Honouring an internal ‘fluttering’ that began last year, I booked myself into 3 days at New Norcia Monastery’s guest house.

Before travelling by coach, I intuitively selected two books from my collection as the source material to ignite and explore an inner response whilst away. They were very different, but interestingly both pointed to the power of ‘Woman’ to nurture and guide in a point in time hijacked by power, authority, and control. Jean Shinoda Bolen likened our times to the myth of ‘The Fisher King’ and the desolation experienced when cut off from Self/Soul/Goddess. At Midlife, the invitation to reconnect makes its presence known. Turning inward ignites a small light in an individual and collective ‘dark night’.

Whilst staying true to the purpose of my time in New Norcia took deliberate decision making in regards to external distractions, I did allow myself one call at the end of the first day with someone I regard as ‘in my tribe’. We both respect the wisdom that resides within and are aware of the pitfalls of a ‘busy head’. We shared understanding that had surfaced in the week prior, got curious and allowed whatever moved through us to be voiced. The conversation was deeply nourishing and ignited the possibility of taking regular ‘book pilgrimages’ with other women, with time dedicated for us to read, write, and at the end of the day share personal ‘internal greening’.

The challenge is to stay true to the intention. Honouring an inner world of feelings, intuition, truth and ‘body’ knowing has become ‘forbidden fruit’. Finding venues that provide a suitable container (grail) can also be challenging. Solitude, quiet, comfort and care, in Nature are all needed to minimise external demands on our minds. I have booked myself into a different venue at the beginning of April but am sure to return to New Norcia for another 3 day immersion again during the year – maybe with other women?

2026 feels different. I have let go of some work that no longer feels right. I am changing in my expectations of myself and of work that I will continue to do. My care priorities are changing, including care for myself, the latter introducing some very new and different ways of being, and working. Time invested in external development will be limited while time set aside for inner communion will increase. Rituals to mark transitions in the day and seasons may be explored. I also feel prompted to explore our Indigenous six seasons and how climate change may be impacting. The year ahead feels right.