Earlier this year, we wrote a blog post about the relationship between mycorrhizal networks and trees. The roots of trees need to collect water and nutrients found in the soil to support their health and growth. Mycorrhizal networks accumulate phosphorus and other mineral nutrients that they then share with the tree, and in exchange, the tree provides the mycorrhizal networks with carbon. There are examples everywhere you look in the ecosystems around us of reciprocity and care. At RAVEN, we try to emulate these models of reciprocity with donors and supporters; this is not a one-way relationship. We are an ecosystem of staff, Nation partners, donors, volunteers, and community. So today, we want to share a gift with you to show, in a small way, how much we appreciate everything you do to sustain us. Read on to receive the gifts of self-care and grounding from RAVEN staff.
Jamie-Leigh: Communications Manager
Practices of movement and opportunities to tune in to my physical body are a key way I stay grounded. I really enjoy practicing autonomous ways to move my body in collective spaces, including kettlebell, strength, or mobility group classes. I also love playing outside with my kid and dancing in our living room with him, particularly in the darker winter months when playing outside is less accessible. Some days connecting to my body also means lying on the floor or in the grass in a moment of rest or quite literally “grounding” — this is an awesome way to downregulate for me.
Tara: Development Manager
I like listening to the wisdom of others (particularly elders and matriarchs) to ground myself and remember/reflect on my teachings. My favourite way to do this is through podcasts: All My Relations is my all-time favourite podcast, and Thélá:ylexw awtxw Foundation—The House of Life Givers has a new series called Meet Me at the Mic, hosted by Carrielyn Victor, where they interview Stó:lō matriarchs.
Emily: Executive Director
Most mornings, before emails and meetings begin, I take a few minutes to ground myself in music. I start the day with sounds that help me settle, breathe, and reconnect to my purpose. This small ritual gives me clarity and steadiness, and it shapes how I show up in the work and in community. Some Indigenous artists I’ve been listening to recently are Black Belt Eagle Scout, Xiuhtezcatl, and Ribbon Skirt.
Carly: Director of Development
Lying on the ground helps me feel grounded because I can feel my heartbeat against the soil; it has a somatic effect. I also try to take myself out of my busy mind through acts of service to others, which grounds me with empathy and helps my true self shine through the noise.
Sarah: Communications Specialist
When I need to unwind, I like to spend a few hours cooking. The act of chopping vegetables and following a recipe (or making it up as I go) has a way of grounding me. And there’s the added bonus of getting to eat when I’m finished. During this time of the year, I love making soups. They’re cozy and warm, and they make leftovers! I’m currently loving this Hungarian Mushroom Soup and this Curry Cauliflower Soup. I also love spending time by the ocean. The salty air and the sound of the waves are so soothing. I’ll take deep breaths to help regulate my nervous system, and I’ll think about how grateful I am for this beautiful place I get to call home.
Emma: Operations Manager
Sometimes life feels really busy, or I get overwhelmed. Many times, when I’ve been travelling or thrown into new environments, it can be very difficult to self-soothe and find a place to rest. Especially during times of life upheaval, I am drawn to bodies of water. If it’s a private spot, I like to sing songs by the water related to gratitude or strength. I like the way the sound reverberates, and how it feels like having a conversation. I am not religious, but it is a form of prayer and manifestation when all else fails. Singing or humming can stimulate your vagus nerve, which helps with emotional and physical regulation. Hearing running water offers similar effects, so why not combine them for maximum regulation!
Levin: Campaigns Manager
I’ve always needed physical activity in my life to feel grounded. I’ve recently transitioned from rock climbing to trail running, which feels incredible for completing stress cycles in my body. I love being able to explore different places, literally travelling over landscapes with my own two feet. It’s amazing how versatile and easy it is for me to go running — all I need is a pair of running shoes and a mental problem to solve through my head (or 500 problems) to get myself out the door. Whether it’s in the city, in a forest, or up a mountain, this new practice has truly helped me ground myself in my own body, my own emotions, and the lands that Indigenous Peoples have managed for abundance since time immemorial. I’m so grateful to have found this beautiful and challenging sport that really suits me and my body.
Karissa: Digital Content Specialist
My grounding activities involve anything that allows me to be in my body and alert to my senses. I feel most grounded when I’m doing martial arts, yoga, making art or being out in nature. In the age of social media and algorithms, we have become more disembodied than ever, with rich in-person interactions being replaced by exchanges through a screen, which lack critical verbal and physical cues. Our minds and bodies are being occupied by algorithms and engagement, at the expense of real-world sensations. Being grounded is an act of rebellion. A reclaimation of mind, body, and spirit. It’s no wonder Indigenous communities keep saying that connection to the land, culture, and nurturing a village shapes a person’s well-being. We’ve been so disengaged from those roots; it’s time for us to reclaim our sovereignty.
Julia: Operations Specialist
I ground myself by spending time outside, alone with my dog Phoebe. Outside, I always feel that I have the space to breathe deeply and mentally sort through my thoughts in a calm environment. Here, any worries I have feel lighter. I am able to separate myself from them in ways I struggle to when I am indoors or in crowded, chaotic environments. I enjoy finding “hidden gem” hiking trails, far from crowds or roads. Phoebe gets to run off-leash freely, and I feel only the presence of the flora and fauna around me. Outside, I feel joy in the smallest of things: the banana slugs moving leisurely, the sparrows frantically jumping between branches, the waves lapping at the sand. It connects me back to the work we do and a piece of what we are helping to protect.
We hope you enjoyed learning about our self-care and grounding practices, and that maybe you’ll try out one or two of them for yourself. As you can see, a common thread that weaves its way through our practices, whether we realize it or not, is connecting with and spending time outside. That is why it is so important for us to support Indigenous sovereignty and stewardship of the land; we all benefit from the protection of the forests, rivers, oceans, and shores. When we take care of our ecosystems, we are taking care of each other. We are so grateful for your support this past year, and we hope you’ll be able to take these practices of care forward with you into the new year.
