Last year, during the holidays, I blew up (yelling, cursing, and storming off), and the experience highlighted for me the need to embrace criticisms that I’m “too sensitive,” “too critical,” and “too complaining.” On the day I blew up, I was so overwhelmed, disconnected, and worn down by systemic oppression that my body couldn’t take it. I held myself together until I couldn’t hold it in anymore: then, I released a tidal wave of rage. I’m still processing, but I’m ... Read more ...
Emotional Literacies
What emotional literacies—embodied awareness, recognition, intelligence, courage, and response-abilities—are needed for everyday living for justice? These posts offer emotional insights through storytelling and investigation into daily life.
3 Reasons to Participate in the 40-Day Practice on Strengthening Emotional Literacies to Counter White Fragility
Starting on November 22nd and running for the final 40 days of 2019, I’m offering the “40-Day Practice: Strengthening Emotional Literacies to Counter White Fragility.” Every time I offer this practice (this will be my third and second online), I get a lot of questions, including what this work involves, why it asks for a commitment of 40 days, and why it focuses on emotions. Though I hope the course description answers many of these questions—and I’m happy to answer ... Read more ...
From Fear to Love: Working with Emotional Overload
Emotional Overload Is Rooted in Fear Last week I said goodbye to the phone I’d had for more than 3 years, a phone I was attached to more than I’d like to admit. I entered a state of complete overwhelm, spiraling between questions and frustrations, between crying and raging: How could I possibly learn a new phone? Why aren’t there any small phones? How will one of the new—BIG—phones fit in my pocket? It’s not fair that all the phones are large, while women’s pants ... Read more ...
Responding to White Supremacist Terror, This Time in El Paso
I woke this morning in Ireland to news of the El Paso shooting: the latest act of white supremacist terror in the United States. My body was already aching (today’s a rest day after some seriously long walks), but the news ramped up the ache and lodged itself in my chest. I recognized the familiar heartache that comes with shootings and acts of violence, particularly against Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC)—in this case, against Latinx folks in Texas. Along ... Read more ...
Toward Public Outcry: Why I’ll Keep Repeating #AbolishICE and #CloseTheCamps
Outcry: a strong expression of public anger and disapproval This week I dreamed about being detained when traveling, taken aside in an airport and made to wait and wait and wait … It became clear that I was being monitored and considered dangerous and essentially arrested. What started in the airport turned into a full detention / internment / concentration camp experience. The dream’s details are sketchy, but I remember feeling powerless. I couldn’t call for help. I ... Read more ...
It’s More than End-of-the-Year Exhaustion: Semester Rhythms and Recurring Burnout
Today Inside Higher Ed published my article, “Semester Rhythms and Recurring Burnout,” reflecting on the exhaustion that many educators and academics face at the end of each school year. This article weaves together multiple threads of feeling, thinking, and doing (heart-head-hands) from my past few weeks, including: attention to my body’s fluctuating energy levels, seasonal changes, and continued recognition of semester rhythms; ongoing reflection on career ... Read more ...
Responding to Injustice: Why Settling the Nervous System and Slowing Response Times Matter
Recently, I’ve had several moments of witnessing first-hand the links between settling the body (that is, settling the nervous system) and showing up more mindfully, more open, and more like the “best self” that’s needed when striving for social and racial justice. In contrast, moments when my nervous system is “keyed up” (from exhaustion, from unresolved tension, from disappointment, and more), I find myself having knee-jerk reactions and being short with ... Read more ...
Lessons from a Poinsettia: Growing Resilience in 40 Days and Beyond
This poinsettia is amazing me—still blooming in these last days of February and reminding me that resilience (emotional elasticity, stamina, and strength) is something we don't often recognize until it’s already present and in place. When I googled how long poinsettias bloom, I was (and wasn’t) surprised to see that 40 days are a common period. The information not only confirms this poinsettia’s resilience (blooming for 3+ months), but it also feels like the ... Read more ...
Learning from and Healing Scars, Both Personal and Collective
Over the past year, my body has experienced a few physical injuries, including a concussion from falling last January and a cut from stepping on a broken bowl back in August. The fall left both knees badly scraped and bruised so that scars are still visible on the surface. The puncture in my foot has involved months of getting ceramic out—piece by piece—and an MRI now confirms that “only scar tissue remains.” That scar tissue isn’t visible like the scars on my knees, ... Read more ...
Living in Shutdown USA
In recent weeks, friends have been asking about my experience with the government shutdown. I’m feeling and experiencing a lot, living in DC, or “America’s lightning rod” (thanks to Katharine Weinmann for this language from a recent comment). Certainly, the city feels on edge and reminds me of the urgent need for resistance, for visioning, and for choosing alternative paths, if we are ever to stop the perpetuation of injustice. I look to everyday life for direction, ... Read more ...
![I’ll be facilitating the next “40-Day Practice: Strengthening Emotional Literacies to Counter White Fragility” this spring, May 13 — June 21, 2020 (leading up to the summer solstice). Pre-registration and self-practice options are available now. Link in bio.
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For those seeking a Lenten practice, these 40 days can be transformative. Read about why via link in bio.
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[Image description: Along with showing 4 emoticons representing different emotions, this flyer reads, “40-Day Practice: Strengthening Emotional Literacies to Counter White Fragility. Self-Practice Available Now. Pre-Register for Next Community Practice: May 13 — June 21, 2020. Heart-Head-Hands.com.”]
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#Emotions #Emotional #EmotionalLiteracies #EmotionalLiteracy #EmotionalIntelligence #40DayPractice #ContemplativePractice #WhiteFragility #WhiteSupremacy #Antiraciam #Antioppression #RacialJustice #EBook #ECourse #endwhitesupremacy #LeadershipDevelopment #ProfessionalDevelopment #OngoingEducation #SocialJusticeEducation #CommunityOfPractice #Commitments #lent #lentenpractice #40days #longhaul](http://scontent-lga3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/s640x640/84742298_2657500734464953_7054565751959754262_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.cdninstagram.com&_nc_cat=101&_nc_ohc=Ijr8BPH_HWkAX_axJvB&oh=820f39726a60004a020d7b09d0de406d&oe=5E83577D "I’ll be facilitating the next “40-Day Practice: Strengthening Emotional Literacies to Counter White Fragility” this spring, May 13 — June 21, 2020 (leading up to the summer solstice). Pre-registration and self-practice options are available now. Link in bio.
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For those seeking a Lenten practice, these 40 days can be transformative. Read about why via link in bio.
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[Image description: Along with showing 4 emoticons representing different emotions, this flyer reads, “40-Day Practice: Strengthening Emotional Literacies to Counter White Fragility. Self-Practice Available Now. Pre-Register for Next Community Practice: May 13 — June 21, 2020. Heart-Head-Hands.com.”]
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#Emotions #Emotional #EmotionalLiteracies #EmotionalLiteracy #EmotionalIntelligence #40DayPractice #ContemplativePractice #WhiteFragility #WhiteSupremacy #Antiraciam #Antioppression #RacialJustice #EBook #ECourse #endwhitesupremacy #LeadershipDevelopment #ProfessionalDevelopment #OngoingEducation #SocialJusticeEducation #CommunityOfPractice #Commitments #lent #lentenpractice #40days #longhaul")
![I send love today, as I sit with these words from bell hooks: “To truly love we must learn to mix ingredients—care, affection, recognition, respect, commitment, and trust, as well as honest and open communication” (All About Love, page 5).
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2020 is sure to tough, and so I resolve to cultivate and create with these ingredients: ingredients for loving and striving toward justice.
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[This image shares the words “LOVE YOUR CRAFT” written in colorful lines (yellow, blue, and purple) against a solid grey background. ]
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#love #valentines #lovequotes #art #writing #speaking #create #craft #createeveryday #ingredients #actwithlove #writersofinstagram #writerscommunity #supportcreators #lovestory #striving #loveasaverb](http://scontent-lga3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/c3.0.1433.1433a/s640x640/83695382_189763165767124_8251299683423986517_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.cdninstagram.com&_nc_cat=104&_nc_ohc=-3aE-m3p5K0AX_1YzEg&oh=a65ca9ad32ba3fda4e26b9bd24bdedc8&oe=5E846BB4 "I send love today, as I sit with these words from bell hooks: “To truly love we must learn to mix ingredients—care, affection, recognition, respect, commitment, and trust, as well as honest and open communication” (All About Love, page 5).
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2020 is sure to tough, and so I resolve to cultivate and create with these ingredients: ingredients for loving and striving toward justice.
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[This image shares the words “LOVE YOUR CRAFT” written in colorful lines (yellow, blue, and purple) against a solid grey background. ]
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#love #valentines #lovequotes #art #writing #speaking #create #craft #createeveryday #ingredients #actwithlove #writersofinstagram #writerscommunity #supportcreators #lovestory #striving #loveasaverb")
![Acting on my spell for 2020 , I’m noticing signs of support in everyday life and found this handwritten sign “You are appreciated!” at a local take-out restaurant, Burrito Brothers.
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Living in DC, I feel close to the abuses of power that reverberate throughout everyday life. And this week has been tough. 2020 is going to be tough.
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So, it’s really good to have relational reminders to feel appreciation in the midst of it all. (And I do appreciate this local DC restaurant.)
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[Pictured here: My partner Jonathan and I are making silly smiles as we take a selfie, and the handwritten words “You are appreciated” are mirrored on the phone’s camera. My hand looks large in the foreground, and we’re surrounded by hot sauce bottles, tea bags, and the restaurant’s ambiance. Our smiles communicate the delight at signs of support in everyday life.]
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#everydaylife #saturdaymood #appreciationpost #appreciation #gratitude #smiles #keepfightingtoo #bothand #dc @burritobrotherscapitolhill #vegan #veganfood](http://scontent-lga3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/s640x640/83519891_163638238421500_6217421955369338222_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.cdninstagram.com&_nc_cat=104&_nc_ohc=ThsZRDD7FAYAX-OQZeA&oh=bbce99d1f8241ae7553b290766a2d55b&oe=5E8803A9 "Acting on my spell for 2020 , I’m noticing signs of support in everyday life and found this handwritten sign “You are appreciated!” at a local take-out restaurant, Burrito Brothers.
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Living in DC, I feel close to the abuses of power that reverberate throughout everyday life. And this week has been tough. 2020 is going to be tough.
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So, it’s really good to have relational reminders to feel appreciation in the midst of it all. (And I do appreciate this local DC restaurant.)
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[Pictured here: My partner Jonathan and I are making silly smiles as we take a selfie, and the handwritten words “You are appreciated” are mirrored on the phone’s camera. My hand looks large in the foreground, and we’re surrounded by hot sauce bottles, tea bags, and the restaurant’s ambiance. Our smiles communicate the delight at signs of support in everyday life.]
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#everydaylife #saturdaymood #appreciationpost #appreciation #gratitude #smiles #keepfightingtoo #bothand #dc @burritobrotherscapitolhill #vegan #veganfood")
![It’s been a while since I’ve mentioned this e-course, and I want to share it again because I see the transformations that come out of the course and coaching conversations.
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Just this week, coaching conversations have addressed:
-- How to prepare for an academic job talk and likely Q&A
-- How to work through emotions blocking a writing project
-- When and with whom to share a job announcement
-- How to learn more about and begin using grading contracts.
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I sometimes talk with folks who think career discernment is only for grad students or only for folks struggling or only for folks making a career change. Yet, my experience tells me that it’s for us all and involves reflection on research, teaching, and much more.
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Reach out if you’d like to learn more. Link in bio.
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[Image description: This e-course announcement shows a yellow sunflower and blue sky. It includes a textbox with the following information: "E-COURSE AVAILABLE NOW! Career Discernment for Academics: Aligning Career with Commitments. Self-paced study, exercises, coaching, and more ..."]
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#HigherEducation #HigherEd #Academia #Careers #CareerDiscernment #CareerAdvice #CareerCoaching #CareerAdvising #CareerChange #NextChapter #WhatsNext #AltAc #TenureTrack #Tenured #Professor #GradSchool #GradSchoolLife #Dissertation #Academic #AcademicWriting #JobSearch #Reflection #Commitments #WithaPhD @beyondtheprof @thedissertationcoach @mydissertationjourney @gradstudentselfcare @gradperspective @georgetowngradlife @versatile_phd @tenuretracktales](http://scontent-lga3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/s640x640/83427984_2477567595826565_8321729727129589139_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.cdninstagram.com&_nc_cat=105&_nc_ohc=MbtQcqoNJhQAX_dgElp&oh=700037692c5c5a5b735451e0cb00a81f&oe=5E899CFC "It’s been a while since I’ve mentioned this e-course, and I want to share it again because I see the transformations that come out of the course and coaching conversations.
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Just this week, coaching conversations have addressed:
-- How to prepare for an academic job talk and likely Q&A
-- How to work through emotions blocking a writing project
-- When and with whom to share a job announcement
-- How to learn more about and begin using grading contracts.
.
I sometimes talk with folks who think career discernment is only for grad students or only for folks struggling or only for folks making a career change. Yet, my experience tells me that it’s for us all and involves reflection on research, teaching, and much more.
.
Reach out if you’d like to learn more. Link in bio.
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[Image description: This e-course announcement shows a yellow sunflower and blue sky. It includes a textbox with the following information: \"E-COURSE AVAILABLE NOW! Career Discernment for Academics: Aligning Career with Commitments. Self-paced study, exercises, coaching, and more ...\"]
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#HigherEducation #HigherEd #Academia #Careers #CareerDiscernment #CareerAdvice #CareerCoaching #CareerAdvising #CareerChange #NextChapter #WhatsNext #AltAc #TenureTrack #Tenured #Professor #GradSchool #GradSchoolLife #Dissertation #Academic #AcademicWriting #JobSearch #Reflection #Commitments #WithaPhD @beyondtheprof @thedissertationcoach @mydissertationjourney @gradstudentselfcare @gradperspective @georgetowngradlife @versatile_phd @tenuretracktales")
