Friends, I have some exciting news to share – but there’s a little context needed first. Indulge me for a moment, if you will.
In 2018, I stumbled across an organization called The Wild Woman Project. I’d never heard of them before, but something told me I needed to attend their summer retreat. It was 5 hours away, nobody I knew was going, and I didn’t have the money, but with GPS and a scholarship, I set off. It was like coming home to a place I didn’t know I’d left. For the first time in my life, I didn’t have the loudest laugh in the group! I didn’t feel like “too much”, I felt held and seen on a soul level, and I was amazed to know that such a vivid group of women existed. My time with them has changed me, and continues to shape me each year. If you haven’t heard me talk about how much I adore The Wild Woman Project, let’s hang out sometime 🙂
The Wild Woman Project was founded in 2011, and they don’t claim to have “the answers”, or know “the way”. Rather, they offer spaces where those who identify as women can slow down and connect with their own inner guidance with an eye towards the greater good of all beings. Being present in these spaces is an incredible experience, but I’d dismissed the idea of going through the training myself to become a circle facilitator. After all, I’m not far enough on a spiritual path to offer anyone else guidance, I’m not “evolved” or “enlightened”! But at our retreat this past summer, I knew it was time to stop fearing what I’m capable of. My ego didn’t agree – I came up with all the usual reasons why I’m not enough, or why life’s too busy – but my soul wasn’t hearing excuses, and I signed up for the training. Which brings me to my exciting news!
Starting in January, I will be offering The Wild Woman Project’s New Moon Circles at UUCV in the Social Hall. These monthly circles will offer guided meditation experiences, intention setting rituals, embodied engagement, light vegetarian refreshments, and deep connection with a sisterhood I’m proud to be part of. We’ll laugh, cry, play, heal, howl, eat, and hold space for one another as we explore a monthly theme, and we’ll take the time to invest in ourselves in a powerful way. If you’ll be joining us, you are encouraged to bring a journal, a cushion to sit on, and whatever you need to be comfortable during the meditations – yoga mats, blankets, etc. Chairs will be provided, but if a folding chair won’t feel great for an extended period, please bring what you need! What will these circles cost attendees? Nothing. The Wild Woman Project fiercely believes in removing financial barriers to access, and they offer scholarships for everything they do. In that spirit, I will never require a financial contribution from those who want to attend. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll gratefully accept love offerings if someone is willing and able to make them! But they are never mandatory.
On Saturday, January 21st, we will kick off this journey by exploring what it means to Sustain our lives. Come reconnect with what it means to rest, and consider how boundaries can help you protect your precious resources. I look forward to co-creating this experience with you, and can’t wait to get started! Keep an eye out for future themes, and feel free to bring a friend. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at [email protected], or catch me in the Social Hall after Sunday services. See you in the Circle!
January 21st – Sustain
Showing up for your life takes a lot of effort, but you can’t pour from an empty cup! Come reconnect with what it means to rest, and explore the ways we can use boundaries to protect our precious energy.
February 18th – Heal
Healing is a messy process, but our scars tell our story. Come explore the medicine in our wounds, and consider what it means to offer our wisdom as a balm for the world.
March 18th – Surrender
Control is an illusion, but that doesn’t stop us from trying our best to grasp it! Come play with the idea of letting go, and remember what it means to honor the soul’s timing.
April 15th – Tend
We all burn with the fire of purpose, but sometimes our flames grow dim and we may fear they’ve gone out completely. Come connect with what it means to tend your heart, and to be rekindled.
May 20th – Reveal
If all the world’s a stage, when are we acting? When are we ourselves? Come explore the masks we wear, and what it means to put them on with intent.
June 17th – Radiate
Passion and play are our birthrights, but we’re often told we’re too much, or not enough. Come take up space and rediscover joy!
July 15th – Love
Love, love, love. It’s not just a thing we feel for a romantic partner, it’s a promise we make and a way we move in the world. Come explore what it means to perceive with love, and to connect with your pack.
August 12th – Embody
Echoing Brene Brown, we’re not thinking beings who occasionally feel – we’re feeling beings who occasionally think. Come reclaim sensuality, and explore what it means to be in your body.
September 16th – Empower
How much of our time is spent worrying about appearances, or comparing our lives to others? What would it look like to say yes to the things that make you happy instead of wading through the sea of “should”? Come as you are, as YOU want you to be.
October 14th – Pray
Prayer is something we all do all the time, but why? Whether it’s something we do in gratitude, or when we’re in need, it’s part of our unique human experience. Come lean into authenticity and reverence.
November 11th – Spark
When’s the last time something sparked your curiosity? Come remember how it feels to see the world with childlike wonder, and to remember why it’s so important to get excited about something new.
December 9th – Align
As above, so below. As within, so without. How do we know where to reach, and when? Come explore discernment, balance, and alignment.