• clouds,  landscape,  quotes

    Life Stories

    “The longer we listen to one another – with real attention – the more commonality we will find in all our lives. That is, if we are careful to exchange with one another life stories and not simply opinions.”

    Barbara Deming

    I love when people share stories. Opinions? Well, not so much. Opinions seem to always build walls. Ever wonder what our world would look like if we were learning to listen to each other’s stories with real attention? Congress, churches and our neighbors would look radically different to one another. Strangers would become neighbors. Gratefully, I am blessed in my life to have people who share their life stories with me, those life changing experiences that have altered the course of their lives. And by sharing their stories, they risk letting me know more about them. I consider that a gift. While they share those stories with me they may teach me something about myself. If they have the courage to risk sharing then I need to take the risk to really listen. They were all strangers before becoming wonderful friends. I have found they are also the ones who will listen to what I have to share about my experiences in life, allowing me to be at risk. We find our commonality. 

  • leaves,  Plants,  quotes

    Wisdom

    The governor resigned his exalted office and came to the Master demanding to be taught.
    ”What is it you wish me to teach you?” asked the Master
    ”Wisdom.” was the reply.
    ”Ah, my friend! How gladly would I do that were it not for one major obstacle.”
    ”What?”
    ”Wisdom cannot be taught.”
    ”So there’s nothing I can learn here.”
    ”Wisdom can be learned. But it cannot be taught.”

    Anthony de Mello
  • Candid Portraits,  Documentary/Street,  People/Portraits

    Stories We Create

    sitting quietly at a table
    solitary, head bowed
    a coffee and scone
    lost in his thoughts

    without speaking with him
    I created my stories, was he
    remembering the past
    dreaming of tomorrow, praying?

    yet, only he can tell his story.

    as I sat alone at my table
    with my journal and camera
    I began to wonder what stories
    about me do others create?

    ms