“Hope is often misunderstood. People tend to think that it is simply passive wishful thinking: I hope something will happen but I’m not going to do anything about it. This is indeed the opposite of real hope, which requires action and engagement.” ~ Jane Goodall Hi everyone!
Thanks for being here. Last week’s newsletter sparked a lot of engagement. Thank you for the kind words and the in-depth conversations. Wading into areas of possible disagreement is challenging, and I am grateful for any and all engagement. This week, as I once again pack my bags, I wanted to pause with each of you. If you’ll indulge me, let’s take 3 rounds of breath. Deepening and expanding as we cycle through. Ready?
And now, feel into the parts of you that are connected to the Earth. Your feet. Your sits bones. Drop into those parts. Drop your mind into those parts. Settle into the support that’s right here with you. Ahhhhh. ☺️ Allow gratitude to wash over you and through you. And now, What’s one thing you want more of in your life? “I am inviting in . . . (fill in the blank) ” Setting an intention may seem like wishful thinking to some of you. Simply saying I want it, doesn’t make it true. I agree. Setting an intention takes action. It necessitates focus. And commitment. And energy. Take another read of the Jane Goodall quotation up above. ☝️ Where we direct our energy matters. What we focus on matters. Distracting ourselves may be helpful in the short term. Honestly? For me I think it may be necessary at times. 🤷🏻♀️ However, the world needs us to remain engaged. To stay focused. And to be hopeful. I’m in Houston this week at a Specialty Coffee Expo. Next week? I’m off to Sierra Leone to visit our coffee revitalization project. No matter where we are, let’s each remember to pause. And ground. And focus on our intention and the pathway forward. With hope, ~m
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“If your compassion does not include yourself it is incomplete. ” ~ Jack Kornfield Hi friends!
It was wonderful having a surprise visit with family. Seeing some of our nieces, our nephew, and our great nephew was such a gift. It doesn’t happen often enough. The hugs, the laughter, and the conversations were all very therapeutic. And this week, it’s great being home. Our gas was turned back on a few hours after we returned. We were super impressed by all the folks from throughout the midwest who were here helping our communities. I tell you what. Hot water is really a beautiful thing, and it’s something I will continue being very grateful for. Of course, snuggling with Javier is also something I missed while being gone, so you better believe he’s curled up on my lap this very minute. 🐶 And now, real talk. Writing these weekly newsletters has grown more challenging for me. Why? Because, I always try and write about something that is percolating inside of me, that (hopefully) resonates with you. I strive to write openly, honestly, and from my heart. What motivates me? This exchange is about a pathway forward to living well . . . within all aspects of our body and our being. It’s about each one of us having the tools to help ourselves reset and replenish so we can meet the moment as our best self. In order to do this, I dedicate much of my time and energy to living from a place of raised vibration. If that sounds a little woo-woo, let’s look at it from another lens: quantum physics. Quantum physics supports that at the most fundamental level, reality is composed of energy. This means that what we see and interact with, from our bodies to the objects around us, is ultimately made of energy fields. Things like anger, and fear, are considered low-level energies and have a low vibrational quality. Contrast that with love, joy, gratitude, and peace? Wow! Now we are definitely elevating things and raising that vibration! Today, so much of what’s around us is full of anger and vitriol. I am determined to remain informed, and I am weary from the pace, and the chaos, of the daily events. And here’s the thing: this style of leadership, this erosion of norms, this planned ignorance of facts and laws and customs? This divisive rhetoric and narrative that separates us? It has real consequences. Beyond people’s 401Ks. People are scared. And people are making difficult choices for their families. For their safety. For their wellbeing. This transcends politics. This is not about allegiance to a political party nor a person. This is about living well. Finding our way forward, together. This is about dignity for all of humanity and wellness for our planet. This is about coming together to solve the multitude of challenges before us. This is why I want to remain in an elevated state. A place of raised vibration. So that I can be part of the solution. So I am resourced enough to meet each moment with clarity and creativity. I hope you’ll join me in staying resourced. In raising the vibration. Of being a source of light, a refuge of peace, for all those around us. Om shanti, shanti, shanti, (peace, peace, peace) m 
“A friend knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words.” ~ Rumi Hi friends!
Yes. I’ve been traveling a lot these past few months, and my coffee travels certainly are not a vacation. This week? A deeply restorative getaway for both me and Mike. We’re cooking, listening to music, hiking, soaking, talking, creating, laughing, and celebrating! Every where I look, there is expansive natural beauty. I love the smell of sage and pińon that fills the air. The change of pace. The quiet. The spaciousness of it all is nourishing for every part of my being. It has been too long since I was in New Mexico, and now that I am here? I’m savoring every moment. Oh boy. I’m just learning about the transmission line situation at home. I hope everyone in our area is safe and finding ways to stay cozy. We are returning home on Friday night. I was planning on Yacht Club yoga Saturday morning. However, if the heat is not back on by Friday @ 5:00 P.M., I’m afraid I’m going to have to cancel class. Stay warm everyone! Namasté, m 
“We’re here for a little window. And to use that time to catch and share shards of light and laughter and grace seems to me the great story.” ~ Brian Doyle Hello!
Last week’s newsletter was a big one. I appreciate every single question and all of the conversations. If you missed it, or you want to take another read, you can find it here. I don’t think I’ve fully recharged, yet. So, I’m going to take some extra time to walk in the woods, admire the daffodils, cook some nourishing foods, hug those around me, and figure out how I can continue being of service in this rapidly changing landscape. Yesterday, at one of my low points, I glanced up while doing dishes. There, on the fence post, was a blue bird. I got to watch him for a while, and it felt like a bit of magic. There truly is beauty all around, and sometimes it’s right outside your kitchen window. I aim to be part of the “great story” as identified in the quotation above. May we all continue to share shards of light, and laughter, and grace. Until next time, m |
AuthorMichelle Shaw: Archives
April 2025
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