BODY PEACE WEB

Hi friends, it's K, or Keaton, and this is my Body Peace web.  

It's a unique take on what might typically be a vision, mission, and purpose statement. It recognizes the key tenets—or the branches—that hold up whatever that solid support is, much like the structure of a spider's web. Then, within that web, there are all the little interconnecting pieces resonating throughout, affecting and reconciling with one another in the process.  

I want to start on the outside with those stronger foundations that hold the web in place.

The first is learning from the earth, positioning myself as the earth. This also leans on the second tenet: relating with an open heart—keeping the heart open as we relate to ourselves and others—not just other people, but all forms of life and matter on earth.

These relationships can stir up many things, so it is resonant that on the other side, I have the tenet of turning itch into action. "Itch" is synonymous with inflammation—something that provokes action. Sometimes, this inflammation can pull us into programming that expresses anger in a detrimental way. However, it can also be used to fuel initiatives and ambitions that align with our values. The phrase "turning inflammation into action" acknowledges that inflammation carries energy. If we can redirect that energy into something constructive, then Body Peace can absolutely be fueled by the structures around us that are inflamed.  

A great resource that expands this narrative is the book Inflamed by Raj Patel and Rupa Marya—I highly recommend it.  

The last tenet is handing over power and acknowledging unearned privilege. This is crucial to everything I'm sharing, as I reiterate insights from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color researchers, and those with lived experience on the ground floor. They have so much to contribute to the narrative of decolonization and the fight against white supremacy—structures that are reflected in entities like the industrial food system and beyond. Acknowledging that and continuing to feature and funnel resources to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color and marginalized people—those already doing this research and leading initiatives—is vital. Body Peace can rally around them.  

In terms of the power I have in this kind of space, as someone who is starting Body Peace, I know I am not the first. I may be initiating this space, but I am in very good company, and as someone leading this space, I want the platform to be open, with collaborations that operate with an open-door policy. My opportunities should also be your opportunities. I also recognize that within the larger world, my white privilege plays a role. While that acknowledgment might not always be visible here, it remains an integral part of Body Peace’s foundation. 

Now, moving to the centre of the web—what flows from these tenets—I’ve touched on them a little, but I'll highlight a few.  

From the perspective of learning from the earth—as the earth—the wisdom flowing from nature as nature, we open up in a unique way into various studies of the natural world. These includes plant and animal identification, herbalism, folk herbalism, vitalist herbalism, aromatherapy, and other ways of engaging with nature. Approaching these fields with an open heart allows for a multi-layered experience that fosters self-reflection and creative expression.  

As an early childhood educator—another role I hold in society—I incorporate similar principles into my work. When facilitating outdoor play and eco-pedagogy, I apply an environmental lens to teaching, considering why we teach a certain way and what we are actually teaching. That is what pedagogy means. Exploring gardening, ecology, land connection and stewardship with young children through this open-hearted lens excites me.  

When it comes to relating to ourselves with an open heart, there's space to accept our needs and accommodations. In this way, we continue learning from the earth. Just as nature moves through seasons, we cannot be active all the time. Observing animals and ecosystems teaches us wisdom about cycles of rest and action.  

Acknowledging ourselves and our needs means allowing for accessibility, accommodations, and space for emotions as they arise. Regulation happens with others and with nature—especially nature. This ties back to the connection between learning from the earth and keeping the heart open.  

Regulating in nature and with nature in mind also connects to the tenet of turning inflammation into action. When we acknowledge inflammation and take action—such as disengaging from technology and stepping into nature to reset the nervous system—it becomes part of that process.  

Expanding on the idea of inflammation, we see how it fuels creative expression and self-worth. I spoke about this in another post, where I explored what peace and Body Peace mean to me. Our creative expressions—however imperfect—exist for the sake of expression itself, for witnessing, experimenting, and playing. This happens when we uphold the principle of self-worth and recognize that our experiences are valuable.  

Even discomfort around self-expression can be transformed into action.  

So, this is a loose summary of the web. I hope you enjoy diving into these interconnecting and interdependent structures and intentions for Body Peace. Feel free to add your own—this isn’t just my web; we are building it together.  

I hope that as we grow, we continue to weave more interconnecting threads, reconciling with and resonating through this web.  

ADD YOUR VOICE - WHAT RESONATES FOR YOU?