In invitation from the incredible Autumn Skye of @autumskeyart
As we breathe the final exhale of this past year and prepare for the inhale of the new year, may we remember to take a moment of pause, even if brief, to dwell in the liminal space between.
May we reflect on all that has occurred over this last cycle, all of our actions and effects in the world, all of the stories that we have carried along the journey that may be ready to be laid to rest. Acknowledge all of the losses, all of the gifts, all of the love, all of the grief, the celebration, the breakthroughs, the healing, the growth, death, birth, creativity, awakening.
These facets of our experience are intertwined and prismatic, inseparable and each with their own embodied teaching.
Exhale.
Pause.
Observe.
Give thanks.
Inhale.
Continue….
As we all step into into 2024, may we take Autumn Skye’s words into our hearts and into the wild, raw, and slow heart of nature, where our stories and wholeness are always being mirrored back to us in the most beautiful way.
In that soulful silence a spark of inspiration will inevitably arise. We will hear a whisper from the wind of what needs to be released in order for our next story to emerge, what parts of our being are aching to be reclaimed, voiced, and nourished.
A natural threshold will be revealed between two trees, or we will create one with weary, grieving, sticky branches. Whatever is there in front of us will be perfect and awkward.
All the insecurities, grief, fears, doubt, and resentments that have been doing pushups in the parking lots of our mind will suit up and do what they do.
The ghosts of our heart will cement our legs into the sod. “I just can’t do it” we’ll think.
But then our remembered ones will say with compassion, “It’s time, we’re good now.”
The beating prayers and intentions in our chest will open our mouths and finally find way to meet the sky.
And we will cross once again, shaking, wild, free, and really uncertain of what’s to come.
Because that is the calling, and simply how we’re built.
May the land rise up to meet you and the sky embrace you.
We can’t wait to meet you on the other side, and hear the first telling of your story.
It’s the least we could do for being so essential to ours.
Love and Honor,
Cj Ryan Eugene Mielcarek, Seabee OIF Veteran, Executive Director, Veteran Rites
Enjoy a few minutes of video nature prescription featuring the frequency sounds of Listening to Smile.
Oh, and don’t forget to have a good time!
