OUR INVITATION

We invite you to join us in the creation of a new time, born in each moment and lived in the fullness of each authentic engagement.

The Guest House

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture.

Still treat each guest honourably.
He may be clearing you
out for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing
and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

—Jalal al-Din Rumi¹

Heartland and the Art of Convening are integrally connected to a worldwide web of individuals and organizations actively creating a global renaissance of thought and behavior, based on restoring wholeness to ourselves, our communities, our organizations, and the world. Some are referenced in this book in the “People Doing Good Things” and “Acknowledgments and Gratitude” sections.

This notion of restoring wholeness is recognizable by an absence of fear and a generosity of spirit. When we, as Conveners, tap into the generosity inherent in people, the wealth of knowledge and wisdom in any gathering is revealed. That wisdom is felt as a connection to being whole, both individually and collectively.

When we feel and experience wholeness, our connection to one another and the world around us becomes less hostile and more inviting.

There is a river flowing now very fast.
It is so great and swift that there are those
who will be afraid.
They will try to hold on to the shore.
They will feel they are being torn apart
and they will suffer greatly.
Know the river has its destination.
The elders say we must let go of the shore,
and push off and into the river,
keep our eyes open, and our head above
the water.
See who is in there with you and
celebrate.

—Excerpted from The Hopi Elders’ Prophecy²

As the Hopi Elders prophesied, the river of life is flowing fast, and many around us will be afraid. As the gatherers and holders of the people, we keep our hearts and eyes open to those who are with us and celebrate.

This is an invitation to become the “guest house” for the possibility that all those who walk through your door are whole and perfect just as they are, that each interaction with another human being is an opportunity for authentic relationship, and that a transformation occurs in that interaction.

This is a good time to be alive. Stay in touch.

—Craig, Patricia, and Cindy