I spent yesterday afternoon into early evening having my first in-person meeting with an internet friend, turned client, turned member of my team.

We lavished ourselves in deep, vulnerable and inspiring conversation, connected the dots of our similar healing and becoming paths, and indulged in a food and drank spread like no other (4 course meal at the bar!)

Afterwards, we decided to go on a nice stroll along the riverwalk, no doubt to savor a bit more time together and help move the food we inhaled through our bodies :)

It was in the "turn back" portion of our walk that she asked me "What do you need to be in friendship?"

Which I heard and processed as "In what way(s) are your needs met in friendship?"

I smiled.

My heart opened even more.

And my answer sorta surprised me:

"to be invited into, included in, my friends lives; and to be trusted with deep, true and real communication.

(I'm so awkward with small talk, I can't lie)

When you boil it down, what I was describing was belonging and intimacy.

Such a simple question was actually a full circle moment to what we'd been doing the whole evening—sharing deeply, being vulnerable, holding each other's joy, relishing in each others beauty, inspired by our desires and possibilities... TOGETHER.

As above, so below.

As without, so within.

As with us, as are our ancestors.

At some part of our conversation—because we took so many twists and turns!—she shared how relieving it was (and still) is to know for herself her ancestors are with her, helping, guiding, supporting and listening intimately in her becoming process.

And I couldn't be more proud and excited. Straight up music to my ears!

For me, I have ancestors who survived very well and were able to hold/keep what they've earned by NOT sharing, showing or relishing...get where I'm going with this here?

• Our traumas make us believe healing has to be hard.

• Our experiences tell us we can't share our joy, desires and hopes with others, safely.

• Our inherited techniques of protection and survival has us programmed to live as individuals instead of a collective...

Yet, we are affected by so much more, seen and unseen.

Yet, we affect so much more, seen and unseen.

While this sister-friend has been inspired by my life, my ancestors, my walk and work, she (and her ancestors) blessed and inspired me in mine last night, and I'm so very grateful.

Those who know how to hold incredibly well,

need to be held and witnessed incredibly well.

​None of us do our healing and growth in total isolation.

Because what's healing in us all is the ability to belong and to deeply connect, no matter what.

I received that last night.

And I want the same for you, [FIRST NAME GOES HERE].

In the meantime...

​...find one way to invite someone into your healing this week.

...find one moment you can be vulnerable and safely seen in your process.

...find one opportunity to include yourself in someone else's blossoming.

...find a sacred space to tune-into and trust the guidance of your well and elevated ancestors, guides, and spirits...

I'm so sure it will not only FEEL great, it will amplify your quality of healing (whatever that means ;)

with love and devotion to my path,

Ash x