Why this, why now- Start Here
More musings on the purpose and intent of the Maven's Nest
1. Why this, why now
Why not this and why not now? I have this habit of answering questions with questions. Curiosity and inquiry is my spiritual practice and my sacred work. And the truth is, I am in the in-between, and what better what to explore what is next for all of us than having a little fun with writing, creativity, interviews, music, musings and all around shenanigans?
I am totally in the mystery on what is next for me, I am waiting for the synchronicities to show up. All I can say is that as much as I teach others to embrace the mystery it is a practice, a difficult one. I just spent the entire last year thinking a transition was going in one direction, and in the last week have found out its going in a totally different direction. It explains the synchronicity of the Coyote Trickster crossing my path last week. But more on that later. There will be a whole article.
2. What kind of community I am hoping to build here:
My home is first and foremost that this INDEED does become a community. Building communities is one of my gifts, often bringing together unlikely candidates. I love building inclusive communities of curious souls, multi-passionate creatives. People who aren’t afraid to try just about anything once, and who are willing to expand their horizons without getting caught up in “being good” or being perfect at anything. I am way too old for that.
For example, I am taking drumming lessons, for the pure joy of it. At 51 I hold no illusions that I will be a famous rock star. That ship sailed a long time ago.
As one of my teachers Shiloh Sophia with Tea With the Muse once said. “Creativity should not be reserved for the talented.”
My hope is to also bring together people of different cultures and generations who are willing to share their gifts and wisdom inter-culturally and inter-generationally. I hope to expand beyond my usual audience of middle aged women and into that of young adults. I believe strongly it is time to open up and receive the wisdom from our youth, and to hold safe space for them to explore their spirituality, dreams, creativity, and soul assignments outside of what is considered “conventional”. And in turn continue to pass on our knowledge and creative pursuits.
The bottom line is, I love conversation and want to be in conversation with interesting and eccentric people.
3. The Circle of Reciprocity
I believe in reciprocity whether that is energetic, financial or an exchange of wisdom and “gifts” - physical and metaphoric. For the time being this publication and the content is complementary and some component will always remain that way. It will be complimentary while I learn the ins and outs of the platform, get into a rhythm of what I want to share, and to see what offerings people like and what they don’t. Also, I am discerning what parts of my work make sense to do here vs my regular ways of doing classes and workshops. I would love any feedback you have on what you would like to see. Reciprocity for me is often just engagement and conversation.
The beauty of Substack is that you get to engage with content, minus the ads, algorithms and other distractions. You are at CHOICE for what you read and interact with and I am always deeply grateful when people choose to engage with me. But it also means I need to be sustained for my work, wisdom, and knowledge. It means that ultimately this will be a subscriber supported publication.I promise not to “sell” to you even if I have offerings outside of your paid membership. You know where to find me and my website will be in my byline.The only affiliate links will be to books I recommend/discuss and will be linked to Bookshop.org in support of independent booksellers. But below is my intent for the paid tiers going forward. This is a Work In Progress:
FREE TIER:
A minimum of twice monthly musings in written form, and either podcast or video. Access to those writings for 3 months
Access to chats and notes.
Oracle readings
MONTHLY MEMBER:
All of the above +
Book chats and discussions on what I am reading
Access to interview series and 1st right of refusal to be interviewed on my podcast
New Moon Intention Circles
Access to the archive library
ANNUAL MEMBER:
All of the above +
Monthly Wisdom Council Circle
Monthly Q&A on any topic I am a Maven on. (questions must be received by the 15th of the month and will be answered in written and podcast form by the last Thursday of the month.
FOUNDING MEMBER
All of the above +
A one-on-one Soul Work session with a focus on your Sparketype® and aligned actions for the next 3 months
Being in the circle of reciprocity and being a featured guest and teacher. (I highly recommend you create a Substack of your own and I will add you to my recommended list)
5. Welcome to the Nest
Like I said this is an experiment just like life!! So much has changed in my world even in the last two weeks, that I know nothing is permanent and I try not to grip onto things being a certain way. This publication is about being silly, experiencing joy, finding the humor in both the light and the shadow and holding the paradoxes of life. I can and will talk about almost anything, and open everyone up to sharing their creations, gifts, and wisdom. For all of my work outside of the Maven’s Nest please visit me at www.amusedwomanstudios.com