"Wisdom tells me I am nothing. Love tells me I am everything. And between the two my life flows." ~Nisargadatta Maharaj



Few members from the ServiceSpace community had come together to attend Wisdom 2.0 in San Francisco. The intention of the conference was to explore, “how can we live with greater presence, meaning, and mindfulness in the technology age?” Keeping in mind that Silicon Valley is the nexus of technological change, it was audacious for the founders of the conference to bring thought leaders from two different segments of society under one roof for four days.

As I reflect over the four-days, few lessons really hit home at the intersection of love and wisdom. Lesson number one: it takes effort to be effortless. Lesson number two: assume value.
 
Effort to be Effortless
 
During the morning sessions of the second day, I found myself frantically taking notes trying to capture the essence of what the speakers on the main stage were sharing. After lunch, I hit a wall and couldn’t absorb any more information. Luckily, Krishnan had set up a group text :) and few of us met out front for an energizing group hug! After the hug, Audrey and I set out for a walk for some fresh air. Lo and behold, around the corner we spotted a department store, looked at each other, and knew what we had to do. :) There was only one way we knew how to change the heaviness we were feeling. Practice small acts of generosity with love. :)
 
We quickly gathered few snacks to tag the volunteers with. In many ways volunteers are the backbone, which allows organizers to host an event of such magnitude. They put in unprecedented hours just to make sure all the attendees are having a good time. But who takes care of the volunteers? ServiceSpace volunteers :)
 
On the surface, this was an exchange of food, but as you dig deeper it was a transformation that was expressed through sharing food. :) I realized that the minute I stopped trying to resist to what is and accepted whatever emerged from moment to moment I felt lighter, happier, and more aware. This realization drastically changed how I interacted with other attendees for the duration of the conference. And it led to many spontaneous tags, conversations, and group hugs. :)
 
As Viral and Prahallad once reminded me, it takes effort to be effortless. :)
 
Assume Value

Late 2009, when I was relatively new to the then CharityFocus :), I casually asked Nipun what he meant by 'assuming value in every person, every interaction, and every situation.'
 
Assuming value means to go into every situation and see what you can learn.  Whether it is a janitor or CEO or a stranger or a teacher, pay attention to them. :)  We can learn from everyone, if we are open to it -- and assuming value is about that open-ness.
 
Throughout the conference, few of us held mini-awakin circles twice a day – one after lunch and another after the last main stage event. The beauty of these circles is that it allows everyday-people to share stories from their heart.

Riding the waves of goodness, on the third day of the conference, few of us felt that we should host a conversation on the power of small acts of kindness. Something powerful emerges as you hold space, without any preconceived notions. Everybody opens up and you are left in awe as our interconnection with each other becomes more obvious. Around twenty attendees (at the peak) :) shared stories of acknowledging kind acts, struggles they were facing, and lessons they were learning. It was beautiful to see how no one knew everyone, but we were still able to connect with each other on a much deeper level. After all, we have partly evolved as storytellers in small groups and technology allows these conversations to be amplified. :) But perhaps we were tapping into an ancient technology?

Lastly, as we were wrapping up at the conference and ready to head our separate ways, few of us decide to stop by ServiceSpace Headquarters (Dharma Comics booth) :) to give Leah a group hug! Nearby, there's a gentleman who probably felt the love and approached us with a challenging question, "How do you describe love?" :) While we were still thinking, Birju spontaneously pulled out a bumper sticker from his pocket that aptly said, 'Love Wins.' :)


 
In conclusion, I’d like to share few of the responses we’ve received from sharing stories and spreading ripples of kindness.
 
You guys are awesome. I was so happy to have been of service, and thank you for giving me the opportunity to give to others, it was amazing.
 
You guys have been so wonderful in welcoming a random Aussie into your group and life. I have really learnt so much in the past 12 days, and I am intending to take all of this learning back home to Australia. By the way, I paid my meal forward this morning ;), and I am writing a little piece about it, so I will share the story with you when it's written. 
 
It was so awesome connecting with you guys. It was even more awesome ending the conference with new friends who I felt so close to in the heart.