A Celebration of Graduation

When we can weather the pain of life's storms and experience true personal transformation, no one can keep our authentic selves from rising up. On October 30, after several years on a journey together, seven women shared the power of their transformation with the community as they celebrated their graduation from Shakti Rising.

At Shakti's largest graduation ceremony ever, over 300 guests were able to witness these women's stories of courage and healing. The theme, "re-embodied women…leading our way home," captures how the transformation of each individual woman not only shines as an example and catalyst for others to return home to their own true selves.

It was a magical night for the graduates, but also for the attendees. Shakti volunteer Aryn Badorine shares her experience:

I got to know graduates Behin, Anje, Tanya and Kirstin while organizing the Summer Faire. When I heard they were graduating, I had to come. I had to bring my baby Tess because I did not have a sitter. I sat playing with Tess on the floor during the performance and speeches. Normally, I am moved to tears at Shakti events, but this year I was too distracted with the baby.

As I was exiting, the graduates were coming around the corner. Their faces were so lit up with joy and they were running, hugging, giggling- it was so beautiful. Their performances talked about 'once there was a little girl.' Just then, I saw the little girl in all of them. But, it was the little girl without trauma; the little girl who still believed; the little girl who could do anything. They had all come so far. It was so magical- Shakti transformation personified.

As I was exiting, the graduates were coming around the corner. Their faces were so lit up with joy and they were running, hugging, giggling- it was so beautiful. Their performances talked about 'once there was a little girl.' Just then, I saw the little girl in all of them. But, it was the little girl without trauma; the little girl who still believed; the little girl who could do anything. They had all come so far. It was so magical- Shakti transformation personified.

As I tucked my 6-month-old little girl in car seat, gave her kiss and told her I loved her, the tears came. I want her to be a little girl who dreams and who never has to struggle. I also want her to feel the strength and sisterhood that I felt last night with my Shakti family.

Congratulations to Shakti Rising's graduating class of fall, 2009!

Allison Hjelle
Anje Bartlett
Andrea Russell
Behin Behrozi
Christina Burke
Kirstin Wilson
Tanya Dantus

Holiday Tips From the Garden Committee

As the holidays approach, our daily stresses mount as we attempt to do more, buy more, give more. There are more people to please, more places to go, and raised expectationsto meet. At the same time, many of us will have time off from our daily routine, allowing for moments to reflect and notice changes in ourselves and our families and friends - the birth of a baby, the loss of a loved one. We have the opportunity to take stock of the changes of the past year and to celebrate new beginnings in the year to come. As such, the holidays can serve as a kind of milestone on the road of life.

This is the intangible gift the holiday season offers to each of us: a chance to reflect on who and what we are, how we act, and what is important to us. In order to be open to receiving this gift, it is important to let go of expectations. We can let people be who they are going to be, allow events to unfold as they may, and simply be present in ourselves and in our unique experience of the season.

The Garden, serving as a metaphor, can help to reinforce this approach to the holiday season. As this is a time of change in the seasons, so too is it in the garden. Next time you find yourself in a garden, take a closer look. The garden begins at its roots. The plants have a plan of their own, but they too are vulnerable to external influences - the weather, the soil and even us. Using our gardening knowledge, we sow the seed, water it, expose it to just the right amount of sunlight and nurture it. Then, the plant takes its course. It may grow large or not at all, sideways or perfectly upright, red when it should have been purple. The organic process at work is one we can scarcely control, plan or organize. Here is where we practice being present to what is, appreciating the innate wisdom of the plant to grow, thrive, or die. Practice being an observer in the garden - not just seeing the change occurring, but seeing it as a metaphor to apply to your life.

May your holiday season be like time spent in the Garden: peaceful and reflective. May it be full of deeper connections, meaningful conversations, and memorable moments. Happy holidays.

Gift Giving in Honor of Shakti Rising

Give a meaningful holiday gift that will show how much you care while taking a stand for women and girls and promoting social change.

100 DOODLES

What do Tom Hanks, Tom Brokaw and Tom Friedman have in common?

All three are featured doodlers in the book 100 Doodles: Celebrities Celebrate Shakti Rising.

Your purchase of this book does double duty: it is a perfect holiday gift AND 100% of the proceeds benefit Shakti Rising! To place your order online or for a complete list of celebrity doodles, click here.

 

ECOLIPS

For each organic Vanilla Mint Shakti Rising lip balm purchased online, Ecolips donates $1 to Shakti Rising.

Enjoy healthier lips while supporting healthy communities!

To place your order online, click here and scroll down to Shakti Rising's Lip Balm.

 

SHAKTI RISING STOCKING STUFFER

Honor your loved ones this year by making a donation directly to Shakti Rising in their name. Investing in the lives of women and girls is a beautiful gift, which initiates a cycle of personal and social change. To receive your festive Stocking Stuffer, send a check of the desired gift amount to Shakti Rising along with a note with the name of the person being honored and the address of where to send the stuffer:

Shakti Rising P.O. Box 4428 San Diego, CA 92164-4428