Looking Back and Moving Forward
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"Before people can begin something new, they have to end what used to be
and unlearn the old way."
William Bridges
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Next December/early January I am going to try an experiment. Before any sort of looking forward into the New Year, I am going to focus more on what is ending. Like many people, I tend to focus on the bright shiny object of the future. It is probably less fun, but more important to acknowledge what is ending.
I’ve recently been rereading
William Bridges
' books on transitions and managing transitions. He makes a point to acknowledge that transition always begins with an ending. He writes, “The new growth cannot take root on the ground still covered with the old habits, attitudes, and outlooks because endings are the clearing process.” And to organizational leaders, he reminds them to give plenty of space and room for employees to acknowledge what is being lost in the change.
Bridges counsels leaders to 1) identify who is losing what; 2) expect and accept the signs of grieving; 3) compensate for the losses; 4) give people information; 5) define what is over and what isn’t; 6) treat the past with respect; 7) show how endings ensure continuity of what really matters; and 8) let people take a piece of the old way with them. This feels like wise counsel not only for organizational transition, but personal change as well.
Lumunos likes to look at life spiritually. So we take that approach to transitions as well. In fact, we believe that acknowledging endings is a spiritual practice. We dare to deal with endings because we trust that there is life after death and hope for the future. As one "Lumunary" used to say, “God is always more.”
This year Lumunos would like to accompany you in the changes you are facing. You will see it pop up in our online presence, print newsletters and events. We’d love to make it a dialogue, so please join us, either in person or online.
Peace and Blessings to you in the midst of Change.
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Are there transitions in your life urging you to let go?
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Letting Go
Someone asked me recently, “What do you need to let go in 2019?” Like lots of people, perhaps the most challenging (and important) thing for me has to do with forgiveness. In particular, forgiving those who clearly set-out to do me or my family harm. Perhaps I’m lucky in that I don’t have too many people that I put in that category. But, nevertheless, the number isn’t zero and my history with these people bothers me (a lot).
In
The Book of Joy,
Archbishop Tutu and the Dalai Lama list forgiveness as one of the eight pillars of joy. The chapter on that pillar is a powerful one. These men have been at the epicenter of both gut wrenching, large scale injustice and astounding forgiveness. Tutu also tells a very personal story - not unfamiliar to many people - of guilt and forgiveness around events within his own family. The easy response is to say that reading this made my own challenges with forgiveness seem small and petty. And, indeed, they are. But, the way my brain works, merely reading something never makes me instantly wiser.
I love this simple statement that lots of wise people have said in various ways: “Forgiveness is a sign of strength.” Like going to the gym, building and maintaining strength means commitment to doing an exercise (mental or physical) over and over and over again. And, then some more after that.
So, apparently letting go = repetition = work = strength = pillar = joy. Got it. Message received. Let’s check-in on that in a year or so.
Dan Quinlan
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January "LumZoom" Call
In this month's online conversation, we'll reflect on the changes in our lives (past, present, and future). How is "letting go" an important part of moving forward? How do we nurture our spiritual wellness in turbulent times of change?
Read more
myemail.constantcontact.com
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2019 Chicago Men's Retreat: "Male in a Whale, The Sequel"
All this and more is embedded in this short story from the Old Testament. As with all Lumunos men's retreats, you can also expect good food, lots of laughter, and the magic that happens when you jump off the hamster wheel for a few days...
Read more
events.r20.constantcontact.com
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Appalachian Women's Retreat
Join us as we explore the story of Hildegard of Bingen to frame our stories and to deepen connections with our mystical, contemplative, and creative sides. On this retreat, you can expect: Away time to disconnect from routines, connect with self...
Read more
www.lumunos.org
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"Navigating Transition Fog"
Brenda Reynolds
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"Forgiveness is Good for Your Health "
Archbishop Desmond Tutu
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"Rivers and Roads"
The Head and The Heart
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Prayer for the Desolate
Even in a world that's being shipwrecked, remain brave and strong. -Hildegard of Bingen Sometimes there's a strange, wild splendor in what otherwise looks desolate. I'm thinking about the meadow I frequently walk. Now that it's in full winter...
Read more
www.lumunos.org
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Tiny home village for homeless vets nears completion
Moving into a home of his own will mark the start of a new chapter for U.S. Navy veteran Jeffrey Lawrence. The 48-year-old Cloverdale native said he became homeless in 2012 after a divorce and a struggle with substance abuse. He's now living in...
Read more
www.pressdemocrat.com
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Thank You!
Thanks to all who contributed in 2018! It helps us immensely as we look to our programming in 2019 and excites and energizes us for the work ahead. From the staff of Lumunos, we'd like to express our gratitude for your continued generosity, support, ideas and encouragement. Your donations support the work we do every day helping people reconnect with their calling.
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Please contact us.
Let us know what we can do for you.
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