staying connected to magic

I am a big believer in magic. In fact, I’m quite certain I couldn’t do the work that I do without it. I have a number of practices I generally follow to help keep the magic flowing. Things like cooking meals and sharing them with friends, getting outside to hug a tree, wandering around a farmer’s market, singing, dancing, painting, journaling, praying, even sometimes staring at the wall with the simple intention of allowing my mind to wander. What a gift that always feels like!

During this time of uncertainty, social distancing, perhaps self-isolation, and likely at least some level of fear, it can feel harder to stay plugged in to our sources of magic. I know that for me, my most direct line to magic tends to open up when I’m dancing. So, to keep it flowing these past few days, I've been doing just that; dancing alone, outside, with complete abandon, regardless of passersby. As Alice Walker says, “Hard times require furious dancing,” and I tend to agree wholeheartedly. #socialdisDANCING2020 #socialdisDANCEtogether

I believe that magic is crucially important for all of us in times like these. So, earlier this week, I created this printable colouring page to help us plug in. Please feel free to download it, send it to a friend, print it off, put one in your neighbour’s mailboxes, colour it in, and if you like, tag me in a picture of it online (@itsemmarichard) when you’re done! It brings me immense joy to see all the different ways people are adding colour to the world through something as simple as this little graphic. It keeps the magic moving along!

And I’d love to know: what are some ways you cultivate magic in your life? Tell me in a comment below!