I’ve been investing recently in spell-casting and other contemplative practices that help identify and manifest inner desires. I’m investing in these practices, as my whole being (still concussed from a recent fall) is craving a more embodied, experiential way of doing education. I’m investing in these practices, too, because the quiet winter months invite the sort of introspection that helps me know myself and my commitments more clearly.
In the spirit of spell-casting (and with a lot of hope and a little fear), I share now my desire to offer what I currently teach as college courses more widely—within and beyond higher education. I’d love to co-learn and co-teach publicly—with others committed to everyday living for justice. I’d love to share the contemplative practices, writing prompts, small-group exercises, sequenced assignments, readings, and other materials I’ve developed over the years. I’d LOVE to “go public” as a writer, educator, and activist.
I share these desires as I’m in the midst of teaching two courses this spring: (1) Contemplative Writing and (2) Writing for Social justice.
I’m also in the midst of developing a 40-day practice for a local church on strengthening emotional literacies to counter white supremacy. Increasingly, as I step in and out of classrooms and other teaching spaces, I’m thinking about how to make such learning experiences more widely available.
Toward this goal: in the coming months, I plan to expand Heart-Head-Hands.com to describe offerings. These might include in-person workshops, e-courses, retreats, consulting, or coaching. These likely will include more readings, resource lists, and suggested activities.
To move forward, I know I’ll need help. If you’re interested in sharing feedback or learning more, I’m interested in talking. Please reach out with requests or suggestions: bethgodbee@gmail.com. I appreciate any support in moving these desires into manifestations.
May speaking aloud and sharing these dreams help bring them into being. May this time of metamorphosis—of quiet transformation from caterpillar to butterfly—realize new possibilities. May new possibilities fuel inspired, committed action.
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This post is written with courage, love, and a little fear by Beth Godbee for Heart-Head-Hands.com. For updates, please consider following the blog via email. Thanks!
Beth!! This is so exciting!! I can’t wait to see (and participate in) your “public” education offerings.
Thanks, Sundy! I so appreciate your enthusiasm and support. Perhaps you’d be up for a brainstorming conversation later this spring/summer? 🙂
Sounds great, I’m excited to see how it unfolds in 2018!
The part on “strengthening emotional literacies” resonated for me, it’s something I’ve been trying to do for myself (and seems like it’d be useful for all of us collectively 🙂 The Nonviolent Communication practice group I’ve been involved with has been helpful in this, and I’d really recommend the book. Do you have any sources you’d recommend for strengthening emotional literacy? Thanks 🙂
Erik, Thanks for your comment and for the book recommendation. Nonviolent communication is certainly part of a broader repertoire of productive (e.g., writing, speaking, creating) and receptive (e.g., reading, listening, witnessing) literacies that we can do more to develop, especially toward countering white supremacy.
To teach emotional literacies, recently I’ve been pairing Susan David’s TED talk on emotional courage with Robin DiAngelo’s academic article “White Fragility.” It takes a lot to unpack these sources, and more than an intellectual understanding, emotional awareness and response-abilities are needed. In other words, we can’t really think our way out of the problems of oppression, dehumanization, and violence (separating the mind from the body is a core ingredient of colonialism). Instead, we need to bring ourselves back to feeling, intuiting, and talking with ourselves and our bodies.
I hope this helps and look forward to continued conversation and practice. All best! ~ Beth