It was a long week and I am not sure, in my tiredness, where this poem came from, but it appeared on the horizon. I thought I would try to let it write itself.
Listen–
Stories seek space
A space where they come to life
A space to speak their words.
Listen deeply–
Some stories
Of those oppressed
Remain unheard.
Listen with your heart–
Lean into those words,
Give those voices life
Join them with yours.
The dominant society or group within believes they control the conversation. What would happen if we trusted each other and made ourselves vulnerable? What would happen if we acknowledged and accepted differences? It takes courage, but it is possible. It takes us to acknowledge the other and reach out. In those moments of vulnerability and courage, we expose our self in ways that take us outside comfort zones.
There is courage in vulnerability
One sits on the edge;
The perimeter
Or margins
Not hidden in the crowd.
Expand boundaries–
Encourage and pull
Do not discourage and pull
Make invisible visible
Give a name to the other.
Create spaces;
Not for agreement
But, where agreement meets
On the edges
Reveal the other in your welcome.
This was not originally a poem. It was a summary of the past year and the struggle to find a new space where I could create and be fully present. It all began in Oakland about this time last year and has grown with each ensuing day.
It just happened–
I let go
Spoke without anger–
A sadness;
For what is lost.
Stared into the abyss–
Sat with unformed questions
Terrifying
The darkness;
The incompleteness.
Took stock
Looked inwards–
Accepted extended hands
Discarded baggage
Walked towards the light.
Mojo gained momentum–
Sprung up in a creative space
Simple presence
Live my truth;
With each moment’s question.
I had some serious fun today with students. I was alone which is not the norm, but, on short notice, the parent helper could not make it. It is extra demanding on those days where I learn alone with the kids, but it is, many times, the most interesting times. While I was away a most interesting question came up: “Do pigs have udders?” Apparently, this was a hotly debated topic and it was brought up again today. I laughed. It was funny and pointed to an irrevocable truth: human curiosity and eloquent questions lead the way as we learn.
A simple question
Eloquently posed
Curiosity fueled;
The energy behind learning.
What does that mean?
Is it true?
Many more queries;
We seek and fill gaps–
Not with certitude;
Uncertainty prevails.
Years later
I am sure I will smile and chuckle;
I recall–
Appreciate the quality
A simple, provocative question–
Do pigs have udders?
As best as we can learn, they do and it was fun trying to figure it out. Adolescent children ask the darnedest things. Laughter is a great cure for even the most challenging moments.
I sat in SeaTac airport in Seattle for about 6 hours and had much time to reflect. The result was a number of poems. This one wrote itself based on a wonderful conversation about the need for leadership to allow the disallowable into the circle. We each have gifts to offer. It takes patience and a new conversation to welcome others into our tight little circles. In the end, we share a little of each other and there is more the same than different in all likelihood.
Patience–
We need it to converse fully;
A new conversation
One that allows the disallowable.
‘Intelligence’ prevails–
Facts and knowledge
Supplant heart’s courage–
Wisdom;
Common sense.
What seems obvious now
Was all along
We pause briefly
Just long enough
Observe–
Awaken, listen deeply.
Welcome that which is different
Invite him or her forward
Complete the circle–
Another piece of peace.
Each unique view fills a void
Give each one voice
Herald it with life;
It is one I do not have
I cannot have
It belongs to someone else
Yet, to me, as well.
I wind down the week and head into Sabbath. It is odd to say and write those words, because I have celebrated Sabbath since my arrival at Bainsbridge. When I come to a courage retreat, I enter into a covenant, at least with myself, that I slow down, talk less, and listen more deeply to others and myself. The great thing is this is the norm here. Time is purposely and purposefully set aside to share in small groups, listen and be fully present for each other, reflect in our corners, and find our way back to the joyful circle of kindred spirits. It is unlike any other conference, workshop, or training I take. The focus is on opening up creative space and that requires different being present. It is a space of vulnerability and solidarity, of coming together to find ourselves coming home.
I meditated this morning and sat inside the main hall. It was raining which I understand is often the case in Seattle at this time of the year.
We sat inside the drum;
A small group
I heard rain overhead
Its song reverent
A gentle tap on the roof
Occasional increases in tempo
More rhythm in that fresh moment.
Perhaps, as gusts of wind shake trees–
Fresh dreams
Break us free from reverie
Together, we embark
Explorers
Perhaps, even pirates.
From golden hearts
Gentle invitations sent
And received.
Whatever, each chooses;
Wherever, each walks;
Remember–
We do it together
Joyously, in community
We carry a little of each other on this journey.
Last year, after the sudden and tragic passing of a young woman we met several years ago, I recounted a Buddhist understanding passed on by Senryu Suzuki and Thich Nhat Hanh. Each person we greet on life’s journey leaves an indelible imprint on us. We only need to stand or sit quietly and listen and like a wind and gentle rain voices are heard again and again in the silence of that moment.
It is the end of incredibly long and rewarding day. I thought I would try write a poem and I hope it works OK. I want to share about the retreat here and the questions are great. Deep listening is a necessity. What that might look like in other settings is a challenge to explain, so I hope to let that idea percolate over the next couple of days.
Your courage is your truth;
It reveals your story
So necessary to tell
And be heard.
Listen carefully
Words tell a story;
Only shared
With deep listening.
Today, listen differently
Hear words anew;
Sacred space shared;
Human love fully recognized.
I had an extraordinary and tiring day, but it is a tiredness born out of satisfaction. I received many gifts today and over the next little while it offers me much grist for the mill as a creative space emerges and words flow from it.
When I arrived in my room, I found two small gifts. One is a token with the word Courage engraved on it. The other a short passage by Wayne Arnason called Take Courage, Friends. As I strive to live in community and share with other people I need to recognize community, unlike teams, brings both sorrow and success in many forms.
The way is often hard, the path is never clear,
And the stakes are very high.
Take courage.
For deep down, there is another truth:
You are not alone.
Jeff Moss wrote this poem. I like it because over the past few months I allowed myself to be on the side of the door. I was with people I wanted to be with each day.
The next few days will be crazy. I am away, as I mentioned before and am not sure if I will be able to post. I look forward to the time with others who believe spirituality can and does play a role in leadership. When I embrace that thought, I am a different me–kinder, gentler, and genuine.
On the other side of the door
I can be a different me,
As smart and as brave and as funny or strong
As a person could want to be.
There’s nothing too hard for me to do,
There’s no place I can’t explore
Because everything can happen
On the other side of the door
On the other side of the door
I don’t have to go alone.
If you come, too, we can sail tall ships
And fly where the wind has flown.
And wherever we go, it is almost sure
We’ll find what we’re looking for
Because everything can happen
On the other side of the door.
I am preparing for a trip to Bainbridge and a retreat. This is part of a Leadership Academy presented by the Centre for Courage and Renewal. This is the second part of the process and it has been truly rewarding as I find my way on this journey called life with companions here at home, from all over North America and, sometimes, beyond.
Beloved other
An invitation,
For carried alone
Troubles weight us down
Each step, a struggle.
But, lightened,
Grow strong together
Backs straighten–
Shoulders square–
Heads held high.
Journey together,
Loads shared
Trust born
Become companions
Break bread together.
Teacher as Transformer 