The Quiet Voice Of Bravery | Leo New Moon, Greece Musings and Lughnasadh

This new moon has carried some full moon vibes with it, as I sat before class yesterday talking with one of my dear yogis, we reflected together on how different the energy has felt around this luna occurrence. The bright fiery essence of this New moon, bringing strong higher energy....

In class we moved through a practice that opened the solar plexus, found our strength, courage and bravery. I asked the class, 'What matters most? '

A Beach With A View, Greek Retreats Echo

So, it's been a while since I've written, I've been slightly depleted and my creativity has been at a low ebb. As if a child's small grey scribble has been blocking my flow or sight. So I found comfort in a sense of renewed energy not only from this New Moon but also 5 days in Greece.

It's not been the easiest period, a significant relationship ended this year, and I am stepping forward on my path, with hope but also with quiet bravery. I now realise my future and plans might look a little (or a lot!) different to what is the norm in our society's expectations. So this question, 'What matters most' has felt timely and helpful.

When things come to an end, we not only grieve the loss of the person(whether they brought peace or turmoil to our days) but we experience the strong images of the future softly dancing off with the wind. Left with a blank page, that feels exciting but also daunting to fill.

Before I landed in Greece, I was waking with my mind so full of conflict, I always call it the 'upload': we get a snippet of empty peace before our thoughts upload! My mind was trying to create a distraction, the do-er in me, busy trying to just focus on, well, doing. I upped my self-care in the form of yoga nidra in the days before I decided to book my flights and gift myself just a few precious days away, but nothing gave me the reset and healing that being in Greece has.

Oh to read for days on end and hide in the shade.

I titled this blog 'The quiet voice of bravery', because I think that's often what many of us are doing every day. If you take a moment to scan through your life, in the search for brave, courageous memories, there might be some standalone huge moments. Often forgetting the smaller, quieter places of strength. So maybe, if you have the time, journal or jot down a few examples, it's a beautiful way to reignite our bravery and courage by seeing clearly that we've done it before, often many times.

For me, quiet courage has been returning to ballet (the classic post-break-up of stepping closer to yourself and putting the important things back in your life). I was nervous before going, a new place, a new group and it's been over 15 years since I did a classical ballet class. But I gave myself a pep talk, 'Just do it' my mantra of the year. It's one of the best decisions I've made in a very long time. I am asking what 'young Jojo' needs, the answers often being right.

This New Moon, also asks us to step towards joy, that internal fire warming the heart, bringing power and strong vibrations to the choices we make. So, what can you do that feels good and is void of a result? Maybe clear a space, pop on some Chaka Khan and have a little boogie!? Bake a cake? Sea Swim with a group?

Photo of a photo

There will always be places we go, people we call on or practices we need to help us through the darker times, the harder months or a lonely period. But the closer we are to ourselves, the more we can learn what we need. Being with my mum was a blessing for those few days, chatting away, talking through plans, the past and the future or just pointing out the beauty of where we were. The sea will always be my saviour, and even more so in Greece. Like a child, I would arrive on the beach, throw my stuff down and dash into the crystal clear depths, the salt allowing me to bob and gaze up at the equally blue sky. There is always a view in Greece, the joy I feel to swim surrounded by mountains, trees and bright Oleander is potent. It also brings me such joy to practice yoga with my mum in the shala, this sacred space we have put so much into, is also ours to rest and practice in. To meditate, move and breathe together with the birds, trees and elements right by us, fills the soul like nothing else.

So as we sit in the cradle of 'The Inbetween' this August, we can draw on the teachings of the stars, moon and our own earth. Set an intention for the next few weeks or perhaps the second half of the year, in what ways can you find self-belief? quiet bravery? or loud courage? Releasing the restrictive energy of having to do things right, well, perfectly, but instead just trying... and ask yourself 'what truly matters?'

We also greet Lughnasadh(spoken Lu-nah-sah) or Lammas in Wican, now in Christian tradition. It is the time of the corn harvest, when Pagans reap those things they have sown and when they celebrate the fruits of the mystery of Nature. At Lughnasadh, Pagans give thanks for the bounty of the Goddess as Queen of the Land. Lammas is the first harvest, a time for gathering in and giving thanks for abundance; then Mabon or the Autumn Equinox is the Second Harvest of Fruit; and Samhain is the third and Final Harvest of Nuts and Berries.

So again, from the old, we learn and grow. How can it guide us? Perhaps, rather than wishing away the time, or fearing the arrival of colder months, we draw on the fruits of our labour. But also starting to gather what we need for the months to come. This might be physical, mental, or spiritual, but it can teach us so much. About planning, gathering, gratitude, reflection, and presence. We learn from the old, to push back against the fast-paced capitalism, the rush of life, the consuming, the treadmill.

Rest gently this Summer, linger, reflect, gather, tend and hold.

All my love, Josephine x

Join Us In Greece?

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I'd love for you to join me this August:

A Long Exhale | Home-Studio Extended Soundbath Worthing

Sat 02 Aug |

Worthing | Home Studio

A deeply restful extended soundbath in Worthing. Crystal bowls, calming tones, and nervous system repair in a cosy home studio. Book your spot now.

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Golden Glow – Late Evening Soundbath in Angmering | Echo Yoga & Sound

Fri 15 Aug |

Lets retreat Yurt

A calming late evening soundbath in Angmering. Immersive extended soundbath, sunset stillness, and nervous system reset. Wind down with golden hour peace.

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A New Chapter | Extended Soundbath Worthing

Fri 29 Aug  |

Slake, Worthing

This 90-minute soundbath is designed to support transitions — big or small. Whether you're beginning something new, processing change, or simply craving spaciousness, this session offers a gentle and grounded container to pause, reset, and realign.

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