Revolution, Resilience, and Sacred Spaces:
Nurturing Peace and Connection in Challenging Times
*This is written from the perspective of my spirituality and faith, with respect for all faith traditions. I believe that our faith plays a vital role in upholding our humanity, whether as Montessorians or practitioners in our respective fields.
At times when it feels like the world is crumbling around us, when we feel as though we’re drowning in a sea of challenges, it’s hard to find joy in our work—especially work that aims to make a profound impact. But even in these trying moments, we cannot afford to despair. Instead, we must lean on each other, cry, scream, lament, pray, dream, take action, and, when possible, celebrate.
As we continue to work toward positive change, whether through Montessori principles or other practices that promote peace and mutual respect, we can hold onto values that uplift us and drive revolutionary change.
I’ve written before on my Substack about the revolutionary spirit shared by The Young Lords and Dr. Maria Montessori. Both of these movements—though distinct in their approach—advocated for deep social change.1 A pivotal moment in the documentary about The Young Lords captures Felipe Luciano’s perspective: "Fundamentally, I am a revolutionary. I believe in dressing nice, taking vacations, taking care of your children, and buying houses. Revolution is not about those things. Revolution is about changing the class, caste, and race system of the United States—that's what it's about..."2
In 2025, the empire continues to wield its power in ways that oppress, dehumanize, and disregard the hard-working individuals striving for a sustainable life. The empire also seeks to erase the histories and truths of the African and Latinx Diasporas in the Americas. It strives to dismantle movements that have fought against slavery, colonialism, and for working-class rights in the face of tremendous adversity.3
History has a way of repeating itself, and power can take many forms—"snakes in suits," as I heard at an AMS conference a year or two ago. I'll track down the reference and share it in the comments section.
As an educator and person of faith, I strive to live with humility—honoring the presence of others and creating a space where people feel both heard and seen. In my work with children, I believe in following the child, respecting their individual growth, and nurturing their natural curiosity. This approach resonates deeply with the words of Matthew 18:3-5 (NIV):
“…Whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.”
This scripture reflects a posture toward children that emphasizes welcoming and respecting them as fellow humans. It calls us to reject oppressive systems—no dictatorship, no oligarchy, no machismo. It invites us to honor our ancestors and elders and guides us toward the essence of true civility within our culture.
In my Boricua heritage, the Taíno people, part of the Arawak language group, held a profound connection to life, nature, and the interconnectedness of all things. Their worldview was rooted in humility, respect, and the sacredness of life. Central to their way of life was the sense of community, where the presence of others was considered sacred. As Jorell Melendez-Badillo writes in Puerto Rico, “While there may have been tensions between some caciques (chiefs), others were united by friendships, familial bonds, and networks that transcended the insular borders of Borikén. In fact, these communities likely saw oceans, rivers, and other bodies of water not as frontiers but as pathways.”4
This spirit of community and connection is something I carry into my work as a Montessori Parent Coach. Just as the Taíno people recognized the importance of bonds and networks, I too focus on fostering strong familial connections through personalized 1:1 coaching, parent engagement, Montessori home design, and collaborative workshops with schools. My mission is to amplify the inherent gifts and wisdom that families already possess, using Montessori education as a framework to celebrate each child’s milestones and create a nurturing environment for growth. This work, through Heketi House/Montessori, honors the idea that a strong, interconnected community is key to the well-being and success of every child.
At Heketi, meaning "one," we embrace unity without uniformity, celebrating diverse cultures with a focus on BIPOC families. This vision is deeply rooted in my Boricua and Taíno heritage, which values respect for nature, community, and interconnectedness, shaping our worldview.
We, Boricuas proudly say, "Somos Taínos." Chief Jorge Baracutei Estevez of Higuayagua, a Taíno organization, highlights that the Taíno were not exterminated and played a key role in the formation of island nations. Discovering this history is like finding a long-lost relative. The Taíno’s influence is reflected in our language, traditions, and culture.5 It has been revealed that many in the Puerto Rican diaspora, along with Dominicans and Cubans, have Native American roots.
The Taíno Baby symbol, central to my logo, represents my connection to the land and my heritage. As Maria Montessori said, “Education must start from birth,” and this philosophy is embodied by the Taíno Baby, reminding us of our responsibility in nurturing young minds.
In The Best Weapon is Peace by Erica Moretti. Moretti explains, “Montessori believed education must be understood as a tool to prevent, or at least halt, the gradual deterioration of a child’s physical and mental wellness.”6
It’s ironic, then, that in 2025, our current empire is pushing to dismantle the Department of Education.
Montessori’s approach emphasized that children are not passive recipients of knowledge. Instead, they are active participants in their own development, coming into the world with an intrinsic ability to absorb and organize experiences. This approach echoes Jean Piaget’s constructivist theory, which sees children as active constructors of their understanding, not blank slates.7
In a world where an empire disregards humanity, provoking fear and uncertainty, our children are watching, listening, and learning from us. It is our responsibility to model faith, peace, and the sacredness of belonging. As Dr. Montessori once said, “If we are among the men [everyone] of goodwill who yearn for peace, we must lay the foundation for peace ourselves, by working for the social world of the child.” (International Montessori Congress, 1937).
This quote highlights the crucial role we play in shaping the next generation. The actions we take now—especially in how we care for and educate children—will determine the peace they inherit. We must create environments of goodwill, understanding, and harmony for them, which will ultimately lead to a more peaceful world.
Kat Armas, author of Abuelita Faith and Sacred Belonging, captures this beautifully in her blog, The Undoing of Empire: “Empires always ask us to look up—to thrones, to banners, to the illusion of greatness. But the kingdom of God asks us to look closer. It is there, in the hands of women baking bread, in the small and unseen work that sustains life. It surprises us in its simplicity, its humanity, and it always leaves us with more than enough.”8
This imagery invites us to shift our focus to the intimate and precious moments—like women baking bread—that sustain life in simple yet profound ways. God's beautiful creation is reflected in these small acts.
Maria Montessori, too, was not shy about her faith. In her writings, she shared how a passage from the prophet Ezekiel, given to her by her assistant, deeply impacted her: “I will send the spirit into you and you shall live.”9 She saw her educational work as part of a divine mission to foster peace, to create environments that allow children to grow into compassionate, responsible adults. Her “cosmic education” instilled respect for life and a sense of interconnectedness.
“The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind [humankind].”
The Absorbent Mind by Maria Montessori
During this season of Lent, as Joel D. Aguilar Ramirez, PhD in Practical Theology, shared, we are often “reminded of our humanity.”10 Montessori, too, grounded her work in the essence of humanity—honoring and respecting the child. Imagine a form of resistance where we honor and respect one another, where we serve each other without hierarchy, creating a community that celebrates our unique gifts. A community led by truth, rooted in peace, and driven by love.
As we reflect during this season, we continue to anchor our hope in the things that liberate humanity—whether through a higher power, poetry, meditation, or community. Our stories hold power for preservation, and the memories of what is true can never be taken away. As my dear husband, Boricua theologian, writer, street photographer, and amazing father to our beautiful children, wrote, “Our stories are powerful. They are acts of resilience, creativity, and faith that defy the forces of erasure. To reclaim our stories is to reclaim our identity and dignity. It is a journey of remembering who we are, resisting systems that demand our silence, and rebuilding spaces where our voices are valued. As we continue to tell our stories, build communal memory, and challenge oppressive narratives, we contribute to a vision of justice and reconciliation that reflects the fullness of God’s kingdom—a kingdom where every story matters and every person is honored.”11
Action for Families: "Create Sacred Spaces for Connection"
In honor of our culture's worldview and the principles of peace and community, we can create regular sacred spaces to connect with each other and with nature. This could be a weekly or monthly tradition where everyone gathers to share stories, reflect on their experiences, and honor each other's presence—without judgment or distractions. Take time to engage in simple, meaningful activities that nurture curiosity, like nature walks, collaborative art, or cooking a meal together using locally sourced ingredients to practice building bonds that transcend daily life, honoring both the earth and each other in a spirit of humility and respect. By engaging in these practices, we can actively contribute to the nurturing and peaceful development of the next generation, fostering a space for shared understanding and growth.
Join Our Sabiduria (Wisdom) Circle!
If you're in the DC Metro area and looking to connect with other parents of children (babies to age three) or expecting, we’d love for you to be part of our upcoming gatherings! Whether it’s an outdoor nature walk, cooking together, sing-alongs, music and movement, or sharing stories over Zoom or in person, we have something for everyone.
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Rivera, F. (2024, October 3). The Revolutionary Spirit of The Young Lords and Dr. Maria Montessori. Substack. https://open.substack.com/pub/francesrivera/p/the-revolutionary-spirit-of-the-young
How We Occupied a Hospital and Changed Public Health Care | Takeover | Op-Docs. (2021, October 12). New York Times Youtube.
Ortiz, P. (2018). An African American and Latinx History of the United States. Beacon Press. p.1
Meléndez-Badillo, J. (2024). Puerto Rico: A National History. Princeton University Press, p. 1
Estevez, C. J. B. (2019, October 14). Meet the survivors of a ‘paper genocide’. National Geographic. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/meet-survivors-taino-tribe-paper-genocide
Moretti, E. (2022). The Best Weapon for Peace: Maria Montessori, Education, and Children's Rights. University of Wisconsin Press. p. 29)
Kramer, R. (1988). Maria Montessori: A Biography. Hachette Books, p. 326
Armas, K. (2025, January 27). The Undoing of Empires. katarmas.substack.com. https://katarmas.substack.com/p/the-undoing-of-empires
Montessori, M. (1972). The discovery of the child. Random House Publishing Group. p. 29)
Joel Ramírez, J. D. A. (2025, March 7). A Deep Sigh. Substack. https://open.substack.com/pub/joeldaguilar/p/a-deep-sigh
Rivera, R. (2025, March 13). The Cost of Belonging Pt.4. Substack. https://open.substack.com/pub/rchrvr/p/the-cost-of-belonging-pt-four
Now, this is writing and education for resistance.