Write for a Sense of Wonder
Hello Dear One,
As I write to you the sun is shining outside my window; a light breeze fluttering the blinds. There are already traces of autumn: a nip in the air, crisping leaves. An aeroplane groans and rumbles in the distance, the third today. It’s a reminder that life has returned to normal. Hasn’t it?
As we slip into elements of our former lives it’s easy - and perhaps preferable - to forget the upheaval of the last eighteen months. Yet, I know no one unaffected. Our nervous systems were on high alert for so long that it’s natural to feel, well, nervous. I want you to know if you’re finding this time tricky, it’s ok. Post-pandemic life is an unknown and, though we might be dismissive of the impact, it sits within us. You’ll also be experiencing your own unique set of challenges, meaning the support you need is unique.
In March 2020 I was living on my own. I remember my daily walks most - the sand, the sky, the trees, the water - feeling my existence in something bigger, a moon and sun which rose and set. Six months later, listening to the radio, I heard about the concept of awe walks, the idea being that you intentionally shift focus to everything around you. I imagine it to be like walking as a three-year-old, marvelling at the swirl in a stone, the prickliness of a pinecone or little fish in rock pools. Pretty much what I’d been doing.
I also know the lovely feeling that can come from writing down positive observations; building lists of things we appreciate. It can buoy us at the time, or be something we return to in darker moments. A caveat with this one – if you’re in a low mood (sending love) it can be hard to shift into a state of wonder straight away. Sometimes we just need to lie on the floor and feel our feelings. Remember that all of you is welcome, it might simply be that today a grounding exercise is a better fit. Go gently.
I hope it helps. Personally, when I’m able to shift my focus to the abundance around me I feel so much less alone.
Thanks for being here and being you.
All love,
Jo
OCTOBER WORKSHOP My next workshop, on Thursday 7th October, will be a nourishing ninety minutes of guided writing, focusing on grounding ourselves and bringing back a sense of inner power. It’s almost sold out (!) so go here for tickets (you can also book for November and December). The session will be recorded so you can complete it in your own time if you can’t come live.
AND If you like this letter (which I hope you do, if you made it all the way down here, to the very bottom) like, comment, share or buy me a coffee on Ko-fi. Much love x