Changemakers Lab Module 6: Endings to Beginnings

Whenever I need to reflect on the ending of something, one of my favourite poems by Rumi comes to mind.

“I will find new meaning in every joy and sorrow

In that silence, I will hear the voice of spirit,

And freed from this world, I will see another world

Where the end is another beginning.” - Rumi

The last two years have been replete with endings of different kinds for me, and as we reach the ending of this Lab's journey, I relish the complete meal this journey has been. A full course meal usually incorporates all the tastes from sweet to tart to spicy and you are surrounded by the warmth of community and togetherness. This has exactly been my experience with the Changemakers Lab.

Traditional meals in South India, begin with a sweet dish. And the sweetest dessert of this course was being chosen to place new goals, envision new dreams and set them out to taste. Mapping my resources and building community was akin to tasting new dishes. The practice of examining, reflecting and finding new narratives was a bittersweet moment, with bursts of tartness peppering the experience. Being able to share aspects of my story and experiences with a large, warm, encouraging and supprotive community was the main-course of the meal. Hearty, nourishing and filling! Tactics and failures were interspersed with bitterness and blandness. But bitterness is required to offset the sweet and blandness can highlight the importance of flavour, if you get my drift.  

Listening to and engaging with the community at large, having support from Ana, Dawn and Kirthi through the process and also being given the opportunity to share my skills with the WP community felt like a beautifully shared, warm loaf of bread straight out of the oven.  Of course the self-care and security lessons felt like the very important nutritious aspects of the meal, the vegetables and the stew. I am ecstatic at being allowed to share some of my recipes/dishes in this nourishing mix. 

The meal is not complete without an indulgent second dessert, which I look forward to. The patting of ourselves on the back and the celebration of a journey well travelled.

And as we close the Lab, I am excited and optimistic about the massive changes and huge impact that we will all bring into the world in the coming years. I am excited to have this new band of friend to try new meals and dishes as we journey on our paths.