Meena's Newsletter April 2023

What does it mean to grow fiercely?

To celebrate my 43rd birthday our family took a trip to Joshua Tree National Park. It was my first visit there and I was just in awe. My husband, a die hard U2 fan had us listening to their Joshua Tree album as we basked in the landscape.

The Joshua Tree is a powerful source of inspiration and contemplation.

Each tree grows fiercely in harsh conditions. Every tree is incredibly unique with their own story to tell, serving as symbols of hope amidst the dry landscape.

Growing fiercely for me means:

Even when it’s hard - be dedicated to my evolution.
Embrace this lifelong journey of ten thousand joys and ten thousand sorrows.
Grow in a way that’s passionate and robust.

What does growing fiercely mean to you?

As Earth Day approaches, I'm sharing a favorite quote from Robin Wall Kimmerer:

"Knowing that you love the earth changes you,

activates you to defend and protect and celebrate.

But when you feel that the earth loves you in return,

that feeling transforms the relationship

from a one-way street

into a sacred bond."

I will continue to reflect on the ways nature is a teacher. How has nature been a teacher in your life?

As usual, I'm sharing resources and events below. I hope we cross paths on our journeys.

Honoring Mother Earth

One of my mentors, John Bell, gave a moving sermon in 2021 offering three powerful guiding questions to help us reflect more deeply on our relationship with our beloved Mother Earth. It was this Earth Day Sermon that inspired me to write Transformative SEL as a Catalyst for Climate Action. May these questions be a source of inspiration and reflection

REST IS RESISTANCE

I'm thrilled to announce that our featured keynote speaker for the 14th annual Mindfulness in Education Conference is Tricia Hersey - the founder of the Nap Ministry and bestselling author of Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto. Tricia, aka The Nap Bishop, will lead us in a collective nap - it will be an unforgettable experience. She is sure to inspire and shift us.

I am excited to keynote the annual ACTLA conference on April 20th.

ACTLA is a multicultural organization with the purpose of improving tutorial programs in service of California Community Colleges.

Committed to ensuring equitable access and inclusive practices, their work facilitates student empowerment, restorative justice and supports student-centered pedagogies and embodied learning.

Learn more about ACTLA!