savoring an intentional pause
Are you in the "How the &%!# is it already mid-February?!" vibe, as am I?
Though in my case, back in December, I planned for a pause specifically for this week in The Spiral. It's actually part of a larger slowing of the previous pace, and will uptick slightly in a couple of weeks, just as we finish this season of the membership.
In this deliberate pause, I've been grateful to savor its gifts: it's allowed me to write this love letter (as well as draft a few others, which are coming soon). I've also been giving extra love and attention to a large-scale writing project, that's been in progress since last summer.
And I'm stretching myself as a musician, which is awkward and delightful all at once. I'm preparing for my very first solo public soundbath! I've done loads of soundbaths and sound journeys over the years with other musicians. In the last few months, I've played sound journeys alone, for very small, private gatherings. So, I'm especially excited to expand, as part of a public, ceremonial dance event. (More info below for local folks who want to attend.)
I'm sharing about this intentional pause, though, as encouragement to deviate from the white-patriarchal-capitalist expectation that humans need to be on a steady. schedule. all. the. time.
We DON'T.
Moreover, I'd argue that excessively steadiness is unhealthy, for soooo many reasons.
If you've been reading these love letters for a while, you probably already feel that way. So hopefully this is affirming what you already know.
And you might also appreciate a reminder to examine your relationship with schedules and structure. Everyone's needs are different; there's no one "best" way to do this. But if you never reflect on it, you might always be accommodating capitalism instead of honoring yourself.
How this looks for me: some of my life operates on a Gregorian calendar (hello, monthly bills), but as much as possible I lean into lunar and seasonal timing.
That might sound complicated, but I actually find it easier and simpler. It's exactly how I structured The Spiral, which has allowed for said pause. In this way, The Spiral serves as an example not only for lunar and seasonal timing, but also my belief in not worshipping a perfectly consistent calendar. The Spiral is structured in such a way that there are no ongoing steady dates for anything.
If you're used to capitalism's timing, that approach might seem chaotic. Again, in my experience it's actually easier and more spacious. I want The Spiral to exist as a sort of guided exploration into these different ideas around time, modeling my values of leaning into natural cycles and finding spaciousness in them.
All that to say—you deserve, and you NEED spacetime to rest, integrate, relax, reflect. Don't just take it; CLAIM it. Titration and becoming, right?
Finally, for folks local to Atlanta and nearby: the very first public, solo soundbath is on Sunday, February 26th! I would love to throw down on the dance floor with you and then serenade you with gongs. All the details + ticket info here.
In the spacious, gracious, magical pause,
S.
—
she / they
Siderealchemy
Since this love letter is about an intentional pause, I wanted to share another pull from The Wordless Oracle, a deck I find especially spacious.
It doesn't have a typical guidebook, which makes some people nervous that they won't interpret the cards "correctly." However, if you've taken Dive Into Your Deck and Light Your Lantern, you know that I see all guidebooks to all decks as optional.
In fact, I'd argue that most of them are secondary to your intuitive understanding.
If that's a super uncomfortable idea, I get it. And believe me that the experience of these classes will change your mind.
Siderealchemy is also an online school, which means that
both classes are available anytime for self-study. Learn more and register here.
This space is also a reminder that Siderealchemy has music channels on the site, Soundcloud, and Youtube. Enjoy!
Want more FREE magical missives?
Check out the love letter archive.