What deep longing have you relinquished?
The newsletter that starts with a question
While there are parts of me that have evolved and changed, there are some that stay no matter what. Despite being tested, resisted, and numbed, they remain rooted. I don’t think about them for a while and suddenly they resurface, sometimes jolted by a memory, in the quiet moments alone, or when spoken with someone I trust.
The parts that stay include my desires to experience walking and running up mountains all around the world, to feel a deep connection and safety with people closest to me, to express myself patiently through art, to share life with trusted companions.
These desires get tested by practical and emotional challenges, experiences and relationships, but I have not abandoned them. The word feels too final and bereft. What about relinquished then?
Relinquish implies being or feeling compelled to give up something one would prefer to keep: to relinquish a long-cherished desire. (dictionary.com)
Focusing on the end result of personal desires can feel overwhelming - too big, too far away, too hard to get to, too unrealistic. But must we give up on them?
What might happen if we were to explore a part of them by experimenting and playing with what we have within reach now?
These questions below invite your tender curiosity.
What deep longing have you relinquished?
Write the truth as you feel it now and then ask yourself:
Why am I keeping this?
How can I explore making it part of my life now?
What can I reach for in the spaces between imagining and receiving?
I send this with compassion and courage as I join you in writing my responses. If you’d like to share yours with me please email: sarah@sarahventurer.com
Stephen Reid's Journey into Filmmaking
I had the pleasure of meeting up with Stephen Reid during his recent visit to the Peak District. After a run on Kinder Scout in terrible weather (watch his YouTube video here), I interviewed him about his journey into filmmaking.
Themes during Stephen’s interview include the pressure he puts on himself to do a good job, his thoughts on nerves being a part of life, what it’s like to combine personal hobbies with work, the importance of keeping active, how he got into making commercial videos, and why he started trailrunning.
Quick-fire updates
My new book is available to order here: Mountain Walks Kinder Scout - 15 routes to enjoy on and around Kinder. 5 things to know about my book.
“It’s quite something to bring an idea to reality, to sit inside a painting for a few minutes.” Read my blog post about a walk in Hathersage inspired by a Stanley Royle painting - A walk back in time.
“Just to wander into the middle and just listen, and there’s nothing. There’s not even that absence of something.” Listen to writer Paul Besley talk about what makes him wild about Kinder Scout in this latest episode of my podcast.
Imagine sharing your true self with someone who really listens
Coaching is a powerful tool for people who feel that they are unseen and unheard. A session with me is an opportunity to speak your truth. Give your ideas, desires and needs space to expand. I’m listening. Tell me.
Here’s an excerpt from a blog post I’ve written about what you can expect from a coaching session with me:
How often do you express yourself without interruption? It can seem impossible, and make you feel invisible. This is why I think coaching is special. Previously unspoken things will get some air, grow, and feel different just for being said. This can provide a feeling of release and create a renewed sense of direction.
Recommendations for writing, reading, dancing and resting
Nikita’s Gill’s January Creative Challenge offers excellent writing prompts. It’s available for a small subscription fee on substack. You can dip in and out as you please.
Aretha Franklin’s song ‘Hello Sunshine’ is making me sing and dance!
Jen Scotney’s ‘Permission to Rest’ course is helping me to relax this month, with recordings available if you can’t make the live sessions. Try it for free here.
Also by Jen Scotney, this is an excellent new series to read Notes on Resilience: ACCEPTANCE which includes a writing prompt at the end.
Facing Our Fears is a really powerful episode on the Living Myth podcast. “At each turning point in life, we must face our deepest fears in order to grow.”
I hope you’ve enjoyed this edition of my newsletter. Let me know what you think by clicking the love heart, sending me a message, or write to: sarah@sarahventurer.com if you have any questions or feedback. I’d love to hear from you! Keep warm until next time.