HAVING A SUMMER
I had a plan for this week’s essay and the more I tried to stick to it, the more it slipped away. Such is the creative process. I’ve learned that wrestling an idea to the ground rarely yields much of anything authentic, so I let it drift. I imagine when ideas do not manifest that they sit above the ocean. Hovering over the waves in the mist. They are visited by whales, waterfowl, sharks, and lie in the wake of the push and pull of mother nature until one day they arrive to shore.
I suppose their arrival has more to do with my readiness to listen than the idea actually being good or bad. Often what was once a bad idea that required wrestling becomes genius when we are in the place to listen and receive it, instead of dictating the direction.
That push and pull of nature feels real, as I haven’t had class this month. This is the first time in about a year and a half that I haven’t attended weekly classes with my energy cohort. My growth has been exponential, and while that has been exciting and stimulating, growth hurts. I feel a bit like I have been like an idea, out to sea, floating above the waves, hovering in the mist.
The break has been necessary, as we are not meant to be in a constant state of input, or output and my studies require both. It is the wisdom of my teachers to allow for this time, these weeks, for us to integrate. They called it, “having a summer,” but like many things this thought has held a deeper meaning.
Receivership has been a somewhat new concept for me. When I began my studies of Human Design over 4 years ago, the idea of receivership seemed impossible. I was willingly on the struggle bus. Constantly pushing, forcing, moving, wrestling the idea of forward momentum to the ground.
Just keep going.
This is hard to sustain. And also, does not allow for much collaboration or receivership. I had robbed all of my experiences from energetic collaboration. Nothing could come in because I was moving everything out. Learning about my Design has been instrumental in shifting this need to be in constant productivity and production. After 4 years of living my Design, the difference that allowing for receivership has brought to my life has been profound. It is amazing what can happen when we let things in.
The more I have let in, the more has arrived. That’s not to say I allow all things in. Boundaries are essential especially to those of us existing in the energetic space. But as Human Design suggests, the more I have been in receivership, the more aligned opportunities and relationships have found their way to me. It often feels as though a game board opened up nearly two years ago and all I have to do is allow myself to be moved square to square. I apply the credit to this somewhat magical experience to the loss of my friend. While I know grief has been the catalyst for much of what was laid before me, I have done the work and engaged in the practice to really have my eyes and my heart open to each next step that called my name. As my teachers have said, “your friend may have played a part in your noticing, but all of you has always been here.”
Having a summer has meant having my eyes open. I feel as though I have been able to see things with clarity that has not previously existed. This seeing of things has been bittersweet. Clarity often is. Yet, while painful at times, I am grateful for the insight. I have done a lot of reckoning and reconciling around relationships and this is never easy. It can be a profound act to really hear how people interact with you. What they actually say. The energy behind it. This clarity has provided overwhelm in both directions. Absolute havingness, love bombs and deep care showing up in direct dichotomy and pressed right against interactions of unhappiness and bitterness turned outward. To both notice and feel this dichotomy has been humbling. My classmate likens this clarity to growth. “It hurts to not stay the same,” he said. “That’s why people don’t change.”
This insight reminded me of a quote my good friend Laine kept next to her desk at work.
“One does not discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time.”
― André Gide
When she handed it to me, I remember laughing together at how we always seemed to be far from shore and perhaps that was life for some of us. A losing sight of the shore. Sometimes crashing about in the waves, other times floating on our backs, the sun on our faces. And that this is where we find each other. Our people are out on the water. Coming to shore can be unsettling. When we get there, we choose to swim back out to sea.
Maybe having a summer has meant being an idea. Out over the water, seeing the shore, contemplating land. Waiting for the moment when we naturally arrive to shore, instead of seeing it as the destination we push so hard for.
Maybe that’s where the genius is.
xxx
LAS
SOLAR TRANSIT
8-29-24
Gate 40
The Gate of Aloneness
On August 29, the sun gracefully transits Gate 40, the Gate of Aloneness. During this celestial transit, you are invited to embark on a journey of self-reliance and introspection. Gate 40 encourages a deep exploration of your need for solitude and the strength that comes from being self-sufficient.
The energy of Gate 40 advocates for embracing the power of alone time and the inner strength it cultivates. It is a time to honor your need for independence and to recognize the importance of withdrawing from external demands to reconnect with yourself. This gate emphasizes the importance of self-care and personal boundaries. By allowing yourself the space to be alone, you gain the ability to recharge and find clarity in your own company.
However, this energy comes with its own challenges. Those experiencing the transit of Gate 40 may struggle with feelings of loneliness or isolation. The urge to withdraw completely from social interactions or to feel disconnected from others can be strong. It is crucial to recognize that the power of Gate 40 lies in its ability to foster a healthy balance between solitude and connection. By resisting the urge to isolate yourself entirely, you can harness the full potential of this gate’s energy.
To enhance the frequency of Gate 40, cultivate practices that support self-care and introspection. Engage in activities such as meditation, solo walks in nature, or any method that helps you connect with your inner self. This period is ideal for reflecting on your boundaries and how they impact your well-being. By embracing your need for alone time, you create a space for personal renewal and inner strength.
Gate 40 tasks you with the opportunity to develop self-reliance and emotional resilience. It is a reminder that true strength often requires moments of solitude and that self-care is essential for maintaining your well-being. This gate also provides a chance to reflect on how you can use your independence to support and inspire others. Consider how your ability to recharge in solitude can positively influence your interactions with those around you.
Here are some journaling prompts to deepen your understanding and engagement with this transit:
1. Reflect on your relationship with solitude: How comfortable are you with spending time alone and taking care of yourself? Consider how alone time can enhance your inner strength and clarity.
2. Explore your boundaries: Are there areas in your life where you tend to neglect your need for solitude and self-care? Reflect on how you can cultivate healthier boundaries to support your well-being.
3. Contemplate your self-reliance: How can you use this period to develop a stronger sense of independence and personal strength? Consider the steps you need to take to align your inner needs with your external actions.
4. Consider your impact on others: How does your ability to recharge in solitude influence your interactions with those around you? Reflect on how you can support and inspire others with your balanced approach to self-care and connection.
By aligning with the energy of Gate 40, you can enhance your capacity for self-reliance, resilience, and inner strength. This transit offers a valuable opportunity to embrace the power of solitude and use it as a foundation for personal renewal and effective action.
NEW PROMPT!!
Do you know about Tapping? It can be an effective addition to energy work and nervous system regulation. Many of my Mentorship clients include Tapping as part of their daily ritual. You can learn more about Tapping and how to do it by hitting the button bellow.
EFT - Emotional Freedom Technique Tapping Prompt for this transit.
“Even though it makes me anxious to take time for myself and honor my need for solitude, I now trust that self-care and introspection bring great moments of clarity and strength, and I deeply and completely love and accept myself.”
Have a great week exploring these transits! Ready to learn more about your Human Design? Hit the buttons below to schedule a reading with me and download the free Human Design information sheets to learn more!
VIRGO SEASON
Virgo Season ushers in a period of practicality and refinement, marked by the meticulous analysis, healing, and enhancement of our daily routines and well-being. As an earth mutable sign traditionally ruled by Mercury and also associated with Chiron, Virgo embodies qualities of groundedness, practicality, and healing wisdom. In the 6th House, which governs work, health, and service, Virgo energy encourages a focus on skill development, physical health, and self-improvement. This Season underscores the importance of attention to detail and the pursuit of holistic well-being. With a focus on the digestive system and the spleen, Virgo prompts us to nurture our bodies and minds with care and precision. As we navigate Virgo Season, we are invited to harness the adaptive and flexible energy of the mutable signs, recognizing that growth often comes through wisdom gained from experience and the willingness to embrace change. The gifts of Chiron, which include understanding balance, healing, and using our skills for the greater good, help us strive for excellence in creative endeavors and daily lives.
The practical and analytical energy of Virgo Season welcomes significant improvements and productivity. Attention to detail and methodical approach to tasks, ensures accuracy and efficiency illuminated by a Virgo work ethic. Use this time to analyze and streamline your workflows, identifying areas for improvement and implementing practical solutions. Focus on refining your processes and systems, optimizing efficiency and effectiveness. Make a commitment to service and excellence and prioritizing customer satisfaction and delivering high-quality products or services. Tap into the Seasonal theme of practicality and organization, using this energy to plan and execute your projects with precision. Pay attention to the small details, refine your techniques, and strive for alignment in your creative endeavors. Virgo season offers an ideal opportunity to cultivate a disciplined and focused mindset, setting the stage for success in your professional and creative pursuits.
IN HARMONY
One of the benefits of streaming music is the ability for music to find you. In this instance, I am in favor of the algorithm. I’ve mentioned my love of Still Woozy before, and I’m excited to share that we are seeing him live at the Berkeley Greek in October! His opening act, Paw Paw Rod popped up a few months ago as a recommendation on Spotify and we are hooked. Their latest release, Doobie Mouth is stellar start to finish. A short EP with just 7 songs, it was still hard to pick one song that stands out. But if I had to choose, it’s going to be When I get Home. I love everything about it. Mellow, strong backbeat and a bit of a hook. Perfect vibe. Enjoy!
I hope you enjoy it too. Hit listen to get a taste.
And hey, some of you asked for all the In Harmony songs as a playlist. If that's you, here it is.