That’s what my three-year-old granddaughter June said the other day while we were on a mini vacation in Sedona.
It came during a sweet, ordinary moment—she and her mom were playing a game in which one of them would grant a wish. Feeling a little under the weather, her mom wished everyone would sleep well through the night. When it was June’s turn to make a wish, she paused and said:
“I wish for the sky in my heart.”
I was stunned by its beauty—out of the mouth of a three-year-old! Later, when I asked what it meant to her, she said quietly,
“It’s what love feels like.”
And really, what more is there?
A Look Back at Fond Memories Speaking of love, Easter always brings back memories of my dad, who used to hand-paint the most meticulous little Easter eggs—each one a tiny masterpiece: VW bugs, insects, hot air balloons.
I wish I had even a single photo of those precious bits of art! But, like sand paintings, they were never meant to last—a perfect example of beauty held in the moment. They live on now as a fleeting sweetness I carry in my heart—a bit of “Dad sky,” perhaps.
A Nod to New Beginnings This Easter weekend, many are celebrating the return of light and life. In our home, we hold a longtime tradition of Dutch Easter brunch—a spread of cheeses, breads, meats, and my favorite: deviled eggs and flowers everywhere.
My oldest daughter has taken the reins of hosting in Washington now, and tomorrow, the Las Vegas clan will gather—oh, the sweetness of little children running through the garden on their egg hunt. I hold our annual ritual dear.
Ancient Rituals I also recently learned something from my friend Bekah, an Earth Medicine guide, who speaks often about the power of ritual and intention, whether they are rituals just for oneself or ones we partake in with others.
Bekah shared about Eostre, the Germanic goddess of spring, dawn, and new beginnings—the namesake of Easter. It’s a reminder that beneath the modern holiday lies something ancient: a reverence for light returning, fertile ground, and all that is being born again.
As spring opens her arms, inviting us into new life and tender beginnings, I find myself wondering: How can we invite a bit more sky into our hearts, too?
Juicy Practice: Just Five Seconds of Sky Here’s a simple practice from Naked in the Now that offers a gentle way in:
Right now, wherever you are, take just five seconds.
Close your eyes.
Breathe into the space behind your ribs.
Imagine the wide-open sky inside your chest.
Can you feel it?
That’s what love feels like.
That’s presence.
That’s what June wished for. And maybe, what we’re all wishing for, too.
GOOD NEWS + UPCOMING EVENTS Grand Prize Winner! Naked in the Now has just been named the Grand Prize Winner of the 2024 Chanticleer Mind & Spirit Awards! I’m honored and overjoyed. If you haven’t read Naked in the Now yet, now is the perfect time! Winning this award means so much to me, and I’d love for you to experience the book’s message. You can order your copy here. If you’ve already read it, would you consider leaving a review on Amazon or Goodreads, or sharing it with a friend? Your support helps the book reach new hearts and makes a world of difference!
Write by Red Rock. I’m partnering with the Las Vegas–Clark County Library District to offer in-person freewriting classes (aka Naked Writing, but no clothing removal required!) at the Blue Diamond Library on the first Wednesday of each month, 12:30–2 PM, from May 7 through October 1 (excluding August). Email me for more information! No experience necessary.
Write Now Mind. My next Write Now Mind 5-week session begins June 2—a space for presence, awareness, and creative exploration. Email me to pre-register.
Naked Writing Workshop. This summer, I’ll lead a Naked Writing Workshop at Village Books in Bellingham—date TBD! Stay tuned!
New Article,“The Art of Creative Enlivenment” Keep an eye out for my upcoming article, “The Art of Creative Enlivenment,” in Spirituality & Health Magazine soon.
As this season of renewal continues to bloom, I leave you with a final little blessing from the sky… I’m writing this on the eve of Easter—a celebration of renewal, rebirth, and light. As I do, I hold June’s wish tenderly. Spring is slowly unfolding. Signs of life reemerge.
And up in the sky, something rare is coming: a planetary “smiley face.”The crescent moon will cradle Venus and Jupiter like two twinkling eyes above the horizon.
What better time to invite the sky into our hearts?
What better season to feel love expand like the blue expanse above us, like light returning, like a smile from the cosmos?
So today, I offer you this gentle practice once more:
P.S If you enjoyed this newsletter, sharing Naked in the Now or leaving a review is a wonderful way to spread the love and light. Thank you for being part of this journey!
P.P.S. Let some tulips light up your space this week! 🌷
Sign up today and you will receive not only book, article and class updates but "subscriber only" access to dozens of free guided juicy practices for getting present!!
