Life as a Circle, not a line
August brings us to a half-way point. Where does it find your heart?
Dear Friend,
Welcome to the early days of August. Where does this moment find you–in your spirit, body, heart?
August 1st marks a midway point…halfway between the Summer Solstice and the Autumn Equinox. Living in a linear, achievement-oriented culture, these kinds of markers can pass by unnoticed. It’s not announced on the news. No day off from work.
But in today’s creative prompt, we’ll pause here. We’ll linger in this moment in time. We’ll consider what summer’s brought you–and how you want to enter its closing weeks.
Our August theme is cycles. We’ll explore the ways that we humans are part of, not separate from, the cycles of nature and seasons. I’ve found that living in a circular, rather than linear way, helps me to release pressure about “getting somewhere” in life. About moving forward–whatever that’s supposed to mean.
Yesterday, my younger son and I escaped the oppressive heat at a lush green public park in Philadelphia. It’s a place where we used to bring our beloved companion Hank, a Labrador retriever, to swim on hot days like yesterday. Stepping across the bridge to the creek where we used to bring Hank to swim, his presence was palpable and real. And so was our grief. Hank left the earth almost four years ago.
There is no time or end point to grief, although of course the way that we live with it shifts and changes through the seasons. As we stepped across the bridge, I was present both in the last steaming hot August day when Hank ran ahead of us into the water–and also present to what experiences, connections and insights this day, years later, might bring.
May this month of exploring cycles and rhythms and patterns ignite your imagination and creativity and bring you moments of loving connection.
Writing a blessing for August
If you have a friend who might like to explore the month of Cycles with us, 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: For your blessing for the month of August, make a list of all of the things and experiences and relationships that have been filling your life with pleasure, that have been sparking joy and creating connections.
Then make a second list of all of the things you’d like to release or shift through the end of summer, that you’d love to be carried away with a strong summer rain or breeze.
Write your blessing for the month of August by writing about your gratitude and about what you hope to leave behind. Write out any hopes or intentions for the month ahead.
Some phrases to get you started writing:
This August, I’m thankful for…
I feel energized by…
New things are arriving in my life including…
Right now, it feels possible to…
As summer begins to 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 try the messaging app.
Deepening Practice: If you typed your monthly intentions, try writing them out again by hand. Take markers, pens, watercolors or pastels and add some color to them. Highlight words that feel most important to you. Collage images around them. Place your August intentions somewhere you’ll see them regularly. Add to them through the month.
Wishing you a week of moving effortlessly and easily through your days! With love, Gabrielle Ariella
