Regeneration Cycles + The Magic of Spirals

Many years ago I watched Star Trek Voyager, in which the borg Seven of Nine would periodically retreat to an alcove to plug in for a Regeneration Cycle.  I remember thinking how cool that would be - to be able to just plug into a source of energy that would refill my batteries without needing to sleep. So I could keep going at a fast pace, being productive,  making things happen. A lot of humans turn to a cup (or 3) ☕️  of coffee for this purpose. More often than I like to admit, I have relied on adrenaline to keep my engine chugging along.  I know I'm not the only person who has fallen into this trap! 

But temporary wired energy is not regenerative.

From years of seeking and experimentation, I finally learned that regeneration - at least for me - is much more about releasing and letting go than it is about filling up. Shedding unhelpful beliefs, softening stress, facing fears, releasing unrealistic expectations, and ultimately simplifying my life... these have served me well. My practice of creating earth altars emerged during a time of letting go - of big projects, of travel plans, of busyness, of life as I knew it.  

Creating earth altars is one of my most effective regeneration methods! Being present, touching natural objects, and allowing patterns to emerge is deeply restorative for me. 🌺

The Magic of Spirals...

​These four simple spirals were each created with a single type of flora. 

FULL MOON is created solely from poppy seed pods, OAK GALL NAUTILUS is (to state the obvious) made of oak galls, SPIRALING TOWARD WELLBEING features arbutus (strawberry tree) berries, and you can probably guess what single ingredient went into ACORN LIFECYCLE.

Spirals are a beautiful symbol of regeneration.
Bringing ourselves, our communities, and our planet back to life. 

I've just put together a special set of spiral note cards, available at the EarthAltarsGallery shop on Etsy. 

​What is regenerative for you? Let me know in the comments below ☺️