Strange fire
Helping Friendly Newsletter, 06.04.21
GM! ☕️
Here’s what you’ll find in today’s email:
Strange fire
Rest as resistance
Personality tests
Summer reading
Rainbow love
1. Strange fire
Sometimes, I feel frustrated and unsure about my response to the world’s injustice and suffering. So, I look to my heroes—an eclectic bunch, heavy on spiritual leaders and artists. In their boldest actions, I see them moving to the wisdom of “softer answers.” This power is a “strange fire.”1
2. Rest as resistance
Naomi Osaka’s brave decision to prioritize her health over her work is a high-profile case study for a theory I’ve shared here before: rest as resistance.
3. Personality tests
If you use psychometrics or personality tests for personal growth or management, it’s good to apply a justice lens. Thanks to Feminist Coach Academy for the free training. I made a sketch note.👇🏼
4. Summer reading
It’s go time, book nerds! For inspiration, you can find my lists here. I also like these collections from the NY Times, Barack Obama, Well Read Black Girl, UC Berkeley, and your high school English teacher.
5. Rainbow love
LGBTQIA+ friends, cheers to a joyful and empowering Pride. I celebrate you!
Thank you for reading
This newsletter is a labor of love. 💌 If you would like to show your support, you can forward to a friend, venmo me a coffee, or engage my services. If you’re seeing it for the first time, you can access the archive or subscribe here.
C’ville walk and talk – 2 spots left!
On Wednesday, 6/16, I will hold a walk and talk day in Charlottesville.This is a great opportunity for inexpensive 1-on-1 coaching. Each 45-minute session will take place while walking—JLP support with the added benefits of ditching your devices and getting some movement. We will depart from Ix Art Park, and you will set the pace. We can stroll, stretch, strut, or stride. Whatever you need.
Treasure chest
I bet you find a gem ➔ a beginning for reparations in Virginia | you’re not lazy, you’re just conflicted | the link between great thinking and obsessive walking | the paradox lurking at the core of SpaceX2 | a fascinating thread by small farmers who feed their staff | the science of awe | the best tweets come from Frog and Toad, so I made you this delightful pairing👇🏼
Have a great weekend! I’ll see you again soon.
Jenny
🙏🏼 to AB, for leading me to this song, and to TM, who infected me with her enthusiasm for Amy and Emily in the first place.
Via Azeem Azhar.