Brigid's Hearth

honoring saint and self

It's funny how things come into alignment at times, without our forethought or any sort of trying to make it happen. I decided upon the inception of this iteration of Oak Abbey that I would post something thematic on the first of each month. Today is also the Feast of All Saints, which happens to correspond with the festival of Samhain, or Summer's End, which is believed by some to be the Celtic New Year celebration. Folks considerably more academic than I enjoy arguing about that, but I am content to enjoy the folksy aspects of such a notion, and let that be that! 

Without consciously connecting any of these dots whatsoever, I have been feeling a little sting of missing the "Brigid's Hearth" blog which has been my go-to writing space for several years. It never garnered much of a readership, mostly because I did not post with any regularity, and closed it off completely from public viewing during times of ill health and overwhelm (as I also did with my other social media) which unfortunately was a regular occurrence over the last few years. Still, I have found myself missing something about Brigid's Hearth and what it meant to me and how it made me feel. 

The thing that Oak Abbey and Brigid's Hearth have in common is my love of St. Brigid of Ireland. Brigid came boldly into my conscious awareness 30 years ago and set in motion deep changes that have affected my life profoundly ever since. I now know that she was with me long before that, but that's a story for another tome...er...I mean, time.  ;-)  Over the years I have facilitated spirituality circles and book studies bearing her name. She is the Matron Saint of my ordained ministry. I had the inspiration for a dispersed spiritual order with a triple charism of Creativity, Healing, and Soul Friendship come to me in 2003, and have made little attempts at bringing this into being online and in person. Though my own life's demands and turbulence have thus far proved inconducive to bringing the vision to fruition, The Order of the Anamchara of Kildare (OAK) remained (and remains) in my heart, and out of that love came the first Oak Abbey, and then Brigid's Hearth. 

In the week leading up to the cancer surgery, when my son, Jon-Kyle, offered to help me launch a new platform for my writing, I felt that it would be healing for me to "rebuild" Oak Abbey. I lost the original Oak Abbey as part of losing myself during a tremendously difficult season of my life. It seemed an act of great healing and optimism to call this new writing space, "Oak Abbey", and I believe it was. As I have begun to process all that has happened over the last months, and have recovered enough to begin physical therapy and return to work, I am starting to feel like "myself"; maybe more so than ever. A little tango with mortality will do that, I think! From this Thin Place, it's possible to more clearly see the Big Picture, and sense one's essential self and live more decisively into that. 

In reviewing the introductory tone and intentions for the new Oak Abbey, which were set the day before my surgery (who does that?!) I realize that in the haze of my anxiety and exhaustion, and the haste of getting it all put together quickly, I had forgotten the importance of the hearth; the warm, light center. The new computer, programs, and formats and such were a steep learning curve for a lady who is happiest with pen and paper. The idea of paid subscription is intensely uncomfortable for me. I am blown away and beyond grateful to those whose subscriptions have helped me through the stress of health related income loss. At the urging of a trusted friend, and due to the ongoing realities of my health and financial challenges (and longterm chronic singleness!) I am keeping the option of paid subscription for those who feel moved to support my work in this way; though I am not withholding any content from my free subscribers. I am slowly working, as time allows, on the personal poems/prayers for founding/supporting subscribers. I initially had a bigger vision for creative community here, but I realize that with the necessity of working full time and being energetically challenged even on my best days, I am not able to cultivate or maintain such a community. I also honestly can't handle too much screen time. I can only offer my wee bit of light and warmth and engage conversations in the comments section, which I love to do! There are already so many wonderful online Celtic and Contemplative spirituality and creativity communities! Y'all don't need another one; you need to go outside and play! 

Maybe it is a gift from Brigid that I have been achingly drawn back to her hearth on this Feast of All Saints, at this threshold time of Samhain. As my gift to her, I have taken some time to update the Welcome and About pages, and have tweaked the subscription details to better reflect the hospitality of my heart. And I have happily expanded the name of this writing space to "Brigid's Hearth at Oak Abbey"; which makes it feel like a true home for my words. I hope all who visit and read will find a place of light, warmth, refuge, and rest. Deepest Peace, Thanks, and Blessings to All. 

header image from my old Brigid’s Hearth blog