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The Seedling: Learning to Grow

The Roots of Who We Are
with Anthony
Starting Oct 25, 2026 9PM UTC

About this Session

Once we break through "the shell" (i.e. habits, fears, beliefs, and patterns that kept us stagnant) and begin to sprout, we enter a new stage: Seedling!

Becoming a seedling is the part of our journey of life where we can finally see that something is changing, but we're still figuring out how to stand on our own. We're no longer exactly who we were, yet we haven't fully become who we're going to be. This stage can feel vulnerable because growth requires us to adjust to new environments, build strength, and learn from the experiences around us. We begin to recognize what supports us, what challenges us, and what we need to protect as we grow. Being a seedling reminds us that growth doesn't mean having everything figured out, it means continuing to develop, finding our footing, and giving ourselves grace and the permission to grow at our own pace.

This Session will explore the themes of finding our footing, vulnerabilities during this stage of our lives, and taking the time to reflect on the growth that has happened since we first planted our seeds.

About this Space

Think of life as a tree. We start as seeds, grow from our roots which are shaped by our experiences, and continually strive toward new possibilities. Along the way we experience seasons of growth, change, challenges, and renewal. Reflection allows us to appreciate where we have been, while personal growth encourages us to keep nurturing who we are becoming.

It's not always easy or intuitive to stop and reflect on the people we've become.

We all come from different backgrounds, have had different childhoods, and many of us had complex journeys that got us where we are today.

Yet we're all expected to co-exist harmoniously, be the "best" verison of ourselves, have life figured out by a certain (arbitrary) age, and be good friends, neighbors, relatives, and partners.

It's an interesting dynamic! How can we truly understand the story if we skip the beginning of the book?

This Space is rooted in reflection and understanding. We're going back to the beginning to ask ourselves about the experiences during our formative years that shaped who we are today.

Through intimate, guided conversations, we can speak candidly about the impacts of family influence and our childhood upbringing on our core beliefs and moral compass.

This Space is for you if:

  • You have ever wondered "why am I the way I am" ?
  • You want to reflect on your human experience journey
  • You want to discuss personal growth
  • You want to discuss challenges that helped shape who you are today

Whether you're gay, straight, Black, Latino, non-binary, young, or old - you're welcome to join and have an open, honest dialogue in a safe Space.

How Does it Work?

This is an open, guided discussion led by your Keeper, Anthony. Each participant will have the opportunity to share and listen to others' experiences on childhood, growth, identity, and belonging during this session.

When and How Do We Meet?

We meet digitally via the Totem web app every week. While we appreciate your camera on, they are optional. You're welcome to join from wherever you are and come as you are (i.e. your desk, couch, or even your bed). We do ask that you find a private place to join and/or use headphones to help maintain the respect and confidentiality of everyone present.

Meet the Keeper

Anthony

Los Angeles, CA

Hey, I'm Anthony! I'm a Queer BIPOC man currently residing in Los Angeles, California. Prior to living in LA, I spent a decade in San Diego where I attained my Ph.D. in Epidemiology / Biostatistics from the University of California San Diego. Concurrent with graudate school, I worked as an …

Reach out to the Keeper: anthony@totem.org
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