Category Archives: Associational Life

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

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

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

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

Thanks for the Gravy (or reflections on cultivating gratitude)

Posted on November 23, 2010 by Beth Waitkus

OK, so the holidays are approaching like a Turkey in heat (is that possible?)  And this year’s been a tough one for a whole lot of folks.  Being someone who always tries to find the silver lining, I very purposefully … Continue reading →

Posted in Associational Life, Community, Gratitude | Leave a comment

Trusting Together

Posted on November 15, 2010 by Beth Waitkus

Lately it seems that the theme of trust is very in my face.  Now and more than ever, in this time of uncertainty and collective media-messaged fear, finding trust in ourselves and each other seems to be in short supply. … Continue reading →

Posted in Associational Life, Community | 1 Comment

The Good News

Posted on November 2, 2010 by Beth Waitkus

I’ve recently been reflecting on ways to reweave the fabric of our community through leadership and citizenship.  Much of my shift in thinking about what makes great leaders and citizens (or citizen leaders) and indeed – sustainable, healthy communities and … Continue reading →

Posted in Associational Life, Citizenship, Community, Environmental Care, Leadership | Leave a comment