But our bodies and our spirits seem to be stuck inside those darker days. "The winter of the soul," as Rebecca Campbell recently wrote in an email to subscribers.
The current state of events urges us to stay at home and watch nature from the other side of the window. No picnics in the park, no gatherings for a backyard barbecue, no regular, everyday activities that we are so used to.
Our lives are rattled, shaken up, and change unfolds before us. This can feel chaotic and unsettling, no?
Rebecca also wrote something that reminded me of what The Sacred Middle is all about - being in the in between and making the most of it.
True waiting comes when you are in the in between. You know where you are is not where you are going and yet where you are going has not yet been revealed. You are in the change. In the in between.
I've thought up some creative and inspiring stay-at-home activities that will help you move through these times with ease and joy and alleviate boredom along the way. I think you'll also find that these activities will help you learn more about yourself and embody the growth energy of the season.
MAKE SOUL COLLAGE CARDS
SoulCollage is art therapy, spiritual awareness, and lots of fun. The idea was created by Seena Frost in the 1980's. Seena used the process of card collage when working with her therapy clients.
"It was a time when I was immersed in world myths and archetypal psychology, and also I was exploring various spiritual paths. I was also practicing psychotherapy in my professional practice. The card-making process evolved over time with the aid of many women in my therapy groups. As they made their powerful, personal cards, shared them with each other and consulted them, we discovered the transforming possibilities of these images."
Create your own SoulCollage cards using just a few craft items, then read what your cards have to say. This creative process will allow you to dive deeper into your psyche and uncover different parts of your personality.
Here's how to make a SoulCollage card in 5 easy steps.
And here's how to give yourself a SoulCollage card reading.
PAINT MANDALA ROCKS
Here's a good mandala stones diy tutorial.
An inspiration board is different than a vision board in that it displays images that, yes, inspire you, but also remind you of all the magic and beauty around you.
When creating your inspiration board, think about things that uplift you and make your heart sing. Fill your board with things you find beautiful, inspiring quotes, pictures that represent fond memories and favorite things. Put on your favorite playlist while you craft and let your heart guide you.
Here's a lovely inspiration board tutorial from Bella Grace. (Psst...I'm in the most recent issue!)
Also, check out this digital mood board maker.
CRAFT A WISH BOTTLE
Here's my guide on how to make a wish bottle.
PLAY WITH NATURE
In fact, building a faerie altar is a great way to:
- connect with our winged friends
- honor the beauty in life
- raise your home's vibes
- grow your relationship with magic
You can create a space for you and your faerie friends inside, outside, or both! Don't take yourself too seriously when building the altar - faeries love the lighthearted. Gather materials like wind chimes, herbs, flowers, trinkets, sparkly things, crystals, and sweets (although, if you have an ant/pest problem, it's probably best to skip the sweets). Decorate the space, keep it clean (as well as surrounding areas), play music (Fairy Fantasy on Spotify is beautiful), and keep an eye out for tiny twinkling lights.
Starlight Witch has a wonderful article on how to attract and work with faeries.
GROW SOMETHING
Now is the perfect time to harness the growth energy of spring by gardening. You could start a full-scale vegetable garden or grow a small houseplant.
As you nurture the plant, you're also nurturing yourself through these uncertain and changing times. And just as the plant progresses, changes, and grows, so do you. Witnessing the plant's unfolding will help shift your thinking from fear to wonder, doubt to faith, and uncertainty to progress.
As you care for and watch your plant, herb, vegetable, or flower take root, embody that energy - feel yourself grounded, but growing.
"...witness the sense of sacred power that breathes life into all things. Feel that same power inside of yourself and visualize however you wish to be." ~Amy Cesari