Tapestry of Life Newsletter -

December, 2024

Your Light is a Gift

Light up the darkness.

Bob Marley

(Prefer to listen, click Here)

Hello, Dear Friends,

Your Light is a Gift—Nurture It This Season

As we enter this sacred season, I've been reflecting on how we spend our days and care for ourselves amidst life's busyness. Did you know there are 288 five-minute blocks of time each day? Imagine gifting yourself just six of them throughout December. This is only 30 minutes total to pause, breathe, and reconnect with your inner light.

The Power of a Five-Minute Pause

These pauses aren't selfish; they're essential. When we care for ourselves, we show up more fully for others, modeling good habits and inspiring those around us to do the same. If you're thinking, Clare, this is such a busy time of year—I don't have 30 minutes a day to spend on me! That's okay. Let's start really small.

Offer yourself just one block of time—five minutes. In that pause, you might take a few slow, deep belly breaths, go for a brief walk, or sit in stillness. These small acts can restore balance and rekindle your inner light.

The Chinese symbol for "busy" also means "heart-killing." It's a stark reminder of how constant activity can drain us. In our fast-paced world, a five-minute pause isn't a luxury—it's a necessity and one you are so deserving of!

A Reminder from the Past

It was during the early days of the pandemic that I began sending my weekly emails. My intention behind them was simple—care and connection. I sure needed it as we navigated through such surreal times, and from talking with friends, family, patients, and clients, I knew I wasn't alone. One of my first messages shared simple ways to nurture your inner light.

Connecting with our light—the place of wisdom, calm, and clarity within us—is something we need every day. Life pulls us in many directions, but one of the gifts this sacred time of year offers us is a powerful reminder to turn inward, care for ourselves, and let our light shine brightly.

Below, in the Cuppa with Clare section, you'll find some practices to try this season. These ideas aren't new—they've stood the test of time, bringing warmth and calm to many lives through the ages. I hope you'll treat them like an advent calendar for your well-being, trying one (or more!) each day as a way to nurture yourself now—and then carry that beautiful habit into the new year!

In Peace and Love,

Clare xxx

Click here for SoundCloud.

Cuppa with Clare: Ways to Shine Brighter

This season can be a busy one and stir up a myriad of emotions. For some, it may feel hectic, while for others, it may be quieter, perhaps marked by solitude or loss. Wherever you find yourself, the practices below offer gentle ways to care for and nurture your spirit. Whether you are in the hustle and bustle of the season or are experiencing a more reflective time, I hope these suggestions bring you comfort and peace.

If any of them resonate with you, I invite you to explore them further. You'll find links to free meditations, upcoming classes, and other resources to support you. These practices have been transformative in my life and the lives of many others—I hope they bring warmth, light, and care to your days this season.

Pause and Breathe

Step out of "doing mode" for five minutes. Take deep, intentional breaths. Feel your connection to the universe and remember—you are a gift simply because you are YOU. Click here for a pause meditation on Soundcloud.

This and other mindfulness practices are part of my free community offerings. I’ll also be offering online meditation and beginner mindfulness classes in early 2025. Contact me if you're interested!

Move and Laugh

Dance in your kitchen to your favorite music. Go for a walk or try a yoga class. Movement is medicine for the soul, and laughter often follows (especially when your kids or pets join in!). Click here to listen to one of my Time For You Tuesdays about the connection between movement and joy.

Write in a Gratitude Journal

Take a few minutes to jot down five things you're grateful for. This simple practice shifts your focus and reminds you of the abundance and gifts of the 'ordinary extraordinary' in your life.

Join me at the Laconia Public Library for an upcoming Guided Meditation and Journaling class. Call (603) 524-4775 to sign up—this class is free, thanks to the generosity of the Laconia Public Library!

Relax with Reiki

Reiki brings us back to balance and reconnects us with that beautiful light within. A session makes a thoughtful, relaxing gift for yourself or someone you love this season.

Please feel free to contact me to book a Reiki session or learn about gifting a session to someone who deserves a little extra care.

Spend Time in Nature

Even a short walk outdoors can do wonders. Let the fresh air, the rhythm of your steps, and the beauty of nature bring you back to the present moment.

Click here for a mindful walking meditation on SoundCloud.

Enjoy Music

Listen to calming or upbeat tunes or play an instrument. Music reduces stress, improves mood, and promotes relaxation. Enjoy those holiday concerts! Many are free—attend the middle and high school performances or check out community bands and choruses.

Practice Mindfulness

Try Shauna Shapiro's, Good Morning, I Love You” or another simple mindfulness practice to reconnect with the present moment and remind yourself of your resilience and the beauty of your heart.

Click here for a mindfulness meditation on SoundCloud.

Gently Offering Some Gift-Giving Ideas

If you’re again looking for that special gift this holiday season, why not give the gift of care? A Reiki session, guided meditation, Rest & Renew, or a mindfulness class could be the perfect way to support your loved ones—or yourself—in nurturing the light within.

Interested in exploring these offerings? Please look below for more information or contact me to learn more.

Your Light Inspires Others

Dear friends, when you care for yourself, you’re not only rekindling your own flame—you’re also lighting the way for those around you. This season, give yourself the gift of time, love, and attention. Honor the light within you, and let it shine as brightly as it can.

Which of these practices might you try this week? I’d love to hear your thoughts—and feel free to share this message with someone who might need it. Together, let’s celebrate the light that connects us all.

Sending you much love this holiday season,

Clare xxx

Upcoming Events/Classes for Fall of 2024 and

Winter Classes 2025

Winter Solstice Celebration: Yoga, Meditation & Reiki - Yoga From The Heart

Date: Saturday, December 21st

Time: 10 - 11:30 a.m.

Location: Yoga From the Heart

Cost: $30

Step into the stillness of the Winter Solstice with Gina McGuire and me. This special gathering is a chance to pause, reflect, and embrace the season’s gifts of renewal and light.

Gentle Yoga to release tension and ground your body.

Guided Meditation to reflect on the past and welcome the light of new beginnings.

Reiki healing to restore balance and nurture your spirit.

Take a moment away from the holiday rush to reconnect with yourself in a supportive and peaceful space.

 Click here to sign up.

Restore & Renew Class – Yoga From The Heart

Date: Friday, December 27th

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.



Uncovering and Manifesting Your Heart's Dreams in the New Year

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 designed to help you set powerful intentions for the New Year. Limited to 20 participants. Click here

 Eventbrite signup  Link Here

 Laconia Public Library – Winter Series

 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 both beginners and experienced participants—many who try it for the first time find it insightful and empowering.

 Contact the library to reserve your spot! Call (603) 524-4775 to sign up—this class is free, thanks to the generosity of the Laconia Public Library!

 The Benefits of Reiki & Self-Care Practices

Date: Tuesday, January 14th

Time: 1:00 p.m.

This 90-minute class offers an introduction to Reiki and practical ways to integrate self-care into your life. (Please note: This is NOT a Reiki 1 certification class.)

 Contact the library to reserve your spot! Call (603) 524-4775 to sign up—this class is free, thanks to the generosity of the Laconia Public Library!

I hope to see you at one (or more!) of these upcoming events! If you have any questions or would like to reserve your spot early, please don't hesitate to let me know.

 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.