buttons

I came across a bag of buttons this morning; mismatched and imperfect, they rattled against each other and felt heavy and familiar in my hand. My grandmother, long gone and my mother, long missed, both sorted through them when mending and tending as women would do. They were a source of quiet solitude for me as a child, daydreaming and stacking...circle on circle, plastic and mother-of pearl, shiny brass and bright enamel.

Women leave their legacies in the simplest of ways; worn out recipe cards, beaded evening bags that hold old satin evening gloves, tarnished knitting needles, bags of buttons. Generations of daughters are the keepers of these memories and the feelings that they invoke on sunny october mornings after a night of rainfall. 

Simple gifts and stories and remnants of beautiful lives all found here in this old bag of buttons... 

first frost

All the colors of autumn foliage had a silver glaze this morning...the first real frost shimmered with the sunrise, brightening the dropped pine needles, crimson berries and buttery leaves. The air felt cleaner and cleared out somehow; chimneys released dancing wisps of woodstove smoke into the bluest sky.

We had the chance to offer Reiki at the Birch Heights Community Holistic Health Fair this weekend to many residents and friends. It was a joyful day that began with the generous and breathtaking offerings of cello and harp from the Cheng family whose musical gifts are awe-inspiring and glorious. My first client of the day, "B," was a 96 year old dynamic and wise woman who gifted me with sage and simple teachings. As a Reiki practitioner, I am afforded the chance to witness true grace and "B" was a great reminder of just that. She is a strong and powerful spirit and she spoke to me about transcending her body during her session...an affirmation of "the wisdom of the grandmothers." Each client brought humor, openness and energy and we are happy to have had the opportunity to share the day with them all.

I just finished reading Sue Monk Kidd's collaborative book, "Traveling with Pomegranates" and I'd recommend it to all mothers of adult daughters as it examines without judgement the deep ties that bind. Moving and enlightening, truly.

sending peace.

September endings

The moon is waxing toward october and the full, harvest sky...no one seems quite ready to release summer. A few faded and stubborn hydrangeas persist amidst the honey leaves and chrysthamum displays . The air smells of fresh cider and chimney smoke and just-cut haystalks. Bees in a hurry draw out nectar for the onset of colder nights and darker mornings.

Yoga classes move into new session, new students arrived and patient yoginis return as well bringing in great energy to the studio.

We'll have an opportunity to share Reiki at the Birch Heights Residences in Derry on october 10th. Many practitioners will be there to encourage wellness, health and balance for residents and members of the local communities.

There is much transition present; clearing space and making room seems to be the theme of many whether is home, nature or work related. I had the chance to watch a master gardener at the Longwood Gardens as she dutifully cleared out and cut back waterlilies in the estate's water garden. She was focused and quietly precise in her hip-waders, gently moving through her trimming task while perfect pink, yellow and indigo waterlilies floated around her. Enormous tray-like leaves carried the summer cuttings as she went about her work. The reflections of the blossoms were almost more beautiful than the lilies themselves. 

sending peace.

Photography images copyrighted 2009 constance price/compass rose healing arts

copyright 2009 compass rose healing arts/constance price photography

I just finished reading an article from the Moores Cancer Center in San Diego that speaks to therapies/modalities that complement cancer treatment. I am encouraged by the support and acknowledgement of this medical community for Reiki, Qigong, Art Therapy, Yoga for their patients as part of their journeys. The "mind/body/spirit" connection is undeniable and I see the value of integrating all methods of healing when we provide Reiki for oncology patients and their families. I was particularly fascinated and affirmed by the information that stated, "Art, prayer, meditation and healing appear to originate from the same body source and display similar brain wave patterns." Think of the wondrous and infinite ramifications!! I have read this over and over and it validates what we know to be true as human beings. When we create space for wellness through any number of modalities, we empower ourselves and allow for our healing to occur on many levels.  It appears to be an organic process that we need to make time for, provide for and be open and aware of. The community of holistic practitioners and providers can truly be an integral part of this path of mind and body wellness. 

sending peace.