Thank-you ladies for creating such a deep and caring circle today - what a wonderful way to begin our new session together!
Today, as so many times before, the message and intent of our circle is developed in the weeks and days leading up to our gathering as well as from the energy of the circle itself (in real time). As such, much of my class preparation (and yours) is about tuning in and opening up, so that I (we) may be fully present to what wants to arise. Together we weave words and movements to serve our highest good and also for the highest good of the collective (because when we heal we heal those around us).
I had been planning to focus our first class on the energy of this powerful new year and the releasing of energetic blocks. However, I wanted to stay open to all possibilities, so in my meditation on Friday morning, prior to beginning my first class of this session, I asked spirit if there was anything else that wanted to come forward this week?
Apparently spirit wanted me to stick with this theme as I was led to one of my daily meditation books and the message for Friday, January 11th, was entitled:
“Let Go of the Blocks”…
“I wandered into a bookstore in a small Southern California town, browsed for a while, then began chatting with the clerk. “Times are different now,” I said. “Changing fast. Turning into something new, so different many of us can’t imagine.”
”Yes,” she replied quietly and prophetically. “Things are going to be easier. Unless there’s something you’re still hanging on to.”
Is there something you’re still hanging on to? A remnant from the past that’s blocking you from stepping into the future? From stepping into today?
Look into your heart. The answer is there. Perhaps its a behaviour, a person, a belief. Is there an answer from the past that’s blocking your ability to love yourself, to connect with God, life, others? Ask yourself if there’s something you’re hanging on to that has outworn its purpose. Old chains can tie us to the past, to past pain, to a path we’e already trodden, a place we’ve already been.
Now is the time to let go. Gently, quietly, let go. Allow yourself a few looks back and as many tears as are needed. Where you’ve been has been important. It has helped shape who you are. But have faith that where you’re going is important and wonderful, too.
Greatly let go. Be free to step
into your future of joy.”
Beyond the obvious affirmation for my class plans, there is special significance to this meditation being on the date of January 11th. January 11th is my oldest daughter's birthday which was a powerful lesson in letting go (followed by 17 years of letting go in the journey of parenthood).
The other reading I was inspired to share with you came in an email from Richard Rohr (www.cac.org) and was a sweet little gem written by Parker Palmer…
“Quaker author and elder Parker Palmer writes about his evolving perspective and priorities as he grows older:
Most older folks I know fret about unloading material goods they’ve collected over the years, stuff that was once useful to them but now prevents them from moving freely about their homes. There are precincts in our basement where a small child could get lost for hours.
But the junk I really need to jettison in my old age is psychological junk—such as longtime convictions about what gives my life meaning that no longer serve me well. For example, who will I be when I can no longer do the work that has been a primary source of identity for me for the past half century?
I won’t know the answer until I get there. But on my way to that day, I’ve found a question that’s already brought me a new sense of meaning. I no longer ask, “What do I want to let go of, and what do I want to hang on to?” Instead I ask, “What do I want to let go of, and what do I want to give myself to?”
The desire to “hang on” comes from a sense of scarcity and fear. The desire to “give myself” comes from a sense of abundance and generosity. That’s the kind of truth I want to wither into.
What do you want to let go of in the coming year?
What do you want to give yourself to?
What is keeping you from giving yourself fully?
”
What do you want to let go of in the coming year?
What do you want to give yourself to?
What is keeping you from giving yourself fully?
These were the questions that were contemplated during our sharing circle, and, oh, did we share a rich collection of stories, desires and intentions! Sincere gratitude to everyone.
The Qigong practice that followed was deep…I could fully feel your presence and it was powerful! Together we gently released and we gave ourselves fully to source. I encourage you to continue releasing, and giving, and filling, and loving in every moment of every day this week! 💗