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Quietude & Re-Discovery: An International Educator's Sabbatical Story

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Guidance shared with me using Spirit Mama Oracle Deck March 27, 2024 At the beginning of 2024, unforeseen circumstances nudged/forced me towards a period of self-rediscovery. While the initial months leading up to this moment carried a wave of emotions – sadness, confusion, disappointment, pain, and even shame – a sense of renewal began to gradually emerge in synchronicity with the turning of the seasons (winter to spring). Throughout my career as an educator and administrator, both abroad and domestically, I've consistently poured my heart into social justice initiatives I believe in completely. Witnessing positive impacts on students continuously fueled my dedication, as evidenced each time the marketing campaigns #StudyAbroadSoBlack, #BeGlobalBeGrateful and #MoreBeyondTheHouse are Googled. I led the development of these “movements” at each HBCU and religious institution that I served. However, the relentless pace of passion eventually led to a longing for a more balanced life.

Ecotherapy for Students and Practitioners: Reimagining the Field of International Education

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For Diversity Abroad's 2022 Global Inclusion Conference , I proposed a session entitled Ecotherapy in Education Abroad.  This discussion was designed to introduce ecotherapy to international education practitioners, quite possibly for the first time. Unfortunately, the session was not accepted, likely due to the newness of the topic, especially within the context of study abroad and DEIJ, I was also the only presenter, and there were undoubtedly tons of other more current/relevant topics proposed simultaneously (a couple that I was also part a part of).  Timing is Everything and nevertheless, I continued understanding how a nature-centered mindset and approach to teaching, learning, and healing is an invaluable resource not just for student development/support and professional well-being, but the restoration and good stewardship of the entire planet. Taking a step back, my awareness of the term "ecotherapy" and how it is a professional practice began in 2000. Sheltering

Book Discussion Resource: Life Visioning, By Michael Bernard Beckwith

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     For anyone reading Life Visioning, By Michael Bernard Beckwith or with an interest in doing so, I offer up the notes and discussion prompts that I created for the book circle that I am part of. Please leave a comment letting me know how whether this information is helpful! --MM (2021) Photo: Aspen Institute, ICAP Fellowship 2021 Pre/Post-Discussion Resources: Purchase Life Visioning Book - https://amzn.to/3IuLADI Michael Beckwith Life Visioning Process (class) – FULL GUIDED Meditation (30 minutes) Co-Create Your Most Vibrant & Abundant Year with the Profound Power of Intention How To Use Visioning To Find Your Life Purpose | Michael Beckwith   Life Visioning Meditation For Inner Peace And Inspiration | Michael Beckwith (15 minutes) Intro and Chapter One  Discussion prompts based on text: Were you raised to consider or believe that you had a calling on your life?  Do you believe that something is seeking to emerge in, through, and as your life? Discuss thoughts and words that