Dear friend,
These flowers, given by a friend, companioned me this week through so many emotions: shock and anger, sadness and despair, moments of comfort, spots of hope. I had a few laughs here and there, mainly at myself.
When the world is on fire with atrocities, we feel it.
Many people have written about what is happening in Israel and Gaza. (The most helpful essay I’ve read is by the wise and compassionate Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg). I don’t have any wisdom to add.
But what I can do is a bring you is this weekly invitation to experience your outer landscape: to get to know the trees and birds and mushrooms and flowers and critters and neighbors and art and houses near you. And to take time, through expressive writing, to notice the range of energy and emotion churning through your inner landscape.
To discover, explore, imagine connect through a 5-minute creative prompt.
That’s what I’ve got for you, friend. Creative practice is alchemy. We can transform our energy, find some relief, feel lighter.
Be gentle with yourself. I am here and would love to read your expressions—today and every week.
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.
Prompt: Make a list of what is causing your pain and distress today. It may relate to world or personal events. It may relate to old issues or current ones.
Make a second list of moments you’ve experienced this week that have brought you comfort, hope, support and maybe even joy.
Read over both lists and circle or highlight the words that really draw your attention.
Write those words again and describe them with detail: What does your pain or hope feel like? Where do you experience it in your body? If your pain or hope could speak, what would it say to you?
Deepening Practice: Find beauty anywhere. In nature, words, art. In being with your loved ones. In finding community.
If you take photos of your beautiful things, share them with us.
There’s still time to join us! If you’re yearning for community, creative inspiration and mentoring, find your way to Autumn Expression! We are starting online tonight, 10/15!
Because you’re a Journey With The Seasons subscriber, I’m offering a discount code of $7 off when you register: EFYY8GNA. Register here.