As has been my intention as of late, especially here on this space, I’ve been sending my gratitude to those in my life whom fill me up in wonderful ways. Back in July, while attending the Toronto Summer Institute, the co-author of this blog, Linda Keys, surprised me with a post of gratitude for me. Back home in Ratho, being a mom to her newborn baby boy, Linda wrote and posted a piece while supposedly on a writing hiatus. It was an overwhelmingly meaningful piece for me to read. The back-story to the surprising nature of the post is this: for those who follow this blog, you are well aware that Linda gave birth to her son Findlay back in the Spring. Continue reading
Tag Archives: Co-operation
Checking in…
Well, I observed, observed, observed, as promised. So, here are some early reflections on my two weeks of pondering setting up a community feast in Ratho…
1. People are kind. I actually already knew this (clever me, eh?!) but it really is starker when you are nervous about something and everyone is supportive and lovely about it. Messages of support came via Facebook, from friends in the village, and in the response of the local Community Development Worker. Continue reading
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“From Fear to Initiation: My Quest for Connection” by Christy Tweedy
This week we are proud to host, for the first time as a guest blogger on this space, Christy Tweedy. Christy is a member of our organization here in San Diego, helping people build sustainable, inclusive communities as well as building that same sustainability in her own neighborhood. She is also just a downright wonderful human being! Enjoy her musings… Continue reading
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Places of Goodness
As mentioned, last month, I made my annual journey to the Toronto Summer Institute. One of the many great lessons learned smacked me across my face via friend and colleague Tim Vogt. I’ll get to Tim in a bit. (By the way, if you haven’t yet had the opportunity to read the blog Tim hosts, you must! It is fabulous. www.cincibility.wordpress.com) We spent 3 days together in a module hosted by Connie Lyle O’Brien and Lynda Kahn, centered around the idea of isolation. Our group, about 12 people each day, shared personal stories of not belonging, feeling isolated and about friends and family members experiencing these feelings. We shared how we actually may be contributing to isolation, entering into a vulnerability where support and real ideas emerged. Continue reading
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The Gathering…
Stone Soup
I’m blessed to have happened across a global community of colleagues, friends and loved ones 4 years ago at the Toronto Summer Institute. This year, along with Chris Lee, Sheldon Schwitek, Peter Leidy, Beth Gallagher, Michelle Schwartz Continue reading
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My Integrity Gap…
Back in January 2013, while facilitating a workshop in Scotland with Beth Gallagher, Peter Leidy, Heather Simmons and our lovely hosts from EDG (Linda Keys, Stephen Coulson, Helen Wright), the concept of our Integrity Gap smacked me across the face. Presented to Heather by John O’Brien a few months prior to the workshop, she decided to share it and pay it forward to our group. Ever since learning about this concept, we’ve been sharing it with our employees in San Diego with Life Works at orientation and with others we run into while facilitating workshops wherever we travel. Continue reading
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The Art of Asking
This week we link in a TED talk given by Amanda Palmer. I love her story and approach as a musician. It is hard to ask for help. It is even more difficult to accept the help. We speak about the power and beauty of vulnerability on this blog, and here, Amanda Palmer eloquently addresses vulnerability through the art of asking. The connection she lives with her fans across the world is a reminder of how important we are too each other. Her description of the dialogue that took place between her and people who watched her perform on the streets, just through prolonged eye contact, is riveting. Her trust in people is amazing, something to strive for in our day to day lives.
Take a quick 13 minute break and enjoy Amanda’s talk. Simply beautiful…
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Sometimes it sneaks up on you…
Families gather…
On Monday of last week, my family attended the end of the year St. Mark’s Pre School family gathering. Upon arriving at the park, we set out our blanket and briskly followed our kids to the adjacent playground for a quick swing session. Minutes passed and the sea of children and families swelled. Familiar faces all around, as this is our third year of sending at least one of our kids to the pre school. New faces appeared throughout the evening, depending on the tide. Continue reading
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In Order to Change the Community, We Must Change the Soil
This week we’ve linked in a TED Talk given by Ron Finley. Ron Finley is an activist in South Central Los Angeles. He started an organization comprised of volunteers that plant gardens in vacant lots across South Central Los Angeles. His passion rests in educating kids and community members about food and a healthy way of eating. His philosophy is beautiful, simple, real and impactful. Take the time to watch this ten minute talk. Have a great week everyone!
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Practice of Welcoming: A conversation with Bruce Anderson
The genesis of Come In From The Cold came from the yearning to reflect on how we, as people living in a community, can live a practice of welcoming. Last month, I had the pleasure of meeting a gentlemen by the name of Bruce Anderson, who has made it his life’s work to explore this very idea. Bruce lives in Washington, in a place called Vashon Island, where he is immersed in living a practice of welcoming. I immediately invited him to share some time to chat with me and he graciously accepted. So I invite you to have a glimpse into our conversation…
Bruce Anderson
Me: How did you become interested in this practice? Continue reading
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Come In From The Cold 