Circles and Spirals
Circles and spirals have been a consistent theme lately. As the wheel of the year slowly turns, long days begin to shorten and a familiar crispness returns to the air. With windows open and a faint breeze moving through the house, it’s evident the calendar year is nearing three quarters of the way through. In the midst of retrograde season, we’re invited to review and reflect. Taking stock of what has happened thus far, being present with what is, looking forward to what may be. It all holds importance.
The spiral that is held in the center of our Embody logo represents the spiral we walk along our healing journey. Eventually we return to something we’ve seen or experienced before, each time with a different perspective. Perhaps an old trigger resurfaces and we’re able to handle it in a healthier way, something we used to fear now brings a smile of knowing better or a pang of grief is simply a little less debilitating.
We all have different paths to walk and journeys to take. When we get to gather in the same spot, our paths meeting together, something extraordinary happens.
There is a tremendous gift in being able to show up for ourselves and observe these changes. It is amplified by the presence of community. Coming together to witness, be seen, heard, hold the tender spaces and celebrate the victories. Where are you now in mind, body and spirit? How have you shifted in the last month? Since the beginning of Summer? Since your last Embody experience?
As we plan our next retreat, we look back to all the ones before. We look forward to seeing familiar and new faces alike. Paths crossing once again, seeing growth, expansion, new places to tend to and the magic we co-create as community. A special place in our hearts for each unique group, every person that’s been present, we are so excited to gather in the forest and welcome fall with you.
We can not stop the wheel of the year from turning. Earth shifts and moves at her own pace. May we embrace the changes external and internal. May we come together and be bolstered for our journey into the underworld of Winter. You’re invited to join paths once more. We come together to kindle the magic spark you each hold, so you can better carry your inner light through darker days.
Embodiment Practice:
The Spiral Sun
In alignment with our theme, we created a practice that combines visualization, body communication, and 360 degree breathing to help create more space and amplify love in the body.
Begin seated or laying down, adding props under the knees or hips to help support your comfort. You might like to use the guided audio practice or set a timer for at five or more minutes minutes, so you can help the mind release the need to track the passage of time.
Begin to bring awareness to the ribcage, front, back and each side. Rub the palms around all parts of the ribcage and torso to begin a deeper level of communication with this part of your body. Imagine the hands sending gratitude, warmth and care all of the systems that reside here. You might like to invite an a sweet intention such as, “I am here to help support your growth and expansion, thank you for all you do.”
Notice sensation or absence of. Is it difficult or easeful to feel the perimeter and inside of this circle in your torso? Are there certain areas of the body that have a specific feeling? Tightness or tingling? This is all just information, no need to judge or assess their meaning.
Begin to visualize a round golden sun at the very center of the body, within the ribcage and lungs. As you begin to breathe, feel the expansion of this golden sun, growing bigger and brighter. Imagine the sun beginning to spiral light in every direction. Warm healing light spiraling and circling into every cell, the blood, the bones, the muscles, or anywhere you could use extra support.
The breath can move very slowly, at your own pace. Feel the expansion of the sides, the back and the front of the ribcage. Imagine the light of the sun’s circle radiating out in every direction, filling your entire body with fresh energy.
Imagine a whirlpool underneath the body. Use you exhales to release any heavy, dense energy that you no longer wish to carry. As you feel complete, bring the hands back to the body and seal your practice with warmth and gratitude for all of the layers of you.