You are not a TO DO list
At the end of 2021, I read a book called Do Pause/ You are not a To Do list.
This book landed in my body, my nervous system, and my heart in such a profound way that my word/theme for 2022 is PAUSE.
My 'word/theme of the year' represents an anchor bringing me back to my center and what really matters for me at the deepest core at this time in my life. And it always ends up being something I need to integrate into my being with more depth.
In 2020 my word was PLEASURE and while that was very much part of my year (I started a beautiful new relationship and was also able to take much time off from work to re-evaluate what direction my heart wanted to go moving forward), I also had to face deep pains (old core wounds and trauma that exposed itself as I embraced the complexity of that word in my life and all the ways I had programmed myself to push it away out of 'not enoughness' or shame or the ways I had taken on ideologies of pleasure over what my body and heart truly were in resonance with). It was truly my Heroine’s journey to deepen my understanding and embodiment of pleasure.
In 2021, my theme was TRUST my heART. And again, the shadow of that was seeing all the places I had abandoned myself, people-pleased, and compared myself to others with regards to my self-expression and my work in the world. Last year was also the first year, in a long time, that I felt at peace with my work and my art. I started writing a poetry book, launched RITUAL (a healing, self-discovery, and intentional virtual community experience) and Boundless (a yoga teacher training + mindfulness-based leadership program). I also took a step towards reconnecting with making music (and foresee much more of this unfolding this year).
So this year, I have no doubt that the theme of PAUSE will be taking me into an inner self-reflection and growth journey that is just what I need to open to my never-ending 'becoming' with more grace.
One of the reasons I believe that RITUAL was so impactful for people in 2021, is that it's set up to act as little intentional pauses within your month. It's sacred space for deep self-reflection and a re-set for the nervous system. It's connecting with brave vulnerability and like-minded community - reminding us, we are never alone. It's truly balm for the soul.
It's so easy to say, "I'll make time for mySelf" and then before you know it, the month has passed in a whirlwind, essentially totally unembodied and filling up more with each passing month. What I often find myself saying to people is that spaces like this do not 'take up space,' they give it (space for the heart, mind, and soul to align).
This is for the 'too busy' person, the one who tends to get 'burnt out' or 'spun out' all too often, the souls who find themselves indecisive and full of self-doubt, again and again. Because this means you are likely also a creative, giving, curious, deep caring human who thrives in community and when given small nudges of guidance through embodiment, journaling, and being seen/heard. You know the power of wisdom and you know its impact on your life...and most of all you know you need time to pause, to give space for wisdom to take your hand and whisper in your ear what you couldn't hear through all the noise.
RITUAL 2022 (3-month membership experience)
Remembering Ourselves as Holy, Whole, and Wise
This membership is a live + virtual experience of self-regulating, self-discovery, and intentional community through bi-weekly new + full moon embodiment experiences, weekly meditation + stream of consciousness/poetry writing sessions, and monthly grace + guidance gatherings.
Each month will be filled with clarity, connection, & a deepening of consciousness; which are absolute game-changers in how we show up in our relationships, our work, our art, and for our Selves.
"Ritual is as magical as the moon itself! I look forward to gathering twice a month for such a beautiful celebration of life and love, Mother Nature’s ebb and flow, Universal grounding. I especially enjoy the deep breath-work for the full moon, as it always moves my soul in ways I never expect! Amber is such a wonderful facilitator, really sharing her authentic self and love for others. Her guidance is truly meditative. I always end Ritual feeling calmer and full of light." - Lex
"Thank you for holding space! I hope that you'll be offering Ritual next year as well, or something similar! Between attending D.R.M classes semi-regularly, the mindful teachings in Ritual, and your newsletters, I've noticed a huge shift in my mental space over the past year when I needed it the most, and I am so incredibly grateful!!" - Shelby
"I love being a part of Ritual! I’d been wanting to live more aligned with the moon cycle for a while and this has been the perfect way to do just that. It’s something I genuinely look forward to on my calendar. Amber is so supportive, and I walk away from each session with amazing insights. There’s something so intrinsically special about reconnecting with the moon cycle among a group of such amazing humans!" - Candi
To Bringing Our Full Selves, to the World…Together,
