I Asked the Universe for Flowers… and It Sent Me Rain
(but maybe that’s exactly what I needed) Plus: A Shamanic Tea Ceremony, Soul Barn, and what’s happening around Serenbe & Chatt Hills (March 28–April 6)
This has been a season of shedding.
In February, I got hit hard with pneumonia and was forced to fully slow down. Like lay in bed for a week and take double antibiotics kind of slow down.
Then in March, my kids and cat got sick one after the other—and our whole house basically turned into a wet tissue zone. Vet, urgent care, and ER… all within two weeks.
And this past weekend, my incredible, beautiful cat Felix passed away. He’d been with me for 15+ years—my entire corporate software marketing career. Wild, right? Two long chapters, closing in unison. My heart is heavy. There have been a lot of tears.
Next week, I officially turn in my work laptop and say goodbye to that old version of myself. I’m sure there’ll be tears then, too.
There’s a quote I came across this week (on Instagram, naturally) that hit hard with this season I’m in, and from what I hear from you — a lot of us are in:
“I asked the Universe for flowers, and it sent me rain.
Once you understand this, everything begins to make sense.”
(Author unknown—if you know, tell me!)
That’s exactly how it feels. Anyone else going through a similar shift?
In today’s issue:
🪶 So… What is a Shamanic Tea Ceremony?
🐎 Horses, Healing, and Candlelight Concerts? Tell Me More.
📍 For the Locals – Events this week + “In Case You Missed It”
🪶 So… What is a Shamanic Tea Ceremony?
Last week, I did something completely new: I attended a Spring Equinox Dream Tea Ceremony at Soul Barn at Serenbe with visiting shaman Itzhak Beery.
It was beautiful.
It was new.
It was grounding.
It was magical.
I went in a little blind—some friends had raved about the experience last year, and that was enough for me. I packed my mug, a special object to “bless,” and my notebook (because of course your girl took eight pages of notes). What unfolded was something that will stick with me for a long time.
Let’s back up for a second—this wasn’t my first “woo woo” experience. I’ve done a few fire pujas, visited an ashram in Florida, visited India, and even met my first shaman years ago.
Pause… What’s a Shaman? The word “shaman” has roots in Indigenous cultures, especially in South America, and refers to a spiritual guide or healer. As Itzhak explained it, the shaman is the pillar of the community—the one who keeps the fire lit, the stories alive, and the people connected. They hold space, help others heal, and guide through moments of transformation.
We gathered around a fire under the stars. The air was crisp. The vibe was sacred but relaxed. There’s something really powerful about sitting in circle with others, in ritual, on purpose—no phones, no distractions, just presence. I could do that every week.
We were asked to bring a special mug and an item to put good energy into. I brought a small ceramic cup made by my dear friend (and Serenbe neighbor) Morgan Boszilkov. I also brought a tarot deck gifted to me by my intuitive coach and psychic (also a Serenbe neighbor), Christina Trifero.
The shaman talked about the Spring Equinox as a time of true balance—equal parts light and dark, feminine and masculine. He described it as the real New Year, when nature starts fresh. Not January 1st, but right now.
And wow, did that resonate.
Because that’s exactly how I’ve been feeling—like I’m in a season of shedding. Not an ending, but a preparation. A clearing. A deep exhale before the next inhale.
There’s pruning before blooming.
Rest before energy.
Rain before flowers.
So if you’re in a season like that too—where something is shifting, even if you don’t know what it is yet—I see you. You’re not behind. You’re just getting ready.
The flowers are coming. 🌸
The Guayusa tea itself? Strong. Earthy. Not ayahuasca (a few people asked), but more like a yerba maté. Heads up if you ever go: you’re supposed to chug it. I didn’t get the memo and sipped mine… (You can purchase the same sacred Guayusa tea used in the ceremony online and pick it up at Soul Barn—100% of proceeds go back to Indigenous communities in Ecuador).
And then there was a surprise — rapé.
If you’re unfamiliar, rapé is a sacred tobacco snuff blown up your nose through a wooden pipe.
Did I know I’d be doing that? Nope.
Have I ever even smoked a cigarette? Nope.
Did I do it anyway? Yep. I’m not about to question the shaman. 😉
Did it burn? Absolutely.
Did I have a moment? Definitely.
Did I kind of like it? Ohhh yes.
The head high was gentle and buzzy and cleared the path for what came next.
I laid back on my mat, stared up at the trees, and let myself ride the wave—feeling cracked open and completely present. And then something unexpected happened.
A barn cat wandered over and curled up right on top of my belly. She kneaded into me like I was hers and stayed there for 15 minutes. It was the softest, sweetest moment. I let it happen.
At first, I imagined she was helping me heal—soothing my gut after a month of antibiotics, easing my postpartum belly from the baby I birthed last year. I’ve always loved cats. And this one? She actually visited me once during a psychic reading at Soul Barn, so her return felt symbolic.
But now… I think she was there for a different reason.
You see, my cat at home—Felix—had been sick for the last month. Looking back, I can’t help but feel like that barn cat came to help prepare me. To offer one final act of comfort, of presence, of wordless support. She held space for me in a way I didn’t know I needed. The day after my cat, Felix, passed away.
Thank you Barn cat.
Later, we moved into the barn loft (there were heaters, thank god), and we, well dreamed.
There was drumming, music, messages from what you might call Spirit, or God, or Mother Earth.
Some people had vivid dreams or visions.
On night one, after the rape, I felt a little scattered, a little buzzy, a little expressive—which, honestly, tracks. The next morning I experienced several “dreams”. For me, it was a lot about self-expression and this exact phase I’m in right now: the shedding, the rebirth, the “becoming.”
10 out of 10. Would (and will) do again.
What’s blooming or shedding in your world right now? Hit reply and let me know—I’d truly love to hear.
🐎 Horses, Healing, and Candlelight Concerts? Tell Me More.
If you’ve never been to Soul Barn at Serenbe, let me just say—it’s a special place. It’s where I experienced last weekend’s shamanic dream tea ceremony (which I wrote about above), and every time I step inside, it feels like I’m entering a space designed for real, meaningful connection.
The magic of Soul Barn comes straight from the heart of its founder, Darby Pollock—an incredible human and the brilliant visionary behind their Equian programming, as well as the soul-centered events and healing work they host there. Whether it’s breathwork, sound healing, somatic practices, equine experiences, or just space to exhale and reflect, everything at Soul Barn is built with deep intention.
What’s Coming Up at Soul Barn
If you’re craving something restorative, expansive, or just a little soul-stirring—Soul Barn has a full calendar of goodness lined up this spring. Here are just a few of the upcoming experiences coming up:
Sound Healing Above the Horses | Sat, March 29, 12:15–1:30 PM | A dreamy 75-minute sound bath led by Meagan Myrick, using quartz crystal bowls, shamanic drumming, and more—all while overlooking the herd.
Cosmic Conversations | Mon, April 7, 6:30–8:00 PM | Join resident astrologer Dr. Laura Tadd for a monthly astrology talk diving into lunar phases, eclipses, retrogrades, and other cosmic happenings.
Soul Barn Sounds: A Cozy Concert Night | Sat, April 19, 6:30–9:00 PM | A candlelit, intimate music experience held in the loft. Limited seating = cozy vibes and connection.
Yoga with the Horses | Private bookings available | A heart-opening yoga session held in Soul Barn’s courtyard as the herd holds space. Yes, it’s as magical as it sounds.
Free Weekly Awareness Meditation | Sundays at 10AM & Wednesdays at 1PM | Led by Serenbe resident Kim Ferrari—come as you are and settle into presence. No sign-up required. Meditation chai included.
📍 For the Locals: Events This Week
Friday, March 28 - Sunday, April 6
Precision Run Club | Fridays 3.28, 7:40am | 2–3 miles, meet at Mado 1
Serenbe Trail Volunteer Day | 3.28, 9am | Cutting a new trail in Spela, meet at Halsa
Deblina & Lyra: Gather Acoustic Show | 3.28, 6pm | Birdhouse Market
Story time with Hills & Hamlet | 3.29, 9:30am | Birdhouse Market
Harmony Hands Grand Opening | 3.29, 10am | A new massage & sound therapy studio just opened in Palmetto
Sound Healing Above the Horses | 3.29, 12:15pm | at Soul Barn
Bloom & Tune Live Music | 3.29, 7pm | with Cody Lee Rose & Grateful to Be
Jazz Night | Saturday’s, 3.29, 9pm | Live music at Austin’s
Biophilic Leadership Summit | 3.30-4.1 | 7th annual conference at Serenbe
Ceramics for Children (5+) | Weekly, now - 5.1 | at Minro
Tuesday Night Softball | Tuesdays, 4.1 | Serenbe Athletic Fields
Chatt Hills AI Meetup | Wednesdays, 4.2 | Jeff Smith’s home
Kids Craft Corner Story Time & Art | Wednesdays, 4.2-4.30 | Angela’s Home
Awareness Meditation Series | Thursdays, 4.4-4.17, 7pm | Serenbe home
Pose and Compose: Figure Drawing | Thursdays, 4.4 – 4.17, 6pm | CENTER
Serenbe Residents April Coffee Talk - Landscaping | 4.5, 9am | Gainey Hall
Vase Hand-Building Workshop | 4.5, 11am–1pm | CENTER
Spring Awakening Wine Tasting | 4.5, 4pm | General Store
📍 For the Locals: In Case You Missed It
New Kids Chess Pod | Open to kids ages 8–18, Mondays 5–6:15pm, $30/class. Led by Coach Deepak, a nationally ranked player and beloved local coach. Email Julien Funk.
The Good Place Farm Stand is packed & stacked | Stunning tulips from Chatt Hills Food Shop, sourdough, treats and more! 7770 Barnes Rd - open 24/7 honor system self pay!
Terra School is Hiring | They're looking for an experienced, heart-forward educator for Grades 3–5. Think nurturing, project-based learning with a focus on autonomy and growth. Job listing.
Art Farm is Hiring | They're looking for a Marketing Coordinator! Know someone who’s a great fit? Reach out to Madalyn.
Interested in learning Mahjong? | “Mahjong 101: Intro & Basics” offers a fun 2-hour intro class for $25 per person. Come solo or gather up to 4 friends for a private session. Email Pamela Kamor.
Morgan Boszilkov is Seeking Breast Cancer Stories | Morgan is compiling a book of quotes, stories, and essays on how breast cancer transforms lives. If you or someone you know has experienced breast cancer, consider sharing your story.
New Spring Menu at Radical Dough | They’ve just launched their Spring Bagel Sandwiches menu with new options for breakfast and lunch. Highlights include sous-vide egg, local sausage, smoked salmon, pesto, feta, kimchi, and more—served all day on your choice of bagel.
New Serenbe Stories Episode – Farm-To-Table: The Promise of Local Agriculture with Lily Baucom | Steve and Monica sit down with Lily Baucom to talk about how strong local food systems go beyond what’s on our plate—they build community and support sustainability. Listen here.
Stay in the Loop
I’m working on a full event calendar and business directory (launching in May!), but for now, you can find everything happening in Serenbe & Chatt Hills on this shared Google Sheet. Missing something? Feel free to add it directly or email me the details!
Thanks for being here. Life feels fuller when I get to share it.
Let me know what you’re shedding—or what’s blooming—in your world.
I’ll see you in the comments or out on the trails.
—Gina xx
P.S. Know someone who needs a little reminder that the flowers are coming? Send this their way.
I have been thinking about your universe quote all week. This issue captures that perfectly.
Wasn’t expecting to cry at this week’s newsletter, but totally did. The barn cat photo drove home the magic of Serenbe and the way God and the Universe and something larger than us gives just what we need, when we need it. Sending love for sweet Felix. Thanks for such an honest and beautiful story through the lens of this special place ❤️