Journey ahead with less fog + more light 🔆
Volume 2, Issue 4
2/24/24
Full Moon in Virgo 🌕 ♍
Sun in Pisces ☀️ ♓
Hello, lovely Human Beings❣️
This week, I began a part-time position at a beloved local performing arts institution. It is a bittersweet moment of relief and excitement, peppered with sadness for having to give up working on my creative pursuits from home full-time.
The heavy grief of losing our daughter has informed all decisions and actions over the last eighteen months. I am at the mercy of my grief, which has guided me through the fog with a dim light. This is not the end of an isolated grieving period but rather the beginning of a new leg of the journey, like a loosely planned road trip, with a little less fog and a bit more light. The grief is settled into my heart with an open invitation to visit as needed.
The decision to seek employment was not made lightly and came out of necessity since resources are running low. A moment of recognition that building something from nothing takes time, money, and a lot of energy. I will still commit the time and energy but must supplement my resources.
Since I left my full-time job last February, I unexpectedly and most enjoyably came into a life of slow living. You’ve read this before in my writing here on Substack. I now prioritize being more intentional and deliberate with almost everything in my life. This transformation was unplanned and forced upon me through the grieving process, yet it is indeed a welcome shift.
I take my time waking up each morning. I lay awake for a bit until I feel compelled to get up. I often wait for the scent of freshly brewed coffee to entice me to slip out of bed and into my robe and slippers. I savor each sip of coffee while watching the sunrise outside my bedroom window. I snuggle up to Sadie while she sleeps beside me, coiled like a ball of fuzzy yarn. I read astrology or an essay or a book that I enjoy. I may dabble in my journal. There’s no solid routine to what happens after I wake up. There’s an openness for whatever the day will bring. I make loose plans to work and create, walk the dog, practice yoga, and schedule appointments with the intention not to overschedule and only schedule what feeds my heart and soul.
Decisions are made with more thought, and my life transformation is more subtle now with less impulsivity and drama. Before, when first navigating life without Sierra, actions were impulsive and emotional, like a deep cut with a jagged-edged knife. A lot of bleeding. And now, as each day passes and I gain trust that I can live in a world without Sierra, I’m gently guided by the whispers of faith like a wide-eyed child being guided through a crowd by her mother. Less fog, more trust, and a more transparent and open path. There is faith that I can better care for myself in my grief and trust that I am supported.
At the moment, life feels like a gently curated road trip playlist with an invitation for organic improvisation based on the day's vibe.
This fresh approach to living has come at an ideal time in life as I navigate menopause, aging, and an empty nest. Menopause is marketed to women as a pain in the ass ailment to endure. Symptoms can indeed be very challenging for a lot of women, including myself. But I see it differently now. Menopause is more of a rebirth and reawakening of the feminine spirit. It’s an awareness that I can trust my life experiences and deepest wisdom to guide me with a softness, openness, and creative spirit.
The immense responsibility of raising children is behind me in the rearview mirror. In front of me, I see an open road surrounded by endless fields of tall grasses dancing in unison with the breeze. Pure potentiality, infinite possibility, and magic. Lots of magic! I’m embracing this new phase of life as the headmistress of my soul. I’m in charge and capable of making magic happen. It’s all up to me! How liberating!
I’m treading lightly for now, with less fear. Where the rubber meets the road, I’m like the distracted Sunday driver with nowhere to be. Still, I know I’ll get somewhere eventually. I enter this new phase of life and grief with gratitude for the winding and bumpy road that led me here. With four sturdy tires filled with love, compassion, trust, and faith, and the company of my favorite travelers. I’m ready for the next leg of this long and strange trip called life.
Today, may your journey be whatever you need it to be. I hope it’s the perfect speed with the right company of travelers. If it isn’t, I send you wishes of love, hope, and gentle whispers of inspiration to create the life and journey of your dreams.
Travel easy, my friends!
With care,
Jennifer 💫💖💫
Art Feature 🎨
Impala,1968, Alex Katz (American, b. 1927), America; Oil on canvas; Framed: 187 x 278 x 4 cm (73 5/8 x 109 7/16 x 1 9/16 in.); Mr. and Mrs. William H. Marlatt Fund and Gift of the Eppler Family Foundation and Agnes Gund 1983.68 © Alex Katz / Licensed by VAGA at Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY; This artwork is known to be under copyright.
Planetary Bodies 🪐
Happy Full Moon in earthy and organized Virgo! This lunar phase encourages us to upgrade or rethink our organizational systems. It may bring a reality check or two with the influence of the planet Saturn. If you wish to explore this February full moon further, I’ve included a link at the end of this newsletter.
Full moon in Virgo today 🌕 ♍
Waning half-moon in Sagittarius on March 3, 2024 🌗 ♐
Mercury in Pisces moved into Aries on March 9, 2024 ♓ ➡️ ♈
New moon in Pisces on March 10, 2024 🌑 ♓
Full moon in Virgo affirmations: During this full moon in Virgo, I honor my boundaries with grace and firmness, allowing positive energy to flow into my life. As I tidy up my physical and mental space, I restore order and seek stability, creating a sanctuary of peace and clarity under the Virgo moon's influence. I embrace the power of stepping back to review, analyze, and think things through with a critical eye, paving the way for thoughtful decision-making and intentional growth.
Current Offerings - Planet Prana Virtual Meditation Space 🕉️
New! Meditation Demystified This new four-part series aims to provide a clear understanding of what meditation is and what it isn't. I hope it will inspire and motivate you to begin or restart your meditation practice. Next week I will publish the final video in this series to my subscribers here on Substack.
Parts 2-4 will only be accessible to paid subscribers. If you want access to the entire series, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Meditation Demystified can also be viewed separately in the on-demand meditation video library at planetprana.com.
For individual practitioners 👣
I invite you to START HERE. Practice simple and accessible meditation techniques. Join us live on Zoom every Monday and Wednesday at 12:30 PM for a mindful lunch break and to practice with a supportive community. If you prefer flexibility, you can also practice on-demand. Now is the time to learn!
Human Being paid subscribers💲
Access one free live community meditation session monthly. I host weekly community meditation sessions every Monday and Wednesday at 12:30 PM ET. It would be wonderful to see your faces this month. Furthermore, I will offer more recorded meditation sessions throughout 2024, which may suit your schedule better. Click here to sign up.
NEW! Meditation for Employee Wellness 😊
Two reasons your organization should incorporate meditation into your employee wellness offerings are Employee Wellness + Organizational Wellness. Visit planetprana.com/employee-wellness to learn how I can assist your organization in fostering a thriving and productive staff through regular mindfulness and meditation practices.
I am in awe of your strength and courage to take on this new journey one day at a time with such grace! You are such an incredible Human Being! I love you!
Being on this same journey with you is challenging most days, but your outlook on embracing what is next gives me hope. I will be in touch to see how your new position is going, and as always sending you and Bob love and hugs.