Cynefin (n). Welsh. a place where a person feels they ought to live or belong. it is where nature around you feels right and welcoming.
To feel a sense of belonging… to feel included, to be liked, to get along, to be heard and acknowledged.
Haven’t we all been hurt at some point because we didn’t feel like we belonged? Perhaps we’ve contributed in some way shape or form, knowing or unknowingly to allow another to feel they didn’t belong.
Yet to approach such topics and unraveling of these issues regarding “belonging” is far beyond my abilities to address on this early December morn.
What I adore about this word, cynefin (how to pronounce) is that the focus is not on our relationship with others. It doesn’t rely on how we feel with others or how they “make us feel.”
The focus is on place and nature. Certainly, others might be part of that equation for you but the key here is they don’t have to…
To feel welcomed by a physical place,
with the branches of the trees open and ready to embrace,
the mighty seas with their salty spray, soothing and restorative.
Perhaps cynefin is the word that defines peace in place.
Peace tip #9
Today, during your drive to work, walk in the neighborhood, park, or woods, or your time to knit (draw, paint, stitch), contemplate your cynefin... This is purely a place you feel right independent of the other people in that particular place.
Where is your cynefin?
Updates
The first give-away is underway. Leave a post in response to Day 7. I’ll announce the winner on Day 10.
Thank you for all the amazing comments. We have about 80-100 comments per day… this is incredible and I know that others are reading all the comments as well. December is a busy time for so many people. In years past, I’ve been asked multiple times, why not do this in a time of year when people are less busy? I always ask “when would that be?” For peace to be present in our lives, we need to make the space for peace right now… there’s no waiting. So, thank you all for making the space and for sharing.
As a reminder, I’ll be providing an extra special give-away at the end of the 21 days. If you submit a meaningful comment (or email it to me), you’ll be eligible to have your name in a drawing. I’m doing this because it truly helps us build community, a vital component of peace. Also, your ideas and suggestions may be just what sparks and idea for someone else. Thank you!
It’s never too late to participate in the knit-along. It’s so fun to read how people are using their peace shawl (or other knitting project) to center themselves and reflect on peace. Knowing that 100’s of others are knitting the same project as you around the world in the name of peace is a powerful thing. The pattern is available on Ravelry and The Healthy Knitter website.
