ecofeminism
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Interdependence Day
The other week, one of my preschoolers proudly showed me how she could tie her shoes on her own. I love working with this age group because they delight in learning and take joy in doing things for themselves. Whether they’re tying shoes or learning another new skill, I’m filled with pride as I watch Continue reading
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The Beauty of Trans-formation
Copyright Image: Chrisjo Transgender Day of Visibility is on Monday, and I’m disheartened when I hear hostile conversations about the trans community. I’m not trans or nonbinary, so I’ll never fully grasp what that experience must be like, but I’ve been fortunate to walk alongside friends on their journeys; many of them I met long Continue reading
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Held in the Womb of Winter
The following reflection was inspired by some old journal entries. I moved to Portland two years ago in December, in the middle of winter. I’ve lived in many places, but I’ve spent most of my life in Florida and the San Francisco Bay Area, two places with mild, temperate climates. Other places I lived either Continue reading
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Thinking About Ecocentrism
When I was in New Zealand two years ago, my friend Hayden and I went for a hike through one of the rainforests. What was only supposed to take 30 minutes took us over an hour because I kept stopping to admire all the trees and lush moss. At one point the thick beds of Continue reading
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It’s All of Our Water
While I was recently in New Zealand, I noticed how my friend, Hayden, would rinse a dish, scrub it with soap, and then leave it to dry. This is different from how I wash dishes back home. He explained that the island has a water shortage. They rely on rainwater but they also rely on Continue reading
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Names Offer Connection
I recently returned from my second trip to New Zealand to visit a close and long-term friend of mine, Hayden. When we planned our first trip, I told him I wanted to be outside as much as possible, soaking up New Zealand’s natural beauty. We planned for several hikes, and one of my favorite stops Continue reading
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The Blessing of Ash Wednesday
“Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” I looked forward to Ash Wednesday as a kid – not because I understood the weight of those words, but because Holy Days of Obligation meant I could miss part of my school day. Death was an awkward subject. As natural as it was, it Continue reading
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We Need Storms and Seeds
Last Monday, I attended the “Not My President’s Day Protest.” There’s something powerful about standing with people gathered for a common cause as our voices rise together and our feet move in unison. Protesting is an ancient tradition. It’s a way to declare that we are here, we see injustice, and we will not be Continue reading
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The Gift of Presence
I often enjoy watching the geese graze along the river near my home. I especially love when they start having their babies in the spring. When I pay close attention I can sometimes recognize the different families by the number of chicks trailing behind their parents. Being present makes me feel connected to them and Continue reading
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Year of the Snake
I celebrated Lunar New Year, the Year of the Snake, on Wednesday with loved ones. When a snake properly sheds its skin, it does not cause the snake any pain. This is because a natural lubricant forms between the old and new layers, which allows the old to slide off with ease. We, too, are Continue reading
nichole marie 