Longing for Homeland

In this episode of Halva for the Heart, I share some tender reflections about home, homeland, and the grief of not quite belonging anywhere. After nearly ten years in Korea, I’ve realized I will always be a guest here—and that realization has stirred up so many questions for me: If not here, then where? What does it mean to feel at home in my body? What does it mean to be a settler on Turtle Island? And can I still call Iran my homeland if I’ve never truly known its land?

Throught the episode, I read from Stephen Jenkinson’s Die Wise and talk about how his words opened up new ways of thinking about home, land, and obligation. I also share stories from grief circles and community conversations, where we explore how food, seeds, and even longing itself can be ways of being in relationship with the land we come from.

If you’ve ever wrestled with homesickness, with the ache of displacement, or with the question of how to pass something on to the next generation—you’re not alone. This episode is me sitting with all of that, out loud.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Interview with Sama of Reyhan Herb Farm
• Interview with Mina Sharif and her book Your War, Our Lives
• Dard-e Del: a online support space for Iranians in Diaspora ❤️‍🩹
• Die Wise by Stephen Jenkinson
• Nine Keys from Narinder Bazen

If you'd like to share what this episode brought up for you...

• Leave me a 90 second voice note
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Learn more about my work at my website www.hafezdeathcare.com
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🎵 Theme song: 'Lullaby' by Iranian oud player Negâr Boubân