Our Story

THE CORE  

: a basic, essential, or enduring part (as of an individual, a class, or an entity)

I’ve found my core over and over again. Each time I find that tough central part of who I am, I re-plant and re-grow. I grew up in Minnesota, moved to Alaska for seven years, then to Maui for another seven, and am currently back residing in Minnesota. Throughout each move, I had to work my way past the areas of sweetness to find that tough place where my core resides, where there are seeds. I then had to plant, cultivate, water, and wait. Whether by choice or by circumstance, life gives an abundance of opportunities to replant your core. 

Individually- Knowing who you are at your core.

Organizations- Knowing what your organization’s core mission is.

THE DIRT / SOIL

    : excrement; a filthy or soiling substance; something worthless

If we are in the process of re-planting, the dirt and darkness is inevitable.  It’s the organic shit that brushes up against our core, often times called “life.” The question isn’t, “How do we get rid of it?” The question is, “How do we allow our core to be surrounded by this dark density without constantly digging up or damaging the roots of who we are? How do we be patient in the process and trust ourselves to grow while surrounded by this dark, organic matter?”

Individually- Acknowledging your fears and trusting yourself in the dark places.

Organizations- Acknowledging your obstacles, and being patient as the process unfolds.

THE RAIN

“My favorite part about rain is that it is both messy and cleansing.” — Jen

The rain is where we step right out into the mess. This is where vulnerability and risk meet healing and community. Initially, this place of uncertainty may feel uncomfortable, when we wash away all that has been covering us, exposing us, enduring this messy cleansing raw vulnerability. We are then able to embrace the fullness of who we are. As the rain drops down, we can become so still, feeling every droplet cleanse our soul; or, as each drop brings us to life and we begin to dance. Either way, this cleansing brings freedom to grown, to create, to cultivate, to flourish.

Individually- Resilience to grow, heal and wash away the dir, having the courage to show the real raw self of who we were created to be.

Organizations- Courage to risk, washing off rejection, steady in perseverance, keeping in step with the mission.

THE LIGHT

    : the natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible; also enlightenment

This is the celebration of all that is growing. It is also the time for continued nurturing, appreciation, and planning; and the fullness of purpose. Saturate and soak up its goodness. This is the working phase, the time where the sun rises early and sets late. Diligently balance your work and your play. Engage in community. Practice intelligent self-care: Be practical, be present, be playful. 

Individually- Becoming the light, exuding joy, celebrating growth.

Organizations- Celebrating the outcome, the vision, the mission in action.

THE PLANTING

“Beauty is the flower remembering the seed.”  — Soali Tan

Dwell upon the Core Embrace the Journey Create and Connect Gather and Grow

Individually- Going back to your core -- Is it time to take your purpose beyond yourself? Or, is it time to regrow another part of yourself? 

Organizations- Growing from your core -- Is it time to expand, let someone cultivate their core, to strengthen an area of growth? 

*definitions from Merriam-Webster dictionary and Google dictionary