Embracing Impermanence: A summer of letting go
As summer comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the themes of impermanence and intentionality that have woven through my experiences. This season has been a time of change, my youngest son became a man. We witnessed him becoming through the sacred ritual of becoming a Bar Mitzvah at the beginning of summer. My middle and oldest sons are both seniors this year. One will graduate college and the other will graduate high school. My husband and I are looking at each other and witnessing ourselves aging. I have finally made the decision to stop coloring my hair. Embracing fully this conscious stepping into ELDERSHIP. I catch my reflection in the mirror and ask, “who is this new person?”. There is mystery, excitement, tension, grief, love, wisdom, magic, audacity and a deep knowing. My oldest son said to me this summer, “Mom, you’re the only person I know excited to grow old.” He is right. I find it to be such an honor and so deeply important for the younger ones to see me.
Another big change has been moving out of my beloved painting studio to my beautiful home studio. My home studio space doesn’t allow for the painting to continue. So, I’ve stopped painting and turned to the fiber arts as a form of rebellion and activism against machines and AI.Hand-stitching has become my way of connecting with the past—honoring my ancestors and fostering deeper connections with loved ones. The act of creating something with intention and care stands as a powerful counter to the hurried pace of our modern lives. Each stitch represents a moment of mindfulness, a commitment to something enduring in a realm of constant change. My first thing I made was a prayer shawl for my son, Oscar’s Bar Mitzvah. It was steeped in love. It was a collaboration with other friends and family members. Everyone contributed something and I hand stitched it. He LOVES it. I know it means something to him. It is a family heirloom that he can pass down, hopefully, for years to come.
This summer I began to think of items that I could give to loved ones that held intention and could serve as an object that held meaning. Something with SOUL.These one-of-a-kind pieces not only reflect individuality and personal style but also remind us of the value in the time and effort behind each creation. As such, I’m excited to announce that I’ll be launching a collection of meaningful, handcrafted works at the end of October. This collection will include talismans, small quilts, altar cloths, and prayer shawls—each designed with the intention of creating connection and spiritual significance.
Another HUGE change is I am in training to become a Somatic Activated Healer. Through facilitating the “SAH” method. It is a trauma informed healing modality that helps us to move stuck energy in the body and process emotions without going to the mind for the “story”. Think of it as a “bottom up” therapy vs a “top down” talk therapy. It is actually a great compliment to talk therapy. I have had some major healing as a result of both. Like, crack me open, eureka moments(I’ll share more on that in a future post!)
In embracing this journey, I’m not only seeking to add beauty to the world but also to create works that resonate deeply with the HUMAN experience. Together, let’s celebrate the beauty of the handmade and the lasting impact of intentional creation as we navigate the delicate dance of impermanence.
Your friend in the thick of it,
L E S L I E