Strong Spine. Soft Heart
As the light reaches its zenith and the sun lingers long into the evening sky, we find ourselves approaching the Summer Solstice next week—a turning point of fullness.
This season reminds us of what it means to be bright and bold, unapologetically ourselves, and warmed from within by our passion, purpose and uninhibited joy.
How beautiful!
And, yet, when the power is on full blast and the heat too intense, it can scorch. Passion turns to aggression. Vitality flares into burnout. Radiance becomes ego.
Recently I've been reflecting on how we can be both gentle and powerful?
If we observe nature we are reminded that...
The ocean carves ancient cliffs with her soft waves.
The wind is invisible yet reshapes entire landscapes.
The river flows with grace and still wears down stone.
The moon is silent and subtle but governs tides and the cycles of life.
We also have the capacity to move mountains, while staying soft and attuned.
In a world heating up both internally and externally, we are being called to stay awake.
How can we lean in and pay attention, while staying connected to our center and care for our nervous systems as fiercely as we care for truth?
How can we keep our eyes open, and yet not be consumed by noise, drama or despair?
This demands presence, care and nuance.
The ability to hold apposing forces, delicate contradictions and multilevel complexities. Feminine wisdom reminds us how to do this.
To walk with a strong spine and a soft heart—clear in our stance, open in our presence and pouring with our love and compassion.
As we approach the Solstice I invite you reflect on the quality of fire you carry.
Is it a blazing sun? A warm flame?
A lighthouse showing others how to find their way home?
A few other questions to reflect on:
Where am I being called to soften?
Where am I being asked to stand taller?
How do I walk with grace and fire, both?
As always, I love hearing from you here.
I am in deep preparations for my 4th and final year of Moondance before receiving my name, staff and pipe initiation. I look forward to sharing more on the other side.
Wishing you a beautiful Full Moon, Friday the 13th, Father's Day and Summer Solstice.
With love,
Rachel
