Lately, I Have Been...
Lately, I have been...
... in a bit of a transition state with my personal creative practice. It looks like a lot of simple pages, false starts, quick messes and slow-goings. That usually happens before some sort of immersion of expression, but who knows?
Lately, I have been...
... putting together content, astrology insight and art journaling prompts and demos for the soulful creatives exploring IN THE STARS with me this year. Everyone is swimming the waters of awe and inquiry with their birth charts, while expressing possibilities and nuances in color and reflective words. My heart is filled up with this program and the participants so far this year! You can join us anytime, for the time being.
Lately, I have been...
... practicing receiving. I'm not so great at it, but with my 40th birthday last month, I tried to get a little better as lots of love came my way from my closest folks. The anticipation of the big 4-0 was uncomfortable and sensitive, I won't lie... with some age appropriate life-reflection, I suppose. When the day actually arrived, though, I truly just felt so LIGHT in my heart and very, very grateful and joyful for this Life, and ready for the unknown of the next chapter.
Lately, I have been...
... reading some really great books on astrology, the moon, being a birthing partner (for my sis!), racial/criminal injustice, spiritually guided resistance (what would Jesus do? No, REALLY...? kind of stuff), icon and illuminated manuscript art, and practicing devotion. *ah, books*
Lately, I have been...
... playing piano more. Like I did as a kid. Losing time. For me. Music goes hand-in-hand with devotion in my world.
... and practicing reading birth charts. oh, how I love this. I offered limited readings in March to my students last week, and the spots were gone in less than an hour. It is such an honor & joy for me to get to spend time with a chart and share what I see with the person... all in the hopes that they feel more connected to their wholeness, to others and to the great sacred mystery of Life unfolding.
Lately, I have been...
... praying. Re-finding and redefining and finally claiming my faith. Every day. With others. In new, uncomfortable ways for me. Not just in the ways I was given or shown, or ways I have wished I could call my own, but in the ways I've been called. Being me, in relationship with God. This is tender territory... some of it very new territory to me... or variations on territory that's always felt like home... that is, such a huge, huge part of who I am and always have been. Lately, I've been trusting that more fully, and finally choosing to make it the most important relationship in my life. And so, as it goes with such things, there are changes happening within.
Lately, I have been...
... online a bit less. In my life a bit more. Loving it that way. And exploring ways of finding the balance that fits my work and life with this... which leads to another thought...
Lately, I have been...
... remembering how important a simple, grounded life is to me - especially in this crazy world. Remembering how much I value intimacy and time for my closest relationships, to learn more of what makes me a better human being, and to just be quiet, in nature, as much as possible. Remembering how I hope to show up to others I work with. How important it is to my heart and soul to choose a slower, intentional pace, and a clear channeling of my creative energy, for the possibility of communion with that deeper presence. Remembering that not knowing is the chance to connect with the natural, divine mystery. Remembering to not confuse tools with their intended purpose and gifts. To not get caught up in unnecessary nay-saying, gossip, drama, suspicion and critique, but to choose to see the beauty in the unfolding, the places where growth and hope can shine through the cracks... hushing our minds, shining peace on our hearts and initiating action with clarity.
Lately, I have been...
Listening. Growing. Grateful.
What have you been noticing in your world and skin lately? May you know clarity, peace and discovery, whatever it is.
With heart,
