £155, which can be broken down into two instalments if that is useful for you. If you are a member of the Stay Connected Group there is a discount available, if you would like to claim that simply contact me. Payment can be made by bank transfer or PayPal.

You are invited to one or both of two Taster Circles: Wednesdays 30th August and 6th September at 11.00 am. Simply contact me by replying to this email to request the Zoom link to join us for either or both, or find the events on Facebook if we are connected there. If you prefer we can arrange a private Zoom chat so you can ask any questions you may have  about the programme before booking your place.

The private Facebook group will open during the weekend of 16/17th September, with Week 1 Peace opening on Monday 18th The weekly Zoom meetings will be on Wednesdays at 11.00 am. If you miss any you will be able to catch up on the recording. If you prefer not to connect on Facebook you can arrange to receive the materials by email.

Reflections: Reflect

Smiling as I notice that my 'Reflections' piece this month is on .... Reflect, soft turquoise blue/green colour



If you would like to join me in reflection, ask yourself the questions here and write in your journal. Or, if you prefer, read on and come back later.

• What is your first response? To the word? To the colour?
• What else is there?
• And, what else?
• What does Reflect add to Presence? How do the colours add to each other? What do all the words so far bring for you?

So, after my first response, a smile, what else is there? 

The other day I was out on the cliffs on a perfect summer's morning. The sea was unusually calm. There were those fluffy white clouds drifting across the sky, the ones that look like cotton wool. It was so calm in fact that the clouds were reflected in the surface of the sea.



This photo was taken on a different day, on a beach with water running across the wet sand and shows the image I see in my mind as I write - even though I am jumbling up two separate walks.

(I remind myself that there are no rights or wrongs in this process - simply allowing the thoughts, and the images, to arise and flow onto the paper, or the screen.)

And what else? To give myself time to reflect is so precious, and so important. It relates back to Presence very powerfully for me. How can I be truly present - for myself to start with, and then for others - without this time, this space, to reflect?

And the colours? What stands out for me is just how many blues and greens there are here in this circle of cards for 2023. I do not recall the last few cards and I want to keep them as a surprise for myself each month as we complete this turn around the year. I love that the ones that are different are Purpose, although that still has blue shades in the soft purple, and Laughter - that earthy, energetic, deep belly-laugh of a colour.


Book news: Your Compass Rose Speaks' ebook version now available

For those of you who prefer to read on Kindle and not amass more physical books, the ebook version is now on Amazon UK, and Amazon USA, hopefully available around the world too.

Whether you buy Your Compass Rose Speaks: Rediscover Your Inner Wisdom, direct from me or online, print or electronic versions, I would be very grateful if you would like to write a review. I know from my own experience that I often intend to do this, and then never get around to it - yet I do my best and I know that is all I can ask of you, and thank you in advance if you do find the time. It will be very much appreciated.

If you do write a review, please will you send me a link when it is online? You can do that simply by replying to this email, or through the contact form here. Alternatively, rather than posting on Amazon, or on Facebook, you can email it to me with your permission to share it - and how you would like to be acknowledged.

If you would like to buy a signed and dedicated print copy, I still have plenty of stock, although not quite such a large pile as in this photo.



I have completed recording for the Audible version, I will let you know when I have a launch date for that - I know that Alice from the Golden Dragonfly Press has a steady queue of titles waiting to be transformed into wonderful publications so it may be a while. If you would like to browse her books, pop over to her website here. I have quite a collection of her titles already.


Dare to Blossom Monthly Circles on Zoom 

I am resuming the two regular drop-on circles, the September dates are Saturday 9 September at 11.00 am, and then Monday 25 September at 7.30 pm, UK times.





You will be find the events on Facebook,  or simply reply to this email and ask me for the Zoom link. It is always 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 £60. I host the circles with no expectation, simply deep gratitude for your presence. 

The full schedule of dates for 2023 is on the website.


One to One Coaching

For many people, the deeper connection of one to one sessions is perfect for them once in a while, either for a short block of six, or an on-going arrangement as and when required.

Either way, I would love to have a Zoom chat with you if you would like to explore the option of one to one coaching with me. There is no pressure, simply an opportunity to find out what would be useful for you, and if my approach would be good for you. 



If you click on the 'Book Now' Passionflower, it will take you straight to my calendar to book a twenty minute complimentary call. If you prefer, to read more about the Rediscovery Coaching process click here,  Current pricing is £45 for thirty minutes and £90 for a one hour session.

“I have found my sessions with Mary to be a good balance of ideas for the practical things I can do, and the bigger picture reminder of what I want to achieve. This has helped clarify the direction  I want to take and also sparked ideas of how to get there. Mary helps as a reminder to stay true to my experiences and has allowed me to be comfortable with who I am and having balance in life and my work.” 

You can read more testimonials here on my website.
 

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

August - Relaxation

Time sensitive: a change of plans this summer - a more flexible offering of 'Time for You'

Reflections: Relaxation

Book news: 'Your Compass Rose Speaks' ebook version now available

Dare to Blossom Monthly Circles on Zoom: 31st July, then taking a break in August

One to One Coaching

September Compass Rose Programme: Rediscover Your Inner Wisdom


Time sensitive: a change of plans this summer - a more flexible offering of 'Time for You'

Deciding on a change of plans for my offerings somehow led me to the image of a dancer pirouetting. In business people often speak about 'pivoting' when a new direction is needed, maybe from in-person events to online, as many of us did during the pandemic.

However, when I decided to look at what I could offer to best suit you - the people who love what I do - and attract others, I saw the image of a dancer pirouetting on stage in a spotlight. This hand-made card, created by my dear friend and amazing mandala visionary Kay Shelton, popped into my mind.



And, 'pirouetting' feels a perfect description of the change I am making for the next few weeks, full of joy, energy, and flexibility. I will return to the regular flow of my Compass Rose programmes as planned in September, continue with the dance.

Although the six-week 'Time for You' turn around the Compass Rose has been popular at this time of year in the past, it has not had enough sign-ups this time. So - I am in some ways returning to how I began, offering a series of workshops that you can dip in and out of as feels good for you. They used to be in-person events here in Cornwall, every other month through the year, visiting each point of the Compass Rose, beginning in Peace, the centre point, visiting each direction, and ending in Return to Peace.

Some of those who came along to the beautiful venue, the Blue Lotus Therapy Centre, came to every event, others just dropped in for one, or two, or more. Each had a theme, and each was self-contained.

And that is what I am offering you over the next few weeks: on Zoom, accessible wherever you are in the world. I will be offering them on different days of the week, and at different times of the day - so if you have been curious to try out a Magic Carpet Ride with me, this could be the chance to find a day and time that will be perfect for you. 

It is also an opportunity for those of you here who prefer not to be on Facebook as there is no online activity. Once you let me know you are interested, I will send the Zoom link, and afterwards you will receive a recording, and photos of the cards I draw for you. There is a fee of £25 for each workshop. If you have participated in previous programmes, or would like to discuss a place at a discretionary rate, simply contact me.

The first event, on the theme of Peace, is on Thursday 27th July (hence sending this newsletter early) at 2.30 pm UK time. Contact me through the website (where you will find more details) to book your place, or simply reply to this email.



Each event will be between one and one and a half hours, depending on who joins us.

The provisional schedule for the other five Zoom workshops is as follows, although I may make changes to dates and times here, partly in response to those who wish to attend, and also depending on my commitments: (all times are UK - UTC)

Compass Rose Summer Workshop No 2 Purpose, Thursday 3rd August 7.30 pm
Compass Rose Summer Workshop No 3 Passion, Wednesday 9th August 11.00 am.
Compass Rose Summer Workshop No 4 Power, Friday 11th August 10.00 am.
Compass Rose Summer Workshop No 5 Progress, Monday 14th August 2.30.pm.
Compass Rose Summer Workshop No 6 Return to Peace, Friday 18th August 2.30 pm.

So, an experiment, an invitation to dance together, which may or may not work out as outlined above - this dance is improvised rather than choreographed!
 

Reflections: Relaxation

Well, seeing this card after trying to write clearly for you about the change of plans above, made me smile, and notice my need for patience with myself, and with the process of allowing new ideas to emerge, bringing a sense of relaxation

Ah yes, Relaxation, with the gentle shade of blue. A reminder for me that this was the intention of my plan for the summer offering, 'Time for You'. And that means time for me too. Like many people,  I love giving to people, inviting them to share in the magic of the events I create.



If you would like to join me in reflection, ask yourself the questions here and write in your journal. Or, if you prefer, read on and come back later.

• What is your first response? To the word? To the colour?
• What else is there?
• And, what else?
• What does Relaxation add to Presence? How do the colours add to each other? What do all the words so far bring for you?

So, after my first response, what else is there? I am also reminded that I need to refill my own energy reserves in order to keep giving to others, and for me true, deep relaxation is the starting point for this. There have been a lot of extra things I have needed to take on recently due to various health issues being experienced by my husband. I do this willingly, with love, and sometimes I feel I am in danger of letting some of those metaphorical plates I am spinning drop. I know when I become stressed, it is harder and harder for me to relax.

And what else? I can feel the tension in my body as I write this, as I reflect upon this card, drawn so long ago, in January. What does Relaxation add to Presence? What arises for me is how I have become aware, become present to, the messages my body is giving me. Freshly aware  - I have been taking notice, and putting support in place for myself at this time. And yet, every reminder, such as now, writing for you, is another nudge to care for myself too.

Looking at all the other cards two things stand out for me: all the blues, greens and purples, with the earthy red of Laughter standing out; and the fact that there are only four more cards to turn over, four months left of this year.

Time is such a slippery concept isn't it? Just recently I had a message from someone, a friend from Australia, who I last saw in 1978. We worked together in Te Anau, New Zealand, in 1974. After a few years we lost touch so reconnecting, and meeting up while she and her husband were visiting Cornwall has been such a joy. We simply dropped back into conversation as if we last spoke just the other day. 

How interesting where my reflection on 'Relaxation' has led me - where will you go on this month's step around the wheel of the year?


Book news: Your Compass Rose Speaks' ebook version now available

For those of you who prefer to read on Kindle and not amass more physical books, the ebook version is now on Amazon UK, and Amazon USA, hopefully available around the world too.

Whether you buy Your Compass Rose Speaks: Rediscover Your Inner Wisdom, direct from me or online, print or electronic versions, I would be very grateful if you would like to write a review. I know from my own experience that I often intend to do this, and then never get around to it - yet I do my best and I know that is all I can ask of you, and thank you in advance if you do find the time. It will be very much appreciated.

If you do write a review, please will you send me a link when it is online? You can do that simply by replying to this email, or through the contact form here. Alternatively, rather than posting on GoodReads or Amazon, or on Facebook, you can email it to me with your permission to share it - and how you would like to be acknowledged.

If you would like to buy a signed and dedicated print copy, I still have plenty of stock, although not quite such a large pile as in this photo.



I have completed recording for the Audible version, I will let you know when I have a launch date for that - I know that Alice from the Golden Dragonfly Press has a steady queue of titles waiting to be transformed into wonderful publications so it may be a while. If you would like to browse her books, pop over to her website here. I have quite a collection of her titles already.


Dare to Blossom Monthly Circles on Zoom Monday 31st July, then taking a break in August

The July Monday evening circle is on 31st July at 7.30 pm UK time. Contact me for the Zoom link if you would like to join us.

During August these are taking a break - there are plenty of opportunities to join one of the workshops, or the free taster circles for the September Compass Rose Programme (see more below).

The September dates are Saturday 9 September at 11.00 am, and then Monday 25 September at 7.30 pm, UK times.





You will be find the events on Facebook in due course,  or simply reply to this email and ask me for the Zoom link. It is always 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 £60. I host the circles with no expectation, simply deep gratitude for your presence. 

The full schedule of dates for 2023 is on the website.


One to One Coaching

For many people, the deeper connection of one to one sessions is perfect for them once in a while, either for a short block of six, or an on-going arrangement as and when required.

Either way, I would love to have a Zoom chat with you if you would like to explore the option of one to one coaching with me. There is no pressure, simply an opportunity to find out what would be useful for you, and if my approach would be good for you. 



If you click on the 'Book Now' Passionflower, it will take you straight to my calendar to book a twenty minute complimentary call. If you prefer, to read more about the Rediscovery Coaching process click here,  Current pricing is £45 for thirty minutes and £90 for a one hour session.

“I have found my sessions with Mary to be a good balance of ideas for the practical things I can do, and the bigger picture reminder of what I want to achieve. This has helped clarify the direction  I want to take and also sparked ideas of how to get there. Mary helps as a reminder to stay true to my experiences and has allowed me to be comfortable with who I am and having balance in life and my work.” 

You can read more testimonials here on my website.

September Compass Rose Programme: Rediscover Your Inner Wisdom

I am just developing plans for this new offering, details will be on the website in a week or so. For your diary, the tasters will be on Wednesdays 30th August and 6th September at 11.00 am UK time. The six-week programme will open week beginning 18th September, with the Zoom gatherings on Wednesday. 

As I am sending this newsletter early, look out for a 'Special Bulletin' (or an early newsletter) before 30th August with full details - or simply contact me as always with any questions.

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.