Dear Friends,
It’s the last days of February and today I’m sharing a guided meditation on our theme of Return. Through the month, we explored midwinter light returning, self-love and compassion and also returning to beauty even when the world feels challenging.
On the cusp of March and our next monthly theme of Emergence, I want to pause and delve into Hope.
When I was in middle school, a teacher had a poster with these words from Emily Dickinson and I read them again and again to myself like a mantra. They became part of me, a first realizing of the power of words and images to live inside us.
They’re returning to me today as part of the Guided Meditation that I’m sharing with you. At times, Hope can feel far away from us.
What if, just for today, we imagined Hope returning, felt Hope’s presence right there, perching in our soul?
Writing Practice:
Set aside 5-7 minutes for this practice. Write in a journal or open a ‘Journey with The Season’ document where you can return each Sunday.
At the top of the page, you’ll find an arrow with the short guided meditation. Take a listen and spend as much time as you need in the meditative space.
When you’re ready, begin writing.
What images did you experience in the meditation? Describe what Hope looked and felt like. Was it a familiar feeling to have Hope so close to you? Had Hope returned after some time way? Was it hard to find Hope there with you? Write about what you asked Hope for or where you’d like Hope to return in your life or about what obstacles come up when you imagine Hope.
Deepening Practice:
What if Hope has the power to return to every aspect of your life: your health and wellbeing, your relationships, your passions and desires, your sense of contentment?
Talk to Hope like you would to a trusted friend. Write to Hope about your aspirations and desires, knowing that nothing is too big or too humble to express. You might try answering back in Hope’s voice.
You feed Hope when you two share this dialogue.
I talk to Hope most days, usually in the morning over coffee.
Please comment or email me at gabriellekm@gmail.com with what arises for you.
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If you’re interested in joining my next online expressive writings series Soulful Spring, registration is now open. We'll explore our own transformations in the season of awakening, beauty and rebirth. An amazing community is forming.
Dear Hope thank you for remaining true. Your song is the soul's medicine without words.
Dear Hope,
Spring is early, and everywhere I see
signs of you: in the budding daffodil,
and the robin’s return to the tree.
Collect its song and see if it might fill
the dried out husk of a worn winter’s heart
with purpose.