Warm greetings friends.

I hope this new calendar year is starting off well and you’re finding inspiration in familiar and brand-new ways.

I’ve been finding heart in reading and listening to folks who are creative. I’m inspired by those who manage to express and practice living with heart and dignity no matter what their lives entail. It’s encouraged me to do the same as I had a recent “opportunity”  unexpectedly when I lost my dearest friend.

Never in my wildest dreams did I believe I could meet such a tragedy with such willingness to stay with the enormity of feelings. Historically, I haven’t been good with loss or grief but I surprised myself. Becoming spacious enough to meet what life offers is a process and worth every effort. Continuing to be inspired and find awe eventually, within all of us.

I’m a big fan of Nick Cave a musician and writer. He’s experienced tremendous loss and to me he’s an excellent example of inspiration. He says “Life is too damn short, in my opinion, not to be awed”. This quote was taken from a deeply enriching article in the superb Marginalian Blog

Life is indeed precious and short, so practice as the Tibetans say like your hair is on fire and find awe and inspiration wherever and whenever you can. Here’s an article from the NYTimes about awe – it’s getting some due attention!

I’m personally in awe of conscious awareness and how consciousness resides in the body as well as in the mind. If you like to investigate and experience the subtle, energetic body, Dharma and or imagination, I hope you’ll join me for one of these offerings:

Inner Awareness: The Subtle, Unseen and Energetic Aspect of Body Consciousness Online: Sunday’s March 12, 19, 26, April 2, April 16, April 23, 10 am – 3 pm PT/1 – 6 pm ET

Imagination: An Integral Part of Liberating the Heart. Online: Four Friday’s : February 24, March 3,  March 10 and March 17 10 am – 4pm PT/ 1 – 7 pm ET. Hosted by Spirit Rock Meditation Center

MMTCP Grad Groups, also online

Individual Mentoring, online or in person in Berkeley, Ca.

As always, have heart and I hope to see you soon.

With kindness, Jill

PS: The wire sculpture pictured above is a chandelier – I made it in honor of my dearest friend Janice. May her light always sparkle in everyone who knew her.