The shedding of leaves...
a brief reflection on loss, Indigenous sovereignty, and preparation for hibernation
hi yall…
[Content Warning: discussion of loss and death]
I’ve always enjoyed autumn in Virginia; the changing of the color of the leaves, listening to the leaves crunch under my feet, chilly enough for a beanie in the morning and still warm enough to have my feet out, hoodies and cardigan season with hot apple cider drinks…
Autumn is an enjoyable season that I’ve grown to learn a lot from. There’s a lesson in the loss of leaves from the trees, an acknowledgement of life and death and that healthy growth involves the regular shedding of parts of us that no longer serve us.
Sometimes that shedding happens in it’s own seasonal time. Leaves bud, grow, and overtime expire. Other times, the shedding happens without warning, prompted by a gust of wind or a bad storm. This past month I been processing both types of loss. I supported my sister through the loss of her dog Philly, a peaceful passing at the end of a beautiful life, a fighter who beat cancer and now gets to rest. I’ve also been processing the swift shift of a long time friendship, the loss of random check-ins, bursts of song, and joyous celebrations of each others’ blessings.
As I process the transitions happening around me I also reflect on how little our society honors loss in a way that’s humane. How can we create space for ourselves to process in a way that honors our emotional needs, celebrates the life and season of that which has passed, and prompts reflection about ways to nurture what’s alive and budding in our lives in the present? What leaves have shed from your branches? How might you honor them in this season?
something you can try out…
Back during my Albuquerque days, I attended workshops led by the NM GSA Network at the serene setting of the Mountain Center. I learned so much from their youth and adult leaders, who spoke so boldly about systems of power and oppression and spoke truth about the impact of white supremacy, capitalism, and patriarchy. Another takeaway from that space was a question they would ask during introductions/check-ins, “What are your access needs?” It was an opportunity for people to share needs around access, ability, and realities about their modes of participation.
“I have a pain that persists in my back if I sit too long. You’ll see me get up and move around a bit. I’m still present, just need to stretch every now and then.”
“My daughter is at home sick today so I’ll be checking my phone periodically.”
“It’s hard for me to hear out of my right ear. If we’re talking in pairs, I may remind you to speak on my left side. Otherwise, I appreciate everyone using the microphone.”
I used to incorporate the sharing of access needs more regularly in my work and recently have been reflecting on ways to return to that practice. What impact might a practice like this have on your small group facilitation or team meeting?
what I’m learning about + who I’m learning from…
Thank you to Debbie Reese (scholar, author, and founder of American Indians in Children's Literature) for sharing this article and her own insights on the importance of teaching about Indigenous sovereignty. Affirming Indigenous Sovereignty: A Civics Inquiry shares a four-part unit that “aims to engross upper elementary social studies students in an inquiry about historical and current Indigenous sovereignty.” I don’t teach upper-elementary students and still found this article to be relevant in learning about Indigenous sovereignty and acknowledging the erasure of Native nations’ in our discussions on history, current politics, and civic identity/engagement. The unit plan outlined in this article is also one that could replicated in other subject areas regardless of grade level. It engages critical thinking, research skills, connection and relevance to community, and student leadership and presentation skills.
share a resource…
You’re invited to share resources with our Community on our Collective Resource Bank (via Padlet). This month, let’s share different tools, charts, and exercises we use to have students and participants explore their feelings.
Shouts to our Community members Russell and Arjuna for sharing resources the past two months.
what I’ve been up to…
This past month I've dedicated time to think about what’s bringing me joy, how to cultivate more of that, and take stock of where I am and what’s needed for my growth moving forward. I’m feeling energized by my thoughts and am responding by building in a generative reflection and visioning period throughout November and December. I’ll be using the winter months to go inward, and as the new year unfolds, share out new ventures with you all. I’m getting into hibernation mode!
A new website is emerging…new projects are coming to life…be on the look out!
join me for upcoming events and meetups…
Lori Cohen and I will be holding our next New Moon Meetup on Monday, November 1 for educators looking to connect, reflect, and vision for the next month ahead. Learn more on our landing page.
For independent school community members attending the NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools) POCC (People of Color Conference), I’ll be co-presenting an Equity Seminar with Kawai Lai entitled, “Do You See What I Mean? Facilitating Courageous Conversations Visually” and co-facilitating a recorded session with Dr. Mary Antón on Wednesday, December 1 entitled, “You Can’t Do It Alone: Building equity teams for sustainable change.” Join us!
If you are interested in having me work with your community or interested in one-on-one coaching, fill out my intake form. I am booked through the end of this calendar year and filling up swiftly for the spring.