Sol/Soul Friends,

When someone shares that they know pain, whether it's physical, emotional, mental or spiritual, there is a cultural conditioning that doesn't often let us sit with that pain. We move to reverse, fix, and heal it/them. Sometimes, we haven't even asked what the person actually needs.

Have you ever experienced this?

These thoughts about our collective conditioning (here in the States, specifically) came about after sharing my personal experience of a procedure for my spine. Prolotherapy, one of the most magical options for EDS/hypermobility injury, can be quite painful. It isn't a long term pain, but it can be a few days of discomfort. And, with physical discomfort, sometimes memories rise up. Old traumas come to the surface. Discontent around the entire experience of being disabled and/or disability adjacent and living with life-long dis-ease makes itself known. So, like most things, it's not just a physical experience.

What I am coming to recognize is that when I post something about dis-ease, folks want to hear some semblance of positivity and possibility. Like, "this is hard, but I'm okay!" I am okay. I am also not okay. We are complicated beings, wired to survive and thrive not through bypassing reality - but through seeing what's right in front of us, first.

We cannot move forward, onward, into, through, without an honest account of the real and raw wildness or wilderness that is on the table.

When I meet with spiritual clients/directees, I don't ask them what is "good" about a situation. At least not right away. I ask them what is happening in their life that brought them into our time together. What is the ache or edge that has propelled them toward companionship? Why now? And, what does their inner wisdom, guide or God say about this challenging life space?

I find it of such huge and life-giving value for us to ask people specifically what they need most when we hear about their pain, beloved.

Sometimes, it's just an ear.

And it's never just an ear.

Listening is a really, really big deal.

Because that person in front of you? Their words are a window giving you a glimpse into their very soul.

This August, I wanted to give you a few options for compassionate listening to be front and center in your life. See below for the scoop.

xx,

J. / Jennifer Magnano (she/her)

Spiritual Companionship Groups

In these 90-minute ongoing group spiritual companionship groups, you can partake through either a) observation: prayerful listening and response or b) a willingness to share your spiritual journey (with any kind of grief) with others and be open to what they offer in return. Whether you are attending virtually or in person, this is a safe, sacred container to be heard and held.

Grief Body, A Virtual Women's Group

Thursday, August 7 & 21 at 10 am MST

The cost is $25 whether you attend both or just one. As a bonus, a Private Retreat PDF will be sent our within 24 hours after the event to anyone not in attendance live.

(When you register, please note that only August 7 will show up on your calendar. Make sure to add the 21st in manually.)

Mesa, AZ Community Grief Group (All Genders)

Sunday, August 10 at 12 pm

A donation is recommended to our host church. The address will be emailed to you once you enroll.

Both groups have a maximum number of participants so that we can tend to one another with respect and care.

As always, you are invited to stick around for more conversation via this monthly newsletter, follow my word trail on social, join a group or meet with me for individual or couples support.