If you've been on a recent WholeHeart call or event you may have been asked to share a salient identity - an identity that shows up for you or feels relevant at a given point in time.

This invitation is rooted in a practice to celebrate our layered and dynamic selves and makes space for presence and opportunity to build authentic community as we share together.

Salient identities: Strong, Mother, XC Skier

This weekend I found myself noticing, and celebrating the layers of being in relationship to place. I was outside and with friends xc skiing in brilliant sunshine. Sap flowing in the trees and my heart pumping as I pulled my baby in a snow chariot up yet another hill. I felt strong, alive and alert, fully drinking in the moment. On the next lap I snapped this photo.

Salient identity: Poet, Seeking Soul, Introvert

Remembering a moment not long ago, maybe a month's time? It was the same hill, at dusk. Blues and purples fading to dark gray and navy, shadows and a dark quiet sky. I was moving slowly, lightly, the sound of skis meditative as I reflected on the peace of the moment and a clear mind. I later penned down this poem.

Whooo shah

Whoo - sha.

whoo - sha,

who - shahh

Shouldered by trees

Night softly falling

Me and

cross country skis

waift into dark.

It is cold and I

am warmed all over

The heart is powerful

above all things

For next month’s blog we'd like to share a round of salient identities from our community. Would you like to participate?

Here's how:

Share a picture and/or a brief description (1 or 2 sentences) sharing a salient identity you are holding lately. Email them to me: Natanya@wholeheartinc.org by April 1st.