Spaces—public, sacred, natural—are necessary to reflect and dream new ways forward. This four-part live podcast and pop-up art series will follow the seasons of the year and include an exploration of our fears and hopes for democracy. Combining poetic imagination, nature and social impact, Gratitude Blooming is a collaboration among an artist, a poet, and a land steward, three Asian Americans who aim to create sacred spaces that inspire us to notice and name the emotions we hold deep inside and build a better relationship with them. The series seeks to understand how we can better navigate our lives and collective governance with greater intention, compassion and imagination.

As Gratitude Blooming launches into its third season, its overarching theme is “The Plant is Present.” When we are present with nature, even present with a single plant, can we notice its power and beauty? And if we can learn to see the beauty and power in a plant, can we start to see the beauty and power in ourselves, in others around us and democracy as a whole?

• Omar Brownson is a storyteller, poet, entrepreneur and the co-host of the Gratitude Blooming Podcast who builds heartful spaces for a gratitude ecosystem and regenerative economy. 

• Belinda Liu is a nature-inspired visionary, land steward, and the co-founder of Gratitude Blooming who creates new ways of being and belonging. 

• Arlene Kim Suda is an artist and co-founder of Gratitude Blooming who makes art to bring awareness and healing to the world.

Hosted by James E. Herr, Director of the  National Center for the Preservation of Democracy at the Japanese American National Museum (Democracy Center)

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