What follows is the second of three labyrinth pieces that I wrote in my journal this morning … the one I feel drawn to share here today. I’ve recorded it with Audio Acrobat so you can listen as you look because I realize trying to read these pieces online is more than challenging. I hope you’ll find it of interest and share your thoughts in the comments section below … or in email if you prefer. If you feel so inclined, may I suggest you sit with a blank page in front of you and experiment with labyrinth writing yourself. I’ve included some more specific directions at the bottom of the page to assist if needed, but trusting your inner wisdom always takes precedence. All that’s needed is a bit of uninterrupted time and a little willingness to experiment.
Suggested Practice:
Take a few moments to sit quietly focusing on the natural outflow and inflow of your breath until you feel relaxed. Draw a line randomly on the page in an amorphous squiggle of some sort or just start writing whatever comes to mind anywhere … and rotate the page whenever you feel the need. Keep your pencil moving without thinking about anything at all … repeat words if necessary until a new word shows up … and if you run out of line before you’re finished, use the empty space to continue wandering with words until the piece feels complete. If you need additional pages to finish feel free. Just write without worry. Give yourself permission to write without thought or judgment … trusting the process to see what happens.
If you’d like more information, you’ll find it here: Writing to Learn. If you’re willing to share after writing, please feel free to use the comment area for that purpose, send me email at labyrinthjournal@gmail.com … share with a friend or loved one, publish on your own blog (with a link back here perhaps) or keep your writing private. Whatever feels right to you is perfect, but I’d love to read whatever writing and/or feedback you’re willing to share.
Virginia, your writing is lovely and original. Synchronicity touched me recently after talking with a lover from long ago. When we hung up, I looked out my window and saw two turtledoves sitting on my rail and staring in at me. One offered the other a little stick and moved closer to the other. I have never seen these birds in the NC mountains before. The synchronicity may not be as clear to you from what I have said, but it was clear to me. Turtledoves mate for life.
Gail
I’m touched deeply by your recent experience of synchronicity and feel honored that you shared it here with such authenticity & generosity. Reading it now brings to mind a pair of doves that used to sit together on the electrical wires over the alley behind my house. Some time ago I felt saddened when a dove flew into my French door window and broke its neck, and I’m reminded of the loss frequently when I see a lone dove sitting on the wire out back now.
Funny, as I type this here I feel a lump in my throat that tells me something’s going on inside of me … and what arises is the awareness that I’ve been living my life alone (as in without a partner) for a long time too. Exhaling here to release the energy of the loss yet again, I find myself laughing aloud at the synchronicity of how my piece elicited your memory which in turn evoked mine.
I find myself wondering about the endless chain of events sparked by one person telling their story to another … and so on. I believe with all my heart that ‘connections’ are essential to our well-being and that, for all the wonderful benefits born of technological advances (not the least of which is being able to connect virtually as we’re doing here) … something essential has been lost or forgotten and needs to be rediscovered & reclaimed.
Research teaches us there are simple things we can do to enhance learning. As a teacher, I used to tell parents that eating meals together as a family around a table regularly is the single most important thing they can do to help their kids be successful at school. Learning occurs in the context of conversation and real connection happens when we spend time engaged with one another. In addition, research tells us that reading real books with children and reading for pleasure ourselves in full view of children has impact as well because kids believe what we do more readily than what we say. That said, sharing stories about our lives like you and I have done here … reaches and teaches in powerful ways that we dare not dismiss if we want to make a difference in the world.
And now I’m going to take off my ‘teacher’ hat and publish this response … though I may return later to take some of this material and use it in a post because I’m not sure how many visitors take time to read comments and I sense this is important. Thanks again for your visit and comment 😉
Hugs and blessings,
Pingback: Forgiveness, compassion, gratitude and speaking our truth | Labyrinth Journal
Virginia,
I love meditating on the labyrinthine path I have taken in my own life, while listening to you read yours. So many twists and turns, so many stops along the way, so many place I thought were dead ends but which turned out to be openings to another life, within and without. Thank you for sharing these. Wise and lyrical, as always. I’m so glad you are giving the gift of your work and heart and soul this way.
love
Patti
Patti,
I’m glad to know what you’ve shared here and you’re welcome. I feel encouraged each time you or someone else expresses ‘resonance’ with what I write, and I appreciate you adding your thoughts here. Like you, many of the challenges along the way that felt so very wrong at the time actually proved themselves to be gifts I cherish today … as you put it so eloquently, “… openings to another life, within and without.’ Thanks so much for walking alongside me in this way.
Hugs and blessings,
Good Morning Virginia,
Shared stories are the threads with which we weave the tapestries of our community. Your stories are so thought provoking and then became so much stronger when Gail stepped in and you then responded. I sit in honor of you – The Teacher – this morning and am sending tender blessings your way.
love you my friend.
Sharon
Sharon,
I’m humbled to read your comment for I feel less like a teacher than a student almost always for I’m continually seeking … walking right along side everyone I encounter … grateful to be learning all the time. Thank you so much for your tender blessings which I feel with my whole heart as I type this response. Like you, I’m convinced that our shared stories build a sense of community, and I’m aware just how acutely authentic connection is essential for our survival on this earthly plane.
I listened to an interview with Brene Brown yesterday on the Koren Motekaitis radio show ‘How She Really Does It’ … shared a link to it on my Facebook page this morning to spread the word (and just added a link here if it works), and I’m reminded as I type this reply that I want to write a post about the topic of the importance of ‘vulnerability’ some time soon. There’s so much I want to do and keeping myself ‘focused’ is often the most challenging part.
If you’re home today and have the time, I’d love to talk with you. Maybe I’ll just take a chance and pick up the phone, but first I need to eat something. Thanks so much for your visit here and your words of wisdom … adding to the tapestry of our shared experiences in Taos. I feel blessed by our friendship and empowered by your confidence in me as I become ‘visible’ in the world with you and others … sharing our truth with authenticity and vulnerability.
Hugs and blessings,
Nice site, nice and easy on the eyes and great content too.
Mike
Thanks so much for your visit and feedback. I’ve taken a break for the past few weeks, but hope to be publishing here more regularly very soon 😉
Hugs and blessings,
Pingback: Life is a ‘carousel’ old chum … | Giraffe Journal