Pema the Riveter

Proceeds from sales of the print will benefit the work of the Pema Chodron Foundation. Available in signed or unsigned 11x17" prints, or receive a large (5x7") postcard version when you make a $25 donation to the Foundation through this page.

Pema Chödrön, the American nun and well-loved spiritual teacher and author, has been presenting teachings on a gentle but brave-hearted approach to working with life's challenges for several decades. In 2010, Pema taught the Smile at Fear program to an audience of 3,000 (plus 2,000 online participants) in Richmond, California, which is the home of the Rosie the Riveter National Historic Park. Although Rosie the Riveter was a fictitious character, the image of a muscular woman in overalls became an enduring icon for American women's contribution to the work force during World War II, and was popularized in posters, war- bond promotions and the 1942 song, "Rosie the Riveter." During the Smile at Fear program, a participant presented Pema with this poster, showing Pema as Rosie. It is based on the well-known We Can Do It poster from 1942. The original We Can Do It poster was done by J. Howard Miller for Westinghouse. Pema loved the image, and it was included in the March 2011 edition of the Shambhala Sun, which showcased her Smile at Fear teachings, as well as those of Chögyam Trungpa, the author of the book Smile at Fear. In connection with the Smile at Fear program, the poster was changed from the original "We can do it" to "Yes We Can!...Smile at Fear," which is one of the main messages of these teachings. To learn more about the Foundation go to http://pemachodronfoundation.org/