– Parker J. Palmer, A Hidden Wholeness: The Journey Toward an Undivided Life
One of the joys of leading MEA workshops is I learn as much as I’m teaching. And, I meet all kinds of insightful, fun people. Last week, we had a southern gentleman, Howard, in our “Owning Wisdom” workshop who loves collecting and sharing quotes (and he’s ready to write a book). He offered this exquisite Parker Palmer quote as a gift to his 27 fellow cohort compadres.
Howard’s timing was perfect as we’ve incorporated a silent, alone “Wisdom Wander” into our “Owning Wisdom” curriculum given that our Santa Fe campus has dozens of miles of hiking trails on its 2,566-acre property. When I do an “Awe Walk” (much like a “Wisdom Wander”), I start my journey by asking the question, “Nature, what do you have to teach me today?” But, based upon Parker Palmer’s quote, I’m now going to alter that question, “Dear Soul, Will you come out and play with me as I seek solitude in nature?”
And, this weekend, I did just that. A three-hour, meandering wander taking note of what nature and my soul were whispering to me. It was profound and I’m not prepared to share the details yet, but it felt like a psychedelic experience without the psychedelics.
My cofounder Jeff Hamaoui is teaching an “Owning Wisdom” workshop Oct 7-12 in Santa Fe. Come experience a Wisdom Wander!
-Chip