New Moon Greetings – November 1, 2024
The Resilient Thread
Let me start with this reminder – you are stronger and more resilient than you know. Even though the world feels a little out of control right now, I am here to tell you that whatever happens next, we can and will get through it.
What am I basing that on? Your very existence here on the planet means that all of your ancestors – every single one – back into the murkiness of pre-history- survived. They survived long enough to create this unbroken thread connecting to you. Their strength, resilience, and tenacity helped them face challenges that are hard for us even to imagine. Those traits are part of your DNA and energetic makeup. Finding a way to remind yourself and tap into that energy of resilience is key to getting through.
One way to connect to these strengths is through ancestor stories. And even if no family stories have been handed down, you can take the time to explore your culture and history. If you do, you’ll l find ample evidence of resilience in your ancestors.
Creating a Tangible Resilient Thread
There are countless ways to remind yourself of this energetic connection with the people who came before you, but I’d like to suggest something tangible – an actual thread that embodies this connection. I’m going to describe what I have chosen to do, but you can scroll down for some alternative methods.
My thread is coming from my garden (at least partially). I have been growing flax the last few years and processing it to spin into linen thread. That connection takes me back to my ancestors in Italy that grew, spun, and wove flax. Gardens and fiber are huge parts of all our ancestors’ histories. Flax and other fibers were spun and woven to create clothing, ropes, nets, and sails – all things vital to survival.
My thread is made of flax and wool (also something my ancestors raised) braided together. I’ve attached it to my bathroom mirror so that I see it first thing in the morning. It is a reminder to stop
and intentionally breathe in the energy of my ancestors. Even one full breath of focused awareness is helpful but you can also continue that mindful connection in a morning meditation.
Other Ways to Create a Resilient Thread
You don’t have to grow your own flax or know how to spin to make this happen. It is not complicated. Simply gather up some yarn, thread or twine. If none of these things are available in your house, check in with a friend who is a spinner, knitter, or crocheter. They will almost always have fiber they can part with. You can also head to a yarn shop and pick out a beautiful yarn that calls to you.
Once you have your yarn or thread you can use three or four lengths to braid it together and secure it with ribbon.
Alternately you can make a finger crocheted chain – like the chain of ancestors. (I am thankful to my friend Cheryl for this suggestion.) Here is a link to a video that will walk you through the easy process of finger crochet.
Lastly – if you are just on overwhelm and not sure you can pull this together, I will mail threads of braided flax and yarn to the first five people who ask me for it. Just send your name and address to joanncalabrese@gmail.com and I will put one of my woven braided threads in the mail to you.
A Challenge & A Mindfulness Practice
Making the thread is a starting point. Let it be a reminder to invite your ancestors’ energy into your life. That can include sitting in meditation and consciously connecting with specific ancestors and their strengths. Or you might spend time reading and discovering your culture’s history and journaling about your connections. You can also stop each time you pass the thread in your home and rest in the awareness that you are part of unbroken chain of strong resilient human beings.
The magic of the thread is NOT that it can make difficult times go away. Instead, the magic is about connection – connection to energy, strength, stamina, and resilience to get through the difficult times. It is hard wired in. The challenge is remembering. And the mindfulness practice is to intentionally engage with that energy. Stay strong!
About this Blog Post & and Global Healing Circles
This post is part of my lunar blog series. For the time being I’ll be posting on each new moon (not the new and full moon as I did the last few years because of some other writing projects). I’m posting this blog early because I’ll be traveling for the eclipse. Usually, blogs will post each new moon and will be related to plants and ideas featured in my book, Growing Mindful. or on other topics related to mindfulness, gardens, and intentional living. For more details and a list of past lunar blog posts, click here.
An invitation to healing circles. One of my new projects this year is partnering with other graduates of the IIQTC (Institute of Integral Qigong and Tai Chi) to offer virtual HeART of Body Compassionate Self Care Practice Circles based on qigong and tai chi. Check out the information here: Global Healing Circles or contact me if you need more information.
