From the Center of the Labyrinth

From the Center of the Labyrinth – Happy New Year 2019

CHRISTINE NICHOLS GAUTREAUX·TUESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2019·READING TIME: 2 MINUTES

Originally Published 1/1/19 on FB Notes

The hoot of the bard owl greeted me as I walked across the damp and saturated back yard this morning.

It’s a cloudy and warm morning here in Duluth, GA at 58 degrees. I was present to the quiet this morning even though I was starting my walk after 8 am vs sunrise. The world might have been more subdued on this holiday but the animals were not! As I started walking the Labyrinth 4 deer came into view off in the woods. Three jumped away with their white tales flashing and one large doe paused for a minute, to look me in the eye and exchange a silent greeting as I began this morning’s journey. It wasn’t long after that the sound of the hawks’ cries resonated as the parent hawks taught their juvenile hawks to hunt. I saw four in total.

The messengers who appeared as I was giving gratitude for family.

I continue to walk and give thanks noticing the beauty around me even in things that are decaying. I took a picture of one of the thousands of raindrops hanging out this morning and one showed up as a heart that I shared in the picture above. Two crows flew up to hang out in a tree and bear witness as I sang prayers this morning from the center of the labyrinth. I called your name and gave thanks for the incredible web of family and friends I am honored to call mine. I also heard a morning dove and a goose at some point.

I love the possibilities. I’m a sucker for the traditions of New Year’s Day. The magic, the new blank canvas, the restart. This year I’m recommitting to walking my Labyrinth every day when I am home and pausing to listen to Mother Nature and what she is telling me.

Let me know if you would like to join me sometime.

I will be offering at least a couple of Labyrinth workshops this year. I know there is much work to be done in our world and for our planet. This year I am starting with Spirit, love, and gratitude. What are you calling in this year?

In Peace and Play,

Christine

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