GRIEF IS A FUNNY THING
Hello Loves,
How are Y'all doing?
I've been experiencing a whirlwind of emotions lately: grief, loss, sadness, and a deep sense of the attachments I've been practicing with certain things in my life. These feelings have been washing over me in unpredictable waves, sometimes without any specific triggers. In an effort to navigate this emotional landscape, I've been actively processing these emotions in each moment. I even created a sound healing recording that I find solace in using at night. Have any of you been feeling the same way? Perhaps this recording could offer you some comfort too.
If you’d like to listen, CLICK HERE
Last month, just before my birthday, I took Mr. Lido, my dog, to the veterinarian because he was struggling to breathe at night. We already knew about his enlarged heart, but it turns out he's now in the late stages of congestive heart failure. Two years ago, just two days after my birthday, my other dog, Moca, passed away suddenly and without warning while I held her in my arms. It's clear to me that these two amazing beings are helping me process even more of the emotions I've carried with me throughout my life. Lido is doing okay with his new medications, and his current situation has made me reflect on the different attachments I feel towards him and how to begin the process of letting go, so that the grief doesn't cling to me for too long after he transitions, whenever he chooses to do so.
Recently, there have also been some family issues that have surfaced. I won't go into detail, but I can say that we're consciously and intentionally healing generational trauma. It's incredibly encouraging to know that others are also navigating similar emotions, as it reminds us to embrace these feelings and allow them to transform and pass through us. It's beneficial to remember that these emotions aren't solely triggered by the literal death of someone or something. They can be prompted by the end of a friendship, the conclusion of an intimate relationship, or even the death of an identity or way of being that we've held onto for a long time. The timing of these experiences is always perfect, even if it might not seem that way at first.
Lately, I've noticed that the grief I felt after my Dad's passing eight years ago is starting to feel lighter when I think of him. Whenever those emotions arise, I've done my best to acknowledge them and shift the narrative in my mind. Instead of saying, "I miss you, Dad," I now say, "I love you, Dad... Thank you for stopping by." This simple change in perspective feels more soothing to my entire being, and I find that I don't get stuck in sadness for as long.
On October 28th, we experienced a full moon lunar eclipse, marking the end of an 18-year eclipse cycle. Scorpio season (October 23rd to November 21st) represents a time of delving into our shadow aspects. Each month, the full moon serves as an opportunity to release and let go, and the eclipse amplifies this process. As the weather changes and we find ourselves spending more time indoors, I see it as a reflection of the introspective period we're entering. These signs and symbols guide us to redirect our focus towards our emotions, allowing us to deepen our understanding of ourselves in profound ways.
What are you currently holding onto that tenses up your body and makes your mind race?
Take a moment to notice the sensations in your body as you consciously choose to be aware of your thoughts.
Do you feel the need to prove yourself or be "right" in your relationships?
Is it possible to simply allow things to be and maybe even walk away?
Are you able to consider that something or someone may no longer be aligned with you?
These are some of the questions I've been exploring lately. I've discovered that the more I let go of what feels uncomfortable in the moment, the easier it becomes for solutions to present themselves. When you're aware of what you perceive as a problem, remember that you have also summoned a solution. It's best to focus on the solution and keep your energy elevated. I've consciously practiced this approach for a couple of months now, and it's gradually becoming a new way of being for me. It's not always easy, but with each opportunity, the process feels more natural. I'm grateful to be surrounded by people who are aligned with me and growing together on this path.
As we near the end of this month, I want to give a massive shout-out to all the incredible humans who have donated to our non-profit organization, The Adara Collective. We've managed to raise $1,230 towards our GoFundMe goal of $10,000 by December 31st! Additionally, Adara will be participating in Giving Tuesday on November 28th and is actively seeking a company willing to match the donations we receive on that day. If you or your organization are interested, please reach out to us!
Furthermore, we're launching a new campaign to invite "Monthly Sustainer Members" who are able to commit to giving $5, $10, $15, or $20 per month to support the continuous offering of our transformational Movement, Breathwork, and Sound Meditation and Self-Awareness classes. These resources are shared with incarcerated children and adults, as well as at-risk high school students. As of October, Adara Collective has started facilitating workshops at Travis, Elgin, Hays, Live Oak, Pride, and LDMC alternative high schools every week! Adara continues to serve incarcerated communities at Travis State Jail and Lockhart Coleman Unit weekly as well.
As a reminder, I’ll be in California to share Sound Meditation and Self-Awareness workshops from November 2-10th… I am very excited to see Y’all!
I’ll be offering two public sessions.
11/3 The Dancing Cat @ 6:30pm
11/6 The Neon Exchange @ 7pm
You can find all the details on my Website CommUnity Page... CLICK HERE
Thank you all for being a part of this compassionate community and sharing your energy here! Together, we can navigate the depths of our emotions, support one another, and create positive change in the world. Remember, even in the face of challenges, the healing journey continues, and we are never alone.
I Love You,
Jess
PS… Here’s a new article written about us in MysticMag for your reading pleasure... CLICK HERE
Here's how we support these Communities:
We share rehabilitative practices like sound healing, meditation, emotional regulation, breathing techniques, movement, and more, empowering individuals to express their truth without reacting impulsively.
We provide essential resources for successful reintegration, such as mentorship and education on healthy relationships.
We create safe space and opportunities for growth and transformation, enabling individuals to forge new lives with improved communication skills and conflict resolution techniques.
We actively work to reduce recidivism rates by addressing the root causes of involvement in the system, offering resources and support to promote well-being and success.
❤️ PLEASE HELP US GROW ❤️
A donation of $50 covers the cost of gas for the 600+ miles I drive monthly to offer classes.
A donation of $75 provides a month's worth of supplies and writing materials for our participants.
A donation of $100 covers the cost of paper and ink to print class lessons for 150-200 individuals each month.
A donation of $150 supports a month of satellite service, allowing us to offer virtual classes to officers and formerly incarcerated individuals.
A donation of $250 supports two transformative high school classes per week.
A donation of $750 supports all six of our current high school classes per week.
A donation of $1000 supports four transformational workshops in our prisons each week.
A donation of $2000 supports eight transformational workshops in our prisons each week.
❤️ $1000 OR MORE DONATION WILL GAIN YOU A COMPLIMENTARY VIRTUAL OR IN-PERSON GROUP SESSION ❤️
If you're unable to contribute financially, please support The Adara Collective by spreading our message within your community.