This week the ordinary has been on my mind. The space we can find in the ordinary for integration and the holding the ordinary allows for our creativity. I'm working on another essay about this and I want to know - anyone else have moments of ingenuity while performing the ordinary? Do you find ordinary tasks set your creative process in motion? If so, what are they? I want to know! Please comment below.
Contemplations arrive while brushing my teeth. This happened on Wednesday night, as I went through my regular nighttime ritual. I searched the crowded vanity drawer for the toothpaste and thought of my daughter’s dentist who told me years ago that, “teeth are awesome and weird.” Suzan’s enthusiasm for teeth is profound. She views teeth an an integral part of our entire system, indicating places in the body where we have both strengths and weaknesses. As if each tooth is a tarot offering guidance to the rest of our body. Suzan’s office bookshelves are filled with crystals, essential oils, and books. Small totems that became important to my daughter when she was younger. Holding a spiky and deeply hued amethyst made her feel better about the vulnerability we sit in when we offer the insides of our mouth for inspection. It’s intimate.
Perhaps it is for this reason that my mind remembers things while brushing my teeth. These memories are like tarot cards bringing forth an experience to contemplate. That each unearthed moment could somehow present relevance to a current theme in my life. The memories hit quickly and appear to arise out of nowhere. A thought hidden or defined as unimportant until just that moment. The way we bury less important paperwork under a pile of more urgent tasks.
When I was in the 8th grade, a family moved to our town from Santa Barbara, California. I say Santa Barbara, California because the location matters to a teenage girl growing up on Long Island. Santa Barbara meant they moved from Southern California, but not from Los Angeles. That they were sun kissed and spent time at the beach. Perhaps they were softer or more Californian than if they had been from Los Angeles proper. I imagined orange trees lining their suburban street, beach towels in the back of their car year round, and collections of shells scattered throughout their Spanish tiled home. These were the thoughts I had when it was noted that on Monday a new girl would be joining our class.
Cate moved with her younger sister Jennifer, and her mom and dad and two dogs. Cate’s mom had secured a job at a local well known university as a Dean and as the story was told, it was too big of an opportunity to pass up, so they moved across the country. Believe it or not, this was pretty unheard of in the early 90’s. That a family would “pull up their roots, yank the kids out of school,” so mom could pursue her career. These were the whispers heard around the school, as the family’s story in our small town had begun long before their arrival. There was no mention of opportunity, or accomplishment, only that Cate’s mom had dragged them all 3,000 miles away from home.
Cate’s mom was the first woman I had ever met who had two last names followed by letters. It was not uncommon for the moms in my community to be well educated and to have led successful careers, but most no longer worked and this previous identity no longer mattered. A woman’s existence was, “oh that’s so and so’s mom.” Moms went by Mrs. insert husband’s last name here, or if they were fun, like my friend Brad’s mom Charlene, they went by their first name.
Outside of Charlene, Cate’s mom was the first who had a preferred name. When Dr. Parker Hughs was referred to as Mrs. Hughes or Mrs. Parker Hughs, we were corrected. Not just once, but consistently. This was new, and I remember mentioning it to my mom, as though this request would require everyone a lot of remembering and extra work.
Dr. Parker Hughs corrected us with intention. It wasn’t just about having a separate identity from her husband, it was also about having a separate identity from her children. She was a mother and also held enough power in her marriage to move the family 3,000 miles across the county for her profession. And this was very different. I cannot name a family, I’ll be more specific here - father/husband, in my town who would have done the same. Moves were based on the father’s profession. Mothers didn’t much matter.
It never occurred to me at the time that Dr. Parker Hughs’s name or the family’s cross county move might have been pretty normal for Santa Barbara. That maybe California was somehow different. Maybe what mattered was different.
Until this moment, I hadn’t thought about Cate or Jennifer in years. I haven’t seen or heard from them since graduation. They both returned to California for college, if memory serves right, Cate to Pepperdine and Jennifer to UCLA. As a teen, I wondered why they returned. Why they couldn’t make New York home. As if going back to California was some sort of a failure. Not being comfortable in New York, or moving out here and not wanting to go to NYU or Columbia was somehow a defeat.
I told my daughter this story. My wild kiddo who lives in the redwoods and wants nothing of the city. Who loves the beach, and the mountains and vegan ice cream more than the dairy variety. This very deeply California girl. She’s never called a parent by anything but their first name. Learned to pee outside her first day of school and called her teachers Roxy and Ms. Julia.
She knows some of what her friends' parents do, but more of what they like to do. Mike mountain bikes, Tiffany likes yoga. Nora volunteers for Guide Dogs for the Blind. As I shared with her the newness of a mom having two last names followed by letters, her eyes grew. There was no judgement, or assumption, nothing placed upon Dr. Parker Hughs, as had been.
The idea that this could somehow be new or even important was like showing her a relic. A walkman, an 8 track, a pay phone. She knows little of conformity or what “usual” might look like. That a community could exist with so much inherent sameness just didn’t make sense. All around her families are making different choices about school, where to live, how to live, and with whom to live with. There is evidence of constant growth and evolution. Change. Our conformity in essence is that there is little conformity.
As she played with my phone, scrolling Spotify, she didn’t think for more than a few seconds when she said, “Mom, that’s weird that it was weird.” Then. “Mom, Kamala is asking for money again.”
“Thank goodness,” I said.
xxx
LAS
SOLAR TRANSIT
9-15-24
Gate 6
Gate of Friction
On September 15, the sun gracefully transits Gate 6, the Gate of Friction. During this celestial transit, you are invited to embark on a journey of conflict resolution and emotional clarity. Gate 6 encourages a deep exploration of your ability to navigate interpersonal tensions and to find harmony through understanding and empathy.
The energy of Gate 6 advocates for embracing the power of friction and the growth that comes from navigating conflict. It is a time to honor your capacity to engage with challenging emotions and to recognize the importance of resolving tensions with grace and compassion. This gate emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence and the wisdom to transform friction into opportunities for deeper connection. By allowing yourself the space to address and resolve conflicts, you gain the ability to strengthen your relationships and foster a more harmonious environment.
However, this energy comes with its own challenges. Those experiencing the transit of Gate 6 may struggle with feelings of frustration or fear of confrontation. The urge to avoid conflict or to react impulsively to tension can be strong. It is crucial to recognize that the power of Gate 6 lies in its ability to foster constructive conflict resolution and emotional clarity. By resisting the urge to shy away from or escalate tensions, you can harness the full potential of this gate’s energy.
To enhance the frequency of Gate 6, cultivate practices that support emotional intelligence and conflict resolution. Engage in activities such as active listening, empathetic communication, or any method that helps you navigate interpersonal tensions with grace. This period is ideal for reflecting on your approach to conflict and the steps needed to resolve tensions constructively. By embracing your capacity for navigating friction, you create a space for emotional growth and deeper connections.
Gate 6 tasks you with the opportunity to develop emotional intelligence and a strong sense of empathy. It is a reminder that true harmony often requires addressing and resolving conflicts, and that navigating friction with grace can lead to stronger, more authentic relationships. This gate also provides a chance to reflect on how you can use your emotional clarity to support and inspire others. Consider how your ability to engage with challenging emotions can positively influence those around you.
Here are some journaling prompts to deepen your understanding and engagement with this transit:
1. Reflect on your relationship with conflict: How comfortable are you with navigating interpersonal tensions and resolving conflicts? Consider how addressing friction can enhance your emotional clarity and relationships.
2. Explore your emotional intelligence: Are there areas in your life where you tend to avoid or escalate conflicts? Reflect on how you can cultivate more empathy and constructive conflict resolution.
3. Contemplate your approach to tension: How can you use this period to refine your ability to navigate and resolve interpersonal tensions? Consider the steps you need to take to foster more harmonious relationships.
4. Consider your impact on others: How does your ability to engage with challenging emotions influence those around you? Reflect on how you can support and inspire others with your emotional intelligence and conflict resolution skills.
By aligning with the energy of Gate 6, you can enhance your capacity for emotional clarity, empathy, and constructive conflict resolution. This transit offers a valuable opportunity to embrace the power of friction and use it as a foundation for emotional growth and deeper connections.
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 below.
EFT - Emotional Freedom Technique Tapping Prompt for this transit.
“Even though it makes me anxious to navigate interpersonal tensions and resolve conflicts, I now trust that emotional intelligence and empathy bring great moments of clarity and connection, and I deeply and completely love and accept myself.”
FULL MOON
Lunar Eclipse
9-17-24
Pisces
Gate 36: The Gate of Crisis
The upcoming Full Moon Lunar Eclipse on September 17, 2024, in Pisces marks a profound moment of emotional intensity and transformation. Pisces, the compassionate and intuitive Water sign, governs this lunar eclipse, inviting us to delve deep into our subconscious, dreams, and spiritual connections. This celestial event occurs in the 12th House, highlighting themes of introspection, healing, and the release of old patterns.
Pisces, ruled by Neptune, encourages us to dissolve boundaries and connect with the universal energies that surround us. It invites us to embrace empathy, intuition, and spiritual insights as we navigate through this eclipse period. This Full Moon Lunar Eclipse prompts us to release emotional baggage and embrace forgiveness, compassion, and spiritual growth.
Paired with Gate 36, The Gate of Crisis in Human Design, this lunar eclipse amplifies our awareness of personal and collective challenges. Gate 36 encourages us to face crises with resilience and wisdom, viewing them as opportunities for profound growth and transformation. It challenges us to navigate uncertainties and upheavals with grace and inner strength.
This Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Pisces and Gate 36 invites us to engage in deep healing and spiritual renewal. It encourages us to surrender to the flow of life, release what no longer serves us, and embrace a path of compassion, forgiveness, and spiritual evolution.
Journal Prompts to Deepen Your Full Moon Lunar Eclipse Experience
1. Reflect on your spiritual journey: How do you connect with your inner guidance and spiritual beliefs? What practices can you integrate to deepen your spiritual connection during this transformative period?
2. Explore areas of emotional release: Are there past hurts or emotional wounds that are ready to be healed and released? How can you use the energy of this lunar eclipse to facilitate emotional healing and renewal?
3. Evaluate your approach to crises: How do you typically respond to challenges and crises in your life? What strengths or resources can you draw upon to navigate uncertainties with resilience and grace?
4. Contemplate forgiveness and compassion: Are there individuals or situations where forgiveness and compassion can facilitate healing and closure? How can you cultivate a mindset of forgiveness and compassion toward yourself and others?
Embrace the energy of this Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Pisces and Gate 36 as an opportunity for deep spiritual awakening, emotional healing, and personal transformation. Allow yourself to surrender to the cosmic energies at play and trust in the process of growth and renewal.
SOLAR TRANSIT
9-21-24
Gate 46
Gate of Determination of the Self
On September 21, the sun gracefully transits Gate 46, the Gate of Determination of the Self. During this celestial transit, you are invited to embark on a journey of embodiment and perseverance. Gate 46 encourages a deep exploration of your ability to connect with your physical self and to navigate life with a sense of determination and presence.
The energy of Gate 46 advocates for embracing the power of physical awareness and self-determination. It is a time to honor your body as the vehicle through which you experience life and to recognize the importance of staying grounded in your physical reality. This gate emphasizes the importance of perseverance and commitment to your journey. By embodying your experiences fully, you gain the ability to navigate life with a sense of purpose and determination.
However, this energy comes with its own challenges. Those experiencing the transit of Gate 46 may struggle with feelings of physical discomfort or a disconnect between their mind and body. The urge to push through physical limitations without proper care or to neglect the body's needs can be strong. It is crucial to recognize that the power of Gate 46 lies in its ability to foster a harmonious relationship between mind and body, promoting overall well-being. By resisting the urge to overlook your physical self, you can harness the full potential of this gate’s energy.
To enhance the frequency of Gate 46, cultivate practices that support physical awareness and self-care. Engage in activities such as yoga, mindful movement, or any method that helps you connect with and honor your body. This period is ideal for reflecting on your physical habits and how they impact your sense of determination and presence. By embracing your physical self, you create a space for grounded perseverance and purposeful action.
Gate 46 tasks you with the opportunity to develop physical resilience and a strong sense of self-determination. It is a reminder that true progress often requires a deep connection to your body and a commitment to your physical well-being. This gate also provides a chance to reflect on how you can use your physical presence to support and inspire others. Consider how your ability to embody determination and perseverance can positively influence those around you.
Here are some journaling prompts to deepen your understanding and engagement with this transit:
1. Reflect on your relationship with your physical self: How comfortable are you with being present in your body and honoring its needs? Consider how your physical awareness can enhance your sense of determination and purpose.
2. Explore your perseverance: Are there areas in your life where you tend to push through physical limitations without proper care? Reflect on how you can cultivate a more balanced approach to perseverance and self-care.
3. Contemplate your physical habits: How can you use this period to develop healthier physical habits that support your overall well-being? Consider the steps you need to take to align your physical and mental selves.
4. Consider your impact on others: How does your ability to embody determination and perseverance influence those around you? Reflect on how you can support and inspire others with your grounded presence and resilience.
By aligning with the energy of Gate 46, you can enhance your capacity for physical awareness, resilience, and self-determination. This transit offers a valuable opportunity to embrace the power of your physical self and use it as a foundation for purposeful and determined 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 below.
EFT - Emotional Freedom Technique Tapping Prompt for this transit.
“Even though it makes me anxious to fully connect with my physical self and honor its needs, I now trust that physical awareness and self-determination bring great moments of alignment and growth, and I deeply and completely love and accept myself.”
Ready to explore more about your Human Design and astrological influences? Schedule a reading with me to delve deeper into your unique cosmic blueprint.
THE CREATIVE
Welcome to The Creative. Twice a month I share quotes from the books, Art is the Highest Form of Hope and The Creative Act. I find perspectives on the creative process to be so meta when it comes to life. We are a creative process and everything we do is subject to the same rules. Creation is non-linear. It's messy. It moves forward and backward. And also gets stuck. Often times we do not realize the purpose of a singular creative process until years later. Creativity likes to surprise us.
In my energy studies, I have a colleague who makes a practice of asking our teachers questions. A lot of questions. All the time. I’m not a big question asker in class or even immediately after. It takes time for me to integrate a new idea and sit with it a bit before I contemplate a question. Luckily I benefit from my colleague’s question practice, as they openly share with me what their inquiries yield. Talking with them feels like being on the inside of a very thrilling adventure. Recently, they asked our teacher what was at the essence of our studies. “What is at the bottom of all this for you,” they asked. The answer surprised us both and continues to unfold for me as I engage more deeply in my studies.
The answer was, intimacy.
My teachers’ goal is to create the knowledge among their students to be able to experience a deep intimacy with other humans while on earth. The work we do in class and outside of class is designed for us to be able to have the highest of the human experience. And that sounded incredibly beautiful to me. We don’t often think of intimacy in this way. The intimacy my teacher speaks of feels like BIG INTIMACY. Something that can be experienced between people and animals and plants and the earth. Not just close friends, family, or partners. A sharing of the lived experience that goes beyond our concept of romance and love. A closeness. An aliveness.
The above quote reminded me of this purpose of intimacy. I wonder if Oldenburg had a similar thought. Could he be referring to touch as this idea of intimacy? EIther way I think this touch or intimacy is something that we creatives work towards. An understanding, or closeness that is not only shared with those interacting with our work, but collaborated on.
What are your thoughts about this quote?
The shower. I get most of my best ideas in the shower. Makes sense… relaxation, warmth, and WATER. Ideas just come one after another after another.