Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Is This All That's Left?

Funny thing about memory… it comes and goes. But that’s not what funny, actually.

What’s funny is that it often takes  a crisis to happen for us to remember what we stand for both past and present. But it’s sort of funny without the humour. It’s just a term – a phrase that is used when ordinary words don’t seem enough.
The memorials shown in this picture  have been erected on the beach in the  beautiful coastal area of Sri Lanka I just visited – in memory of a people and life that once was. This is all that is left.

Each sculpture represents the waves of destruction and memorialises time and people.

This is all that is left of a place that once held hands with a community and lifestyle. We ask, is that all that’s left?

We live in better times now. There is more – there is an abundance of life and opportunity – much more to give, much more to receive.

Make sure what you give is rich in intent and value. Make it real, make it rise above the ordinary and make it yours.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

When the cool morning air of a Sri Lankan village meets the hot air of the city

What happens when the cool morning air of a Sri Lankan village meets the hot air of the bustle of the city?

Dust, dryness, instant heat and evaporation of energy, soul and ideas,   that’s what.


Gone is the pleasant air and the cool shade of the bamboo trees. Gone is the quiet and peace as people waken and begin their day. Gone is the promise of a peaceful mind and soul.



While we may not live in a village, we do share some similarities. Here’s why.


We live and work in airconditioned comfort but  too often find ourselves going between the calm and positive spaces of our day to colliding with uncomfortable conversations, people and challenges.


We may blame others for creating the discomfort, but it may be  worth reflecting on whether or not we actually create some of the problem or indeed the congestion.


A good time for reflection is the beginning of the year. A better time is any time we plan and prepare to meet with others. Our choice is to surround and give out  with calm vibes or just be a lot of hot air!

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