Musings from the Journey
Enhance your life and fortify a deeper connection with your True Self.
 Sometimes we're just going around, minding our own business, and bam—a song, a fragrance, stranger's outfit, or phrase. Feelings burst forth from within, hard to contain.
Sometimes it makes logical sense. Your loved one used to wear similar denim jackets, or they used to say that thing all. the. time. Other times, there isn't a conscious connection. The stimulus, like a mystical hand from the beyond, somehow was able to gently poke that tender, vulnerable spot that was doing just fine until a minute ago. Now you're in your feels. These moments don't mean we're doing anything wrong, or that we haven't grieved fully or rightly. They are just part of the experience of life and loss. If you ever find yourselves bamboozled by grief my friends, I hope you hold grace for yourself to ride that wave when it shows up. It can be inconvenient. Sometimes annoying. But there's nothing wrong with feeling. To feel is to be alive. To have lived, and loved, and hoped. And, know, you aren't the only one who gets snuck up upon. Even just this morning as I was making my coffee, a fleeting thought, drenched me in a flash flood of grief before it just as quickly passed. At this point, years after grief first brought me to my knees, and taught me I knew nothing, I've accepted that these moments will come now and again. I welcome them, and let them be a reminder of the love that I've had or longed for. Hugs ya'll, Sarah
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 Happy Solstice!
Today marks the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. This day has been significant for me for many years. An opportunity to turn inward, to be in the quiet and reflect. I know this time of year can be a whirlwind for many as they get ready for (or are absorbed in) holiday celebrations. There often is a perceived pressure to feel happy, warm, or be cozied up with loved ones. Though this isn't the case for many people for a variety of reasons. I want to invite some space, and grace for whatever combination of feelings that might be present for you. It's okay if things feel a little crumby, you feel disappointed, or are missing people that are no longer around. The threads of our lives don't magically disappear when the holiday playlist floods the radio, and red and green pours off the shelves. This pressure can amplify existing pain. If this is where you find yourself during this time, I want to send lots of care and a hug your way. You're not alone. Soon our culture will get back to the humdrum of day-to-day. Keep on, keepin' on. No matter what's alive in you today, maybe take a few moments to reflect on your 2025. Is there something (small or large) you feel proud of yourself for? What are you grateful for? Savor that feeling. What's one loving action you can take for yourself this week? You matter. You deserve this love and care. May you soak in the gifts of the dark. Much love, Sarah ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ There's still time to buy gift certificates. (*It make take up to 48 hours for the digital copy to be sent you, so please plan accordingly for gift giving.*) Prices will be going up in 2026, stock up now on gift cards at the current rate! Reminder, I'll be taking time off from Dec 24–Jan 1. You can set up a time for a session in the new year, by booking online. Interested in our Reiki classes that start Feb 7th? Now is a great time to sign up and hold your spot! Learn more here.  Uff Da.
The blame game abounds. How are you feeling right now? Let's pause and breathe with those feelings for a second. I wonder what universal human needs might be under those feelings? Perhaps a need for safety, understanding, a shared reality, love, fairness, etc? It makes sense why you feel the way you do, when you can see the unmet needs underneath. I invite you to offer yourself some compassion for whatever it is you are going through. Now, we can look outward and notice that others also have their own feelings, and needs underneath them. Many times, the blame game is a tactic (often unconscious, because we haven't learned anything different) to not be with our pain and acknowledge what's underneath. It pins the problem as another person, rather than saying, "I feel hurt, scared or angry, because I'm needing to matter, be heard, or belong. Will you help be part of the solution?" That can be far more vulnerable. Blame also makes it easier to forget that the other person is human too. In being human, we all have the expanse of emotions to feel. We also all have the same universal human needs. We might not like how other people are acting. We don't have to agree. But if we are going to find our way through this, each of us has to remember our own humanity. Then we need to look for it in others. (Even if they don't see it in you, which I know is especially hard and painful. Sending extra love and gentleness for you here if that feels true for you.) The small moments of connection, softness, openness that cut through the blame, have a chance to save us when they ripple into the world. It has the capacity to disarm. This isn't easy work, but it's important. It starts first with empathy for yourself. Then you extend it outward when you've filled your cup a bit. You can't give what you don't have. It's not always fair, but sometimes it's necessary to be the one who shows up first, so things don't spiral out of control. Hopefully, the grace is reciprocated later, or you find others who have the capacity to hold space for you. It's not an excuse for harmful behavior or letting accountability slide. But we'll never have a chance for true repair if we can't get past the walls of protection and attack to what is underneath. The practice of non-violent communication is where I learned much of this, and you might find it supportive if you would like to learn more. While I don't have the answers to all the things we are going through now, I do believe that when we remember our humanity it can be an antidote to the harm. You never know what might happen if enough little pebbles crumble off the wall of division. Hang in there. I care for you. Sarah |
Sarah Barlow
Reiki Master Teacher and Owner of Embrace Your Essence Sign up for our E-Letters Here
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