Playing Small ￨ Embodied Expansion

Why do we feel the need to play small in our lives? What keeps us from sharing our gifts and living in our fullness? It turns out that the nervous system impacts our expression more than we might have realized. We’re wired for survival and safety, so stepping outside of the box, even to take a healthy risk, feels deeply dangerous. Knowing this, is there a way to expand oneself while also acknowledging the human need to stay protected? As we wander through the forest, consider your own narrative. Have you chosen to stay hidden? If so, are you ready to emerge into the fullness of who you came here to be? What am I reading?Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness (Book 2: The All Souls Series)https://bookshop.org/a/111301/9780143123620The Black Bird Oracle Deckhttps://bookshop.org/a/111301/9780593976227The Book of Ritual Baths: A Guide to Spiritual Cleansing and Renewal by Chanda Parkinsonhttps://bookshop.org/a/111301/9780738780139https://bookshop.org/shop/witchywomanwalkingWhat’s playing on repeat?Tom’s Diner by Suzanne Vega What’s for dinner? Black Bean Burgers Ingredients2 cans black beans, drained, rinsed, and patted dry1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil3/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper1 cup finely chopped yellow onion 3 garlic cloves, minced 1.5 teaspoons ground cumin1 teaspoon chili powder1/2 teaspoon garlic powder1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika1/2 cup bread crumbs 1/2 cup feta cheese2 large eggs 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce2 Tablespoons ketchup, mayo, orBBQ saucepinch salt + pepperInstructions:Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Spread beans evenly onto a lined baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes until slightly dried out.Meanwhile, sauté olive oil, chopped pepper, onion, and garlic over medium heat until peppers and onions are soft, about 5-6 minutes. Gently blot some of the moisture out. Place in a large bowl or in a food processor with the remaining ingredients (cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, bread crumbs, cheese, eggs, worcestershire, ketchup, salt, and pepper). Stir or pulse everything together, then add the black beans. Mash with a fork or pulse the mixture, leaving some larger chunks of beans.Form into patties, about 1/2 cup of mixture each, about 3/4-inch thick.Place patties on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (191°C) for 10 minutes on each side, 20 minutes total.Serve with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!Hibiscus Tea CoolerIngredients:2 cups hot water1 individual hibiscus bag tea5 cherries, halved1-2 leaves fresh basilicenon-dairy-creamerInstructions: Add tea bag to hot water.Let steep 5 minutes.Place in fridge to let cool.Take glass and add cherries and basil.Add a handful of ice.Pour cooled tea over ice.Pour a little of your favorite nondairy creamer on top. Stir. Enjoy! Why Playing Small is a Modern Epidemichttps://www.catherineplano.com.au/why-playing-small-modern-epidemic/Deborah Harkness: My "get through the season with joy" playlist https://deborahharkness.com/my-get-through-the-season-with-joy-playlist/The Hearth: Join Today!https://thehearth.circle.so/c/invitiationEmail: [email protected] the show