photo by Darius Krause courtesy Pexels
“I didn’t grow up hiking, didn’t grow up outdoors. I grew up in the projects, in the “hood” – we don’t never talk about no hiking! It’s a middle class, upper class sport. When the movie Wild came out there was a buzz about the Appalachian Trail, and trails in general. I watched the movie, read the book, and decided why not me? Why can’t I go, find what others say they find?… Over the past three years, I’ve done 450 miles of the Appalachian Trail, and I just did 550 miles on the Camino… I find such clarity of thought, rest, connecting with the universe. I was asked recently, am I a woman of faith? I answered, I hike…” –Liz Torres (Cohort 23) Interview
“I prayed, as I do when confronted with horrors too large for me to handle. That silent time, ignoring the chopping and sautéing that seemed so important moments earlier, saved me. It always saves me. Making the space for God allowed me to simultaneously hold the joy of the incarnation and the sorrow of the crucifixion. It allowed me to move forward with our celebration and recommit to the work of justice — the enormous, impossible and essential work of justice.” –Colleen Shaddox (Cohort 1), Prayer is Not a Weapon, Current post
“We need connection like we need exercise and clean drinking water.” –Sidewalk Talk: A Community Listening Project, in Bridges post
“We undervalue silence in this culture. So much power and opportunity exists in the silences of our lives. Sacred pauses I call them, and they are critical for me. I’ve meditated since I was in high school…” –Lisa Anderson (Cohort 8) Interview
“Some people talk about mindfulness as the new wonder drug. I don’t see it that way, I’ve been doing this for 30 years… it’s a way of life.” –Mindfulness on the Court – and Everywhere Else, Recharge post about George T. Mumford
“Time is an incredibly restorative tool. Time with girlfriends who I grew up with in California; time alone with my partner — my husband; time with new friends and colleagues; and time for myself. Also, as someone who has spent a few years teaching in schools, I continue to look for ways to work with students who have creative ideas and unconditioned ways of viewing the world; their perspectives are restorative to me and kindle my hope for a better future.” –Annie Lin (Cohort 19) Interview
“Releasing our work intentionally does not mean we have failed it. On the contrary, it’s a stepping stone to growth and greater potential.” –Nancy Roldán Johnson (Cohort 10), How Letting Go Was My Secret to Success, Recharge post
“…If you can change the way you think and feel about yourself, you can change your world… If head and heart is all messed up, then I am no good for anyone. Seeing a therapist does not mean you’re crazy — it means you desire balance. Sometimes I just need someone who can help me navigate through my emotions. Mental illness is so often hidden because it is something that people are still just too embarrassed to talk about. We need to deal so that we can heal.” –Tyree Dickey (Cohort 8) Interview
“Her 93 year-old grandfather asked if she knew what the word svaasthy (स्वास्थ्य) meant. (She did – it’s the Hindi word for health.) He went on to explain that its root is from Sanskrit — sva (self) and sthya (seat) — so health is to be seated inside yourself. She took some time off to rest, including time alone to heal. And it became clear she had lots of company…” FOMO, FOBO and Transformative Gatherings with Priya Parker, Recharge post
“I know my training my training has given me a wealth of options for how I move about in the world. I know it dissolves some of the conflict and hatred within myself before it manifests outside.” –Susan Nappi (Cohort 22), The Way of the Warrior, Recharge post
“…the rippling feeling settled. And in its place, came a truly unexpected feeling: exhilaration. I had dared to say something out loud that had been kept secret… It is amazing how heavy that one pebble had been to carry all these years… Holding space in my listening allows room for more voices to share the stories they have to tell. And the stories they have to release.” –Julie Anderson (Cohort 24), The Power of Story, Recharge post
“Meditation, prayer, reflection – over the years it has become more of a daily ritual. I find a peaceful place to sit and pray every morning after the gym and before I leave, for 10 to 15 minutes. A lot of times I’ll put headphones on, listen to a gospel song I enjoy, or a biblical word, or instrumentals. I then give space for it to take me where it takes me, for the things that are on my mind and on my heart… every time I make it home, there’s a prayer of thanks and reflection. ‘Whatever I did wrong, help me work on those areas.’ I go into the next day asking God to protect me again, and also help me fix what needs fixing.” –Michael Haynes (Cohort 14) Interview
“We can know the truth. We can know our truth… At the center, believe in yourself, and put yourself in environments where you can thrive. Find inspiration and courage wherever you can…” –Veronica “Roni” Holcomb (Cohort 26), Cranky About Leadership in America, Current post
“…in order to help those who are struggling with their immigration status, understand the reality of their fear and where it comes from (or, if you are an immigrant, your own fear). It is real and valid; they (you) are are not making it up. Seek help from a mental health professional who is culturally competent and can help work through trauma. As much as we would all like to hide our pain, we generally will not be able to heal all alone…” –Maysa Akbar, PhD, ABPP (Cohort 14), The Unheard, Unhealed Trauma of Immigration, Current post
“Black Obsidian is formed from the rapid cooling of lava. It is said to be an excellent stone to aid in healing work, and is a powerful cleanser of negative energy. It has properties that serve to ground an individual to Mother Earth and connect with ancestral lineage. This black stone can assist in the release of disharmony built up in our day-to-day lives. It also serves as a symbol of our effort to restore our wholeness.” –Eric Rey (Cohort 13), Black Men Healing in Community, Recharge post
“Hanging out with a bunch of crusty old sailors and fishermen has been good. And it’s been challenging, because it’s also full of Make America Great Again hats, and the unintentional racist comment. But the water is so peaceful. It’s vast, powerful, unpredictable, and full of life. And it’s just beautiful…” –Kevin ‘RevKev’ Ewing (Cohort 8) Interview
Curated by The Circle’s Creative Director & Editor, Lara Herscovitch (Cohort 10). To reach Lara directly: thecircle@clpnewhaven.org or Lara@LaraHerscovitch.com