learning curve

“Community is a word used to describe the recognition of a group dynamic. It is a popular idea yet I have found it somewhat homogenized: everyone had to be alike to be part of a community. However, “village” is more representative of our human diversity. A village holds all ages, sizes, and kinds, from the introvert to the wild politician to the great grandmother with few teeth. It is a place where ‘other’ can be a mirror for me and I can come to know myself more completely because we are together. ‘Village’ can be embarrassing, provocative and inspiring. It can help us appreciate our glory and confusion as human beings.” Barbara Dilley, 2000.

I crave the provocation and the confusion of the village. I ache for those moments when I see myself in the eyes of someone different from me. I enjoy being pushed beyond the edge of my comfort and ability. I want to see people. I am learning to move beyond the “don’t stare” teaching of my childhood and to watch others with a loving gaze. I love my solitary long walks in the woods. And my mind and body are craving to take that same intention into the city: to walk with equal presence amoung the bodies, smells, touch, and sound of humanity. I crave those moments of learning on my edge, of being with someone wholly different than I and seeing how similar we actually are. My experience is that this is what will heal us: touching, hearing, looking deeply into the eyes of the 'other' and seeing ourselves reflected there.