Yes, even in December...
Welcome to Heart’s Content: A Place for Creative-Spiritual Exploration
Hi, Friends!
It’s December. How are you holding up? If you’re anything like me, you’re probably juggling a mix of emotions and responsibilities. One moment, I’m swept up in the magic and wonder, and the next, I’m snapping at my husband over something trivial. The holidays have a way of stirring up a lot of feelings, and I don’t want to pretend that I’m not carrying both the light and the heavy.
I spent much of my early life pretending—hiding the harder emotions and pushing them aside or channeling them through my acting. But now, I choose to stay curious about all of it: the wonder and the lingering grief. Both are clues to my larger story, and both deserve my attention. After all, it’s the spectrum of these feelings—the joy, the sorrow, and everything in between—that makes us truly human.
And here’s the hope: when we honor all of our feelings, we begin to find the deeper meaning beneath them. Wonder points us toward what’s sacred and beautiful. Grief reminds us of what we’ve loved, lost, or longed for. Together, they weave a fuller story of who we are and who we’re becoming. So, let’s give ourselves the grace to honor our our experience, as it is, all of it. By doing so, we build trust, and invite healing, connection, and peace. Yes, even in December.
Xo Mary
New here? Welcome to Heart’s Content. A Place for Creative-Spiritual Exploration
Hello! I’m Mary Thoma, a creative-spiritual companion, contemplative writer and memoirist who believes that every person’s story holds profound meaning and potential for transformation. I guide others through creative and spiritual practices that encourage self-discovery, healing, and connection with the Divine. Through this space on Substack, I hope to foster a community of seekers, creatives, and ordinary mystics who feel called to explore their inner lives and bring their true selves into the world.
My work draws on a rich background in the arts and spiritual practices. I’ve been an actor, director, filmmaker, and teacher, helping people connect to their creative instincts and deepen their understanding of themselves. As a curriculum creator, I developed programs to help others use creativity as a tool for personal growth and community connection. Now, as a certified Veriditas labyrinth facilitator, I lead community walks and retreats, offering participants a space to slow down, reflect, and connect with their inner guidance. Whether through writing circles for women, expressive arts workshops, labyrinth walks, or one-on-one spiritual companionship, my work has always centered on helping others find healing and meaning through creative expression and contemplation.
This Substack, “Heart’s Content,” is a space to explore the beauty and messiness of our stories, embracing them as gateways to healing. Through my own experiences with pain, loss, and resilience, I’ve come to believe that facing our stories—rather than running from them—can bring profound clarity and peace. I also know the healing power of sharing our truths in a safe and sacred space, allowing them to be witnessed and honored.
For those who feel a pull toward writing their own stories but may be overwhelmed by the task, I’m here to offer encouragement, guidance, and practical steps to help you get started. I understand the initial resistance that can arise when we approach our own histories and seek to make sense of them. But I also know the peace that comes from turning toward, rather than away from, our experiences. My hope is that by reading along, you’ll find the inspiration and courage to delve deeper into your own journey, wherever it may lead.
What can you expect here? I share reflective essays, practical tips for nurturing a sustainable creative-spiritual practice, and insights on topics like overcoming creative blockages, cultivating presence, and deepening your connection with the Divine. I also hope to occasionally share guided writing exercises and meditations designed to support you as you journey inward.
Whether you’re here as a seasoned seeker or simply curious about exploring your story, I invite you to settle in, take what resonates, and leave the rest. Together, let’s explore how to live with a spirit of authenticity, how to create from the heart, and how to trust the unfolding journey ahead.
Thank you for being here. Let’s embark on this journey toward healing, transformation, and wholehearted living, together, one story at a time.
You can find out more about how we might work together over at my website or simply respond to this email and we can chat.
xo Mary
3 Things Worth Sharing:
Join me at the Centering Prayer Online Summit 2025! What a beautiful way to spend a few days in January and you can join the retreat from home. Learn more here.
Makers & Mystics Podcast | A Long Curiosity with Rob | Dec 2 2024 | 34 min
“As soon as I don’t know if I can pull it off, I’m super interested.”
- Rob BellThese Symphony brownies! Easiest ever and you will wow!
This month, a portion of our paid subscriptions will go to: Loveland’s Community Kitchen: Providing FOOD for people who are hungry, CONVERSATION for people who are lonely, REST for people who are struggling, and a VOICE for people in need.
Take good care!
© Mary Thoma
All Rights Reserved
Mary, I really appreciate your invitation to be where we are and to allow all of our feelings. I’ve had fun decorating the house and tree with my six year old granddaughter. And I’m feeling exhausted/achy and drawn to stillness and silence. There’s a lot of joy and also frustration at not having as much energy as I would like. I want to explore more time in silence and rest, but it’s challenging balancing that with being married, working, and living in a multigenerational household. So I’m living the questions and finding short time periods for silence rather than activity, and feeling very blessed even though I don’t feel great. Hugs! 🩷