Dear Reader,

Lately, I’ve been feeling a persistent nagging feeling—a sense that something needs to be shed or released. Is it as simple as a spring clean, a decluttering of the space around me? Most certainly, that is necessary. Is it one of the many half-finished projects hanging like a dark cloud overhead? Quite possibly. Or is it something deeper, more elusive—an outdated version of myself tethered to her limiting beliefs and stale mindsets? Or perhaps, it’s something obvious, staring me in the face like a bad habit. I can name a few.

Shedding–to discharge, expel, to let go of something–is a natural and necessary process. Our bodies are always letting go of skin and cells. Sometimes, through illness or healing, we surrender parts of ourselves more dramatically.

The wisdom and the ways of letting go are reflected everywhere in nature, so my dog, Django, reminds me. He is currently shedding his winter coat and leaving mini Djangos everywhere. Animals shed fur, feathers, and exoskeletons. Trees let go of leaves and fruit, trusting the cycle to begin again.

All around me here at the Barred Owl Retreat, nature has already let go—and is now rising into rebirth. Shedding makes way for growth…for creation…for what’s next.

And so I find myself asking: What must I bid adieu, so that something new may take root?

Spring invites these questions. It is a season of release and rebirth, of turning soil and soul alike. In times of transition—whether by choice or by force—it is vital to bring mindfulness to what is falling away. To honor what has passed with gratitude. And to welcome, with intention, what we now long to create.

As I remind myself, allow me to remind you, we are creative beings, and this is a new season of becoming.

Retreats are a great way to reconnect with yourself in this time of renewal. If you’re able to join a retreat, mini-retreat, or sound journey at the Barred Owl this spring, we’ll be exploring this theme…

~Women’s Mindfulness Weekend Retreat, May 30-June 1: one spot remains for someone close enough to commute. All rooms here are taken. (Get in touch for special commuter pricing.)

~Spots open for the two afternoon mini-retreats (rain or shine): May 24 and June 7, 1-4 p.m. ($60)

~Sunday Evening Sound Journeys: June 8 and June 29, 6-7:15 pm ($30)

Further, if you have a small group of friends or colleagues, or an idea for a retreat, let me help you curate your retreat with my 14 years of hosting experience.

Here are some journal prompts to guide your own inner inquiry, as you release what no longer serves and begin to call in the new.

Journal Prompts for Spring Releasing

1. What am I holding onto that no longer serves me? What would I like to let go of with the same ease that trees release their leaves? Explore habits, beliefs, relationships, or narratives that feel heavy or unhelpful for the new you that is being birthed.
2. What would it feel like in my body, mind, and spirit to be free of this burden? Envision and describe your life post-release. Really feel what it would feel like.
3. What have I learned from what I am releasing? Give thanks and honor the role it played before fully letting it go.

Journal Prompts for Creating & Calling In the New

1. What is quietly calling to be born through me right now? And if I knew I would not fail, what would I create next?
   ​Listen for whispers rather than shouts — creativity often starts softly. Get quiet. Pay attention.
2. What feels alive in me when I think about starting something new? Name the sensation or imagery — this can help locate creative truth.
3. Where in my life do I feel most in flow, like time disappears and I feel engaged and most like myself? Let this guide you to your natural sources of inspiration and creativity.
4. What wants to be expressed through me, even if it doesn’t make sense yet? Free yourself from logic — let your subconscious speak. Meditate, journal, do anything that ignites your intuition.
5. What have I always wanted to try creating, but haven’t allowed myself to? Why not? Explore permission and play. Write yourself a permission slip.
6. How can I become a more open channel for inspiration and joy? Explore practices or habits that clear inner space for new ideas.
7. What symbols or metaphors represent this creative rebirth for me? Imagery like phoenix, snake, butterfly, seed — see what arises.

Finally, read through your journaling and create an intention, mantra, or prayer that speaks to what you are feeling and calling into creation right now. Post somewhere as a reminder and read it to yourself regularly.

As I say in one of my meditations, you are a powerful creator. With every thought and action, you are planting a seed and calling something into being. So this spring, let's get intentional about what we are cultivating in the garden of our lives.

As always, sending you light and love along your path,

Jess

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