Word After Word

the ashes of the burned fears

The high point of the weekend was going down to Kalamazoo to bless Mary’s new studio space. Debra and I wrote out the prayers, and read them to Mary. We annointed her and her new space–she has worked so hard to make the new studio beautiful, productive, and wise and it is! At the conclusion of the rituals, we wrote down our fears (relating to our creative lives) and we burned them in my little bowl from Italy. Here’s a photo of those ashes–the ashes look so intense and scary and powerful–I’m glad we got that stuff out of us and contained. I’m glad to have released those fears! Mary and Debra asked me how I knew about the rituals and I realized I thought everyone carried on like this. With sage and oils and candles and perfume, candles and bowls and prayers and blessings! So today I am thinking about my teachers–Janet, Gingah, Mrs. Reese, Adele, some hippie babysitters, Jill, Doris, and the women in San Antonio, Bill, Ellen, and all the amazing people at Omega and Kripalu.  I have had so many great teachers! Today, Easter, is a good day to celebrate them. Thank you for teaching me. And welcome, Mary’s beautiful new studio, into the world.