Weaving and Wings are two words that fill my soul. 

Over 25 years ago I created a production entitled Weaving Dreams of Women.  It was the last theatrical event I was involved with.  When it was presented I was 8 months pregnant with my daughter Hannah.  A collaboration of women sharing visions of emerging into autonomy and communion with one another, we wove poetry, movement, acting and sound to create an experience of strength and hope.   Out of that sisterhood we grew.  Our collective voices merged into a whole that nourished each of us.  At the end of the production I was ready to fly into the new experience of motherhood.  Now, 25 years later, my daughter is one of the most powerful women I know.  Perhaps her being involved in the creation of this work, from inside the warmth of my body, empowered her as well while I was birthing this work.

Weaving voices of women and fragments of my own voice into life work is deeply important.  The wisdom within women as they share and collaborate has always inspired and enriched me.  Women’s voices on a path of self discovery have paved the way to move towards my self and who I am becoming.  Because of the often vulnerable sharing of other women I have had the courage to follow my dreams.

This is where the idea of wings come in.  You know the phrase strap on a set?  I have used that phrase to find strength and courage when needed.  Though it’s a masculine and patriarchal way of describing a process of finding one’s power, it’s helped gather my vital force when needed most.  With the help of a wise woman I changed the expression to strapping on a set of wings in order to fly.

With wings strapped on I love to fly into unknown territory.  I have often been the first to say yes and leap into new adventures without thinking.  My heart speaks and I jump right in and rarely consider saying no.  What often happens after is fear and self doubt set in.  I forget I have wings.  I forget I can fly.   It’s been a challenging cycle causing much angst.  It’s a polarity seeking balance in my soul.

What I have discovered risking my ‘safety’ and jumping in to new experiences is that others soften the landing, often holding my wings while falling back to ground.  My wings have been supported by friends and teachers who encouraged and trusted in me offering safety and love as I make my way to a new place in the world.  Creative and collaborative visioning, sharing with other women, yielding into friendship and support continues to be how I not only survive but thrive.

Women are the weavers of society bringing together ideas of creativity and love.  It’s what we do.  It’s who we are.  We are the essence of creativity.  In the coming weeks I will announce a new group where women will weave their dreams into a tapestry of hope and foster the development of each other’s souls so we can all strap on a set of wings and fly.