September 29, 2024 Courtenay, BC, Canada Dear Reader, It's been awhile since I've written to you. I've had some unplanned busy-ness: water leaks resulting in a complete plumbing overhaul, family things, and new opportunities prompting some deep inner reflection. So today I have a few things prompted by and prompted for inner direction: a question, an invitation for next weekend, and a poem. They offer a few ways to reflect on your inner process, how you'd like to be in the world, and what is...
about 2 years ago • 4 min read
July 21, 2024 Forks, Washington, USA Dear Reader, I hope this finds you well. Today I offer you a few resources to help you with your life cultivation. I've had people in my writing world ask me for information and resources so I thought I should send those to you as well! The first is a new series on RenXueTV. It's called Wisdom Guided Living and gets to the heart of life, why we are here, and how fundamental change is possible. You can watch Episode 1: A Path to Change and Uplift Your Life...
about 2 years ago • 2 min read
June 9, 2024 Somewhere in Washington State Dear Reader, Whether you are moving into summer like I am or shifting into winter soon, I hope you are growing and changing well. I like to look at balance in my life with each shift in season. If you prefer a more playful and poetic look at this topic, you can read my poem A Fine Balance. The mission in Ren Xue is: Zi Du Du Ren This means help yourself and help others. For me, this is a helpful beginning to the topic of balance. Like many of you, I...
over 2 years ago • 3 min read
April 28, 2024 Dear Reader, I had a joyful trip down to Fresno, California for a long awaited in-person Ren Xue retreat. It was a long journey with 3 connections but delightful people experiences along the way. My arrival back in Canada had a bumpier landing and a fresh opportunity to have a look at how my patterns are doing out in the ordinary world. I’ll highlight some observations and patterns as I tell you the story. I’m aware there are more-it's ok if you don't email me to tell me about...
over 2 years ago • 9 min read
April 12, 2024 Mark Basarab, Unsplash WAKE THE BEAR GENTLY Dear Reader, If we think about a pattern as a bear blocking the door to your heart, it may become obvious that poking the bear will most often make it angry and react by attacking. This isn’t helpful. It triggers your nervous system into a flight, fight, freeze, fawn response which is quite the opposite to the relaxed, calm, and natural state needed for effective pattern work. But to make pattern progress and open the door to your...
over 2 years ago • 3 min read
March 3, 2024 Art by Lauren Raine, Roses & Wildflowers Journal, Spring 2024 Dear Reader, Today I offer you a tale with a smattering of life cultivation concepts. I invite you to read with your heart and take a moment to reflect at the end. What meaning does it hold for you? Years ago, I read The Legend of Condor and Eagle: A Modern Retelling in a writing circle. It was a beautiful and humbling experience to hear how it impacted people in ways I hadn't intended. It touched their own life...
over 2 years ago • 8 min read
February 18, 2024 Pepper before I gave her a haircut:) Dear Reader, When I returned to music after not playing the violin for 35 years, it took a lot of patience both with myself and with finding a teacher who could meet me where I was on this musical journey. I was neither a beginner nor an advanced player. Some skills returned quickly and others I "never had." I met a teacher who explained that we could view music as a series of buckets. Some buckets were more full than others but we needed...
over 2 years ago • 4 min read
February 10, 2024 Dear Reader, Happy year of the DRAGON!!! The beginning of the new lunar year marks the year of the dragon. Dragons represent power, vitality, wisdom, and good luck. Some of my favourite stories I read to my children were about amazing dragon characters and adventures. If you like dragon stories, let me know and I will send you a few titles;) How would you like your 2024 adventure to begin? It's a lovely time to build your Qifield, consider your goals, and reflect on values....
over 2 years ago • 2 min read
February 4, 2024 Jax with Cloud Hands Dear Reader, Lately I’ve had a plethora of ideas rising within me. I’ve begun to understand how I may have exasperated the adults during my childhood:) When the information arrives slowly as imagery it seems to be more streamlined. Today’s message arrived in words that came knocking loudly on my heart while reading The Book Thief. They match the theme of identity, so let’s see if I can keep it in a steady thread for you because I can feel it and want the...
over 2 years ago • 8 min read