30+ years shamanic practitioner and teacher • Weaver of spiritual practice into Life and Relationships • Best-selling author, award-winning books, videos, podcast • In-person and virtual classes and workshops • Subscribe for monthly inspirations
July: Ripeness and Releasing
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The Summer Solstice marks a subtle turning point. The sun appears to pause at its highest point before beginning its gradual journey toward shorter days. It is a quiet reminder that every season has its own rhythm. The Solstice is like the pause between the inhale and the exhale of the passing of the seasons – a brief opportunity to reflect before the rhythm continues and the energy moves again. The question appears: "What comes next?" Over the past few months, we have focused on emergence and conscious tending. July invites a different awareness. Rather than asking what still needs to grow, perhaps we can ask what has quietly ripened. What is ready to be released rather than held? I have also been reflecting on the difference between letting go and releasing. Letting go can imply effort, as though we have been gripping something tightly. Releasing feels more like participating in the natural rhythm of life. Fruit releases from the branch when it is ripe. Seeds release when their work is complete. Wise stewardship is not only knowing how to cultivate growth. It is also recognizing when life is ready to continue its journey without our holding on. Perhaps this month offers an opportunity to notice what has reached its own quiet completion. Instead of trying to force the next step, we might simply recognize what is already unfolding. Suggested Practice: Spend time observing what has quietly matured in your life. Ask, "What is ready to be released?" Then notice what naturally opens as you participate in the rhythm already unfolding. Reflection Prompts:
Everything changes. Releasing what no longer serves makes room for what is new. Personal Evolution: The BlogThe intention for the Journey of Personal Evolution is to offer readers ideas and support for navigating the challenges and demands of living from heart and spirit in these challenging times. June articles focused more attention on creating and nurturing Alive and Thriving Relationships, beginning with deeper explorations of the Three Basic Human Needs:
Coming in July are more observations regarding this important thread, including examinations of What Is Maturity? plus a very personal look at Lessons Learned From A Year of Grief. I hope you will join me as I continue to explore this important arena of human experience. If you have not subscribed, I encourage you to take a look at the latest articles there. With appreciation and respect, Reader. I hope to connect with you soon. Gerry Gerry C Starnes, M.Ed. Consider connecting with the Shamanic Community of Austin. We offer regular live and virtual shamanic journey circles and other events. Don't want to receive monthly updates and still receive other notices? Follow the link below to be removed from News and Updates only! |
Shamanic Passages | Gerry Starnes, M.Ed.
30+ years shamanic practitioner and teacher • Weaver of spiritual practice into Life and Relationships • Best-selling author, award-winning books, videos, podcast • In-person and virtual classes and workshops • Subscribe for monthly inspirations
Hello Reader, The theme of last month's newsletter was about recognizing when something has become complete. The suggested practice urged us to: Spend time observing what has quietly matured in your life. Ask, "What is ready to be released?" Then notice what naturally opens as you participate in the rhythm already unfolding. Like many of you, I found that invitation wasn't just for the newsletter. It became true in my own life. It became clear that what had worked before wasn't working...
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