Bubbles Bring the Joy and the Impermanence
Summer Changes
Have you ever noticed the wonder of a bubble as it softly floats through the air, held together by only a thin layer of soap that traps the invisible carbon dioxide?
It provides so much joy.
Floating, carrying on providing this luminescent reflection of transparent colors, catching the sunlight. We love it. We smile as we watch children enjoying themselves as these bubbles freely dance; they dance with them too.
And we all know how it ends.
Impermanence can be relied upon. Change is always afoot, whether we are ready or not. It’s not always easy and sometimes not welcomed, maybe after the fact.
This is my summer of focus and discipline. I’ve begun chipping away at anything that is distracting me, pulling me away from what I know I need to do. Removing social media apps from my phone was the first step.
Then I began reading voraciously on Substack, posting Notes, engaging with at least 3 other writers to build relationships and support, a few hours per day. And of course, there’s YouTube and the endless Ram Dass and Caroline Myss talks, and my favorite tarot astrology readers - another few hours per day.
And now it’s time for those to end for now, too. It’s temporary. I won’t be publishing my hard work essays that I have been diligently publishing every week for the next eight weeks. I hope you won’t forget me! :) It comes with the territory as a writer to be a little insecure.
Here’s where I will be focusing my time these next two months:
Reminding you to join me for the Summer Soul Sessions every Friday (no meeting July 4) at 4 pm for mindfulness Mettā, and free-writing. (Which is how I got this introduction about bubbles.)
Working part-time at my new job with The Shift Network as a Course Host Facilitator. Yay! Still learning!
Writing, finishing the draft of my book. Been dancing around this one. It’s time. It’s going to be excruciating but fun and so necessary. It’s going to be like giving birth, messy, painful and then joyful.
Recording a few podcasts because I love interviewing interesting people.
Exercise, eat well, and enjoy nature, family, and friends.
Simplifying can be so good.
Ways to connect with me:
Friday Soul Sessions for Summer:
The basis of each gathering encompasses the practices of Mettā mindfulness and creativity through free-writing and grounded, safe, and supportive sharing.
Mettā for Parents & Caregivers:
Register Here for the Zoom Link - 4pm PT
Mettā is the Pali word for loving-kindness that cultivates benevolence, goodwill, fellowship, and non-violence. It's a practice that involves directing attention and concern toward the happiness of others, without judgment, and without wanting anything in return.
Creative Soul Revival: Free-writing Sessions:
Register Here for the Zoom Link - 4:45 PM
Session includes: Mindfulness, free-writing with prompts, and active listening to promote emotional well-being and lighthearted fun in a safe space.
It’s the SAME link for each session, so if you register for the mindfulness session, you can stay on for the writing session. If you only want to participate in the writing, just register and show up for that one.
Day-long Retreat in Sonoma:
I’m excited to partner with a Bay Area-based organization called Family Sanity. They offer peer-to-peer support for parents whose teens and young adults are dealing with mental health issues. They hold monthly virtual meetings and discover a caring and comforting community.
Join us! Link to register.
Podcast coming out soon!
Excited to share this one with you. David and I talk about mindfulness, parenting, and his new media company, Strawberry Moons Media. David truly is a pleasure to hang out with, and I know you will enjoy this one.
You will receive reminders about the Friday Summer Soul Sessions and I hope to see you there.
Take good care and don’t forget to meditate!
If you enjoy this content and wish to support my work, please consider becoming a paid subscriber at the cost of a cup of coffee per month. It’s part of my livelihood as a creator and keeps my joy elevated.
Thank you for being here!
Shelley
Good for you for taking time off to make time on for your creativity! No way we'll forget about you!
Congrats on the job, Shelley! And good for you for setting aside time for those projects and activities that have been calling for your attention. There are only so many hours in a day. We have to put our energy where we feel it will do us the most good.