Dear Friend,
Tell me—what are three things you’re feeling thankful for as we enter the month of August?
Gratitude is an anchor I return to again and again. It keeps me grounded when so much around us can stir and unsettle.
Pausing to bless each new month with our words and intentions is a ritual rooted in both gratitude and hope. It’s a way to weave together the yearnings of our hearts with the words that flow from our imaginations.
August is a threshold month—a bridge between the Summer Solstice and the Autumn Equinox. It celebrates growth, sunshine, and harvest, while quietly signaling the shift toward shorter days and the slow return to rest.
When we attune ourselves to the seasons, we remember we are part of nature’s rhythms—not separate from them. Living this way draws me out of my head and into a deeper, older knowing—one that steadies me as we move between seasons and time.
I love poet Dorothy Parker’s wit and the way she defied the expectations of her era. In her poem ‘August,’ she captures both the beauty and the bittersweetness of this month.
Read her words slowly, as a meditation (or press the arrow above and I’ll read to you). Then, write about your own hopes and longings for this rich new month.
August by Dorothy Parker When my eyes are weeds, And my lips are petals, spinning Down the wind that has beginning Where the crumpled beeches start In a fringe of salty reeds; When my arms are elder-bushes, And the rangy lilac pushes Upward, upward through my heart; Summer, do your worst! Light your tinsel moon, and call on Your performing stars to fall on Headlong through your paper sky; Nevermore shall I be cursed By a flushed and amorous slattern, With her dusty laces’ pattern Trailing, as she straggles by.
Writing your blessing for August
If you have a friend who might appreciate creative prompts & spiritual practices, invite them to join us!
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:
Begin by listing everything lush and growing around you.
List the ways you’ve been growing internally this summer.
Make another list of what you’d like to release or shift before summer’s end—what you’d love to be carried away by a strong summer rain or breeze.
Now, weave these reflections into a blessing for August. Write about your gratitude for what has come to life, and your hopes for what you’re ready to let go of as we move toward autumn.
Phrases to spark your writing:
This August, I’m grateful for…
Growing around and inside of me…
Moving towards summer’s end, I hope…
I am ready to let go of…
Place your August prayer/intentions somewhere that you’ll see it as you start your day.
I’d love to read your expressions! Leave a comment here or reach me through the messaging app.
Spiritual Practice for the week ahead: Read your blessing in the morning and add to it through the week. If you typed your intentions, try writing them out by hand. Play with markers, pens, watercolors or pastels and see what magic happens.
Wishing you a week of ease, holding growth and change. With love, Gabrielle Ariella
PS: Our book launches Tuesday August 5 and there’s still time to join our launch team! You’ll receive a complimentary advance copy of the book, and everyone who joins will be entered to win some lovely prizes.
✨ Click here to join the launch team!
Thank you so much for your support—it means the world.
