Letters from an Open Heart 3-28-07

Plunge into matter. Plunge into God. By means of all created things, without exception, the divine assails us, penetrates us and molds us. We imagine it as distant and inaccessible, whereas in fact, we live steeped in its burning layers.

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

Dragonfly by Susie O'Shaughnessy Warren

One of five amazing images in a hand-assembled notecard assortment available by visiting here.
Visit here to read a beautiful letter from Susie to the Soul Flares community.

Dear Fellow Travelers,

Julie is a neighbor who was diagnosed with colin cancer five weeks after finishing chemotherapy for breast cancer. A few weeks ago we walked along the shore of Lake Memphremagog in Northern Vermont stunned by its beauty even as we braced against the 20 degree weather. I don't know her well and so I hesitated before asking her how she was really doing. But I recalled what I have learned while leading workshops -- most people, down deep, really want to be heard, want to tell their truth.

I began by saying, "Wow...this must be a really long haul for you. What is it like?" She said that the hardest thing was dealing with everyone saying: "Oh. You are so brave and strong. You are amazing! You are doing so well." Their words are well-intended, but Julie said, "It makes me feel like I have to be brave and strong. Maybe they wouldn't stick around if they knew how weak and scared I felt."

"But a few would stay." I said, "And what friends they would be!

At the same time that there is the possibility of magic, beauty, and synchronicity in every moment, there can also be the drudgery of getting through a day lead-lined with fear. If we believe there is something wrong with us, that we are crazy, when we have moments that feel like a black hole pulling us in, even while a crocus pushes up at our feet, then we haven't spent enough time with people who are willing to share their truth. If we did, we would know that our darker selves have a lot of good and loving company.

It is not that we should invite people into our lives to commiserate or to help us moon sadly for the past, with all its should'ves and could'ves. It is just that when we have the privilege of hearing the truth of someone's experience then we are more likely to really see the bold crocus. And we are more likely to forgive our partner for the dirty dishes, and more likely to truly love ourselves -- individually and collectively. Compassion sprouts up.

Blessings and Love to you,

Annie O'Shaughnessy

Soul Flares Notecard Assortment

I want people who create beauty to know that their work matters. Most of the artists you will see featured here on Soul Flares create their art in the wee hours of the night -- out of love.

This notecard assortment comes from my sister Susie O'Shaughnessy Warren, whose photos are used throughout the Soul Flares website and in our logos.

Visit here to order an 10-card assortment of the images above or to create your own custom assortment.

Soul Flares Full Time!

Rod's decision to do Heron Dance on his own again has become the catalyst for committig full time to Soul Flares before it is actually ready to support me."If not now, when?"

Despite the uncertainty I feel this turn of events as a gift. Sometimes we need a nudge out of the nest. Spring time energy fills me and I have the passion, skill, and experience to make Soul Flares fly.

And yes, indeed, now would be a great time to make a contribution to Soul Flares so that I can pour myself into this work and we might build this community into something that makes a difference in many more people's lives.

Please visit here to make a tax-deductible donation.

Friends of Soul Flares

I need a group of advisors and supporters who are willing to offer their experience, ideas, and financial support to Soul Flares during this fledgling stage. If you are interested in serving this same mission with me and have specific skills or resources to offer, please contact me at annie@soulflares.org.

Reconnecting with Our Wild Souls: April 27 - 30 Burlington, Vermont

The retreat center in Vermont is one of the most beautiful places I know. Accessible to all -- huge glass windows reveal the lush green of Vermont woods. A few minutes down a trail brings you to the rugged coastline of Lake Champlain.

Join a group of other open-hearted and open-minded seekers for a weekend of rest, tender care and soul exploration.

Visit here for more information or to sign up.

To read some participant feedback visit here.

Readers Write - "Our Contradictions"

"How can I be a person of equanimity and potential wisdom when I’m in front of a yoga class and then be so out of control and controlling in my home with my own daughter? I’m left feeling spiritually bereft and not at all qualified for the job."

Melinda Baxter, from her response to "Contradictions"

You responded with open hearts! Visit here to hear from the many voices of this community.

Newly Posted Essays

I have posted some of my essays that I have written over the years. Visit here to browse and read.

One of my favorites is "The River" -- a short autobiogrpahy that appeared in issue 34. Visit here if you would like to order that back issue from Heron Dance.

Ashley's Diary's from India

Ashley is a Heron Dance reader I came to know and appreciate. She is now travelling through India as an Ambassador for Youth Aids International. Her writing shows the full spectrum of emotion and experience as she visits some of the worst slums in Inda. I salute her courage and her work.

Visit here to read her diaries.

Heron Dance Art Studio and Press

I am proud of how well Rod and I have supported each other in the year since our split. We were able to keep our hearts focussed on the happiness we wished for the other instead of the hurt. Please visit herondance.org to view his beautiful nature watercolors and the many beautiful books and notecards.