A handful of days ago, on February 1st, we crossed the quiet threshold of Imbolc — an earth-centered Celtic holy day honoring the first stirrings of spring and the goddess Brigid.
Even though my weather app keeps flashing “Winter Weather Advisory,” I’ve felt a subtle uplifting shift this week…
brighter mornings,
a few more minutes of light at day’s end,
the return of birdsong.
My body seems to notice before my mind does.
I hope this gentle lengthening of daylight is bringing a little more light not only into your days, but into your heart as well.
We sure need it.
So many of us are carrying a lot right now.
Heavy things. Tender things. The kind that quietly weigh on the spirit.
Lately I’ve been holding a reflection that keeps touching my heart.
Angeles Arrien writes that in many traditional healing cultures, when someone felt disheartened or dispirited, they weren’t asked what was wrong — they were simply asked:
When did you stop dancing?
When did you stop singing?
When did you stop being enchanted by stories?
When did you stop finding comfort in silence?
I love these gentle questions.
They remind me that sometimes what we need isn’t fixing;
it’s remembering.
Remembering the simple, human medicines that have always been here…
movement, voice, story, stillness.
Ways to lighten the heart.
Ways to come home to ourselves.
Ways to play again.
And this is really what our Kirtan Jam Circle is about… returning…
To voice.
To rhythm.
To play.
To being together in sound.
Not performing.
Not trying to get it right.
Just showing up with a beginner’s heart, making a little music, and remembering how good it feels to sing side-by-side.
Greg and I would love to share this time with you.
Alongside my 4 regular weekly movement classes this month, we’re offering two free, welcoming musical gatherings — simple, uplifting, and accessible to everyone (no experience needed).
Please scroll down for the details for our Kirtan Jam Circle tomorrow night
and our monthly Kirtan Sadhana Gathering, both at Westminster Unitarian Church.
Sending each of you wishes
for peace, health & happiness,
now and always.
Namaste, Rev Shelley
