I think it’s the first time in my life I’ve shared an experience with 7 billion other people.
That’s what Suzi Tucker, faculty of the West Coast Intensive, said in a meeting last week as we were addressing questions about the upcoming event. (See more on that below.) My head reeled in response, and my heart nodded – yes, that’s what’s happening.
Later in the meeting, Jane Peterson (another faculty member) asked us what had moved registrants to originally sign up for the Intensive, and over and over I heard the same thing. Not that they had been excited about the program (although they were) or that they were committed to ongoing constellation learning (although that was true, too); rather, they had decided to sign up because of a connection.
They knew Suzi or Jane or me, or a friend who was going, or they’d been to last year’s event and wanted to connect again. The other things might add to the intentions, but at the heart of making a commitment and signing up was a deep-down sense that there was a connection worth trusting, and more connections to come by getting on board.
I’ve started delivering food to local vulnerable seniors for Meals On Wheels. I used to work for Meals On Wheels a few years ago, and I knew something very important: most of their volunteers are themselves elderly, and I knew that they’d be losing volunteers. Also, as someone who’d worked for them in the past, perhaps they could fast track me and get me to work. Since then, with gloves and mask on, I’ve delivered to seniors weekly.
I am astonished and in awe of what I see: a very frail senior comes to the door. They need the food, which is life, and yet, my approach is also a genuine danger. Most of them crack the door just enough to let me pass the food in. Nonetheless, it’s obvious they have the instinct to take a moment, ask how I am, and answer my question warmly about how they are. They want to connect, even for a moment, and be warmly polite and just plain human with me, even as they must remain safe.
I think this is courage.
All of our lives are changing, suddenly, unexpectedly. For some of us, the change will be temporary, and after this is all over, we’ll go back to how it was before. But for many of us, this will change things forever. I am frightened for family members who live far away. I know many of you are facing lost income, sick loved ones, challenged mental health, unstable circumstances, and are maybe even yourself sick. And we don’t know what’s on the other side.
My business has changed so much in one month I can barely recognize it. Most of it has moved online, like the rest of the world’s business. Please join me there to experience the support of our ancestors.
For instance, I am moving my group constellations, usually scheduled in Berkeley, to Zoom, and I am announcing my first one for April 16th. Mostly, it will be just like the gatherings we’ve always had, with some adjustments to account for the tech. The good news is that if you have not been able to attend my regular constellation groups due to distance, that is no longer an obstacle. It will be two hours (rather than three) and have only one focus client (rather than two). I am also limiting the group to 25 so that we continue to have a group that has a container, for the sake of the client.
And, there is one other very important change – I am now requiring pre-registration, so that the links will only go to people who have signed up ahead of time. It’s the only way to avoid lots of “drop-ins.” (Not that there is anything wrong with that! It’s another great way to do constellations online. It’s just not a fit for this kind of group, which I hope to keep somewhat intimate and focused.) Check out the information below to join in.
I hope in this time of separation and fear, you find unexpected ways to connect and find peace. Our ancestors, who have been through all this before, and more, are looking over us all. It’s a good time to remember those deepest of sustained connections in our lineages and shared history, and face our futures with that embodied truth.
If you are noticing connection, or struggling with disconnection, I invite you to post your experience on my blog, below. I am always delighted and honored to hear your voices here…
Kia ora Leslie. Thank you again for another heart warming email. I have just written these words for one of my representing gallery’s, so thought to share them with you here as we are both speaking of connection. While I haven’t mentioned Family Constellation work, it too remains a valuable tool in my being able to connect. I appreciate where you have been part of my story, thank you. 🙏🏼❤
Ko Fiona Kerr Gedson toku ingoa. Kei Ōpōtiki ahau e noho ana.
My name is Fiona Kerr Gedson and I live in Ōpōtiki, Aotearoa New Zealand.
I believe in Kotahitanga, Oneness, that we are ultimately connected, to each other and our environment, I would say to Source. At times resistance to that connection is created, which never feels good to me. Yet from that contrast there comes an expansion to pivot towards. My work helps me to release that resistance and it is my hope that it does the same for others. I have certainly witnessed this to be so and it is mightily humbling. That I am part of that process for others through my work is a great honour. I feel the privilege of being a conduit for creative expansive energy to flow through.
I receive so much joy from my personal collection. To be surrounded by these pieces of art in my home keeps me feeling connected to each special time in my life, the people and experiences. The artworks are placeholders, reminders and I adore sharing their story with others. I also feel the connection to and appreciation for the Artist who created the work, reminding me that I am part of a much bigger picture, pardon the pun!
Presently we find ourselves in unprecedented times, with much resistant uncertainty. I’m looking to my work and to others art to find my connection to Source deep within myself, for it is from this place I find hope, courage and an invitation to trust. Kia kaha. Be strong.