Beth Backes & Cathy Lee

09/24/24 • 27 min

1 Listener

Finding Your Way: Adoption, Mindfulness, and Poetry
Unraveling the threads of identity, healing, and self-discovery.

Ever felt lost or disconnected? Join us for a transformative conversation that explores the intersection of adoption, mindfulness, and the power of poetry. In this episode, we delve deep into the experiences of adoptees, the healing practice of mindfulness, and the cathartic nature of creative expression.

Our guests, Beth Backes, a certified mindfulness meditation teacher, and Cathy Lee, an English teacher and occasional poet, share their insights and wisdom on finding peace, purpose, and belonging. Discover how mindfulness can help you navigate the complexities of adoption and foster care, and how poetry can serve as a powerful tool for self-expression and healing.

Don't miss this thought-provoking episode. Tune in now!
Creative Content: Poem by Cathy Lee
Is there grace in the silence?
In the pause between clock ticks,
Or when the second-hand pushes us all forward again,
Is that where grace lies?
Is it in the dancing dust particles
Gleaming in the sunbeam?
Is it in the wordless eyes of the dog
Who looks at your face,
Knowing in ways you cannot know?
Is it in the smell
of fresh-cut grass
And the smell
in the binding
Of dried glue
In an old library book?
Is there grace
in the taste of
Bitter and sweet combined?
Is pure sweetness a lie,
not to be trusted?
Is it in the air pulled deep into our lungs,
The soft whish through the nose,
The lift of the chest,
And then it’s heavy fall back
At the end of our exertion?
Is it in the physical pain
From scabbing our knees on the playground,
From falling off our bikes,
The sore muscles when we’ve pushed to the limit,
that reminds us
we are yet still fully alive?

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Finding Your Way: Adoption, Mindfulness, and Poetry
Unraveling the threads of identity, healing, and self-discovery.

Support the show

Previous Episode

Rita Soronen, Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption & Brad Swiniarski

This week, our program brings together two extraordinary people: Brad Swiniarski, a self-taught musician, songwriter, and recording engineer, and Rita Soronen, the President and CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. Rita has dedicated over three decades to advocating for abused, neglected, and vulnerable children, ensuring they find safe and permanent homes. Under her leadership, more than 140,000 children in foster care across North America have found forever families.
Brad, moved by Rita's life-changing work, composed a song called "My Welcome Mat," which beautifully captures the essence of kindness and compassion fostered through Rita’s groundbreaking initiatives. Her leadership in child welfare, particularly with programs like Wendy’s Wonderful Kids, has made an immeasurable impact on the lives of countless children.
Join us as Brad shares his heartfelt song, followed by an inspiring conversation with Rita about her lifelong mission to create homes for children in need. This episode is a celebration of music, kindness, and the relentless pursuit of justice for our most vulnerable.
Don't miss this meaningful episode where creativity meets advocacy!
Guest Link:
https://www.davethomasfoundation.org/board-staff/rita-soronen/
Song Lyrics:
MY WELCOME MAT by Brad Swiniarski
Seems that my memory, well, it ain't what it once was. I might be a can short of six.
But I'll always remember us living so lowly. We were hungry, dirty and sick.
If you should ask it I'd tell you the story. Spin you that yarn very long.
But as we're constantly told we are dying alone I'm not up for singing sad songs.
If I had a dollar I'd spread it around and share it with everyone else.
No paybacks required. All debts are retired. If I could I'd lend out my health.
(instrumental break)
Strong talk has tempted and taken you over only to hammer you flat.
Don't be one to spare my front door the wear. Come stepping on my welcome mat.
If smart rains fall steady and break down your chevy, The dough boy keeps poking you back.
And you ain't got the power to pull what you've loaded come stepping on my welcome mat.

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Next Episode

Izze Kaukonen & Wendy McVicker

Looking for an inspiring listen? Tune into the latest episode of The Anna Jinja Show for a powerful journey of self-discovery and creative expression with two remarkable guests: Izze Kaukonen—daughter of legendary guitarist Jorma Kaukonen and member of the band Basket Case—and Wendy McVicker, former Athens Poet Laureate.
Here’s why you’ll want to listen: A Poetic Tribute – Wendy shares a moving poem inspired by Izze’s adoption story that will resonate deeply. Deep Reflections – Hear honest conversations about the challenges of being adopted and finding their place in the world as a poet and musician. Creative Breakthroughs – Learn how these artists overcame self-doubt and embraced their creative passions, both in music and poetry.
Don't miss this inspiring episode that explores the power of storytelling, connection, and self-discovery. Tune in to hear how these remarkable individuals found their home in the world and how they inspire others to do the same.
Guest Links:
https://soundcloud.com/woubdigital/sets/river-of-words-hosted-by-wendy https://jormakaukonen.com/blog/2024/the-river-of-time-just-gets-more-interesting-basket-case-rocks-the-union/
Creative Content: Poem, Three Years Old
Wendy McVicker, Athens' third poet laureate and longtime teaching artist, reads the poem she wrote for Izze during a recent storytelling workshop.
Three Years Old
By age three
the child already
knew how to
raise a glass,
offer a toast.
It was cute.
It was clever.
She was someone
who learned rules,
wanted to follow
them. She did
not want attention
drawn to herself
for “bad” behavior,
tantrums, stubborn refusals.
She wanted harmony,
she wanted peace.
She watched the
grownups, what made
them laugh, what
made them surrender.
She toasted their
brave fortitude in
raising her, opening
their home to
her, welcoming her.
With conditions. Lightning
often flashed. Storms
were never far
from the horizon.