I’ve encountered this question in recent weeks, since announcing the e-course “Career Discernment for Academics: Aligning Career with Commitments.” Over the past 2-3 years, since working through my own career discernment process and writing about it in Inside Higher Ed, I’ve been thinking about why I’m drawn to the word “career discernment” rather than career exploration or advising or coaching or other options. And now I’m being asked time and again: What is ... Read more ...
courage
Turning 40 with the Gift of 40 Miles: Why I’m Taking Myself on Walks This Month
May is both my birth month and a time of transition (when the school year ends and summer begins). For as long as I can remember, I’ve looked forward to May and its potential for renewal. This year I’m celebrating my 40th birthday and wanting to mark the occasion with extended time on trails. Specifically, I’m setting a goal to hike 40 miles on my own this month: miles that I’ll walk toward understanding how to be independent within interdependence. Why This ... Read more ...
Why Small Sustaining Support Matters for Creators
Since the website launch in December 2018, I’ve been asking for support through Patreon, a platform for creators to make a sustainable income for doing creative work. Asking for support feels scary. It feels bumpy. Yet, it’s teaching me new ways to be in community, collaboration, and connection with others. As Chani Nicholas reminds me, it's important to “ask for what you need,” and so I’m asking that you (dear reader) consider becoming a patron of ... 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 ...
Announcing the Decision to Leave Higher Ed: 3 Responses that Surprised Me
Today the fourth part of my series “Outside Higher Ed” appeared in Inside Higher Ed. This piece shares three common responses to my news of leaving academia: “Good for you. I wish I could leave.” “You’re so brave.” “That’s a really big decision. Will you be ok?” I also share my emotional reactions and processing around these responses, which truly surprised me. More than anything else, I learned through announcing my decision that I’m not alone in struggling ... Read more ...
My New Year’s Resolution = Self-Love for Countering White Fragility
The days leading up to this new year have been bumpy for me, pushing me to recommit to radical self-love. I’ve had some really tough conversations with family around everyday injustice, and these conversations have reminded me why we need a deep well of emotional literacies for confronting complicity. In the midst of one of these tough conversations—in which I was speaking aloud my embodied responses to white supremacy—I shared that my heart was throbbing, and I ... Read more ...
Blessed Change
What does it mean to turn our lives upside down? How might looking at the world differently inspire new perspectives? What new perspectives are needed to enact more equitable relations? In recent weeks, I’ve been pulling this “Blessed Change” card whenever using Doreen Virtue’s “Marginal Mermaids and Dolphins” oracle deck as part of everyday divination, a meditation practice for grounding and interpreting lived experience. I started pulling divination or oracle ... Read more ...
Inside the Chrysalis, or Experiencing Mess, Mess, and More Mess
It’s not uncommon for me to ride emotional roller-coasters with swings from sweet to sour as I go about my days. More and more, I’ve noticed these swings as I’ve tuned in with my emotions and embodied self through Reiki, yoga, and other contemplative practices. The more I do inner work and the more I embrace mess, the more the messiness of being an always-incomplete, imperfect human inevitability shows up. Still, if I’m being honest with myself, the past few weeks have ... Read more ...
Announcing “Outside Higher Ed” in Inside Higher Ed
Today the first of four articles about my experience leaving academia appeared in Inside Higher Ed. As a series of articles, “Outside Higher Ed” seeks to identify processes that can be used by academics questioning whether and/or when to leave academia. Over the next four months, I hope to share my chronological process of leaving a tenure-track position, walking through four stages: (1) origin—recognizing the seed or origin of the idea to leave, (2) ... Read more ...
Do It Scared
“Do it scared.” I have Docta E (Dr. Elaine Richardson) to thank for this mantra that I keep close at hand. A couple of years ago, Docta E talked with my “Writing for Social Justice” class about her book PHD to Ph.D.: How Education Saved My Life, and students asked Docta E to share advice for writers. Similar to the advice Luvvie Ajayi shares in the TED talk “Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable,” Docta E talked about pushing through fear and showing up for the work ... Read more ...
![This week’s question—“How do I make the most of summer?”—has been leading up to Answer #7: Register for 40 questions for 40 walks.
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In addition to other answers shared this week and the urgent need for political action (see posts about ICE raids and detention centers), consider registering for this self-paced e-course, which involves deep-diving into conditioned ways of living, being, and intervening in the world.
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There are multiple registration options, including to share this self-work practice with a friend and to add a coaching session: https://heart-head-hands.com/product/40-questions-for-40-walks-toward-everyday-living-for-justice/ (link in bio) … I’m happy to answer any questions, and I appreciate referrals to others who may be interested. Many thanks! <3
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[This e-course announcement shows a red-brown trail winding through green ferns and hardwood forest. It shares the following information: “self-paced e-course, 40 QUESTIONS FOR 40 WALKS: Toward Everyday Living for Justice.”]
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#Ecourse #Summer #SelfWork #SelfInquiry #OngoingEducation #CommunityEducation #Walking #Questions #Reflection #Contemplation #Outdoors #Learning #LearningFromNature #SocialJusticeEducation #AntiOppression #Everyday #SmallBusinessSaturday #SmallBiz #WomanOwned #SupportSmallBusinesses #Registration #SelfPaced #SocialJustice #RacialJustice #EnvironmentalJustice #Walk #Hike #Trek #Trails](http://scontent-lga3-1.cdninstagram.com/vp/b3f0c34bb7f5c48dc69c97b4fcf38090/5DA49913/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/s640x640/65312651_444696943020725_930980455483817536_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.cdninstagram.com "This week’s question—“How do I make the most of summer?”—has been leading up to Answer #7: Register for 40 questions for 40 walks.
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In addition to other answers shared this week and the urgent need for political action (see posts about ICE raids and detention centers), consider registering for this self-paced e-course, which involves deep-diving into conditioned ways of living, being, and intervening in the world.
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There are multiple registration options, including to share this self-work practice with a friend and to add a coaching session: https://heart-head-hands.com/product/40-questions-for-40-walks-toward-everyday-living-for-justice/ (link in bio) … I’m happy to answer any questions, and I appreciate referrals to others who may be interested. Many thanks! <3
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[This e-course announcement shows a red-brown trail winding through green ferns and hardwood forest. It shares the following information: “self-paced e-course, 40 QUESTIONS FOR 40 WALKS: Toward Everyday Living for Justice.”]
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#Ecourse #Summer #SelfWork #SelfInquiry #OngoingEducation #CommunityEducation #Walking #Questions #Reflection #Contemplation #Outdoors #Learning #LearningFromNature #SocialJusticeEducation #AntiOppression #Everyday #SmallBusinessSaturday #SmallBiz #WomanOwned #SupportSmallBusinesses #Registration #SelfPaced #SocialJustice #RacialJustice #EnvironmentalJustice #Walk #Hike #Trek #Trails")
![Happy summer solstice (for those of us in the northern hemisphere :-)). Today, of all days, it feels especially important to ask: “How do I make the most of summer?”
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And today’s answer highlights the potential of summer to bridge joyful activities like hiking with serious self-inquiry to unlearn internalized inferiority and superiority.
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So, answer #6: Move beyond self-care to self-work.
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To learn more, check out this past blog post -- https://heart-head-hands.com/beyond-self-care-how-hiking-invites-self-work/, which is now in audio if you prefer to listen. Also, check back for tomorrow’s announcement of the “40 questions for 40 walks” self-paced e-course.
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[Image description: This photo from a recent hike shows a hole in a tall and narrow tree, reminding me of the importance of looking within.]
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#Summer #Solstice #SummerSolstice #Walking #Hiking #Walk #Hike #Trees #Course #Blog #OngoingEducation #SelfWork #SelfInquiry #MoreThanSelfCare #SelfCare #Learning #Questions #FridayFunDay #Unlearning #SocialJustice #AntiOppression #Everyday #CommittedtoJustice](http://scontent-lga3-1.cdninstagram.com/vp/4447636855c564fadcbbeb0f663c7f07/5DB718F0/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/c0.23.1440.1440a/s640x640/61860730_167173597648848_6110505991409765835_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.cdninstagram.com "Happy summer solstice (for those of us in the northern hemisphere :-)). Today, of all days, it feels especially important to ask: “How do I make the most of summer?”
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And today’s answer highlights the potential of summer to bridge joyful activities like hiking with serious self-inquiry to unlearn internalized inferiority and superiority.
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So, answer #6: Move beyond self-care to self-work.
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To learn more, check out this past blog post -- https://heart-head-hands.com/beyond-self-care-how-hiking-invites-self-work/, which is now in audio if you prefer to listen. Also, check back for tomorrow’s announcement of the “40 questions for 40 walks” self-paced e-course.
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[Image description: This photo from a recent hike shows a hole in a tall and narrow tree, reminding me of the importance of looking within.]
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#Summer #Solstice #SummerSolstice #Walking #Hiking #Walk #Hike #Trees #Course #Blog #OngoingEducation #SelfWork #SelfInquiry #MoreThanSelfCare #SelfCare #Learning #Questions #FridayFunDay #Unlearning #SocialJustice #AntiOppression #Everyday #CommittedtoJustice")
![I’m excited to share “40 questions for 40 walks” with you in just two days. This project responds to this week’s question “How do I make the most of summer?” by suggesting ways to prioritize critical self-work when walking or otherwise enjoying the season of summer.
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This project also connects with today’s answer:
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Answer #5: Find the courage to “do it scared” -- https://heart-head-hands.com/do-it-scared/ … Times when I push beyond my usual routines and courageously try new things—like speaking up while my voice shakes—I discover more about myself and my ability to stand TALL.
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What are you hoping to speak up about and stand for with this summer? How might you push through fears to “do it scared”?
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[Image description: I took this photo on a hike that stretched past sunset and challenged me to find courage to walk on my own in the dark. It shows the shape of a mountain (darker than the sky) and the glowing moon (sphere of light).]
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#DoItScared #Walking #Hiking #Outdoors #Learning #LearningAlongTrails #LearningFromNature #Nature #Outdoors #FullMoon #AfterDark #Courage #Fear #InTheDark #Forward #CommittedToJustice #SpeakEvenWhenTheVoiceShakes #SpeakUp #WriteUp #StandUp #ActUp #SelfWork #SelfInquiry #EmotionalLiteracies #Emotions #Emotional #ThursdayThoughts #TBT #ThursdayNight](http://scontent-lga3-1.cdninstagram.com/vp/651c540a8f0d85525d0819ce36cefcd3/5DAFE501/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/c186.0.1067.1067a/s640x640/62460534_140969840309198_7036133161468169591_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.cdninstagram.com "I’m excited to share “40 questions for 40 walks” with you in just two days. This project responds to this week’s question “How do I make the most of summer?” by suggesting ways to prioritize critical self-work when walking or otherwise enjoying the season of summer.
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This project also connects with today’s answer:
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Answer #5: Find the courage to “do it scared” -- https://heart-head-hands.com/do-it-scared/ … Times when I push beyond my usual routines and courageously try new things—like speaking up while my voice shakes—I discover more about myself and my ability to stand TALL.
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What are you hoping to speak up about and stand for with this summer? How might you push through fears to “do it scared”?
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[Image description: I took this photo on a hike that stretched past sunset and challenged me to find courage to walk on my own in the dark. It shows the shape of a mountain (darker than the sky) and the glowing moon (sphere of light).]
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#DoItScared #Walking #Hiking #Outdoors #Learning #LearningAlongTrails #LearningFromNature #Nature #Outdoors #FullMoon #AfterDark #Courage #Fear #InTheDark #Forward #CommittedToJustice #SpeakEvenWhenTheVoiceShakes #SpeakUp #WriteUp #StandUp #ActUp #SelfWork #SelfInquiry #EmotionalLiteracies #Emotions #Emotional #ThursdayThoughts #TBT #ThursdayNight")
![To answer this week’s question -- “How do I make the most of summer?” -- today I share a new blog post with answer #4: set resolutions, and turn those resolutions into daily habits.
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To read about why small and sustained actions matter and to see some of my summer plans (3 actions I’m taking now): https://heart-head-hands.com/how-small-and-sustained-actions-turn-resolutions-into-habits/ … Link in bio.
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[This image (mostly white and green) shares the text “This summer, what are you being called to create or put into practice or do differently? For inspiration, see Heart-Head-Hands.com.” Text appears against a background of vibrant succulents.]
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#Summer #Resolutions #Actions #Habits #Activism #SelfCare #CommunityCare #Vegan #Veggie #VegetableBroth #StreetSense #EndHomelessness #HousingSecurity #MakeAChange #Compost #Composting #Gardening #EnvironmentalJustice #SocialJustice #Blog #BlogPost #Educator #Writer #Blogger #WisdomWednesday #WellnessWednesday #DoingThingsDifferently #Everyday](http://scontent-lga3-1.cdninstagram.com/vp/f1f6c11d698a964b5f437ad9bdb1b124/5DC6B27D/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/s640x640/62136809_426237891554436_33807748928227006_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.cdninstagram.com "To answer this week’s question -- “How do I make the most of summer?” -- today I share a new blog post with answer #4: set resolutions, and turn those resolutions into daily habits.
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To read about why small and sustained actions matter and to see some of my summer plans (3 actions I’m taking now): https://heart-head-hands.com/how-small-and-sustained-actions-turn-resolutions-into-habits/ … Link in bio.
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[This image (mostly white and green) shares the text “This summer, what are you being called to create or put into practice or do differently? For inspiration, see Heart-Head-Hands.com.” Text appears against a background of vibrant succulents.]
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#Summer #Resolutions #Actions #Habits #Activism #SelfCare #CommunityCare #Vegan #Veggie #VegetableBroth #StreetSense #EndHomelessness #HousingSecurity #MakeAChange #Compost #Composting #Gardening #EnvironmentalJustice #SocialJustice #Blog #BlogPost #Educator #Writer #Blogger #WisdomWednesday #WellnessWednesday #DoingThingsDifferently #Everyday")
![Continuing with this week’s question: “How do I make the most of summer?”
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Answer #3: Find ways to play. I describe in “Playing Through Pain” how play (like swimming and climbing) not only helps me release physical pain but also helps with processing and planning for daily life. Play can facilitate breaks from the routines that get us stuck and help us create in wildly imaginative ways. And, truly, creativity and imagination are needed toward visioning a more humane, more just world.
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Link for this post on play: https://heart-head-hands.com/2017/08/06/playing-through-the-pain/…
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[Image: This photo shows an indoor swimming pool with the YMCA logo against the back wall, a blue water slide to the right, and a sign with “Pool Rules” posted in the front.]
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#play #summer #unlearning #learning #relearning #swimming #movement #NewHabits #visioning #DoingThingsDifferently #AdultsCanPlayToo #SummerAdventures #SummerFun #SummerIdeas #TuesdayTips #TuesdayThoughts #Swim #Pool #habits #ShakeUpEverydayLife #everyday #mindfulness #CommittedToJustice](http://scontent-lga3-1.cdninstagram.com/vp/981b4d37d2f24d31c22c781602c41dc0/5DAFBDC9/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/c209.0.1021.1021a/s640x640/64512076_128242271715685_1727807375457432735_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.cdninstagram.com "Continuing with this week’s question: “How do I make the most of summer?”
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Answer #3: Find ways to play. I describe in “Playing Through Pain” how play (like swimming and climbing) not only helps me release physical pain but also helps with processing and planning for daily life. Play can facilitate breaks from the routines that get us stuck and help us create in wildly imaginative ways. And, truly, creativity and imagination are needed toward visioning a more humane, more just world.
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Link for this post on play: https://heart-head-hands.com/2017/08/06/playing-through-the-pain/…
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[Image: This photo shows an indoor swimming pool with the YMCA logo against the back wall, a blue water slide to the right, and a sign with “Pool Rules” posted in the front.]
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#play #summer #unlearning #learning #relearning #swimming #movement #NewHabits #visioning #DoingThingsDifferently #AdultsCanPlayToo #SummerAdventures #SummerFun #SummerIdeas #TuesdayTips #TuesdayThoughts #Swim #Pool #habits #ShakeUpEverydayLife #everyday #mindfulness #CommittedToJustice")
