Wonder & Hope at Harpswell

When I first began working at The Well in May of last year, I never could have imagined that eight months later I would be traveling across the world to Cambodia with Stacy Sims, Founder and Executive Director, to lead a curriculum that I had created.

One of my first tasks at The Well was to create a workbook centered around the theme of wonder and the universe. The workbook was to be used as a guide to take students on a journey of discovery through our galaxy as they ponder life’s questions using art, science, and movement. This workbook would be part of a larger project entitled, The Wonder Commission.

The Wonder Commission is a new music commission of The Well, composed by Dr. Brian Raphael Nabors and performed by the Antigone Music Collective. Inspiration for the new music emerged from Nabors' conversation with writer, physicist, and professor at MIT, Alan Lightman. The music also integrates the voices of youth from UpSpring Summer 360 camp for unhoused youth reading their questions about science, wonder, and hope.

So why Cambodia and why Harpswell?

This was Stacy's 12th time traveling to Cambodia to lead mindfulness and wellness practices for youth and adults. She had become familiar with The Harpswell Foundation through Alan Lightman, the founder of the organization. The Harpswell Foundation is dedicated to empowering young women in Southeast Asia by providing access to higher education and a supportive community.

In Cambodia, the gender gap in education remains a significant challenge, with nearly 34% of women having no formal schooling and just 18% completing upper secondary school or higher. This disparity results in fewer economic and leadership opportunities for women, limiting their voices in social and political systems. Harpswell addresses this issue head-on, offering a pathway to education, training, and leadership for women who may otherwise be excluded. Through this support, the foundation is nurturing a new generation of women leaders capable of creating positive social change in their communities and beyond.

Stacy and I led two mindfulness sessions for about 70 young women residing in the Harpswell dormitories. Through these sessions, the women reflected on themes of wonder and curiosity, exploring the potential of their futures and the possibilities available to them. They drew planets of hope, wrote inspiring poems, and meditated on thoughts of a better and brighter tomorrow.

Not only did these mindfulness exercises help build resilience, encouraging laughter and sisterhood, but they also reinforced the idea that curiosity and wonder can lead to positive change in their lives.

My time in Cambodia was a beautifully inspiring experience and one that I will carry with me throughout the rest of my life. I was met with great kindness, strength, and resilience by the young women and teachers at Harpswell. Their energy and light radiates positivity and hope.

By nurturing wonder and curiosity, these young women are envisioning a limitless future—one where they are equipped to become the leaders and change-makers that this world needs.

To learn more or to donate please visit their website here!

Group photo with Harpswell

Charli Littleton leading Harpswell students in a guided meditation

Group movement games and play

Students creating their own galaxy of hope

Galaxy words of wisdom

Group shares galaxy designs with Stacy Sims

Wonder poem written by students

Ending the session by building a connection link