“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
— Lao-tzu, Chinese philosopher (604 BC – 531 BC)
This quote came to me last night as I thought about what I would share in my spring/summer newsletter. The quote feels like the truest reflection of my life during these last six months. I know I’ve been resisting writing this newsletter because it requires sharing with you that things have changed for me.
As many of you know, my passion and work is encouraging people to listen to their hearts, follow their dreams, and live authentically. Many of you have shared with me that witnessing the way I live my life has been a model of what is possible when you follow your heart. I will admit, I’ve learned to take risks. But that wasn’t always my forte. Once upon a time, in fact, any situation that might require placing myself in a vulnerable position had the capacity to shut me down and lock the door. With years of practice and a solid spiritual base, I have learned that change is healthy. It opens the door to possibility – not peril.
In November my husband and I agreed to complete our partnership. Though it was probably a long time in coming, it was not an easy decision. We both felt it was important to separate with mutual respect and compassion. To date, we have managed to do just that. I know the process doesn’t unfold that way for every couple and I feel very blessed that, together, we’ve been able to hold that intention.
Prior to this decision, I was enrolled in the Eponaquest Apprenticeship and was due to travel to Arizona on three occasions for my trainings. Following a morning meditation, I was journaling and found myself writing, “What if I went to Arizona to live during the apprenticeship, instead of flying out there 3 times?” And this was the step that began my journey of a thousand miles.
They say you will know you are on the right path when the journey flows with ease and grace. With each question that arose in my mind, or decision I had to make, a new door opened to let me know I could keep walking forward. I asked myself the ultimate question, “Am I running from something or moving toward something?” Each time this came question came up, I felt clear that I was moving forward, proceeding toward a shift. I was making a choice for transformative growth. As a recovering person, my motivations weren’t always as clear as they are now – it’s really wonderful to know and feel the difference.
My decision to leap brought with it many gifts, including the ability to intern from November through April with Linda Kohanov and her herd at the Eponaquest Ranch. Working with 14 different horses – each with its own very unique personality – built my confidence and self-esteem. Those cowgirl boots are no longer just a fashion statement, but are a necessity!
The horses became my teachers and Masters they were. Mirror, mirror on the wall… their reflections, when I was willing to see them, allowed me to see the cracks in my own armor as well as the tender places in need of healing. The apprenticeship and Linda’s visionary program offered me new tools to deal with the feelings and emotions that surfaced as I made my way through a new landscape, apart from my husband, my friends, Annie Two-Moons and everything I had come to know for the last 25 years.
As you can see, I’ve got a new brand which weaves together all aspects of Creative Awakenings International. International? Last year four wonderful women graduated from the Creative Awakenings Facilitator and Mentorship training program. One of them, Polly Burns, was our first international graduate!
Creative Awakenings Facilitator Training:
If you are interested in receiving a pre-invite to the 2013 CA Training program, please fill out the form on the facilitator training web page or email me for more information. Those announcements will be going out next week.
June Solstice Weekend Retreat in Colorado:
I’d be lying if I said I haven’t been homesick for my Colorado mountains so I’m excited to say that I’ll be traveling “home” to Colorado to lead a Solstice Retreat with my soul sister Susan Gibbs.
Private June Sessions in Colorado:
I’ll be booking private coaching appointments at that time as well. So if you are interested in a private session, please email me for available dates and times to schedule your appointment. Please indicate if you are interested in an in-studio session or an equine facilitated session.
I can’t thank you all enough for your ongoing support of me and of all things Creative Awakenings. This has truly been a grand adventure and I couldn’t have done it without each one of you!
May you all find the true authentic path that your heart desires…
Happy Trails,
Sheri Gaynor
Tubac, Arizona
May 21, 2013
by Heart Light Digital