It's deep mid-winter here. I love winter's stillness, the restful quiet that comes as the snow gently falls on the pines behind my house. This nourishes my soul. I wonder what is nourishing your soul these days? Are you giving yourself time and space to rest in the Divine? For me, this is what "Wintering" is all about.
In late December, I made yet another soul-nourishing decision to keep turning my attention inward; to be more in tune with Spirit's calling. I discerned to take 3 months "in" - in service of my body, mind, heart and soul. I needed to create more time and space for myself for my inner being to flourish.
I would renew my commitment to spiritual practice, deep listening, and align myself with the One Heart.
I am doing this by staying away from social media, taking a break from taking grad classes, and simplifying my work day. Just generally taking more time off and enjoying the sweet pleasures of life: Listening to 528 HZ music, meditative coloring, and sipping hot chocolate. (I've also fallen in love with glitter gel pens, LOL.)
Each morning I now take 1-2 hours for deep quiet, prayerfulness, journaling and reflection. Sometimes longer! I am blessed to be able to do this and still do my work in the world. I'm reading two books by Beverly Lanzetta that are transforming me. I feel Grace pouring down as I attend to my inner monk. Each day, more peace,
joy and happiness are mine. I am deeply grateful for this turning.
I wish the same for you. I wish you deep peace and an authentic knowing that you are loved by the Holy One. Peace and happiness are your birthright. You are meant for Love. We all are.
What gentle turning might be necessary for you to feel this way too?
To have this knowing of being loved?
How can you be more attuned to your inner being at this time of your life?
What are the spiritual practices to which you might recommit?
I believe more than ever if we ask, we shall receive. We are given exactly what we need to wake up, to heal, to love large. But in order to enhance the flow of this process, we might have to make ourselves more vulnerable, more humble. Less all-knowing.
This week I've been thinking about resources that can help one turn inward. I've created many of them over the years and I found a few I'd love to give you if you're interested. Sometimes it takes a gentle touch on the shoulder, a whisper in the ear from an outside source, to hear what the Divine is inviting us to.
May Love continue to hold you whichever season you're in. I'll continue to hold you too -- in my heart and prayers -- as I "winter" here in the deep quiet of northern Michigan.
Free Resources for Turning Inward
•"The Seasons of My Soul" (Winter) Retreat Kit
• A 14-Day "Being Love" Sadhana (period of spiritual practice)
My lovely and gifted friend, Ingrid Goff-Maidoff, wrote a poem that keeps speaking to my heart. Perhaps it will touch yours, inviting you to turn in the direction of what is good, right and true. It's titled, "Wherever You Are, Find a Trail."
I'm sending many blessings your way for an ease-filled day. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to support your spiritual journey during these times of radical awakening.
And, yes, just in case you are wondering, I am still offering 1-on-1 spiritual direction/guidance and mentoring. I am here to help.