Welcome to Empathy & Democracy, a unique live podcast and pop-up art series by the Democracy Center and Gratitude Blooming that is guided by the changing seasons. Join us as we kick off the lunar new year with our third episode, “Holding Space for Space Holders,” which delves into the essence of holding space—creating environments that nurture growth and introspection.

Our guest speaker Angela Oh, a civil rights attorney and ordained Zen Priest says, “Perhaps a meditation practice begins with a nourishing meal and a safe place to rest.” That’s how we will begin this conversation on empathy and democracy. With tea and curated savory and sweet snacks, we will hold a circle to reflect, explore our fears and hopes for democracy, and ask, “How do we want to be and live together?”

This episode will be recorded and space is limited to 35 people.

Guest Facilitators:

• Alex Dorsey: Leadership Facilitator, Executive Coach, and Founder of Urban Collaboratives 
• Angela Oh: Civil Rights Attorney, Zen Priest, and Co-Founder of Go Compassion

Gratitude Blooming Co-Hosts:

• Omar Brownson: Co-host of Gratitude Blooming Podcast, Executive Director of LA Community Garden Council and self-described “everyday creative”
• Belinda Liu: Nature-inspired Visionary, Land Steward of Hestia Retreat Center, and Co-founder of Gratitude Blooming
• Arlene Kim Suda: Artist and Co-founder of Gratitude Blooming

Hosted by James E. Herr, director of the Democracy Center
 

The Plant is Present

By Omar Brownson

Here we are
Lost in the wild
Of climate and inequality
Trying to reconnect
To our humanity
Maybe in the flower petal
We can see our hearts
Maybe in the pollen
We can smell our soul
Attracting
The plant
is present
Here, watching
Listening
Growing, breathing
Still
Imagine flowers
In voting booths
Growing out of composted
Constitutions
Checking the box
To our humanity

Empathy & Democracy is presented by the Democracy Center in collaboration with the Gratitude Blooming Podcast. 

The Democracy Center is committed to expanding conversations that stretch our imagination and understanding of what it means to be part of a democracy. This series presents a unique perspective from which to examine our individual and collective roles in preserving and protecting our democracy.