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On this day, fourteen years ago, I opened the doors to Wisteria & Sunshine, a membership site that grew from all that I was discovering and cherishing, in the midst of my quiet life. And it has remained a peaceful, nourishing place over all these years, I"m grateful to say. This month is always our Gentle January there, where we slowly and gently : ) give small attentions to our lives, so that we feel more more clear and ready to step into the year, come month's end.
Most years I post about the word I have chosen as a touchstone...lantern...or north star...to guide me along my way. Yesterday, the post that I stitched together seemed especially bright and heartening, and I had the impulse to share it with you today. I hope that the words and images are meaningful to you...
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A word, a star, a lantern...
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This year, it is a lantern I am picturing, with the choice of my word, to both shine a light on my path through the months, but also, to glow from within me.
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My word this year came from within. I thought it would be "peaceful" again...it is still the feeling I am most wanting for my life and my days, and I don't feel finished with it. But, then, this other word started to come to my notice when I read or heard it, and the ears of my soul pricked up.
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And I soon saw that this new word is necessary to create and fully bring into being all that I discerned last year brings peace to me...with my healing...my home and garden...my relationships.
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Last year, tho' it brought more clarity and understanding of what I want and need, I didn't manage to bring much of what I learned into visible difference or progress. My new word acknowledges this and gives me and my dreamy, Piscean soul some heartening encouragement.
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I need to trust that with continued learning and attention, I will heal my chronic symptoms. I want to trust that I will find the energy and devotion to truly make my home and garden peaceful to me. And I desire that trust will overcome old patterns and habits that I am so ready to let go of, yet find still vex me.
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As I discovered these paintings this morning, I found myself arranging them from the quiet, solitary, intentional lighting of a candle and placing it in a chosen lantern...to doing so in small company...to gathering with our lanterns lit and walking through our worlds with them.
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Whether you are lighting your path in solitude or company, with words or simply your own hopes and desires, I wish you well with your journey. And may your January days be gentle.
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P.S. I meant to mention, tomorrow I am opening up a new room at Wisteria & Sunshine. It is a private, lovely space where those of us on a healing path can share and find supportive company as we discover mind/body approaches to chronic pain and symptoms. I've been on this path for a few months now and am greatly encouraged. 💕It feels as tho' I've found a door into a new world...that's been there all along.
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