As I write, we as humans on this planet are in the midst of holiday festivities—or perhaps a quieter, more contemplative time. As you read this, you may be in recovery from the holidays.
I can’t help but notice what my inbox looks like this time of year, when “Primary” feels more like “Promotions,” and “Promotions” feels completely out of control. By sending my monthly(ish) newsletter, I realize I’m adding to that noise. What does that mean?
Maybe it points to something universal: a need to be heard.
The human cry goes up—just listen to me! (Though right now there’s also a lot of just buy me.)
Despite broadcasting my thoughts here (yes, I see the irony), I want to practice the art of listening.
First, I listen to myself—which in my heart and mind is not separate from my understanding of the Divine. I listen through journaling. Through meditation, which replaces talking with silence and allows me to listen on a deeper level, in the spacious awareness beyond understanding. There, I often hear an intuitive voice—whether I think of it as my own or as God’s voice. Because I believe that at the deepest level, there is no separation between me and what I call God, those voices are one and the same.
I have one resolution this new year, and it takes many forms:
I listen with an open heart and mind.
I listen to the messages my body sends me—and slow down when I feel pain.
I listen to my family without offering unsolicited advice. (When I do this, they actually call me!)
I listen to my friends as they share heartbreak and joy.
I listen to my teachers—both the master teachers and the daily ones, which includes everyone I meet.
I listen to my elder friends, who haven’t figured everything out but have learned a few things about love.
I listen to my characters as my current novel writes itself through me.
I listen to music that moves me to tears of sorrowful recognition and joy.
I listen to the news in small, intentional doses from reliable sources.
I listen to the cries of the impoverished, the disempowered, and the deeply wounded.
In all of this listening, I hear the love between the words—and what feels like gentle, loving guidance from a divine source.
And from time to time, I speak.
An Invitation: The nervous system learns protection—but it can also learn ease
I’m honored to be a featured speaker in a new online immersion summit. It’s free, has a wonderful list of speakers, and it’s called: Somatic Solutions for Chronic Pain & Discomfort, with AVAIYA University.
My topic, “Widening the Lens, Softening the Pain.” is close to my heart, and alongside me, 20 doctors, psychologists, and somatic experts will explore ways to move beyond temporary fixes and address pain at its roots. If you feel like you’ve tried everything, this may offer a new way of looking—and listening.
If you struggle with chronic pain or long-term discomfort, you already know it’s rarely just about physical sensation. It’s the exhaustion of waking up tired, the frustration of feeling your world shrink, and the fear that your body has forgotten how to feel safe and at ease.
Chronic pain often creates a kind of protective loop in the nervous system. The body becomes very skilled at bracing. The hopeful truth is that the nervous system is also incredibly plastic. It can learn new patterns. It can soften. It can listen differently.
I’ll be speaking on a topic close to my heart:
“Widening the Lens, Softening the Pain.”
Along with me, 20 doctors, psychologists, and somatic experts will explore ways to move beyond temporary fixes and address pain at its roots—through awareness, nervous system regulation, and embodied listening. This is only a partial list of the special beings on this masterclass: Brooke Goldner MD, Simon Borg-Olivier, Rebecca Tolin, Craig Emmerich, Christiane Wolf MD, , Julie Schiffman, KP Khalsa, Dave Berger, Michael Landau, Rose Kress, Liz Koch, Karina Grant & Dr. Tara Sullivan.
If you feel like you’ve “tried everything”, this may offer a new way of looking—and listening.
You can register for free here: After you register, AVAIYA will send details on accessing the sessions. (Replays will be available for 24 hours after each class airs.)
Thank you for listening—truly listening—alongside me.
With love,
Amy
P.S. There are 1.6 billion people worldwide living with chronic pain. If this speaks to you, please feel free to share it with someone who may need support right now.
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