and...exhale
I have exhaled.
I hope you have too.
We celebrate and then we get back to the work of justice.
Shannon Brags on Andy:
I had to ask Andy if he remembered how we first met because when I was reviewing our relationship to write this, I could not for the life of me remember our first encounter. We have been running in alignment in Chicago since I got there. The thing that stands out the most about Andy is how good he is at showing up. He is the person who shows up to support you every damn time you do something. He’s been there cheering me on every time I take a stage. He’s been to loads of my workshops – and is now a proficient stitcher. He’s the guy you can count on to be there cheering you on, making friends with everyone in the room, and bringing a laugh and an epic hug. He is a rare and special bird.
About Andy (formal edition):
Andy brings hearts together to unify humanity. He envisions a world that embraces healthy tensions to ensure dignity and agency for every person. Andy is devoted to building an equitable world by understanding and dismantling his own complicity in systems of oppression while working on transforming the systems themselves. He co-founded FeelReal to hold space for people to share our true stories and connect deeply in community to shift the dominant narrative from fear to love. Andy's artists pursuits include piano, drums, photography and—most recently—embroidery!
Today’s Inspiration:
For those who wish the world to be safer and more equitable (which I assume is you!), it's easy to point "out there" at the systems of oppression and social structures that seem immovable. Yes, we absolutely need to work on shifting those systems.
And it's also important that each of us is doing our own work to reconcile our relationships, which are the foundation of the communities upon which this new equitable world will be built.
Think about a relationship in your life that hit a snag (or worse!) and doesn't feel healed or concluded, where you have had the time and space to reflect on your part in the interaction.
Now, make something to help you process this wound.
Extra Credit: Make something that you will give to the person to help heal the relationship!
Connect with Andy:
My reflections on the inner journey (particularly around spiritual growth and privilege): https://andyswindler.com/reflections/