Where We Stand ~ take 2

Fired up and inspired and from this same seat at the same desk, I wrote an article with the same title for this newsletter in June of 2020 in response to the Black Lives Matter movement.  Today as the seasons begin to change and I savor the last vestige of color in the gardens, I am moved by awareness of my privilege and by gratitude, to take stock of the times once again. 

While on the surface of things there appears to be less violence, fewer Covid deaths, less fire under necessary social movements; but there is surely more tension, more polarity, and many more real life threats for those who are not privileged economically or through skin color or able-bodiedness.  

For me these past 13 months have been a time of learning, of finding and receiving support and guidance, of beginning to see my ignorance and arrogance, the assumptions I have absorbed and used to perpetuate oppression as a member of the dominant culture.  It is amazing to become more aware of all of the areas of thinking and of our lives and lifestyles and expectations for other people's lives and lifestyles that are influenced through the culture of capitalism, competition and separation.

I am so grateful for the support I have. From the organization Holistic Resistance, from my consultant Akasha Saunders, from my colleagues and friends and students who are willing to engage difficult conversation, for so many people who constantly put out content to keep the issues front and center.  All of this is allowing me to take steps to unpack my conditioning, to examine my impact, to speak out with my unique voice, to be humbled in the face of my self-centeredness and denial; helps me to feel supported and present with what sometimes feels way too big but just needs to be approached - one step after another.  I feel myself changing and that is meaningful to me.

All of this to say, we have fall offerings, and within these offerings is the ongoing commitment to help others do the same; to examine conditioning that is overwhelmingly biased toward a system that only has winners and losers, to explore hidden belief systems, attempt to become aware of our effect on both other people and the natural world in which we exist, and to seek to find our joy and our true selves and ways to express our gifts and passions that also lift up others in our global community.

We have 3 fall events here that have room for you, please check out the Special Events page and see if you can join us!