Lorna Simpson’s work makes me engage with the intersections of identity, voice and the effects that others’ voices (in the form of racism and sexism) have on us.
What do you read in this piece? In relation to the photo above? And what does all of this have to say about the politics of hair in the workplace?
Like you, I am in a continual conversation with myself and others about what it will take for us as a worldwide (and local) community to address the challenges that face us. And it seems to me that one of our biggest problems is that we see ourselves as independent - not interdependent. Being independent makes it easy to look out for myself, to do what’s in my best interest, but not in the best interest of others. And the damaging ways in which that affects us as a society I think is becoming more and more apparent as we watch markets collapse, and corruption become exposed.
The concept of “oneness” is a profound one for me: the way in which if you shift perspective you realize everything and everyone is connected in some way or another. The idea, if only explored at its surface, can get “new-agey” really fast. But explored in depth, it brings about many new possibilities - and responsibilities - responsibilities that I think 21st century leaders will need to challenge us all to engage with.
It won’t be easy or comfortable - but it is what’s necessary. This clip of angel Kyodo williams being interviewed by the Global Oneness Project asks an important question: what will it take for us to be unwilling to continue to tolerate separateness as a way of being? angel also has a lot to offer in thinking about the connections between spiritual practice and social justice.
To watch the full interview with angel Kyodo williams click here. For videos and interviews with other thinkers and doers around the world who are exploring oneness, go here. I’ve spent hours browsing…
This open letter to our new President is both great advice and a beautiful reflection on the true nature of leadership from one of my favorite authors, Alice Walker. I think we’d all do well to heed her council.
Best read over tea, with a bit of time to let it sink in, and if you’re like me, your journal…
In a few weeks we will elect our next President. Like many I know, I’ve been on edge, boomeranging between hope and fear of disillusionment. Regardless of how the election turns out, I do believe in US - all of us, no matter where we fall on the political spectrum. This beautiful video by Dave Stewart holds the promise of what we can do together.
I have just come back from two weeks away from my everyday world. And so, being on vacation, I did something I rarely do: I bought a beautiful (yes, expensive) artmagazine. In the middle of it was a multi-dimensional art piece by Zaha Hadid based on her room, "Lotus Room" a project in which the architecture and furniture are integrated. It was absolutely beautiful and stirred my imagination. Her work made me contemplate the space we inhabit and ask, "what is functional and what is art? Is there a difference?"
There’s always a part of me that thinks I’m being frivolous when I indulge in a magazine like Wallpaper*. But then I’m reminded of wise words written by Audre Lorde in her essay, Poetry Is Not a Luxury:
"The quality of light by which we scrutinize our lives has direct bearing upon the product which we live, and upon the changes we hope to bring about through those lives."
An artist’s work - whether a painter, architect, musician, dancer - offers breathing space and perspective, which we need - and not only on vacation - to keep our creativity alive. The light cast by Zara Hadid’s work has made me rethink how I approach my work and to ask new questions and make new connections. It has also inspired me to work on slowing down in my everyday world to seek out that perspective in order to expand the view before me.
I’m posting this video simply because it makes me incredibly happy each time I watch it. Miriam Makeba, South African musician and human rights activist, is one of my early role models, showing me that social activism & art are inseparable, and that the work should be engaged, embodied and joy-filled.
When we’re overwhelmed by the challenges that face us, what do we do? Become reactive? Look to fix what’s immediately in front of us? Hold our breath and hope it goes away? Or do we look deeply and see the core issue - and the simple solution? Do we take the long view?
Investing in people and their capacity is one of the wisest things we can do. Yet, in our world of many competing priorities, it’s often the toughest investment to make.
"Invest in a girl, and she will do the rest."
I have heard over the years that if you want to invest in a community, invest in its women. The Girl Effect website confirms the statistic that the statement is based on: when girls and women earn an income, they reinvest 90% of it into their families and health of their community. Men reinvest 30-40%. Knowing this, it becomes obvious (at least to me) that the solution to many of the biggest challenges we face as a world community can be resolved by investing in the potential of all people so that they in turn can invest in creating meaningful change.
It seems so simple. Of course, simple doesn’t mean easy (please don’t think I mean that!). What other simple solutions do you see?
p.s.
Want to invest in girls locally? Check out Powerful Voices. It’s a good organization doing important work.
"How about taking in the people and places of our Great Metropolis without the blare of taxis or the expense? Stroll through the streets by strolling down Joe’s NYC. Award-winning Joe Holmes stands out among the army of New York photographers and photo-bloggers by poking his nose (and camera) in places you would never think of. He even makes New York’s trash look intriguing." - Blue Avocado
Enough said. This photo-blog has become a daily treasure I look forward to. And Blue Avocado has established itself quickly as the go-to online magazine for the nonprofit community (you can get it delivered directly to your inbox, too). Check them both out!
A few weeks ago I found myself surrounded by a group of executive coaches who, just like me, care passionately about supporting positive change in our communities through fostering strong leadership. I was attending a coaches retreat hosted by LeaderSpring, a great organization I am working with to provide coaching to nonprofit Executive Directors.
During the retreat, we were asked to share our reasons for doing the work we do, and one person’s response in particular has pushed me into much reflection. She talked about ancestors: how we are buoyed by those who came before us - and intriguingly, how we are becoming the ancestors who will buoy those who come after us.
I have forever been grateful to those who have come before me in the work - on whose shoulders I now stand. But I’ve never thought of myself as an "ancestor". It’s never really occurred to me that someone might need, not just value, my work, or that they could be inspired by my actions.
Mentorship is a natural sharing of knowledge that supports both people in the relationship in different ways. How amazing it is for a seasoned person to know that their perspective is needed, and how wonderful for someone new to the work to benefit from the knowledge gained through living. I not only want to thank those who have mentored me, but also recognize more fully the mentorship role that I can, and should, play for others.
As I said several posts back, ultimately we are all participating in a circular pattern of of influence and inspired action. We need each other.
The Lodestar Foundationis investing in the advancement of sharing over competition through its newest initiative, The Collaboration Prize.According to their website, the $250,000 prize will recognize collaborations among two or more nonprofit organizations that each would otherwise provide the same or similar programs or services and compete for clients, financial resources and staff.
You can learn all about the initiative and nomination process by visiting one of the links above. To nominate a great collaborative team, you need to act fast - the deadline is July 21st. This is a great opportunity to highlight the great work you are seeing others do - or even are doing yourself.
I’m excited to learn from the many great collaborative models and efforts this prize will uncover. Stay tuned!
This open letter to our new President is both great advice and a beautiful reflection on the true nature of leadership from one of my favorite authors, 
I have just come back from two weeks away from my everyday world. And so, being on vacation, I did something I rarely do: I bought a beautiful (yes, expensive) 
A few weeks ago I found myself surrounded by a group of executive coaches who, just like me, care passionately about supporting positive change in our communities through fostering strong leadership. I was attending a coaches retreat hosted by 
