![]() |
Laddership Circle And A Field Of PossibilityPosted by Audrey Lin on Mar 11, 2015
15012 reads
|

Last week, we wrapped up our first Laddership Circle, and yet, as with all things that strike an inner chord, it feels like it’s only the beginning.
For six weeks, a small group of folks came together with an inkling to innovate in a different way. Each week, we held space for each other’s journeys in simple, through weekly assignments, reflections, practices, and a 90-minute group conversation that sparked an array of insights, stories, inspiration, and deeper resonance to be of service to each other and the world around us.
Through the process, we learned the power of small. Katie pointed out, “These small acts may be like pebbles we throw in the water, but their potential for transformation is enormous.” And Scott P asked, “Are than any transformations that aren’t incremental? Is there anything but small acts?”

We witnessed the expansiveness of gratitude. From Fran noticing the speed and ease with which she parks her car, and how much longer it would take her if she didn’t have the use of her legs, to Nicole accepting being taken over by a cold, to Mira’s cup-overflowing sense of stewardship for the landscape and art that rejuvenates her and many others on a daily basis.
We realized the wisdom of patience-- that the actual impact of our efforts may not fully bloom until four, five, or fifty generations later. But that we must keep walking, with trust and a conviction in these values with which we resonate so deeply to the core. As Scott M poetically likened these efforts to a raven he saw, building its nest slowly and intentionally, one twig at a time. In his Week 5 reflection, Calvin noted:
“I'm beginning to learn that I may have to have faith that in just taking the first step, the next steps will follow in a way aligned with my intention… changes to the system may be on a time scale that I have to be patient with… But you know, they might not happen at the scale I want them to even in my lifetime. At least I can help take small steps in that direction.”
And with these small steps, beautiful experiments emerged.

Inspired by a resonance for unconditional love, Nicole led an invigorating Wild Dream Walk, named "Love Walk: No-Strings Attached," with a team of folks gifting hundreds of hugs, high-fives, as well as hand-warmers, flowers and handmade cards. City anonymity melted away as small acts of great love transformed strangers into friends across city streets of Colorado winter—a powerful renaissance of the human spirit.

There was a moment with a family whose members were first time visitors to the studio. I knew that the mother had seen my flyer because I had asked every one who came, to watch a video that explains the concept of the Gift Economy, before they arrived. But in the end I handed the father my bill for $0 and showed him the explanation of the Giving Economy on the bill. I was uncomfortable and felt I was stretching my limits and comfort zone.
After they left, my ego really flared. I wrote an email to the mom asking if they were comfortable when they left, and if I had surprised them by asking them to "clay-it-forward". She immediately responded with such compassion and joy and shared, "Mira, we were so blown away when we walked into the studio. We felt so much love, creativity and welcoming, that we were all overwhelmed by the experience. We had such fun and felt we couldn't give enough back for what we felt it was worth."
I then understood that even though my ego was flaring and I was very uncomfortable, it was worth jumping into an experiment that I feel so passionate and on fire about. A little discomfort was worth the love I felt by sharing such a huge idea.

In our group call a couple weeks later, Mira found herself ignited by a new way to design for generosity: on her next Clay-It-Forward day, she’ll invite each child to make a piece of pottery for the child after them, in addition to making something for themselves.
.jpg)
Fran’s stories from both her own small acts of great love and classroom ripples are endless, as she gears up for her annual college Peace Conference. Among many gems, she reminds us that, “by staying in the inquiry of the question, I’ve always found the answer.”
With that deep sense of inquiry, Katie got us all “thinking globally and acting locally" with the most local of locations: our own thoughts and deeds. At her suggestion, a sub-group of us embarked on a recapitulation exercise for a week: each evening, we recounted the day’s events and became aware of areas that diverged from our values or intentions. She shares her own process:

It's a simple example, but it's also played out in how I've been relating with people this week. In my recapitulations, I recognize some of the places I withhold generosity with others, and then I get the chance to address it in a different way the next day or next time I see them.
We also hosted a few breakout calls to brainstorm designs for various folks' projects. On our last call, when Scott P invited feedback for his eWisdomWorkshops (a program to teach high schoolers film and kindness), a group of us immediately volunteered to be a springboard for his ideas.

With such an unfolding at the surface, it’s always humbling to reflect on the many invisible hands whose selfless efforts till the soil in umpteen incalculable ways. Amidst a more than full-time work schedule, Birju dialed in to anchor the calls week-in and week-out. One week, he even managed to dial-in from the backseat of a car en route to a site visit for work. On top of that, over half a dozen folks designed the circle structure and curriculum, gracious mentors like Prasad and Pavi poured in their ideas and support, and remarkable tech wizards carved out multiple online spaces to engage more deeply.

The beauty of such circles is that we never know exactly where the ripples go, but we simply sow seeds in the direction of our values and trust in the process. With the rich convictions of an ecosystem fueled by love, we can’t help but continue to take steps forward with hearts full and brimming on a path of possibility.
Posted by Audrey Lin | | permalink
Share A Comment
Smiles From 26 Members Login to Add a Smile
Comments (3)
-
Birju Pandya wrote ...
I would like to add just how much Audrey drove the laddership circle process! Every week she was available not just during the dialogue sessions but in countless messages and conversations beyond that. what's more was the sense of spaciousness and love that exuded from every interaction. I am inspired to be a better person from Audrey's influence through this process!
-
Nipun Mehta wrote ...
+1 to Birju's comments. :)
Nilam Chauhan wrote ...
Thanks Audrey for the detaile update and write up! I felt I was part of the Circle!