The butterflies are back in droves again. They were here in such numbers when we moved in the fall of 2020 and haven't returned in this sense of abundance until now. Hints of faded white and innocent yellow wings flit amidst the bougainvillea and seagrapes. I follow their magical twists and turns with pure delight and am reminded of nature's messages.
According to Medicine Cards by Jamie Sams and David Carson, buttefly medicine embodies the element of air, the mental plane, and the art of transformation. I don't know about you... but for me December brings a sense of intense internal questioning using the lens of hindsight. It's an opportunity to self-reflect with discerning awareness. A mingling duality of self-kindness and self-flagellation, though I do my best to soften the harsh critic in me. I remind myself of my word for the past year and consider the intentions I set out to fulfull with that word as my guide.
I've had a lot of conversations recently with friends about my word for next year and shared bits about my angsty!@*#! mood that always seems shows up this time of year. I dance a tango between what I'll admit I've accomplished and what remains elusive; what I've done to show up for my tribe and what I've missed out on. This practice helps me celebrate my efforts and makes room for not yet realized dreams, my own version of a checking and balancing.
And in this realm of, perhaps, critical celebrating I wanted to make a list of this year's Favorites for my last post of 2023.
Dancing at Fred Again concert with Hugh & Dave in The Shine Auditorium
Amitis Beach in Naxos with Elsa
"I love you so much mama" snaps from Harry before bed
Hiking with Dave in the Highlands and returning to a warm fire
Merlin Bird Identifier App
My writing group
Pickelball in West Tisbury
Walking snickets in London
Tiropitas (greek cheese wrapped in filo, fried and then dripped with honey and sesames seeds)
Scooting through DC with Harry & Dave
Whenever the kids are home
Someone Great by LCD Soundsystem
Our St. Thomas community who looked for Beau
Georgia O'Keefe at the MOMA
Reading: Gentleman in Moscow, The Overstory, Rosewater
Demong boatride and dinner at Zozo's
Harry captaining Frieda
Cacao in Goshen
Dancing at EDM Festival and First Friday
The Torridon in Achnersheen, Scotland
The contageous applause and hollars in the church at the Athertons' wedding
Watching the sunrise in Santorini
Winning BiNGO!
Panacea in Cromarty
Giveaway Ceremony at the end of Yoga Teacher Training
Connections and Beehive with Dave
Platinum status on American Airlines
Coming home, again and again and again
As always, I'd love to hear from you - learn your favorites, your word for next year or if I'm the only one that finds December a bit wackadoo...
Cheers & sunshine blessings to you all!
St. Sunshine
Does it take the butterflies 3 years to come back? Is that the normal cycle? Do they go to Australia or something? HA. When you take inventory, it's amazing what you accomplish and the experiences you have in a year! I love the word for the year to keep you on track and looking forward to zoning in on mine :). I had an idea - to pick a word for each other as well! Def can relate to the angsty! You are NOT alone! What an honor to make your list! THAT is actually the moment I always share when people ask about the wedding - it still blows me away - all the LOVE. love YOU!