In my free newsletter, Dirt Church, we aren't afraid to dig deep, get more rooted into the earth, and get a little dirt on our hands. It's about down to earth spirituality that puts us in the here and now and moves us to action. All while working toward a more embodied & life affirming way to live. I'll also keep you updated on my latest creative projects!
The Least We Can Do?
|
Hello all and Happy Friday. I hope this email finds you able to find moments of hope, inspiration, and even joy. I’m dealing with a springtime cold, so I’ll keep this brief today – otherwise, I’ll be sure to ramble! In the past week, we’ve had a house finch couple build a nest on our front porch. It’s one of the things we most look forward to this time of year as generation after generation of these little songbirds find a refuge just outside of our door. We don’t mind the small mess, and we get genuinely surprised when we hear of others who use tactics to keep birds away from their decks, porches, and structures. We figured allowing the birds to nest where they choose was the least we could do for an animal increasingly facing risks as bird populations decline. But something changed a few years ago when we helplessly watched a crow rob a nest just outside of our window. We couldn’t shoo the crow away fast enough, and what had brought joy and delight, brought deep grief. We realized that just allowing the birds to exist and be where they wanted was not enough. The bird couple had a new nest and new eggs. We knew something had to change. So my wife, D, took some wire cloth and nails and fashioned a temporary shield to protect the nesting area. Since then, and for a few years now, we place the shields again as soon as the nests are built. And the birds, though confused and chirpy about it at first, are safe and well protected from predators and storm winds alike. The least we can do is not enough. And as the machinery continues to grind on in our world toward oppressing marginalized people even further, it’s time to embody true allyship. And that’s what the upcoming workshop on Tuesday April 1st is all about – moving beyond a passive label and minimal steps into embodied action, understanding what LGBTQIA+ people need from our allies in this moment, and a chance to ask questions and gather resources. The recording will be available if you can’t join live, and you can also email me with follow up questions if you have them, and I’ll respond as best I can. I would love if you share this workshop with others who care. This has been something a lot of people have expressed interest in, but the sign-ups so far haven’t reflected that. It would be a huge help to me if you help spread the word! It’s super accessible with pay-what-you-want pricing. If you haven’t registered yet, you can do that here:
That’s it for today. I hope you create some time for some birdsong and sanctuary this weekend. With Love, Charity Ways to work together:I am currently accepting clients for 1:1 coaching if you would like to receive more individualized support for spiritual rewilding/reforming/renewal, heart-centered inclusive leadership, midlife women’s rewilding self, or burnout. Click here to schedule a free call to talk about if this is right for you and what working together would look like to meet your needs. I offer coaching by phone as well as eco-centered in person coaching at public parks in the Chattanooga and Northwest Georgia areas. If you would like to join the Spring 2025 Cohort of Free Spirit (a 6 week LGBTQ+ cohort based course for detangling harmful messages from toxic religion) and need a discount to help you out, you can save 25% off the one-time payment plan with the code 25OFF. I know a lot of us could use that right now! Feel free to pass that on to anyone who can use it! Starts April 14th! More info here! https://embodied-affirmation-school.teachable.com/p/freespiritearly2025 Need a speak or facilitator or singer/song leader?? Want to book me to speak to your group, provide a training on inclusion, eco-based spirituality, or spiritual trauma or want me to lead some music and singing at your event or for your group? (religious or not?) Let’s talk! Just reply to this email or email me at charity@charitymmuse.com
|
Charity Muse
In my free newsletter, Dirt Church, we aren't afraid to dig deep, get more rooted into the earth, and get a little dirt on our hands. It's about down to earth spirituality that puts us in the here and now and moves us to action. All while working toward a more embodied & life affirming way to live. I'll also keep you updated on my latest creative projects!
Hi, friend. Like so many, I find it incredibly hard to concentrate today. I have also been watching and contacting my rep and praying for a miracle against the terrible bill which passed while writing this. I’ve been disgusted and grieving and deeply angered by the racism against LatinX people. I’ve been worried for my friends. At the same time, I’ve been checking every few minutes, scrolling – looking for words and wondering what the hell I could say right now and what I can do. Nothing...
Hello, friend. Here in North Georgia, it’s been dreadfully and dangerously hot. I hope wherever you are that you are staying hydrated and safe. I know even friends in New England have been suffering under this latest heat wave. Last week, I sent you a note about collective wellness and the myth of rugged individualism finding its way into our beliefs about wellness. This week, I want to share a little more about our separation and get some thoughts flowing about how it could be different....
Hello, friend. I haven’t said it here yet, but Happy Pride Month! It honestly feels a little strange to string those words together in this moment when so much is on the line for our community and when so many terrible things are happening all over the world. But it also feels incredibly important to take time to celebrate resilience, strength, and even joy. Most of all, I feel like it’s an important time to take a step back and consider what community really is and what we might need to...