First, I just want to express my gratitude to you for reading my writings, showing up at my gigs, and enjoying my art in the various ways that you all do. I feel absolutely blessed to be able to do what I love in this world — which is a number of things! Some of you have received newsletters from me or read my blog for years now. I thank you for sticking by me as my creative fire shifted this way and that in its expressions. I’ve finally given up trying to choose the “one thing that I do”. If you’re with me this far, then I trust that you are enjoying something that I offer — and maybe you experience the unity of it better than I sometimes do!
Here on this shortest day, I invite you to take some time to sit by your own creative fire. Just imagine your unique way of being in this universe as a warming fire. What are the qualities of your fire? How do you feel within your body and emotions as you sit by this fire? If you imagine the year since last winter solstice, how has the vigor, shape, and feel of your fire changed through the year? Allow yourself to rest in your imagination and dream space with this, and to be curious and playful!
How does your creative fire shine as we reach the shortest day of the year? How has your creative fire guided you through 2015, and what treasures has its daring and dancing ways revealed for you? Take a moment imagine yourself as a child, crouched over a basket of wrapped gifts. How many are there? Unwrap them slowly, one by one. What are they? What do they look/smell/feel like? And how do they make you feel? What are these gifts of you — your magical nature — that you now unwrap and admire? How have they shape-shifted, deepened, grown more fancy, or … [fill in the blank] since last year?
If you wish, please share below about with what you’ve been on fire, creatively speaking, and how your sense of your self and your right way in the world has rooted further as a result. I’d love to hear your story!
I also invite you to read one of my favorite Winter Solstice poems, shared in a post of mine a few years back. Enjoy!
Last but not least, I hope you can join me for this event!
Women’s Nature Ways: A Mid-Winter Retreat
facilitated by Stacey Hinden and Jane Valencia. Feb. 5-7, 2016, on Bainbridge Island.
Learn powerful tools and practices to listen to the profound bodymind wisdom within you, and to attune to the timeless, generous spirit of Red Cedar. Please visit our website to learn more about our retreat, and how to join a circle of women ready to explore the mystery and wisdom woven both within us and with nature. Early registration discount through December 21st. Enrollment ends January 4. We look forward to journeying with you!
Also: Sign up for our Women’s Nature Ways newsletter and receive a free audio guiding you into the nourishing wisdom at the heart of your nature.
