[Oe List ...] Our Legacy: Next Steps?

[Kenneth]

Nancy, I've got to add an additional snippit to your list as one of those
ripples of energy we often don't see.
 
As you know, over the years I've had a series of conversations with Edith
Kusnic (a long-time supporter and leader of the Rites of Passage
program--with no other affiliation to ICA/IE) and have been consistently
rocked by how much she absorbed about "the Order" through her conversations
with Fred. The question of legacy came up after Fred's passing, and Edith
said there was no question but that the practical embodiment of intentional
community in Songaia and the Rites of Passage program were clearly two
profound legacies of the Order (brought into being by you, Stan and Fred).
Rites, rituals--of course, singing--and the various tools for journey
reflection and guiding were all vital components of those two legacies. And
over recent years, the extension of rites, rituals and journey tools into
the role of elderhood as another expression of intentional community.
 
And symbols...I don't know if I'm ever going to figure out how to capture
some of the conversations I had with Fred in the presence of the Congolese
Iron Cross (yup, the kind that anchored every Religious House), and the full
size Turn Symbol and Marshall Island "stick chart" that all somehow found
new homes and energy under your care.
 
Anyway, it's always surprising to hear reflections from folks who are
several degrees separated from EI/ICA/OE, like Edith.
 
With renewed gratitude for one and all!

Ken Gillgren
Gillgren Communication Services, Inc.
Cultivating Civic Imagination and Engagement
1140 N. 192nd St., B226, Shoreline, WA 98133
(206) 755-9578
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Skype: ken.gillgren
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  _____  

From: oe-bounces at wedgeblade.net [mailto:oe-bounces at wedgeblade.net] On Behalf
Of Nancy Lanphear
Sent: Sunday, December 19, 2010 7:52 AM
To: Order Ecumenical Community
Subject: Re: [Oe List ...] Our Legacy: Next Steps?


Dear Ones, 

In the fog and wonder over the past couple of years of Fred's life, I
thought I had sent in my reflections on the Legacy question.  I guess I had
voiced them to our small Lunch Bunch when Gordon was thinking about raising
this question.  However, I do have thoughts to share for the record.

I can speak for both Fred and myself when I write my reflection as we had
the conversation many times in our years together, even just recently before
Fred's death.  Although living together in community was not a primary
intent as an Order, but a strategy; for us it became a major piece of the
Legacy.  Knowing the challenges and the learnings that have come from living
in community for nearly 40 years, we understand that imagining a world at
peace can only come from the discoveries of being community.  Residential
community adds a few more layers of daily encounter with the OTHER than in
other forms of community. We could not imagine living any other way.  With
Fred's illness and need for intense support, we realized anew that "it takes
a community to raise and care for their elders".  

Most of you are aware that we, along with Stan and Carol Crow and other
friends, envisioned, designed and developed a multi-generational,
intentional cohousing community called Songaia, built in 2000.  The
development process took 10 years, and we are now celebrating the 10 years
of living together as a lively and spirit-filled community. A true legacy of
the Order.

Another significant piece of the Legacy was the use of mantras within the
larger context of, "The Way LIFE Is".  My neighbor, suffering with
depression and anger, asked a few years ago, "how is it that you can be
happy?" My immediate response was ,"Life is good".  I realized the power of
symbol, story and song - hearing over and over again in so many forms, that
"Life is Good!" 

Legacy:

1) living in intentional community

2) story, song and symbol - ways of rehearing the way life is

3) accountability and absolution - 

4)  attachment and detachment - learning the process of taking in and
letting go.

Thank you for beginning and continuing this conversation.  It is one of the
many that have called forth my memories and gratitude for our lives together
as the Order:Ecumenical.  I am grateful for each of you as part of my Spirit
Community.

Nancy





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