Summer Read demonstrates we are not separate, we all belong

• By Sarah Sheehan and Heather Woolridge/WITF

“If we got through this past year, we can get through what’s next.” That’s according to much-admired meditation expert and author Sebene Selassie.

WITF Public Media’s Transforming Health project features Selassie’s debut book “You Belong: A Call for Connection” as its 2021 Summer Read.

Reviewed by Publisher’s Weekly as “a powerful work of spirituality and anti-racism,” “You Belong” reveals that accepting our belonging is the key to facing the many challenges currently impacting our world. This year’s A Summer Read selection is an extension of “Here With You,” a special Transforming Health campaign designed to promote physical and mental resiliency during these challenging times.

A Summer Read is a unique community partnership of WITF’s Transforming Health, Central PA library systems, WellSpan Health and Capital BlueCross. Together, they’ve made 633 hard copies and 67 digital copies of the book available to more than 80 participating libraries throughout nine counties. Many libraries are coordinating programs and discussion groups around “You Belong.”

“We’ve been socially distant for so long, it can be challenging to start or rekindle relationships, to feel a part of the community,” said Cara Williams Fry, WITF’s senior vice president and chief content officer. “We are seeking a path to building connections lost, or never begun, because of isolation, partisanship or systemic racism. WITF and Transforming Health are honored to share this inspiring and practical book that offers a map back to belonging.”

A Summer Read culminates with a special event featuring Selassie. “I wrote a book all about how each of us belongs everywhere because, for so long, I didn’t feel I belonged anywhere,” Selassie said. “Over time (and with a lot of practice, including mindfulness), I learned to acknowledge my uniqueness while embracing the truth of my belonging to everyone and everything. My hope is that this book gives people perspective and practices to explore this central paradox: We are not separate, yet we are not the same.”

Readers are encouraged to check out the book from their local library and join discussion groups. “We’re thrilled to include “You Belong” as a PA Forward Health Literacy initiative,” said Karen Hostetter, library manager at Red Land Community Library and library liaison for A Summer Read. “This book will help our readers make informed decisions about their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health.”

At the end of the summer, participants will be able to win one of 30 copies of the book and attend a special private signing with the author at the event on October 11, 2021. Learn more at TransformingHealth.org.