Anniversaries and Memories

Happy Anniversary!

What?!  Did I miss something?  Are you feeling that sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach when you are reminded of a birthday, anniversary, or special happening… which you had forgotten?!

No, you haven’t forgotten… at least nothing earth-shattering… so you can relax!  This post marks the 9-year anniversary of this weekly blog:  November 1, 2015 to the present!  (Click on the link to read the first blog.)

Nine years of musings and reflections on our world and its wonderful moments… and our craziness!  These writings have been a way for me to process what I am seeing, hearing, feeling and thinking — and — to listen to your perspectives shared through blog comments, emails, phone calls and in-person conversations.

What I remember most about these 9 years is the value of perspective:  the different ways that each of us sees and interprets our world; the color that we add to the overall picture; and the sum of our truths that we share and accept.

November 1, 2015 seemed like a good starting point: having finished a 2-year study practicum on dialogue practices, attended the worldwide Parliament of World Religions, and celebrating the feasts of All Saints’ Day, All Souls’ Day, and Día de los Muertos.

It was a time of Remembrance and Gratitude… a time for harvesting ideas and intentions… a way to nurture Thanks Giving.

I am mindful of anniversaries and memories as I wait to attend my youngest brother’s wedding this afternoon:  as Kevin and Colleen gather with friends and family, I am mindful of the importance of love and support, forgiveness and kindness, dialogue and growth… ways to celebrate and remember each year the goodness of life.

As we enter the uncertainty of this next week:

• May we remember and celebrate what is important… self and community, new ways and traditions, freedom to agree and disagree.
• May we discover ways to heal our hurting world… through listening, asking questions, and seeking to understand.
• May we move away from our Win-Lose framework… by working towards solutions that address all of our needs and desires.

I give thanks to you this anniversary… for helping me to learn… and I offer you peaceful memories!

Larry Gardepie

Dialogue San Diego Consulting

(click on link for website)