A shell, an oracle card, and the legacy I want to leave behind. π
A Deep December. Mini letter #5.
Hello you. Happy 2nd of Advent!
I woke thinking of my father this morning. I think I may have even dreamed of him last night. Perhaps he has even appeared in my dreams in the past few nights, actually. This morning, I thought about the things my dad has left behind. The things that are with me - both physically and internally.
I have a couple of photos scattered about and a few random things that he made throughout his life - a metal mouse he made at some point before I was born, a long wooden holder for tea lights - the perfect centerpiece for a table - he made in his mountain house workshop, and a green, leaf-shaped ceramic dish that he made as a child.
And I also have two halves of a big, white shell that I found on the coast of Maine just one summer ago. The last time I spent time with my dad when he was at home.
Actually, my dad, my mom, and I all found our own completely whole, beautiful white shell on the beach that day. I brought my home to Sweden in my suitcase; sadly, it broke apart along the way. Nevertheless, the two beautiful halves have been in the window of my studio ever since.
This morning, to begin with, I wasnβt thinking about the shells or any of the things dad made. I was thinking about legacy. And what is important to leave behind. What did my dad leave me? What is his legacy? What is mine? These are the questions I had rolling around in my mind.
I made my coffee, lit candles, and laid out my meditation blanket in the studio for a morning of quiet solitude. I gathered my oracle cards to choose todayβs and prepared my soul with a few deep breaths.
Incredibly, I turned over the Spirit Keeper of the South card - again. Just 4 days ago I pulled this card and wrote all about the energy of the summer and bringing its energy of life, abundance, and joy to December. I also wrote a bit about how my dad embodied the spirit keeper of the south energy throughout his life.
Today, I felt the same message with this card. A call to live life. To enjoy life. To create memories and moments. To connect with my beloved dad and live as he lived.
However, today, I also felt that message a bit deeper. As we near the end of the 2023, today this message feels like one to carry forward into the new year.
For example, what really adds joy to my life? And, how can I be a joy to others?
When I returned to thinking about what my dad has left me, I didnβt have to ponder for long. Memories and things that carry his energy are what I have. Everything from holidays shared together through my life, to the values I have, to the little knick knacks I have that he made with his hands.
And, then I turned to even deeper questions. What do I want to leave behind? What do I want my legacy to be? Thinking about these things, while they are intense and deep, I recognize that they help me to create my present life and shape my future.
Weβve got a little less than two weeks left in the northern hemisphere before the energy shifts and the sun begins its slow return. These deepest, darkest days of the year, before the solstice, are filled with the secrets of the soul. This is the dreamy, incubating, hibernating time. Because of the inward energy of this season, I find that this is the perfect time to spend some quiet, solitary time in a sacred space with a journal and a pen, on my meditation blanket, candles flickering all around, a warm drink beside me, and a cozy playlist playing.
This is how I listen to and unearth the secrets of my soul. The secrets that guide me forward. Here, at my core and connected to my highest self, I rediscover the things that bring me joy and the ways I might bring joy to others. I remember and renew the intentions I have and what kinds of life I want to create in the new year. I honor my dad and explore what legacy I want to leave behind.
In the darkness of the winter and from the center of my soul, I plant seeds of joy, hope, love, and laughter. They will incubate for a while, drop down deep roots all winter long. In the spring, they will grow strong shoots, break through the earth, and begin to bud only to be in full bloom, filled with the energy of life and abundance, at the summer solstice.
But for now, in the winter, I simply dream and wonder and listen to the wisdom of the dark. The energy of Spirit Keeper of the South, the energy of my dad, even in the silence and mystery of December, will guide me forward as I quietly prepare for the coming new year.
That shell from Maine brought me so much joy that day. And that simple joy, shared with my parents, on a random day back in 2022, has created a deep memory that I carry with me. That I decided to bring that shell home and place it on my windowsill was just something I felt I needed to do. I had no idea the legacy and the inspiration that would be left behind simply because of a shell, my dad, and a Sunday morning meditation in December.
What secrets is your soul whispering to you?
What seeds do you want to plant in your life?
What do you want to grow in the new year?
What abundance and joy do you wan to offer at the summer solstice?
What legacy do you want to begin to create?
Light and love in the dark, my friend. xoxo. liz.