Dear Reader,

We are at a turning point.

Imbolc—occurring at the beginning of February—is the ancient Gaelic festival that marks the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It honors what is becoming and the returning of the light.

This year Imbolc, the turning point, is solidly in my consciousness. The nation feels as if it’s at a critical moment. I feel myself at a turning point; and memory reminds me of the many times I stopped, turned back, and did not finish a journey.

But nature, the foundation of Imbolc, teaches us the strengths and sureness, the faith and hope, in cycles.

The word is believed to be derived from the Old Irish i mbolg, meaning "in the belly of the mother.” Something new is always forming—that is the nature of life—even if we can’t see it yet. This is the season of becoming. It is important to train our focus on where we want our energy to flow.

On Imbolc & Becoming

Becoming is a return to being. Being willing to awaken. Willing to dwell, linger, and stay, as a beloved mentor of mine once advised. Willing to become.

The days are lengthening; the bulbs and roots are waiting to sprout again. I’d like to remind you, that you too are still growing. You have more beauty and surprises within. This ground beneath your feet holds abundance and possibility even on the darkest, coldest days. You are courageous; you are remembering your truest nature.

Becoming can feel dramatic. Or it can come as a whisper — a persistent nudge toward change. A desire to know yourself more deeply, to show up for others more fully. A sense that the way you’ve been moving through life might be ready for a truer rhythm. Imbolc invites us not to force clarity, but to gently tend what is beginning, what is stirring in the belly.

Do you notice:
A part of you that wants more meaning or to show up in the world more fully?
A longing for quiet or reflection to gather your energy and thoughts?
An idea, dream, or vision asking for more light?

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🌿 A Simple Imbolc Mindfulness Ritual: Tending the Inner Flame

Imbolc is traditionally associated with light, renewal, and the first spark of new life. This short ritual is a way to honor what is quietly becoming within you.
Step 1: Grab a candle, a journal, and a find a comfortable place where you can sit undisturbed for a few minutes.

2: Dim the lights if you can and light your candle.

3: Take a seat and a few slow breaths, letting your body soften and your mind settle.

4: Meditate on the flame and imagine it as a reflection of your own inner light.

4: Gently ask yourself: What in me is ready to grow? In what way am I read to grow? Who or what will be a part of this growth? What are the first actions I will take toward this growth?

Don’t force an answer. Simply sit with the questions, with slow, deep breaths, watching the flame. Notice any feelings, images, or words that arise and jot them down.

5: When you feel complete, place one hand over your heart, thank yourself for taking a pause, and set a quiet intention, one small way you will tend this “inner flame” in the coming weeks.

Blow out the candle with gratitude, trusting in growth.

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As we move through this threshold season, I’m opening spaces designed to support your own unfolding. The Barred Owl mostly monthly mini-retreats offer pockets of time to step away from the noise and reconnect through guided meditation, journaling, and sound journeys. They are small sanctuaries for listening inward and tending the spark of what’s becoming.

Learn About Mini Retreats Here

And beginning February 15, my Mindful Awakening Program and virtual community begins — a guided journey of personal discovery rooted in mindfulness, reflection, and compassionate self-awareness. It’s a place to explore who you are now, what is shifting, and how to walk forward with more intention and self-trust, alongside a supportive circle.

Learn About the 7 Week Virtual Program

If you feel something in you stirring, this is your invitation to honor it — to find those spaces that support your becoming and what you are trying to birth into being.

With love and the growing light of Imbolc,
Jess

P.S.

And today is the last day to grab more resources from the Inspired Living Giveaway and Aspire Magazine and the beautiful souls there looking to support your becoming...

Visit the Inspired Life Giveaway