Category Archives: cradle your heart

the spaces in our togetherness

It’s the second day of Spring, friends!

Under ordinary conditions,
we’d be inspired into all manner of group outings and activities.

But we’re now 7+ days into our collective practice of
social/physical distancing to flatten the curve of this new virus,
which has demanded a change in how we connect
and created a SURGE in our virtual communications.

These digital spaces are important.

AND
(as many of us have identified/lamented long before the pandemic)

They are also draining.

(*ahem*…which is why it’s been nearly a year since I last posted
on Instagram and why I’ve limited my posts on Facebook.)

So, as we continue to safeguard our physical health,
I pray we are diligent about safeguarding our spiritual + mental health!

Safeguard your humor + joy.
Safeguard your hope + faith.
Safeguard your heart + mind.

It’s Spring, y’all! Things are/will be blooming!

May you rest in the energy of this season of
possibility, growth, healing, transformation
and things being made anew.


[Image Description: 5-second video of a Khalil Gibran quote from “The Prophet” that reads, “Let there be spaces in your togetherness” in white lettering on a blue background, with white arrows that fade in from the upper right corner + lower left corner to point toward the quote in the center. Credits for the content creation appear at the top in yellow lettering: 3jewelsyoga.com + radicalbodhicitta.com.]

 

the unforced rhythms of grace

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Immensely grateful for the experiences and learnings that steered me to wrap myself up and rest in this wisdom as I approached the new year.

Abundantly blessed by all the experiences and learnings that have unfolded since.

Clarity. Ease. Holy Listening. Awe.

These have been the gifts of aligning in the unforced rhythms of Grace.

 

 

[Image Description: Photo of Lake Michigan in winter. Bright sky with clouds, blue waves cresting against the sand. The quote reads “Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.” — Eugene Peterson, Matthew 11:29 MSG. With 3jewelsyoga.com printed above it.]

winter solstice blessings

Happy Winter Solstice + Full Moon Eve, Dear Ones!

For me, it is a time to rest, reflect and
enjoy a balance of solitude and authentic connection.

In whatever ways you observe,
participate in, reframe or abstain from the festivities of this season,
may you honor that which has heart and deepest meaning for you.

 

3jewels.merryhappyeverything1!

mourning, remembrance + appreciation

A dear friend sent this song to me the other day and, given all that we are holding in this week of mourning, remembrance and appreciation, it feels like timely medicine.

May it help ground, center and fortify you
in the face of any static you may encounter.


#HowWeSunday

Join Sangha for “Post-Holiday” Refuge + Relief,
this Sunday, 11 AM – 1 PM, at Heartdance Studio.

reclaiming rest

Naps on naps on naps! In this season of soul-tending, I’ve been relishing a slower pace and a quieter schedule where I can rest in the mundane. A key part in spinning down from the fullness of activities in previous months has been to recognize and accept that everyday doesn’t have to be purposeful or productive!

Discovering the nap ministry during this period of reclaiming rest was a clear co-sign from Spirit to reset the tempo of my days.

Even if I don’t actually close my eyes, I’m enjoying the horizontal repose as often as possible.

 

 

 

 

 

embodying resistance

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i am an open heart —
strong, free, full and clear as the bell itself.

i am soft-flexed knees,
gravity centered and recaliberated,
surfboard-steady and supple
to ride the waves of challenge and change.

turning away from that which seeks
to diminish, defeat or undo me —
i protect my borders,
restore breaches,
preserve the sanctity of
wisdom well earned
and compassion long cultivated.

turning toward that which fuels and fortifies me,
i am a commitment to liberation —
transmuting hurts,
cutting through artifice,
toppling the false idols of oppression,
and living (w)holy unperturbed
in the unalterable truth of my divinity.

 

more contemplations:

embodying refuge
refuge, resistance, resilience + radical self-expression

 

 

 

embodying refuge

i am a dwelling place of spirit, hope, healing and possibility.

a resting place for doubt, grief, fear, uncertainty, worry, frustration, disappointment and anger to be aired out with breath and tender patience.

an abiding of body, heart and mind in joy, equanimity, compassion, transformative love and freedom.

a sacred space.

new moon meditation | trusting your process

This. Right. Here?! So on time for this season of transitions and ascensions. Trust the process and who you’ll be and what you’ll see on the other side of it.


“whatever you are struggling with, whatever feels heavy and hard to hold,

remind yourself that there is something sacred about the way

you are learning to hold it.

you don’t have to do it well yet.

you are allowed to learn along the way.

you are allowed to make a mess.

just do so with a lot of compassion for yourself.”

— chani nicholas

embodied prayer | transforming the heart

Through our collective musing last Sunday, it became clear to me that “Transformative Love” is the energy that changes the shape of our hearts and minds.

As I become more and more of who I am — and something new — I am contemplating the question:

What does this look, sound, feel and act like in practice as we cultivate, celebrate, nourish, sustain and dissolve relationships?

Larry Yang’s aspirational prayer reminds us to lead with love girded with the honest and discerning awareness that — where love is not possible or present — we can at least commit to minimizing the harm.

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