There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
Category Archives: AshleyCooper
15 Years of Writing Publicly
15 years ago when I started this weblog, the fact that I am easily amazed was more evident in an effervescent and silver-lining kind of way. As a 26 year-old school teacher, it felt totally appropriate at the lunch table one day when a 9-year old student looked up at me with wide eyes of knowing […]
Under the Veil With My Tender Heart
There is a tendency inside of me to feel responsible for the world, responsible for the well-being of others. If I can see someone suffering, if I can feel the presence of sorrow, if I can recognize that injustice or unfairness or cruelty is happening, I feel a sense of responsibility to “do something” — […]
Processing: Who Does the Heavy Lifting
We sit in the chairs to get educated. Attentive. Being a good student. Listening for what we can learn. Giving up a whole day of our busy lives — because we know this is important. Truths revealed. Layers of our privilege glaring before us, for us to see. Asked again and again — where is […]
Do you feel this obligation calling to you?
Last week I gathered with 40 practitioners of participatory hosting and facilitation around the above question. Some were like me, stepping into this space with aspects of this inquiry alive in our every day, every breath, burning scars and lighting up paths as we follow our devotion and respond to the world that is, and […]
Reflections on Power: In the Role of a Facilitator & the Body of a White Woman
I recently facilitated a session where someone shared in the closing reflections that they felt dehumanized. For anyone to feel dehumanized by my actions is, for me, a fail. When I mess up, it’s imperative for me to own it, learn from the experience, act differently in the future, and make amends as best as I am able. […]
Re-opening my Life Coaching Practice
The world needs everyone to use their gifts in positive ways. One of my gifts is the ability to be present with people and support them as they navigate the highs and lows of being human. I am re-opening my Life Coaching practice, now offerings sessions where I support people as they connect with their […]