Community Check In (6.17.25)
How are you? In this exact moment, if you were to pause and genuinely consider the question and give a completely honest response, what would it be?
The real version.
Because I hold space a lot, I ask this question regularly. In a way where I truly want the full, complete version. There are so many tools to help us shift our narratives, remember our agency, process our feelings, and step in to the best versions of our days and lives, but I think we have to start here. Practicing awareness of and acknowledgment of what is present, RIGHT NOW.
In my yoga classes - we always do a check in, and if you know me from pre or postnatal yoga, you know that wereally check in. We go around the circle, and share - whatever is on your heart and mind - anything goes.
In my virtual group spaces, we start with a moment of connection. Time to drop in as leaders, yes, but also, as humans first.
When I used to lead teams on a middle school campus, we always started with an honest opportunity to drop in and share how we’re feeling.
In every single coaching session, we obviously make sure to check in as well. We take a few deep breaths, and allow what’s true to rise to the surface, without judgement. It’s a moment to share the things that feel pressing, relevant, top of mind and top of heart.
Sometimes these are light and joyful. Sometimes they are heavy. Often times, they are a mix.
For today, I want to imagine us - this newsletter community - are all in one HUGE circle. That’s often how I picture us, when I sit down to write. I see your faces. I imagine your life circumstances. I remember what’s real for you, the part I know of it at least. And after this weekend’s images of thousands of people - in community, in solidarity, I think it’s helpful to remember how not alone we are.
How connected we are.
So I’m imagining us…and I’ll invite you to imagine with me…perhaps we’re in a spacious, beautiful Redwood Grove. It’s so quiet. There are little bird sounds off in the distance, but it’s the type of stillness that begs you to take a deep exhale and soften into your seat.
I’m imagining we have all the time in the world, as hundreds of you take your time, without rushing, and share what’s real for you.
Here’s a snippet of what I imagine would emerge in the circle, in this moment in time:
I’m so inspired after this weekend - I marched and it was completely energizing.
I’m overwhelmed thinking about families being separated, but I’m taking action where I can.
I'm struggling to balance staying informed with taking care of my mental health.
I’m fired up and ready to create change.
I’m feeling guilty…I couldn’t make it to a march, and I feel like I missed out on an important moment.
I am not consuming the news at all right now - I had a baby a week ago and I’m deep in the throes of newborn life, trying to figure out what is day and what is night.
I just started summer break and I’m loving it! Free time and sunshine is giving me life after just finishing the school year.
I’ve got a few more weeks of school. Now that kids have left for summer, I have serious leadership planning to do for the next school year.
I’m tired.
I’m hopeful.
I’m waiting. I’m pregnant and due any day now. I’m trying to be patient and enjoy this time off before welcoming baby.
I'm balancing my kids being home with still working. We're navigating a new summer routine and schedule.
I’m worried about my family and friends in the Middle East.
My kid is going through a big change, and it’s wearing on me…I’m trying my best, but some days it’s just a lot.
I just got engaged!
I’m feeling proud. I just accomplished this thing I’ve been working on for months, and it feels like such a win.
I’m leaving for vacation soon - I’m really looking forward to some time away to adventure and relax.
I’m heading back to work soon after being on parental leave, and I’m so ready!
I’m heading back to work soon after being on parental leave, and I’m devastated.
I’m heading back to work soon after being on parental leave, and I’m not sure how I feel about it.
I just launched a new business and I’m feeling all the feels - excitement, nervousness, anticipation, ready.
I’m supporting a family member with health issues, and some days it’s easy, and other days it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done.
I’m feeling really proud of this moment I just had with my kid.
I’m feeling really guilty about this moment I just had with my kid.
I’m happy to be here with you all.
Can you see us? Can you hear us?
One of the most important truths that yoga reminds us of is that everything changes.
Being witnessed in a moment that is tough, or a moment full of ease - all of it is a gift, because we won’t have that exact moment again. We may feel completely different very soon after…maybe even immediately after sharing it. As if by offering it out into the world, we can create a little distance from it, feel less alone, and remember that we are on this journey right alongside everyone else.
The beautiful thing about knowing that everything changes is that we can CREATE change. In our mindsets, in our daily habits, in our emotional state, in our communities.
Small actions, especially collectively, can make a huge impact.
If you’re still imagining with me, that we’re all in this Redwood Grove together, I’d love for you to imagine making eye contact with someone. Maybe imagine giving or receiving a hug from someone. Maybe saying “thanks for sharing” to someone.
I’m imagining I’m sending you a big hug. Thank you for being here.
If you feel like sharing your response to how you are, you know I’m here to listen.
Reflection Questions
1. Where do you feel a sense of community these days?
2. How are you, right now?
3. What’s one small empowering change you could make today?
Lots of love,
Jess
If you're craving a space to be witnessed and connect with other leaders working through it all, join the Intentional Leadership Community. It's a weekly virtual space for mindfulness, reflection, and loving thought-partnership.
