We are entering into the ‘ber months. The threshold of fall and holidays (and for me, birthday month). Many of us embrace new rhythms as we close out summer and experience a change of temperatures and shortening daylight.
Over these past few months, I have had a number of significant events-- a landmark birthday, a milestone anniversary, a work transition that has touched into the tenderness of identity, a return to my childhood home for a particular kind of farewell-- to name a few.
Between my own soul care work with these noteworthy spaces and the meaningful conversations that are happening with my soul care clients, some common themes and questions have emerged. Perhaps you, too, would benefit from a time of reflection around these core ideas.
First, consider: Are you content with your life? It is normal, even healthy, to have times of reflection and evaluation. Perhaps you are wrestling with a particular reality or grief. Perhaps you are settling for the pretense of contentment by denying your losses and longings; this can happen for any number of reasons: a lack of space for deeper reflection, the bounds of current commitments, the stack of emotional work that you could not do in the midst of a past transition. What would it mean for you to make peace with your past and experience true contentment?
Secondly: Take a few moments to reflect on your life through the broad strokes of decades.
What major changes, accomplishments or learnings has each held?
What were the key markers of your identity in each of these times?
How have you grieved and released the reality of closed doors in various seasons?
What are you grateful for in the time that has been?
And finally: Take a few moments to consider the future…
What are you hopeful for in the decade you are in?
What are you longing for in the time yet to come?
What would it take for you to feel empowered in your existence?
As you do this work of the human journey, may you remember:
Whether on pilgrimage or wilderness wandering-- there is no where you go that God is not.
Whether placed or sent--there is no thing the Spirit can not transform
When you feel overwhelmed by chaos, may you embrace silence
When you feel lost on the way, may you look towards the common good
When you are listening for God, may you notice the unexpected prophets in your life
May you be here now: taking in what is good, holy and true about this moment
And may you have the courage to hold space for what could be trusting in the slow unfolding
If this reflection practice has been meaningful for you, I would love to hear about it. Your comments and sharing mean so much.
Over the next few months, I will be hosting a variety of in-person retreat experiences for local friends. On Monday, September 18th (7-9p) we will explore the practice of soul collage-- a creative exercise of self-discovery that illuminates the status of your interior life. After a brief orientation, the majority of the time will be spent working independently on the project, concluding with a time of reflection and sharing. All supplies are provided. The cost for this evening is $15, and you can save your spot here.
A new season is also a great time to consider a new rhythm. If you have been interested in spiritual direction, I have some spaces for new clients. Perhaps a single exploratory conversation is what you need most in this time. Or sign up for a monthly routine of soul care to finish out 2023. These times of prayerful listening and reflecting on powerful questions are flexible and customizable. You can schedule your first session here or contact me with questions.