The Why, What, and Who of RE-HAT ©
Why RE-HAT?
I created Reading Experiences for Hope and Transformation
(RE-HAT) to support the spiritual literacy development of adults and children through the power of poetry and story. RE-HAT focuses on ways that we can build more love, kindness, inspiration, peace, hope, and compassion in our lives and communities. If you honor the wisdom found across or underneath multiple faith traditions or spiritual paths, value contemplative perspectives, appreciate accessible and authentic spiritual discussions and resources, consider yourself to be more "spiritual than religious," or are navigating your way through faith deconstruction to reconstruction, I hope you will find
an inclusive and welcoming home in RE-HAT!
RE-HAT offers online meetings and classes for reading, discussing, learning about, and reflecting on our individual and collective spiritual literacy journeys and practices. RE-HAT also provides resources for parents, grandparents, and other caregivers; children's ministry teachers; and educators, youth leaders, or mentors who nurture children's spiritual development or emotional intelligence.
RE-HAT includes multiple components: online community gatherings (book clubs and contemplative sessions) that integrate spiritual literacy practices; 1:1 sessions to learn ways to teach children about spiritual literacy and nurture their social/emotional development; book lists and curricula that detail how to teach children about the Alphabet of Spiritual Literacy; and a RE-HAT blog that includes reflections on and additional resources for the spiritual journey.
What Is Spiritual Literacy?
Theologian and philosopher Andrew Davis explains that "no two spiritual journeys are ever the same, nor should they be." Through spiritual literacy development, we are able to discern truths to illuminate our lives and our unique spiritual paths. As defined by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, spiritual literacy is "the ability to read the signs that point to the active presence of Spirit within and around us. This skill can be applied in all life experiences to discern a world full of meaning and connection." Jay McDaniel defines spiritual literacy as "a kind of emotional intelligence."
RE-HAT focuses on the development of spiritual literacy through reading and discussing poetry, reflections, and children's literature; and implementing spiritual practices connected to the 37 "letters" of the Alphabet of Spiritual Literacy (from Spirituality and Practice). As the Brussats explain, "the 37 letters…are universal spiritual practices in every transformative tradition...Each has been carefully vetted and validated through a deep study of the world's religious, spiritual, psychological, and cultural traditions.”
Through noticing and cultivating the Alphabet of Spiritual Literacy in our own lives and in the lives of others, we can deepen our focus on what is sacred and essential; and further our understandings of what brings us purpose, meaning, and relevance.
Who Am I?
I am Ann Harrington, a former elementary school classroom teacher, reading specialist, English as a second language teacher, and professor of reading education. As I emerge into what Fr. Richard Rohr calls the "second half of life," I am exploring ways to integrate contemplative and other spiritual practices with my passion for and knowledge of
literacy and literacy education.
I have always been an avid reader. I consider reading to be one of my primary spiritual practices, and have found implementing spiritual literacy practices in my own life to be of great benefit. I am currently serving as an emerging spiritual literacy facilitator, an adjunct faculty member teaching children's literature courses, and an adult literacy volunteer. I strive to embody what Parker Palmer describes as an "undivided life" in which I "let my life speak."
RE-HAT 2024
It is my hope that RE-HAT will serve to inspire meaningful and transformative conversations about what really matters in our lives. I want RE-HAT to make a positive "mark" in our world during these challenging and difficult times. In the words of poet A. Shea, "I want to leave my mark, but I want to make it with my heart." For the RE-HAT launch/pilot year (2024), all RE-HAT resources are offered free of charge.
