📦 Pack it up, pack it in

In this newsletter:

〰️ A reflection on a current transition
〰️ A quote from a Balm community member
〰️ An invitation to meet yourself where you are

👋 Hello friend

I found these photos in the archives while helping my parents prepare their house for renovation.

A makeover Mom has been dreaming of for 20 years. And now we’re trudging through the clean up and logistics of the move before construction starts in April.

I find the timing of this transition with the emergence of spring, especially satisfying.

Sorting through drawers, cupboards, and shelves of stuff. Deciding what to keep and what to let go.

Rediscovering forgotten memories. Reliving past experiences. Recognizing accomplishments and failures we never talked about before. Reflecting on what changed and what remained constant over the years.

Trips to the donation drop-offs, the recycling centre, and the dump. Feeling lighter from the purge while also carrying away the heavy reality of how much waste we added to the landfill.

It’s a tedious and tiring process. Moving so much physical and emotional energy.

Are there other things I’d rather be doing? Yes. And no.

Do I wish we could get through this faster? Yes. And no.

Life gifted us this time together—a family project. As hard as it is at times, I want to be fully present for it. I must. Otherwise, what’s the point?

To witness our dysfunctions unfold. To see my own reactions. To accept the mess and to love with patience, honesty, and perseverance. To be open to receive what is meant for us in this moment.

Like a mother giving her pre-teen daughter a bowl cut. Lord, have mercy.

I used to feel very lonely and behind. Thinking that everyone else had somehow arrived and I was still finding my way through a lifetime of liminal space.

What I’ve realized is everybody is in some kind of transition, in at least one area of their life. I find a sense of belonging in that truth.

And it’s a reason why Balm exists. To be a space where we can arrive in the present moment during our many transitions, together.

Will you gather there with me?

〰️ A moment for whatever transitions you’re living through

What areas of life do you feel a turning of the seasons: health/wellbeing, relationships, personal growth, career/work, finances, home, or spirituality? No matter where you are, we meet in nature’s rhythm as we move from what was winter to what will be spring.

From here:
 
🧘🏻‍♀️ To meet yourself where you are
🫴 To reflect on and release what was
😌 To set intentions
👐 To welcome what will be
🎶 To let music, poetry, movement, and creativity in community hold you

May you find the rest, reset, and refreshment you need. I hope you will join us.

🫠 Soul Care Sunday: Shed Winter, Ease Into Spring
🗓️ Sunday March 23, 10:30am-12pm
🎹 Solo piano performed by Michelle Lau
📍 Society Clubhouse at 967 College St, Toronto
🎟️ Save your spot through Eventbrite