Dare to Blossom Blog
February 2023: Focus, and Angels
Reflections: Focus, and Angels
"Weaving Shadow and Light" Programme rescheduled to 6th February
Dare to Blossom Monthly Circles on Zoom
One to One Coaching
Reflections: Focus, and Angels
This year, prompted by several friends, I chose to create a twelve month spread using the Dare to Blossom Rediscovery Cards, around the word of the year I had already picked - Presence. This happens to be one of the words in the No 2 Deck (which has just celebrated the first anniversary of when I received the decks and began sending them out around the world), which is good.
If you read the January newsletter you may remember that I shared some reflections on Presence there.
As I didn't do this until almost the middle of January, I have two cards to share with you this month: Focus for January, and Angels for February. I will consider them here one at a time.
January 2023 - Presence
Happy New Year, wishing you a healthy and enjoyable time ahead
Reflections: Presence - Looking forward to 2023
"Weaving Shadow and Light" Programme begins this month
New Year Special: Three Card Listening for £10
Book news "Your Compass Rose Speaks - Rediscover Your Inner Wisdom"
Dare to Blossom Monthly Circles on Zoom
One to one coaching
Reflections: Presence - Looking forward to 2023
At first, my mind couldn't decide on a theme for 'reflection' this month, so I decided to simply be in a sense of anticipation. I cannot know, none of us can, what the year ahead will bring.
I can make plans and hope that they will become reality. And they may well change through my choice or through circumstances outside my control. My 'word of the year' for 2023 is 'Presence'. How does 'presence' relate to 'being present'? I am not sure just now, what is your response to the question?
For me the most useful way I can step into the new year is by setting an intention to be present. To be in the moment as much as possible. Noticing what is - what is around me; what I am feeling; how others are behaving. What is present in my environment.
As you may know, one of my great joys is walking here in Cornwall, along the lanes, on the beaches, out on the cliff paths. Although in some ways my habit of taking photos to share can be a distraction, in other ways it adds to my ability to stop, to pause, to notice. And that can apply just as much when I am at home - what do I see around me? What feelings are present for me right now? These might be physical sensations: hot, cold, stiff, sore. Or emotions: happy sad, discontented, joyful.
What do I see around me? I like to keep little treasures on my desk. Often items from nature: feathers, pebbles, shells. And items I have bought for myself or been gifted by others.
This photo shows a favourite candle stand (a treasured gift), with the remains of a candle I bought for myself as the colours matched so beautifully (although you can't see this in the lighted candle), safely contained in a little holder I found in a charity shop. Around the four sides are a few of my collection of feathers: from crow, pheasant, fulmar, and buzzard.
December 2022 - Reflect and Celebrate
Before we begin, there are two opportunities to join me and a small group for a Zoom circle on 28th November, at 11.00 am, and 7.30 pm - simply reply to this email and ask for the Zoom link for the time you would like to join us.
Reflections: Reflect and Celebrate
Last call to join "Your Cornwall Quest"
Book news "Your Compass Rose Speaks - Rediscover Your Inner Wisdom"
Dare to Blossom Monthly Circles on Zoom - three opportunities before Christmas
Plans for 2023: "Weaving Shadow and Light" Programme
One to one coaching
Reflections: Reflect and Celebrate
As we come to the end of another calendar year, this phrase, one I use at the end of the week in each of the group programmes I offer - this feels the perfect prompt.
Looking back through my 2022 diary, I see I have offered eight group programmes, in date order:
- Grace and Flow
- Be Powerfully You - Shine your Light
- The Key to Your Inner Wisdom
- Weaving Shadow and Light
- Time for You
- Your Powerful Voice
- Rediscover Your Inner Wisdom
- Time for you
Only one of these did not have enough people booked to run. As you see, I repeat some themes: 'Time for you' in August and in November/December feels appropriate as these can be very busy times for many people. Or, they can be a lonely time if friends and family are busy with holidays - either way, the chance to gather in a small group with like-hearted friends is - people tell me - so valuable.
You will also see below that 'Weaving Shadow and Light' is one I am coming back to again in January, another fruitful theme for exploration.
In truth, the titles are a way to intrigue and attract, and they are important. At the same time, in yet another of those paradoxes I keep coming across, in a way they don't matter, it is the process that I have spent many years practising and refining that is the key to the transformation that people can experience.
Having said that, the programme that didn't run was 'Your Powerful Voice' - I have no real way of knowing whether it was the timing, at the end of a long hot summer here in England, or the title itself, that did not chime for people. I have run that programme successfully before but maybe it felt too much of a challenge? Or simply that serendipity of chance which means there is often no 'reason' why sometimes everything comes together perfectly, and not at others.
Alongside these deep-dive programmes I have hosted two monthly gatherings almost every month of the year, alongside numerous taster circles. Lots of connection - both live on the calls, in the groups, and in the links people develop away from anything I offer.
November 2022 - Connection
Reflections: Connection
"Your Cornwall Quest"
Final group programme for 2022: "Time for You" four week offering
Book news "Your Compass Rose Speaks - Rediscover Your Inner Wisdom"
Dare to Blossom Monthly Circles on Zoom - a choice of day and time
Plans for 2023: "Weaving Shadow and Light" Programme
One to one coaching
Reflections: Connection
An intuitive friend recently offered me this word - Connection - in response to my question: "What will I be writing next?"
She also said it could be an essay, or a book, or something else - in any case, I thought I would begin here and share a few thoughts on 'Connection' with you.
I could say this is one of my key values, in my life and in my work. Connecting with others, from my heart as much as feels comfortable and safe. Aha - it seems to me that right at the beginning I have hit upon something significant for me. So often, in the past, and although less so, maybe now as well, I have missed out on that true connection through being afraid of how I would be received. Worried that I, or the other person, would feel uncomfortable.
And yet, over and over again, I have been shown that taking that step forwards, towards someone else - another human being who may well be feeling the same - is completely worth any 'risk' I may perceive. I do feel I need to say here that in some circumstances personal safety does of course come first. In fact, if I can bypass my fearful mind, my gut, my body-knowing, will soon tell me if it feels right to proceed with offering connection. And tell me when to say 'No' and to retreat.
October 2022 - Seeing
Reflections: Seeing
Last call for "Rediscover Your Inner Wisdom" six-week programme, begins 3rd October
Final group programme for 2022: "Time for You" four week offering
Dare to Blossom Monthly Circles on Zoom - a choice of day and time
One to one coaching
Reflections: Seeing
Seeing afresh is such an interesting experience. The act of seeing in itself is truly magical: the exquisite design of nature that has evolved the physical aspects of how the eyes work, and how they connect to the brain so that we can begin to make sense of the world - this is all extraordinary.
The experience of 'seeing afresh' is, I suppose, connected more to that interpretation by my brain than it is to the practical workings of my eyes. Some things become so familiar that we barely see them properly at all. This can be disconcerting if I am asked to describe an item or a place, and I cannot remember even basic attributes of something I see every day.
I have also had the experience of looking out for someone I know well in a crowded place. I remember wondering if I would recognise them, if they would recognise me, amongst all the other faces. I can only guess at how heartbreakingly poignant this must be when someone you love is experiencing any sort of condition that involves the type of memory loss causing them not to recognise those closest to them. I send deep love and compassion to all in that situation.
September 2022 Inspiration
Reflections: Inspiration
"Your Powerful Voice" six-week programme, begins 5th September
Dare to Blossom Monthly Circles on Zoom - a choice of day and time
One to one coaching
Reflections: Inspiration
Where does inspiration come from? I have been struggling to find some to write some reflections here today to share with you. There are many quotes about 'not knowing' and 'living the questions' - with a nod to Rilke for that last phrase, yet today I don't feel like writing about those, it feels I could be in danger of repeating earlier musings in past newsletters.
So, I pick up a card from my 'Compass Rose' patterned dish.