Helping & Healing

Find Calm, Reach Out, and Then — Do Something Brave

Tuesday’s election was historic and the entire world is feeling it. As social media lights up and financial markets react and politicians, celebrities, and our friends and family express how they are feeling and what they are imagining for the future, let us take a moment to…

Find calm

Pay attention to others

And show our children what true Courage and Resilience looks like.

If we are shocked about the election, then there is something that we missed – something we didn’t expect – someone we did not talk to – and some connection we still need to make. We owe that to our children.

We cannot rely on social media, our favorite news outlet, charismatic celebrities, or religious leaders to “explain” this election to us. It is up to us to learn about each other, to learn about our country, to ask questions, and to listen.

One thing I know is that the people who listen to our Sparkle Stories all have dreams for a better world and they all hope their children can thrive, serve others, and feel at home wherever they are.

The children who listen to our stories live in every state of the United States, and in many countries of the world. They hear how Martin wants to make something beautiful and how Sylvia wants to help someone in need. They hear in So Many Fairies how the natural world is both precious and resilient. They hear how the Willowbee children empathize and connect with any animal anywhere on the planet. They hear how a mix of immigrants, Native Americans, and pioneers can overcome differences and create a life together in Dry Gables, South Dakota.

And we know that the people who listen to Sparkle Stories voted for Clinton and Trump and Johnson and Stein. In Sparkle Land, all are included.

We are here for you – all of you. Stories can help cultivate the calm you are seeking, help create compassion and empathy for those we don’t understand, and help you stand up for what you believe in.

Here are three stories that I think can help start this process.

They will land you in the present and so that you can see what is happening right now. They will help you reach out to others and listen. And they will help you to be truly brave and to be a part of the solution.

What's So

Thomas is a squire feels that the knight he serves lacks adventure, glory and riches, as he spends his time caring for the poor and needy. But soon he comes to deeply respect him and his ways.

23 min

6+

The Fischer from the Top Branch: A Story of Healing After an Election

This is a story about a difficult and hurtful election and the kind of empathy and courage it takes to heal and unite a community when the election is over.

24 min

5+

Tadodaho and the Great White Pine: A Story About True Leadership

This is the story of how the Iroquois Nation came to be and how peace, compassion, and unity is stronger than fear, violence, and war.

12 min

7+