Hey lovely Reader
I always find it interesting how as summer heightens, I feel the urge to retreat.
Not in an argh-I-must-get-away-from-it-all way, more of an oh-this-is-all-so-lovely-I-want-to-savour-it way. And it also holds an edge of wanting to be quiet - this being the time of year when everything is so brightly visible it can get tiring and whatever the season we always need time to rest.
It's a different kind of retreat from Wintering... maybe we could coin a new concept, and call it Summering?
So, what does Summering hold for you?
Is there some time off, time away, managing school holidays, wishing you could be away but too many things pulling at your time and attention?
It's easy of course to assume that everyone is doing the same as us, or managing it all better than us (whatever that might mean).
Whatever this time holds, I hope you're able to create some time that truly is just for you, whether that's spent with others you love to be with, in your own company or accompanied by strangers with shared purpose.
I wrote a poem last year sometime. It was in response to a conversation I had with a loved one. The poem said the words my heart was feeling when we spoke. I often find that journaling - whether prose or poetry - helps me shape my thoughts more clearly, and helps me see the meaning within my emotion. I'm sharing those words here in case they speak to something within you too.
And so, this is also time for me to say adieu*. I'm heading into my annual August break, where I step away from all work and take time for myself, alone and with family and friends. I know it will be wonderful, and there's a part of me that can already feel the bubbles of energy forming that will carry me back here in September.
If you're seeking some things to explore over these next few weeks, I've shared some things below and over in Circle - if you haven't stepped into Circle before, it's where The Field lives and where all the self-guided courses are held. I sense it may become more and more important for us here so you might like to pop in. You can join for free, and just see what's there.
May we all be safe, happy, well and live with ease - whatever those words mean to each of us.
With love
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Holidays
When you tell me where you go
I don't want to know how many stars there are above the door.
I want to hear whether the stars in the skies are so clear
You can touch them with your open, empty hands.
I want to know: can you feel the life brimming in the land?
Does the deep deep green consume you,
And soothe the grief you are numbing with your endless plans?
I want to sense your joy as you recount the songs of birds -
And the way the trails of ants remind you of your own resilience.
I want to sigh in wonder as I hear you say: there's no more driving need to be away,
Because all of life is already here - and nothing really changes if you're far or near.
I want to hear you say
It is still you who wakes,
To embrace
each holy day.
Henny ♡
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A few things to explore during August...
PODCAST
If you’ve already heard all 225 episodes, try scrolling and randomly stopping for a podcast lucky dip. It can be amazing to see how new insights emerge when you listen to something again.
And... if you've already subscribed to the podcast (if not, please do!), you may have already heard I've recorded this whole email as a bonus episode, just in case you prefer listening to reading.
FLOW JOURNALING
See the Flow Journaling Guides in Circle. And if you want a lovely practice for the summer, get a copy of my book In the Flow - journal your inner wisdom, buy it anywhere or use FLOW for 30% off, direct from my publishers.
MINI-Self-GUIDED COURSES
Free and low cost courses to expand thinking and deepen compassionate self-enquiry. A lovely way to spend time with your Self and see what they bring you.
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*LASTLY... a note on adieu... it means 'to god' and as I noticed myself writing it I was curious how it felt the right way to sign off here, especially as the poem speaks about holy days.
I know how god can feel such a big word for so many of us. For me, it holds so many different meanings - it encapsulates all religions, beliefs, faiths, connection with the divine, nature, spirit, universe. It's non-denominational, non-gender-specific and utterly personal. Perhaps a better word would be grace? And so... whoever, whatever, wherever your gods, goddesses, wisdom holders are... may we all go with grace.