Every day we show up in many different ways. At WholeHeart, we have taken to a practice of inviting the naming of what identities are showing up for us on the inside. This invitation is rooted in a relational intention to celebrate our layered and dynamic selves and makes space for presence and opportunity to build authentic community as we share together.

Salient identity - an identity that comes to play, or feels relevant at a given point in time.

As a follow up from last month’s blog we have voices and photos from the community weaving a web of salient identities. What a comfort to see the humanity that shows up in our collective sharing.

Curator. I cultivate space for people to explore and express, rest and restore, pray and play, give and grow, connect and create. This identity spans my inner world, my wife and child, my youth work, my family & friends, and my online communities
~ Jason Vanderlaan

I am a plant tender. It’s a gift to contribute to the growth of these beautiful green (and sometimes pink!) beings.
~ Olivia Peña

Shadows
Extending welcome
Hesitantly but courageously
Learning to listen
Whether a soft cry
or a voracious roar
Flowing
Deeply from the belly
Where wisdom rests
Reminding me that
you too
are worthy of love

~ Sophia Lloyd

I identify as a tree along the shore. Despite the cold surrounding me, I choose to show my heart. With this, a light is always at my back and my roots stay solid in the earth.
~ Brad Ferland

salient identity - lover. All my wild soft edges want to curl around you, little one. I love being yours, and all that comes with it.
~ Natanya Vanderlaan

Caretaker of roots and leaves - I have sought a sense of belonging and rootedness amidst the complexities of family, ancestry, history, land, culture, and my own socialization. An awakened part of me that I return to is learning from, and caring for, rooted beings and discovering the human/nonhuman connections amidst the dirt and dappled light.
~ nate millarhouse