Seen, Heard, and Valued
Equity training is not for the faint of heart! It can be uncomfortable, emotional, and simply unnerving as you begin to process your own frailties and assess your particular worldview — all while holding a space of compassion for others. I described it to our group as navigating our many dimensions of vulnerability. After all, our life experiences impact our perspectives … and our biases.
I am incredibly grateful to Maggie McGlynn for her expert facilitation that pushed us, educated us, and inspired us to put the training into action. And I am sincerely appreciative of our Board members and volunteers who were willing to be vulnerable enough to create containers of trust for our work together. This foundation will enable us to apply an equity lens when we are designing Soul Seeds’ programming – and in our everyday lives.
To me, one of the most important conversations was about dignity; the basis was the Donna Hicks definition. “Dignity not only explains an aspect of what it means to be human, but also is a hallmark of our shared humanity. Everyone wants to be treated in a way that shows they matter.” Isn’t that the truth? We all want to be seen, heard, and valued. We want to be understood. We want to feel safe. Yet we rarely go through the world with the recognition that everyone has these same needs. Every. Single. Person.
One of the things I appreciate about the Soul Seeds’ meditation technique is the power in its simplicity which makes it something that most everyone can do. And the movement of energy transcends boundaries to elicit tangible healing experiences and a sense of interconnectedness. Beautiful!
We’ve introduced some more people to this experience through Healing Our Community – guided meditations to put more healing energy out into the world. I’m delighted to report that we have had two more gatherings. Nancy Rebecca hosted one with a focus on homelessness; Kathleen Dowd hosted another on mental health. Both said it was heart-opening for them and for their fellow meditators. Many participants mentioned they were delighted to have the opportunity to take positive action for issues they care about.
We would like to expand our outreach. If you have had PMI training in these meditation techniques (or if you haven’t had the training but would like to host a gathering — we’ll supply someone to lead the meditation), please email me.
As we slowly move into a post-pandemic world, may we be bold and find the courage to tend to ourselves and to one another, grounded in truth, in compassion, in dignity, and in grace. We can follow the guidance of a Zen Buddhist master, “Have the fearless attitude of a hero and the loving heart of a child,” Soyen Shaku.
Melanie Davis-Jones (she/her/hers)
Executive Director
In Case You Missed It:
Water: A Sacred, Altruistic Intelligence | Blog and video by Nancy Rebecca
Redefining You Foundation for women veterans — Crucial Conversations: Mental Health and Wellness, featuring Melanie Davis-Jones
Resources:
Pride Month is dedicated to the uplifting of LGBTQ+ voices, celebration of LGBTQ+ culture, and the support of LGBTQ+ rights.
National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Month. “Everyone with PTSD—whether they are Veterans or civilian survivors of sexual assault, serious accidents, natural disasters, or other traumatic events—needs to know that treatments really do work and can lead to a better quality of life.”
Assistance available at PTSD Coach Online.
Black Music Month designated to appreciate the contributions of black musicians, composers, singers, and songwriters to American culture.
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