Hope Is a Discipline

Dear Community,

I’ve been reading Mariame Kaba’s new book, We Do This ‘Til We Free Us: Abolitionist Organizing and Transforming Justice.

I’m moved by the wisdom Kaba shares, which she received from a nun years ago:

“Hope is a discipline.”

This invitation feels like potent medicine to me in the face of an increasingly violent occupation of Palestine, more police murders of black and brown folx, the ongoing global pandemic and so much more.

How do we lean into this philosophy that “hope is a discipline and that we have to practice it every single day”? (Mariame Kaba) Even and perhaps especially when the injustice and violence we are facing feels so massive and unending?

One thing that supports me is to be teaching and learning with a growing community of folx deepening in their navigating conflict practice:

…And a few weeks ago I got to do some of this teaching and learning in person and outside with a beautiful crew at the brand new Center For Belonging Folk School in Iowa. What a gift to be in the woods and off of Zoom.

Excited for when we might get to do some learning together soon! Reach out if you’d like to bring me to your neck of the woods!

And practicing hope right there with you,

Nicole