January 10, 2025
Somah
As we step into 2025, it’s easy to get swept up in the fervor of setting ambitious goals and resolutions, charging into the year with determination and vigour. Yet, I’ve been feeling called to something different—an invitation to pause, reflect, and honor the deeper rhythms of the soul. In the words of Bayo Akomolafe, “Times are urgent; we must slow down.”
Inspired by a moving podcast conversation between Francis Weller and Pat McCabe on Sounds of SAND I find myself reflecting on their eloquent insights into the unsettling reality of the times we are living through. They spoke of the “Long Dark”—a shadowed phase both for humanity and the Earth. Yet, within this darkness lies profound medicine. It calls us to go “down and in,” to embrace rest, patience, and building a sense of belonging within communities where we feel seen, heard, and honoured for our true selves.
In moments of stillness, we can plant seeds—seeds to water with our tears, affection, and the willingness to show up for ourselves and each other. These seeds grow in the fertile soil of luminous darkness, nourished by what was termed “fearless generosity”—a courage to give abundantly, to imagine boldly, and to trust in what is unseen. Here, imagination becomes a welcome disruption to the rational (and often destructive) patterns that tether us to superficial ways of being, inviting us to connect with life’s hidden deeper currents.
As we navigate the microcosm of winter’s dark nights (in the northern hemisphere), we are reminded that humanity and the Earth, too, are traversing a period of profound uncertainty and turmoil. These turbulent times challenge us to meet the shadow with tenderness, patience, and receptivity. Let us have the courage to sit with the luminous darkness, attuning ourselves to the quiet dreaming of the Earth and trusting that even in these depths, seeds of renewal and hope are quietly taking root.
Let us embrace this conscious act—what the Japanese call Yutori: creating spaciousness to savor the world around us without rushing, to absorb its beauty with no goal except to truly see.
In times of uncertainty, division, and heartache, the idea of being a lighthouse—a steady beacon amidst the darkness—resonates deeply. For years, I’ve been reflecting on how my work in the world embodies this notion, and it feels more relevant now than ever. The image of a lighthouse, solidly rooted in the ground yet shining far and wide, its light burning from within and connected to Source, offers profound inspiration. Like a lighthouse, I aspire to create spaces of belonging within myself and community—safe harbours where people feel seen, valued, and free to be authentically themselves. These spaces nurture connection, inspire generosity, give us tools to better manage our inner and outer realities, foster resilience, and lead each of us to become guiding lights and steady anchors in turbulent times.
By becoming a lighthouse, we not only illuminate the path for others but also shine a light within ourselves. In doing so, we foster belonging that nourishes the soul, strengthens communities, and reminds us of the profound beauty of connection cultivating a world where no one feels adrift and everyone has a place to call home.
How Being a Lighthouse & Fostering Belonging Transforms Us:
- Cultivating Inner Stability: When we nurture a sense of belonging within ourselves, we create an inner sanctuary—a place of refuge where we can return to our core values and authentic self. This grounding gives you the clarity and resilience needed to navigate life’s chaos with clarity and resilience.
- Strengthening Community Ties: By offering others a sense of belonging, we weave threads of trust and connection that form the foundation of strong, supportive communities. These connections become lifelines, reminding us we are not alone in our struggles or triumphs.
- Encouraging Vulnerability and Authenticity: In spaces of belonging, you can show up as you truly are—flaws, fears, and all. This vulnerability fosters deeper relationships and a shared understanding, cultivating a collective strength that uplifts everyone.
- Providing Guidance and Hope: Just as a lighthouse offers direction in dark and stormy seas, being a source of belonging helps others find their way when they feel lost. Your presence reassures others of their worth and shows them they have a place in the world, no matter how dark the path may seem.
- Creating Ripples of Generosity: When we feel seen and valued, it ignites a natural desire to extend the same to others. This ripple effect of kindness nurtures a culture of care and amplifies the impact of belonging far beyond your immediate circle.
Enhancing Collective Resilience: In spaces of belonging, shared challenges are met with shared strength. A sense of togetherness transforms adversity into an opportunity for growth, helping individuals and communities thrive despite difficulties.
- Special mention: Nourishing the Soul with Beauty: Beauty is a profound resource for the soul, awakening awe, fostering stillness, and inspiring creativity. When you take time to slow down and appreciate the world around you, you deepen your connection with yourself and others. In these moments of beauty, you cultivate gratitude, emotional balance, and a sense of belonging, transforming simple acts of appreciation into powerful nourishment for the soul. Look up and take in something of beauty in this moment, let it wash over you!
On a personal note, after returning from a two-month journey in Bali—a place that has been a home off and on for over 20 years, rich with personal history—I was reminded of the deep sense of community and belonging that this magical place has always offered. Bali has held me in the embrace of profound friendships and deep personal evolution and I’ve had the honour of serving others as they embarked on their own transformational paths through our yoga trainings. After numerous years of solitary journeying (which also contributed profoundly to my growth – thank you, Thailand!), I am reignited by the magic Bali continues to offer, feeling a sense of belonging by both the seen and unseen forces that surround us. I’m deeply grateful for this.
Let us begin this year by sitting quietly in the luminous darkness, waiting with expectancy for life’s beauty to unfold. Together, we can turn toward what is present with courage and grace, creating spaces of belonging and connection in ‘the long dark’ ahead.
With love and warmth,
Simone
So I ask myself…
How can we create spaces of belonging — both within ourselves and in our communities?
Can we each become a lighthouse in the darkness, a house of belonging for others?
As I reflect on these ideas, I’m curious—would you feel drawn to immersions or retreats centered around these themes? I’d love to hear your thoughts if this resonates with you!
