September - 2021 - a story begins

Doris the not-very-brave dragon

A book review: 'She of the Sea' by Lucy Pearce
Dare to Blossom Monthly Circles on Zoom
September six week programme: 'Being Powerfully Yourself'

Doris the not-very-brave dragon

Recently, on a whim, I began a story, prompted by one of my recent paintings.

I shared it on Facebook and received such lovely responses that I decided to write a second instalment. I will share both of those parts here and then perhaps when the rest of the story emerges, more in future newsletters.

(If the fonts and text sizes keep changing, please forgive me, this has been happening a lot when writing these newsletters lately and I have yet to work out how to fix that issue.)

Once upon a time, there was a young dragon. She was not yet very brave.
 
Did you know that when a dragon is scared their colours fade and they become slightly transparent? That is why the silhouette of the dragon in my painting looks a little faint.

Anyway Doris, for that was her name, although she didn’t much like it - she resolved to find a new name when she felt braver, Doris the young dragon found herself all alone in a dark cave.
 
She decided the only thing to do was to pretend she was already brave and open her wings and set off....
 
As she flew the colours around her began to brighten and glow.

Doris looked around in amazement, and awe, and a little trepidation. Those colours are gorgeous, she thought, maybe I can choose some of those for my new colours when I become more brave. For now, she decided to carry on pretending her heart was full of courage anyway, and flew on.
 
“Hello” said a voice. “Eeeek”, squeaked Doris. She nearly fell out of the air but found a rocky pinnacle to perch on for a moment. Deep breaths, deep breaths, she said to herself.
 
Doris plucked up more courage to look around to see who had spoken. She saw more lovely colours. Then she began to make out what could be legs. Or maybe folded wings. Or……?




“Who, what, are you?” she asked, doing her very best to feel brave.

“I am a friend, little one, no need to fear me. And, I don’t have a name yet.”

Doris began to be a little more curious, a little more brave. “Oh, that is interesting, I have a name, but I want to change it. How will you choose your name?”

“Ah”, replied the strange being – Doris still had no idea what she, or he, might be. A spider? A crab? Doris really had no idea what these words signified in any case, but somehow they popped into her mind.

“Ah, I haven’t decided yet. It rather depends on how I feel once this body I am in now dissolves and I emerge as a new being.”

Doris had no idea what to make of this idea, so she said goodbye politely and decided to fly onwards, into the green opening beneath the creature.

(to be continued)

An amazing synchronicity - on the last weekend in August, day or so after I began this story,  the launch took place in Plymouth, of an extraordinary puppet/kite called The Hatchling - a dragon newly hatched from her egg.  Watch a clip here or visit the main website here.


A book review: 'She of the Sea' by Lucy Pearce

As many of you will know, I live a few miles from the coast here in north Cornwall, and one of my great loves is walking the coast path at ll times of year. You may also know that I am a huge fan of all the books published by Lucy Pearce at Womancraft Publishing, a small independent company, also based by the sea - just across the water as the seagull flies from me, in Cork. (Click on the image to go to the Womancraft Publishing website.)



As you may imagine, when I heard that Lucy's next book would be this one, with the intriguing title 'She of the Sea', I reserved my copy just as soon as pre-orders opened. I always do that, so I receive my book a little ahead of the main publication date - even when that is some time away - as I know how precarious cash-flow can be for many small businesses. I don't know if this is true for Womancraft but I am happy to help in a small way. There is also a bundle of special treats for people who pre-order as well. This time these included s beautifully chosen playlist.

In case you are wondering, I am not 'on commission' just a huge fan of all the books Lucy publishes, her own work and that of the authors she chooses for her list.

So, what is the book like? I am truly lost for words to know how to describe it to you. It is a treasure chest of poems, stories from other women, illustrations, suggestions for art projects, in-depth research, a call to action. All of these and much more. Along the way Lucy shares her own experiences as a woman, a mother. As someone whose brain works differently to others, in ways I will leave you to read about for yourself if you so choose. A woman with immense talent as an artist and a weaver of words. All I can add is this is one of very few books that I will read again, and very soon.

With my pre-order copy, I received a special She of the Sea bookmark, I will share this poem which I found there, and which also features in the book:

May yours be the sparkle
of light on the ocean,
The whisper of foam on the sea,
The warm sand guiding
your feet safely home,
A pebble in your pocket from me.

Some sea glass, a starfish,
some driftwood, a whelk,
Treasures washed
up on the shore.
A flower, a feather, an
urchin, a pearl,
Keep your eyes open for more.

May you know yourself held
in the palm of Her hand,
Blessed by the waves
wild and free,
Blown by the wind,
anointed with salt,
Beloved of She of the Sea.
© Lucy H Pearce 2021
 

If you would like tome prompts for meditation or reflection, you may like to read the poem aloud and choose any words or phrases that stand out for you as a starting point - then see where She of the Sea takes you.

I am not sure if this really qualifies as a 'review' of She of the Sea - and yet, it is the best I can offer just now.

 

Dare to Blossom Monthly Circles on Zoom



The monthly circles for September are Thursday 2nd at 9.00 am, and Saturday 11th at 11.00 am - UK times. You can book on Facebook or LinkedIn, or by replying to this email so I can send you the Zoom link. There is no fee, simply a suggestion that you may like to offer a donation for my time and the gifts you receive. No expectation from me, people offer what is possible in their circumstances and what feels right from zero upwards. Anything is received with gratitude, and most of all I love the joy of your presence in the Circle.

These are a good way to connect if you prefer not to join the Facebook groups. You will see below a Taster Circle for the September programme at 2.30 pm UK time - this may suit you if you are in the USA, and you are most welcome to join us, regardless of any intention to join for the six weeks. There is never any pressure, and do remember that you can also take part in that by email if you would like to join us as described in the recent special bulletin.
 

September six week programme: "Being Powerfully Yourself"

The details for the September programme are now available on my website, and bookings are open. What the phrase 'being powerfully myself' bring for you? Maybe you feel drawn to join us and explore?

Would you like to know more? Visit the website page here (booking is open now), or contact me to book a one to one chat on Zoom.

There will be Taster Zoom gatherings on Tuesday 7th September at 11.00 am and Thursday 9th at 2.30 pm. We begin on Monday 13th September and run through the six week flow around the Compass Rose, ending on Friday 22nd October.

with love,

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

 

Mary

August 2021 A Pause

 

Reflections: A Pause
Dare to Blossom Monthly Circles on Zoom: A trial additional day and time - Monday 2nd August at 7.30 pm.
August openings for 1:1 conversations
September six week programme: "Being Powerfully Yourself"

Reflections: A Pause

Here in Cornwall, August is always a very busy month with people enjoying their holidays, and even more so this year. For me, preferring as I do the quiet places, and given that my business is quieter, August is an opportunity for a pause, a rest. A chance to sit in a shady spot in my garden and dip into some of my summer reading. (I suspect some of this selection will not be finished until well into autumn however....)



The top book in the pile above, 'Braiding Sweetgrass' by Robin Wall Kimmerer, has some exquisite descriptions of the author's observations of nature. For example, in the chapter I have just read, 'Witness to the Rain', she is in the temperate rainforest of the west coast, in Oregon, exploring how the rain makes different noises as it lands on all the leaves of the various plants.

As I sit here, at my desk, with the door open, I can hear a crow cawing loudly, and now another answering, and another, as if in conversation, or maybe argument. I can hear the wind in the trees around my garden. I feel that the temperature has dropped as the sun went behind a cloud. Oh!  As I write, a very large dragonfly has just flown in the door......

A few minutes later.... having picked up my phone just in case it settled and I was able to take a photo, it has gone - I am assuming either back out of the door, or through the window I opened quickly to give it another option. How interesting. We see them fleetingly in the garden at this time of year. Occasionally I do notice where one settles and tiptoe closer to take a picture, but I don't recall one ever visiting me indoors before. As a friend said later, it was probably good to simply enjoy the unusual moment, rather than trying to 'capture' it in a photograph.

Here is one who visited us last year and settled for several minutes on the vegetation. I think my visitor today had a yellow and green body, but it was about this size or larger. A quick piece of research suggests they are both one of the Hawker family of dragonflies.



Whether it is summer or winter for you, or if in your part of the world it is simply 'wet or wetter' as one of my friends in the tropics says - I invite you to take a pause. Maybe to read, or to journal, or doodle. Maybe simply to sit and observe the world around you. I think those are all the suggestions necessary this month.
 

Dare to Blossom Monthly Circles on Zoom: A trial additional day and time - Monday 2nd August at 7.30 pm.
 

I have been asked for another time slot - 7.30 pm UK time to suit those of you who work in the evenings, or who are in time zones in the USA and Canada. So as a trial, there are three opportunities during August, the date and time above, plus Thursday 5th at 9.00 am, and Saturday 14th at 11.00 am - all UK times. You can book on Facebook or LinkedIn, or simply by replying to this email so I can send you the Zoom link.


August openings for 1:1 conversations

During  August I have some openings for 1:1 conversations. If you have ever thought you would like to know more about any of my work, and how it might be helpful for you, just book a time through my scheduling link here. Book the 20 minute complimentary consultation, and I will send you a Zoom link so we can chat over a cuppa. No sales talk, simply a time to connect. Years ago, when my coaching was mostly done over the telephone, I remember answering the phone one day. The person had been thinking about booking some coaching sessions for some time, she said that as soon as she heard my voice she knew it was right for her to go ahead. That may or may not happen for you, at the very least we will explore a little, I will draw a Dare to Blossom card for you, maybe share the Compass Rose meditation.
 

September six week programme: "Being Powerfully Yourself"

The summer circle "Time for You" is now underway with the perfect small group. The details for the September programme will be available on my website soon, and I will share them in the September newsletter. For now, simply sit with what the phrase 'being powerfully myself' brings for you.

So often we are told, often by well-meaning friends or family "Just be yourself." For me that has not been very helpful in the past: it brings fears and worries. What if the 'myself' I am being is not good enough/ likeable enough/ professional enough..... etc etc. For years I not only didn't really like 'myself' as I saw her, I was ashamed of her and afraid to share the real me.

Now I know that underneath all those fears there is another part of me. A part that has been waiting, mostly patiently, for me to rediscover her. To step back into her power. To choose how to be in the world, proudly and unapologetically.

I chose this favourite photo for the webpage for "Being Powerfully Yourself".

Would you like to know more? Visit the website page here soon when I will have created a plan for the flow of this circle, or contact me to book a one to one chat on Zoom.

There will be Taster Zoom gatherings on Tuesday 7th September at 11.00 am and Thursday 9th at 2.30 pm. We begin on Monday 13th September and run through the six week flow around the Compass Rose, ending on Friday 22nd October.

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

with love,

Mary

July 2021 Summertime Thoughts

Reflections: Summertime Thoughts

July and August openings for 1:1 conversations
Summer Circle "Time for you"
Dare to Blossom Monthly Circle on Zoom: Thursday 1st July and Saturday 10th July
"Be Powerfully Yourself" one to one coaching programme
Summertime Reading recommendation: "The Hut" by Zeeba Ansari
 

Reflections: Summertime Thoughts

Music sparks so many memories - "Summertime, and the livin' is easy" is one of those songs for me. It comes from "Porgy and Bess", and so many singers have made it their own - Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, many more.

(An apology to those of you who are in parts of the world where it is mid winter for you - maybe these reflections will bring some summertime memories back for you?)

I have chosen a version by Billy Holiday to share here as it has the brass instruments that fit with the version I remember.  The quality is not perfect but very evocative. Here is another jazz version by Andrea Motis with The Joan Chamorro Quintet and Scott Hamilton. The music takes me back to one year at the Royal Cornwall Agricultural Show, held near where I live, at the dedicated showground at Wadebridge. On this year I was wandering around enjoying the atmosphere. There was a jazz band playing on an open-topped double-decker bus. As usual, there was a wind blowing, flags and banners were fluttering in the breeze, the weather was a mixture of sunshine and cloud. The tune drifted across the hillside. Entrancing.

This takes me now to all the times I spent at the show every year, in early June. For many years, probably beginning in the late 1970s or early 1980s, I exhibited my copper enamel jewellery and tie-dyed silk scarves in the local craft tent there. I cannot remember now for how many years I did that, but at some stage I decided to stop after finding it simply too exhausting. Even with much-appreciated help from my mother and my husband, it took so much energy. Hot, cold, wet, strong winds, thunder storms - we experienced everything. That last year it was very dry and dusty and on the evening of the last day after the hard work of packing everything away, queuing to get my car into the showground, then queuing some more to get out again and on the road home - after all that I found myself struggling to breathe, almost like an asthma attack, although I have never experienced one before, or since. I decided then and there that would be my last year.

This photo may have been taken at the Royal Cornwall Show. More likely at one of the smaller events held in a marquee each year as the bigger show had canvas sides between each stall, and so the clothes next door wouldn't have been visible. Apologies for the photo quality, a rather fuzzy photo dating back to the 1980s.



So, there was a break for a while, then my husband decided to begin exhibiting his new business, making custom designed bodyboards for serious surfers. For a few years he took a stand in the 'Wadebridge Street' where the stands were open-fronted on each side of the 'street'. This meant there was plenty of air, less dust - and also lots of rain blowing in at times. Later he built his own stand-alone exhibition tent and took a space only, which gave him more room, although even more work assembling and breaking it down each year. Eventually he decided exhibiting was not paying off in sales and publicity. The end of another chapter.

Later still, I attended for a couple of years when I worked for Outset Cornwall, as one of the team providing business start-up training and coaching. That was good fun too, especially as we worked in shifts and had official time off to go round with our leaflets and talk to people.

Lots of memories, beginning with just one event,  leading on to others, conjured up by a piece of music.


Summer Reflections Constantine Bay

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

• Is there a particular piece of music that brings memories for you?
• Maybe play that music and simply listen and see what arises - it may not be what you expect.
• Explore in any way you wish, in your journal or sketch book perhaps.

Take good care of yourself while you do this - I know some music can prompt sad memories and tears for me, perhaps for you too? This can be a good way to release whatever that emotion is, and I know for me it can be helpful to set up a place and time that supports me if possible. I also know it is easy to be 'ambushed', perhaps by the car radio suddenly playing something that prompts a response. Often a bittersweet mix of happy and sad memories.

July and August openings for 1:1 conversations

During July and August I have some openings for 1:1 conversations. If you have ever thought you would like to know more about any of my work, and how it might be helpful for you, just book a time through my scheduling link here. Book the 20 minute complimentary consultation, and I will send you a Zoom link so we can chat over a cuppa. No sales talk, simply a time to connect. Years ago, when my coaching was mostly done over the telephone, I remember taking a call one day. The person had been thinking about booking some coaching sessions for some time, she said that as soon as she heard my voice she knew it was right for her to go ahead. That may or may not happen for you, at the very least we will explore a little, I will draw a Dare to Blossom card for you, maybe share the Compass Rose meditation.

If the times offered do not suit you, just contact me as I have more flexibility than the calendar suggests.

Summer Circle "Time for you"

The next six week exploration begins on 26th July, with the theme "Time for You". There are two taster circles the week before, on Monday 19th at 7.30 pm, and Tuesday 20th at 11.00 am (UK times). Contact me to book, or follow the links to go via Facebook. If you prefer not to use Facebook, you can of course still take part.



Full details of the programme and the new pricing structure, with three bands, on a pay what you can basis,  are here.

Dare to Blossom Monthly Circle on Zoom: Thursday 1st July and Saturday 10th July
 
The Thursday slot is becoming a regular event as well as a Saturday once a month. Join us at one or both - for those of you who prefer not to be on Facebook, these are simply stand-alone gatherings on Zoom. Contact me to book, and find the full details here.   (PS I have no idea why this section insists on being in bold....)
 

"Be Powerfully Yourself" one to one coaching programme

There are still places available, click here for details.

Summertime Reading recommendation: "The Hut" by Zeeba Ansari

A book that I have yet to read myself - but I can one I whole-heartedly recommend on the basis of the readings I was honoured to hear at the recent launch with Zeeba. We met when I first joined the Cornwall branch of Lapidus, the 'words for well-being' organisation, a number of years ago now. Listening to Zeeba, and another Lapidus friend reading extracts I was transported immediately into the story, and ordered my copy straight after the gathering as I can't wait to find out more. You can of course buy almost anywhere online, Zeeba published through Troubadour, so you may like to go there. 

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

with love,

Mary

June 2021 Questions

 

June 2021

Welcome to the Dare to Blossom Newsletter

Reflections: Questions
For the last time, from my archives: June titles poem
Last opportunity to book your place for "Weaving Shadow and Light"
Dare to Blossom Monthly Circle on Zoom: Thursday 3rd June (Special) and Saturday 12th June
"Be Powerfully Yourself" one to one coaching programme

 

Reflections: Questions

As always, I find myself wondering what to write about this month. Usually it becomes clear quickly, not so just now.... very interesting. 

I began yesterday, as I often do, by writing in my journal, here are those musings: my critical inner voice says it would be more 'efficient' to sit at my desk and type straight into the newsletter. Maybe so, if I am measuring the time it takes to write a certain number of words. And yet, I never count the words in these reflections for you, why would I?

The measure of 'value' for me here is not the quantity, nor even the 'quality', if that subjective thought could be defined. Rather, I feel that when I read a newsletter or a blog, my response is based on whether there is a nugget of gold within the words. Is that true for you?

A little piece of wisdom that makes me stop, read again, maybe make a note, or highlight the words if I am reading on paper. That little spark of recognition is magical for me. It doesn't appear every time I read something even by a favourite writer, yet often enough for me to know it is worth opening the emails and reading. Sometimes the spark is more like a warm glow, a feeling of companionship.

Many of you are writers as well as readers - how would you describe this? The spark, the warm glow, something else?



That was where I ended yesterday, sitting in the garden. I now see that I was already preparing for this piece, with the subject 'Questions'. Often for me that spark I have just written about comes in the form of a question, of a prompt to journal - maybe literal prompts such as those I include each month for you here. Maybe simply something in the author's words that makes me curious to explore.

For you, for your meditations or journal - to flow-write, doodle, paint, dance, sing - however you wish to express your thoughts and feelings: You may like to follow the questions I wrote above for myself.

• What questions arise for you right now?
• Which will you choose to explore?
• What else is there?
• And, what else?

For the last time, from my archives: June titles poem

A year ago, I began this exercise of revisiting the titles of all the 'Reflections' in these newsletters, back to when I began in 2007, so this is the last. I notice that I may have mixed up the issues last time as that one also began with 'Seeing with new eyes'. And that is fine. And I also repeated that title over the years, revisiting old writing and reflecting anew. It just happens, because of my 'mistake' last month, that the poem, whichever direction it is read, starts and begins with that phrase.

I also notice, I used 'Rest' twice - and that is a perennial theme for me. One of my challenges is simply allowing myself to do that, to rest. Finally, I see that the line 'Subject, unknown' was also from a year when, in this same month, I could not decide on a theme, a little like this time, with 'Questions'.

I wonder what you will notice, from your own experience, as you read this?

Seeing with new eyes
Procrastination
Rest
Asking for help
Keeping the flame alive
Strong and True
Emerging
Endings and Beginnings
Midsummer Magic
Rest
Flow
Subject, unknown
Seeing with new eyes
 
Seeing with new eyes
Subject, unknown
Flow
Rest
Midsummer Magic
Endings and Beginnings
Emerging
Strong and True
Keeping the flame alive
Asking for help
Rest
Procrastination
Seeing with new eyes
 


Last opportunity to book your place for "Weaving Shadow and Light"

Rather than giving you a lot of detail here, this month I am simply linking to the information on the website, for this, and the other offerings below. If you still have any questions after reading there, please reply to this email, or use the contact form on the website.Click here
 

Dare to Blossom Monthly Circle on Zoom: Thursday 3rd June (Special) and Saturday 12th June

Click here for details. of the regular Saturday slot. (Contact me for the link for the special Thursday event)

"Be Powerfully Yourself" one to one coaching programme

Click here for details 

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

with love,

Mary

May 2021 Contrary Winds

Reflections: Contrary Winds
New programme in June, tasters in May: "Weaving Shadow and Light"
Dare to Blossom Monthly Circle on Zoom Saturday 8th May
From my archives: May titles poem
 

Reflections: Contrary WInds

April, here in England, has been a month of contrary winds, and little rain. One day recently I wrote this in my little travelling notebook:

Near ‘Crab Ledges’ on the west side of Trevose Head. There is a very strong easterly wind and it has been hard to find any shelter, but now I am tucked down on the rocks, under the low cliff here.

‘Wind waves’ are blowing outwards from the shore, very bizarre. Tomorrow and Saturday real gales are forecast. 

(for some reason MailChimp is not allowing me to upload the photos of those waves I wanted to include here. So this is a random image for no other reason than that I love it, and so do many others as I receive comments every time I share it.)





Contrary winds. The whole month of April has been ‘contrary’ in Cornwall this year – here it is usually a month of showers and sun, this year we have had late frosts, sunshine, and these strong, cold winds. This year, it has been so dry that the fields and gardens need water.

Here in England, our lockdown has been eased a little, so people are able to travel more and stay in self-contained units. Cafes and pubs can serve outdoors – and hardier people than me have been taking advantage of that opportunity.

Sitting here on the rocks it feels more like autumn than spring, a surreal time-shift for a moment, although where some of you are reading this, it is so.

I wonder how seafarers coped in the days of sailing ships, when they could truly be at the mercy of contrary winds. From the little I know about sailing, it makes it much harder at least,  having to beat into a head wind, or take a zigzag path, tacking across the sea.

Sometimes life feels like that, as if I am fighting against a wind that is trying to take me in a different direction. And yet, what if I turned and looked the other way with the wind behind me? Even if it may seem I am turning back, it may be that the scene behind me has changed. Do I see things differently now? What is there that was not there before?

For you, for your meditations or journal - to flow-write, doodle, paint, dance, sing - however you wish to express your thoughts and feelings: You may like to follow the questions I wrote above for myself.

• What if I turned and looked the other way with the wind behind me?
• Do I see things differently now?
• What is there that was not there before?
• What else is there about 'contrary winds' for you?

New programme for June, tasters in May: "Weaving Shadow and Light"

As I mentioned last month, 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 for people in other time zones, maybe on Monday evenings, when you will see I am offering a taster call.



There will be two taster Circles, the first on Monday 24th May at 7.30 pm UK time, the second the next day, Tuesday 25th, at 11.00 am UK. They are listed as events on Facebook if you would like to connect there, or simply reply to this email and let me know if you would like to join me so I can send you the Zoom link a day or so in advance.

The Dare to Blossom Monthly Circle Saturday 8th May at 11.00 am

For those of you who prefer  a 'light touch' commitment, here is a reminder of the regular monthly Zoom gathering. Payment is on 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 are very welcome, and you will receive a photo of your cards, plus 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: May Titles poem

Seeing with new eyes 
Growing strong roots
Inspiration 
One bulb at a time 
Renewal 
Energy 
Strong and True 
Giving Thanks 
Choices 
Going with the flow 
Unfurling 
Laughter 
Presence 
Curiosity 
 
Curiosity 
Presence 
Laughter 
Unfurling 
Going with the flow 
Choices 
Giving Thanks 
Strong and True 
Energy 
Renewal 
One bulb at a time 
Inspiration 
Growing strong roots 
Seeing with new eyes
 
I began these 'titles poems' in July last year, so next month, June, will be the last. I hope you have enjoyed them. 

Thank you dear friends, 

with love,
Mary

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

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