the mystic cookfire.

inspiration

“The longing comes when one realizes one has given scant time to the mystic cookfire or to the dreamtime, too little time to one’s own creative life, one’s life work or one’s true loves.”
—Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés, Ph.D.

contemplation

I have a real discomfort with idleness, maybe it’s the ever growing to do list, or the anxiety, or the way I’ve been taught to force productivity. However, amidst the discomfort with idleness, and the way I forever fill it, there’s a longing, too. I can’t help but sometimes mourn the scant time I’ve given to how idleness can be a gift, a space, an opening, a canvas.

However, idleness a double edged sword, because I know, too, how it sometimes needs to be filled with the best options, before it is filled with the things I’ve sworn off, like alcohol. When I was quitting drinking, idleness was not my friend, and for good reason. But I’m beginning to wonder if the constant vigilance of early sobriety can be thanked for its service, then released, discontinued as a way of life. I wonder if I can dare to invite idleness back in, not until it becomes overwhelming, but whatever amount of idleness that feels like an invitation.

I imagine I’ll always be ordered toward the to do list over the open space of wonder, but — as in all things — I’m becoming more consciously aware of my need for balance. I’m asking myself: What would it look like to be who you are — full of to do lists and full of longing for the mystic cookfire and dreamtime?

reflection

what do you long for?
if you could kindle any mystic cookfire, what would you make?
if you could slip into any dreamtime, where would you go?

programs & offerings

〰 just a reminder that if you are interested in 1:1 coaching, I offer weekly packages (4 weeks at a time) and we can begin whenever you’re ready.
〰 if you’re seeking a spiritual director, say hi if I seem like a possible support for you, so we can discern whether or not we’d be a good fit.
〰 group recovery coaching returns in May with 2 calls: May 11 & May 25 at 10a.m. CST. you just need to sign up here to get the link to join. group recovery coaching is free, there is an opportunity to donate but please come regardless. I hope I see you there!

interests & joys

〰 I did some research and discovered I have been an Irish citizen since birth, which has been a pretty wild discovery!
〰 I submitted my manuscript last Saturday! for that reason, my apologies for being late this week — I took Monday and Tuesday to rest a bit <3

Today’s photo is “En passant” by Gabrielle Rul.