hi it's me again
after an 8 month hiatus
Dear Community ♡
So- it’s seriously been a while. Like so many who have come before me I had attempted putting out a newsletter every month, and after maybe 8 months of consistent output I relaxed back into MY way…the mu way….a bit wu wei ;) ...…..sharing when I feel organically moved to…and so after an 8 month hiatus, we meet again...
H E L L O Y O U !
On my front: this has been SUCH an interesting year for me. Early in the year I declared that I felt like I'd just entered what was going to be a multi-year chrysalis....hence the pause in sharing- it took me a minute to get my bearings on turning to goop (see: The Biology Of The Transformation). But Hi! Coming at you live from the process.
I feel my interests and passions coming into new shape and form. I feel parts of myself that have atrophied that are calling out for attention to come back online and wanting to come into greater health than ever before. It's felt pretty messy - a lot of stuff around identity coming loose and I’m practicing breathing space into this openness so that I can continue to evolve.
For the past years I've been so immersed in the fields of somatics, trauma healing, craniosacral and psychedelics, and my focus has been on my one-on-one session work. I love offering a soft place for you to rest, open, and explore yourselves...I love this work. And- It's become clear that I want to grow some new branches of how I interact with the world. This year I've been coming into a new chapter where I'm wanting to be in more group environments, in collaboration with others, and, well, out of my house more! I'm a huge homebody but EVEN I need to get out!!!
As I pondered what kind of spaces would feel nourishing and enlivening for me, I thought about how much I ADORE being at retreats and trainings. Deep immersions in well held containers with people saying YES to going IN, in one way or another. So, a few months ago I took to my keyboard and made a doc speaking to this desire, sent it to a bunch of people, and have so far manifested several opportunities to support in different ways and I. AM. LOVING IT. If you wanna check out my doc that brought me some opportunities: bit.ly/retreatsupport
♡ I served as greeter & volunteer coordinator at a super special 150-person "microfestival" on a gorgeous 200 acre private property about an hour from home.
♡ I played a gentle role as extra support for an intimate group on a retreat weekend journeying together with the most amazing 5 hour improvised live music set I’ve ever experienced
♡ I came on board as logistics coordinator for a meditation retreat at a castle in upstate NY put on by a tech startup (jhourney.io) that is studying and teaching jhana meditation techniques
♡ And in just about a week I go to Joshua Tree to support at an emotional healing retreat called “Becoming Ourselves” put on by the magical and quirky Rachel Kaplan, of Healing Feeling Shit Show
These experiences have been awesome - I'm exploring what I like to do in group space, learning a LOT about retreat dynamics, as well as exploring my growth edges that I get to work on as I keep walking this path.
There’s more to share…in due time…. in the meantime,
a few snapshots of the past months:
a solid dose of fall at the meditation retreat in NY
just me posing with a GIANT LEAF in upstate NY
I’ve always been a big bevy gal…now its more official than ever- If you invite me to a potluck- I’M BRINGING THE TEA.
I hosted 4 groups of therapists this fall for soup and fire and exploration around the intersection between psychotherapy & psychedelic journeywork. Rich Topic! Beautiful People!
ummm WOW!! This cactus!!! I happened to walk by during its ONE NIGHT BLOOM! One of my late summer highlights. (#SimplePleasuresJunkie)
this is just cute. and relatable. it’s okay to be afraid. especially when trying new things ♡
There are other topics I want to share about in upcoming newsletters- they include:
My relationship with tech and the ongoing effort to manage smartphone habits (healthy tech habits is a passion of mine that I want to help others with as well!)
I officiated a wedding this year! It was my first time ever doing a public speaking gig and it was a huge honor and growth edge for me!
I'm currently engaged in a year-long training taught by Gabor Maté - a therapeutic approach called Compassionate Inquiry. I'll share about what I've been learning and how this will impact how I work with my clients
It's been a year and a few months since I started hosting community fire circles- I want to share what I've been learning and how this container might take new shape in this new year!
My forever passion around healthy communication - let's normalize being honest with ourselves and each other, and learn how to have better conversations.
♡ AND MORE ♡
As always, a few resources that you might enjoy or be inspired by:
DRINK: My cacao recipe! I drink it every morning. I've emailed it to many people before but I finally put it in doc form, with additional links and tips. Let me know if you make it, and if you make any delicious adjustments!
EAT: Carrot Miso Sesame Soup with lightly pickled green onions I discovered this recipe last winter and have made it many times now - I like to serve it in a BIG bowl, with roasted garlicky broccoli placed on top, some avocado, and a side of toast. Don't miss the pickled green onions - they're SO good and I make them all the time now to accompany other food
LISTEN: Feeling Fall playlist
Anyway my friends, listen- being human is intense. The waves come and go, and they’ll continue to do so. The collective heartbreak has been strong, and there’s a lot to be sad and fearful about. Let’s keep letting our hearts open so that we don’t have to feel like we have to go it alone. It’s better together. I’m always and forever here, seeing you in it all, and sitting beside you as a companion in the whole deal. All the feelings. In the celebrations and awakenings and in the challenges and hardships. ♡ You are not alone. ♡
If your nervous system could use some loving support, come see for me a session! I’d love to welcome you into a gentle and soft space. You can book craniosacral and sauna sessions through my website …and if you’re feeling called to explore deeper journey work, reach out to me to set up a time to connect over the phone. :)
sending a big warm hug,
your mari mu ♡