and up some more.
along the ridge.
the heirloom apple orchard across the road from the meeting house.
the sumacs.
dried black-eyed susan stems, catching some fluff.
I left early this morning to drive down to an appointment in New Hampshire, allowing plenty of time to go slow in the midst of a snowstorm. The interstate was in OK shape, and there was not much traffic. I breathed my way through some anxiety and focused on the quiet beauty along the way. I came home for lunch and had to head back down the hill for a more local appointment. On the way back up the hill the second time I stopped along the way and took a bunch of pictures for you. I adore these snowy days.
On New Year’s Day I did a guided meditation that helped me find a word to focus on as I began 2023. I’ve got a bunch of ideas about what I want to accomplish this year and the word that came to mind was discipline. OK, I thought, I guess discipline can help me make these things happen. The word followed me around for days. I resisted it. It had a hard edge to it, it felt a wee bit judgemental, it didn’t feel comfortable. But it kept showing up.
I’ve been hearing and reading about how folks are crawling out of the last 3+ years (I would say, for me, the last 6 years!) Many people are pushing back on the way things had been, and are embracing a more gentle and compassionate way of navigating the world. Doesn’t this sound so very inviting?
So I sat down with my word discipline and created a “mind map” . (Have I told you of how much I love Anna Brones?) This exercise was just what I needed and I was able to flip the word discipline on its head and push it aside in favor of devotion. As soon as I embraced “devotion”, I felt a weight slip off my shoulders and I exhaled and I smiled. Devotion brought up feelings of mindfulness, gentleness, love, support, curiosity, it feels almost prayerful…it will be a practice that will support my intentions for the foreseeable future.
It’s been fun reading about what other kindred spirits are doing as we move our way into 2023. It’s surely been different this year. Much slower and gentle. All good things.
Sometimes I pop by Jonna Jinton’s YouTube channel. She’s a Swedish vlogger and jeweler who creates magical films filled with visual beauty. Her message for 2023 is a lovely watch. You can find it here.
So, as Maggie would say, “It’s the freakin’ weekend!” Hope you all find some time to do what makes you happy. I’ll be lighting a candle and listening to The Byrds and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young on repeat.
Until next time…sending light and love and hope your way…