One of my favorite things to do over the years has been to attend the Ashland Shakespearean Festival. Dear friends Laura, Linda, Jeantte; theater; restaurant hopping - wonderful! When we weren't having a rousing discussion about the plays, the productions and the actors we'd sometimes talk about the following question: If you could invite someone to dinner from any period in history, who would it be and why. We elaborated on this by dreaming about what we'd serve for dinner or where we'd take them. Of course it's impossible to limit it to one person so we'd up the guest list to three and talk about how these various people might interact with each other. More recently I asked this question at one of my workshops and found the answers to be moving, inspiring and sometimes funny. It was a great way to get a glimpse into each person's uniqueness.
Lately I've been working on a vision statement for my business. It is important to me that everything I do in my work flow from my core self so that it is completely honest. I decided that one way to get to know that deep part of me was to explore who inspires me and why - and since I'm making the rules I decided to invite as many people as I wanted. Below is my shortlist (in random order). I'd enjoy learning who you'd invite to your dinner part. Perhaps you have some favorite recipes, restaurants, or places that you'd use for your guests.
David Whyte - is a poet who uses poetry to bring beauty and soul to the corporate world. He is author of one of my favorite books The Heart Aroused.
Cheryl Richardsonl - is a champion of self-care and a great source of inspiration.
The Dalai Lama - he radiates love, compassion, gentleness and good humor.
Joe Vitale - is a powerhouse of energy and creativity. He is not embarrassed to ask for what he wants and to expect it with openness (rather than entitlement). He manages to have a healthy relationship with the material and spiritual worlds.
Greg Mortensen - his vision transcends cultural, religious and political walls. He has served others by building schools in the mideast for girls under extremely difficult circumstances. He is the author of the book Three Cups of Teaof Tea.
Pat Krishnamurthy - I admire the way she stays connected to her own art while using it to bring meaning to others. I felt her spirit of service when I met her several months ago.
C.G. Jung - I admire his courage to separate from his religious roots and to forge his own connection to the Divine; his courage in bringing man's religious nature into the science of psychology; his courage separating from Freud; and his emphasis on relationship on all levels. I love his ideas on symbolism, synchronicity, dreams and the creative instinct.
Nelson Mandela - I am in awe of his ability to live forgiveness and to bring it to the leadership of a country ruled by prejudice and hatred. I respect his vision and creativity in reconciling a people divided. One of my favorite movies is about his life after being released from prison: Invictus.
D.W. Winnicott - His book Playing and Reality made a huge impression on me as well as his ideas on play, the true self versus the false self, and holding. His gentle, wise spirit when working with parents and children is very inspirational.
There are countless more people I could mention - and might still but it's a start...
