NOTES TO A LITTLE BIRD: RECLAIMING CIVIL SOCIETY by Richard Silvia
Notes to a Little Bird: Reclaiming Civil Society —It’s something different, more like a journal for our time. Notes to a Little Bird is a heartfelt collection of reflections meant to restore connection, courage, and common sense in an increasingly divided world.
“Dear Little Bird,
Close your eyes and picture a world where every nest is safe, every sky is open, and every song is heard. Hold onto this vision it is the blueprint for your flight. A bird must first imagine the horizon before it soars. Vision is the wind beneath our wings, lifting us from what is to what could be.
—In shared humanity, your kindred spirit”
Blending personal anecdotes, sensory experiences, and timeless wisdom, Silvia speaks directly to the “Little Birds” —those who seek a life beyond the status quo. Inspired by historical works like Thomas Paine’s Common Sense and George Washington’s Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior, this book is an invitation to slow down, embrace empathy, and rediscover the beauty in everyday moments.
INTRODUCTION
Dear Little Bird,
I received your inquiry and I must say, it landed softly yet
stirred a gust of thought. You asked for guidance, for a
voice to help navigate the noise and extremes of today’s
world. In response I offer you these notes —a collection
of observations, stories, and quiet revelations.
You should know this book is not a lecture but a
conversation. It’s a collection of moments that invite us to
slow down, breathe, and notice the details —the warmth
of morning light through a window, the rhythm of rain
against the sidewalk, the courage it takes to speak your
truth even when the world feels unsteady. It’s all about the
beauty found in the ordinary and the wisdom nestled in
simplicity.
Everyday courage is often silent. It’s found in the way we
choose kindness when anger tempts us, in the patience we
extend to ourselves when life feels hurried, and in the
strength to remain gentle in a world that often rewards the
loudest voices. This book will not promise you all the
answers, but it will provide a lens through which to see
the questions more clearly and as a compass to help you
find your own way.
Use your voice, Little Bird. Not to echo the clamor of the
world but to share your song —the unique melody only
you can offer. ‘Notes to a Little Bird’ aims to be a modern
resource, blending timeless principles with fresh
innovative thinking. It’s a call back to critical thinking,
practical wisdom and the deeply human need for
connection and understanding.
My hope is that these pages become a companion to you,
offering not just solace but practical tools to navigate
life’s complexities. Whether it’s finding balance amid
extremes, reclaiming life’s meaningful moments or
cultivating an updated skillset for today’s fast world, I
believe this book has something to offer to every reader.
Let’s explore together with curiosity and courage what it
means to live a life not just seen but truly felt.
—In shared humanity, your kindred spirit
Whether navigating uncertainty or longing for deeper connection, this book offers a guiding voice—one that whispers, in a world of noise, that we are never truly alone.
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Author Bio:
Richard Silvia is a writer, poet, singer-songwriter, and founder of YesRising, a platform dedicated to fostering compassion, creativity, and social change. Through his work—including Cultivate Curiosity, the Radically Relevant newsletter, and The Rick Eva Music Project—he explores themes of resilience, kindness, and the power of collective humanity.
A lifelong advocate for empathy in action, Richard’s writing blends personal reflection, cultural insight, and timeless wisdom, offering readers a guide to reimagining a more thoughtful and just world. His poetry and music often serve as extensions of his storytelling, weaving emotion and insight into lyrical expressions of hope, transformation, and social unity. Notes to a Little Bird continues this mission, inviting us to slow down, question assumptions, and reclaim the deeper connections that shape civil society.
He lives with a passion for words, melody, and the belief that small acts of courage create lasting change.
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