Let this month be soft...

Poetic words in the form of a prayer as we gently ease into the month ahead...

Winter scenes with my daughters from the weekend

Hello lovely one

How is your heart feeling today?

This week I didn’t feel like I had ‘a lot’ to give to my writing… and while part of me contemplated not showing up at all, I also felt it important to normalise the times when we don’t feel a massive surge of creative energy or inspiration, or are perhaps full of ‘life’ responsibilities and unable to dedicate the time we want to our creativity.

This isn’t in a ‘pushing through and ignoring our capacity’ way, but simply to honour the imperfect, in-between, chaotic and unclear times as well and those moments when all is flowing with ease.

I have spoken many times in the past about the ‘sacred pause’, or the ‘void’ spaces — and their absolutely necessity when it comes to creative process — but rarely do we ‘see’ these moments, or read about them, which I think can make us feel, when we do experience them, (and I can guarantee everyone does) that there is something ‘wrong’ with us, or that our ‘fire’ has gone out.

In these void spaces I lean heavily on my grounding practices (yoga nidra, nature, meditation, yoga, ritual, walking) because if I am honest when I don’t have a big creative project or focus I can feel a little un-tethered.

I think partly because I am still unraveling from toxic productivity narratives (and probably always will be) but also because this is just the way my brain works and it is in my nature to be ‘busy’… by which I mean playing and dancing with projects in life and my interests… not busy in the overwhelmed ‘full schedule’ kind of way.

I have a tendency to default into over-thinking when things are feeling a little ‘quiet’ in my creative urges… which can lead to obsessive thoughts and frustration. It is also when I am most likely to ignore my own inner authority and response strategy (in Human Design) and end up saying yes to things, or going down a path that isn’t really for me… which only ends up leading me to more frustration and overwhelm. You see the spiral???

So as I sit here and do my best to ‘wait’ — on day 23 of my cycle (which is notable because there is definitely a correlation between my creative world and my inner seasons) — I am invited today to share some words that softened my edges, and my hope is that they will do for you too…

Soft landscapes, soft heart

You can consider this as a kind of manifesto, or prayer, from the month of February… a love note of sorts… you could also click play on the audio below and listen to it as a little micro meditation…

Let this month be soft…

When a voice
taps noisily on my shoulder
provoking me to rush ahead
I vow this month to remember
simply being here
and breathing
is enough…

Just one breath in
and then again
inhale, exhale…
repeat, repeat, repeat…

And as each breath
leaves my chest
an invite rises up.
To melt away and soften,
drop tension from clenched jaw
dissolve the cage
clasped around my heart
plant feet
into the floor.

These harsh body whispers
are telling me that this
is not who I am meant to be
and nudges me instead
to soft and tender edges
held by feather lightest touch

Yes softness
she invites me
to remember once again
that I was simply not born to be
harsh lines or rigidity.
Oh no, malleable is my innate
body need not brace
or hold it’s breath
or forcefully chase
or treat each day
like a cutthroat race

I remember now
as I breathe in
that naturally I be
soft as butter,
soft as wool,
soft as breast,
and free.

And in that moment
my sweet soul sighs
and flesh melts from my bones.
Those bones draw closer
to the earth
my ribcage opens wings
heart safe now to expand
and my true voice finally sings

Love
she walks in
takes my hand
and reminds me what is real.

This, she says with hand on heart
and also this as well
she turns my gaze
to look upon the precious moments
playing beneath my feet

The world may grab me
by the hand
and pull in all directions
but my power lies within
this softened body
and rooted feet
that quietly stand in rebellion
against expectation that breaks my heart

So, No.
I will not tolerate
unscrupulous voices
causing self abandon
in pursuit of a picture
that was never mine to paint.

Wishing you a soft and gentle month ahead. I would love to know if you have any intentions, or reminders you want to anchor to, please do share them in the comments or reply to me on email.

Until next time

Stay soft, stay gentle…

Lauren

xxx

Coming up in February in The Balm Membership…

⋙ The Heart Work Seasonal Planning Ceremony

Thursday 13th February 12.30pm UK time

Devote time to the essence of your heart and soul work in this 90 minute deep dive workshop. You can expect a gentle arrival practice, time to reflect on the past season, space to tend to the visions that are wishing to come through next and a chance to share and witness others within the community.

⋙ The foundations of our Energy - Human Design Workshop

Saturday 22nd February, 9.30am UK time

Spend some time embodying and understanding the foundations of your Human Design chart. In this live workshop we will talk through different energy types, strategy and authority. There will be a chance to ask questions and share your own experiences to help integrate the information.

Get access to these, and the full library of practices and resources for £8 a month or £70 for a year (saving £26). Click this link to get a one month free trial.

Hello to anyone who is new here… I am Lauren. A Mother of two daughters, Writer, Women’s Circle Facilitator, Sacred Business Mentor, Human Design Guide, Soul Branding & Website Creator and multi-dimensional human being. I walk with, and hold space for, others who are treading the tender path of their heart and soul work. You can find out more about this space and what to expect here. If you wish to be held in a deeper way do consider joining The Balm membership for restorative practices, sacred heart work offerings and more…

If you enjoyed this piece and wish to explore my other spaces please use the links below to explore…

Motherhood Essays
Self-Tending Practices
The Unravelling Podcast
Sacred Living
Work With Me