Winter’s Pause: Nurturing Creativity and Spiritual Growth
Plus some exciting announcements and opportunities ahead!
In Today’s Note:
✨ Memoir Progress & Hay House Submission: Catch the latest updates on my memoir journey and the exciting submission to Hay House.
✨ Creative-Spiritual Integration: Deepening
✨ Exciting News: Announcing My Spring Retreat!
✨ 3 Things Worth Sharing: A book, a series, and an online summit this week
Dear Friends,
This past week, a blanket of snow transformed my world into a quiet, shimmering retreat. Snow days, with their gentle invitation to pause, reminded me of the gifts of staying home—a chance to slow down, savor warm mugs of tea or hot chocolate, and tend to the inner fires of creativity and reflection. There’s something magical about these unexpected moments of stillness—when the world feels hushed, and we’re gently reminded that it’s okay to simply be. (Side note: The sticky toffee pudding? Pure decadence!
Creative Rhythms and Spiritual Depths
This week, I revisited the idea that at their core, creativity and spirituality draw from the same well. Both require a willingness to pause, to listen, and to engage with the world—and ourselves—in a deeper, more intentional way. I’ve been reworking my approach to creative projects, looking for ways to align them with the flow of my days, and it’s reminded me of the labyrinth. Each step might seem circuitous, but every turn brings us closer to the center.
One practical adjustment has been dedicating specific days to each key project. Whether I’m working on labyrinth offerings, my memoir, retreat planning, or sinking deeper into how I approach all I do, I’ve found that creating space for focused work helps me feel less scattered and more present. This approach has also left room for surprise and spontaneity—a reminder that the creative process is as much about discovery as it is about discipline.
Honoring the Past, Preparing for the Future
In the quiet moments of the week, I’ve been tending to the foundational elements of my work. I’ve started organizing my commonplace book ( more on this next time) which I see as a living archive of the insights and inspirations that arise from books, music, film, art and everyday life. This tool is becoming a treasure chest to draw from when I’m writing, teaching, or simply seeking encouragement. If you’ve been considering starting a commonplace book, I encourage you to take the leap—you might be surprised by how it sparks your creativity.
A commonplace book is a personal tool for capturing and organizing inspiring ideas, quotes, reflections, and insights from books, conversations, and experiences. Unlike a journal, it preserves gems of wisdom and fosters connections between ideas, serving as a space for creativity and deeper thinking. By revisiting its contents, it becomes a valuable resource for writers, artists, and anyone exploring thought and creativity.
On the memoir front, I’m excited to share an update. Finding Her: Mama, Myself, and a Mothering God (working title) is at a pivotal juncture. With the Hay House announcement less than a month away, I’ve decided to pause work on the manuscript and allow it to rest for now. Stepping away from our writing can be beneficial—it offers fresh perspective, renewed clarity, and the chance to reconnect with our purpose.
In the meantime, I’d love for you to watch my video pitch. Your engagement will help demonstrate to the publishers that this story resonates and deserves to reach a wider audience. So stop by and give the video some love in the comments :)
Retreat With Me in Maine This Spring!
This May, I’m joining hearts and hands with my amazing friend Rachael Barham to host a three-night spiritual retreat that offers you the chance to take time away in a secluded natural setting and connect more deeply with yourself, the Divine, and a small group of women. Informed by the rich metaphor of the ancient practice of labyrinth walking, you will be invited to reflect more deeply on the sacred, winding path of your life – where you are coming from, where you find yourself now, and how you hope to walk the road ahead. As you are guided in contemplative, embodied engagement with nature, silence, sacred listening, journaling, chant, creativity, ritual, movement and labyrinth walking, you will have the chance to slow down, rediscover the loving, aligned centre that is already always present within you, and savor the gift of the Sacred Now.
It’s going to be a beautiful opportunity to step away from the noise of daily life and reconnect with what matters most. 🌀GET ALL THE DETAILS HERE! 🌀
The Year Ahead: “Deepening” as a Guiding Theme
The word that keeps surfacing for me this year is “deepen.” I want to deepen my relationships, my practices, and my understanding. This intention feels especially important as I prepare for our May retreat in Maine, my pilgrimage to South Korea, and the continued unfolding of my work with the labyrinth and my writing. Each of these endeavors invites me to go beyond surface engagement and explore what lies beneath. Most importantly, I intend to focus on deepening into how I approach everything I do, creating space for greater clarity, beauty and meaning.
As I sign off this week, I’ll leave you with a quote from Phil Cousineau, whose work I’m diving into this year: “The soul thrives on storytelling, for stories are what give meaning to our lives.” Phil Cousineau is an author, filmmaker, and teacher whose work explores the intersections of mythology, creativity, and the art of storytelling to inspire personal and cultural transformation
May you find time to tell your stories—to yourself, to your loved ones, and perhaps to the page. Each story is a step on the path, bringing us closer to our true selves.
With gratitude and curiosity,
xo Mary
Let’s Hear From You:
If ‘deepening’ speaks to you, are there practices you’re rediscovering or new ones you’re planning to try? How are you making space for what matters most?
💜 Tap the purple comment button and share. With your permission, I might feature your response in an upcoming newsletter.
3 THINGS WORTH SHARING THIS WEEK:
1. Join me for the online Centering Prayer Summit this weekend
I’m excited to share that some of my friends will be hosting a Centering Prayer Summit this weekend. If you’re looking for a space to pause, reconnect, and deepen your spiritual practice, this is a wonderful opportunity. It’s a gathering of seekers, teachers, and practitioners who truly understand the transformative power of silence, contemplation, and prayer—a beautiful space to be part of. Looking forward to the possibility of sharing this sacred space with you! Reach out if you have any questions.
Throughout the event, you'll have the chance to:
Learn from renowned speakers and spiritual leaders.
Deepen your understanding of centering prayer and its profound benefits.
Engage in shared moments of stillness, connection, and reflection.
Discover new ways to integrate prayer and contemplation into your daily life.
✨Click here for Information and Registration ✨
2. Series: Lockerbie
"Lockerbie: A Search for Truth" is a five-part drama series that delves into the aftermath of the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. The series follows Dr. Jim Swire, portrayed by Colin Firth ( Mr. Darcy has still got it) who embarks on a relentless quest for justice after losing his daughter, Flora, in the tragedy. As he challenges the official narrative and seeks accountability, the series highlights his personal sacrifices and unwavering determination. Available for streaming on Peacock in the US and Sky Atlantic in the UK.
3. Book: The Human Condition by Thomas Keating
The Human Condition by Thomas Keating explores the challenges of modern spiritual life, addressing humanity's deep longing for meaning and connection. Through the lens of Christian contemplative practice, Keating examines the influence of the ego, the false self, and how centering prayer can help transcend these obstacles to foster a deeper relationship with God and one's true self. It’s a small impactful book I read in community with one of my Living School groups.
A Special Invitation
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Slow Summer Bookclub and Zoom gatherings
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Warmly,
Mary
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“The Matthews House is more than a nonprofit organization; we’re a organization committed to serve the youth and families of our community facing challenges such as homelessness, substance abuse, education support, parenting transitions, and more. We are here to guide you through life’s toughest moments and help you build a bright future.”
Looking Ahead: Our Next Newsletter
✨ Create Your Own Commonplace Book
Learn how to start and organize a commonplace book to capture your best ideas and inspirations.
✨ New Questionnaire
Discover how our questionnaire can inspire you on your creative-spiritual journey.
✨ 3 Things Worth Sharing + More
Thanks for reading and your continued support.
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