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 confirmation I’ve been seeking for my new stage in life.
Specifically, I’ve been thinking a lot about 40-day commitments, as I’m offering my first e-course (a 40-day practice) on “Strengthening Emotional Literacies to Counter White Fragility” to start March 6th.
This e-course will take place through a private Facebook group, where daily check-ins and conversation will support guided meditation, journal-writing, and deep-diving into socialized whiteness and white fragility. It will combine contemplative practices with a focus on learning to recognize and respond to white supremacy within ourselves, in our interactions, and in our communities.
Why 40 days?
“Like the time of Lent, 40 days has a spiritual significance, as many faith, cultural, and wisdom traditions use 40 days to mark transformation (birth, death, and change). 40 days are linked with habit formation and with varied contemplative practices, so I hope you’ll consider committing to this practice of sitting with hard emotions and building emotional literacies. These 40 days will build practices that can be repeated and carried well beyond our time together.”
Like my hopes for this e-course, this poinsettia has been blooming for more than 40 days.
Though I brought the poinsettia home in late November, it’s only recently (in February) that I’ve thought about its stamina and strength. The plant has survived multiple homes, relocations, and times of inattention. And here it is, giving me hope and reminding me of the spring (potential growth and new life) that follows dark winter days. I’m holding onto this hope, infusing it into the 40-day practice, and so desiring the community that will come together to build resilience, to grow internally through self-work, and to bloom toward standing TALL for justice.
I’d love for you to join me for these 40 days, and the cost is just $40 ($1 per day). Will you sign onto and help to co-create this resilience-building practice?
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This post is written by Beth Godbee for Heart-Head-Hands.com. You can learn more about this and other (forthcoming) e-courses through the new e-course page … Please also consider subscribing to posts and liking this blog on FB. Thanks!
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