Dear Friends,

 

As the calendar turns to mid-April, we find ourselves at a crossroads between seasons. The earth is waking up, and so are we. There’s a sense of renewal in the air—a call to action and an invitation to reflect. It’s a time of growth—of both the flowers that bloom and the hearts that continue to heal.

 

Walt’s Waltz began as a tribute to a deeply thoughtful, gentle soul. Walt’s favorite rhythm was the waltz—steady, elegant, and full of quiet emotion. It was a reflection of his heart. And yet, as is often the case for many Highly Sensitive People (HSPs), the pace and pressure of the world around him didn’t always match his inner rhythm. He was a beautiful fit for the world we long for—one with more empathy, integrity, curiosity, and care—but that world didn’t always make space for him.

 

HSPs make up nearly 20% of the population, and still this personality trait remains too often misunderstood or unrecognized. We didn’t see sensitivity as a weakness—far from it. But we wish we had known more about the power it holds. Sensitivity, when embraced, is a profound strength—a source of insight, intuition, deep creativity, and emotional connection. Knowing this earlier might have changed how Walt—and so many like him—felt supported, valued, and truly seen.

 

That’s why I cannot stress enough the significance of Dr. Tracy Cooper’s visit to open May. His presence is a gift to HSPs, to parents, to educators, to employers, and to anyone who wants to better understand how to support and celebrate this trait—not to diminish it. My hope is that you’ll join us and bring someone you care about. When we better understand who we are and how we move through the world, we can begin to find our own rhythm. For Walt, it was the waltz. What’s yours?

 

This week and next, we are preparing for numerous events that carry us forward. Each one is a step toward connection, compassion, and deeper understanding. We invite you to be part of it. With deep gratitude—always.

Spartanburg Art Museum 

Gentle Giant by Nick Burns aka Ninja Pissaco

Join us!

 

Transcendence:

examination of the spiritual, mental and physical struggles of humankind.

 

04.17.2025 @ 5-8PM During Artwalk

Refreshments | Artists' Talk @ 6:30

 

As Always!!  FREE ADMISSION

​Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm

 

It’s almost time for the event many of you wait for all year—our 5th Annual Walt’s Waltz Raffle Rouser! This is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and it’s how we keep going. Every dollar raised powers the heart of our work.

 

 

 

Community Cookbooks that gather stories, recipes, and connection

Live concerts and art exhibitions that open eyes and hearts

Book talks for thoughtful, stigma-free dialogue

Tabling events and presentations in schools, workplaces, and community spaces

Resources and outreach for those seeking a safe place to land

And so much more 

 

And here’s the part most people don’t see—staffing these events, answering emails at all hours, ordering supplies, forming community partnerships, writing grants, keeping things moving behind the scenes… this raffle helps fund all of it. The quiet work that makes the public magic possible.

 

 

May 2, 2025 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To deepen the conversation ahead of the event, Walt’s Waltz will host a casual book discussion on Dr. Tracy Cooper’s book, Empowering the Sensitive Male Soul. Sign up HERE to join our virtual meeting on April 24—is a great opportunity to explore themes of high sensitivity, masculinity, and self-growth in a relaxed setting.

 

Grab a copy of Empowering the Sensitive Male Soul (available on Amazon) and other online book stores. Like to listen? The audio book is also available.

Share your thoughts, ask questions, and connect with others interested in this important topic. 

 

 

 

Walt's Waltz is excited to attend. We will share resourse materials along with  our friends from NAMI Spartanburg, MHA, and others to support mental health.