Bringing more light into our world
I don’t know about you but sometimes the winter days feel extremely short. I hardly notice the brief journey of the sun in the sky, especially when it’s veiled by the thick layer of grey clouds. I wake up in the morning and before I know it, it’s the early afternoon and the sun is already setting beyond the south west horizon. I can’t help but feel grief for ‘missing out’ on the day and the day light. The evenings can feel long and endless.
I imagine how these evenings would be spent in tribal communities long time ago. People gathered around the fire, basking in a warm glow of dancing flames but also in each other’s company, telling stories, singing, sharing food, overcoming the isolation of winter together.
Festival of light workshops
In recent November workshops, we have been decorating bright, colourful lanterns and celebrating the Festival of light as a reminder of the upcoming solstice which symbolises in many cultures the victory of light over darkness.
Whilst the participants were creating their lanterns, I read a story which I wrote. It still feels like such a priviIege to be able to read my story and have its meaning echoed in other people. Their precious reflections received in return. A story creates a special atmosphere, it expands time and space like a bubble of safety. We can get lost in another world for a while and then return together in the here and now, enriched by each other’s company on the journey.
Here are some reflections from the workshop at Fox Yard Studio in Stowmarket:
I think it was awesome because I could show all the colours I wanted to do. (Participant, age 8)
‘Although it was not a new process, I was going with an open heart and I was really impressed by the new ‘thing’ that Marie brought in the process. The reading of her book and the singing made me feel loved and supported. I couldn’t stop crying of gratitude and blessings.
After the session, I had a big breakthrough which was really important for me.’ (Participant)
Keep the inner light shining
In the workshop with the team of Inspire Counselling, we have explored creatively the Martinmas story inspired by the French legend of Saint Martin, the patron saint of beggars and outcasts. On one freezing winter night in Gaul, Martin, a roman soldier meets a half naked poor man. Torn between his compassion and his duty, he eventually cuts his coat in half, giving one half to the dying stranger and keeping half for himself.
In the warm sharing circle of people in caring profession, we have talked about halving of the coat as an act of self-care.
Had he given him the whole cloak, he may have not survived the night. And yet, in the story, he still experienced guilt and felt he could have given more.
This theme is very present in our profession and perhaps in the heart of all caring professions. ‘How much is enough? How much do I give? How much I keep for myself?’ It’s hard to remember sometimes that when we are in a helping position, we need to care for ourselves too.
I am very grateful for what they shared about the event:
‘Marie delivered such a lovely, beautifully prepared workshop for our counselling team making it so relevant to the work we do. Her gentle, caring presence enabled us to feel safe enough to step into our own creative world, which for some had been shut down since school days.
Having a story written just for us and being read to as we painted, glued and decoupage was definitely a highlight.’
(Participant)
‘The session was really calming and relaxing. It is difficult to take time out just for me and I was able to lose myself in the session.
The story written for us by Marie was immensely powerful and very emotional and thought provoking. I am always surprised by the fact that other people see me as creative. I am never overly fond of my own creations as I am very critical of myself. However, I really was genuinely pleased with what I created.
I am grateful to be part of such an amazing team and to be blessed with opportunities like this. The session really felt like a moment of togetherness even though we were all working separately with our creations.’
(Participant)
‘I enjoyed the relaxed, informal way the session was offered, that this was a creative exercise where all levels were encouraged.
I loved the meditation, I wasn’t expecting that and found it lovely, full of hope.
Thank you xx’
(Participant, Inspire Counselling)
I found our team meeting a lovely safe space to explore my emotions through art, which is something I do not do very often. So, having this opportunity was a blessing, especially as this captured something that I was not expecting. For me, it was capturing the power of God’s love in this dark world, and how walking in His love and giving it away can touch the lives of those that are hurting.
After reflecting on this experience, I have written the following:
I don’t normally do creative art,
but with Marie and the team I was able to make a good start.
My thoughts and emotions were flowing,
but at the time, there didn’t appear to be a knowing.
The pinks and reds drew my attention,
they were my emotional extension.
Throughout this whole process, there has been a light,
with the word ‘love’ coming into sight.
At times, this world can be so dark,
which can leave us feeling emotionally stark.
We all need love,
walking in it and giving it, could be as beautiful as a white dove.
(Participant)
How to deal with internal darkness?
On top of personal challenges of everyday life, these days we are bombarded by the political and global events which have a great impact on our psyche. Personally, I feel disheartened sometimes. It’s difficult to keep my spirits up. What can I do as a tiny, insignificant person in face of the world’s giant shadow side? Sometimes I give up and give into despair, fear and even panic.
I have to remind myself that everything that we do matters, just the day-to-day simple things – a small kindness, a smile, warm words, a little artwork or dealing with difficult task at work. All of those seemingly ‘insignificant’ moments amount to a great deal and may just make a difference to one other person or perhaps just to me. (Please do remind this back to me on days when I’m low.) Perhaps that’s why we need each other, to remind one another that we matter. That we are loved. That we will get through this and keep our internal light bright.
And now it is here, the return of the sun even when if it’s still dark outside. A turning point. Light, welcome back to this world and fill our hearts with hope and joy so that we find strength and courage for what the new year is bringing to us.
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