Design Teams Stories On The Journey
How do we realize our Highest Future Potential? Perhaps it starts with a pause, an opening and a relaxing into ourselves with curiosity. Can we be still enough to let the light shine through the cracks and illuminate the very best of us. As individuals first, then collectively. Let’s stay connected and hold each other with compassion so we may do the holding of others. Much Metta! ~kirk Life Works
A song contribution from Eiros Group
'Cause every night I lie in bed The brightest colours fill my head A million dreams are keeping me awake I think of what the world could be A vision of the one I see A million dreams is all it's gonna take Oh a million dreams for the world we're gonna make "A Million Dreams" sung by Pink from The Greatest Showman
Personal Reflections- "What will you take with you?"
Re-MEMBERING, I like that. As in bringing again us into the notion of being members of one another. Dan Trabue (on Carol Blessing's reflection)
Breath of fresh air - refreshing. There's a common thread (among us). It's been a blessing. I noticed how much I am NOT involved in my community - that's shifted over the last several weeks. We are ALL ok. Networking element is invaluable. This experience offers validation of what we believe - which doesn't happen often outside of this group. I was encouraged to push against what is seen as "impossible" to what could be... Home Base 2 (with Carol Blessing)
One thing that has moved me throughout this journey is how it has allowed my team to show up. I am so proud of each of them leaning into this process. It was my hope from the beginning. Let’s do this!!! Beth Gallagher
Our group was able to create our own group and spoke about how this program gave each of us the opportunity to learn more of the differences and sameness of our programs as well to be more open in how we see our persons with a disability. Lucina Clarke
It’s helpful/inspiring/informative to hear how things are going in other states, what challenges they face, what successes they’ve enjoyed, what wonderful failures have been explored. Dan Trabue
Loved the free flowing relationship building in our group. Kim Elliott
Embrace the fear and change. Josh Skolnick
“Safe to Fail” Dan Trabue
Empowering people to be contributors instead of just recipients. Linda Leavitt
connection, creativity, and listening in every aspect of service Sarah Rogers
The need to carve out space to meet with others for the important conversations. Marg McLean
Learning to accompany people as opposed to leading them. Sheldon Schwitek
Stay curious. Lana Small
Sometimes it's easier to ask for forgiveness than permission. Sarah Grandberg
This has been a wonderful experience to share experiences, creativity, and being our authentic selves while embracing change and making an impact in the work we do. Thank you. Patricia Stuppard
Thank you for making space and allowing all of us to be our authentic selves...It was awesome listening to everyone and their stories! Let's keep connecting and building community! Miguel Torres-Castro
How do we continue to deepen partnerships in supporting people to Live life in grace, happiness, and Love by being intentional and curious. Sandi Cooper
The value in creating opportunities and space to discuss and brainstorm new ideas. Jennifer Phillips
I have so appreciated all the conversations, the ideas, the challenges...including some of the technology. Heartfelt thanks! Marg McLean
These sessions have reminded me of the importance of pausing and listening. Thank you! Heather Aylward
"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service to others" Gandhi I feel I am finding new things about myself as I serve others- others being the people supported and the staff I connect with … Denise Walsh
"When you listen generously to people, they can hear truth in themselves, often for the first time. And in the silence of listening, you can know yourself in everyone. Eventually, you may be able to hear, in everyone and beyond everyone, the unseen singing softly to itself and to you.” -Rachel Naomi Remen, MD from Lynda Kahn
"Impossible is just and excuse not to try." -Erin Condren from Sarah Grandberg
How should we see people? See me with love, a gaze so tender, In your eyes, warmth and understanding render. How should we hear people? Hear me with a heart, attuned to my song, In the melody of empathy, we both belong. How should we mobilize people? Walk with my feelings, step by step, Through the valleys of joy, the mountains of depth. How should we train people? Fly with my thoughts, like a bird in the sky, Unbounded by limits, together we'll fly. No more questions Please... Hand in hand, let's venture, you and I, Through the vast landscapes where dreams touch the sky. In the symphony of connection, we're a shining star, See me with love, and we'll go far. See me with love, and we'll go far. Saniah Syeda
Our group reflected on the idea of feeling like we’re alone on an island lots of the time in this work. This platform, as Pat from our group put it “Has connected all of us islanders.” We have people to reach out to and have a collective heartbeat. Kirk Hinkleman
Below is a song from Come From Away, "Welcome To The Rock". It reflects the strength of connected "islanders", and the theme of "what more is possible?", when on 9/11, more than 35 planes carrying 7,000 people landed in Gander, Newfoundland, a town of 9,000 people, and the communities opened their doors, and hearts, to host these guests filled with fear and uncertainty.
May we all be Islanders.
May we be a Rock for each other.
May we welcome others
On the journey to
A Bigger We.
...Welcome to the fog Welcome to the trees To the ocean and the sky And whatever's in between To the ones who've left You're never truly gone A candle's in the window And the kettle's always on When the sun is coming up And the world has come ashore If you're hoping for a harbour Then you'll find an open door In the winter, from the water Through whatever's in the way To the ones who have come from away Welcome to the Rock! Irene Sankoff and David Hein"Welcome To The Rock", Come From Away
Resources For The Creative Journey Ahead
Don't forget to come back the Pathfinders' Studio Winter 2024 webpage, and blog. There is a wealth of insight and resources available, and valuable for the journey ahead, including:
Creating Blue Space: Fostering Innovative Support Practices for People with Developmental Disabilities by Hanns Meissner
For publications, online Learning Events, and YouTube channel, on community, diversity, and inclusion...Building a Bigger We.
Beth Mount website
Following Beth's creative journey over the last 50 years, and where it is leading next.
For resources on the creative experiences arising from working for people with disabilities, including links to YouTube channel with videos reflecting stories, experience, and wisdom garnered along the way.
And don't forget to check in to the Re-Creating Us podcast (available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and the video version of the podcast is available on YouTube..
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