Heart Literacy

I was at a fabulous fundraiser for One World Children's Foundation an NGO that provides administration for 22 international partner-projects including KUDO in Malawi. I heard stories of people moved to make a difference- to provide health clinics, schools, and care for kids all over. I had to reassure myself as they showed desks, books, and crowded classrooms that of course, schools are a crucial way to fulfill dreams, I reminded myself, as I thought of children, adults, midwives, and teachers I'd met in Africa, India and the US who are more literate in ways of the heart than many "educated" folk. They know how to sing, dance, connect to indigenous wisdom, speak from and revitalize their heart in the midst of great material poverty. With amazing happiness they exude rare wealth.

I watch and talk to kids in US schools. Many are unhappy. They don't  even know they've lost ways to deepen or consolidate literacy in their first languages: open hearted movement, voice, story, play and connection. In fact, students not only lose their first languages, they lose heart altogether. Worse, they lose themselves. 

Just think about never being able to speak your own language. Memories, knowledge, connections go dormant. It's like losing home.

I thought about InterPlay and making a difference in the world.

What is it we offer?" I asked myself once more. 

"Heart Literacy" came the answer. "The heart at the center of InterPlay's waving hand."

To be heart literate is to really be in your body, to know who you are and freely offer compassion and creative spirit.

Who is teaching this to our kids?

Some get it in church or synagogue. Some get it from parents. Some are lucky to find it through art, sports, or a mentor.

We in community arts, the mindfulness movement, and mind body awareness know that it is easy and possible to teach heart literacy in just moments every day.

All you need is a heart centered teacher using an open ended practices for heart, mind, and body. Put these together and you people have SOUL.

In the coming year I'll focus on InterPlay as a form of training for heart-literacy for adults and kids of all ages.

Join me?

- Cynthia Winton-Henry <cynthia@interplay.org>

Interplay, Oakland, CA, USA