Anne Heck

TEDx Asheville - A Road to the Heart

Last spring, I was asked to audition to speak at the TEDx Asheville event, which I did.  In July, the selection committee informed me that they had chosen me as a presenter at the November 2012 event.  

Preparation for the event was a great opportunity for me to gain clarity, refine my message and practice being present with myself and with an audience. It was an honor to be invited to speak and I was grateful for the growth the experience provided me.

What I've learned is that my story ~ like all of our stories ~ is important to tell.  It is, after all, our stories that weave our hearts together.  This one is about the road I've been on ~ a road to the heart. I hope you'll take time to listen. 

If you feel this would support others you know, please take the time to forward or share with your network using the buttons below.  In gratitude ~ Anne

All Life a Ceremony

I realized when my children were very young that what appeared to me as small transitions or changes in their lives were often unsettling or even upsetting to them. The leap to making sentences, a new way of relating to people, wandering further from their known environment were a few. Now, given new responsibilities or higher expectations, or transitioning from school to summer break are places where I observe tension. 

Honoring life’s changes with ceremony can not only ease the angst that accompanies transition, but acknowledgement and embracing the change can help with establishing clarity and direction.

Each spring when school lets out and in late summer when those doors open once again, our family takes opportunity to offer gratitude for what has just ended and to set intentions for what's about to begin. Sharing in our family circle offers us all perspective on what's transpiring and helps set the tone for what’s to come.

The acquisition of a pocket knife was one of the milestones that called for a new level of responsibility from my two children. Both have experienced ceremony around this. Knife Ceremony entailed a brief honoring of a new level of maturity, affirming an ability to make wise choices and a discussion of expectations about carrying this tool. Both children boldly stepped into this new place in life and have taken on the responsibilities that reside there.

Observing my children has helped me be more attentive to my own subtle and not-so-subtle shifts. Taking more time to celebrate, honor and reflect on the changes in my own life has helped me to stay grounded, to recognize and attend to emotions that arise within me and to more quickly move into gratitude and curiosity when life feels uncomfortable.

Ceremony doesn’t have to be elaborate and can be done spur of the moment. Sometimes it’s as simple as lighting a candle and saying some words around what’s emerging or the changes we feel brewing. Other times, we may feel called to sit in gratitude or clear negative feelings and invite in some new energy. Lighting a candle for a friend or community that is having a tough time or drinking water and eating good food for those in need reminds us that we’re all connected and our actions at home affect everyone. 

As life is ever-changing, every moment offers us a newness that we can celebrate. Ceremony is a beautiful way to support ourselves and one another, to gracefully enter into what’s emerging, to embrace gratitude and to honor the richness in our lives. 

Doll as Healer

I had long been searching for healing paths that co-mingled with joy.  At age 26, I met my first therapist and initiated our session with the question “can I laugh my way through this?” It seemed a reasonable inquiry to me. I much preferred laughter to tears and saw no reason why I couldn’t steer clear of discomfort and sail through the rough seas with a dose of humor and a smile.

Over the past 20 years, I’ve been recipient of nearly 80 different healing modalities and have learned that healing doesn’t always unfold this way; however, I was pleasantly surprised a few years ago in the midst of some intense emotions to discover a path where this co-mingling with joy was present and powerful.

I was navigating the depths of some emotional turmoil at the time. Journaling had been my most consistent outlet and source of reflection for many years, but during this time, putting pen to paper no longer met my needs. I felt a call to create in 3 dimensions and in my search for a new way of healing, doll making found me.

Images of yarn-headed Raggedy Ann or dough-faced Cabbage Patch dolls may come to mind. Though some doll-making mechanics are utilized, this process is intuitively-based and speaks to the doll-maker through symbolism and imagery.

The process begins with meditation in which the maker inquires with the doll-to-be to learn of her intention - the colors and expression she brings, what is needed for her core structure, what essence she carries. As the doll is birthed, the maker remains in meditation with her creation as she comes into form, continually asking what she wants for her optimal expression. This inquiry often offers up some challenges and some teachings and can be emotional and enlightening as the creation unfolds. 

The teachings of the doll are many as she and her maker relate with one another along this creative path. I’ve learned never to assume, but to remain open and curious to what wants to express. Once the doll feels complete, the maker can continue to receive information from her through a journaling process. This part is particularly powerful and offers insights that may not be readily apparent throughout her creation.

My most powerful doll-making experience was creation of a scapegoat doll named Fear Embodied. She required six months and three iterations to get to the depth of her expression. Her creation was challenging and cathartic. In the process of creation, I gained invaluable insight and awareness, and was offered release from much of the fear I had held. As well, I experienced joy in the process of creating and in being curious about what she revealed to me.

Fear Embodied is pictured here along with the doll that followed - Compassionate Mother.

I’ve just finished facilitating a day-long workshop on Transformative Healing Dolls. If this process resonates with you, I hope you’ll join me in September for our next creative gathering.

Inside Out

As I've navigated periods of confusion in my life, I've found myself looking outside for the ballast needed to ground within. Though I know all I need is within me, it's helpful to remember that my outside experience is simply a reflection of the inner. Listening intently to the critters who visit my yard, seeing who shows up in my daily flow, paying attention to the words that come across a page ~ all these offer clues that help me gain clarity on my path. I wrote this poem to express this interplay between my experience of the inner and outer worlds. Enjoy! 

Your greatness was my mirror;
My own in me was lost.
I looked outside to find it;
I kept my fingers crossed.

Hopeful that new friends I made
Or a book in my backseat
Would guide me to that place where
I felt myself complete.

The power of your spirit,
A feeling in my heart
Each to the other called;
I knew it from the start.

What in you inspired me
Was the greatness I now own;
Through synchronistic meeting
A seed of light was sewn.

This creative force within me
Once longing to be heard
Now harkened from the outside
It cannot be deterred.

Sweet irony – our greatness
Is contained in all we know,
Yet we cannot see ourselves as that
‘Til we’re starring in our show.

Though, if I heighten my awareness
And tune in to what’s around
What I see and hear and taste and smell
Is certain to astound.

As it all is full of beauty
And it all contains the key
To unleash what’s been invisible
To let me be what I now see.

So out my spirit flows
Just as natural as the tide;
No longer is its mystery
Hid somewhere deep inside

Now it’s everywhere around me
Just like the color blue;
There’s no accident that I’ve found
That greatness within you.

All the beauty, wisdom, greatness, joy
Whatever’s amplified
Is simply a reflection
Of what’s going on inside.

So, to perpetuate this cycle
That so far has been a win
I surround myself with all things good
And take the outside in.

The Most Rewarding Commitment

Ever since I’ve learned to listen, I’ve known my body as my trusted guide and messenger. For many years, my body expressed pain; the trauma I had experienced set up a pattern that impeded my movement. I tried numerous healing modalities, many of which supported me in feeling more at ease, but none was the ultimate ‘cure.’ My body kept expressing pain, and though I definitely felt it, I wasn’t listening deeply to its message. 

Ernest Holmes said “there’s nothing to be healed, only Truth to be revealed.” The Truth revealed to me was that my pain pattern was paralleled with a belief that took the form of “I can’t.” 

“I can’t express my true emotion; I feel too vulnerable.”

“I can’t reveal the intuitive voices I hear continually; I don’t trust them.”

“I can’t fully be me; I’m frightened of relinquishing my perceived control over how I show up.” 

Whew! No wonder I couldn’t walk forward. It’s not unusual then that as I step more fully into my authentic expression, my body is calling to be strengthened. After hip surgery over a year ago, I committed to listening to the core of my being, trusting what I heard and acting on it. As well, I committed to nurturing and strengthening this core.  These commitments have not been easy; they have been rewarding.   

I’ve learned that the most important step in healing is the committed action step in response to that 'still small voice'.  I’ve learned that I have to be willing to stretch, to endure the pain of moving in new ways. I’ve learned that if emotion wants to flow, it’s best to allow it. I’ve learned that emotion doesn’t require story and that, in the allowing, it often informs. I've learned how to trust deeply and fully.

I believe it’s time for all of us to make a commitment to ourselves, to listen to our pain or discomfort in new and intentional ways, to open ourselves to that voice that is guiding us, to show up in our fullness and to bring our unique gifts to the world. It may be the most challenging commitment you make ~ and likely the most rewarding one.

Easy is Found in the Heart

In this month of Heart, I'm inspired to know of the many who are dreaming in a new world. Listening to our still small voice feeds our inspiration, connects us with what we're called here to do and is essential to the health of ourselves and our communities. Movements such as Idle NO More and One Billion Rising are encouraging us to pay attention and to take a stand to enact change in our world.  I'm hopeful; I'm heartened. And there is much visioning to be done.  

I have, for some time, considered the ways in which we manifest change. In earlier years, I funneled my frustration into a path of strong will and determination in order to shift my experience. And then I saw myself - stretching, turning, pushing, contorting - and I realized that this strong-willed path didn't feel good, wasn't nurturing, and certainly wasn't sustainable. And if it wasn't feeling good for me, then it wasn't good for the whole.

I learned that the truth of our dreams manifests with ease when we release the resistance of a strong will. In other words, instead of trying so hard, I could choose easy. Easy is found in the heart. Creating desired change begins in this place. I shared a poem at our local One Billion Rising event that speaks to this. It's entitled Imagination vs. Will and can be found here. 

I encourage you, wherever you find yourself, to take the time to check in, listen to that still small voice and respond to your heart's calling. The time is now.

One Billion Rising

ONE IN THREE WOMEN ON THE PLANET WILL BE RAPED OR BEATEN IN HER LIFETIME.

ONE BILLION WOMEN VIOLATED IS AN ATROCITY

ONE BILLION WOMEN DANCING IS A REVOLUTION

On V-Day's 15th Anniversary, 2.14.13, we are inviting ONE BILLION women and those who love them to WALK OUT, DANCE, RISE UP, and DEMAND an end to this violence. ONE BILLION RISING will move the earth, activating women and men across every country. V-Day wants the world to see our collective strength, our numbers, our solidarity across borders.

Please join the Asheville One Billion Rising at the YWCA at 7:00pm, February 14 to rise with other women around the world. There will be poetry, music, storytelling, dance and other gifts brought from the community.  If you live elsewhere, there are events in many cities and towns around the world, so check the One Billion Rising website to find an event near you.

This event is open to all.  We are RISING! Join us!

For more information about the international movement, visit:

http://www.onebillionrising.org/pages/about-one-billion-rising

I'll be sending more details about the Asheville event as they come available.  

Allowing

The new year is often welcomed with resolutions, commitments, and a list of 'shoulds.'  

What would it be like to open yourself to allowing?  How would life be different if you let go the assumptions you've made about who you are and how you operate in the world, about what you 'should' do?

For much of my life, I was a follow-the-rules, always get it done - on time! - stay in shape, eat healthy, meditate daily, cross my t's and dot my i's sort of person.  This served me in many ways; however, my discipline became an over-used muscle - one so tired that my body literally collapsed into it. I was no longer willing nor desiring to live with all these constricting rules.  

In looking for a balance point, a doll came to me.  She took several months to make and taught me some valuable lessons.  She came in my dreams, so I sculpted her with wire. She asked to be wrapped in fabric and her face was full of surprise.  I titled her 'The Unraveling.'  She taught me to let go of 'right' and 'wrong' -- the black and white way I had been doing life.  She wanted to show me a new creative and colorful way to navigate forward.  Underneath all the black and white that comprises her outer clothing is the most spectacular rainbow of possibilities - a place of true presence and joy!  I learned from her how to engage fully with each moment, to do what's before me, allowing myself to experience the newness in me and my immediate experience.  I celebrate her presence and her teachings daily.

I invite you to experiment with allowing yourself to fully engage with the moment, to open yourself to infinite possibility, to take in the color and wonder of what's before you and then - only then - engage yourself with it in a way that feels good to you.  This requires connecting with your heart space and tapping into your authenticity.

If you'd like to experience more of this type of navigation in life, I invite you to circle with other women of like-mind who are intent on nurturing themselves to a place of authentic expression, committed to journeying together in heart-centered awareness and action.  If this resonates for you, please read on . . .

There are a number of offerings for you in the new year.  Here are highlights (details are found at www.anneheck.com):

Gather the Women ~ a warm and welcoming monthly women's circle.  Come whenever you're inspired ~ for nurturing, reflection and connection. Next gathering ~ January 10, 7 - 9 pm.
Journey to the Heart Women's Series ~ an intimate gathering for those committed to connecting to their heart space.  Wonderful opportunities for self-reflection. Begins January 30.
Power in You ~ for accessing and rooting your innate inner strength. Begins February 12.
Spiritual Dowsing ~ teachings about subtle energies and how to utilize them for daily support. February 23.

Winter 2012-13 Newsletter

Winter gifts us with precious 'going within' time. It's the darkness and cold that encourages us to make more space in our schedules to nurture, to rest, to listen, to reflect and to gain clarity.  If you've been over-extending yourself, now is your time to reclaim balance and set new intentions.

As the season leads you inward, you can find warmth in your dreams and visions and allow your emotions, insights and inspiration to become seeds that will germinate into new life in Spring.

Here are a number of upcoming opportunities to nurture you this winter; I do hope to see you at one of these gatherings. Meanwhile, I wish you joy and inspiration as you step inward this season. Know you and your path are blessed.

Winter Energy Healing Special 

The holiday season may have called you in a number of directions and January can be a wonderful time to come back into balance. To encourage you to take good care of yourself, you'll receive a 20% discount if you schedule your Energy Healing Session in the month of December. You can learn more about healing sessions here.

Gather the Women Monthly - Thursday, Jan. 10

As always, you're invited to Gather the Women Monthly ~ a warm and welcoming women's circle that meets once a month. The January gathering will take place Thursday, Jan. 10 at 7 pm. It's a beautiful opportunity to sit in sacred space, listen to yourself and receive reflection of other women.  

You're welcome to join us whatever months you're available.  If you’re interested, please contact me for directions to the lovely Synergy Center where we meet. Circle details here.

Journey to the Heart Women's Circle
12-Week Series - Begins Jan. 30, 2013

Journey to the Heart is a more intimate gathering and is for you if you're committed to connecting to their your space and opening yourself to new ways of being in the world.  If you have an issue that you're particularly challenged by or if you simply want to connect more deeply with yourself, this is the place for you. Asheville's Journey to the Heart Women's Circle runs for 12 weeks beginning January 30. Meeting time is Wednesday mornings from 10 - noon. Because it's intimate, space is limited, so contact me soon if you're interested in reserving your spot. Click here for Circle details.

Power in You Women's Circle
Six Week Series - Beginning Feb. 12, 2013 

You hold an innate power; it roots you in the knowing of who you are, of what you’re here for, of what calls to you. This 6-week Women’s Series was born from a desire to provide you with sacred space for teachings and dialogue that call you to this knowing place.

This series of women's circles offers tools and techniques to connect you with your inner wisdom as well as time for practice, dialogue and reflection.   The  series will meet Tuesday evenings from 7 - 9 pm beginning February 12.  Space is limited. Power in You details here. 

Spiritual Dowsing Workshop ~ February 23 

Introduce yourself to some life-changing teachings that will bring balance to your life and support you in developing deep awareness of your energy body and how to identify shifts and bring things back to a balance point.

Dowsing or divining is the art of tapping into your innate ability to explore the world of subtle energies that are everywhere within and around you, subsequently drawing you ever closer to the Divine in your life.  Details of workshop are here. 

Healing Doll Workshop - Spring Date TBA 

Many of you have inquired about the next Healing Doll Workshop which is planned for spring.

I look forward to sharing this good medicine with those who feel drawn to using art to inform their personal healing and development. Be sure you're on the Newsletter list to receive updates!

 

Honoring Grandma

My grandmother Virginia Rose Hector Reeder was born on this day in 1905. I'm grateful for her presence in my life.  So many wondrous memories of being by her side.  I wrote this in honor of her ~

Grandma’s hair was white
And sparse
Like a thin blanket of new snow
That lay ever so gently
Atop her large forehead

It drew back from her face
Like flakes that
Magically melt away at roof’s edge
And invite you to stand
Beneath the cover
And watch the world drift by

The beauty shop
Made her curls tight and
Tame around her face
When they relaxed -
loose and unruly
It became her

She had large framed glasses
That sat comfortably on her
Jagged nose
A wholesome smile
That made you want to
Squeeze her bulging cheeks
And full life-loving laughter

Grandma was built small
But full of strength and spirit
She bedded late
And rose early
And was not a sound sleeper
She liked her coffee dark and tepid
And was fine with leftover – slightly re-warmed
And for breakfast
One egg sunny-side up

She always served me a banquet
A fine selection of tiny cereal boxes
Would stand in a row by an empty bowl
And pitcher of milk
Sides of applesauce and cottage cheese
Were standard fare
And then eggs and sausage
White toast with jelly
And orange juice

In the oak church pew
Her voice was strong and blustery
She carried herself straight and proud
Her wrinkled hands held hymnals low
For me to follow her finger with the notes

We often sat on her porch glider
On hot Sunday afternoons
And ate ice cream sandwiches
Or drank iced coca-cola
And spoke of nothing
But listened to church bells
And ladies heels
Clipping down slate sidewalks

Every January, Grandma started a new journal
The year printed in fancy white numbers
On a brown faux leather cover
She filled pages daily
With black ink and secrets
My grandma never knew 
She inspired me to write

I remember our last visit
She in her worn brown-cushion chair
A blanket across her knees
Not as sharp as always
But her smile still true
And comforting

The day I said goodbye
She handed me a 20 dollar bill
That smelled of
The musty safe in her basement
She told me to buy myself a milkshake
We laughed

That bill still resides in my car console
Sealed in a plastic bag to preserve the smell
The last memory I have
Of my grandma
Besides her hair
Laying on a down pillow
Loose and unruly

Fall 2012 Newsletter

As fall is a season of letting go, it's a wonderful opportunity to release those things that are no longer fully resonant with you. With every ending, there’s a transitional void and then something inspirational that calls.  As you go about this work, you'll likely find yourself stepping towards a more rich, full and truthful expression of who you are and feeling lighter in the process.

As you dive more deeply into this season of release, I invite you to ask what it is that no longer serves you, perhaps feels like a 'should' or even drains your energy. Consider letting it go and see how that feels in your body.  You may find the colorful, free-flying leaves of fall reflecting these feelings.  

It's helpful to hold ceremony around the release, lighting a candle, expressing gratitude for how this piece has served you and allowing it to transform in the fire. You may then feel inspired to call in something that feels nurturing ~ or simply know that you will be nourished by whatever fills this void.

I find such changes supported by spending time outdoors.  The cycles of nature as well as its inherent beauty are calming in the midst of any change. I went camping this past weekend at nearby Mt. PIsgah Campground with a good friend and our daughters. Being in nature offered me opportunity to ground myself, connect with moon energy, and enjoy the transformational properties of a fire.

Meanwhile, the world is inviting me to step out. I’ve been chosen to speak at the upcoming TEDx Asheville on November 4. This is an all-day event with an enticing line-up of speakers.  Tickets are on sale and will increase in price October 5, so if you’re interested in attending, you can learn a bit more and purchase tickets here.

You're invited to Gather the Women monthly ~ a new circle that meets the second Thursday of each month; our next gathering is the evening of October 11.  This is a beautiful opportunity to sit in sacred space, listen to yourself and receive reflection of other women.  If you’re interested, please contact me for directions to the lovely Synergy Center where we meet. Circle details here.

In this transformational time, you may also be interested in the ways that creating dolls can offer healing to you. I've always been intrigued by the ways healing paths that feel gentle and inviting. Using the medicine wheel along with doll making provides gentle openings and opportunities to look at an aspect of self objectively and gain clear insight. This is done through creating sacred space, setting intention and allowing your art to speak through you. Dominant/non-dominant writing is utilized to dialogue with your creation.

A Healing Doll Workshop will be offered on Saturday, October 27. I’m looking forward to sharing this good medicine with those who feel drawn to using art to inform their personal healing and development. If you’re interested, register early as space is limited. Get details and register online here.

And speaking of transformations, I've just written an article that speaks to how I've worked with change in my life.  It's  entitled Stepping In and has been published in the October issue of WNC Woman.  Please take a moment to read it here.  

October Energy Healing Special ~ schedule your healing session in the month of October and 20% will be donated to Our Voice - the Rape Crisis Center of Asheville.  You can learn more about healing sessions here.

I wish you clarity of insight as you step in to what calls you.  Know you and your path are blessed.