Dear Reader,
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Happy Pride Month! I just returned from a long-anticipated 3-night camping trip at the Oregon Coast this week and I have some fresh lessons I learned from observing how my girlfriend tended the fire. You see, while we are both equally capable of starting a campfire, albeit with different methods, I have never seen anyone squeeze every inch of fuel out of firewood and burn everything so completely. Her magic lies in the intuitive way she understands what a fire needs and the careful diligence with which she tends the fire. So this trip, I was determined to learn her ways and along the way, drew some parallels to a few life lessons.

Life lessons from fire tending

1. Find like-minded, equally enthusiastic, folks with whom to collaborate. When people with similar passions and motivation get together toward a shared goal, the ability to inspire and support each other is undeniable - just as tucking the pieces of hot coals underneath burning logs and putting hot logs next to each other create helpful hotspots that help the fire keep going and spread to the unburnt firewood. The power of community is undeniable.
2. Fire, like people, needs room to breathe. Fire needs oxygen to burn and a common beginner temptation is placing fuel too closely together and cutting off essential airflow under the illusion that it would grow the fire. People also need space to cultivate their own ideas, examine their convictions, create, and rest, to thrive.
3. Avoid changing too many things too quickly. A novice fire-tender might move too many coals and logs around too fast, which often leads to smothering the fire. When making a change, make small moves and then patiently wait, observe and evaluate. Only when the changes stabilize and you have enough data on the results of your actions should you consider your next move.
4. Know when to stop and admire your own handiwork. At some point, the fire you build will be steady enough to keep going on its own and keep you warm. Stop and take a moment to enjoy the fruits of your labor, especially when the next challenge or idea is on its way.

Thanks for listening to my campfire thoughts. Do any of them resonate with you? I would love to hear your thoughts.

June Happenings:
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1) The next workshop is on Sunday, July 14, from 11-1pm at the ​​Flying Tortoise Academy, ​​located at 4400 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213. Folks have been very excited about what they are learning in the workshops and the feedback has been very positive. Whether you want to bring a friend or come solo, I'm here to answer your personal safety questions and to teach you effective self-defense techniques for your body. Please come try July's workshop and consider sharing my invitation with friends. If you can't make it to this one, August's workshop is on Sunday, August 4. Registration is open for both workshops.

2) 2) Summer Cohort officially start on June 23rd. To accommodate for summer vacation schedules, the term will go to September 15 and there will be at least 20 hours of instruction spread over 12 weeks. Unlike previous cohorts, folks can register for class any time during the term, instead of only at the beginning or middle of the term. For more details, please visit this page. Half and full term enrollment available. Prospective students are welcome to try a free class. Classes are on Fridays, from 6:30-7:30pm, and Sundays, from 9-10am.

Thank you for reading! Hope to see you at a workshop or in the cohort class soon!

Sincerely,

Holly (she/they)
"Self-Defense for Every Body" | ​www.safetogether.space | IG: @hollyempowered​

$0.00 July 2024 Safe Together Workshop Personal Safety Foundations Spend two hours in a safe and inclusive environment learning how to make effective... Read more Get it now!

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$0.00 August 2024 Safe Together Workshop Personal Safety Foundations Spend two hours in a safe and inclusive environment learning how to make effective... Read more Get it now!

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$300.00 Summer 2024 Cohort Course June 21 - September 15, 2024 Learn self-defense techniques and mindset in a safe and inclusive environment. We focus on... Read more Get it now!

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Mark your calendars for upcoming workshops

• ​Sunday, July 14, 11-1pm​
• ​Sunday, August 4, 11-1pm​
• Sunday, September 8, 11-1pm

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