Libraries, Yoga, and Chapter Book Recommendations with Meg Green!
Lenten Questions, Week 4
As I mentioned at the beginning of Lent1, I’m asking several questions as I move through the season: How do I live and move and have my being? What is mine to do? and How will I remain in my body? With the realization that I’m not the only one asking these questions, I was inspired to invite some friends to join me in the answering. Each week until Easter, I’ve invited different voices to share with us how they answer these questions. I hope you’ll join me as we learn from their stories.
This week I’ve invited my friend, Meg Green, to answer our Lenten Questions. I hope you’ll find some inspiration as you read about the good work she’s doing!
Meet Meg:
Meg is an enthusiastic and adventurous 40 year old, a public educator, and former classroom teacher, who recently delved into the elementary school librarian world. She’s been with Holly’s church in Austin since the early days and is a mom to 2 young kiddos. Her big ideas and creativity can sometimes get the best of her, but her husband Tom keeps her sane and grounded most days.
What is yours to do?
As a school librarian, I’ve learned that my role is to be empathetic and help all of those who come into my space in my school community. I can teach about social justice in an age appropriate way, curate book collections that help kids see themselves and others, and choose read alouds that students may not always choose on their own. I can choose a local bookstore to partner with for fundraising and book local authors to share their writing journeys with my students.
As a parent, I can teach my own kids about diversity, equity, inclusion, and empathy and advocate for their schools support the same things. I can take them to the public library and let them pick out as many books as they can, no matter how loud or wild we may be while we are there. I can volunteer with my son’s PTA to help teachers feel appreciated anyway I can.
At our church and in my community, I can share books I love with others in meaningful ways. In our current political climate, I am thankful to have the friendship and support of likeminded people who are championing the same causes.
How do you remain in your body?
I’ve been practicing yoga now for about 20 years and did teacher training in Austin 11 years ago. I wasn’t able to practice in a studio when I had kids/COVID struck but I’ve made it an intention now to go to a studio once a week. With little kids, I can feel tapped out physically and emotionally. Being outside makes me feel more grounded and able to notice the beauty of my surroundings.
Books I’ve been reading and loving:
I’m currently at TLA and checking out all the new things out in the book world. Dogtown is one of my new recent favorites for elementary aged kiddos, and I got to see Katherine Applegate in person! Her book Odder is also amazing, and the picture book is coming out soon.
Spiritual Direction News & Updates
If you missed the first 3 weeks of the Lent series, you can read you can read Jen Lewis here, Joshua Barrett Tracey here and Ashley Cuellar here!
If you want to stay up to date with my spiritual direction practice and upcoming events you can sign-up for my monthly newsletter for my spiritual direction community at hollyporterphillips.com (scroll to the bottom!).
I’m excited to announce that I’ll be hosting a virtual Eastertide Mini-retreat on May 6th, 7:30 pm to 9 pm CT and May 7, 12 pm to 1:30 pm CT. You can find more information here, and register here!
