You might know that alongside being a farmer and mother I trained in Radical Aliveness - a philosophy guided by a set of principles:
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A non-shaming heart & attitude
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Knowing I don’t know
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Honoring multiple perspectives
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Being willing to be changed
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Welcoming everything
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Do no harm
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Do your part
My training in these principles guide me in the work that I do with the Somatic Herbalism Apprenticeship and with groups that I facilitate.
These principles allow me to welcome in and work with people from all walks of life. People with vastly different perspectives and life experiences than me. They allow me to stay grounded in my own knowing, while also being aware on an embodied level that there is so much I don’t know about the people who show up to work with me.
I have been fortunate to be trained and mentored by Ann Bradney, the founder of Radical Aliveness. She is currently leading a 3 year training in Israel and Palestine. The group is graduating in January, and is composed of Israeli Jews and Palestinians.
They have been together through massive conflict and disruption. Just before the group was to meet for the second time, they were faced with the violence of October 7th. They met online for over a year until the group was able to find a way to come together in person despite the many challenges.
A participant from the West Bank describes their experience:
“As a Palestinian born under occupation, and living in Ramallah, under Israeli military rule, “apartheid” I was subjected to many violent situations, which I carried in my heart. That is until I got to know the group (Radical Aliveness), and worked with them for a full week, Arabs and Jews, women and men, hand in hand, supporting each other to overcome crisis.
We are not distinguished by religion or nationality; we support each other and preserve our humanity. I didn’t imagine that it was possible to change to this extent. I now see the world from another perspective, this gathering and these people, they are the only ones who gave me hope in life. I call on all Palestinians and Israelis to join this work so that they can see change for the better in themselves and in their communities.”
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As Ann says: “When we feel what is ours to feel, we will not pass it on. We will see more clearly; we will be able to listen to different voices - we will be able to make choices from a place that is not in reaction. We will bring our constructive goodness to life. We will LEARN from each other.
We have passed the time (from my perspective) when a leader can show us the way. We must find a new way- walking together into uncharted territory. This means we will spend time in the unknown. But that is exactly where creation lives.“
I am grateful to be able to facilitate in this way, and to support the Radical Aliveness Peace Leadership Program to start a new cohort. Please consider donating and spreading the word so that this program can continue on.
There is already momentum building in larger support of this program (they have secured funds for the first module). If this courageous approach calls to you please consider showing your support.
There are many beautiful testimonials from the participants on the RA instagram if you would like to get a sense of the work from their perspective.
Listen: The Peace Work Happening in Israel + Palestine - An Interview with Ann Bradney of Radical Aliveness. Listen on spotify or apple.