To dovetail on to your piece on families, I find that we are growing and changing into new family structures connected through common interests in an uncommon way. Friendships like ours that span generations feel more comfortable than more traditional groupings.
What draws people together to form some unlikely families of choice? I think it things like common interests and activities but, I think it is much more. It is a new vision with inspires people to be there best selves.
While I am still an undecided in the Democratic race for President. I can't help but admire Barack Obama's ability to bring people together that until recently might not have even shared a cup of coffee. What are the common denominators? Being valued and recognized for individual and collective contributions, perhaps the focus on making the world a better place and having a voice. Clearly imagination and inspiration are the fuels that feed and energize communities allowing them the opportunity of possibility. Love of purpose and love of each other is the result. We do our best work, be our best self when we are part of a supportive community. I am fortunate to belong to such a community---new rules for a new world.
Showing posts with label community. Show all posts
Showing posts with label community. Show all posts
Friday, February 15, 2008
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Holding Space and Gaining Experience
How common is it to hold space for someone you care about? How many of us are really willing to let someone follow their heart when it takes them away from us?
Habits, routines and the simple joys of friendship are missed when people in our lives attend to their own growth as they pursue their desires for self-expression and adventure. Too often, we want to hold onto a relationship rather than hold space for it.
Frequently, a hostage situation occurs when one person's need for growth is to threatening and fearful to another. Gripping on to the relationship because of fear of change holds everyone hostage and ultimately, accomplishes nothing. Selfishly, we don't want to lose the time and experiences shared. When the person is significant to us, we miss them and feel their absence.
Yet, holding the space is a tangible sign of trust. I trust you to do what you need to do, I trust you to honor our relationship and I trust to you to come back and I trust that if you don't return it is for a good reason.
And, upon your return, so much new is added back into the rich soil of relationships providing new growth for all those connected in the web of friendship.
Habits, routines and the simple joys of friendship are missed when people in our lives attend to their own growth as they pursue their desires for self-expression and adventure. Too often, we want to hold onto a relationship rather than hold space for it.
Frequently, a hostage situation occurs when one person's need for growth is to threatening and fearful to another. Gripping on to the relationship because of fear of change holds everyone hostage and ultimately, accomplishes nothing. Selfishly, we don't want to lose the time and experiences shared. When the person is significant to us, we miss them and feel their absence.
Yet, holding the space is a tangible sign of trust. I trust you to do what you need to do, I trust you to honor our relationship and I trust to you to come back and I trust that if you don't return it is for a good reason.
And, upon your return, so much new is added back into the rich soil of relationships providing new growth for all those connected in the web of friendship.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Simplicity
Ahhh, have we arrived at the time in our evolution when gift giving is not about going into debt to pay for things people really don't want or need. Perhaps, the Christ we seek to celebrate in the holidays is not found between the walls of the mall, but in the simple acts of kindness like your dad and mom have decided upon. Perhaps, a Christmas that is not just a single day event, but a commitment to build a network of support within a community...no expectations, no negotiations, no Christmas at a discount, no sale price on the hard work shoveling everyone's drive way by hand and back. An environmentally friendly gift and good exercise to boot!
My holiday gift was the caring for my daughter Mikelle. On Sunday, sharp pain began shooting up a muscle hugging the highway of her twisted spine. I went to her home to help sooth her discomfort, the help was temporary. The thought of an emergency room visit floated through my mind, like the snowflakes blanketing the ground outside, fear began to blanket my spirits.
And, so she came home with me, slept on my couch and proceeded to catch one heck of cold--she passed that on to me, a gift to slow me down so I could think about the new year.
But, the ultimate gift I receive from Mikelle is the courage it takes to live each day from a wheelchair and the gift I gave her was trust. She knew I would be there when she needed me, even though she has moved out, owns her own condo--there are just time when you need your mom.
You and I have nurtured the idea of new communities growing organically, it makes sense that Christmas would not reflect Christmas of old, but the simple unselfish gifts which no one told us to buy.
My holiday gift was the caring for my daughter Mikelle. On Sunday, sharp pain began shooting up a muscle hugging the highway of her twisted spine. I went to her home to help sooth her discomfort, the help was temporary. The thought of an emergency room visit floated through my mind, like the snowflakes blanketing the ground outside, fear began to blanket my spirits.
And, so she came home with me, slept on my couch and proceeded to catch one heck of cold--she passed that on to me, a gift to slow me down so I could think about the new year.
But, the ultimate gift I receive from Mikelle is the courage it takes to live each day from a wheelchair and the gift I gave her was trust. She knew I would be there when she needed me, even though she has moved out, owns her own condo--there are just time when you need your mom.
You and I have nurtured the idea of new communities growing organically, it makes sense that Christmas would not reflect Christmas of old, but the simple unselfish gifts which no one told us to buy.
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