Grief & Gratitude

The wider our emotional range, the more capacity we have for joy and the ability to navigate any circumstance.

Part of the equation of developing more joy and ease in our work and life is actually becoming unafraid of the grief and pain.

Thanksgiving is a complicated holiday in the United States. When you allow yourself to know the full history and impact of European settlers on the many many vibrant Native communities that have inhabited and care for this land for centuries – it requires a meaningful pause.
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When I think about the broken treaties, centuries of oppression, and continued violence, I feel a pit in my stomach.

Whether it swirls to anger or shifts to shame, (given my multiple identities), I believe I can be with the emotions.

I allow it to be felt and I exhale.

The practice of allowing and processing emotions is a powerful exercise I teach my clients. We are capable of looking at what is and finding our power to continue to move forward in our purpose.

I am grateful for the ability to be with the truth and not be consumed by negative emotions.

I am grateful for the many ways I can continue to learn from Native communities, not only of their suffering but of their resilience, wisdom, and joy.

I refuse the binary of celebrating blindly without understanding the context or being consumed by grief or shame.

A life of gratitude is a core aspect of mental health, as is, naming what is and moving forward with purpose.

RESOURCES FOR EXPLORATION:

• If you want to learn more American history from diverse perspectives I recommend A Different Mirror by Ron Takaki
• If you prefer learning through educational videos and a thoughtful substack, I recommend this Gen Z Historian.
• If you want to enjoy the music of Native artists – Here’s my go to lullaby for my boys, pump up song to get me out of funk, and song to help me sit with the truth and stand confidently in my activism.
• If you want to be fully immersed in the brilliant work of Native Artist visit the Walker Museum exhibit by Dyani White Hawk or pick up Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. ​
• If you want to support an organization donate to NDN Collective ​
• If you want to use your resources to support Native businesses check out Eighth Generation… Buy from Inspired Natives, not Native Inspired design

Art by @soni_artist

Grief is inevitable. It is an emotion that keeps our hearts tender when we allow it to move through us. And it enables the illumination of joy and gratitude.

As you navigate grief, both personal and collective, may you also find gratitude and joy.

While I am always learning, I am grateful I can integrate Indigenous wisdom into the Leadership Development work that I do with change agents seeking to create a regenerative and liberation based approach to leading.

In challenging times, we have much to learn from the communities who have persisted and resisted for centuries.

Thank you for continuing to read and come along on the journey of leading differently with authenticity, courage, and empowerment.

Which resources are new to you? What traditions do you hold and ways of engaging this complex holiday? Do you have a recommendations that you think I would enjoy? Hit reply, I’d love to hear.