If you have four free moments, take a look at this video clip from YouTube: Where in the Hell is Matt?. Talk about a profound way to connect everyone in one joyful, moving story!
Partly because of finishing grad school (yay), partly because of the passing of Michael White, and partly because it's been a year since my dad died, I've been thinking a lot about endings lately. Today as I drove my son's friend home, I noticed that the three sister cows I always enjoy seeing along that route weren't out in the pasture this year. I discovered that the barn where the pigs used to be is vacant and falling down. My favorite landscaping company has gone out of business. So many happy images, memories, relationships, now lost with the turn of the earth.
As I drove through the countryside, I noticed the idyllic scene of a country road with wildflowers, a small footbridge, and planted fields with just the tiniest shoots of new corn appearing, captured perfectly in my rear view mirror. It, too, was passing. Lost with the turn of the earth, the scene disappeared from my view as I turned my gaze to the road ahead.
I resist the temptation to live a life based on gazing longingly in my rear view mirror, but at the same time I do think there's a sadness that needs to be honored and acknowledged. In all these beauties, in all these gifts, lies their inherent end, somehow. My faith says it's not the end, that's not all there is, and there is a way to accept the gift without mourning the loss. But I haven't figured that part out yet. Right now the awareness of the passing seems to season the having--I was acutely aware of appreciating that footbridge before it passed from my site. But it also creates in me a mournful wish to go back and appreciate all the gifts I took for granted in the past, not knowing then what I know now--how quickly and irrevocably the earth turns.
A really sad event happened this week in the narrative therapy community. Michael White passed away suddenly on April 5 after a collapse the day before. Worldwide services are being held at sunset in a number of different countries around the globe this week to remember Michael and his family during this time. Here is a link to the Dulwich Centre Web site with more information about services.
I was blessed to attend one of Michael’s workshops in Indiana a few years ago. I have read much of his work and his ideas and presence—and especially his compassionate and unwavering support of those who seek freedom from limiting constructions—have had a huge impact on my life, personally and professionally. Michael’s work gave me the language to share my sense of the inherent goodness of people as well as specific tools to assist them in moving beyond limiting images of their unlimited selves. He will surely be missed, and I know that many, many fine people are carrying his ideas forward even now.
Thanks to those of you who participated in the first set of interview questions for my new book on conversations! Here's the link to the second and final set of survey questions: Conversations survey, part 2
Please feel free to share this link with anyone you think might be interested. The more, the merrier!
Hi! I'm beginning to research a new project on the dynamics and effects of conversation. I've created a simple survey--would you be willing to participate? It shouldn't take more than 5 minutes. All responses are confidential (I don't ask anything scary, anyway) and if I choose to quote you, I'll send you an e-mail message asking your permission first.
I was checking in on the Dulwiche Centre site this morning to see what new things they are doing in the area of narrative, and I found this delightful article. I love the idea of creating the relationships with loving energy as a precursor to people coming to fill those roles. Enjoy.
She: Understanding Feminine Psychology study notes
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