Busyness is Different Than Fullness

Hello Wild Ones,

I stepped outside on the morning of the Summer Solstice and welcomed the sun on my skin. As I felt the warmth on my face, I noticed a deeper warmth fill my heart, and in that moment, I realized, that I finally had the space to experience the fullness of life.

It was quite an epiphany after years of many losses and feeling disoriented and empty. I can now see I was creating the space in my life to actually be present and receive what life has to offer.

I had emptied my life to experience the fullness of life.

It sounds counter-intuitive doesn’t it!?

And, it sure doesn’t feel great when life forces you to let go. It feels like a kind of death, and we want to do anything we can to not feel that.

I know I sure did.

When the pandemic hit, I remember a panic hitting me when we were forced to stop all activities that were used as an anchor for self care. Instead of leaning into the new spaciousness, I got pretty creative how to fill it.

And then I got sick. And, I was forced to stop everything.

I still resisted, but very quickly my body forced me to surrender into doing absolutely nothing.

And, that was terrifying.

Because in that nothingness I had to face who I am outside of the roles and activities my identity was wrapped around.

I felt like I was dropping into an abyss of nothing.

And, yet the natural world guided me into that space of nothing and opened me to my soul’s essence and inherent worth.

Instead of empty space, there was so much inner magic to explore.

And, as my inner space opened up, my outer life around me beckoned to continue to empty. I followed a deep impulse when I moved to Manitoulin Island, yet, it still felt like a significant loss as I left behind all that I knew.

Again, I resisted, doubted and tried to keep filling up my life.

And, over time, as I grieved the life I left behind, I opened to the simplicity of life on the island.

And, that brings me right back to that moment on the Solstice when I realized all that anguish and pain of letting go has brought me to a spaciousness that opens me up to the simple wonders of life.

My nervous system actually has time, to not only soak in the sun, but feel the warmth deep in my being. This fuels me in seeking out the activities that not just fill up my time, but expand my life with more goodness and aliveness. And, I am learning to say no to the things that don’t.

Do you yearn for that? Spaciousness to simply be?

Keep reading to explore how you can open to more space this summer to receive the fullness of this season.

From the woods up north,
Angela

In this issue:

• Free Gift: Somatic Sunshine 10 Minute Guided Meditation to support moving into more spaciousness this summer

• Final Call: Only a few spots left for the Women on Water Reflective Paddle Weekend

• Support: Virtual Somatic therapy and Life Transition spaces open for summer

This Month’s Insight:
Less is More: Creating Space is how we receive the fullness of life.

Capitalism has us believing to enjoy life we must do more and have more. Even the self-care industry has us believing that we have to buy, attend, create, and reflect more! But, busyness is not the same as fullness.

Now looking back, I see my journey has brought me face to face with these beliefs and expose their lies. On the other side of those beliefs is a sense of being enough, doing enough and receiving enough.

Some reflections to ponder as you step into summer:

How can you bring in more spaciousness as you start the summer season? Is there something you need to say no to?

What belief gets in the way of creating more space?

What could be possible for you to experience if you let go of that belief?

Somatic Practice of the Month

Somatic Sunshine Guided Meditation

During our recent Community Solstice Ceremony on the island, I guided a practice where we slowed down and opened up to the nourishment of the sunshine, played with embodying trees, and explored how our own life energy moves through us, just like sap in a tree.

And, I want to offer it to you!

For those moments that feel too busy, or you don’t feel enough, you can return to this 10-minute meditation and embody the aliveness of trees as you anchor your roots in the ground and find your unique life energy.

May this remind you that you are enough, and that there is a fullness within and around you waiting to be felt. Your unique life energy is an important, integral part of this forest ecosystem we all share. Grab your headphones, find a comfortable spot, and let yourself receive.

Just a Few More Spots left!

If you are considering attending Women on Water, now is the time to sign up before it fills up!

Killarney Wilderness | August 28–30, 2026

Sometimes, we need to actively create the empty space in our lives to hear the stirrings of our soul.

This retreat is designed exactly for that.

We will intentionally set aside the busyness of our lives and step into the wilderness. Through guided ritual, sharing circles, and a paddle quest, you will have the space to listen to the deeper wisdom of nature and your soul, that sounds very different than the noise of Capitalism messaging.

I can’t wait to be on the water and paddle our way into Nelly Lake. This lake is known for its crystal clear waters where we can rest, play and reflect.

Please Note: To help you step away with ease, please know that we are coordinating carpooling options for those in the Guelph area. Additionally, if you are traveling from further away, there are options to stay an extra day both before and after our trip.

The weekend rate includes: camping site, canoe gear, four meals, and full programming.

Do you yearn for quiet and stillness?

This is your chance to embark on a sacred adventure to open the space to listen to your soul.

If you feel called to join us, you can view the full schedule, meet our wilderness co-leader Sarah, and secure your spot below.

More Wellness in the Woods Offerings

Virtual Somatic Therapy Sessions:
For ongoing support and nervous system support from the comfort of your home.
→ Book a Session

Life Transition Support (Virtual or In-Person)
A Doula for Your Transformation

If you are in a major life-altering change, navigating divorce, a move, a loss, change in identity, etc.: this is for you. We go beyond traditional talk therapy to use ritual and soulful somatic tools, honoring the grief of what you’ve left behind while tending to the new life that is trying to take root.
→ Find out More

I have answered the call of the wild. Will you?

Experience nature-immersive retreats and somatic offerings designed to reduce stress, rekindle joy, and bring you back to yourself. Let’s find the program that meets your season of life.