A few days ago, I had the pleasure of sharing one of my favorite books, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse, by Charles Mackesy.

I've shared it with many of you in the past.

It still speaks so deeply to my heart.

For those less familiar with it, this beautiful book is a story about navigating life - with the four companions sharing questions and insights, beauty and cake, and ultimately cultivating healing for each being along the journey.

With the group this week, I shared that when the horse joins, she brings wisdom and patience. And then there comes a moment in the book where she confesses something to the group.

Her wings start to re-emerge from her back when the boy says,

Pause a moment there - with those simple pencil-drawn wings - and imagine, really feel it:

• What if wings stretched out of you back, your shoulder blades?
• What would it feel like to extend them?

The Year of the Horse

This week, the Lunar New Year celebration said goodbye to the Year of the Snake - perhaps embracing the shedding of "skin" that may embody - and ushered in the Year of the (Fire) Horse.

There are many commentaries about the significance of the Year of the Horse, high hopes for an eventful year. In simple summary, it is known for representing speed, energy, and independence, often associated with a fast-paced and transformative year.

What if...

Slowing down to read a loved book with new friends, I wondered,

What if our year of the horse was not filled with the speed of fire or hustle, but with the transformation that might come to our world if we each loved so deeply we gave lift to those around us?

An invitation

With the group last week, I invited all - and I invite you - to think and doodle for a minute about your own wings - whether currently stretched wide or hidden. Doodling the wings slows down our thinking. We’re not trying to “create art,” but tapping into non-verbal processing. If you don't immediately think of words for your wings, just keep doodling. If the doodle sits un-annotated for a few days, that's okay, too.

When you're ready, I invite you to ponder a little more:

• In what context(s) do you hide your wings?
• What helped or would help you extend your wings?
• For you, what would it feel like or look like to fly?

If you're inspired to share, I'd love to see your wings. (If you're on LinkedIn, feel free to take a look at another's musings on the activity here.)

Regardless, know that like the boy, "I love you, whether you can fly or not."

Mary