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"A gift woven into the fabric of our souls–friendship. Grace and Grief show up in friendships allowing us to be attentive to the threads of connection and the unraveling of it."— Pastor Angie
SOULjourner,
Friendship is a garden–a space for hearts to intertwine, souls to bloom, and roots of connection to deepen. It requires sacred tending, and a willingness to embrace the seasons of growth + rest.
Seeds of Compassion
A few years ago, I remember receiving an offering of sunflower seeds from a dear friend. I planted the seeds Katie gifted to me to reflect on the reality that Katie was the gift, and the seeds I planted in the earth, became a reminder of the companionship that nourishes my soul’s garden.
The Cyclical Aspect of Connection
Season after season, as those sunflowers turn their faces to the sun, so too do our hearts turn toward the warmth and light of true connection. Friendship is a sacred garden, cultivated with intention + care.
Just as you nurture a garden, you are invited to nurture the friendships that grace your path. Within this cycle, allow yourself to recognize the beauty of both giving + receiving.
There are times to offer support, a listening ear, and a helping hand. And there are times to lean in—to be on the receiving end, to allow yourself to be held.
This dance of connection is not always linear; it ebbs and flows, expands and contracts. And in each phase, there is a gift to be discovered.
May you find peace in the cyclical nature of connection, trusting that even in moments of fallowness, there is always the potential for new growth + deeper understanding.
The Friendship Dance of Grace + Grief
Even in the most fertile gardens, seasons change.
Not all friendships endure in the way we once imagined. Sometimes, connections shift, drift apart or fade. This is the bittersweet truth of friendships.
In these moments,
Grace invites us to remember the beauty that was, the lessons learned and the connection that once flowed freely. It allows us to honor the friendship for what it was, without clinging to what it is no longer.
Grief, on the other hand, whispers of loss + lament. Acknowledge these whispers, aand llow yourself to enter into it without judgment or resistance. Grief is not a liability, but a testimony of your capacity to generously receive + give love.
Together, Grace + Grief become holy companions ushering us to be more attentive to the threads of connection, both in their vibrant strength and in their delicate unraveling.
Remember that these shifts do not diminish the value of what was once shared. Every friendship, whether lasting or fleeting, leaves its imprint upon our souls.
May you find comfort in the dance of grace + grief, knowing that both hold beauty and wisdom, the potential for deeper compassion.
Befriending the Self
We mustn't bypass the practice of befriending the self. We get to courageously cultivate the rich soil from which deep connections are rooted.
Tend to the seeds of kindness, compassion, and understanding within your heart, and watch those same qualities emerge in your friendships.
To honor these cherished bonds, I offer the Flourish Friend design collection a soul care reminder to tend the gardens of our hearts + amplify the adventure of companionship in our lives.
Yes, you can gift it to yourself because it's grace to give to yourself as much as you give of yourself.
A SOULution Gift Set Feature
The Flourish, Friend Design Collection
Friendship Soul Care Kit
Flourish, Friend Stationery Gift Set
A Blessing of Connection
SOULjourner, in the garden of friendship, may you discover peace, joy, and the unwavering support of those who see your soul and cherish your unique flourishing + fallowness.
Whether it's touching your bare feet to the grass or sensing the embrace of a friend, take the time to pause and be present in those grounding moments.
Until next time,
Gift from your soul.
✧
Deepen Your Soul Care Journey
Beloved SOULjourner, as you continue to nurture your gift-giving practice, discover sustainable gifts designed to embody intentional gift-giving + connection.
Soulful gifting for social change in the soul care boutique be inspired to amplify your ARTvocacy through peace + play vibes.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only as I share my pastoral care, my journey, and bring to you valuable research, it is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing any medical concerns or symptoms, please seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
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