WOMEN: When we gather...

Today, I opened Turning to One Another by Margaret Wheatley. Like magic I found a page that had this statement:

"Conversation is the natural way we humans think together."

This truth came to life across time, distance, and differences last Friday at "A Women's Leadership Gathering" at the Global Dialogue Center Online Conference Center, celebrating International Women's Day. It was a first time happening of its kind for us. I think we made history --- at least for most of us. 121 women from 13 countries put their fingerprint on this idea in some way. I suppose what was most moving is how we filled a "day of conversation" when we actually arrived --- 8 hours --- of listening to each other's stories and being together. Most of us were strangers in the distance meeting on common ground to explore what we've learned as leaders in our work, community, or in our families --- tapping into missteps, milestones, and miracles in our journeys. We also talked about big changes, fears, and vision. After looking within, we explored how we could translate our goodness into changing the world in our unique ways. We learned that it was important to come out of isolation---to be bridge builders, look for ways to make connections, and don't be afraid to ask for help.

I had the honor of seeding the first conversation with one of my favorite stories. I wrote about it recently in my post WOMEN's LEADERSHIP: Carrying a Big Basket. It be came clear that our virtual space was filled with big baskets everywhere with women, longing to take something meaningful home. We did! 

What has been most fascinating is trying to express what happened at the gathering is a bit like describing a sunset or the colors of a rainbow. The words seem hollow. Women who attended are still feeling it --- remembering it too --- because they have written, attempting to give us all a glimpse.

"I feel we are in the dawn of a new day in so many ways - green movement, politics, etc. This is timely and perfect. You can tell because it flowed so effortlessly. I'm thrilled to have been a part of today."
--- Dorothy

"Thanks again for a very interesting, satisfying day."
--- Carole

"I am so glad to have celebrated this women's day with all of you in such a special way! I want to say, all of you brought me into a new world, full of vision and passion, wisdom and philanthropy."
---Xuan

MORE REFLECTIONS (PDF)

One of the highlights of our day was having live illustration of what we were saying. Nancy Margulies, well-known as the "godmother of graphic recording" spent the day with us and at the perfect places captured the special moments and highlights of our stories. As I was closing up our day of conversation, she illustrated what I said as I shared a few thoughts from the day and told a story of how whenever I "fly" to up into virtual space, I always see myself in a little "space capsule" being lift to some wonderful place in my global neighborhood to be with others. Our women's gathering was truly a manifestation of that dream. (Click on the image to see it larger).

If you came to A Women's Leadership Gathering would love to know what stayed with you.

We will mark this day in history in some other ways here shortly to share more. Also, soon we will have another gathering... Hope you can be with us. Join our mailing list at the Global Dialogue Center to be invited.

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
Home of Women in the Lead
author, Putting Our Differences to Work (May 2008)
www.puttingourdifferencestowork.com

Comments

[Janina Browarska]

Hi Debbe,

This was such a fabulous gathering. Those moments in time that we all shared are so precious and inspirational. We were truly blessed.

Nina

[Debbe Kennedy - Women in the Lead INSPIRATION BLOG]

Dear Nina,
I agree with you so much! We are all still talking and enjoying it. I also plan to write you to you---just ended the session with a giant stack of TO DO's. :-)

Soon...more to come.

Thank you for your immeasurable contribution to our day!

Debbe