New Moon + Solstice

Holidays in Jinotega

As our snow and cold continue, I thought I’d share a couple more photos from coffee country. These two are from my most recent trip to our Farm-Direct partner, El Recreo, in Nicaragua. 

No matter what time of year, I love visiting the farms. And, there’s some extra magic around the holidays. The town square in Jinotega was just being decorated; the little girl was smitten with this star. ⭐️

Of course, football (yes, I’m talking about soccer) is big no matter what time of year! 😃

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“While we can’t control what’s happening around us,
we can cultivate the capacity to be with what is
with more ease, joy, and freedom.”

~ Sebene Selassie

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Hello!

What a big week. We have new moon tomorrow, and then we’re right into Solstice. 

The word Solstice is a combination of the Latin words sol (the Sun) and sistere (to stand still). So, as we move towards the longest night of the year, I hope you find moments of deep relaxation and true rejuvenation. 

In my meditative moments, I’ve been feeling into the Sanskrit word, śraddhā (pronounced, roughly as, SHRA-dha). 
Yes, it’s a term centered upon faith, devotion, or conviction. 
All of that can be directed towards spiritual teachings or a spiritual path . . . and it’s also about a profound inner steadfastness. 

I imagine it as something that dissolves self-doubt. 
A powerful antidote to those (sometimes very LOUD) voices of my own internal critic.

In other words, it’s about choosing to trust your own path, your own instincts, your own compass . . . even if the results are not yet showing up externally. 

And, it’s about staying committed to this . . . not with rigidity, or harshness . . . but in a way that nurtures a confidence from showing up for ourselves and our knowing. 

The word śraddhā can be broken down:
śrad meaning, heart/truth
dhā meaning, to place/hold

Put it together? That which is held in the heart, or that which is holding the heart

As is the case with most Sanskrit terms, there really isn’t a single-word translation into English. Some might say, “faith” or “purpose” as shorthand, but it’s just that. Short of the full context. 

I think whatever it is that truly holds our heart? Must be a positive energy that bubbles up from deep internal knowing. And that’s worth showing up for, time and time again. 

This helps me navigate the busyness of the season. 
It reminds that everything is right here within. 
And, if that gets taken out of focus, I can always re-read the quotation up above. 
👀⬆️

Here’s to exploring it ALL with more ease, joy, and freedom. 

Spots are filling, and I hope you will secure yours for my favorite practice of the year. Please join me and Teresa Van Eyk: 
Winter Solstice and Sound at the Saugatuck Yacht Club.

Sunday, December 21 | 6 - 7:30 P.M. 

Happy meditative moments, everyone.

In service,

~m