I know, Lammasing isn't probably a word. I like to make words into verbs. Lammasing seems appropriate for this time of year.
Last night, I baked two loaves of bread. Not a huge deal, you might think. For me, it was. I rarely bake, and have relegated most of my cooking to special occasions. This act of baking was special, as I was acknowledging the meaning of Lammas for me. This celebration may be about first harvests, but it's also about loss, evaluating and moving ahead.
As memories pop up on Facebook, I noted that on this day last year, I felt the first stirrings of Autumn, Not yet, not yet! I love summer, and have enjoyed mine. Yet part of me does feel a thrill of anticipation about Autumn. It's a magical time in the mountains, where I am very lucky to live. Not only is the scenery spectacular, but your body can feel the rhythm of the planet. If you listen closely enough.
I was pleased to note I felt the same stirrings two years in a row. This tells my heart that this is where I am meant to be, and this is the path I should be on. I am in tune with my surroundings, the seasons and nature. The loss is noted, and absorbed. I'm at peace with it. I don't resist, and I don't dwell on that loss. I can't stop nature, so I appreciate and acknowledge it.
The bread I made was a culmination of my mental review of the year. Evaluating. What had I accomplished? What did I want to accomplish? What was I working towards? Summer solstice was all about hitting the reset button for me. Here we are, a few months later, and so much has happened.
I have deepened my commitment to my work. It is not only my job, it is the core of me. I build community, I connect people, I build bridges between groups, and I help create with the lovely people who come to our store to buy things to help their lives, need help with problems, or merely want a hug after a bad day.
I have my writings in three books. Small pieces, but it suits me and my pace. A book has been bubbling in my head for decades and it will come out when it is ready. I have learned never to rush my projects or my writing. When I write, it is like a waterfall that pours over me, and the words come out until I feel I have written what I need to convey. It's a lovely feeling, so very satisfying.
I have given workshops and have more ahead of me on the calendar. Again, small gatherings, slower pace, and it suits me. I love the look of excitement when someone tells me they can attend my workshop, and are looking forward to it.
More projects are in the work, and I will share them as time permits. For now, I want to wish you all a good first harvest. I hope your sense of loss is miniimal, your evaluation of the year so far is comforting, and the months ahead fill you with excitement. For a holiday I once mostly ignored, Lammas has become quite the celebration instead. I hope you enjoy Lammasing.
