Episode 60 of the Yes! We Rise podcast

In this powerful solo reflection, Christine shares on Yes! We Rise what has unfolded during one of the most difficult seasons of her life. What began as a promising year—healthy, strong, training for her first marathon—shifted dramatically when she developed a sudden cascade of health symptoms that ultimately led to a Lyme disease diagnosis.

At the same time, her family was navigating major transitions with her oldest preparing for college, and her team was facing unexpected federal funding freezes on long-standing projects. The combination became overwhelming, leaving Christine exhausted, disoriented, and unable to rely on her usual anchors.

In this episode, Christine explores:

• The experience of watching her health rapidly change
• The emotional impact of hitting pause on her marathon training
• The grief and pride of parenting a child preparing to leave home
• The strain of major work uncertainties
• Why control stopped working—and what happened when she let go
• How mindfulness, movement, friendship, and creativity supported her healing
• A trip to Florida that became a "reset point" after finishing treatment

A Season of Surrender

Christine shares how this period brought her "to her knees"—but also how surrender became the doorway to trust. By releasing her grip on the outcomes she couldn't control, she discovered unexpected calm, clarity, and a renewed connection to her inner resilience.

For Listeners in a Hard Season

If you're navigating your own challenges, Christine offers this reflection as a companion and reminder: our strength often grows from our struggle, and sometimes the path forward begins with letting go of the reins.

Links & Resources

• Learn more about Yes We Rise: https://www.yeswerise.org
• Join Christine's community work at Dialogue + Design: https://www.dialogueanddesign.com
• Follow on social @yeswerise

In Episode 59 of the We Rise podcast, Christine Gyovai interviews Hub Knott, co-founder of the Living Earth School. They discuss the importance of connecting with nature and community, exploring how these connections foster personal growth and resilience. Hub shares his journey from Baltimore to the wilderness, his experiences with mentors, and the development of the Living Earth School. The conversation delves into the role of nature in healing, the significance of community, and the power of mentoring.

Takeaways

• Connecting with nature fosters personal growth and resilience.
• Community plays a crucial role in individual well-being.
• Mentoring is about drawing out the light in others.
• Nature can be a powerful teacher and healer.
• Building relationships with nature takes time and patience.
• The Living Earth School offers programs for all ages to connect with nature.
• Hub Knott emphasizes the importance of values and a code of conduct.
• Creating spaces for belonging can combat loneliness.
• The power of storytelling in cultural and personal development.
• Nature connection schools aim to make themselves obsolete by integrating nature into daily life.

Sound bites

• "Connecting with nature fosters personal growth."
• "Community is crucial for well-being."
• "Mentoring draws out the light in others."
• "Nature is a powerful teacher."
• "Relationships with nature take time."
• "Living Earth School connects all ages to nature."
• "Values and conduct are essential."
• "Spaces for belonging combat loneliness."
• "Storytelling shapes culture and development."
• "Nature schools aim to integrate nature into life."

Chapters

• 00:00:00 Introduction and Hub's Background
• 00:03:00 Journey to the Wilderness
• 00:09:00 Mentoring and Community Building
• 00:15:00 Nature's Role in Healing
• 00:21:00 Living Earth School and Future Vision

Keywords

· nature connection, community building, personal growth, resilience, mentoring, Living Earth School, Hub Knott, Christine Gyovai

Links from the We Rise conversation include:

· https://livingearthva.org/

Living Nature Connected – link to purchase