The Why, What, and Who of RE-HAT ©
Why RE-HAT?
Reading Experiences for Hope and Transformation
(RE-HAT) supports the spiritual literacy development of adults and children through the power of poetry and story. It is my hope that
RE-HAT will promote love, kindness, inspiration, peace, and compassion in our lives and communities. If you embrace the power of creativity, honor the wisdom found at the core of multiple spiritual paths, value contemplative perspectives, or embrace reading and/or writing as spiritual practices, I hope you will explore what RE-HAT has to offer!
RE-HAT includes multiple components:
- Online community gatherings (book clubs, poetry-focused contemplative sessions, and poetry writing groups) that provide opportunities to learn about, reflect upon, and apply spiritual literacy practices in our lives;
- 1:1 sessions and workshops that demonstrate ways to teach children about spiritual literacy through children's literature;
- Book lists and curricula (for parents, grandparents, and other caregivers; children's ministry teachers; and educators, youth leaders, or mentors who nurture children's spiritual development or social/emotional growth) that detail how to teach children about the Alphabet of Spiritual Literacy; and a
- RE-HAT blog that includes reflections on my spiritual literacy journey and resources that I have found to be beneficial.
Currently, all RE-HAT gatherings, sessions, and resources are FREE and offered with love at no charge.
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." I understand spiritual literacy as being the core wisdom found in and across multiple faith and religions traditions, and across multiple spiritual paths.
RE-HAT focuses on the development of spiritual literacy through reading and writing poetry, reading and discussing 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.” In other words, The Alphabet of Spiritual Literacy can play a vital role in our lives regardless of our faith or religious traditions, spiritual paths, or belief systems.
Through integrating and applying the practices or "tools" aligned with the Alphabet of Spiritual Literacy, we can build and enrich our own lives and the lives of others. In so doing, we deepen our focus on what is sacred and essential, and further our understandings of what brings us purpose and meaning.
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 and writer, and consider reading and writing to be among my primary spiritual practices. I have found implementing spiritual literacy practices in my own life to be of great benefit. I currently serve as a spiritual literacy facilitator, an adjunct faculty member who teaches children's literature courses, an adult literacy volunteer, and the facilitator of a spiritual poetry writing group. I strive to embody what Parker Palmer describes as an "undivided life" in which I "let my life speak."