For Stuart Green, the dreaded school run was more than just a daily struggle. It was a painful reminder of his wife's tragic death and a constant fear that lingered long after the initial shock. Nearly a decade ago, Mia MascariΓ±as-Green, a human and environmental rights lawyer, was brutally murdered in the Philippines along with their three children. The family car came under fire, leaving nine bullets on her head and neck. A miracle: the twins, less than two years old at the time, and their older sister, 10, escaped unharmed.
Green's life was forever changed that day. He struggled to come to terms with his new reality, feeling as though he was living in a nightmare from which he couldn't wake up. Books on grief and trauma were little comfort, and he soon realized that the conventional wisdom about inner strength wasn't helpful for him and his family.
The concept of intergenerational trauma resonated deeply with Green. He knew that his children would carry on their mother's narrative, and it was crucial to redefine what that meant for them. As he delved deeper into the impact of her death, he discovered a powerful idea: regeneration. This wasn't about erasing the pain but about transforming it into purpose.
Green's book, The Regenerate Leap, offers guidance to those navigating traumatic crises. It's not just for parents but anyone facing challenges in their personal or professional lives. In his opening chapter, Green calls his book "the manual I could not find." For him, regeneration is about cracking open and releasing dormant strengths that can only be accessed under the intense heat of a crisis.
Green argues that by acknowledging loss and using it as a catalyst for growth, we can transform our vulnerabilities into opportunities. He shares the story of his eldest daughter, Grace Sr., who has grown from a traumatized teenager into a remarkable young woman of purpose and capability. Her therapist described her as "remarkable wisdom, purpose and capability."
The book's central metaphor is that of a pine cone releasing its seeds only under the intense heat of a forest fire. Green sees this as a powerful reminder that crises can crack us open to reveal dormant strengths. By reframing our narrative from victim to author, we choose what those events mean and where they lead us.
Publishing his book has sparked concerns about extra attention at the school run. But for Green, it's an opportunity to challenge himself to accept this as his reality and share it with others. The Regenerate Leap is a testament to the human capacity for resilience and growth in the face of unimaginable tragedy.
Green's life was forever changed that day. He struggled to come to terms with his new reality, feeling as though he was living in a nightmare from which he couldn't wake up. Books on grief and trauma were little comfort, and he soon realized that the conventional wisdom about inner strength wasn't helpful for him and his family.
The concept of intergenerational trauma resonated deeply with Green. He knew that his children would carry on their mother's narrative, and it was crucial to redefine what that meant for them. As he delved deeper into the impact of her death, he discovered a powerful idea: regeneration. This wasn't about erasing the pain but about transforming it into purpose.
Green's book, The Regenerate Leap, offers guidance to those navigating traumatic crises. It's not just for parents but anyone facing challenges in their personal or professional lives. In his opening chapter, Green calls his book "the manual I could not find." For him, regeneration is about cracking open and releasing dormant strengths that can only be accessed under the intense heat of a crisis.
Green argues that by acknowledging loss and using it as a catalyst for growth, we can transform our vulnerabilities into opportunities. He shares the story of his eldest daughter, Grace Sr., who has grown from a traumatized teenager into a remarkable young woman of purpose and capability. Her therapist described her as "remarkable wisdom, purpose and capability."
The book's central metaphor is that of a pine cone releasing its seeds only under the intense heat of a forest fire. Green sees this as a powerful reminder that crises can crack us open to reveal dormant strengths. By reframing our narrative from victim to author, we choose what those events mean and where they lead us.
Publishing his book has sparked concerns about extra attention at the school run. But for Green, it's an opportunity to challenge himself to accept this as his reality and share it with others. The Regenerate Leap is a testament to the human capacity for resilience and growth in the face of unimaginable tragedy.