Now is the time
to free the heart,
Let all intentions and worries stop,
Free the joy inside the self,
Awaken to the wonder
of your life…— John O’Donohue, To Bless the Space Between Us (via 30 Days of Yule)
Went to the sacred woods. Heard turkeys gobbling in the woods and watched squirrels move in and out of a hollow tree, talking to each other. Heard a bird call that sounded like a hawk or eagle, but never saw it. Felt peaceful and centered. I’m making a new Woodspriestess vow for 2016. 2013 was my first year of this dedicated daily practice (which yielded 330 days to the woods and two books!) and 2016 feels like the year to bring my woodspractice back into my daily life once more. After I had my last baby in October 2014, I let some of my soul-nourishing spiritual practices fall away, and this year I am recommitting to my daily woodspractice: visiting the woods once a day every day for the year. I haven’t missed a day yet this year.
This photo was taken for day 29 of 30 Days of Yule (1/4). I took my drum to the woods that morning. It was freezing cold and I drummed until I had numb fingers. It is such valuable time for me and I am excited and happy to dedicate myself to it again this year.
