Teamwork and community take on a deeper meaning in times of crisis. And right now, so many of us are navigating wrenching challenges.

For decades I have guided dogsledding trips at Wintermoon. Some of you have been on those trips, and most of you have heard me speak about the wisdom of our beloved dogs. So […]

“OK, wait, what are 3 things that brought you joy today?” This was my friend’s impromptu question at the end of one our luminous conversations. We live far apart and periodically have lengthy phone calls to stay connected and to track the happenings in each other’s lives. It was time to wrap up, we’d been […]

Being a leader right now is off the charts difficult. You are not immune from the havoc and upheaval all around you. And yet, your team/organization may be looking to you for answers, reassurance, and confidence. How do you project that if you aren’t feeling it? Where is the line between holding steady and being […]

1. Revel in all the love that is in your life, whatever form it takes, from individuals to friends to communities and beyond. Savor it. Celebrate it. Be thankful for it. Take strength from it

2. Hold in your heart those people you particularly want to celebrate (if you celebrate, some find it sweet/others find it […]

It was a gut-wrenching moment. I was set to speak at the 50th anniversary of the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA), where I serve on the board and deeply believe in the cause. I’d prepared remarks about using MCEA as a powerful “carbon counterpoint” – donating to tackle the root causes of emissions, rather […]

“Something shifted during our last session.” That’s how my coaching client described it and I felt it too. I could practically see it happening, even through the tiny screens of zoom. Something brightened across her face, like how light changes when sun breaks through clouds.

Honestly, I think we both were a little startled by how […]

Solstice is a powerful teacher:
the trickster who invites you to go out sledding on a moon-less night.
Daring you to take a risk, to lean in,
to stay with what is uncertain and unseen.

She whispers in your ear as the sled starts to move,
“Your vision limits you here.
Your desperation to see keeps you from seeing.
In this place, […]

As we pushed our canoes into the river, the instructor said to me, “You [healthcare workers] are getting us through this pandemic and now you will teach us how to grieve.” My reflection from a recent wilderness retreat for healthcare workers.

We will teach you how to grieve.

A doctor once told me that in critical care […]

Within Swinging Distance

September brings a new set of changes and challenges, and a host of adaptations as we find our Weh in autumn with this pandemic.  What is settling in many of us is the recognition that managing this virus is a marathon, not a sprint.  The thing is, you train totally differently for those […]