Hi, Heather. I read this a couple of days ago and, as one of your other readers expressed, it was comforting to know that I’m not alone in how I’ve been feeling as we’ve moved into a new year. As this post has remained with me, I came back this morning to review your podcast recommendations and started with The Magic of Darkness. Be still my heart. What a magical conversation. You’ve inspired me to pre-order the book. Speaking of books, I spent this past weekend with you while reading Where Tenderness Lives. Oh, Heather… This book touched the deepest parts of my soul. Thank you for sharing your journey and wisdom. I can relate to soooo much of what you have experienced. May 2026 be filled with hope and joy. ❤️
In my work with parents whose children feel that they don't belong in school, not empty reassurance that everything will be fine, but shaping our work using the three-step practice: seeing reality clearly (yes, the system is failing your child), identifying what you hope for (belonging, understanding, sanctuary), and then taking steps in that direction. Thus hope grows.
Or a framework based on water's four habits as a metaphor for how parents navigate hostile school systems. Sometimes we bend (accommodating what we can), sometimes we pool in deep places (gathering strength in community), sometimes we go underground (protecting our children by withdrawing them, working beneath the system's radar), and always we persist.
Now I am hoping this hasn't lost the heart of your piece - about just being with - not seeking to receive from.
I think it's lovely and I'm glad my post inspired it! You might want to dig further into Joanna Macy's book Active Hope, or Kari Grain's lecture on the qualities of water (which I linked to).
Thank you and yes - I have Active Hope on my shelf - it was recently our bookclub book as well and I have bought Kari’s book on Audible. Also have your wonderful books too! It is such a lovely thing that you are here.
Such an insightful piece. Thank you. Matthew *Crowsfault defines hope in this way:
People speak of hope as if it is this delicate, ephemeral thing made of whispers and spider’s webs. It is not. Hope has dirt on her face, blood on her knuckles, the grit of the cobblestones in her hair, and just spat out a tooth as she rises for another go.
Hi, Heather. I read this a couple of days ago and, as one of your other readers expressed, it was comforting to know that I’m not alone in how I’ve been feeling as we’ve moved into a new year. As this post has remained with me, I came back this morning to review your podcast recommendations and started with The Magic of Darkness. Be still my heart. What a magical conversation. You’ve inspired me to pre-order the book. Speaking of books, I spent this past weekend with you while reading Where Tenderness Lives. Oh, Heather… This book touched the deepest parts of my soul. Thank you for sharing your journey and wisdom. I can relate to soooo much of what you have experienced. May 2026 be filled with hope and joy. ❤️
Thank you so much! 🥰 Your words are just the encouragement I need this morning.
The more I reflect on this Heather, the more I feel the possibilities. Gratitude for your work. 🌿
I’m so glad it has inspired possibilities. 🥰
In my work with parents whose children feel that they don't belong in school, not empty reassurance that everything will be fine, but shaping our work using the three-step practice: seeing reality clearly (yes, the system is failing your child), identifying what you hope for (belonging, understanding, sanctuary), and then taking steps in that direction. Thus hope grows.
Or a framework based on water's four habits as a metaphor for how parents navigate hostile school systems. Sometimes we bend (accommodating what we can), sometimes we pool in deep places (gathering strength in community), sometimes we go underground (protecting our children by withdrawing them, working beneath the system's radar), and always we persist.
Now I am hoping this hasn't lost the heart of your piece - about just being with - not seeking to receive from.
Heather - thank you. 🙏
I think it's lovely and I'm glad my post inspired it! You might want to dig further into Joanna Macy's book Active Hope, or Kari Grain's lecture on the qualities of water (which I linked to).
Thank you and yes - I have Active Hope on my shelf - it was recently our bookclub book as well and I have bought Kari’s book on Audible. Also have your wonderful books too! It is such a lovely thing that you are here.
Thank you for this Heather. I am inspired to seek new ways to do and share hope. 🤗
Thank you Heather.
Stumbled upon this piece; what beautiful writing. The photos enhanced it. I feel very fortunate to have discovered words worth pondering…thank you.
Thank you! I’m glad you found your way here!
Beautiful images, song fragments and uplifting writing, Thank you so much!
HOLD ON
Hi Heather,
Such an insightful piece. Thank you. Matthew *Crowsfault defines hope in this way:
People speak of hope as if it is this delicate, ephemeral thing made of whispers and spider’s webs. It is not. Hope has dirt on her face, blood on her knuckles, the grit of the cobblestones in her hair, and just spat out a tooth as she rises for another go.
That’s a great quote!
I am grateful I am not alone. .this was actually a blessing for me to connect with today.♥️🙏
Thank you!