“Empathy has no script. There is no right way or wrong way to do it. It’s simply listening, holding space, withholding judgment, emotionally connecting, and communicating that incredibly healing message of ‘You’re not alone.’” -Brenè Brown This past August, I had the privilege of attending an Our Whole Lives training in Minneapolis, where I was … Continue reading CFD Director’s Corner 10.13.21

Our monthly Soul Matters theme for October is Cultivating Relationships, and I found the following words from Carl Jung touching in times like these: “Loneliness does not come from having no people around, but from being unable to communicate the things that seem important to oneself, or from holding certain views which others find inadmissible.” … Continue reading CFD Director’s Corner 10.06.21

“For a seed to achieve its greatest expression, it must come completely undone. The shell cracks, its insides come out, and everything changes. To someone who doesn’t understand growth, it would look like complete destruction.” Heather Warman As we conclude the month of Embracing Possibility, I reflect on the words above. Today, if you are feeling … Continue reading CDF Director’s Corner 09.29.21

“It is never too late to be what you might have been.” – George Eliot During my last years of high school, I recall someone speaking to my class regarding college and other post-high school options. The one metaphor I can clearly recall this person making was about doors. They told us that it was … Continue reading CFD Director’s Corner 09.22.21

“There is no power greater than a community discovering what it cares about. Ask: “What’s possible?” not “What’s wrong?” Keep asking. Notice what you care about. Assume that many others share your dreams…” – Margaret Wheatley During a time of many collective challenges regarding our health, mental health is no exception. Today, a family member … Continue reading CDF Director’s Corner 09.15.21

This month, we are invited to begin embracing possibility. It is an important act to consider in times like these. How do we continue to cultivate hope and dream up what is next, when it is so easy to feel discouraged and frustrated? I had a hard time doing so when I was younger. I did … Continue reading CFD Director’s Corner 09.08.21

“I think it is healing behavior, to look at something so broken and see the possibility and wholeness in it.” -Adrienne Maree Brown …I am here for you, just an email or a phone call away. While I am no longer holding virtual “office hours”, you can reach me on my personal phone at 507-995-7929 … Continue reading CFD Director’s Corner 09.01.21

“There is more to see in myself than just what I look for. There is more to see in my enemies than just what I look for. There is more to see in this country than just what I look for. I need this to be true. I need to stop looking for affirmation of … Continue reading CFD Director’s Corner 08.25.21

“When we speak, we are afraid our words will not be heard or welcomed. But when we are silent, we are still afraid. So, it is better to speak.” – Audre Lorde In the Children’s Chapel circle, we sing our simplified Seven Principles to the tune of “Do-Re-Mi” and the Fifth Principle is shared as, … Continue reading CFD Director’s Corner 08.18.21

“You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you. For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday. You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.” –        Kahlil Gibran, On Children Over the last couple of weeks, I have been diving into some continued education … Continue reading CDF Director’s Corner 08.11.21