Hello my friend–
The blessing above was created in four minutes by eight different women, across different time zones, many of whom had never met each other off a zoom screen.
I asked the participants in my recent Autumn Expression writing circle to consider each other and to think about people across the world, those we know and those we don’t and never will. I asked:
What do you wish for each other?
Using the format I want__for everyone who__, they created this powerful expression.
What would the world feel like if we regularly expressed our hopes, prayers, affirmations and blessings for one another? For ourselves? For all the people we will never know?
How could we transform the world?
I don’t know–none of us does–but I know we’ve got to change up the way we’re doing things here on earth.
For this week’s prompt, let’s generate more expressions of compassion.
(Hey–we’ll do the group blessing prompt together in my free Writing Circle on Monday, 11/20. Hope you’ll join us! Creativity & community can be a balm for the soul! Sign up here).
Speaking of compassion, it’s Thanksgiving week for those of us living in the US. One of my favorite writers Anne Lamott teaches that:
Resonate anyone?! As we enter into the holiday season, I take these words with me. There are so many expectations and emotions connected to these days.
Let’s write into compassion, for meeting the holidays (and each day) simply where we are.
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: When you think about the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, what emotions and energy come up?
Use any of these prompts to write about what you’re anticipating:
I’m excited about…
I’m concerned about…
I’m hoping for…
I’m dreading that…
I’m imagining that I…
Write without editing yourself. Feelings are feelings.
When you finish, write a hope or affirmation for your Thanksgiving. Keep it with you through the holiday. Offer yourself compassion whenever you need it.
I’d love to read your expressions. Leave a comment here or email me your response at gabriellekm@gmail.com.
Deepening Practice: Notice who or what inspires your feelings of compassion. For me, hanging with animal friends takes me there immediately! Write about when compassion feels easy. Notice during your week when compassion shows up. Jot down those moments. Create an ongoing list of compassion moments.
Please join me for an hour on Monday, November 20th, 7:30pm (eastern time) to share creative prompts in real time!
The session will be recorded for your convenience.
Invite friends and fellow creative spirits to join us!