When I was a public school administrator implementing Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) systemically in a complex, urban school district Steven Covey's The Speed of Trust served as an invaluable guide. Covey's insights on trust as a fusion of character and competence not only enriched my own leadership journey but also informed my collaboration with school leaders.

Lately, as I delve deeper into my research and exploration of tenderness I’ve been contemplating what it means to move at The Speed of Love℠ in both my leadership and personal life.

For me, The Speed of Love℠ is a figurative concept referring to the idea that love operates independently of time or conventional measures of speed, emphasizing its depth, intensity, and transformative power rather than a literal velocity.

I’m discovering that moving at The Speed of Love℠ requires that we slow down, soften our approach, and widen our perspective to embrace being present with our full presence—a challenge in a world urging us to accelerate constantly. In fact, even intending to move at The Speed of Love℠ is an act of resistance. 

By embracing a more gentle pace imbued with warmth and tenderness, we cultivate fertile ground for empathy and understanding to flourish. This deliberate slowness enables us to truly listen, extend support, and navigate difficulties with profound compassion. 

Amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life, let us pause to embody The Speed of Love℠, recognizing the beauty within moments of connection and the significance of nurturing relationships with care.

This month, I invite you to join me in cultivating The Speed of Love℠ in your own life. How does it manifest in your actions, words, and emotions? In this spirit, I share some nourishing content—a podcast conversation with Scarlett Lewis, who transformed unimaginable tragedy into purpose through the Choose Love movement; an article CASEL just published on expanding the vision of SEL to foster Beloved Community; and a guided meditation on Healing in Beloved Community.

May this month inspire you to move with the grace and intentionality of love.

PS. for educators: I'm still offering a significant discount on the SEL Every Day Online Courses. You also have the option to earn 3-6 graduate credits!