Thank you, Mary, for interweaving different voices/narratives in speaking to the current moment in our world. It is helpful to me to be in the company of stories and people committed to wrestling with painful complexities while also seeking beauty. The quotations below (which were shared by Erik Rittenberry on the Poetic Outlaws Substack have been orienting to me the last few days (particularly this notion that "our heart glows" and that "we do not need to know precisely what is happening" ):
"Deep down, below the surface of the average man’s conscience, he hears a voice whispering, ‘There is something not right,’ no matter how much his rightness is supported by public opinion or by the moral code. Our heart glows, and secret unrest gnaws at the root of our being.” — Carl Jung, 1931
"You do not need to know precisely what is happening, or exactly where it is all going. What you need is to recognize the possibilities and challenges offered by the present moment, and to embrace them with courage, faith, and hope.” -Thomas Merton
“Teaching and learning are acts of hope.” Yes! Maybe that’s why I’m so passionate about education. I love the idea of changing the narrative because it’s a good reminder that what we tell ourselves matters as much as messages we take in from other people.
I love this. Bryan and I often ask each other, “What is the story you’re telling yourself?” when one of us is struggling with worth or confidence or insecurity. It jolts me out of a downward spiral.
Have you read The Many Lives of Mama Love? It’s another memoir about redemption - you may be moved by. Love how Anna coached you to coach the students. I, too, am learning to speak high-schoolerease and it is a tricky road full of potholes!
Love that metaphor! It’s such a vulnerable time. I have to do it at home also and I get that wrong too. Thanks for reading. It always lights me up to see you here.
Mary, thank you so much for these beautiful words about Bryan. We were so honored to have him return to Whitworth to speak at our President's Leadership Forum. The room was vast and filled to capacity, but I felt like we all left with one powerful message, as a group, committed to making this world a better place because we heard Mr. Stevenson say, "Change the narrative." I will share this with our President who so desperately wanted Bryan to come here. We need him in this time, the world will need him always!
I have been holding very tight to this idea what we can write our way to a new world. I like to say that I’m imagining a new world into being. I’ve lost track of all the narratives I am trying to change. Some days it feels like every story I see needs changing and like I’m living in some imaginary world thinking the world I long for is possible. Posts like this encourage me, as does Janisse and others. Thank you for sharing.
I'm a big fan of the notion of "changing the narrative." So much so that in addition to becoming an activist devoted to doing that at social and political levels, I also became a storyteller. LOng before I encountered the phrase "changing the narrative" I read Viktor Frankl's "Mans Search for Meaning" whose central message is that despite how harsh (if not mortally deadly) our circumstances may be, we yet retain the fundamental freedom of being able to choose how we will dispose ourselves. Put another way: we get to choose our attitude. Reading this book at 17 enabled me to re-story my past as well as powerfully prepare myself to encounter the many narratives I would encounter in the years that followed.Frankl's book and life work was devoted both to love and to the importance of making meaning (in one's life, in the world, with others). I've turned to a lot of memoirs over the years to see how people fashion meaning in their life. And, yes, Avatar the Last Airbender (followed by The Legend of Korra) are a big deal with me and my kids (I've lost count of the number of re-watches; and we got the RPG Avatar Legends and which i ran several sessions for my son and his 14-year-old peers this summer and it was amazing - like being in an episode of the show). Avatar and Korra are powerful examples of how narratives can shift and those shows are packed to bursting with important lessons about how to move in the world and, as Frankl says, "choose your attitude." But there's a "but" for me. It is my practice and nature always to question critically and creatively those things I believe. And, as much as i like the notion of "changing the narrative," I'm cautious when such ideas are popularized at the expense of the depths of meaning to which they are connected and the hard work that such changing entails if we are aiming to create a more just and peaceful world. It is a sad case-in-point that is unfolding in Israel/Palestine as we speak. While i think it self-evident how difficult it is to understand what is happening there, I found Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg's piece incredibly powerful in understanding the complexity of the narratives in action at the moment: https://lifeisasacredtext.substack.com/p/a-lot-of-things-are-true.
Thanks for all of this Chris. I love the reminder of choice and I now really want to learn more about RPG Avatar legends. Thank you for linking Rabbi Danya’s work. I read it myself last night and was so grateful as I usually am when I read her writing, for the thought and care she puts into the world. I agree that she did a great job sharing facts and explaining the complexity and also reminding people of our common humanity.
At risk of betraying just how deeply nerdy me and my son are, I can't recommend Avatar Legends highly enough. I was nervous, to say the least, as we awaited its development. There are plenty of mediocre RPGs based on TV shows out there. But when we played it this summer, it was all kinds of impressive. We're big D&D fans and i've researched many eco-RPGs, anti-colonial RPGs and many others. Lots of remarkably good stuff out there that goes way beyond the world of D&D. The thing that impressed me most about Avatar Legends was how successful they've been in instilling the ethics of the show into the game. I was intensely curious to see how these young teens would take to it. The character-building includes identifying a bond you have with another character and i thought that was going to be too much, But the kids surprised the hell out of me with how they embraced the interconnection of their characters. I daresay, its what many of us parents hope for our kids (who'd'a thought you could get some of that out of an RPG?). One of the things we love about Avatar is the way the stories lead characters to understanding, reconciliation, and both personal and social growth (Korra takes that to a whole new level as well). And the game builds this in incredibly well - apropos of "changing narratives" and all. Our one quibble is that the combat system is rather complicated (they obviously try to recapitulate the show ethics/ideals in the combat system but its something of a chore figuring it out). At an y rate, RPGs are a whole (relatively) new domain of engaging with and collectively creating stories/narrative. I'm doing a lot of research and development about how these can be used in education and activism. And, of course, they're fun.
Yes, Mary! I too love Bryan Stevenson's work and in great awe of what he has accomplished. Thank you for these thoughts and the encouragement to change the destructive, dysfunctional narratives.
You’ll have to tell me how that green arrow works for you! I know many of my subscribers read by email so I’ve almost stopped bothering about hearts and looking at my open rate instead.
Hi Misti. The arrow seems to be doing a little magic. My open rate is a bit odd since I got an influx of new subscribers. I do look at how much the post has been read. That’s probably my best indicator on what’s resonating. I get a little too into it- my brain is not used to that kind of dopamine hit.
"Our words become the house we live in." Hafiz
We are responsible for the house we build.
TY for sharing this piece!!
I love this idea of building a house with words. I haven’t read much Hafiz. Maybe it’s time to read more. Thanks for being here Karen!
Thank you, Mary, for interweaving different voices/narratives in speaking to the current moment in our world. It is helpful to me to be in the company of stories and people committed to wrestling with painful complexities while also seeking beauty. The quotations below (which were shared by Erik Rittenberry on the Poetic Outlaws Substack have been orienting to me the last few days (particularly this notion that "our heart glows" and that "we do not need to know precisely what is happening" ):
"Deep down, below the surface of the average man’s conscience, he hears a voice whispering, ‘There is something not right,’ no matter how much his rightness is supported by public opinion or by the moral code. Our heart glows, and secret unrest gnaws at the root of our being.” — Carl Jung, 1931
"You do not need to know precisely what is happening, or exactly where it is all going. What you need is to recognize the possibilities and challenges offered by the present moment, and to embrace them with courage, faith, and hope.” -Thomas Merton
I love these much Claire. Thank you for being here and sharing your light.
“Teaching and learning are acts of hope.” Yes! Maybe that’s why I’m so passionate about education. I love the idea of changing the narrative because it’s a good reminder that what we tell ourselves matters as much as messages we take in from other people.
Yes! That fits in well with what Cole Arthur Riley writes about. More on that to come!
I love this. Bryan and I often ask each other, “What is the story you’re telling yourself?” when one of us is struggling with worth or confidence or insecurity. It jolts me out of a downward spiral.
Such a strong partnership! Such a wise idea! Thanks for being here Jen.
This was wonderful!!! Thank you!!! Yes, we are indeed the authors of our hours, days, years and lives!!!
Thank you for reading and sharing! I really like the phrasing the authors of our hours.
💚💚💚💚💚
Have you read The Many Lives of Mama Love? It’s another memoir about redemption - you may be moved by. Love how Anna coached you to coach the students. I, too, am learning to speak high-schoolerease and it is a tricky road full of potholes!
Also, thanks for the book rec!
Love that metaphor! It’s such a vulnerable time. I have to do it at home also and I get that wrong too. Thanks for reading. It always lights me up to see you here.
I’m creating a narrative of hope and healing. Doug Tallamy’s books and Janisse Ray’s inspire me.
Me too! I loved Tallamay’s book, and I enjoy Janisse’s writing so much. I’m excited about the book she’s working on now which is on craft.
I didn’t know that! Great move for her.
Mary, thank you so much for these beautiful words about Bryan. We were so honored to have him return to Whitworth to speak at our President's Leadership Forum. The room was vast and filled to capacity, but I felt like we all left with one powerful message, as a group, committed to making this world a better place because we heard Mr. Stevenson say, "Change the narrative." I will share this with our President who so desperately wanted Bryan to come here. We need him in this time, the world will need him always!
Trisha Coder
Media Relations Manager, Whitworth University
Thanks for reading Trisha, and thanks for sharing. I was so glad to be in attendance.
I have been holding very tight to this idea what we can write our way to a new world. I like to say that I’m imagining a new world into being. I’ve lost track of all the narratives I am trying to change. Some days it feels like every story I see needs changing and like I’m living in some imaginary world thinking the world I long for is possible. Posts like this encourage me, as does Janisse and others. Thank you for sharing.
I’m so glad the post encouraged you. Thanks for being here Kim.
I'm a big fan of the notion of "changing the narrative." So much so that in addition to becoming an activist devoted to doing that at social and political levels, I also became a storyteller. LOng before I encountered the phrase "changing the narrative" I read Viktor Frankl's "Mans Search for Meaning" whose central message is that despite how harsh (if not mortally deadly) our circumstances may be, we yet retain the fundamental freedom of being able to choose how we will dispose ourselves. Put another way: we get to choose our attitude. Reading this book at 17 enabled me to re-story my past as well as powerfully prepare myself to encounter the many narratives I would encounter in the years that followed.Frankl's book and life work was devoted both to love and to the importance of making meaning (in one's life, in the world, with others). I've turned to a lot of memoirs over the years to see how people fashion meaning in their life. And, yes, Avatar the Last Airbender (followed by The Legend of Korra) are a big deal with me and my kids (I've lost count of the number of re-watches; and we got the RPG Avatar Legends and which i ran several sessions for my son and his 14-year-old peers this summer and it was amazing - like being in an episode of the show). Avatar and Korra are powerful examples of how narratives can shift and those shows are packed to bursting with important lessons about how to move in the world and, as Frankl says, "choose your attitude." But there's a "but" for me. It is my practice and nature always to question critically and creatively those things I believe. And, as much as i like the notion of "changing the narrative," I'm cautious when such ideas are popularized at the expense of the depths of meaning to which they are connected and the hard work that such changing entails if we are aiming to create a more just and peaceful world. It is a sad case-in-point that is unfolding in Israel/Palestine as we speak. While i think it self-evident how difficult it is to understand what is happening there, I found Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg's piece incredibly powerful in understanding the complexity of the narratives in action at the moment: https://lifeisasacredtext.substack.com/p/a-lot-of-things-are-true.
Thanks for all of this Chris. I love the reminder of choice and I now really want to learn more about RPG Avatar legends. Thank you for linking Rabbi Danya’s work. I read it myself last night and was so grateful as I usually am when I read her writing, for the thought and care she puts into the world. I agree that she did a great job sharing facts and explaining the complexity and also reminding people of our common humanity.
At risk of betraying just how deeply nerdy me and my son are, I can't recommend Avatar Legends highly enough. I was nervous, to say the least, as we awaited its development. There are plenty of mediocre RPGs based on TV shows out there. But when we played it this summer, it was all kinds of impressive. We're big D&D fans and i've researched many eco-RPGs, anti-colonial RPGs and many others. Lots of remarkably good stuff out there that goes way beyond the world of D&D. The thing that impressed me most about Avatar Legends was how successful they've been in instilling the ethics of the show into the game. I was intensely curious to see how these young teens would take to it. The character-building includes identifying a bond you have with another character and i thought that was going to be too much, But the kids surprised the hell out of me with how they embraced the interconnection of their characters. I daresay, its what many of us parents hope for our kids (who'd'a thought you could get some of that out of an RPG?). One of the things we love about Avatar is the way the stories lead characters to understanding, reconciliation, and both personal and social growth (Korra takes that to a whole new level as well). And the game builds this in incredibly well - apropos of "changing narratives" and all. Our one quibble is that the combat system is rather complicated (they obviously try to recapitulate the show ethics/ideals in the combat system but its something of a chore figuring it out). At an y rate, RPGs are a whole (relatively) new domain of engaging with and collectively creating stories/narrative. I'm doing a lot of research and development about how these can be used in education and activism. And, of course, they're fun.
It has been a hard sad week in the world. I am no a patient person; I wish the narrative could be changed faster.
Beautiful writing.
Yes, Mary! I too love Bryan Stevenson's work and in great awe of what he has accomplished. Thank you for these thoughts and the encouragement to change the destructive, dysfunctional narratives.
Thanks! His talk came at the right time for me as did your post this week. I love The Rhizosphere much!
You’ll have to tell me how that green arrow works for you! I know many of my subscribers read by email so I’ve almost stopped bothering about hearts and looking at my open rate instead.
Thanks for the story lessons!
Hi Misti. The arrow seems to be doing a little magic. My open rate is a bit odd since I got an influx of new subscribers. I do look at how much the post has been read. That’s probably my best indicator on what’s resonating. I get a little too into it- my brain is not used to that kind of dopamine hit.
Our Only World
This blue green orb our only world
A world we need to share
All the land and all the love
All the pain and sorrow
We are gathered here together on
This precious home our only world
Squall clouds roll
Bitter winds hail
Rash kings war
And sirens wail
We are gathered here together on
This blue green orb our only world
Glaciers melt
Countries dry
Grain fields roast
And stomachs cry
We are gathered here together on
This precious home our only world
If seasons pass
Without our care
What will last
For us to share?
This blue green orb our only world
A world we need to share
All the land and all the love
All the pain and sorrow
We are gathered here together on
This precious home our only world