Today, I stayed late in the bed. (Well, later than usual!)
Snuggled under the new weighted blanket, which really does seem to help with the sleeping!
Choosing to take care of me.
Tea, later. Time for reading, both fascinating and helpful!
Phone off. And, yes, Joan Baez singing in the background.
Compassion essential oil in the diffuser.
Deeply nourishing comfort food. And some really, really dark chocolate.
Then – you guessed it – dots.
Lots and lots and lots of dots!!!
My #work-in-progress buddy kindly agreed to help.
Call them prayer dots or dots of intention. Call them painting or meditating. Call them a strategy for soothing. Call them whatever works for you.
In my case, they are all of that, plus a fair helping of trauma healing. The place where healing meets neuroplasticity meets art. And a medicine basket essential!
On this day, the dots were tied to my three claimed words for 2023.
Courage. Purpose. Perseverance.
All three primary processing patterns working together by choice. And the dots helped.
You see, yesterday was a very hard day.
It was time for the biggest of the big Studio Angels, Luther, to cross the Rainbow Bridge.
I’m not really up to all the details. Technically, we might say something along the lines of rapid onset dementia.
The part that matters is that he suddenly became confused and lost and scared.
And I promised him, a long time ago, that he didn’t have to feel that way ever again.
I am beyond grateful for our wise and compassionate support system. For the help in setting him free.
Not surprisingly, he is teaching me, still. Predictably, with a question…
What would it take for me to give myself permission to take a whole day for what I need??? No shame. No blame. No guilt. Just love.
And support for my intention…
Courage. Purpose. Perseverance.
I know we’ve talked about words for 2023 before. I don’t know what yours might be, if you’ve claimed some.
What I do know is this…
Moving in the direction of those words – being empowered by them – is going to mean giving ourselves permission to choose what our spirits need. No shame. No blame. No guilt. Just love.
And, just in case you need a reminder now and then, here’s one… from my heart, and Luther’s, to yours.
ps… our wee Studio Angel, Phoebe, is resting and adjusting. Prayers welcome!
pps… we’ll talk more about Purpose soon!
Sue, I am saddened by your loss of Luther and wish for you days of rest and rejuvenation. Yes, take the time that’s needed. You’ll do all things well after rest. The Rainbow Bridge has many travelers, and I know that Luther will be lumbering around with other loved fur babies he finds on the other said. Prayers for your comfort.
Thank you, dear Janis. Luther does indeed have fur baby friends to greet him. I put Sarah in charge! And he is teaching me, still. <3
Luther. Another guide to help.you navigate your paintings. Blessed be Sue who misses her Luther.
Thank you, Fran. Yes, another guide. Always.
Iām so sorry Sue.
Thanks, Sister-Friend. Sending you big hugs!!!
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Thank you, dear Cindy. Hugs!!!
Iām sorry for the loss of your furry friend Sue and glad you are taking time for yourself in the sometimes comforting depths of winter. Many blessings Vivien in Aus.
Thank you, Vivien! One day at a time, dear heart!