Spiraling UP

The Soul in Solstice

Our Summer Solstice celebration at Oval Beach was memorable. Thank you to everyone who joined us!

Initially, there were concerns of excessive heat and flies. But, as it turned out? The breeze was perfect, the humidity subsided, and instead of flies? We had a magnificent flyover! 😍

It was deeply nourishing to gather in community, join together in heart coherence, and fortify the fabric that unites us. A special note of gratitude to Teresa VanEyk and Harvey Deutch. Collaborating with you is delightfully easy. 🙏🏽

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♥️ “I believe that the world was created and approved by love,
that it subsists, coheres, and endures by love,
and that, insofar as it is redeemable, it can be redeemed only by love.” ♥️
~ Wendell Berry

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Reflecting on the past
Moving forward | Leading with love

Hello friends!

I hope your solstice and full moon were empowering, healing, and restorative.

Last week I wrote to you about some of my own struggles. I am deeply appreciative of the conversations that took place as a result. It’s healing to share with people who are loving, and supportive, and who don’t turn away from our shadow side. In our challenges, it’s important to be reminded we are not alone

As I took time over solstice and the Blooming Moon to listen within, I kept returning to this quotation:

“Maybe the journey isn’t so much about becoming anything.
Maybe it’s about un-becoming everything that isn’t really you,
so you can be who you were meant to be in the first place.”
~ Paul Coehlo

These past few weeks, we have been helping my parents pack up their home. They have LOVED their home, and their neighborhood, for the past 30 years. While they are ready for the ease of their new condominium, the transition isn’t simple.

As we sift and sort through all of their belongings, I’ve un-earthed parts of my own life I haven’t looked at in ages.

That asymmetrical short haircut I was sporting in the late 80’s?!
The mustard color tent of a dress I wore to my brother’s college graduation?
YIKES! 🤣

All of this reminds me of the learning we do over the years. I’m not talking about the learning that expands us, makes us more wise, and helps us evolve into better human beings.

I’m thinking of what I call “learning worse” or “spiraling down” . . . the learning that diminishes us, makes us fearful, teaches us separation from others or from ourself.

Seeing so many old photos and artifacts put me in a place of reflection. My inner voice was not always gentle and kind, but I was able to pause. And ground. And move myself into gratitude. Gratitude for all of the experiences, because each has shaped me into who I am now. I can continue to move the needle out of those old patterns into something brighter, more truthful to who I really am.

And, when it comes down to it, I think Wendell Berry has it exactly right:

👀⬆️ to the quotation above ♥️

So, that’s it.

I’m going to bask in love, use love as my balm, and be a source of love for myself and others.

Big love . . .  and thanks for being here,

~ m

P.S. Mike’s Band is playing at Red Dock 🎉
Sunday, July 14 | 3 - 7 P
Guest Vocals by my dear friend, Michelle Fish
Trust me, you WANT to hear her sing!! 🎤 I hope to see you there!