New Calliope Center Website

Posted by Prudence on 1 January 2010 | 3 Comments

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Beginnings are rarely just that. We see marriage as a beginning, but these days, it's usually preceded by a relationship, and the wedding simply marks a new stage in that relationship.  So it is with the Calliope Center.  While there will be a great deal more organization to what we do here, it has been a gathering place since it was built as our home, almost eight years ago.  Women's groups, men's groups, singing parties, transition ceremonies, and lots of earnest conversation have already been a part of this space, blessing it for those who will be coming in the future. And yet, there is something special about this declaration; this dedication to a specific journey. Hope flutters around beginnings. Breath. Spaciousness. Anticipation.

As I think about beginning, I cannot help but think about my teachers.  Julie Tallard Johnson, whose authenticity and faith in "the process" are simply inspiring, has given me so much, not the least of which was a good metaphorical kick in the pants when I balked at doing this work.  My meditation teacher, S.N. Goenka, whom I have met only through the miracles of technology, gave me my most useful tool for living, without which this idea and the spirit behind it would have undoubtedly remained buried.  Seth Alt has been an endlessly patient web designer, and Geri Shonka a nurturing graphic artist, both teaching me to see the world a little differently. There are so many other people who come to mind, from my family to my women's groups, to my walking buddies, but I suppose I am not accepting an Academy Award. They know who they are, and I hope they know how much I appreciate their encouragement.

There is some hesitation in many of us when it comes to offering of ourselves. Is what I have to give good enough?  What, after all, do I know?  I am not enlightened.  I have made some whopper mistakes. I can still get hooked; I have issues; and sometimes I lose the battle with resistance.  Who am I to facilitate workshops?  Well, what I can offer is a willingness to share my experience openly and to keep bringing myself back to the path. Just as in my meditation practice, when my mind wanders, I gently bring it back to the breath, so when I wander from my path, will I bring myself gently back to it.  And in this work, I will commit to encouraging others to do so as well, with great love and compassion for themselves. 

Last night, I watched a vole scamper across newly fallen snow. I wondered if he was doing it just for the pleasure of making new footprints. I decided to join him and took my dog for a late-night walk. We made a new meandering path up to the hazelnut field and stood in the freezing air silently looking at the stars. I went to bed feeling curiously satisfied.

The path we make together under the guidance of our muse, Calliope, may also be meandering, but I bet we'll experience some of the same awe and satisfaction from taking that journey into the dark and cold and finding the surprising glory of the universe there awaiting us.

Thanks for joining me. 


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Comments

  • Wow, the networking is evident, as is the creative muse which beckons as she deepens. Looking forward to hearing and seeing more. Love Sarash

    Posted by Sarah Caldwell, 02/03/2010 7:34am (2 years ago)

  • Prudence...I am so proud of you, your initiative, your willingness to really "go for it" and your humble, gentle spirit. I consider you such a dear friend of my soul.

    Much love, David

    Posted by David K. Banner, 18/02/2010 5:10pm (2 years ago)

  • Dear Prue,
    I have enjoyed looking around "calliope".The one particular workshop on listening sounds fascinating. It is indeed an art to really listen. As you mentioned "This workshop can bring up resistance in people because authentic listening exposes us in a way to which we're unaccustomed in our society." This is very true....Anyways, just thought I'd drop in and say hello. Be encouraged! It sounds as though you love what you do. I enjoyed reading the quotes throughout your site. One of my favorite quotes "Love never fails" which comes from the Bible but I thought you might like it! Take care and God bless you! Love your cousin,
    Laura (Lori)

    Posted by Laura Graham, 03/02/2010 5:15pm (2 years ago)

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