It is Chinook Eve. Ever since I started producing and leading the Pacific Program in 2003, which became the Chinook Institute in 2010, I’ve relished the evening before the program begins as a very magical time to get centered, grounded, and ready. I do this by sitting alone and reading again every biography of the participants, by reading poems and stories that help me understand, and by meditating on the profound task ahead. Tomorrow is like opening gifts on Christmas day as I meet all these wonderful leaders for the first time and have them enrich my life, and each other’s, so thoroughly. I am overwhelmed with gratitude for them, and for the amazing Chinook faculty that travels so far to be part of this experience giving their amazing gifts so as to raise up people to save the world. I am full of thankfulness for the opportunity and ability to do this work. Tomorrow we welcome leaders from cities, counties, special districts, not-for-profits, the state of Oregon, and the Federal government into the Chinook family, bringing with them their own experiences from their home states of Idaho, California, Illinois, Colorado, and of course, Oregon. For the next week, however, these people are not representatives of their organizations or their homes. Instead they are purely leaders who devote their lives to the public good. That is the tie binding us together. Please be mindful of us during the next week, honor these people who give up the week so as to better serve their world, and for our alumni, contemplate what you learned, reflect on who you are, and recommit to your work and dreams. And, as Jack Johnson sings, “Dont let your dreams be dreams.”
Posted on: Sun, 05 Oct 2014 05:28:21 +0000
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