Slow Living
Subtle and not so subtle urgings from the universe
Perhaps it’s my age, as I’m nearing my second Saturn Return. Sure, those pesky planetary alignments. I do have an affinity for them, however. It could be my upbringing in the stifling heat and humidity of the plains and bayous of Louisiana. The older I get, the more I understand the way the molecules in my body enjoy the way to move only with intention.
But THIS current atmosphere in which most of us inhabit demands the opposite. That our spirit, body, and mind syncopate to the rhythms of end-stage capitalism, the machinations of preverbal ghost boots on the ground, of picking up the pace of modernity lest we become obsolete. It is all about the all-ego rhythm. (Algorithm)
Many of you who know me know that in my way of walking through life, sometimes these whispers in my ear come in, out of nowhere. I mean, I know as an animist, from whence they come, but still, it is both baffling and informative. For instance, just a few days ago, I was walking from one room to the next and I heard the word, Luddite. Not a word that rests on my tongue on the regular.
noun: Luddite; plural noun: Luddites
1.
DEROGATORY
a person opposed to new technology or ways of working.
"a small-minded Luddite resisting progress"
2.
HISTORICAL
a member of any of the bands of English workers who destroyed machinery, especially in cotton and woolen mills, that they believed was threatening their jobs (1811–16).
So perhaps that is accurate, perhaps the spirits know the score. And I find myself longing for slow living, in a world in which progress as principality is the bully that name-calls those like me as single-minded.
How’s that projection going for your progress?
When woven in with the elders of the Earth (those who don’t have bodies: those who had but no longer do, and those who never have), as animists, I think we are collectively minded, and perhaps it behooves the principality of progress with its narrowing vision and mindedness to drown out the collective sentience desire to honor the Earth.
That’s what I’ve been mulling over as I take some time out to heal from a family catastrophe with a big impact on my heart and spirit and a broken foot to boot in a boot.
There is nothing like breaking a foot to slow one down to listen to the other wisdoms that avail themselves in times of tenderness and need.
What’s Happening Real Soon:
The New Moon Ritual for subscribers is on September 14th at 4 pm Eastern. If you’d like the link to join that and are not already a paid subscriber, just a sweet plug that for $5 a month, you get that plus additional content when the spirit moves me to say a few things.
On September 24th, I’ll be hosting a Fall Equinox Ritual Palor. These quarterly sessions are where we address our lives through ritual seeking to intentionally dismember the things in our lives that don’t work, and call in what supports our agency and destiny. You can find out more and register for that here
Those who are versed in the Ancestral Lineage Healing approach by Dr. Daniel Foor are welcome to join my monthly Ancestral Lineage Healing Circle where we devote our offerings and space holding to tending our ancestors of blood and bone, kith and kin and ancestors of affinity and more. If you are not familiar with the work, I encourage you to find out more here or you can register for the session here.
And perhaps most exciting of all is the return to Dreaming with the Lamented.
This is the praxis of Ancestral Healing and Ritual Dreamwork. It truly is one of my favorite ways of being in the world and I would love to share the support and guidance to move in these ways with you. You can find out more and register below
Inspired
Here are a few nuggets that made me long sigh, explode with a roaring oof! and otherwise, shut up and pay attention and listen.
Words
Thanks for sharing this Rob Brezsny.
Melody
One of the greatest songwriters and vocalists who embodies the essence of slow living through her craft is Gillian Welch. When I first laid my ears upon her my heart immediately fell deep into the Earth and found solace there. This was my first listen ever, I Dream A Highway
As always I wish you the best in the month ahead and look forward to our joining hearts and altars.
Shannon