Diane Dreher
Seasonal Newsletter: Spring 2023
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Cultivating Your Garden, Cultivating Community |
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As the long dark nights of winter recede, the new spring days bring greater light and life to our gardens. In my yard, there’s a profusion of yellow daffodils, new green leaves on the Japanese maple, golden California poppies, red camellias, and new buds on the roses. |
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In this new season of light, our agrarian ancestors began sowing seeds for the annual harvest. My snow pea seeds have spouted and the seedlings are growing tall. The local garden center is offering warm weather vegetables—tomatoes, squash, and green beans—to set out in our gardens. |
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In this time of new beginnings when many people begin cultivating their gardens, we can also begin cultivating our communities. For as plants need fertile soil, water, and sunshine, we need community in order to flourish. Many of us have lost touch with community during the Covid pandemic. The past few years have seen an erosion of trust in our organizations, communities, and nations(1), as well as a corresponding rise in stress, anxiety, and depression worldwide.(2)
We can begin cultivating community, beginning right where we are by making personal connections not only with close friends and family members but everyone we encounter in daily life. Psychologist Barbara Fredrickson has found that even “micro-moments of connectivity” have a positive effect on us. A simple smile, eye contact, presence, perhaps a kind word to a neighbor, co-worker, or the grocery store clerk—that’s all it takes. These “micro-moment” connections benefit both people—raising our mood, relieving stress, and reducing inflammation to promote greater physical and emotional well-being. And even these small interactions can build community. Fredrickson says that “studies of actual social networks shows that, over time, happiness spreads through whole communities” in a positive ripple effect.(3)
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One of my neighbors has gone even further, setting up a “little free library” in front of her house. Now I enjoy walking down the street with my little dog, Ginny, seeing what books are available and bringing some of my own books to share with neighbors. |
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Each of us can begin cultivating community by greeting people in our daily lives with “micromoments of connectivity.” We can also cultivate our current relationships—by calling up an old friend, sending a card, arranging to meet for lunch or coffee. Then as Spring turns to Summer, we can see our relationships blossom into beautiful new possibilities. |
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(3) Fredrickson, B. (2013). Love 2.0: How our supreme emotion affects everything we feel, think, do, and become. New York, NY: Hudson Street Press. Quote on page 61.
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My Latest Podcasts
I’ve been doing lots of podcasts lately on positive psychology and my new audiobook edition of The Tao of Inner Peace.
Jan 3, 2023.
January 16, 2023.
March 27, 2023.
I look forward to more thought-provoking conversations in the days to come and wish you joy and light in this new season.
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Do you enjoy receiving my seasonal Tao of Inner Peace newsletter in your inbox? Then consider forwarding this newsletter to a friend or relative who might appreciate it as well? Tell them to subscribe here.
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About Diane
I am a best-selling author, researcher, and positive psychology coach. My books include The Tao of Inner Peace, The Tao of Personal Leadership, The Tao of Womanhood, Inner Gardening: A Seasonal Path to Inner Peace, and Your Personal Renaissance: 12 Steps to Finding Your Life’s True Calling.
My coaching uses the latest research in positive psychology, mindful listening, powerful questions, and other creative techniques to help people like you overcome roadblocks, achieve your goals, and discover greater joy and meaning in life. MORE
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Free Coaching Available
Are you looking for the light of greater possibility this season? I’m offering two free positive psychology coaching sessions to the first person who contacts me at this link.
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Certifications
I am an Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF) a leading global organization dedicated to advancing the coaching profession by setting high standards, providing independent certification and building a worldwide network of trained coaching professionals.
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I am also a Certified MentorCoach (CMC) with the internationally recognized coach training community MentorCoach LLC.
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Please forward this newsletter to anyone who might be interested in reading it! |
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Diane Dreher, PhD, PCC, CMC
Diane Dreher Coaching & Consulting, LLC
© Diane Dreher 2022
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