March Mama Message
"Holding on is believing that there’s only a past;
letting go is knowing that there’s a future."
- Daphne Rose Kingma
As spring approaches one tends to focus on simplifying life. Clearing out the physical and emotional clutter takes center stage. This year in particular, there is a general tendency to reflect on what has not served, and to invite in what one desires to attract. We can look at our physical environment and try to reduce possessions, prioritize healthy and beautiful items in our homes, and create surroundings that nurture, support, and bring us pleasure. In our daily schedules we can try to let go of some of the activities and responsibilities that we no longer need or that are not fulfilling. This past year has truly shown us the ways in which we can do without… and now it is a time to reflect on what we want to let back into our lives.
For me personally, this is a huge time of letting go. We have decided to sell our family home in Soquel, California. This is the property where we raised our children, built the home of our dreams, created beautiful garden spaces, learned about small scale farming through trial and error, and celebrated family events and holidays large and small. It is the home where my husband officiated our daughter’s marriage, where we celebrated every accomplishment and comforted every disappointment of all three children, and where we welcomed them home after every journey. It is where beloved pets are buried, ceremonial trees are planted, and joys and sorrows have been witnessed. It is a place where children and grandsons have played and explored and learned. Many, many people have enjoyed spending time there, and it has been a haven for quite a few for longer periods of time. It has been a place that has witnessed a lifetime of love and healing….
Yet now it is a time for us to move on and let others enjoy this special place. We have so many beautiful memories that we will always treasure. Nothing will ever replace these memories, and I love thinking of the new possibilities that will unfold for whoever decides to make it their home. It has taken us time and space to finally come to the realization that our lives are unfolding in new directions. Letting go of this space is not about forgetting the past… it is just acknowledging that new adventures lie ahead. It is the largest act of simplification that I can think of right now for our family. We are embracing the unknown, and are excited about new possibilities. At times it is also a bit overwhelming. I am a creature of habit and a woman who likes to put her roots down deep. I think it has taken me these past two years to set down some roots in Montana, and to explore new territory so I can accept the upcoming changes ahead.
I am grateful for the many years together in Soquel as a family, and for all of the varied experiences during this time. I have let go of my expectation of being able to control every aspect of our lives. The path of aromatherapy has been supportive of this letting go. On my essential oil journey I have been drawn to two specific oils in very different ways. Melissa has been a part of my physical healing journey, and Neroli is possibly my favorite scent with ties to the past. Moving forward I am turning to Melissa and Neroli essential oils to let in the possibility of awakening to truth and light, and to focus with my husband for shared purpose and partnership. I invite you to explore these two oils in the book Essential Emotions to learn more…
As I turn towards the future I realize the wisdom of the opening quote. Letting go is the way forward even though it is an unfamiliar and unknown path. I am excited about what the future holds for our entire family, and I can appreciate the journey that has brought me to this place. I understand more deeply how the wisdom of our elders can expand our consciousness and acceptance if we listen carefully to the stories. I invite you to share your own stories with others, and I would love to hear more from each of you. I’m wishing you the very best as we all step into this future together with the new beginning of Spring!
Warmly,
Maria