As the leaves begin their slow descent, I am considering what changes and shifts in rhythm will best serve my little brood. The Pondering Heart will soon celebrate its second birthday, a fact that seems both beautiful and humbling. Beautiful in the community and encouragement that I’ve found here, and humbling in the realization that this dream of writing - outside of my journals- has come to fruition. Thank you for holding space for my thoughts and words; your loyalty and support mean more than you can imagine.
As I’ve mused and written on spirituality, theology, and stories of everyday life that aim to empower and uplift, I’ve grown as a writer and as a person. My faith is strengthened when I weave the words to impart its mystery and loveliness to you. This wandering path is a blessing and a gift.
Recently, I’ve felt a pull to something new, a fresh form of writing and a specific call to honor the rhythms of the seasons and the church calendar. The blending of the natural world’s seasons and the liturgical year’s calendar feels like a warm hearth to which I’m consistently drawn. The patterns of joy and remembrance in our liturgical year dance amidst our passing natural seasons and create a bright mosaic of time.
To honor the passing of time in our ecological and liturgical year, I will be starting a monthly paid publication, within The Pondering Heart, titled Sacred Seasons. Containing seasonal poems and prayers, Sacred Seasons aims to invite readers into a gentle, thoughtful relationship with the passing of time. I’ve sketched out several saint’s feast days and holy days to commemorate alongside environmental signals and seasons of change.
As noted in the title, I find an element of the sacred in each season - whether that be the liturgical and ecological seasons, or seasons of our life. Within each lies an ephemeral thread tying us back to wonder, to inspiration, and to peace. My hope is that by creating a space to craft lyrical pieces that reflect on seasons of our year, I can share the beauty and sacred nature of our moment in time.
This paid portion will also include resource lists for where I glean information on the topic. There will be links, book recommendations, and articles galore – I adore a good research project and will happily share my sources!
For those interested, the subscription fee for Sacred Seasons will be $5 per month. If this sparks your interest but feels like a financial burden, please reach out via email at allisonbobzien@gmail.com and I will work with you - your readership is a gift. Additionally, I will continue to publish essays, prayers, and poems for no charge on The Pondering Heart.
I’m looking forward to this new adventure and would love to have you journey with me!