Winter, Creativity & Contemplation

with Jacqueline Suskin

While on my winter sabbatical at the end of 2023, I had the profound privilege of reading Jacqueline Suskin’s newest book, A Year in Practice; Seasonal Rituals & Prompts to Awaken Cycles of Creative Expression, and subsequently chatting with her. I’m delighted to share this conversation with you today as a spark of inspiration, a nudge to burrow in, and an invitation to connect fully with the season of winter.

My favorite area of exploration is the intersection of contemplative practices, nature and creativity. Jacqueline explores this intersection in depth as a poet and educator who has been teaching workshops, writing books, hosting retreats, and creating spontaneous poetry around the world since 2009.  

In this conversation, we chat about: 

06:12 The Impact of Seasons on Practice

10:56 The Cycle of Forgetfulness

13:33 The Influence of Seasons on Creative Expression

19:26 The Practice of Rest in Winter

28:20 Creating a Retreat at Home

33:33 The Role of Dreams in Creativity

39:32 The Power of Journal Review**

50:32 Winter Reflections and Practices

**Listeners, that journal review process was a revelation 🤯 and I plan on embarking on this process immediately! 

At the end of the conversation, Jacqueline shares a winter prompt inspired by the lesson of nature and how it might serve as a mirror for us. Don’t miss it.

You can learn more about Jacqueline and order her new book via her website: jacquelinesuskin.com.

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This Week’s Mini Meditation

Jacquline shares a winter prompt from her book. Grab a journal and pen, settle into a comfy seat, and listen:

*all of the content shared in my podcasts, newsletters & meditations is written by me {Meryl Arnett} without the use of AI. If you catch a mistake or typo, I hope it makes you smile knowing a real person is behind every word published 💛