the healing power of shooting the shit
*has anyone seen my walkie talkie?*
9/26/24
Dear Community,
This week I wanna talk about something we all USED to know A LOT about.
When we were kids, we were effortless experts, no degree needed, in having fun.
Last week I was in a class and the facilitator asked everyone our name and what we like to do for fun. So there I am on this zoom call, listening to everyone’s answers and judging the shit out of them. I’m like really????? Knitting?? Working with your coaching clients?? This is the best you can come up with for what you like to do for FUN???
But there I was too…the first answers that came to mind were gardening and baking 😂 ….
and then I was like - No. Excuse me. Hello Mari Mu, You actually do know a thing or two about having fun (or at least you used to) so try again
So when it came around to me I said… I love just shooting the shit! I love that spontaneous play and witty banter that can arise when we’re really just out there haangin’ out and lettin’ loose.
Back in my 20s, I used to smoke cigarettes. (let’s all say it together: eeeeeew). Not heavily, I rolled my own little american spirit pinners…now those days have long gone, but let me tell you what I had to grieve cuz now I find it too gross to hang out in those spaces: THE SMOKING AREA at a venue/club/party.
Never have I met a more abundant land of effortless banter than than said smoking section!!! We’re away from the loud music, standing around, and I always found that area to the be super easy to strike up conversations, many which leaned playful, filled with ridiculous quick wit and lots of laughs.
Much fun was had.
Of course, I had no idea sitting down to write a quick newsletter was gonna end up in baring the truth of my prior smoking habit, but here we are. (For the record: I stopped smoking after a super intense mushroom journey. I had NO intentions to stop smoking going into that journey, but in the days after as I was still fresh in the field of the medicine, I was like Well, I think stopping smoking right now is a good idea. and that was that. (Thanks enhanced neuroplasticity!)
Okay But - the reason this topic is on my mind you guys, is because this past weekend: I HAD SO MUCH FUN!!!!!!!!
I attended and volunteered for the 3rd year at a friends 150 person micro-festival/friends & family campout on their private off grid property about an hour outside of LA. My official role: I’m Gate Girl, which means I hang out at the gate, check people in, and wield my walkie talkie amidst welcoming people into a weekend of revelry, world-class live music, and an incredibly delightful collection of sweet hearted humans.
I love love getting to ‘work the door’ at events and get the chance to make contact with every person there, which can sometimes make it easier to connect with people throughout the event once my job is done.
Let me tell you, this past weekend- THE WIT WAS BANTERED. I mean hot damn did I need a FIX!!!
I came home feeling that special mix of simultaneous tiredness + fulfillment, feeling so nourished by the play, new connections, and tiny little seeds planted that may reap collaborative expressions in the future.
Everything in moderation, but let me tell you, I am definitely not lacking in the going deep department. (Pretty sure my day job is pretty much gategirl for the going deep dept ;)
This weekend shook some things up and let an important part of my own spirit take some big deep breaths. (Not to mention the fact that I was completely unplugged from my phone and camping in nature all weekend)…
On Monday after a good sleep, I got to receive a craniosacral session myself (omg it was so good), and do a breathwork session (omg it was so good) facilitated by my dear friend Jules, who I met in the Infinite Crescendo training I did earlier this year.Jules and I have hopes to collab in holding space for larger groups on the eastside in the months to come, so if you’re in LA, we so hope to share this incredible offering with YOU!
I had strategically booked the cranio session for Monday, knowing that I’d be coming off a big weekend. Seriously, let me just say, pro move. I highly recommend booking sessions for when you get back from a trip of one kind or another, or go through something that moves a lot within you.
The sessions, I can’t! - I can’t put proper words to them. They helped me let everything that had moved really settle. The level of contentment, tenderness and love that this work helps me feel is a sacred experience that goes beyond beyond. The past couple days my energy is way up and these sessions really helped me integrate the magic of the weekend.
So grateful that I get to offer these experiences with YOU!!!
Okay everyone, I have literally zoomed through writing this email because I’m leaving in an hour to go to Joshua Tree to assist my friend Rachel (of Healing Feeling Shitshow) in an emotional healing retreat. It’s our second time collabing in this way and I know it’s gonna be a potent weekend.
LA PEOPLE: I’ll be in town and available for sessions only Mon, Tues and Wed and then I’m out of town til Oct 18!
To book a cranio session: click here
Ready for a deeper dive? Book a journey consult: click here
Okay friends, may you have a li’l fun today. and if today is not one of those days, you know I get it.
with you + with love, always.
mari mu
love, gg (gate girl)