JWay to the UK: A Pilgrimage of Rest
Donation protected
There is a species of lizard who, when it feels threatened, freezes playing dead until the threat dissipates. Once the threat has subsided, the lizard cannot simply jump up and scurry away as it normally could do. The lizard must go under a rock and physically shake itself before it is able to carry on with its life. When I heard this recently, my jaw dropped and all I could think was, "That's it! I need space to shake!" While I wouldn't say the last few years have felt consistently threatening nor do I feel I have been "frozen" the whole time; I do feel the need to shake. The last three years have encompassed intense personal therapy, hours of classes and course work stretching me deeply, the ups and downs of a year long counseling internship, and an exceptional amount of training and learning new information. I feel supersaturated. It is because of this that I long to shake. Shake off that which isn't me, doesn't fit, and weighs me down. And, let sink in more deeply that which is me, fits to my bones, and offers life. I've listened to my heart's longing and am choosing to follow it.
WHO: One who has been through much in the last 3 years (that's me!)
WHAT: A month long "shaking" pilgrimage
WHERE: A cozy little cottage in the countryside of the Cotswolds of England where I hope to engage with neighbors and furry friends. For some reason I have felt a draw toward England that I simply can't shake.
WHEN: Mid-November to mid-December 2013
WHY: I seek to provide myself the space, beauty, and intentionality to process, grieve, and celebrate the last three years of my life. The hard work and change that has occurred over the last few years has made me weary and the kindest thing I feel I could do for myself is listen to the weariness of my body and choose to rest. I am taking the next several months to break from work as a therapist and to focus on resting and rejuvenating. I consider this break an investment in how I will care for people in the future. My hope for my time in England is to spend my days admiring the beauty of my surroundings, reading poetry and novels, writing, drawing, capturing beauty, meeting neighbors and furry friends, and remaining with myself as I feel the aches, pains, glory, and joy of transitioning and celebration. I long to wake each morning listening to my body and heart and choosing to follow my body and heart. In a word, I want to be.
HOW (you can help): While the work I've done has often been internal, I am very aware of how I could not have done this work without the presence of others: friends, family, kids I nanny, peers, professors, therapists. I have needed you, and I still need you now, each of you. Rather than allow my fears to stop me from asking for the help I need I'm choosing to ask and give each of you the opportunity to respond how you will, how you need.
FINANCIAL: Frankly, I need money to make this pilgrimage a reality. With graduation gifts I am able to afford my flight and with a little bit of extra money for travel. After doing some math with some dear friends I am in need of at least $1,000 to make this dream my reality. Every dollar counts!
CONNECTIONS: Another way I need help is for any and all connections to people you may know in England who might have a spare cottage for me to stay at while in England. You never know unless you ask, right? If you know of someone who might be interested please let me know. If you have traveled to England before and have further thoughts and ideas please feel free to share them with me!
Would you consider making a donation toward making my pilgrimage a reality?
Thank you. Thank you for taking the time to read, for caring, for being open, and for the gift of your friendship however direct or indirect it may feel. I call myself blessed because of the people in my life. I am blessed because of who you are.
***For blessings, connections, and thoughts feel free to contact me directly or share in person. If you find yourself intrigued and would like to hear more I would love to sit down in person or over the phone and share more! Lastly, if you'd prefer to mail your donation feel free to contact me directly for my address.***
WHO: One who has been through much in the last 3 years (that's me!)
WHAT: A month long "shaking" pilgrimage
WHERE: A cozy little cottage in the countryside of the Cotswolds of England where I hope to engage with neighbors and furry friends. For some reason I have felt a draw toward England that I simply can't shake.
WHEN: Mid-November to mid-December 2013
WHY: I seek to provide myself the space, beauty, and intentionality to process, grieve, and celebrate the last three years of my life. The hard work and change that has occurred over the last few years has made me weary and the kindest thing I feel I could do for myself is listen to the weariness of my body and choose to rest. I am taking the next several months to break from work as a therapist and to focus on resting and rejuvenating. I consider this break an investment in how I will care for people in the future. My hope for my time in England is to spend my days admiring the beauty of my surroundings, reading poetry and novels, writing, drawing, capturing beauty, meeting neighbors and furry friends, and remaining with myself as I feel the aches, pains, glory, and joy of transitioning and celebration. I long to wake each morning listening to my body and heart and choosing to follow my body and heart. In a word, I want to be.
HOW (you can help): While the work I've done has often been internal, I am very aware of how I could not have done this work without the presence of others: friends, family, kids I nanny, peers, professors, therapists. I have needed you, and I still need you now, each of you. Rather than allow my fears to stop me from asking for the help I need I'm choosing to ask and give each of you the opportunity to respond how you will, how you need.
FINANCIAL: Frankly, I need money to make this pilgrimage a reality. With graduation gifts I am able to afford my flight and with a little bit of extra money for travel. After doing some math with some dear friends I am in need of at least $1,000 to make this dream my reality. Every dollar counts!
CONNECTIONS: Another way I need help is for any and all connections to people you may know in England who might have a spare cottage for me to stay at while in England. You never know unless you ask, right? If you know of someone who might be interested please let me know. If you have traveled to England before and have further thoughts and ideas please feel free to share them with me!
Would you consider making a donation toward making my pilgrimage a reality?
Thank you. Thank you for taking the time to read, for caring, for being open, and for the gift of your friendship however direct or indirect it may feel. I call myself blessed because of the people in my life. I am blessed because of who you are.
***For blessings, connections, and thoughts feel free to contact me directly or share in person. If you find yourself intrigued and would like to hear more I would love to sit down in person or over the phone and share more! Lastly, if you'd prefer to mail your donation feel free to contact me directly for my address.***
Organizer
Jenny Wanty
Organizer
Seattle, WA
