SOUL MAIL Sunday: Slow Down with the Effort
Hello friends! As I prepared for this Father's Day, I asked to be guided to a vision that I truly value, need to protect, and will bring to this SOUL MAIL SUNDAY. I was guided to the image, "Slow Down with the Effort."
Then, something very synchronistic happened. I realized this SOUL MAIL was originally created 21 years ago during a major family transition when I was asking to avoid fear and stay receptive to things I valued in my life, like creating a loving home and partnering with others to create transforming, healing art. Then it spoke to me again on Father's Day in 2021 while I was sending out SOUL MAIL emails during the pandemic. During that time it reminded me to slow down and consider what brings me joy even when facing overwhelming circumstances. Now it was speaking to me for this current Father's Day on June 21st. The 21's were definitely lining up here! I decided to allow the elements to work and went to bed. I woke up in the middle of the night and saw that the time was 4:21 a.m. My first thought: "This is the fourth 21... more synchronicity!" My next thought was the African Blood Lily on my front porch.
When watering it that evening, I noticed a new strong stalk emerging from the bulb. It was a surprise because this spring the plant became top heavy with leaves and toppled over. I had to rescue it by replanting, providing support with a stake, and relocating it outside for fresh air. All but one of the large leaves survived. It refused to let go of its ability to absorb light and nourished the bulb alone for the past month. Now I was excited that the new growth brought hope of new blossoms and a new season. The spiritual essence of this lily was reminding me that periods of recovery and rebuilding are not separate from growth, they are part of it.
As I looked at the art below that inspired this SOUL MAIL message, I saw something amazing. It looked like the African Blood Lily! A solitary red sphere formed at the end of the stalk. Green and purplish curving lines suggested strong roots and emerging leaves. A yellow arch curved across the top like the withering old stalk. It reminded me of the quote I recently heard: "The arc of the universe bends toward justice." It is a more powerful image than I ever realized. It reminds me of our ancestors who developed the strength to survive incredible obstacles. It empowers me to pursue and protect my vision of creating and sharing SOUL MAIL and building community with others. You may read or listen to its message below. What vision do you truly value and aim to protect?
On this SOUL MAIL Sunday, may you conserve your energy, recover from stress, and prepare for future growth. And may you align with your purpose, bringing inner potential into visible expression, much like the dramatic bloom emerging from an African Blood Lily bulb.
