By Evita Krislock
I thought how can we, our team, try to capture the wonder and spirit of such an event?
Well, as with life, it is done little bit by little bit. We often don’t know where we are heading or what lies ahead, yet with faith and trust we move forward. Our trio – Christine Budzowski, Winifrid Follett and Evita Krislock – set forth on a journey three years ago. We wanted to delve into women’s leadership circles, using Women of Vision as our foundation.
Building upon this foundation we were led deeper into the Sacred Art of Listening, and The Millionth Circle, exploring challenges, possibilities and needs. While on this journey we’ve witnessed such Grace in the development of Leading with Heart, a circular leadership practice, lifting up the voices of all within the circle. This is not about one circle, rather millions of circles that can in fact change the world. The key is respect for each member, creating a safe and sacred space while honoring our ancestors, and believing in the value that together we do in fact make a difference.
Working with a team of awesome women from across the country – Ann Smith, Lisa Towle, Edna Brown, Kay Lindahl, Barbara Schafer and Rachel Tabor Hamilton – we continue to “become.” During this journey, we presented at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women 2022, addressing environmental issues, and most recently served on three panels at the Parliament of World Religions in Chicago, presenting a workshop on Nonviolent Communication and supporting other Circles throughout the Parliament.
The number of God moments are too numerous to count, occurring in registration lines, collisions in hallways, tender meditative labyrinth walks, Quaker meetings, chance encounters while sitting on the floor being fed by the Sikh community each day, music washings and inspirational speakers addressing the need to become activists as we address the Climate Crisis. These are just a few moments that are now forever a part of our story and our being.
A picture is worth a thousand words, and so included are a few photos that fall short of capturing this God-filled event. Members of various faith traditions from all across the globe came together once again to address the need for reconciliation with Mother Earth, and social justice issues with all of our sisters and brothers were addressed in such a way that provides hope and light for the entire world. We were just one small part of a tapestry that will continue to spread love, compassion and awareness that we are all inter-connected, all valued and loved by God.