2023 has been a momentous year for us at Engage, starting with Angela Carolina joining the team in February. We launched the Sacred podcast in May and Lauren’s book (co-written with Alyssa Blask Campbell), Tiny Humans, Big Emotions, came out in October. We’ve spent this year deepening our Healing-Centered Education practices and networks, and this week we released the last episode of Sacred for the season. Sometimes when organizations shift like we have this year, the audience does too, but you have stayed the course with us and we would like to thank you for that!
We’ve experienced connection with some of you because you’ve reached out – we love that. It’s so meaningful to learn about the work that you’re doing and where we overlap. And simlutaneously, because of the youngness of this phase of our work and the anonymity of podcast listening, we’re not sure where or how our Sacred conversations and the shifting of our work are landing. It’s a little like anemochory, the dispersal of seeds by the wind. Right now, where we live, the wind is doing the important work of moving anemochorous seeds to the soil where they will potentially grow. If you grew up where one of the most famous of these types of plants grow then you may remember playfully blowing the fluffy plumes filled with dandelion seeds into the sky to make a wish. If the seeds land where the conditions are right then they will grow. We look forward to learning more about where and how the seeds of our work will grow next season. Of course, some of the seeds will be carefully selected, cultivated, and let into the “wind” by ourselves. The Sacred, Episode 7 conversation went deep on what this process can be like for parents and teachers.
We’re wondering about your work/play? What seeds are you letting the wind move? Please tell us about it at the December Campfire Chat Monday, December 18, 7:00-8:00pm ET! You’ll find the details and registration link below.
Finally, Sacred: Episode 7, the last episode of season 1, is out and we ended it where we began – with our moms! What a tender and dynamic conversation, and a gift to share this space with these powerful and humble women. Here are the Campfire Chat info & journal prompts for Episode 7:
Have a listen to Episode 7 at any of these locations: Youtube (this ep. will be uploaded here soon!), Apple, Spotify, Website
Want to excavate something you heard in Episode 7 on your own? We created some Episode 7 Journal Prompts for you. Contemplate the ones that call you:
- How are your ancestors with you in this moment?
- The full spectrum nature of life and caregiving came up quite a bit with both of our moms. Sometimes resistance to this within ourselves causes suffering. Where are you at in regards to the full spectrum nature of life: Resisting? Accepting? Embracing? How does this manifest in your relationships?
- How does “spirituality” show up in your life? How might you use that practice to sustain your work/play with little ones? With other adults?
- How does fear show up in your decision-making processes with children? How do you want to greet that fear the next time it shows up so that you might move through the moment with a stronger connection to your values and/or a greater sense of agency?
- If the wind were to spread your “seeds” what would you hope those seeds would be carrying? Where would you hope they land?
The last Campfire Chat of 2023 will be Monday, December 18, 7:00-8:00pm ET in Zoom. We’ll use this time to excavate anything that came up for you during episodes 4-7 and reflect on season 1 of Sacred. Register here for the link to the Campfire Chat. For ongoing conversation join our Sacred Conversations Group on FB and/or follow us on Instagram.
Also, are you considering using Tiny Humans, Big Emotions in your higher ed courses? Check out the Tiny Humans Big Emotions Faculty Book Club!
We can’t wait to hear from you!
With love and gratitude,
Lauren & Angela Carolina
Anemochory is defined as wind-aided seed dispersal: https://putahcreekcouncil.org/creekside-neighbors/the-wind-and-the-wings-anemochory/