Archives of Inspiration

Grandmothering: How my granddaughter teaches me to see the world anew

By Jane Pohlman “First, I was Mom … now, I’m Grandma.” These are the words displayed on a T-shirt I bought when I learned I would become Grandma for the first time. I wear that shirt proudly. Both titles mean the world to me. First, I was Mom: I am the mother of three beautiful […]
7 months ago

from the editor, Winter 2024: Give

We were on an archaeological dig in the Andean Highlands of Peru and had gotten back from the field for the day; the children from the village were waiting for us. I didn’t speak Spanish, but one of the field school directors had brought out some pencils and a few sheets of paper for the […]
10 months ago

from the editor Fall 2024: Body

Our bodies are vessels that are very good. They mediate our experiences with the world and are truly awe-inspiring in what they can do — so nuanced, so detailed, so intentionally relational. But too often, this wonder and awe isn’t what women experience in relation to our bodies, and especially in regards to the most […]
1 year ago

Making Peace With a Middle-Aged Body

By Sarah Geringer This summer, I’ve rediscovered a joy from my childhood: swimming. My children bought me an above-ground pool for Mother’s Day. I knew I would like it, but I didn’t realize how much delight it would bring me. I have also been surprised by how it has helped me make peace with my […]
1 year ago

Our Relationship to Our Bodies: Janet L. Cannon

By Janet L. Cannon Yoga is a wonderful way to become more physically and mentally aware of what my body needs. Learning to push my boundaries while accepting my limitations is a concept I use with all of my clients and in all of my classes. It’s also a concept we can use in daily […]
1 year ago

Our Relationship to Our Bodies: Jowairia Khalid

By Jowairia Khalid In Islam, we’re taught to prioritize our physical and mental health, and both go hand-in-hand. Islam means peace, so peace within the world, our relationships, but also within ourselves. We believe our bodies are a gift from God, and to take care of them is a form of worship. Ensuring I nourish […]
1 year ago

Our Relationship to Our Bodies: Nyla Vance and Nova Brown

Nyla Vance (Right) flourish: What is your favorite thing about yourself? Nyla Vance: My brain. What do you like about it? I like how — I don’t know. I don’t like Earth, I only like God.  What is your favorite thing about your sister? When she plays with me.  What is beautiful about your sister? […]
1 year ago

Our Relationship to Our Bodies: Kanaan Rhodes

By Kanaan Rhodes For me, tattoos enhance my perception of my appearance. I got my first tattoo when I was 18 years old. It was a simple design, but it started a lifelong journey to decorate my body — now, I have more than 50. The feeling of empowerment that comes from getting a new […]
1 year ago

Our Relationship to Our Bodies: Susan Winkler

I have a love-hate relationship with my body. Because I hate being disabled. But on the other hand, there’s always a worse-case scenario, someone that’s worse than I am. And sometimes, mentally, it affects me, even after 20 years, but I have ups and downs with life, like anyone does. But I’m thankful that I […]
1 year ago

From the Editor Summer 2024: Wonder

I think we can get used to it, being alive. We go through our day-to-day and hardly notice it, the smell of the coffee as we pour water over ground-up beans, the touching of our feet to concrete, to grass, to floor, the singing of the bird in the tree while we taste the sweet […]
1 year ago