🌻 Turning toward the sun

Like starting a new school year, September brought fresh faces, anticipation for what will unfold, and our first hospitality volunteer to Balm!

The room literally rang with love. While Rosy and Michelle played their hearts out, I looked out at all 25 of you with deep admiration. Some lying down with eyes closed, some colouring dahlias on the program, some stretching in the sunlight. All wondrous and whole. It’s clear this space is becoming a sanctuary for those who enter and it reinforces my commitment to building the capacity to hold that well.

For this week’s care kit, I have the great pleasure of introducing Balm’s first hospitality volunteer and guest contributor, Moriah Bacus! 👏

Moriah and I clicked when we found ourselves giggling together in the corner of a mutual friend’s kitchen, four years ago I think? Since then, she’s witnessed the concept of Balm morph from a blurry what if scenario into the here and now of what you experience today.

You’ll meet Moriah when you arrive at Soul Care Sunday. She’ll greet you and make sure you have what you need to feel comfortable. Behind the scenes, Moriah is offering her gifts of project management and event promotion to organize event details so each gathering can unfold with more ease. I’m so grateful for her support.

When I asked Moriah, what’s been inspiring her, this is what she offered…

As we stand at the threshold between summer and fall, I keep coming back to the image of sunflowers. They carry so many of the same qualities I feel in this community: happiness and joy, optimism and hope, strength and resilience…friendship.

🎶 One Song

The song I’ve chosen is Little Sunflower by Freddie Hubbard. I came across it when I realized the intro had been sampled in a song I love, Pépé Bradock’s Deep Burnt. That discovery led me back to Hubbard’s original, a soul-jazz piece that’s warm, expansive, and timeless.

A taste of the lyrics:
“Glowing like a sun / warming everyone
Will you walk with me?”

There’s something in its unfolding melody that feels like turning toward the sun: steady, bright, and quietly powerful. It’s a reminder that joy doesn’t always arrive in a rush. Sometimes it stretches, grows, and lingers, just like a sunflower leaning into the light.

✍️ One Poem

〰️ One Move

🌻 Sunflower Pose, a twist on Tree Pose (Vrksasana)

Standing or seated, root down and then reach, like a sunflower.
Open your arms wide, stretching from side to side, palms facing out and welcoming. 
Lift your heart towards the sun as you meditate on Oliver’s words: “hope for a deeper acquaintance.”

🙌 Want to help shape this space?

As Balm grows, I’m looking for collaborators who want to contribute in ways that feel authentic and energizing. Maybe you’re great at spreading the word and welcoming new friends into this experience. Maybe you have connections with aligned businesses or individuals who’d want to support what we’re creating. Maybe you have design or web skills to offer.

Whatever your gifts, if you feel the pull to help make Balm go further, I’d love to hear from you. Reply to this email and let’s talk!

🤗 This community grows through you

Most people find out about Soul Care Sunday through a trusted friend. If you know someone who would thrive from this unplugged community experience, your invitation might be exactly what they need.

🕯️ What’s ahead: 

• October 19 Two soul sisters join me (one who specializes in somatic movement, the other with breathwork) to guide you deeper into the body. You’ll move stuck energy, make sound without self-consciousness, and leave buzzing with aliveness, self-trust, and wisdom. Reserve your spot.

• November 9 Pianist Michelle Lau (whose sensitive playing always feels like a homecoming) comes back with a violinist friend. Expect music that soothes your nervous system and increases your capacity for what’s ahead. Join us.

With love and gratitude,
😍 Karen

PS. Did you know that we also do Energy Resets to liven up corporate events? See the details here.

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