Typically, by mid-year (by the summer solstice for those of us in the northern hemisphere), new year’s resolutions are a thing of the past. Months after setting resolutions, it’s easy to have forgotten or moved through them—with seasons shifting our embodied needs, creating the conditions for new intentions to be named. The summer solstice, then, provides the occasion for setting new resolutions, for looking backward to previous ones and forward to daily practices that ... Read more ...
habits
What Is Career Discernment?
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Lentil Not-Soup (Or Lentil Soup in Solid Form)
This week I’m sharing a simple recipe combining lentils with chopped carrots, celery, and onions for a quick and tasty meal. It’s essentially lentil soup in solid form: a stir-fry of the basic ingredients that make lentil soup. This creation (perhaps like many) arose from necessity—from facing hunger during and after hiking and needing high-protein food to take on the trail or to prepare in minutes afterwards. Now this dish is also a reliable option when I’m too busy or ... 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 ...
Parenting Myself 101
Over the past few months, I’ve been learning more about how to care for myself—a sort of self-care that I’m calling “parenting myself 101.” After a career change, cross-county move, and intense internal work “inside the chrysalis,” I’ve recognized the need to put good self-parenting into place. The language of “parenting” has been helpful for me to break from “self-care” focused on relaxation as an escape from everyday life. Rather than experiencing self-care as ... Read more ...
Hurting and Hollering in the Wake of This Week’s Violence
Bombs sent, guns shot. And I cry. Histories hidden, truths buried. And I ache. Hateful laws, escalating harms. And I mourn. White terrorism, everyday violence. And I rage. Black folks targeted. Jewish folks targeted. Native folks targeted. Latinx folks targeted. Migrant folks targeted. Trans folks targeted. Femme folks targeted. Marginalized folks targeted. Targeted, passive voice. Failing to name the assailants. Failing to name white supremacist, ... Read more ...
Loving to Read Again
During graduate school, there were many weeks of being so overloaded by assigned reading that I couldn’t do it all and felt constantly behind. I recognized that the goal was to learn to skim and to put my hands on more and more research, even if I couldn’t savor many pieces. The trouble was that the more I couldn’t savor what I was reading, the more I associated reading itself with feelings of being overwhelmed and behind. When I shared with a mentor how stressful ... 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")
