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Jessica's avatar

How about creative writing threads where one posts a journal entry or free write them another one picks it up and adds to it and so on and so forth

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Sarah Blondin's avatar

ooooohh this is a great idea too!

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Noel's avatar

I like that idea as well! A variation of that would be gir each of us to post our writings for a specific topic. Then we could comment on each other's posts.

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Karen's avatar

Love love love this idea Noel!

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Awaken with Intention, LLC's avatar

I agree. I would like to know more about flow writing.

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Wendy's avatar

I like this idea as well, because we each have different experiences that could help.

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Gail Neely's avatar

I absolutely love this idea Jessica :)

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Meghan's avatar

Would love to have discussions and conversation with you and your community. Maybe on specific topics? Everyone can offer advice and support? Love finding like minded people in support of love and growth. ❤️

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Sarah Blondin's avatar

I feel this would be beautiful to expand on too!

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Joy Dushey's avatar

I would love this so much .. I think it could be so nourishing

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Kristine's avatar

I love when you ask a question and the community responds and dialogues together, including your input along the way. Maybe ask community for possible questions and you could respond to those? Thank you for reaching out to all of us... and enjoy your day!

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Bev  Moncrief's avatar

Yes, I agree, conversation would be wonderful to have in this community.

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Noel's avatar

I agree with this suggestion

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Renee's avatar

Love this idea

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John Robinson's avatar

Hi Sarah,

The journey I am On encourages me to share my experience strength and hope with others. And I find that the longer I am in emotional sobriety the more I have to concentrate on listening. If I’m crafting a witty response to someone’s legitimate question, I’m really discounting their right to be heard.

And that’s why I keep on coming back to you because you are a storyteller and you honestly share with us what you are experiencing. And I listen.

So my bucket list is to pray for you that you continue to have the strength and creativity to tell your stories and to share your experiences. And the bonus is that I become an active listener.

Probably not a very creative email as to what I might like changed or not but I am a firm believer in don’t fix it if it ain’t broke.

Blessings

J.R.

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Sarah Blondin's avatar

Thank you! The last line made me laugh. And many thanks for your prayers and support

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Ann R's avatar

Experience, Strenth, and Hope. Emotional Sobriety. Concentrating on Listening. J.R. those are all such full-bodied words of hope and wisdom.

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Susan Graves's avatar

Love this. Yes on why I keep coming back too. Thanks for sharing your experience, strength and hope -- that language -- three words that are meaningful to me too. ESH. Thank you.

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ALLYN HOUSE's avatar

J.R. You have stated my sentiments perfectly~~thank you!

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Nina's avatar

I really prefer the texts, audios and ”Ask Sarah”. There is a lot of input from everyone in groups on Facebook and on Instagram etc, that’s not what I’m here for. 🙂

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Nina's avatar

I just realized why btw. There is so much triggering content out there and to me Sarah’s texts and audios are almost always the opposite. They make me question things and reflect but they are almost never triggering to me, which I really appriciate. Makes it a safe space. A more open forum with lots of contributors can never be that. Could be great in other ways, of course.

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Diane's avatar

I agree with Nina. I look forward to your posts because they make me question and reflect rather than trigger me. I feel like I am hyper sensitive since 2016 and there are triggers in every direction I turn. I appreciate the meditative content of your posts. I’m sorry I do not have a suggestion for an alternative to ask Sarah. Honestly I kind of enjoyed your responses to the questions

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Sarah Blondin's avatar

Good to know! Thank you!

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Sherry Ward's avatar

How do we get the texts? I only get the audio through emails.

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Nina's avatar

The text is in the e-mail.

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Sarah Blondin's avatar

thank you for this, Nina. I agree with you...I'll sit with this and see what opens up around the "Ask Sarah'' section.

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Amber's avatar

I really enjoy audio and text. Like Nina, that’s why I’m here.

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Wendy's avatar

Agreed & I often re-visit them.

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Sarah Fenico's avatar

Being truthful, but oppositional here. I really enjoyed + looked forward to when you'd respond to Ask Sarah. It was a way to interact with you and, quietly + passively, this lovely community, in an organized, fluid way. For me, and I realize I might be an outlier, too many voices, thoughts + opinions are overwhelming and sorta tune me out. I am mainly here to listen to you...draw wisdom from you. That being said, if changing direction is the majority opinion, I submit that flow writing prompts would be neat!

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Jake's avatar

After just finishing a weekend retreat, the thing that was truly healing for me was to actually look into the eyes of others and speak volumes without words. Having a retreat at some point would be amazing! A restorative gathering of like minded people.

I also love the idea of a creative writing or journal thread. I enjoy writing but often find it difficult to begin.

Be well.

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Kai's avatar

Yes plz to a retreat!! Ive thought of this a couple times in the last few days 🤍🤍

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Kim's avatar

I would love for you to share journaling prompts, than people can take them to their journals and share their reflections in the comments if they like.

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Wendy's avatar

Agreed Kim I love this idea. x

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Laura d-L's avatar

Yes Kim, love this idea!

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Mark Miller's avatar

Maybe a private Facebook forum? Or a podcast or blog? (And, being an anal former English major, I have to let you know that you've decided to "shelve" your monthly post, not "shelf" it.) And, most importantly, you are my favorite meditation teacher by far. Thank you for all you do.

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Hāns's avatar

Please not facebook..... many choose to delete fb because it doesn't support contemplative, growth mindset

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Shell's avatar

I agree, please not Facebook 🙏

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Wendy's avatar

I also agree, I hardly ever go there so I would miss most of the content. x💕

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Sarah Blondin's avatar

Corrected! thank you, Mark :)

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Susan Graves's avatar

Lovely of you to inquire within your community. What you offer has a unique quietness and beauty to it -- may it continue.

A thought: perhaps a one hour monthly “Folding In Together” — quietly folding in --- a short mindfulness practice in the beginning, then a gentle writing prompt is offered by you or a community member. Soft music playing. We write together. Or simply sit with the music and our thoughts, in presence with one another.

No sharing… perhaps in the chat (or not). Simply gathering together in your lovely presence — and in community.

We close with a chime, or maybe spotlight one member to share for one minute or so some of their writing, no feedback, just sharing.

(Logistics: I imagine this monthly gathering with continuity — imperfectly, of course — perhaps the first Sunday of each month - or whatever works for you. Some of my other communities do this and the continuity is grounding. For those who can’t make it live, perhaps the recording is sent afterward.

Simply a space to gather. Write. Sit. Be. Quiet.

With gratitude that our presence is your purpose.

Warmly, Susan

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Laura d-L's avatar

I love Love this Susan❣️💕

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Gail Neely's avatar

This is exactly what I imagine as well Susan, thank you for sharing it so beautifully!

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Sarah Fenico's avatar

Wonderful suggestions!

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Susan Graves's avatar

Thx Sarah.

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Angie George's avatar

I would love for there to be more conversation on how to find your own voice. I feel for so long I have outsourced . I’m always asking what “other” people think I should do so I would like to have guidance on How to begin that process .

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Wendy's avatar

This is great, I would love the journal thread as I to struggle to begin.x

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Hāns's avatar

How about a weekly topic, where people can submit a max 100-word story or reflection. Contributors could reply with their up-to-100 words, or post their piece. It's a beautiful succinct way to communicate what we each value, or feel to be nascent in our practice

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Jason Kerr's avatar

It’s powerful to know that so many other people have resonated with your work, but it’s also hard to have a community that’s this large really converse and connect in deep ways. I do like the journal prompt suggestion; maybe the most important thing the community has to offer is the sense that we’re not alone, even if really getting to know people seems unlikely. It’s powerful to create a safe/brave space where people can express themselves vulnerably, but that’s so hard to create and sustain in a relatively anonymous online space. The opt-in quality here provides some safeguards, but still. Love it while it lasts, I guess?

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Keith Hays's avatar

Like Meghan, I love the idea of you throwing out a question or ideas on something you are thinking about and allowing a discussion forum.

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steven lowry's avatar

Love it Sarah! Yes!!! I feel like most of my immediate thoughts and reflections are already 'captured' eloquently here. We ARE more than the sum of our individual parts! I appreciate you broadening and deepening the conversation Sarah...within and without. Blessed Be! Steven

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tari's avatar

Thank you for all you do. I would love to see prompts for conversation and sharing. I feel like I would gain many insights for all your lovely community members, on many subjects, if you shared a topic prompt and we could all brainstorm encourage and share. In gratitude, TW

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OM's avatar

learning from each other guided by a beautiful soul……..

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Susan Graves's avatar

simply stated, OM.

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Angela R.'s avatar

A monthly one hour zoom call perhaps with a different theme each month, maybe you lead with a few discussion questions posed that people can chime in if guided to/comfortable with and ending with one of your amazing group meditations. Topics could be selected by what you are drawn to or if you are wanting more interaction from us then maybe a poll if you have a few topics in mind?

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cara em's avatar

I'm based on the other side of the planet which, time wise can be very tricky for zoom connects and the like. I most definitely don't do meta or insta and my doing time is generally well-whittled. I therefore can really only dip in to and savour content on the wing, so to speak. I enjoy the creative free writing and thoughts of everyone as the seeds you sow too have far reaching germination (more than you know). With love

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Wendy's avatar

Bless - I too am on the other side of the world, so agree about zoom etc can be tricky.x

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Lisa Topchik's avatar

I’m new to this discussion group, but not new to your thoughtful, thought-provoking, loving words, Sarah. I wonder if we could make space for sharing visual art, sketches, etc as a part of these discussions. Like many of you, I do not use social media. (Unless I need a good laugh from Jimmy Fallon’s YouTube channel 😜)

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Molly Hervey's avatar

Thank you for asking this Sarah. I’m loving your emails, they provide breathing room in a very cluttered space. It would be nice to have the option to connect with other like-minded meditators but in a way that maintains the integrity of your pristine and heart-centered content, which is why we are all here. This means very simple and organized messaging/graphics, which also means it is controlled by admins. Facebook is more accessible but it could be done on a separate platform to encourage a lifestyle of mindful living. Mighty Networks could be an option. Perhaps weekly questions from you to the community. Words that encourage living in loving presence. Perhaps every Monday you ask “What is your intention for today?” There can also be live events scheduled for group meditations (combo of paid and unpaid). I am grateful for you being you, and sharing your gifts with us. 💗

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Angie George's avatar

I also would like more live zooms to connect to feel more like a community rather than just posting thoughts.

Also I wondered if you, Sarah do private one on one coaching ?

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Jen Fox's avatar

I would love a live Zoom meditation session as well. Kind of like you do on occasion w/ Insight Timer, Sarah, but perhaps record it for those that can't make it live.:))

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Tim Milburn's avatar

This is a community that is connected through the common thread of Sarah's heart and voice (best $7 I spend a month :).

Are there ways that we, as a community can support Sarah in her work? Perhaps we look for others in this community who can serve as ambassadors or encouragers or responders? Those who are committed to engaging with this community in a more intentional way and inviting others to join. I enjoy reading the comments so many of you share that follow Sarah's prompts. I suppose I'm talking about a greater level of commitment to the community.

My only hesitation in suggesting this is creating the illusion of some type of privileged space or inner circle.

We cannot replicate what Sarah provides here. But, maybe, we can find ways to lighten the load?

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Aura Sanderson's avatar

Perhaps the opportunity to share an exerpt from a book, poem, song, piece of art that aligns and connects with the essence of your offerings Sarah. A way to find new authors, poets, musicians, artists. John O'donohue comes to mind as one author I might share from. Blessings, Aura

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Susan Graves's avatar

Essence of Sarah's offerings.. yes.... lovely name, Aura.

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Awaken with Intention, LLC's avatar

I struggle with sitting, really sitting and listening to my heart. I want to learn to allow the feelings to come, be curious, write, and learn to love me. So anything you can teach, perhaps in a specific series, that teaches us how to develop a daily practice on how to be still and write to discover ourselves more. Maybe a weekly writing prompt? My monkey mind runs constantly often with negative self talk, but when I sit to write I can’t get down on paper what is going on in my head and I often can’t sit still because I am thinking about all the things I need to do. Ugh! Any guidance you can give, I would happily pay for.

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Grateful Deb's avatar

Sarah and Friends, I would like to put this out there for your thoughts and ideas. This past weekend's new moon got me inspired to reflect on new beginnings. It feels like we are at an inflection point and that we need to consider how we can come together with a unity of purpose to energetically focus on being the change. There is no darkness, there is only a lack of light. The same is true for love-hate and cold-warm. Our world feels like it's being overwhelmed by the cold, bitter darkness of oppression and aggression. We long for rituals but the ones we celebrate have no meaning for us anymore (Christmas, etc.). I feel a longing to connect with like-minded individuals at a specific time to focus our attention, love and compassion on each other and all fellow beings- specifically on those we find it difficult to love. You have been a beacon of light and love to all of us. You have given us insight into our deepest fears and have shown us how to lean into our challenges and arise victorious. Other mentors and mystics (Carolyn Myss, Jamie Wheal, Gabor Mate) all seem to be coming to the same conclusion. Jamie has said that if we can collectively come together in a spirit if unconditional love for all, we can change the dynamic of our world. There is some debate about how many of us it would take (3-15%, which is a big difference) but my thought is that maybe we can go back to those basic rituals (new moon, full moon) and be a collectivel voice for change. Is there a way we could connect during the next full moon and radiate love and healing and light towards our deepest fears and most dreaded "others" and begin to move our united hearts from the love of power to the power of love. Is there a way we could do that?

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Robert Berg's avatar

Just wanted to say I’ve heard your question and have digested (and love) the premise. The problem of multi cultural, planetary unity is worth discussing.

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Margaret's avatar

Just recently I’ve been drawn to journaling. I feel like there is so much I want to express yet it is a challenge getting started. I too love the idea of journaling prompts!

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Susan Graves's avatar

Me too.

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CDN Sasky Meditator's avatar

I'd be interested in learning what books or poems Sarah is reading. I like learning about what inspires the people I admire. Thanks

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Susan Graves's avatar

Yes. This. Wonderful idea.

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Linda Mclyman's avatar

I love that you ask us what we need or want. I just can’t do one more Facebook forum for whatever reason..I get swamped with teachers sending beautiful teaching pieces but I want something different. Even writing prompts show up everywhere. I trust what you want to do is important as well as what we want.

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Lin M's avatar

I love the weekly audios, and would be happy to see discussions arise from the audios, or from any other idea/question you or community members may post, Sarah. Your thoughts and meditations, in your own (perfect) voice, touch me deeply. ❤️🙏❤️.

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Bob's avatar

I been thinking about it and the choosing a different topic works for me. I always gain so much wisdom from you Sarah and from everyone here. Send peace and love your way.

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Kai's avatar

I find myself wanting to spend less and less time on screens, especially doing anything written - but a zoom class or meditation would be an amazing second best to in person for more connection with you and the community 🥰

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kelseygilmore's avatar

Hi!

I love the podcast platform that you used for your "live awake" podcast.. I continuously go back to it and will sometimes randomly choose one with my eyes closed and it always helps me in the ways I need it most. I've never really had a meditation reach me the way that yours have and I often find myself so moved to tears because the words you speak really speak to my soul. Please know that your gift for channeling through source is so appreciated and admired. I know you have moved to this platform but I would love to see more podcasts as it is very convenient to come back to each day.

Thank you again for your beautiful contribution :)

kelsey

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lisa getline's avatar

What about a theme? I would be inspired to write or paint if there was a greater purpose

for doing so. so let it be said so let it be done

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June's avatar

I agree with most of the comments not wanting to move this community to something like a fb group full of quick triggers.

Perhaps you could add a guest writer column, featuring work from some of those in your community that resonated with you and your message? This could help connect us further and allow a deep understanding and support of each community member.

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Victoria Buda's avatar

It is all so beautiful and lovely.

But if I had a magic wand, I would love to write with you- perhaps a guided journal video?

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Steph's avatar

Hi Sarah. I hope it's not too late to post. I've had a read of what others would find beneficial and I'm wondering if setting up a membership (similar to the subscription here for $7p/m (or another amount proportionate to the content delivery)) on a platform specifically designed for community discussion/gatherings might be helpful. I am currently a member with a personal development type group on "Mighty Networks". It is fabulous. I love the interaction there and it's easy to keep track of threads, to tag people so they don't miss comments, to ask questions, to interact with posts, and to schedule live events and to watch the recordings. Members can interact and support each other too so the coach isn't responsible for carrying the load. It's so great to be part of a group with heart-minded individuals, and your community seems to enjoy similiar interactions with each other. It's not a social media platform, and is very easy to navigate. You could have different threads for the writing prompts, meditations, talks...anything you'd like. I'm based in Australia and even though the Mighty Networks group I'm part of is based in England, I never feel out of the loop because I get the right notifications for my interests and go at my own pace. I'd be delighted to help you if you ever wanted someone to support you setting it up and being a moderator. Thanks and love to you. Steph x

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"V" Clark's avatar

Hi Sarah, just checking here to see if you got the "letter" I sent to you personally on one of your posts under "feedback"... not knowing how to otherwise reach you. I wanted to say "hello" privately and would love to know if you saw and read it?? Not sure where to go to get a response from you if you did? After listening to you this morning (as I do now daily), often with a sigh, a nod, tears... I so want you to know that I "see" you, Sarah. You not only touch all of us in such a profound, deep way... you too, dear one... are so seen, and held in a loving, safe space all of us that follow you hold close. You are a rare and remarkable spirit/soul, I feel so blessed to have found. I celebrate your authenticity and openess, your folding in, and willingness to share every day. Blessings to you, Sarah ~ with kindness and gratitude. p.s. this building of community is a fabulous idea ~ looking forward to what it generates and becomes! 'V' Clark

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Gloria  Eichenauer's avatar

Hi Sarah, I love when you recite a poem then weave your interpretation through your narrative. It's so cool to see through your perspective. A book of poetry would be delicious. If you were looking for the groups' participation, perhaps that's something we could build on. Thank you for asking.

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Cass's avatar

You inspire me so much as a writer. I would love if you had a writing class where you share some tips and let us write and then let us share as a group

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Stacy DeSett's avatar

Hi All! Been thinking about this since it was shared. I love the increase in video messages/meditations, helps me feel more connected. Thank you for those. When down time is available I love reading and learning from others so poems, writings by other spiritual leaders, journal prompts are all great avenues for this platform as I do not have social media. I’ve also thought about art. One thing I’ve always noticed is the pictures attached to the meditations. I often think about the picture before I begin the meditation and what the picture means to be. Even for this post, the art posted had five circles reminding me about connection. And I wondered what the message “we could be a bridge” means to me before I read the post. We all have such different perspectives on pictures based on how we were raised, our experiences, etc that I think it would be really interesting to do “art therapy” and see how others interrupt a picture and what we can learn from each other by just connecting through a picture. Xo

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Nicki's avatar

I cherish your meditations. The words speak to my soul and open my heart to the energy, goodness and innocence of the universe. I would cherish a guided meditation and free sharing afterwards with your community💕

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Eilish's avatar

Is it to late to speak to this? I’m not if this is of relevance but it feels important to share—

I am sitting here preciously moulding with my two hands, what once was a slub of clay — into a vessel that I will someday soon be drinking from. There is something so healing, something that feels so true to my nature when I do this, or when I create anything with my hands in this way 💗 It’s as though I can feel spirit playing through me. Sarah, I would really appreciate and love if you have time to speak to this? Or if anyone has words for these experiences of creating 🌻🦋 thank you, thank you. Much love xx

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Katarina Simon's avatar

Dear Sarah, I love listening to your voice in the middle of the night, when my thoughts wake me up. Your words give me useful self-reflections. Still I have to admit that writing here is a challenge for me. I am from another country. (Sweden in northern Europe) You have taught me many new beautiful words. I have been following you since you posted your first meditations on Insight timer. Your words touch deeply and shed light on our life journeys.

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Sarah Fenico's avatar

Hi again. I am unsure if anyone has already asked you this Sarah...what was reason(s) you decided to shelve Ask Sarah? If you feel okay sharing, that is. If you've already been asked, please disregard. : - )

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Sarah Blondin's avatar

Hi Sarah! I'm not entirely sure why...many of the questions I receive are hard for me to answer and I want to be careful not to influence someone's personal choices and path too much. Some of the questions we pose are meant to be lived through, and I can't assume the 'right' answer or even the best one. Honestly, I struggle with where to draw the line really. Other than that, I don't actually receive that many questions in general so I took that to mean there was not much interest or engagement. This is why I opened the floor for discussion. Thank you for your feedback, and insights, I so appropriate you, Sarah.

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Sarah Fenico's avatar

Thank you for sharing this, Sarah. The deeper insight is appreciated. You are appreciated.

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Tammy's avatar

I like the idea of sharing a discussion group. I find that the comments here are always as helpful as you’re writings. I would love to explore flow writing and agree with the ideas around a writing thread as well. A retreat would also be lovely! I am moving through the dark night of the soul and I’ve been feeling a complete reset is necessary, leaving so much behind…and the Universe, God, the I am-has been pushing me forward to it! Thank you for sharing and engaging us to create community💛

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Christina Jeffrey's avatar

Wonderful idea Sarah! I would love to learn about flow writing from you and your creative process for focusing and drawing out the "inner you". As you have said "it is a practice" and I find taking the time to write tends to draw out more of the inner me than any other method. To learn how to do this properly and in a way that can lend to that practice would be amazing!

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Kathryn's avatar

I really like this idea

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Susan Graves's avatar

The art is beautiful.

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Kari's avatar

COMPUTER MALFUCTION excuse all the deletes...wth?

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Kari's avatar

Along with hearing your beautiful voice, I love seeing you. Maybe whatever you do could be a short video. What about a question you pose to us? Instead of us asking you questions you could ask something you have been thinking about and we could start a dialog on that subject, share our experiences...

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Mike O's avatar

A private forum, where the heart minded can share, support, uplift and help to walk each other home. One love x

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