On Saturday, the women’s meditation group bid a fond farewell to the group’s reading guide, You Belong by Sebene Selassie. We have journeyed with this book since December 2020 and it has provided a rich source of discussion each month.
When we contemplate 'belonging’ it can conjure a multitude of meanings to each of us. However, when stripped down, we belong / are connected to every living being on this planet - those seen and unseen.
It’s the unseen that’s had my attention recently as I’ve been taken with learning more of the little guys in the oceans that have a potent impact on our lives.
Take, for example, Angel Plankton:
These little creatures are ‘small but mighty’ 1 absorbing a third of human-made carbon dioxide! However, changes in sea water globally are impacting these creatures leading to higher levels of carbon dioxide.
Speaking of climate change: XR (Extinction Rebellion) have been out in force in London since the weekend reminding us all that an alternative to fossil fuels is needed. The unfortunate aspect of being human is that we only change our behaviours when there’s no alternative. When we arrive at that point (though some would argue we are there already), it will be too late. There are mixed views about the climate group however, in life we do need alternative voices / people willing to put themselves on the line to bring about change. (Think suffragettes and votes for women).
We all know that change is possible - remember that wonderful time during lockdown? If there was anything positive about all that was happening, it was experiencing the world as a quieter, cleaner place. Everyone noticed, though sadly not everyone was invested enough to maintain this post-lockdown.
I love this quote from Thanissara (Buddhist teacher and writer):
and what value is all this meditation and mindfulness if we just sit by and let the world burn?
Whatever the issue, lending our voice to something we may care strongly about, or affected by is important.
As women, we all can find a sense of belonging through the various twists and turns our lives take. Meeting, hearing or reading of another who shares a life experience can immediately reduce the sense of isolation we often feel, at the same time, empowering us in knowing that ‘there’s nothing wrong with me’.
One such area that’s gaining ground in both awareness and voice is peri / menopause. I’m not going to spend a lot of time discussing this vast topic here as there are others who do so far better and more eloquently 2
For me, my journal is a place of belonging where I express my voice without fear of anyone answering back, especially during this tricky transition. It has also allowed me to be completely raw in my honesty. Journaling is:
a place to put thoughts and feelings on the page
non-threatening
healing
sometimes challenging
insightful
These and so many more.
OK, I can hear, ‘where’s this going Claire?’
I love writing + I love creating groups for women = Meet the Mirror (a journal writing workshop for those in peri / menopause).
Having facilitated writing groups before, I can’t begin to tell you the sheer joy of seeing bowed heads and the scribbly-scratchy sounds on the page.
I’m offering a series of online writing workshops aimed at unpacking areas in life where we may be stuck for those who are travelling this stage of life (although you’re welcome if you simply want to understand and learn the benefits of journal writing some more).
No writing experience is needed and you will not be expected to share your words (though hearing your insights is always wonderful).
The first session will be Sunday 22 May from 9am to 11am.
You can join whilst still in your PJs having your breakfast - it’s basically ‘come as you are’.
The sessions will employ the following features*
Meditation to ground our energy to prepare us for our writing
Carefully selected writing prompts to engage hearts & minds
Use of photos / oracle - tarot cards / nature to inspire
Gentle movements to bring embodiment to your writing
*plus more - I can be very spontaneous and will adjust depending on what reveals itself on the day. More details and booking here
Another way of looking at writing is viewing it as ‘what’s in your head’.
Speaking of which, at this time of unrest in the world, the song Zombie by Bad Wolves (original: The Cranberries) has been on my playlist. It demonstrates how words, written relating to one event, can lend themselves to another some twenty-nine years later.
With their tanks, and their bombs
And their bombs, and their drones
In your head, in your head, they are cryingWhat's in your head, in your head?
Words are a powerful medium - whether spoken or written, they can create belonging.
I shall leave you with the video (though I appreciate it may not be to everyone’s musical taste).
Until next time, take care.
Second Spring by Kate Codrington