In our modern times we can be anywhere with the touch of our fingers ~ Google Earth, Internet, and even satellite internet. Yet in our bones, we are a part of this earth, and we feel the cycles of life as we move through the seasons and solstices and equinoxes.
And even as technology increases, and all the magic that it can bring to our life (zooming our wonderful Dance practice every day!), there’s also a part of us that knows we are connected to this Earth and honor Her cycles.
So, in the spirit of wanting to combine our skills and be of service, Candle Summers and I came together to offer our recent winter solstice day long retreat.
In truth, its vision was born at the solstice time last year, as Candle and I were sitting and having a cup of tea. She began to draw up a schedule for our first spring equinox day long retreat. We saw the beauty of bringing us together through silent meditation, dance and chant, sharing a meal together, sound bowl healing, and sharing our experiences of who we are.
About 20 of us gathered that day, and we knew that it would be perfect to offer this again at the summer solstice and then the fall equinox and now the 2023 winter solstice.
After our lunch break we went right into dancing the 21 Praises Qualities, then the sound bowl healing, which I find helps people to go deeper within, and move out of their usual thinking mind habits. It was then that we also added a ritual of writing down what we no longer need, and getting in small groups of three so that we can each bear witness to what we’re letting go of. And as we lift the paper which turned to ash, we also shared what we’d like to bring in.
These days it can be a challenge to actually carve out a day without any distractions to turn inwards with the support of others on the path of awakening.
And yet once we do that, we are reminded of our essence and our connection to this earth that continues to nourish us on so many levels.
New friendships were made, old ones rekindled, hearts were opened at the same time that tears were shared. Insights that will continue to guide us during the coming year and our next unfoldment.
The secret world is always available. We are the ones who benefit as we turn our attention to that realm. With the opening of our hearts, we access the subtle channels to our eyes, and we see the world in a new way.
~ Phyllis Moses
