Well... I made it! Down to the center of Warsaw and back on the train. I even walked around a bit and took some pictures to prove it. Now, Dorothy, the Lawrence alumna in Poland, helped with that by providing an even easier map to follow than the one Maria had already supplied. Needless to say, I didn't do this trip "alone'!
What I want to write about, though, is a huge learning that began with Dorothy and ended later with Maria.
Here goes. Dorothy and I spoke of Lawrence and life, children and her choice to move to Poland after college. Then the conversation drifted to Americans pushing democracy and other beliefs onto those around the world ... and Jeanne pushing smiles on the streets of Poland.
Ah, yes. Am I? Am I pushing American "friendliness" in a way no different than we, as a country, push our ways of living? You see, I don't respect all that we, as the USA, do. Yet when I turned the light on myself, I had to wonder if my outgoing personality needed to be a bit "in check" while I am here out of respect?
What a great thought BEFORE Maria and I co-lead a workshop on Sunday! Just what will I bring and how will I be? Can I invite without pushing and share without expecting acceptance or participation?
I must! And what a different light I now see Maria in ... knowing how invested she is in co=active coaching and guiding folks toward a deeper personal truth and joy of living that might just be in contrast to many in this culture. I admire her courage. And I am now so much more open to what I have yet to learn as we continue planning for Sunday.
So thank you, Dorothy, for opening the door. And Maria, thank you for being patient as I learn!
Questions for this evening? How about:
Where are you open to really see and respect the "other"?
In what ways are you closed to all that is "other"?
How do you want to be now?
