Tapestry of Life Newsletter -

January, 2025

Slowing Down and Greeting 2025!!


Winter is a season of recovery and preparation.

Paul Theroux

(Prefer to listen, click Here)


Hello, Dear Friends,


Slowing Down and Greeting 2025

As we greet the first week of January here in New Hampshire, the wind howls outside, and I am incredibly grateful for the warm fire before me. Although my to-do list is quite long this week, I feel a deep pull to hunker down—wrapping up in a cozy throw, holding a warm cup of tea, and allowing space for quiet reflection and a little daydreaming.


As many of you know, I love poetry, and today, I found myself returning to Donna Ashworth’s beautiful poem Wintering from her book Wild Hope:


You may think yourself lazy, or flawed.

Yet your body is made of almost exactly the same elements as the Stars.

Your bone composition matches the coral in the seas

and you, my friend, are ruled by the moon and the Sun.

Whether you like it or not.

So no, you are not lazy,

nature is simply pulling you to slow,

like the life, floral and fauna around you.

It is not your moment to rise.

It is winter, you are wintering.

And you are right on time.


Thank you, Donna! Not that we should need permission to slow down, but sometimes it feels so reassuring to have these natural inclinations supported—especially in a world that seems constantly focused on doing, being ‘productive,’ and not ‘wasting’ time.


If you find yourself nodding your head and resonating with these words, I invite you to check out the Cuppa With Clare below.


Give Yourself This Gift

So, dear friends, as winter unfolds, give yourself the gift of simply stopping and being in the moment. Let yourself winter. Embrace slowing down and trust that in doing so, you are not falling behind but reconnecting with the rhythm of life itself.


Peace and blessings,


Clare xxx


Click here for SoundCloud.


Cuppa with Clare


Cuppa with Clare: The Gift of Slowing Down 


In these winter months, let’s start a new way of being and fully embrace moments to simply be—whether it’s lingering over tea, watching the snow fall, listening to the resilient winter birds sing, or closing your eyes for a few breaths. When we slow down, we aren’t being lazy. Rather, we’re offering our hearts a precious gift. Even five or ten minutes of quiet stillness can be incredibly restorative. I often find that when I loosen my grip on productivity and lean into moments of stillness, the things I was worrying over seem to soften. Creativity flows more freely, and I see things from a clearer perspective.


The Gift of Daily Practices

We know in our hearts that we aren’t machines, yet it can feel so difficult to resist the pressure to stay busy. I know how supportive my daily practices are in my life, yet I still find moments when I question whether I’m doing enough. Gratefully, these practices continually teach me that slowing down and stillness isn’t a luxury—it’s vital for a balanced life. These moments feed the soul in ways that can’t always be put into words.

Slowing down and being in the moment aren’t nice little extras to fit in on occasion. They sustain us and help us to return to a place of wholeness, hold space, and acknowledge the grace and gratitude for the life in front of us.


Reconnecting with Our Inner Child

If you feel disconnected from the art of slowing down, perhaps it’s time to reconnect with your inner child—that part of you that once found joy in play, daydreaming, and curiosity.

Young children naturally fall into states of wonder, joy, awe, and idleness when their days aren't overfilled. I imagine many of us were told at some point to “stop daydreaming”—yet, what if those moments of quiet curiosity were never a distraction but instead a connection to something deeper?

Our animal companions understand this all too well. Pausing, resting, and playing come as naturally as breathing to them. I wonder if they look at us humans and feel sorry for us—or simply think we’re bonkers for frantically zipping around all over the place.


Gathering Together

Sometimes, it helps to gather with others who also long to slow down and reconnect. When we come together with this shared intention—one of presence, connection, and ease—a beautiful, calming energy arises.

If you’re seeking ways to slow down and reconnect, consider joining one of these upcoming offerings:

  • Free weekly Mindfulness Meditation at Yoga from the Heart
  • Free monthly Matters of the Heart at Yoga from the Heart (with Gina McGuire and me)
  • Relax & Renew at Yoga from the Heart (with Kelley DeCoste and me)
  • Guided Meditation & Journaling at the Laconia Public Library
  • Uncover & Manifest Your Heart’s Dreams workshop this Saturday at Prescott Farm (with Gina McGuire and me)

You can find more details about these below.



Clare xxx

Up& Offerings

Upcoming Events/Classes/Workshops

Winter 2025


Uncovering and Manifesting Your Heart's Dreams in the New Year - Only 4 spots left!

Date: Saturday, January 11th

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Location: Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, Laconia, NH

Cost: $60 pp

Join Gina McGuire and me for this three-hour workshop to help you set powerful intentions for the New Year. Limited to 20 participants. Click here

 Eventbrite signup  Link Here


Yoga From The Heart

Restore & Renew Class (4th Friday of every month)

Date: Friday, January 24th

Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Location: 52 Canal Street, Laconia, NH

Cost: $30

Join Kelley DeCoste and me for an evening of renewal and relaxation. This 90-minute session will feature:

  • Gentle Movements & Restorative Postures with Kelley
  • Guided Meditation & Reiki led by me

 Click here to sign up.


March Refresh Mini Yoga Retreat

Date: Saturday, March 1st

Time: 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Location: 52 Canal Street, Laconia, NH

Cost: $75

Join Melissa, Kelley, and me for an afternoon of gentle yoga, yoga flow, ayurvedic snacks & tea, restorative yoga & Reiki. Click here to sign up.


Laconia Public Library



4-Week Guided Meditation & Journaling Series

Start Date: Thursday, January 9th (4 consecutive Thursdays)

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Discover the power of guided meditation and journaling. This class is perfect for beginners and experienced participants. Many who try it for the first time find it insightful and empowering.

Please contact the library (603-524-4775) to reserve your spot.


The Benefits of Reiki & Self-Care Practices

Date: Tuesday, January 14th

Time: 1:00 p.m.

This 90-minute class introduces Reiki and offers practical ways to integrate self-care into one's life. (Please note: This is NOT a Reiki 1 certification class.)

Please contact the library (603-524-4775) to reserve your spot.


Coming this Spring - SAVE THE DATE!!!

Gina McGuire and I are thrilled to announce the 2nd Annual Women's Day Event date on May 10th, 2025, in Laconia. More details are coming soon!! Please feel free to contact one of us if you want to be placed on the contact first list to secure a spot.




 Free Community Offerings


These free offerings are at Yoga From The Heart Canal St., Laconia. www.yogafromtheheartnh.com

A special thank you to Sheryl Gauthier and Melissa LeVine for their generosity in providing this beautiful and welcoming space!


 Wellness Wednesday

Return to calm and balance through Mindfulness Meditation and other self-care practices.

 Click here for details.


 Monday Matters of the Heart

Next Gathering: Monday, December 9th

Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Topic: Join us for a little Holiday Cheer! As we close 2024, let's come together to reflect, give thanks, and celebrate. This is your time to relax, recharge, and get ready to welcome the new year with open hearts and a renewed sense of hope and possibility.

Nurture the Heart, Nourish the World.

 Click here for Details.







Reiki Referrals


Reiki Referrals - As a small token of my thanks, I am offering a discounted Reiki session for both the person referring and the referee. 


A 60 minute Reiki session for $50.


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