Author Archives: Beth Waitkus

About Beth Waitkus

Connect. Build. Grow! As a consultant, I draw on my experience as the Founder & former Executive Director of the Insight Garden Program (now Land Together) to reimagine how we creatively build organizations, movements, and ecosystems rooted in justice, wellbeing, and connection. All people need is a little time in the garden, or outdoors -- nature teaches us everything we need to know!

Home (is where the heart is)

Posted on October 11, 2012 by Beth Waitkus

On Golden Pond

One of many homesteads, Salisbury CT

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Posted in Community, Gardening as Transformation, Gratitude, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Tribute to MLK: Finding Freedom

Posted on January 17, 2012 by Beth Waitkus

In last week’s prison garden class, our provocative question for the day was: “What does it mean to be free?” Aside from the obvious – that most people in prison want to get out – some interesting answers emerged, including: … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Occupy Yourself!

Posted on December 9, 2011 by Beth Waitkus

My definition of “authenticity” = becoming more conscious about how we show up in the world, and what uncomfortable changes we are willing to make within to find a better way to be with each other. In other words, aligning … Continue reading →

Posted in Associational Life, Citizenship, Community, Grassroots Change, Leadership, Organization Development, Politics, Uncategorized | 7 Comments

Real America (again)

Posted on September 27, 2011 by Beth Waitkus

I’m reposting this after almost a year. Seems appropriate, considering the (very sad) state of politics these days. During campaigns, I’m always reminded of Sarah Palin’s “Real America” mantra so prevalent during the last presidential campaign. Somehow she positioned folks … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

The Fly On My Nose (a true story)

Posted on July 12, 2011 by Beth Waitkus

It’s stifling hot September day. I’m sitting cross-legged on a zafu cushion in a room with a large gaggle of other meditators, trying to notice and release discursive thought, resisting the slightly sharp pain in my right knee. I shift … Continue reading →

Posted in Associational Life, Gratitude, Self-Actualization | 2 Comments

Good Grief

Posted on June 3, 2011 by Beth Waitkus

I am not channeling Elizabeth Kubler Ross, but I’m going to delve into one of life’s more taboo topics – death. It surrounds us. And lately for me, grieving for ones lost has been heartfelt, sad, contemplative, and curious. In … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments

The Way Through

Posted on April 27, 2011 by Beth Waitkus

(or Cultivating Happiness) The only way out may be through, but the only way through is IN. Happy? What is happy? Not being haunted by our demons (but learning to make friends with them?), breaking through karmic cycles? Feeling through … Continue reading →

Posted in Associational Life, Self-Actualization | 1 Comment

Cultivating (Empathetic) Connections

Posted on March 28, 2011 by Beth Waitkus

Connection. It is so utterly essential to healthy human and ecological functioning. Indeed, the mission of our garden program at San Quentin State Prison is to use nature “to reconnect people to themselves, their communities, and the natural environment.” In … Continue reading →

Posted in Associational Life, Community, Environmental Care, Gardening as Transformation, Gratitude, Organization Development, Prison Reform/Prisoner Rehabilitation | 3 Comments

Egypt Empowered

Posted on February 3, 2011 by Beth Waitkus

Why am I writing about Egypt? Because, once upon a time, I lived there — and had the time of my life. A year after Mubarek had ascended to power. And 30 years later, Egyptians are reclaiming their destiny. During … Continue reading →

Posted in Citizenship, Grassroots Change, Politics, Self-Actualization | 2 Comments

Civil Discourse

Posted on January 19, 2011 by Beth Waitkus

“If we want there to be peace in the world, we have to be brave enough to soften what is rigid in our hearts, to stay with it. We have to have that kind of courage and take that kind … Continue reading →

Posted in Associational Life, Citizenship, Community, Grassroots Change, Leadership, Organization Development, Politics | 2 Comments