F?#$% February

Funny, faith-filled, fancy, fruitful, friendship February...

F&%# February.

OK, so I can’t really call it that. So, I’m digging deeper to think more creatively.

Funny February Faith-filled February Fruitful February Fancy February Friendship February Freeing February. What might it meant to be free of stuff?

That wasn’t so hard. A pause, a deep breath. There’s a lot going on in the world. My own challenges remind me—maybe even force me—to acknowledge the deep suffering around me. It’s not far away. Perhaps it has always been right under my nose, but I chose not to see it. Right now, I’m choosing to look suffering and grief in the eye and say: I see you. I feel you. I am even tempted to ask if there is a lesson. But instead, I ask: Do you have a message for me? Is there something you need me to know in this moment?

I think of Rumi’s poem:

The Guesthouse

Translated by Coleman Barks

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

At sixty, I’ve had plenty of lessons (thank you very much). It’s true that my life experiences shape who I am now. But the whole “what doesn’t kill me makes me stronger” narrative feels old and tired. Resilience, by definition, is about getting back up after repeatedly being knocked down. Even so, it’s cold here (still), Punxsutawney Phil seems to know something we don’t, and winter soldiers on—along with my flat(ish) affect. I am feeling the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Perhaps you are too.

Lately, I’m reminded that by saying no to many things, I free myself to say yes to what truly matters. You know, like when the stars align, or when my heart skips a beat, I know. Right now, I’m saying yes to clearing out a room in my house that is way past due. A room that became a dumping ground until I could barely open the door. Boxes stacked high, a narrow pathway leading only to the printer and router. Maybe you don’t have an entire room like this, but a closet? A drawer? A corner? Just stepping into that space made me anxious. My strategy? Get stuff out—fast—to create some breathing room. Then, sort: recycle, trash, donate, sell. The key is having space to stage the sorting without turning the whole house into chaos. You see the precarious nature of decluttering. One false move, and the whole house teeters on the edge of disorder. At least that’s what it feels like. But I press on, I want to be free of stuff!

Other fun stories I’ve told myself while trying to make progress: “Oh look, this might be worth $100!” Pause cleaning, check online. “What? It’s only worth $5? Who has time to sell things for $5?”

“Oh look, notes from a book I started writing ten years ago. Maybe I should revisit this idea…”

“Ohhh, a Budget Travel Magazine (Oh how I loved you. RIP) from 2003 with tips for Paris. I should keep this, right? Because obviously, if I go to Paris in 2027, I’ll need 24-year-old recommendations.”

Don’t laugh too hard—you’ve probably done something similar. And if you haven’t, I dislike you very much. JK. Why is it so hard to let go? Especially when we live in an era where any information we need is available in seconds? So, as I say no to the next 100 pieces of paper I handle, I say yes to making space. Yes to lightening the load. Yes to downsizing.

This exercise is practical—I am not moving this stuff again. But it’s also a gift. A gift for my kids, so this burden isn’t theirs to deal with someday. Right now, I want to decide what stays, what goes, and why. I thought about taking before-and-after pictures, but honestly? I was too embarrassed to share the “before.” And yet, I’m not letting shame or embarrassment stop me. Those emotions have a place, too. No doubt, they have a message for me as Rumi says. Maybe I’ll invite them for a cup of tea. Davison’s Jasmine Rose is my new favorite (beware it does have caffeine in it).

So, I proceed—with compassion for myself and gratitude for all this stuff once represented. Different phases of my life: entrepreneur, non-profit leader, scholar, writer, wife, mom, householder.

Maybe, just maybe, this February can be about letting go. Not just of things, but of the stories I’ve attached to them. And in the process, making space for something new (though I will settle for simply making space).

What I Write About and Why

In case you are new to this newsletter or can’t remember, I found this lovely podcast in my archives. I was interviewed by Allison Sullivan, a writer, speaker, and host of the podcast “Sinner, Saint, Sister” in 2022. I’ve had the pleasure of being interviewed by some really great interviewers, usually with a yoga focus. What I enjoyed about this one was hearing someone entirely outside of my “yoga bubble” (though still related) really get what trauma-informed yoga is about and why it might support you on your path.

Fortunately, I washed my hair that morning—I wasn’t used to doing a podcast with video! This episode also includes some of my own story about how I found yoga. At the beginning of the podcast, Allison shares some of her own yoga journey. A happy coincidence is that her first yoga teacher was Sister Joanne (not me). I just love little details like that. It feels providential.

If you’ve read this far, then this podcast is probably “preaching to the choir.” But maybe you know someone whose health isn’t great or who rolls their eyes when you mention going to yoga. Maybe, just maybe, hearing someone else’s story will help. After all, I had no idea what yoga was. And I’m fond of saying, “I didn’t know anyone who did yoga or hang out with anyone who did yoga. It just wasn’t on my radar.” True story.

What I Am Reading

“Sacred Self-Care: Daily Practices for Nurturing Our Whole Selves” by Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes is a seven-week guide designed to help readers develop sustainable self-care habits that nourish the mind, body, and soul. As a clinical psychologist, pastor, and activist, Dr. Walker-Barnes combines personal stories with practical exercises, daily prompts, and scripture passages to encourage holistic well-being. Each week focuses on themes such as mastering self-care fundamentals, practicing self-compassion, setting healthy boundaries, and caring for one’s emotional and mental health. The book also includes tools like a self-care inventory (my favorite part) and a “Rule of Life” guide to assist readers in maintaining their self-care practices throughout the year.

Video Course: Pray With Your Whole Body

This course is part pre-recorded videos/audios that can be watched or listened to anytime you wish. This part is called “On-Demand.” I am adding this for clarity in case you are on the “School of Global Citizenry” website wondering which one to choose. If you purchase the “Scheduled” course, you get the above “On-Demand” course plus 6 one hour weekly live Zoom sessions with me.

I have been pushing back the dates, because my social media marketing has been unsuccessful in getting the word out. I know that could be for many reasons, but it has been both puzzling and monthly newsletter on Substack. At least on Substack, I can email you directly without being at the whim of algorithms. There’s lots I could say (rant) about the effectiveness of social media but I will spare you the drama. However, if you know someone who would appreciate or benefit from this course, please feel free to send them this link.

In case you don’t like clicking on links, here’s the short overview of the course below. You will still need to go here on the school’s website to register and pay.

Pray with Your Whole Body is an online interactive video course that integrates Christian spirituality with gentle movement, breathwork, and embodied prayer practices. Rooted in the idea that prayer is not just a mental or verbal exercise but a full-body experience, the course guides participants through accessible yoga-based movements, breath prayers, and contemplative practices to deepen their connection with God. It’s designed for people of all mobility levels who want to engage in prayer in a more holistic and embodied way.

3 Easy and Quick Tips

Ayurvedic Respiratory Care Tips

With seasonal shifts and the usual colds making their rounds, I’ve been leaning into some simple Ayurvedic practices to support my respiratory health. Ayurveda is the sister science to yoga that focuses on diet and lifestyle practices.

1. Nasya (Nasal Oil Application): Applying a drop or two of warm sesame or coconut oil inside the nostrils helps keep the nasal passages lubricated, reducing dryness and irritation, especially in colder months.

2. Saltwater Gargling: Gargling with warm salt water in the morning (or after being around a lot of people) can help clear mucus, soothe the throat, and prevent infections.

3. Tongue Scraping: Using a copper or stainless steel tongue scraper first thing in the morning removes toxins and bacteria that accumulate overnight, promoting fresher breath and overall oral health.

These small rituals make a noticeable difference in how I feel, especially during winter. Have you tried any of these? Let me know what works for you!

The added benefit of saltwater gargling is that gargling also stimulates the vagus nerve. This is a way you can tap into your parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest).

Parting Wisdom

When in doubt, confide in the trees.

From Susan Caine, author of “Quiet” from her Substack “TheQuietLife.net” (Jan 24, 2025)

I would add “or the deer.” The picture below was taken by me across the street from my house. That’s the Eastern Busway in Pittsburgh in the background (complete with graffiti). These guys hang out most days here or in my yard in North Point Breeze. I love to watch them (and talk to them) and the trees! If you try this, please let me know how the trees (or deer) responded.

If you haven’t received a love letter this month, consider yourself loved!

You are not alone in this world friend.

As Ram Das says “We are all just walking each other home.”

From my heart to years.

Be well,

Joanne

PS. Here’s the link where you can find my other posts, books, courses, how and where to post a short review. Yes, I am still asking. It most definitively makes a difference.

PPS. I do get a small commission on links to products in this email. It helps to fund my book obsession learning.