I have been a witness to the incredible power of speaking our truth recently and it feels as though the time is very potent to lean into this healing power right now.

In February I participated in a small group retreat in Costa Rica led by Dr. Laura Foster and Shirlee Williams. These two are truly masters at creating a container that allows their participants to tap into the why they were looking to experience because of saying yes to the invitation.

For some of us, there was only a partial understanding of our personal why when we signed up, however as the week unfolded, with tuning in the clarity deepened. The retreat was entitled Rooted & Rising and the rooting began on our first day as we entered the temazcal (sweat lodge). I felt a deep connection to my ancestors through the ceremony and acknowledged the gifts that have been passed down through the generations to me. It felt very special, like retrieving a part of me I had forgotten was inside me.

Over the next days as we came together and shared our thoughts around specific topics and questions, it began an unpeeling of the natural ways we each deflect some of the deeper beliefs and wounds. In both the sessions and small casual conversations, there was space to listen to each other’s stories and really be heard with compassion and kindness. No one was made to feel wrong for having the feelings they carried from past decisions and experiences. Sometimes it allowed for similar stories to be shared and different ways that we each chose to move through our life journeys.

Fast forward to my first degree reiki class this past weekend. A small group of strangers were drawn together for this class and over the 2 days which felt like a week, we shared our stories. We found all the common threads that wove our sweet group together, we felt connected in unity and not separated or different. One participant opened our second morning with the comment that “it felt so good to be really heard,” and that she realized how much she had been desiring “a chance to speak her truth without fear of judgement.”

That comment landed like a piece of gold to me. After all, this was a reiki class and yet it opened to door to profound awareness within 24 hours. This is a life changing shift, a perception that can change the trajectory of life. These are moments we look back on in awe and gratitude and know that from that moment, we were different. Thankfully I caught it and paused to acknowledge how big that simple comment was. We had all been part of creating that space together.

The Power of Witnessing is truly a gift. Can you recall the last time that you felt safe sharing something vulnerable and to be heard without any judgement? To be held with love? To hear your own voice and give it space to be heard? This has its own level of healing.

It is such an honour for me to witness and hold space for clients and students to share their deeper truth. We all matter and we all make a difference in our sphere of influence. Who we are ripples out.

It’s time to free our voices with compassion and kindness. When we stop holding back out of fear, we can move towards freedom and love for ourselves and each other. Your person or persons are out there, call them in and let them know how special they are.

May the warmth of March bring new energy and creativity into your thoughts and actions.

Till next month,
Karen