It was the closing circle of our summer retreat.
Just four days earlier, we’d sat in this same circle – but what a difference those four days made.
Faces that started as unfamiliar were now friends. Eyes that were shying away at the beginning of the weekend, now met one another with supportive knowing and kindness.
Smiles stretched wider and postures softened.
My co-facilitator, Amy Soucy, and I could have taken the gratitude route. “What is something you are thankful for?” (It’s a beautiful question – don’t get me wrong.)
But instead we asked,
“What is something you are taking home?”
And, if they wanted to share:
“What moment meant the most to you during your time here?”
When I tell you that the moments people shared were spectacular, I don’t mean that there were fireworks or immediate enlightenment with people floating off into the sky.
Well, maybe a few did over the pond before diving in!
I mean the kind of spectacular that comes from hearts unfolding in the presence of one another, and the kind of listening that makes you feel that you truly matter.
There were stories of strangers becoming friends over deep belly laughs, late-night talks under the stars and peaceful moments that needed no word.
Stories of them finding their way back to themselves.
Stories of watching the light shift through the trees and feeling the breeze on their face while lying in the grass, doing nothing.
Stories of spotting beavers mid-swim.
Of savouring divine chocolate.
Much of these were unexpected moments that carried deep meaning.
As each participant shared their stories on the last day while sitting in the closing circle, I too practiced deep listening.
I didn’t know what I would say when it was my turn but I stayed open to the moment.
And in that moment, through the reflections of others, a deep truth landed in my body and I blurted what felt alive.
“I trust every participant. And not only trust, I BELIEVE in every participant.”
I trust that they are showing up authentically.
That they’ll ask for what they need.
That they’ll listen to the quiet knowing in their bodies.
They’ll keep choosing what’s real and true to them.
And that they know I am with them along the journey.
I trust their wisdom; their essence and presence.
This kind of trust is an invitation. For them, and for me.
An invitation to trust Source flowing through each of us and every encounter we have (Read Part One of this Two Part Series here).
I trust so much that Source is moving in everything, all the time.
I couldn’t make up those stories shared in that closing circle! Only the divine could do that. And, we are each That/divine.
And it’s from this place that my belief in each of us deepens. It’s not a conditional belief or belief based on doing or proving.
Just…belief.
Because of who you already are.
Because of the Light that’s always been in you.
I hope you can feel how much I believe in your success, your life, and your love << Test first name >>
Not someday when you finally “get it all together” but right now.
Sometimes we just need someone to reflect that belief back to us. To help us remember what’s been true all along.
That’s what this space is about.
And to be honest?
Hearing your reflections over the weekend has deepened my belief in myself, too. In my ability to listen. To hold space. To co-create experiences where deep connection and healing happen – naturally, beautifully.
If this resonates, I’d love to connect more personally.
No matter at what season of life you’re reading this, I would love to
- When was the last time you truly felt see, heard or supported?
- If you pause right now, what are you taking ‘home’ in this season of life?
- What belief about yourself do you need reflected back to you today?
- Where do you notice trust showing up in your life – either in yourself, others or Source?
- What is the one thing you’d like believe more deeply about yourself right now?
- How integral are yoga, mindfulness and meditation in your daily life?