Cycling into Spring

The Earth continues it's cycle around the sun and we round the bend towards equinox. It's no wonder that human beings across cultures and times have found ways to celebrate the Spring (often in rowdy and raucous ways). The uplifting energy of this woody season waking us up and stirring the seeds in the ground (and our hearts) is pervasive and impossible to ignore. Even the blanket of wet snow here in Boulder felt more like a gift of moisture propelling us forward than anything intended to slow us down.

I feel caught in the impossible tension between the present and future. I'm revved up by the excitement of sprouting seeds (onions, peppers, and broccoli to name a few) and pulled into a tizzy of lists of all the things that need to happen. And simultaneously, trying to keep moving with the slower pace of winter, to soak up each smile and lost tooth, each giggle and wiggly dance as I'm assaulted with the bittersweet grief-joy of watching my children grow up.

Work, Clean, Cook, Eat, Clean, Make Plans, Mediate a fight, Hug, Dance, Giggle, Play, Dig, Muck the chicken coop, Shovel snow, Clean, more Laundry, Work, Cook, Eat, Clean, Plant seeds, Water seeds, Make love, More laundry, Chop wood, Carry water...

It always amazes me how quickly the weekends get booked and scheduled. All of the sudden it dawns on me again that if there are only 52 weekends in a year, there are only around 12 in a season, and well... so...

If you're planning your summer (or should I say if you haven't already planned away all your weekends), I'd love to tell you about Arete...but before I do, I want to say that I try to be very conscientious that this newsletter is almost always purely and simply a gift of gilded words to uplift the good in those who read it.

And yes, occasionally, I share special opportunities and offerings that I believe also uplift the good. I hope that's okay...

And if Arete isn't for you (or a beloved father you know), and or you missed my previous announcement about the Sacred Storywork Program starting next month it's not too late register (early bird pricing goes through Wednesday, and it's definitely the right season to embody an early bird).

The Sacred Storywork Program is an 8-week in-depth exploration of your story through writing and ritual. By collaborating with nature and following the map of the medicine wheel, we delve in to  navigate the journey from the old story to the new, connect you more deeply with who you truly are, and remember the older, bigger story of you. Our stories have the potential to change the world, and here we get to remember that we are the storytellers.

Thursday evenings, April 18 - June 6 we will be exploring the story of who you are through the Sacred Storywork Program within a beautiful wild landscape in Boulder, Colorado (aka the Heartseed Homestead). Check out www.oldwayswisdom.com/storywork to learn more and apply.

Keep chopping wood and carrying water... and keep walking that tight rope between the present and future the best you can.

With Love,

Noah