Learning to Ground and Shine

Soon after my husband and I move to the mountains of western North Carolina, I meet a woman who invites me to services at The Unitarian Universalist congregation, which strikes me as so interesting and synchronistic, since I’d just mentioned to a friend that it would be a place I’d like to investigate.

After the first service I attend there, I meet another friendly woman who strikes up a conversation with me. We find out that our husbands both will be in Portland, Oregon the following week, and she invites me to join a Soulcraft Group, tells me about a Native American flute group, and makes me feel like I’ve found a kindred Spirit. Sweet.

In Soulcraft, an experiential circle modeled after Bill Plotkin’s work in his book of the same name, a trio of wise leaders takes turns running the gathering. We are led to the earthy, hearty grounding world of the soul; to new ways of seeing, smelling, and hearing; to sharing parts of our selves we didn’t know could speak. I realize I’m becoming grounded in a way that can only benefit my journey, and that when I used to feel untethered when my husband traveled, this was the reason…I was ungrounded.

Within this sacred circle, I’m reminded by my soul that I hold an idea that came to me a number of years ago that’s been hammering inside me, saying birth me, birth me. Every time this idea speaks within me, I respond with the knowing that something more needs to develop within me or unblock before I can give it life.

Before too long, I apply and am accepted to study spiritual direction at The Haden Institute. In this beautiful program, I gain new spiritual practices, learn how to companion another on his/her spiritual path, and am exposed to a wealth of wisdom and faith practices, along with the richness of Carl Jung’s seminal works. I also connect with wonderful souls on the journey, revel in poetry, walk the labyrinth, and so much more.

I learn more deeply about shadow, and also about the Golden Shadow we each have. Almost at the same time, we look at one of my dreams (in a Brevard, NC dream group I’m in at the Unitarian church) that features an idea I have which is encased in glass. It’s clear I need to break this glass to allow my creation to join the world of form, and soon after, I’m able to birth the first radiant creations on this site from the idea that had arrived years earlier.

Wow. After all these years….to be able to stand on the threshold of my house ready to step out wearing a Batik Joy on Your Shoulders TM radiant creation, Make an appointment with joy.

Today in my Pilates lesson, my teacher and I revel in the power of grounding in these ancient mountains, and the gifts we can bring to one another when we are clear and grounded. We are amazed at the changes in my body since I arrived, for I was ungrounded, wound tight, and basically was rather compacted all over. Now I stand straighter, many tight spots have surrendered, and I’m living into new, grounded ways of being, for which I’m deeply grateful.

Maybe yoga’s next. Though I’ve tried it numerous times, it wasn’t for me. Now that I have better alignment, I’m guessing it may be a better fit.