Introduction and Reflections
Happy spring! I’m writing to you from New York, where I’m visiting family and friends for the Jewish holiday of Passover- just a day before heading to the Passover in the desert festival, where I’ll be playing on the music team that provides the rhythm and song of the gathering. I appreciate this holiday for its continual reminder of the importance of telling stories and working for the liberation of one’s own and all people.
In taking time this week to move slower and prioritize relationships, rituals, and traditions, I’m noticing a familiar internal voice nagging me and saying: “You should be working. You don’t deserve this time off. You aren’t doing enough. ” This less than kind voice has been with me for years. Slowly I have been working to lessen and not let control the show. It’s a voice I support clients with as well- as it’s pretty universal in our non-stop American capitalist culture.
Two weeks ago, my partner and I went to the beautiful Carrizo Plain National Monument in central California, and got the incredible gift of experiencing a wilderness solo right of passage, in preparation for our upcoming marriage. Supported by two friends who are trained in The School of Lost Borders and other programs. What did we actually do out there?
Without the stimulation of other people, food, or activities, I got to experience myself just as myself, more creature-like amidst the other natural phenomena, and witnessing what emerged. When that long/short day was over, we rejoined the group, and were nourished physically and emotionally in sharing food and stories of the experiences we had, from the existential to the minute. We had a wonderful spacious day of integration where I got to hold onto my lifelong re-learning of being a wild being who “does not have to be good” (shout out to Mary Oliver and my favorite poem Wild Geese which you can read on my website).
Back home, the busyness of life immediately rushed in- back to my business, volunteering, communal living, showing up for family, wedding planning, and more. A practice I’m now working with in trying to hold the magic of my solo time with me is bringing mindfulness and presence to each moment: If I’m in leisure time, really be there and enjoy it- valuing things that aren’t traditional “work” and embracing gratitude for the privileges that enable me to be there in the first place. If I’m in work time, really be there and enjoy the work flow. How is this showing up for you? Feel free to reach out with your thoughts on this theme.
News
I have some exciting news, which is that I officially became a Certified Professional Coactive Coach (CPCC)! I took my oral exam and passed, which felt like a great step in a multi-year journey I began in 2020 when I first began dipping my toe into the coaching universe.
Curious about how I got into coaching?
During my career as a community organizer from 2014 to 2021, I held hundreds of one to one and group meetings with ordinary residents who were actually extraordinary people, learning about their lives and dreams. This led me to realize that I love supporting people to grow both on a political and a personal level. During the pandemic, I had the privilege of having the space to take virtual life and leadership coach trainings, and I started offering coaching sessions to a few friends. I was hooked, and the positive feedback I received gave me the boost to keep going. I have worked with a variety of clients over the last several years, discovering and honing my skills and coaching niches. I love the feeling of working with a client to co-create a more expansive and empowering path to their visions, combining my ability to both go deep and get into the practical plans.
Reporting back on March
March was a huge month for me. Here are some of the things I did!
I had the privilege of teaching students in a career and leadership development program at San Francisco State University. I designed a workshop on “Social Change Community Leadership,” which covered a range of social change methods and types of values-based work.
I traveled to Seattle to join an incredible team of community organizers on a mission to train families and educators around the state of Washington to engage in educational equity oriented community organizing. Being back in my former day-to-day work of building parent power for the benefit of young people was sweet and powerful, reminding me of my deep love of this method and issue.
I led my bi-monthly group coaching cohort “Turning Passion Into Action,” which continues to be one of my favorite offerings. We have a group of six people who are all working on different meaningful work in the world (educators, advocates, entrepreneurs, etc.) and are working to level up their social impact.
I co-led an event on Jews, Money, and Wealth, which was a challenging and fascinating topic. Both personal to me, and relevant to many members of my local Berkeley community, it was fulfilling to see how people were hungry for this affinity and learning space. I believe breaking down the taboo of talking about money is important, especially as we build towards a more equitable world, and I hope to lead similar conversations in the future.
What’s Coming up in April
On April 16th, I’m organizing a day of Jewish music and culture in Oakland. It’s part of the Kol Retreat that I co-founded and held in September, and we wanted to bring the community back together this Spring. Anyone is welcome- whether you identify or don’t as Jewish, a musician, or just curious.
On April 19th, I’ll be teaching a workshop in Espanol: “Conectando Con La Naturaleza Para Tu Liderazgo” (Connecting with nature for your leadership). I am honored to be a contracted workshop teacher and coach with Prospera, an amazing organization that partners with Latina entrepreneurs in the Bay Area to launch social enterprises that foster cooperation, economic independence, and well-being in immigrant communities. The workshop is open to the public, and in it, I hope to share tools that support people to bring nature connection into their lives for both personal and professional wellbeing.
On April 20th, I’ll be co-facilitating a “Global New Moon Circle” focused on the Hebrew month of Iyar, with the organization At The Well. This is a great (free) opportunity for anyone who identifies as a woman or non-binary person to take a pause, tune into your intentions for the new month, and receive wisdom from Jewish spirituality.
I’ve been enjoying working as an Associate Consultant with Schonfield Consulting for the past year and a half. I work with the wonderful Anne Schonfield and organizational clients on a range of projects, from fundraising strategy, to strategic planning to improve social impact both externally and team dynamics internally with staff and boards. I’m now transitioning out of the role and working on hiring a new Associate Consultant. The role is here if you’re interested!
Lifting Up Others’ Offerings!
Restore Oakland is an inspiring community center with the mission of creating models of safe and thriving communities and economies. I loved taking a tour of the space a few weeks ago, and encouraging anyone in the Bay or passing through to visit, and consider a donation.
Thank you for reading and being in my corner!
Sending love,
Eva
