From the Center of the Labyrinth -

From the Center of the Labyrinth –

CHRISTINE NICHOLS GAUTREAUX·MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2018·READING TIME: 2 MINUTES

Originally published 12/3/2018 on FB Notes

Breathing a deep breath of gratitude this morning.

Between travel and the weather, I have not been in my regular routine. This morning it feels like I’m back!!! I was able to get in my A.M. Yoga with Rodney Yee, get Sammie off to school, and then took myself and my teacup out to the Labyrinth to greet the day.

It’s Fall in Georgia, even though last week felt like winter and yesterday Spring. This morning it was about 50 degrees and the leaves had completely covered the labyrinth making the path almost impossible to see. I laughed when I saw it.

This summed up my inner struggle for the past couple of weeks. This year has been so amazing between the launch of the book Stillpoint: A Self-Care Playbook for Caregivers and then presenting at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Toronto last month I have been on an incredible journey. I realized last week that I was a little sad because the travel is over for the year and it’s time for maintenance and follow up.

These are important things I need to do so I can see the path clearly going forward AND a lot of times they are not much fun. Y’all know I like to have fun and play. This morning I laughed as I got turned around in the Labyrinth and finally cut through to the center. As I sat in the center of the Labyrinth I again reminded myself of the importance of just sitting and listening and integrating all that has happened this year.

I sang my prayers this morning & included you in them. I’m breathing deeply as we finish 2018 and giving gratitude for this incredible and challenging year. I’m also remembering to find my Stillpoint and listen. How are you doing as we wrap up another year?

In Peace & Play,

Christine

P.S. When I was in Toronto I walked the indoor Labyrinth that was beautifully done and during one session the facilitator blew a conch shell to “charge” the space. I realized that I have one of these shells sitting under a tree in the Labyrinth waiting to be used with a little modification. When I picked it up this morning I noticed nature made spiral it had on the top as seen in the picture above.

About the Author: Christine Gautreaux, MSW

Christine Gautreaux, MSW is dedicated to the pursuit of play, joy, art & social justice. Christine’s superpowers include connecting people, helping folks manifest their dreams, standing up against injustice and using art to make a difference in the world. She currently uses Interplay to address issues of oppression with people living with severe and persistent mental illness, homelessness, women refugees, racial justice and women who are incarcerated. Christine believes in the power of body wisdom and somatic play to help heal trauma. She also works with professional caregivers, activists and artists to maintain balance and self-care during these intense times we find ourselves living. Christine Gautreaux holds a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Social Work. Christine is a professional speaker, coach & author and entrepreneur and the owner of Wisdom on Wings Coaching. Christine is the co-author of Stillpoint: A Caregivers Playbook to find ease and to take a deep breath and reclaim joy. www.christinegautreaux