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Finding Our Real Work
"It may be that when we no longer know what to do
we have come to our real work." --Wendell Berry
When I don't know what to do, life can feel excruciatingly uncomfortable, and exhausting. I would much rather have my game plan nailed down, whether I'm writing a novel or building a relationship or trying to tame a hawk.
I love how falconer Helen Macdonald expresses this in her memoir, H is for Hawk. She is totally undone by the process of taming a wild, unpredictable creature. She doesn't even recognize herself as human anymore.
"I don't have both sides. I only have wildness . . . Human arms are for holding other humans close. They're not for breaking the necks of rabbits, pulling loops of viscera out onto leaf-litter while the hawk dips her head to drink blood from her quarry's chest cavity. I watch all these things going on and my heart is salt."
When my schemes fail, I can feel utterly lost.
At these times I must let go of rut-style thinking, in ways that are logical, sequential, trying-to-hold-it-all-together. I'm nudged deeper, to experience the movements and sensations of the body. To trust my intuition and lean into the stories that want to emerge from my life - exactly as it is right now.
If you're unnerved by not knowing what to do, perhaps it's time to let go of what you think and release control of how the journey should unfold.
One tool that helps me "unthink" is meditation. This summer I'm offering free community meditation in Vancouver on Monday evenings, followed by a yoga class as a separate experience. When fed up with all the nonsense our thinking brings into our world, meditating can clear the way for well-being and acceptance.
Also, there are two supportive immersions ahead for all.
First, for women, there's "Re-Treat," Friday, September 6. I'm designing this private gathering as a treat for the whole self.
Secondly, for all genders, I'm partnering with Clark College to offer a November 1 writing and nature retreat at Menucha Center. "Writing in the Gorge" registration opens next week.
The Wildfire Women's "Re-Treat" is at North Fork 53 from September 6 to 7. In this overnight coastal experience, we will gently integrate the many parts of you so that you can land in a soft, creative space. You'll slow down and attend to your imagination, emotions, and body, from your earlobes to your pinky toes. You'll find your place in the heartbeat of things as surely as the ocean waves pound out their rhythm. You'll write, walk, stretch, eat a farm breakfast, stroll through a tea garden, and watch your words claim their place on the page.
What is your way? What is your work?
Let's make some discoveries together.
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August-September 2019
Monday
Meditation for Creativity Artistry Room, First Presbyterian Church 4300 Main Street, Vancouver Free 5 - 5:30 pm August 12 August 26 September 9
September 16
Monday Yoga Artistry Room, First Presbyterian Church 4300 Main Street, Vancouver Fee: $20 to drop in 5:30 - 6:45 pm August 12 August 26 September 9
September 16
Thursday Wildfire Writing Master Class Private Location Currently Full 6:30 - 8:45 pm August 15 August 29 Snapdragon: Sept 5, Sept 19, Oct 3, Oct 17
Friday-Saturday September 6 & 7 Re-Treat Writing & Yoga at the Coast $225 Early registration: $200 by August 15 Single occupancy: $400
Coming Soon: Writing in the Gorge Friday-Saturday November 1 & 2 Registration through Clark College
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