Ten Things I Know to be True

These days of learning and teaching at the Summer Institute for Intercultural Communication (SIIC) only take place once each summer every year since the 1970s.  Some say it is like the enchanted and magical city, Brigadoon, that appears in the highlands of Scotland for one day each 100 years.  This outstanding institute for global learning and sharing is magical in its own way. 

I find I want to capture everything, and if I make this list daily, it's one way to reflect on my day - I am grateful for the learning and teachings, I give thanks for those I meet, and I look forward to the miracles of tomorrow.  I am humbled by the dance of the faculty and participants in giving and sharing.

Ten things I know to be true

The most powerful learning takes place at my edges

The more I can learn about the person, the more I can accept what they are saying

Everyone is interesting, everyone has a sacred story, and if I listen carefully, they will share it with me.

We want to be heard.

If I choose to focus on one thing, for that moment, I see more

I don’t always believe what I see even though it is right in front of me

My mine wanders and I should follow it

Telling stories reveals our values, attitudes and behaviors

We don’t laugh with joy as often as we should

It’s good to switch roles; if you are a teacher, be a student.  If you are a student, be a teacher

Ten things I know to be true

Coming together for learning and teaching is a wonderful gift I have given myself

If I look carefully into each person’s eyes respectfully as they speak, I can feel what they are telling me

Speak the person’s name as they serve you, and they are better able to see you

Make sure you see the person who you are engaging with, and you will learn more

Sometimes all is communicated in a loving look across the room

Going forward with a joyful intention, knowing I will be learning new things makes my day filled with richness beyond imagination

Knowing this week of learning will be over soon pushes me to hold each moment with both hands

Being challenged and provoked used to cause me to shut down and resist.  Now with patience, I know this is where the new thinking will come from.

Watching the dawn rise always helps me to reflect on my learning.

Watching the sunset affirms my resolve to do more 

Moments of silence brings clarity.