Emotions are running high
We are living in sh*t show right now. The white patriarchal foundation is crumbling (yay!), unheard voices are rising to be heard, the injustices of racism, unequal access to health care and job inequities are coming to the forefront. We are burdened with feeling unsafe with the fear of catching this virus, from breathing air and touching things other people have touched.
It feels so intense right now because we are creating transformation faster than any other time in history. The reaction to George Floyd’s death has inspired action and voices to be heard. I am proud of our country for rising up. It doesn’t look pretty with all the protests and violence, but people are angry and have had enough.
Our Kids
Our kids are dealing with so much right now. I worry that we are putting so much pressure on the next generation to ‘fix’ the messes we have created. Yet, I feel hopeful too that they have the power and conviction to rise up to the challenge.
My 16 year old daughter said the other day, “How can I concentrate on my homework when there is so much more important matters going on in our world?” (I agree!)
Parenting is even harder now
As a parent, I have been feeling very incompetent. How do I teach my children that the universe is here for you, has your back, is a friendly place yet be aware of all the injustices and inequities and to be aware of the dangers of the world.
Life is messy and their are no easy answers. What is important is that we continue to have the hard conversations, and listen to each other.
Division via intense judgement is really strong right now: Masks vs no masks, black vs white, democrat vs republican, freedom vs safety, cops vs black people, fear of virus vs greed vs equity. We must care for all of humanity, move beyond greed and power of few to what is best for all of humanity.
I have no answers for you. I am hear to listen. I can offer hope.
Next steps
When I see the list of books, things we can do, to address racism, I feel grateful and overwhelmed. So I am not going to offer too much in that way. But here is a youtube video I thought was really good and may offer a different perspective than you have seen.
America cries for spiritual healing w/ Michael B. Beckwith, Iyanla Vanzant, Ben Crump, and more
https://youtu.be/aBn6b4DFrVk
Summer Programming!
Upon reading the summer camp guidelines for Oregon, I felt the integrity of my program would be too compromised by socially distancing 6 feet apart. Not using my many props would make it challenging to have the kind of connection and rich discussions that I foster in my camps. Therefore with great sadness, I have canceled in person camps for 2020.
I am offering two online classes for girls ages 12-17. I know our kids are suffering socially and can use so much support during this time. I love holding a brave space for teens to come together and explore different topics.
My mission is to give girls a safe space to be themselves, guide self-discovery, and connect with others through discussion, play and creativity.
CLASSES WILL BE HELD ON ZOOM (I know we are all sick of Zoom but it is a good way to connect with each other:).
For ages 12-17
- It is small. I cap enrollment to 10-12 girls.
- The focus is on girl related issues such as stress, isolation, self-image, comparison, and jealousy as well as timely issues as the pandemic, racism, etc.
- We may play games such as improv games that help kids get out of their head and laugh
- We do experiential activities that help the girls see that we all have similar struggles
- Content is specific to the needs of the group. We may talk about social media, self-confidence, healthy ways to deal with emotions
- We use art materials to express and process emotions
- We create a community by getting to know each other and uplifting each other
- The girls learn a lot from each other and connect at a deep level
Session A
Tuesdays, 2:30-4PM PST (Pacific Standard Time)
June 23-August 11, 2020
Girls, ages: 12-17
$150 USD
Click here to register
Session B
Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00pm PST (Pacific Standard Time)
June 24-Aug 12, 2020
Girls, ages: 12-17
$150 USD
Click here to register
Zen Y’all,
