Who was MOST influential in your life?  It was a hard question.  After considering many lessons from my parents, family, friends and teachers, I choose Uncle Bob.  Reflecting on why,  was a valuable exercise.

Resources

Uncle Bob’s Obituary

One Small Step – the conversation that inspired this reflection

Self compassion is a powerful form of self-care. It enhances our ability to be resilient and learn.  Kristin Neff has expanded the definition of self compassion to include both nurturing and fierce self compassion.

Resources

Kristin Neff’s website with resources and information

One Small Step is a iniative by StoryCorps.  The intention of this program is to strengthen communities, one conversation at a time.  In this episode, Marcia shares reflection on her time with another community member with different political leanings.

Resources

One Small Step at WTIP

One Small Step Initiative

Turning Off Our Alarm Systems Podcast

Encounter with Others Podcast

Instead of the intense reflection on changing, I told a few funny stories.  Laughter helps us navigate challening times. FeBe (January 28, 2011 to July 13, 2021) featured in the photo above, made us laugh every day. Such is the gift of our pets.

Resources

Stress Relief From Laughter: No Joke, Mayo Clinic

It is one thing to learn that outside judgment cannot touch you unless you already carry that critic on the inside. That awareness is great but learning to release the inner judgment requires us to be brave enough to feel it and release it.

Resources

What is OK to Be?

What is the Inner Critic?

Identifying the Inner Critic

Working with the Inner Critic

When I am defensive, my whole body is on alert?  How do I increase my ability to hear feedback or different opinions with openness and curiosity.

Resources

Building Capacity for Uncomfortable Conversations Podcast

Harriet Lerner Interview with Brene Brown Part 1

Harriet Lerner Interview with Brene Brown Part 2

Shifting her focus from fighting hate to focus on leading a movement called Revolutionary Love, Valarie Kaur is an inspiration.

Resources

Valarie Kaur’s movement

Interview with Kaur on The Good Life Project

Shifting her focus from fighting hate to focus on leading a movement called Revolutionary Love, Valarie Kaur is an inspiration.

Resources

Valarie Kaur’s movement

Interview with Kaur on The Good Life Project

Conversations about race and other uncomfortable subjects require us to do our own work, to build capacity in ourselves to listen to learn.

Resources

The Mindtrap of Rightness Podcast

Resmaa Menakem Interview

Too often, we push to make things happen.  Sometimes, it will serve us to watch what is unfolding. The wisdom is in diserning what is called for.

Resources

Compose with the Unfolding Podcast

Intentionality Podcast