Hearing Voices
March, Women’s History Month, brims with the promise of spring and the inspirational voices of women whose words can lift us, particularly as we reflect on a year of living with the pandemic.
“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” – Helen Keller
“The knowledge that you have emerged wiser and stronger from setbacks means that you are, ever after, secure in your ability to survive.” – J.K. Rowling
“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” – Maya Angelou
After reading these quotes, I thought about some recent conversations – one with a woman who served for two decades in the Air Force; another with a woman ready to start a new life after years of being incarcerated; and another with a woman who was homeless for more than seven years, beginning at age 14. Their voices are equally moving.
“We’re taught ‘service before self’ and that leaves so many of us without a system of coping skills in place that allow us to thrive as women veterans out in the world.”
“I now recognize my brokenness hurt others. If I had known I was enough just as I am, maybe things would have been different.”
“It took weeks to sleep in a bed, I was so used to sleeping on cardboard and cement. I had to be taught I deserved to sleep on something soft.”
These are the voices that are often unheard, that ache in silence, waiting for someone, anyone, to pay attention. As we celebrate the accomplishments of women, we must also raise awareness of the inequities women face that can exacerbate already challenging circumstances.
You’ve probably heard of Equal Pay Day – “the approximate day a woman must work into the new year to make what a white, non-Hispanic man made at the end of the previous year.” This year it is March 24. For LGBTQ women it is in June; for black women, in August; for Native women, in September; for Latinas and women with disabilities, it is in October.
Why do these facts matter to the work of Soul Seeds? As we connect with underserved populations, we must be aware of conditions that amplify stress, depression, and trauma in order to support them more effectively. Our vision — Healing with Humanity — means we begin with compassion as we honor each person’s innate wisdom and capacity for love, bringing healing support to them, their communities, and to our world.
Let each of us, no matter our gender, listen well and give voice to the callings of our hearts – expressions of love energy to fuel our collective future.
Melanie Davis-Jones (she/her/hers)
Executive Director
In Case You Missed It:
Opening to Your Ancestral Heart! | Blog by Nancy Rebecca
Do You Guard Your Heart? | Video by Nancy Rebecca
Resources:
#FirstRespondersFirst supports frontline health care and public safety professionals facing the adverse mental health effects of the pandemic. The NAMI Frontline Wellness program includes a Crisis Text Line that offers free 24/7 mental health support. Text “10-18” or “SCRUBS” to 741741 for help.
Patience, A Stress Preventer Overlooked | Blog from the HeartMath Institute
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