Hello, everyone!

I know it’s been way longer than 1-2 weeks since I last wrote. To be honest, between starting physical therapy (which has been kicking my butt!) for a post-surgical lingering issue, rolling out the curriculum for my cohort group, Free Spirit, and parenting-life, I’ve struggled to find the words I want to say or the energy to say them. But I also have a lot to share with you that I’m learning and some pretty good news. And I’m feeling back to myself so that I can write you again!

We also just wrapped up our final live session of Free Spirit last night, and wow! What an amazing experience. We laughed, we cried, and we reclaimed autonomy and had fantastic conversations on the messages we received through religious and spiritual experiences and communities – as well as the impact those messages had on us. I’ll share more on that next time.

Lately, I’ve found myself drawn to spend more time outside, more time with bare feet in the grass, more time just taking in the sights, sounds, and smells around me in nature. I’ve been writing and reflecting on how much I experience and connect with Spirit/God in nature, and how much I’ve been held by and inspired by the Wilderness.

In tandem with this, I’ve found myself deeply hurting over the loss of habitat, the destruction of native plants and animals in the name of agriculture that harms the earth – especially during Earth Month. It feels especially close in a literal way as we live next to a pasture managed by an unsustainable cattle farmer.

More and more, I have come to believe that the ecosystems and biodiversity we see in Nature is a wonderful metaphor and example for organizational leadership, community building, inclusion and equity, and integrated spirituality. When I stroll through a forest and witness the symbiotic relationships of birds, shrubbery, trees, wildflowers, fungi, and insects – I get a sense of how much belonging and abundance is possible in this world. I better understand the importance of cooperation and coexistence. I begin to catch a glimpse of the oneness of all of this, including us as people.

The more I spend time reflecting on and receiving this, the more I feel integrated with my child self who spent carefree afternoons and evenings on the riverbank, in the field, or in the yard catching fireflies. The me who started a KSE (Kids for Saving Earth) chapter with my childhood best friend at our elementary school, teaching kindergarteners about recycling, wildlife, and loving the Earth when we were only 9, 10, and 11 years old. And the more I notice my blind spots and places I want to improve as well as how I can integrate conservation into my work as a creative, a teacher, and a coach.

I recognize the inextricable nature of it all. Like a tapestry, yes – but also like a forest.

Spiritually – this calling forth of my own natural wildness within is drawing out more bravery, more authenticity, and more connection. It is only here, that I feel like I finally am starting to understand the Maya Angelou quote that compelled Brené Brown to do her work explained in her book “Braving the Wilderness”:

“You are only free when you realize you belong no place—you belong every place—no place at all.”

And that I begin to grasp “finding my place in the family of things” to paraphrase/quote Mary Oliver from her much beloved poem “Wild Geese.”

This really has captivated me in my book writing and songwriting. And here’s that good news:

I’ll also be leading an experience, “Calls Like the Wild Geese: Worship in the Wilderness” (with discussion and singing together) at this year’s Wild Goose Festival which is this July 11-14! Wild Goose Festival is a transformational community grounded in faith-inspired social justice. It's a one-of-a-kind gathering that brings together activists, artists, and seekers from all walks of life to explore justice, art, spirituality, and community.

The festival will take place at VanHoy Farms in Union Grove, NC, and I'd love for you to join me there! From engaging workshops to inspiring panels and interactive experiences, Wild Goose has something for everyone. So, mark your calendars and let's be a part of this incredible community that is committed to making a positive impact in the world. For more information, visit www.wildgoosefestival.org.

Want to join in? As one of my subscribers, you can use discount code A-CM24 and you’ll get $50 off the price of an adult weekend ticket. I hope to see some of you there!

For closing out our little time together this week, I have one journal prompt for you:

When you are in nature (whether that be outside at your house, a park, in a forest, on a beach, etc) – what specifically gives you a sense of belonging to the wider world? It could be stones, trees, a breeze, the sound of birdsong or waves, the smell of the water – the possibilities are limitless. Write about how these harbingers of belonging make you feel, and give some gratitude & love for them.

With much love and joy for the beauty of the Earth,

Charity

Where I am finding hope/inspiration:

1. My new friend, Devi Lockwood is an author, adventurer, and conservation activist. She recently shared some reflections in a book talk, documenting many stories of people who have been impacted by the climate crisis. And not only was I moved by her stories, I’ve also been inspired by her sense of adventure & bravery! You can see her work here: https://devi-lockwood.com/​

2. This week, I met with other professionals in my area who are doing inspiring & innovative work. I also got to see some friends of mine who are doing important work in showing up in the world with authenticity and courage and adventure. So that’s message number 2 to me to be more adventurous and brave and stop playing it safe!

3. I started reading the All We Save anthology. And it’s beautiful, important, action inspiring work to save and love this planet. I highly recommend this organization, especially for people with anxiety/depression over the state of our planet. https://www.allwecansave.earth/

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