Daily Notes, From the Editor
{850 words}
We begin again in January.
Evening meditation is a practice to which I have returned, again. The gentle, firm insistence of a woman I have asked to consider becoming my business coach is what finally got my rear-end to reintroduce itself to the pillow last week.
"It's going to be so important for you to meditate every day," she said in our first phone call, right after I explained how I need help to bring my vision for Lucia to reality without sacrificing my well-being. The full moon out my window rose, magnified and metaphoric, into a soft pink sky as she continued, "I'll be on you about that one like white on rice."
““It’s going to be important that you meditate every day. I’ll be on you about that one like white on rice.”
I also chose a word for 2017. Some of you know. It is "grounded" and it has started to work quickly. In meditation each day, I picture myself as having roots. They tap into the earth, which absorbs my frenetic energy so what remains is clear, spacious, and sure.
Perhaps because of this, another thing has sifted its way to the surface: the deeply felt (and timidly admitted) desire to share more of my journey with you this year. You see, January has been busy under the surface. Among other things, my inner world has included...
“My inner world has included...
the revelation that Lucia’s mission is also my own.”
It is funny, I never realized this before. Our mission of course is to inspire and enlighten the world by giving voice to the heart and celebrating true beauty. But I wrote those words in early 2015 with Lucia in mind, not me. I am beginning to see that it is also my life's purpose, or at least part of it. Saying "life's purpose" may sound a bit dramatic. It feels true, though. I think I am here to inspire people to listen to and give voice to their hearts. Revelations always seem so obvious in retrospect, don't they? It feels really good though.
“...a deeper understanding of what it means to be a highly-sensitive person, that this is a gift, not a handicap.”
Being highly-sensitive means my senses are attuned to the subtle. It means they are easily overwhelmed by too much loud, bright, fast, hot, busy. It means I must care for my body, energy, and spirit in ways that might seem odd to someone with a different threshold for sensual stimuli built into his or her genetics. It also means I notice things that others miss. Important things. If you enjoy reading Lucia, I'll bet the chances are you identify with this quality to some degree. Curious? This month I read The Highly Sensitive Person by Elaine N. Aron, Ph.D. I also love Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain.
“...a deeply threaded tug to write a book.”
A heroine's journey, I think. Where I have been, what I have learned. So far. I mean, I'm only 41. It is a big one for me, though. An early mid-life memoir has been percolating for several years and the time has come to at least try to begin writing. Have you written a memoir? I welcome all forms of wisdom and encouragement.
“...the vision I hold for Lucia coming clearer.”
It has taken the form of goals being set for the year (and for three years from now, and ten years from now, and beyond). Right now these include finding a business coach or a mentor. The precise form this relationship needs to take is not entirely clear to me yet, but I know I need it. I am grounding (there is my word again) and opening (finally) to admitting (and acting on) how important it is to just ask for help from those with more experience in building a creative business than me.
“...the magic that lives right here in my small tribe of women friends, Lucia’s contributors and muses.”
Amanda, Sarah, Cicely and I held a second coven-esque potluck dinner here at my house last weekend. Of course it involved a circle, candlelight, eagle feathers, smudging, stones, crystals, grounding, visions, and holding one another's laughter and tears. I honestly believe small circles like this, of heart-centered people, are what will save humanity in the long run. Hold tight to those who inspire you. Gather them. Honor them. Love them.
“Underlying all of this has been a sweet sense...”
...that my long-time love relationship has entered a new phase: steady, tested, willing, true. This also grounds me. The lessons over a decade of weaving in and out of our connection have been steeped in letting go, trusting, doing my work, and discovering little by little that true love is not actually to be found in someone else at all. Of course. Duh. It is inside of me. Like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz who always had the power to go back to Kansas, it was in her all along. Meeting him again from this place has been, well, powerful. And playful. And vulnerable and tender at times. And really good. We do grow.
So all of that has been happening this month, under the surface. Inner worlds are so rich, I know you know.
You, dear reader, follower, friend, muse, heartbeat...I humbly (and a bit timidly) share these parts of my journey trusting, no, knowing that you are on one too. These are the journeys of our lifetime. We are learning how to listen to our hearts, speak from our hearts, lead with our hearts. This path requires great courage and admittedly also careful tread. Supportive camaraderie helps.
On New Year's Eve, I promised this year I would show up with heart and soul. Here I am. I'll be doing my best to remain grounded, to listen and follow and give voice to my heart, to bring you Lucia, and share as I go.
What has January brought your way? We are halfway through and it is still a month for beginnings, revelations, recognitions, soul tugs, visions, and sweet, grounded love.
Be in touch, be inspired, and be well.
xo
laura
Laura Lowery is the founder, editor and publisher of Lucia. She does her best to lead a creative life. Whether triumphant or stumbling, Laura shares daily notes (that are often weekly) here on luciajournal, including stories, behind-the-scenes happenings, little doses of inspiration, and large quantities of curiosity and heart. She is pleased to meet you.