Call in for a Cuddle Women ..........
I hope you are keeping warm and cosy now that winter has suddenly arrived. I went from walking in a t shirt and sarong, bare foot on the beach, to wearing a heavy hiking jacket and a beanie in a couple of days! I am a Summer Girl at heart, but there is something lovely about a warm fire, a pot of veggie soup on the stove (thanks for the recipe Jenny C.!), and the tempting smell of a loaf of my Covid Acquired Skill “sourdough bread making” permeating the house. Life is good.
We had our last Cuddle Call on Thursday 21st May, 2020, last week - where we talked about who our best friends are, what we gain from our friendship and what we contribute in that friendship, we acknowledged each other for what we have learned together over the last nine weeks, and we finished with a very beautiful Blessing on Friendship.
I write today to acknowledge each of you, and thank you for all you contributed to our calls, and as a ‘completion’ of what we have shared together. Here is a reminder of some of the topics we discussed:
What are your concerns?
Who needs a cuddle?
Share a good news story.
Corona Virus insights!
A ‘girly’ chat.
The Best Decision I ever Made!
A reading from Jessica Watson, the teenage girl who sailed the world – Splendid Isolation
My favourite holiday was …
I’m passionate about …
Learnings from Joe di Maggio, a Landmark Forum Leader – being connected, thoughtful and loving in unpredictable times
Our favourite songs!
Lots of powerful affirmations
Ho’oponopono Prayer for Healing – Hawaiian.
Allison Davies, Brain Care and Management – singing “EVERY LITTLE CELL IN MY BODY IS HAPPY!” – oh boy, we loved this one, didn’t we Catherine?!! We did this lots! Special thanks for Catherine, my METSAP (My Excellent Technical Support Amazing Person) for your technical help with Zoom.
We have a choice ….
Barbara Jackson’s beautiful Singing Bowls – this was truly amazing, thank you so much Barbara! Let’s get together and attend one of Barbara’s musical afternoons when this is done!
Signs of Energy Shifts in the World
What is your ‘secret weapon’ to staying healthy, happy and loving during this time?
Opportunity to brag about our furry four footed friends! (Cino and Clover took centre stage here ….!)
Five Friends you Need – and Two you Don’t!
Who is the person who has inspired you most in life. Tell us why?
Share your favourite movie or TV series (many notes were taken and I’ve watched several of the recommendations!)
Sharing from David Ure, a Landmark Forum Leader – being with the ‘What is So’ right now.
Blessings, every day, a beautiful, uplifting, inspiring, generous BLESSING!
How are you looking after yourself during this period of isolation?
Louise Hay – How to Love Yourself
Tell us a story which ends with – “Well, I just couldn’t BELIEVE MY EYES!”
Creative visualisation and Healing meditations with Krystene Bartnicki. Absolutely beautiful, what a blessing, thank you!
Sandra shares the joy of teaching Primary Ethics – what it’s about and what a difference it makes, to the kids – and to her! – and who wants to train to be a teacher? (Three said yes!)
The Souls Brain by Dr. Catherine Wilkins – recommended by Jenny C. Thank you!
Dish up the dirt! – Tell us a naughty story about yourself! (What’s shared in the Circle stays in the Circle. You had to be there!)
Champagne with the Goddesses, on Good Friday. Benny, aged 87, joined us, and shared how she met her husband, the love of her life, nearly 70 years ago. Bless you Benny.
Tell us what is “My Perfect Day” ?
Share a story – “When I woke up that morning, I was so excited because …..”
Beautiful meditations led by Gloria Tonggsy. DEEEEE-VIIIIIIINE. Thank you Gloria!
Lots and lots of poetry.
The importance of friends in our lives. Who are they?
Share an embarrassing moment you have had at work. This was hilarious!
What are you leaving behind when ‘this’ is over?
What do you want to create when ‘this’ is over?
One evening we simply had a “Wine Time” (whine time?) It was fun!
Creative story telling – one of us started, another took over and continued, then someone took over and added to it, and so on, Crystal finally completing with something completely bizarre. It got totally out of control and was very, very funny!
Surviving challenging times, and triumphing!
What are ‘rituals’ and what do they mean to you? A topic suggested by Annette, thank you for this lively conversation.
Mothers. Who we are – and who ours were/are. Last week, I was blessed when Jenny D. showed us a vase of pink camellias, the seedling of which was a gift to all the guests at my Mom’s funeral, nearly eleven years ago. Her daughter in law has been tending, lovingly, to it all these years. Thank you Jenny D. thank you Steff. And thankyou, my darling Mom.
Thank you to you, Wonderful Women, for your contribution to helping us stay connected through this global crises. A long time back in March, we felt fearful and that something unknown and dangerous was at our doorsteps, and we had an acute need to talk – and we learned new ways of being. We may have had no control over what was happening in the world, but we had total control over who we were going to be during this time. We each rose to the challenge in different ways, and shared our thoughts and fears and tears and wisdom and strength and insights and generosity and authenticity - and laughed, a lot! I’ve loved getting to know you all on a much deeper level, and I’ve learned so much from you, and I am deeply grateful. I’m proud we did this together. My profound thanks for all the healing we have done together, on ourselves, and on our world.
It has been suggested that we meet monthly, via Zoom. Gloria and Krystene and Barbara are happy to join us with their meditations and bowls. If this interests you, please let me know, and we can make a plan.
Meanwhile, Friends, let there be mutual care for each other, and may our friendship endure amidst the inconstancies of the world. May our friendship have its seasons, but let it turn, on and on, ever-changing, ever-returning, to the place where we find love for each other, and greater love of self for knowing one another. Blessed Be.
Love and hugs
Sandra x