by Deryn | Nov 1, 2025 | LANDSCAPES OF LIFE, LEARNING JOURNEYS, Real Life, Social History, SPIRITUAL AND EMOTIONAL WOUNDING, TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS
Finding Beauty and Stillness in a Chaotic World In times of chaos and disruption, have you ever wondered how one individual can make a difference in an impossible situation? At a recent conference I attended, one speaker told a story so profound, it left a lasting... 
by Deryn | Oct 19, 2023 | LANDSCAPES OF LIFE, LEARNING JOURNEYS, Real Life, Social History, SOCIAL JUSTICE
I have left this freedom to near the end of the year as it is a complex subject from so many points of view. It was also difficult from a personal point of view, as I had to leave my country of birth for some of the reasons in this article. After this year of wars... 
by Deryn | Aug 28, 2023 | LANDSCAPES OF LIFE, LEARNING JOURNEYS, Real Life, Social History, SOCIAL JUSTICE, TRANSFORMATION
I will explore the ‘Freedom of Association’ this month, another aspect of the US Constitution. This important freedom allows us to form meaningful relationships and activities. We can seek the people and organizations that share our values and beliefs. This is... 
by Deryn | May 22, 2023 | LANDSCAPES OF LIFE, LEARNING JOURNEYS, Real Life, Social History, SOCIAL JUSTICE
This month I am looking at freedom from slavery in its different forms. The abolition of slavery was declared as part of the United States Constitution as the 13th amendment on January 31, 1865. Where people were no longer allowed to own slaves. “Neither slavery... 
by Deryn | Mar 23, 2023 | LANDSCAPES OF LIFE, LEARNING JOURNEYS, Real Life, Seasons of Life, Social History, SOCIAL JUSTICE, TRANSFORMATION
Freedom of religion was one of the founding freedoms of the United States. The Pilgrim Fathers were a radical group escaping from persecution in England in 1620, because they did not subscribe to the structure system of the Church of England, established by Henry... 
by Deryn | Feb 23, 2023 | LANDSCAPES OF LIFE, LEARNING JOURNEYS, Real Life, Social History, SOCIAL JUSTICE, TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS
I recently had to study for my Civics Test to become a naturalized citizen of the US. The history and foundation of the nation were based on the premise of freedom. Two of these freedoms were freedom of expression and thought. These are fundamental human rights...