something new
I absolutely love routines. I’ve been even more tied to routines these last many months with a little one at home. Everything is just a little bit easier with some predictability to the day, even if it’s just consistently having fifteen minutes to myself in the morning for writing, stretching, praying and meditating. As many things I used to take for granted (like stable, democratic government) feel uncertain and shifting, finding some solid ground each day feels important.
And at the same time, I feel enlivened this week by breaking up my regular routine and trying something new. I woke up a little earlier than normal this morning and swam laps at the college pool. This was something I did while pregnant but fell out of the routine with a newborn. Now, it’s possible again!
Doing something new lights up different parts of our brain.
Doing something new feels good!
Doing something new can also feel scary.
I’m doing another new thing starting next week- for the first time since my son was born, I’m leading a virtual Spiritual Book Club starting next Thursday, March 13! We’ll be reading Ordinary Mysticism: Your Life as Sacred Ground, by Mirabai Starr. More info here and below - I’d love to have you join us!
One of my favorite things about March in the Northeast is that finally, after months of dark, cold and snow, there are some new things happening. Signs of spring are everwhere and literally warming my heart!
The sap is running!
The geese, ducks, vultures and song birds are starting to come back.
The birds are singing in the morning again.
It’s light out until past 6pm - soon to be even longer with Daylight Savings Time this weekend!
The sun feels deliciously warm, even on cold days.
Spring Equinox is just around the corner and, slow and steady, there’s something new ahead. For that, I am grateful.
How are you finding a balance of routine and newness right now? What signs of spring are you noticing where you are? I’d love to hear from you - drop me a line!
Ordinary Mysticism: Your Life as Sacred Ground
Leading deep-dive discussions into books on spirituality is something I started doing about five years ago, and it’s one of my favorite ways to engage with other people! If you’re looking for more connection, depth, contemplation and community right now, this might be for you. I’m really excited about the book we’ll be reading together - Ordinary Mysticism: Your Life as Sacred Ground, by Mirabai Starr.
Here's a write-up on the book:
Welcome to the temple of your regular life.So begins beloved spiritual guide Mirabai Starr’s stunning exploration of finding the extraordinary in the everyday. In Ordinary Mysticism, she helps readers discover their own inner mystic and let go of the limiting belief that spiritual life exists only in traditional places of worship. Mysticism, she explains, is a direct experience of the sacred—no church or clergy required. Our everyday life can be an encounter with the sacred if we pay attention. Starr explores the magic of mundane life, from weeding in our humble gardens to a slow evening walk with a friend to a full kitchen table surrounded by family. Embracing mysticism in our everyday is a way of being more alive in the world, an awakening to the interconnectedness between all things
How does it work? We’ll meet once a week for four weeks for a 60-minute facilitated Zoom discussion. We'll split the book into four equal parts and discuss a part together each week! Dates/times are:
Thursday, March 13 from 7:30-8:30 PM ET
Thursday, March 20 from 7:30-8:30 PM ET
Thursday, March 27 from 7:30-8:30 PM ET
Thursday, April 3 from 7:30-8:30 PM ET
Questions about if this is a good fit for you? Send me an email, I’d love to hear from you!