Hi  Friend,

In reflecting on the solstice, I’m reminded how we need to honor both the dark and the light to be in rhythm with life and nature. The dark gives us rest, nourishment, inward focus, and the light brings action, expansion, outward focus. 

In the stress of switching to remote meetings this year, I tended to focus only on the Light: diving into action, striving for progress, and “proving” how much we could accomplish online.

And yet, I discovered that we also need the Dark – ways to find rest, to be still, and to nourish the roots of our connections, even as we sit in front of our screens.

I’m grateful to have worked with consultants this year who practiced this so well in our virtual meetings. Through them, I’ve learned to:

1) Slow Down & Acknowledge

• Where are you? (answer in the chat, or show us in your space)
• Mood check -- share a word or phrase, or an item (symbol) you hold up to the camera 

2) Allow for Being 

• Take 3 or 4 grounding breaths together 
• Lead the group in a brief guided meditation, so all can “arrive”
• Have someone read a poem, or listen together to a piece of music 

3) Remember the Physical 

• Share an object that’s in your space & why it’s significant to you
• Mail a “care package” to meeting participants with goodies / props for an online conference
•  Have a dance party or guided stretch break, (off camera so you can let loose!)

The throughline here is humanity, kindness, connection.
Wishing you cozy times ahead, with wintery hibernation and rest.

Warmly,
Emily