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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Back in July, I found myself sitting at “a table for one at the Gratitude Cafe“. Remember that? I’ve been particularly interested in the idea of intentionally sending my gratitude out to people in my life whom I love dearly and/or have the opportunity to meet and form relationships with. I know this is important to me and I know that it has profoundly affected my life in positive ways. Continue reading
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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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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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Highway 101 just outside Santa Barbara…
Driving down Highway 101 from Santa Barbara to San Diego early Sunday morning, along the familiar coastline I’ve traveled seemingly all my life, a line from Jason Mraz passes through the speakers in the car: “I keep my life on a heavy rotation, requesting that it’s lifting you up, up, up and away…and over to a table at the Gratitude Cafe.” This analogy of placing yourself into a metaphorical space to be mindful of your gratitude for life, resonates deeply. Continue reading
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I spent this past week gathered in Toronto with people from all over the world and entered into conversations about many things. The main thread I immersed myself in centered around loneliness and connection. Our group, facilitated by Connie Lyle O’Brien and Lynda Kahn, shared personal stories of loneliness and isolation. This conversation quickly grew into a dialogue about what we are doing in our own lives to combat loneliness and isolation. What emerged was the idea of authenticity, or as I wrote about a few weeks ago, identifying our integrity gaps. It is paramount for all of us to truly live the values we speak about…something I strive to do, though not always well, everyday. Continue reading
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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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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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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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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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Come In From The Cold 