Hello, Lea,

I hope you're well and that you've had an easeful start to the week. Maybe it feels seems it's spring and not-spring some days. There are heavy things happening in the world, and I know it feels like not-spring for me at times. While nothing can stop the seasons from changing, it might seem like this isn't how spring is supposed to be. And maybe like this isn't how you're supposed to be. If you have thoughts like this, you're not alone. And the reality is: Feelings are information. And how you feel makes sense. There isn't a wrong way to be you. Just like there isn't a wrong way to be a tulip or a daffodil or a snail . . . 🌷 🌼

This month's practice ~ Warming Up ~ gives you a way to connect more fully with the new season. It's also an opportunity to get in touch with yourself and notice what within you is asking for attention. When you slow down, you create space to listen more closely for what you need. You also create space for an intentional response. This question ~ "What do I need?" ~ is the heart of self-compassion. I hope Warming Up feels supportive as you continue to step into spring and experiment in the light and warmth that each day brings. 🌻

Have you enjoyed the drawings I've shared lately? Maybe you have ~ and maybe a part of you hasn't known what to make of them. When I first started exploring art journaling this way, a part of me had judgments about the drawings. I thought they were goofy and not "professional". 🙃 However, another part of me felt drawn in and knew that this was something I needed to try. I trust that part, and so I listened. What I've found is that while these drawings may look simple and child-like, they're also powerful and healing. A lot of things can be true at the same time!

Would you like to invite more joy and play into your everyday? Join me at the Poems That Love You Workshop this Saturday, April 2, from 11am-1pm PT! In this retreat-like space, we'll practice creating a self-criticism–free zone in your life through art, poetry and play. There's a lovely group of students signed up already ~ if you'd like to feel supported and nurtured through creative self-compassion practice, I hope you'll be there, too. You can learn more and register for the Poems That Love You Workshop by clicking here. If you aren't able to make it live, there will be a replay!

The next Self-Compassion Circle meets tonight ~ Tuesday, March 29, 2022, from 6:30-8pm PT on Zoom. The Self-Compassion Circle has been meeting for nearly 8 years! 🙀 It's a by-donation self-compassion meditation and practice group full of welcoming, kind-hearted folks. There's usually a mix of first-time attendees and regulars, and you are very welcome to attend!  To learn more, visit this page. We're meeting on Tuesdays now, and you'll need a password to enter the meeting. You'll receive the password when you register on Zoom, which you can do here. 🙏

Sending spring blessings your way!

Warmly,

"In a time of destruction, create something: a poem, a parade, a community, a school, a vow, a moral principle; one peaceful moment." ~ Maxine Hong Kingston

UPCOMING EVENTS

"There is something in every one of you that waits and listens for the sound of the genuine in yourself." ~ Howard Thurman

THIS MONTH'S POEM

Don't Hesitate
by Mary Oliver

If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy,

don’t hesitate. Give in to it. There are plenty

of lives and whole towns destroyed or about

to be. We are not wise, and not very often

kind. And much can never be redeemed.

Still, life has some possibility left. Perhaps this

is its way of fighting back, that sometimes

something happens better than all the riches

or power in the world. It could be anything,

but very likely you notice it in the instant

when love begins. Anyway, that’s often the case.

Anyway, whatever it is, don’t be afraid

of its plenty. Joy is not made to be a crumb.

WARMING UP

To prepare for this practice, find a place and time where you won't be disturbed. You will want paper and something to write with, too. When you're ready, find a comfortable, upright seated position.

🔎 QUESTION 🔎

To begin, bring awareness to your heart. Put one or both hands on your heart. Feel the warmth of your hands and let that warmth register. Take a few breaths here.

Turn your attention inward: How does spring make itself known within you? Can you notice any areas of your life where you are warming up? Where you feel less closed, less dark, less cold? Remember that just as there is no wrong way to be a tulip or a daffodil, there’s no wrong way to be you. There’s no wrong way for your inner springtime to unfold. It might be subtle; it might be bold. Reflect on this and then write down whatever is arising.

👯 CONNECT 👯 

Now that you've acknowledged the springtime inside of you, see if there is anything this warmed-up place is trying to communicate to you; anything that it wants you to know. Or maybe a request it is making of you. Some way that it would like you to take care of it. This part might communicate without words. Sit, notice and listen for a few moments. Write down what you hear, see or sense about what (if anything) this part is saying to you.

Next, is there something that you would like to communicate to this warming up area of yourself? Some question or expression of gratitude? Or maybe an expression of commitment to nurture it as best you can? Just listen and notice what feels true for you, There may not be anything to communicate to this part of you. Maybe it feels right to just witness yourself; to just be present with this experience of warming up. Once you have a sense of this, write down what's true for you about how you connect with this part of you

🎨 CREATE 🎨

See if there's a symbol or a color or image you can keep with you as you head into spring. Something that will remind you of this warming-up part of yourself. Let whatever emerges register in your awareness. Draw or write down what arises for you.

Imagine allowing your heart to hold it. If it's a symbol, imagine that it is resting in your heart. If it’s a color, imagine that your heart is glowing with this color. If it’s an image, imagine that it is inside your heart. Take a few breaths here, allowing your heart to hold this for you. (really, pause and breathe)

When you're ready, let go of any effort to imagine anything, knowing that your heart is holding this warming-up for you. It’s right there, in your heart. You can return to it at any time.

Let your hands rest in your lap. Notice how you feel in your body. As best you can, allow yourself to be exactly as you are and to feel just the way that you feel.

Read over what you have written and drawn. Note any actions you might want to take, based on what you discovered in this practice. ❤️

"Those who have a strong sense of love and belonging have the courage to be imperfect." ~ Brené Brown

THIS MONTH'S PLAYLIST

(songs that remind you to be kind to yourself)

"There is not a particle of life which does not bear poetry within it." ~ Gustave Flaubert