August Thoughts

a chatty life update

Well hello! This month I have a bit of life update, thoughts on transition and some of my current favourite things. Thanks to everyone who followed along with the Pocket Prayers in July, I’d love to hear how you found it.

A little life update

We are coming to the end of the summer holidays here in Scotland. It’s quite a shift for our family as we’ve had everyone together for the past 6 weeks. Next week half of us return to school full-time (one as a teacher) and the other half of us are heading into new things. Our twins will start nursery later this month, ending eight years of mostly mum-ing for me, and I started a new job with Bethany Christian Trust on Monday. It’s one day a week as a Community Link Worker for a project providing counselling for young people. My Spiritual Accompaniment work will continue, sharing soul space in one-to-one, group and retreat settings. And I’ll still be showing up here in your inbox, in fact I’ve even invested in a desk to write from.

First Day at my New Job mandatory picture

I’ve felt these transitions looming. In May I suddenly realised my time of being at home full-time with small people was ending and I was filled with questions. Have I made the most of it? Should I have Montessori’d more? Was I present or just getting through the days? Yes, I was present and yes I was trudging through. Yes I’ve been enough, it’s all been enough, it couldn't have been anything else. I feel the itch of an unfurling and I’m looking forward to this new stage.

I have found the practice of naming important in these times of change. What is changing? How do I feel about it? Whether it’s in my journal or in a conversation the naming gives weight and helps me notice key moments, those turns in the road that we could mindlessly follow.

All of these changes have prompted me to move a plan into action that I’ve been sitting on for a while. If you are a mother and local to Glasgow, I have a Transitions Retreat coming up in September, you can read more about below. But if you’re not either of the above, perhaps you could still benefit from naming some of the changes in your own life?

Standing at this point in your own life story, what are you saying hello and goodbye to?

Where are you feeling the disorientation of transition?

These are a few of my favourite things…

It’s always a good practice to pay attention to the little joys in life, so here are a few of mine:

Fancy water. I have recently developed an evening ritual of making myself a garnished water. Water, ice, lemon, sometimes even some mini cucumber. It's a refreshing treat, and a simple act of self-care as I settle into the childfree snippet of the day.

The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker. I first heard the author interviewed by Katherine May on her podcast How we Live Now and then got a copy of the book. I appreciate the challenge to consider why and how we gather, and how we can shift things around to maximise opportunities for connection.

Time Outside. It may not have been a scorcher of a summer holiday, but we all have tshirt tans from many an outdoor adventure, and they do our souls good.

Flying Foxes. I have taken any chance I could get to go on a flying fox, and not just push the kids. It’s a reminder to myself to join in the fun.

Flying Fox of Dreams at Europie, Isle of Lewis

Micha Boyett’s words. Micha writes thoughtful essays with prayer practices at The Slow Way and has an accompanying podcast with the same content. I loved her recent pieces on Friendship in the Shared Questions and On Extravagant Generosity.

What little joys are you finding in these days?

Transitions: A Motherhood Retreat

Motherhood is full of change: our bodies change, our days, our nights, our relationships, our lives. Our children grow: they move from our arms, to holding our hands, to cycling away ahead of us. This retreat is a chance to pause and consider what changes take place in us, as well as around us. It will be an afternoon with time for quiet personal reflection, playful creativity and warm conversation on Sunday 10th September (1-4) at The Charter in Tollcross, Glasgow.

This time is for you if you are a mother who would appreciate some head and soul space to pay attention to your journey as a parent. Together we will name and honour the changes around us and in us and lean in to our learnings along the way. Come along for time to pause, breathe, reflect and nurture yourself.

The retreat is a time for mothers from all faiths and none. It is time out for you, but if you need to bring your (not yet mobile) baby along with you, let me know. Tickets are available here or reply to this email to book your place. Please pass this along to anyone you think would appreciate it.

Transitions: A Motherhood Retreat Flyer

Thanks again for being here in the midst of all of this, I’m grateful for you.

Debbie