Welcome, friends, to this new ritual of receiving my weekly message and taking a moment for reflection. Welcome, whether you are feeling sluggish or alert right now. Welcome to the over-caffeinated among us and to those sipping chamomile.
This week, I had the chance to break up my routine with a visit to the Philadelphia Museum of Art to see a Matisse exhibit. I love Matisse’s sculptures and colors, his round and curvy dancing women. Seeing art that connects to my spirit fuels my sense of vitality. I live near Philadelphia but hadn’t visited the museum since before the pandemic lockdown.
I had honestly forgotten about how crowded the big exhibits are, how you wait in line for timed entry, then get packed into the galleries like a bunch of sardines. Standing in line to wait my turn, I started to sweat carrying my winter coat, tune out, leave my body.
Then I turned my head and saw her: Diana, the goddess of the Moon, standing at the top of the museum stairs. There she was, my old friend, of strength and beauty, whom I’ve admired through the years. I wanted to leave my place in line, run up the stairs and stay with her awhile, away from the rungs of people.
But just a few moments of connecting with her spirit was enough to energize me. It was a quiet moment, just between her and me. I snapped this photo to attempt to hold onto it, then moved along in line, feeling more grounded. In the end, despite the crowds, the opportunity to experience Matisse was thrilling.
That encounter with Diana has me thinking more about solitude—how in our busy, often overcrowded with responsibilities and overstimulated lives, it is a real challenge to take time to get quiet with our inner spirit. For me, solitude is rejuvenating and even if my solitude time comes in short spurts, I build time into my life for it because it refuels me.
When we think of winter as an archetype, a time when many animals are in hibernation, when snowstorms can cause humans to stay in their homes, there is an invitation into solitude.
Some of us love that space; others resist it.
This week’s writing prompt explores solitude. If you have a friend who might appreciate this practice, please share.
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.
Consider this idea from poet May Sarton:
“Loneliness is the poverty of self; solitude is richness of self.”
Make a list of the activities/moments/times that you spend in solitude.
Describe: What is it like to spend that time with the ‘richness of self’? What do you appreciate about solitude? What do you dread about it? What do you discover when you take that time?
Deepening Practice:
Describe a time that you really wanted solitude and struggled to find it. What were the obstacles?
Use this prompt to explore your solitude connection:
More and more, I am learning that for me, solitude means…
Each week when you write, feel free to share any part of it here for our community OR email me at gabriellekm@gmail.com. Read a powerful response to last week’s prompt in the comments on Winter Doldrums.
Inspiration:
I’m deeply moved by this solitude reflection penned in my winter wisdom workshop by participant Karen Fuhrman:
What’s rejuvenating me this week:
When my spirit needs a lift, I can always turn to Fatboy Slim’s Praise You video.
The Nap Ministry advocates for the liberating power of naps—I believe in that wholeheartedly
The late Irish poet John O’Donohue recorded his poem Beannacht (Blessings) before his death and the beauty of his voice and these images rejuvenates
Thank you for being here! Word of mouth is the primary way that I’m growing this community. Inviting friends to join us is golden—I’m grateful!
If you’re interested in joining my next online expressive writings series Soulful Spring, registration is now open.