Adrift. Betwixt. Between. Limbo. I was feeling all of it last November when I realized I needed a creative ritual to see me through the end of the year. For a couple of days I pondered one compelling idea after another, until finally settling on what was right in front of me: writing prompts I’d … Continue reading
It seems I’m far beyond the age for playing with dolls. And yet, during the past year or so, I’ve made two dolls, both times in the company of other women. Let me tell you, sitting together in a circle and creating these small dolls has been a treasure, both the process and the outcome. … Continue reading
Look Deep Love Deep Work Deep Play Deep * * * * * Comments are closed since I’m madly studying for exams (although blogging continues). I’m on at least a two month social media hiatus too but love hearing from you by email: pattybechtold (at) gmail (dot) com. You can also sign up for my … Continue reading
A few weeks ago I was talking about the simple things I love and appreciate. My brief moments and small loves, I called them. Sometimes, I’ll ask clients to share what they appreciate and what’s good in their lives, particularly when they’re feeling down, drained or defeated. Usually I hear a familiar litany, with small … Continue reading
At the end of each cycle of the women’s creative wisdom circle that I tend, we set aside an evening for shared appreciations. It’s a beautiful ritual. We each light a candle, and then individually we speak our appreciations for every single one of our sisters in the circle. Both laughter and tears flow. Although … Continue reading
“A mandorla is that almond-shaped segment that is made when two circles partly overlap… The mandorla has a wonderfully healing and encouraging function. The place where light and dark begin to touch is where miracles arise. This middle place is the mandorla. The mandorla is the place of poetry…All good stories are mandorlas. An artist … Continue reading
Yesterday I told you some of the reasons why I love stories. But I forgot that there’s even more I love about them. I especially love the relief they give us from our constant questioning minds. I’m sure you’re familiar with that tape in our brains that can get stuck, rehashing the past or rehearsing the future. … Continue reading
I’m not exactly a morning person. In fact, sometimes I wake up feeling a bit jarred because the sun has actually risen and another day has begun. Most days I make the transition from dark to light fairly well, but other days there’s a pressing feeling that accompanies my waking. It could be tension. Or … Continue reading
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