The storm started the day of my knee surgery.
Back at home post-op, I cocooned into the acute recovery stage. Out the window, snow, wind and bitter cold cycled past.
Grateful for a warm place to heal, I imagined skiers on the crest of the Bridger Range, eight miles away and 4,000 feet above me. In my mind, I watched them assess storm conditions, stop to protect their faces from frostbite and float through powder snow.
Lightness.
I could feel again how it would be to be strong.
Like all memories, these physical ones live not only in our minds, but in our muscles, nerves and our entire system.
I drifted in that dream space for two weeks.
❄️❄️❄️
As the storm lifted yesterday, more memories arose.
Curiosity mixed with unease. Uncertainty. A need to contribute.
I started by donating to the HRDC, which houses our local food bank and shelter.
Next I sought connection.
I found it in hands-on healers, in peer learning communities, and with colleagues overseas.
And I found more, too: Context and friendship. Grounding. Sunlight. New ideas for how I can contribute, even as I heal.
☀️☀️☀️
I found these things in Valerie McLean and Jennifer Moore’s free Clean Language practice session, and in Anna Yeakley’s DialogueStrong call, both of which open space for listening to diverse perspectives and sharing your own.
And yesterday, on an early morning call with a small crew I practice Liberating Structures with, Jeremy Akers prompted me, Melissa Pitotti, Caridad Castilla and Ewen Le Borgne with a question I hadn’t asked myself in too long.
“What do you offer, and how can you make the most impact right now?”
“Free coaching spot,” I wrote. Then: “Donate.”
My thoughts bumped with the cadence of Jeremy’s steps as he walked the Amsterdam streets, holding his phone. I imagined walking those streets alongside him. I imagined what it would feel like to walk.
This, as Jeremy says, is the vibe. It is time to walk alongside each other.
🌏🌎🌍
I’m offering three free virtual coaching sessions in March to folks working in equity, women’s rights and the environment. Get in touch with me if you’d like a spot.
