Reconnecting in a Disconnected World: Elizabeth Irwin on Kinward, Spiritual Health, and Community

What happens when spiritual health and civic health begin to reconnect?In Episode 8 of Mill Talk, host Kathleen Prokesch sits down with Elizabeth Irwin, Executive Director of Kinward Center, formerly known as Second Breath, whose offices are located at Revolution Mill.Founded in 1992 as the Servant Leadership School of Greensboro, the organization has spent more than three decades helping people explore meaning, purpose, relationships, and their role within the larger community. Today, Kinward describes itself as a spiritual education center focused on civic health—creating spaces where people can move beyond isolation, polarization, and disconnection toward deeper relationships and meaningful participation in community life.Elizabeth shares the story behind Kinward’s recent rebrand, including how the name reflects ideas of kinship, inward reflection, outward action, and beloved community. She also explains why Revolution Mill became the right home for the organization and how the history and openness of the space support Kinward’s mission of welcoming people of all faiths and no faith.The conversation also explores one of the defining challenges of modern life: we have more ways to communicate than ever before, yet many people feel increasingly lonely and disconnected. Elizabeth discusses how Kinward’s programs create opportunities to slow down, listen, reflect, build relationships, and rediscover the value of genuine human connection.In this episode:The history of Kinward and its roots in Greensboro’s Servant Leadership SchoolWhy civic health and spiritual health are deeply connectedThe story behind the transition from Second Breath to KinwardWhat the name Kinward meansWhy Revolution Mill became the organization’s new homeCreating welcoming spiritual spaces outside traditional religious settingsThe challenge of loneliness, polarization, and digital disconnectionKinward’s Rooted Wisdom experiential learning communityMorning reflection practices and Unplugged TuesdaysPrograms focused on the Enneagram, movement, music, relationships, creativity, and reflectionWhy cost should never prevent someone from participatingThe importance of being willing to see—and be seen by—other peopleWhether you’re navigating transition, searching for deeper connection, exploring your own spiritual life, or simply wondering how to become more meaningfully engaged with the people around you, this conversation offers a thoughtful invitation to reconnect.About Kinward CenterKinward is a spiritual education center in Greensboro, North Carolina, focused on strengthening civic health through spiritual growth, meaningful relationships, reflection, and community engagement.Its offerings include Rooted Wisdom, morning practices, Unplugged Tuesdays, Enneagram programs, relationship workshops, creative practices, movement, music, and other experiences designed to help people reconnect with themselves and one another.Learn more: kinwardcenter.orgAbout Mill TalkMill Talk is a podcast about the people, stories, and connections that make Revolution Mill one of Greensboro’s most inspiring communities. Hosted by Kathleen Prokesch, each episode introduces listeners to the entrepreneurs, artists, business owners, neighbors, and dreamers helping bring Revolution Mill to life.Mill Talk is proudly brought to you by The Health Insurance Shoppe, helping individuals, families, and retirees navigate health insurance with clarity and peace of mind.