Baby Steps

Isn't it interesting how we minimize our achievements?

"Like the ability to fumble and stand, fumble and stand 

doesn't take grit and courage?"

I just now realize, I use the phrase "baby steps" to

slow myself down. To pay added attention to what comes next. 

I've never associated it with "collecting a bouquet of bruises

and carrying them like medals, rising again, again, again." 

I think of all the baby steps contained in the ripening years.

The bruises involved in the physical adjustments of goldening.

The grit and courage it takes to absorb the stumbles...and keep going.

From now on, I will remember this "wish for reckless determination,

laughter in miscalculation, the humility to forgo perfection;" 

and whisper thanks to L.E. Bowman for the offering of these words.

We are in this together and the tides are turning.

I'm glad you're here.

Namaste'

 

Standing In the Dark

 

Winter Solstice Greetings

Wishing all a tender, thoughtful and slow Winter Solstice, 2025

 

In The Bleak Midwinter

"Belonging is knowing every one of us is flame."

This is good to remember if you find yourself feeling lonely.

There's always room for you in the circle.

Whenever I get to feeling like an outlier who doesn't fit,

Brene' Brown's words come to me.  

“Stop walking through the world looking for confirmation that you don't belong. You will always find it because you've made that your mission. Stop scouring people's faces for evidence that you're not enough. You will always find it because you've made that your goal. True belonging and self-worth are not goods; we don't negotiate their value with the world. The truth about who we are lives in our hearts. Our call to courage is to protect our wild heart against constant evaluation, especially our own. No one belongs here more than you.”

That's when the practice has to become habit. 

Activate your attention if you find yourself feeling like a misfit and remember to

shift the music in your head and nail that nonsense to the wall.

You belong and you matter.

We're in this together.

Namaste'

 

I've Heard It Whispered

 

Wintering

 "The time will come when you, too, have to drop all the ways

you've made yourself worth loving, and finally learn how to sit 

quietly right in the center of your own small life."

I'm feeling called to this even as the expectations of the season

pull in the exact opposite direction.  

I'm counting on this friction to create pearls.

Pearls of patience, kindness, tenderness and mercy...

for myself and all those who share this space and time with me.

We're in this together.

I'm grateful you are here.

Namaste'

Some Days Are Not Meant

I feel my body relax and my breath slow down as I read this.

She names the programming most of us receive, doesn't she?

"Some days are simply meant to be lived gently."

Ticking things off the To Do list can be addictive.

Especially when you're on a career path or 

working on a major project, like saving democracy.

It takes courage and discernment to navigate the waters.

It's helpful to pause and check in with yourself 

on how to spend your time wisely;

and dare I say, joyfully.

Things can happen in the process of doing ordinary tasks.

Inspiration can visit as you fold a load of clothes,

a reminder to call your representatives may ring 

as you tidy up the kitchen counter.

Perhaps this is more about having self judgment stand down?

Perhaps its about living your life with enjoyment

whether you're "accomplishing" anything or not?

Who gets to decide that anyway?

Turn the spotlights off, take off the public costume,

change into your comfy clothes and luxuriate 

in who you are, just as you are, right now.

You are you and you matter.

Thank you for being here.

Namaste'