TAking Bigger Risks

I was going to compose a professional letter about growth and transition. I was composing it in my head for days and it sounded pretty good. I planned on giving rational explanations for why I am doing what I'm doing--something that made sound business sense and thanked all the right people for their help and support. It had a professional tone and used professional impersonal language.

Then I picked up the journal that sits next to my bead, a beautiful notebook with a sleeping tree and bright full moon, a gift from a woman I met while facilitating a workshop in Canada. That dreaming tree in the night and hauntingly beautiful moon just wouldn't let me play it safe. I flipped through the total of four entries--that's all just four. Each and every one of them is connected to why I am doing this.

There is the theme for 2019: "Step up, show up, align & shine and TAKE BIGGER RISKS." Next are the journey notes with the new spirit teacher who told me she would hold up the mirror for me to see who I truly am right before she told me it would be a big responsibility. I must step up, I must not fail my tribe. I must work for them and with them. 

Then the entry on self-care where I make some adjustments to be home more, be more present, meditate and love myself more. The next one asks, "what do I want?" My answer, "the perfect space for healing work, circles, and teaching classes." I then go on to list everything I want.

• somewhere beautiful, safe, warm and inviting
• protected from the elements 
• large enough to accommodate all the people who will be coming
• easy to find, but private enough for drumming
• ample parking and handicap access
• somewhere quiet with a nature component
• the ability to have fires inside and outside
• accommodations on premise or nearby
• accessible in all seasons
• a water feature would be nice 

Yes, I added the last one with a "just for kicks" in front of it. Then I ended the list with "and I want it to come easily and bring joy, healing, laughter, learning, inspiration, spirituality, Love and connection to everyone who visits."

After reading through those entries, I moved right out of my head and into my heart. I moved away from playing it safe and into being vulnerable and open. Thirteen months ago, I played it safe when I closed the retail side of TVH and opened in an office building in town. I thought I was taking big risks by closing down a successful and visible retail operation, but my heart wasn't into selling anymore. Instead I focused on healing sessions and teaching in the office space. It worked for a full 13 months. And now, my theme for 2019 won't allow me to continue that way. I must take bigger risks. 

So here goes...as of April, TVH Holisitic Healing Center will be moved to a tipi on the land just outside of Millerton, NY. Yes, I'm a little worried about becoming known as the "crazy lady on the hill with a tipi," but I've made peace with that. This beautiful patch of private land offers everything on the list above--even a small farm pond! Handicapped access might be a stretch, but we can make it work. 

When I realized that the office space was the safe bet--in town, not too personal, something familiar for my community--I knew I had to change that. My land has been calling for work to be done here for years and I was refusing. I didn't want anyone to see all of me. I didn't want anyone to see where and how I lived with my family. This was private space and I was very comfortable hiding behind the TVH name and brand for my public face.

No more. I am my brand and there is nothing to hide. When you join us for a women's circle or soul journey circle, a weekend workshop, or a day class, you will now sit in ceremony in a beautiful tipi that was designed specifically for the land where it sits. You will also see my home, my land, my farm. I promise the experiences will be deeper and even more transformative than before. The sunsets up here are magnificent, and the trees and earth have been singing with joy since I came into alignment with their master plan. It took a while and a lot of deep soul work on my part, but I got there.  

Looking forward to sitting with you in the tipi!

Love,
Terri