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Magic Dancing Leaf at the Seat of Isis
Mary Magdalene Pilgrimage, 2024 |
Laura Neal, CSD, is an artist, contemplative spiritual companion, silent retreat leader, Reiki healer and retired executive coach. She specializes in writing icons of Mary Magdalene and companioning people on their spiritual journeys through one-on-one sessions and silent retreats. Currently, she works with the Spiritual Guidance Program at the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation and has previously served on the Shalem Board and other long-term Shalem programs.
Laura has a profound connection to her indigenous ancestral roots as a member of the Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi, and her love for nature runs deep. She perceives the Great Spirit as alive in the natural world, which she considers a sacred space that invites Divine Presence. Her LLC, "Be the Leaf," embodies this perspective, drawing inspiration from the graceful and effortless journey of a leaf flowing with a river's current, illustrating the beauty and power of letting go and being in flow. A life-threatening burst appendix became a pivotal moment for Laura, reshaping her relationship with her body and revealing an energetic misalignment. She had been overly immersed in masculine energy, neglecting the balance of the Divine Feminine necessary to live fully and wholly. Then, Mary Magdalene, the embodiment of courage, balance and worthiness became a guiding archetype for her heart's yearning. Inspired by Mary's journey and those of the traditions of her ancestor’s indigenous culture, Laura now practices living into the question, "What would Love do?" |
Mary Magdalene Pilgrimage, France, 2024
Longer Version...
Be The Leaf Coaching, LLC was born out of desperation... As a lifelong career woman (read: no children, workaholic, unmarried until age 40), I suddenly found myself in a dysfunctional organization with a controlling boss and the unsettling realization that I was no longer in control of my destiny. How could this be? I was a successful career woman!! I made a plan, worked the plan, achieved the goal and then made a new plan/goal…wash, rinse, repeat…
The dance I call "Dysfunction Junction" begins where you know all the steps, and all it takes is the trigger. I knew it was unhealthy, yet I continuously tried to gain approval from outside sources. I worked myself ragged, trying to please, and the harder I worked, the more elusive the positive feedback became. I began to doubt myself. I couldn’t sleep. I couldn’t quiet the voice in my head. I couldn’t stop playing things over and over again in my mind. My happiness and self-worth were in her hands…or so I thought.
Be The Leaf Coaching, LLC was born out of desperation... As a lifelong career woman (read: no children, workaholic, unmarried until age 40), I suddenly found myself in a dysfunctional organization with a controlling boss and the unsettling realization that I was no longer in control of my destiny. How could this be? I was a successful career woman!! I made a plan, worked the plan, achieved the goal and then made a new plan/goal…wash, rinse, repeat…
The dance I call "Dysfunction Junction" begins where you know all the steps, and all it takes is the trigger. I knew it was unhealthy, yet I continuously tried to gain approval from outside sources. I worked myself ragged, trying to please, and the harder I worked, the more elusive the positive feedback became. I began to doubt myself. I couldn’t sleep. I couldn’t quiet the voice in my head. I couldn’t stop playing things over and over again in my mind. My happiness and self-worth were in her hands…or so I thought.
In an elevator to my hotel room on a business trip, I had a breakthrough. I began sobbing so uncontrollably and I could not stop. Something had to give. I could not continue on this way. I washed my face and headed to the bookstore and bought a colleague recommended book “The Untethered Soul”, by Richard Singer. That book saved my life and ignited a spiritual journey that I continue to this day.
This same colleague had successfully used a coach, so I began my certification as a means to help myself. I wanted to be the leaf. I wanted to let go of the rock of blame, expectation, worry, despair, and resentment. I wanted to break away from that dance, from the habitual behavior.
This same colleague had successfully used a coach, so I began my certification as a means to help myself. I wanted to be the leaf. I wanted to let go of the rock of blame, expectation, worry, despair, and resentment. I wanted to break away from that dance, from the habitual behavior.
After achieving my coaching credentials, I sensed another call. After months of discernment, I took the leap of faith and enrolled in Shalem Institute's Spiritual Guidance Program. As my spiritual journey unfolded, I transitioned from "doing" Spiritual Direction to "being" a Spiritual Companion. In 2022, I faced a life-threatening burst appendix that required emergency surgery, which confined me to the hospital for six days. During this time, I underwent a profound transformation in my relationship with my body. I realized that the struggle was not about accepting my body itself but rather embracing my Divine Feminine energy. During this time, Mary Magdalene became my spiritual companion. Despite encountering judgment, shame, and negative labels, Mary was a beacon of forgiveness, hope, and self-worth. Her dedication to her Truth exemplifies the strength, compassion, and humility of Divine Feminine energy.
As a result of my own transformation, I have a passion for helping others heal through self-awareness, acceptance, and forgiveness. I often encourage them to embrace the concept of 'Let Go and Be The Leaf, ' which symbolizes the freedom and peace that comes with releasing control and surrendering to the flow of life, surrendering to Spirit, surrendering to the Great Mystery. Listening and discernment partner, allowing us to say "yes" to what is laid upon our heart and "yes" to our unique path, journey and purpose.
As a result of my own transformation, I have a passion for helping others heal through self-awareness, acceptance, and forgiveness. I often encourage them to embrace the concept of 'Let Go and Be The Leaf, ' which symbolizes the freedom and peace that comes with releasing control and surrendering to the flow of life, surrendering to Spirit, surrendering to the Great Mystery. Listening and discernment partner, allowing us to say "yes" to what is laid upon our heart and "yes" to our unique path, journey and purpose.
Photo taken from my backyard!
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