Anniversaries: Endings and Beginnings

Today marks the Tenth Anniversary of this weekly blog:  November 1, 2015, to November 1, 2025... over 500 posts!

I had just finished a two-year dialogue practicum in October 2015.  This weekly blog helped me make sense of our complex and divided world as I practiced these new dialogue skills.

Each week -- for 10 years -- I have used photos and words to reflect upon listening and dialogue, misunderstandings and polarities, struggles and relationships.

Now, five years past COVID, we are living in a much different world than when this blog began.  How has your life changed during these 10 years?  

How have you colored your world?
(Photo:  Colored Sands used to create a Mandala --
Parliament of World Religions, 2015)

After completing the practicum, I attended the Parliament of World Religions in Salt Lake City to expose myself to diverse religions and beliefs.  I was mesmerized by a group of Tibetan monks who created a mandala over the course of this three-day conference... one colored grain of sand at a time!  They brought life to a beautiful and intricate design.  When finished, the monks did not monetize their design.  Instead, they swept away their beautiful work of art -- never to be seen again.

Our lives are like that:  one encounter or event at a time, bringing color and definition to Our Story's Canvas, never to be repeated.

When have you been patiently present to your relationships?
(Photo:  Tibetan Monk creating a Sacred Mandala,
Grain by Grain -- Parliament of World Religions, 2015)

Anniversaries are for celebration... and reflection:

• What and why are we celebrating?
• Who were we at the beginning of the journey?
• How have we changed?

Anniversaries also mark the ending of one period of our life and the beginning of another.

What beauty have you created?
(Photo:  Sacred Mandala Completed, 
Parliament of World Religions, October 2015)

With this anniversary, I will be stepping back from this weekly blog -- ending ten years of weekly writings.  I have appreciated your comments, emails, texts, and phone calls sharing your own reflections.  You have been a valued friend along this journey!

I am reminded that each of us has a story to tell:  an intricate kaleidoscope of experiences and lessons to be shared.  I am interested in hearing more about people's values, what is important, and the choices they… you… we… have made.  

Some have suggested transitioning these writings into a book format.  I am beginning to explore a new way to share My Story, hear Your Story, and watch Our Story being created. 

Thank you for sharing this journey, allowing one post at a time to create a beautiful design of awareness and understanding!

Peace,

Larry
 

P.S. If you are interested in hearing more about ideas I may pursue, please feel free to comment (below), text (858-926-9204), or email (LJGardepie@gmail.com).  I will let you know in a few months when that new journey will begin.

Larry Gardepie

Dialogue San Diego Consulting