Spring News And Updates
I’ve always enjoyed the fact that I’m an experiential learner. However, these last few months… I would sure welcome some boring theory for a while! Health, work and vehicle challenges are all mixed in with some wonderful stressors like being invited to speak about Living Aligned at an International virtual summit, finding Jillian, launching the new Living Aligned website (though messy and painful at times) and magical musical moments!
Recently we held our breath and pressed publish on the new Living Aligned Website. Cue the fireworks and fanfare.
Nothing happened.
Enter, on a Sunday, all the way from Nairobi, the amazing Peter from DCT (a tech membership I’m very thankful for). He calmly walked me through the steps to get us up and running by that evening. Asante sana Peter!
This experience, along with several other challenges of late, remind me why I believe in what I’m doing here and why I want to share it. Stuff happens. Emotions follow. Or...emotions happen and we aren't always sure why. Taking a moment to pause, to check in with ourselves and then to acknowledge and feel what is going on helps us find our way. With compassion. Doing so with support sweetens and strengthens the process and our capacity to move forward. During one practice this week, I was able to get in touch with how “held” I feel by the people in this community and by my circle of friends and neighbours. I’m both grateful and feel more resourced to face whatever needs facing.
Life involves stress … both the kind you want and the kind you don’t. I encourage each of us to pause to listen to the wisdom of our body. It will tell us in no uncertain terms when it needs a break. Continuously telling it… ‘soon, soon’ is not a sustainable way forward. Pausing to rest and digest whatever is going on in and around your world is part of a healthy life. Find a way to pause and listen to your inner signals in a way that works for you.
One way might be this arts-based self-care practice that I began to offer during the pandemic. I’ve been doing some of this process for myself for about 5 or 6 years now. Combining it with the expressive arts opened up so much for me and it turns out others too. It’s a pretty remarkable process for helping you get calm and grounded and often invites some self-compassion for whatever is going on for you. And the company that holds the space for this to happen is second to none in my opinion. Here’s a link to the intro video that gives you a little more information. Remember the first session is free. If you need more support to join us, just send me a message.
We have more up our sleeves so do keep coming back to check on us. And, if you haven’t already, join us over on the Living Aligned FB page. It’s definitely going to be getting more TLC going forward. I’d love to see and hear your voice there.
Introducing…
This new website (and my sanity) would not exist if not for Jillian. As some of you know, I’ve been on a long search to find the person with the skills and the personality that aligns with and complements my vision, skills and personality. I am already getting glimpses of our future together, serving, growing and building this community. Thanks for coming aboard Jillian!
The Summit...
About two years ago I was diagnosed with what is being called a rare disease. (I'm not sure it is so rare.) Though not something I would wish on anyone, the upside of this diagnosis is finding a new community and realizing that what I do might be helpful to that community.
I was honoured to be invited to share my Living Aligned approach at their (W)holistic Healing Summit for folks with LS. Preparing for this experience has kept us very busy. Thanks to Jillian we figured out their conference platform and created video's, ebooks, exercises and two presentations. As many of you know, I am not usually a shy facilitator ... but this was my first time doing so in a webinar format. I could not see the people I was engaged with and neither did I have direct access to the chat function. So basically it kind of felt like you are talking to yourself, but you aren't. I received some lovely feedback so I guess I managed ok. Still, I was happy when the two other sessions were via the more familiar zoom format where most folks chose to turn their cameras on.
Bottom line... I can do hard things. And the appropriate support sure does make a difference! Thanks Jillian, Peter and Kathy.
What's coming up ...
Besides our weekly Arts-based Self-care Practice, here are some other ways to receive some creative support.
Creative Writing Community
Last Tuesday of the month.
Next one: Tuesday, May 31, 2023
On Zoom from 7 - 8:30 PM EST
Free
Short, timed writing exercises, held in community, to get your creative juices flowing.
Click here to contact Linda if you are interested.
Living Aligned with Creativity Workshop: exploring your relationship with creativity
Friday, June 9, 2023
On Zoom from 11 AM - 1 PM EST
$37
Click here to contact Linda if you are interested.
*Free for Members.
Do you feel like you want to be making more time for your creative self? Are you wondering why you allow yourself to be distracted instead of picking up the paintbrush, pen or other creative instrument of choice? Here's a chance to learn a tool to help unpack what's going on for you and what might be some next steps to try.
This workshop introduces (or reminds you of) my Living Aligned framework. We'll go through a step by step process for you to get a better understanding of your personal relationship with Creativity.
My intention is that you will leave the session knowing your personal next steps to support bringing more creativity into your life, in a way that aligns with you and whatever your life circumstances are.
I wish you a wonderful June with ample time to connect with yourself in whatever way nourishes you well.
🌻🌻
Linda
PS By the way, I did find my new-to-me car, a 2013 Honda Fit.
