Welcome to a “soft launch” for Somatic Finance®. Life, in presence, beckons our grace in the midst of grit. While grit is not a problem, the gems arising from grit take time, patience, and elegant pacing. Consider that treasured pearls and diamonds develop in the midst of tension, pressure, grit – some might call it discomfort. Somatic Finance knows that generous pacing incorporates discomfort and disquiet. We evolve in pace together as the gems of Somatic Finance come into being, in the ways you will benefit from and enjoy – the most. Pure Joy illuminates the crevices of my bones being with you on this important journey.
Typing this first blog for our new format, I am in Florida sitting by a fire next to my gently declining mother. We celebrated Christmas with her only ten days ago. Her body is saying, I am ready to leave this earth. Weakness plagues her legs and arms. Her soft belly, aching heart, and wavering mind follow the natural flow from birth to death, transitions which all beings experience in myriad ways. I cherish this priceless opportunity to sit with her. Plans I created for life – my business, writing, Somatic Finance, and more, have given way to these exquisite moments of being with my mother tenderly and lovingly.
A conversation with my mother fifteen minutes ago went like this:
Mamma: What happened? How am I like this?
Me: Nothing happened. Your body is tired, that’s all.
Mamma: Am I sick? What did the doctor say?
Me: You are not sick. Your body is tired. We don’t get to live in our body forever.
Mamma: I don’t know who I am.
Me: That is not a bad thing.
Mamma: It feels pretty good.
Mamma: Who am I?
Me: You are boundless love.
Mamma: Well, I love you.
Pause.
Touch your heart and breathe generously.
Touch your belly and feel strength being here.
Give in to curiosity.
I see the arc of my mother’s cherished life fading, while new life comes to form in Somatic Finance. With over three decades of study, practice, and insight, I offer all that comes through me for the final decades of my existence.
Dynamic flow guides the unfolding of Somatic Finance. Soon to arrive, along with a refreshed semi-monthly visit (this new blog format), is a website chock-filled with learning choices to deepen your money journey, as you invite and receive the wisdom of your body.
A book, online self-guided courses, practices in video and audio forms, printable nourishment, fun and play (always!), development with me or on your own. Wow! All of the rich study, practice, and experiences of my personal and professional life amalgamate through these creative expressions, for the purpose of exploring and teaching the blossoming truth that our somatic wisdom and money are inseparable. It arrives in graceful pace for your pleasure, benefit, and amusement.
My mother wonders why she feels different. Her weakness in mind and body create confusion as we offer assurance that all is ok. Yet, mostly she is content, calm, at peace. Being here with her is a potent reminder of the temporary existence we share, and how our body is our ally in co-creating the fire of life as we retain health, and the dousing of that fire as our body dies. Let’s pay close attention to our openings for discovery. Where do you locate yourself?
- If you are a body maven (well-practiced), dive even deeper. Very subtle energies call you.
- If you know your skin with comfort, take a few new routes to challenge and excite your senses.
- If you are new to somatic intelligence, pat your legs and arms with a warm greeting.
Money exists in every crevice you could imagine and then some. Somatic Finance is a new way forward when everything else we have tried and tested just manages what already is or takes us backward. Our experiences can be better and I look forward to guiding, walking and swimming with you.
How is this for a graceful, soft-paced, welcome?
With grace and honoring grit,
Gayle
Be Moved to Practice
Nature is a consistent and reliable source for growing, nurturing our senses and engaging practice. Water, for me, is a priceless teacher for fluidity, movement, skillful attention and action. Since I could walk, water has captured my attention. As a toddler I sat for hours on Indian Rocks Beach, Florida making dribble sandcastles while the sun blistered my skin and the ocean in front of me waved along and sounded its moves. I knew then, as I do now, the compelling power, nourishment and potential of water.
My water passion has turned into recorded one-minute water videos. Today, the water element offers healing for our land (the fires rage on in Australia) and our souls (does your heartache with mine?). I offer one-minute water tastes.
Wherever you are, stop to be fully with the water as you play this One Minute Water Sit.
No other instructions are needed.
Just notice what you notice.
Receive what you receive.
Experience what you experience.
A rainy storm came through as I cared for my mother and held her hand. Moments after she closed her eyes for a nap, the rain called me – offering this soothing caress.