This weekend I had the opportunity to participate in a seminar on place, culture, home, and identity in New Mexico. I was one of about 15 people who joined the conversation.
We learned much about ourselves and how culture and identity are impacted by place. I struggled with how to explain what I learned and how I feel, but below I will highlight some of the key reflections I’m taking home:
1. Life is in all forms. Your ability to eliminate the distance between you and anything else brings greater harmony and allows relationships to flourish.
2. Identity and life transitions are deeply affected by place and space.
3. Sharing a story is so often not valued but it is immensely important to understanding any other person. Not only are you sharing in the words for that instant, but in fact you are sharing in their experience.
4. We should strive for more intentional conversations. Instead of shying away from difficult and important topics, we should embrace the opportunity and learn to see the world through another’s eyes.
5. We share a common humanity and are all connected through a lifeblood provided by the universe.
6. Nothing is perfect. Nothing is permanent. And nothing is ever finished.
7. “Being face to face, you cannot see the face. You must step back to see.” (Russian proverb)
8. We find our own meaning in everything we see, feel, hear, say, and experience. We are the authors of our lives, and meanings and interpretations can change as we change or reflect.
9. We are all only a path of greater understanding. It’s a journey, not a destination. It might be slow and tough, but there’s no parking along the way.
The many deep, intentional conversations, the beauty of nature, and open mindfulness shaped this experience of a wonderful, peaceful place. I can’t wait for next time!
Athena Ramos 