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Word of the year 2026

 For the last 6 years, my friend Kathleen has offered a Word of the Year Playshop at our church. In 2023 my word was Weave, in 2024, Balance (Kauliki), and 2025, Connect.

In earlier years Kathleen offered a linear approach - using Dictionaries and Thesauri to look up possibilities, after a quick review and releasing 'baggage' from the year just past. After choosing our Words, we wrote them on small cards, adding some bling. 

Last year, and this, we've used SoulCollage® in the discovery process. For 2025, Kathleen invited her friend and facilitator Deandra Ellerbe to lead us in the process. This year, knowing I was taking facilitator training, she asked me to lead it with her. 

Participants making cards

It made for a full day! Our facilitator training began this morning, from 8:30-noon. Between teachings, we made a Quickfire Card, and met in small groups for readings. I appreciate getting to know the others in our cohort, and begin to network. 

I had a wee lunch break, before heading down to the Social Hall for our workshop! My daughter, her youngest girl and friends came down as well (the youth were starving, so they left after creating their cards.)

Jean and Marilyn - meeting their cards 
After choosing images and making cards, we worked in pairs to meet the cards, with one of each dyad acting as scribe for the other,  then switching. We used the simple prompt, I am one who ....
Bloom
It was a lovely day, and fun sharing cards and hearing their messages. After cleaning up, I was happy to go down to Bierly's for dinner with a couple of friends; and - mmm - there were still Maple Bars!! 
(Deliciously Gluten Free - as is all their fare - and they taste as good as maple bars did in the 60s!!).
Word of the Year 2026
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  1. TamaraJanuary 12, 2026 at 12:58 AM

    What a beautiful way to enter the new year. The shift from linear exercises to intuitive, shared experiences really shows in how connection flows through the cards, the workshop, and the community, not to mention the maple bars!

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    Replies
    1. Heart Song DreamsJanuary 12, 2026 at 9:06 AM

      Isn't it, Tamara?
      This morning we had some great feedback from a participant who came with her husband - both Artists. They'd shared more of their insights, and she plans to take some of this inquiry into looking at her paintings!
      My daughter told me they stopped for maple bars (and lemon cookie for her) as well!!
      🍪 Nadya

      Delete
  2. MarthaJanuary 12, 2026 at 6:02 PM

    How exciting and working in a group is more fun! I love your soul card creations!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Heart Song DreamsJanuary 12, 2026 at 7:19 PM

      Thank you, Martha - it is fun to work in groups!
      And there's some interest in monthly gatherings!
      Oh! I wish my favorite gallery hadn't needed to close during lockdown!
      Though its studio was down some stairs, I'd just begun offering classes there!

      Delete

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