What do you LOVE about your SELF?
Some months, I know exactly what themes I want to play with in these Deb’s Picks, always reflecting in some way the energies of the upcoming Full Moon (more about that in a minute). Other months, like this one, not so much.
Maybe because the last month has been pretty focused on me and my healing and that’s taken up most of my bandwidth. (For those who don’t know, I had a total knee replacement on January 6th). That’s me, a week into recovery, hunkered down in our TV/guest room which became my multi-purpose bedroom, office, meditation center, pharmacy… you name it!
I was definitely doing some serious “smooring”, and if you don’t remember what that is, re-read last month’s Deb’s Picks blog. Lots of time by myself and going deep, mentally physically, emotionally and spiritually. Definitely keeping my energy close to the vest for maximum healing. Or as my dear friend Renee Trudeau kept reminding me — “rest, sleep, do nothing… repeat”.
Yet at the same time, I was able to emerge occasionally and do things that I love best, even in the first week — a few coaching clients, co-presenting a short virtual event on the Lunar phases, joining my beloved local monthly women’s group (albeit on Zoom), and leading my monthly Full Moon TeleMeditation… that photo was taken by a friend who was visiting right after the meditation!
It seems that when I can dip into the things I’m most passionate about, that represent my authentic self, I can rally enough to be present, creative, and even uplift others. A real testament to the importance of spending your precious energy on what excites you vs. what you should be doing. For me, that’s the ultimate act of self-love.
How about you? What are some of your unique gifts that lift you up, at the same time that they might also inspire others? Can you identify some of those and make a commitment to offer them up to support others this month?
And if you do that, you’ll be fully embracing the vibe of the Leo/Aquarius Full Moon coming up on February 12th. Among other things, fire-y Leo energy is about embracing self-love (just in time for Valentine’s Day!), creativity, and tapping into your heart for compassion, vulnerability and strength. Integrate that with the open-minded, collective-oriented, and humanitarian Aquarius season we’re moving through from January 20th to February 18th and you’ve got the perfect combo for elevating the qualities you love most about yourself to make a difference in the world!
[If you want a jumpstart on celebrating your unique gifts in a powerful way, definitely tune into the recording of my virtual Aquarius New Moon SisterCircle I facilitated through the Wellness Universe on January 29th. Our theme was “Reclaiming our Inner WildWoman” and I guarantee you’ll come away empowered and uplifted.
So, my Deb’s Picks this month are a mixed bag of special events to inspire your creativity or just to soak up and appreciate.
ORCHID SHOW at NY BOTANIC GARDEN — Feb. 15-April 27 NYC
This annual celebration of all things orchid is really a sight to behold. It’s as though you’re walking through a tropical paradise, right in the Bronx, surrounded by thousands of these extraordinary flowers! This year, these exquisite arrangements are placed in settings inspired by the bold, multicolored designs of Mexican modernist architect Luis Barragán. And on select Saturday evenings you can attend “Orchid Nights” featuring music and dancing, food and drinks, woven among the energetic color and style of the exhibition. Once I’m more mobile, I’ll be there — let me know if you want to join me! (You can click on the photo for more deets)..
LUNA LUNA ART INTERACTIVE EXHIBITION in NYC until March 16
This is another unique, colorful event in NYC that I want to make it to! It’s described as a “riotous fun house of carnival attractions by visionary artists of the 20th century, including Jean-Michel Basquiat, Sonia Delaunay, Keith Haring, David Hockney, Roy Lichtenstein, and more”. It first opened in 1987 in Hamburg, Germany, as a spectacular fairground, got buried in storage in Texas for 36 years, then was re-discovered and presented in LA in 2023. Luna Luna is a blend of theater and visual arts and you can get a glimpse of its magic on their website — just click on the carousel.
MOVEMENT CHOIR COMMUNITY DANCE w/Marylee Hardenbergh — February 22nd; 3pm ET on Zoom; $5-$10 donation
My wonderful longtime CircleSister, Theresa, passed this one along to me and I’ve signed up. It’s billed as 90 minutes of creating beauty, joy, and democracy in community — a perfect combination of that Leo/Aquarius energy we’re playing with! Marylee offers Movement Choirs as an engaging, flexible, collaborative way for a group to create a dance performance together, no dance experience necessary. If you click on the flier, you can learn more about Marylee, but in order to sign up for the event on Feb. 22nd, you’ll need to scan the QR code in the flier and complete the Google doc registration in order to get the Zoom link. I hope you’ll join me there!
CHANTWAVE & SONG SANCTUARY w/ MICHAEL STILLWATER — March 28-30; Unity NYC
My new friend Gary Malkin is joining his former creative partner, Michael Stillwater on Friday night, and the next 2 days are special performances just with Michael. The practice of vocalizing chants and songs of sacred or healing lyrics is an ancient tradition designed to shift from a ‘head consciousness’ to a ‘heart consciousness’. I love chanting and have always considered it a powerful form of vocal meditation. Michael pioneered it back in the 70s, even before Krishna Das and Deva Premal (two of my favorite chant singers) were doing it. You can click on the image to learn more about Michael and the whole weekend. I’ll be there Friday night, but then off to celebrate my Mom’s 95th birthday the rest of the weekend! And definitely check out my friend Gary’s site cuz he’s pretty amazing, too.
I hope some of these Picks will inspire you celebrate your own unique gifts and creativity, and to find new ways to share them with the world. As always, if you have any events or resources to share, I’d love to hear them.
With loving, creative blessings,
Deborah