So the kids are all going back to school next week.  And I got this idea (online somewhere) to document what I learn each and every day in September.  

So I’m going to keep a list and encourage you to do the same.   I probably won’t publish everything here, but I’m so excited to see where this takes me…

There were 5 weary souls who gathered together at the studio yesterday, for a family constellation for the city of Mission.  Each of us came to the circle somewhat begrudingly, being pulled in different directions (that incessant “pull” that is a family) but we pushed past the resistance and came together.  Doing what we know needs to be done, but somehow feeling like we don’t want to do it…

What keeps us from “doing it”, whatever “it” is?  I just found this great quote from Brene’s Blog “To choose joy over the fear and vulnerability of being different or weird or ridiculed is a tremendous act of courage – one that touches all of us.”

But I digress, back to the family constellation:  Each of stepped into our roles (aspects of the city of Mission), the broken dreams, the fear, the guiding light/direction, the bridge and the voice that says ‘everything is going to be ok, but maybe it’s not.’  There were a few things that came up for me as I participated in the constellation:

• Fear is nothingness… nothing happens in a place of fear
• Fear does not want to be here (in my life)
• This bridge (or space in between) fear and love is exactly where I need to be, and IT IS OK TO LIVE WITH UNCERTAINTY 
• When we feel completely alone and isolated, like there is no one around or willing to help us, in reality, there is a community (or at least a handful) of people who will help us, if only we would ask
• I am being taken care of (a roof over my head, food on the table – thanks to my husband) but the studio, the space itself needs to be taken care of (ie: the studio space needs to be supported financially)  This realization that my needs are being met is quite calming.  I am not the studio space, I simply hold that space for the community to use.

I hope that next time, you’ll join us in the constellation, which is essentially a place, a circle where we come together to find understanding, healing and gratitude.

“It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful.” –Brother David Steindl-Rast

The Holidays are all about friends and family, and our connection to everyone in our lives. When we prepare food for others, we can’t help but infuse it with love and kindness, which is then shared when the food is eaten.

Thanks to all that brought finger food-type items to share. Congratulations to all those that won door prizes!