Blog

If you like what you read here, be sure and sign up for the email list!

The Hub

11 February

Sunday night I dragged my somewhat reluctant body to a small gathering of seemingly ordinary people wanting to “Be the Change.”  As we went around the circle and shared what victories we had “been” or seen recently, it occurred to me that perhaps there simply are no ordinary people.  Everyone had interesting and positive stories to report.  It was astonishing to learn how many creative ventures were alive and active in just this small group.  It was also wonderful to feel the energy rippling across the cozy living room.

We spoke about one of my favorite topics, Conscious Capitalism.  I loved hearing about what was already happening and the positive impacts these actions might bring across the planet.  Of course, we discussed the Grameen Bank, micro-lending and the vision of Muhannad Yunus.  We learned about Paul Hawkin’s new book, Blessed Unrest” in which he promotes the idea that any movement needs a shared vocabulary.
We heard about wonderful local projects too: The Dawn to Dusk Canival of Love; the VisionForce I Stand Experience; the Coalition for Emotional Literacy; the Wisdom at Work Luncheons and the new Wisdom After Work gatherings.  We also learned about the challenges of living non-violently and about a couple that is traveling the country in their van, sharing their own message of love.
It seems that even in Austin there are hundreds of groups that have energy flowing.  How does one connect these burst of energy into a “movement”? How can the projects be supportive and generative for one another? And how do they communicate with one another?
Maybe another of my favorite visions for the future can contribute.  I have long dreamed of a series of multi-purpose spaces in cities around the world, that provided a gathering spot for incubation, nurturing and celebration of these extraordinary ideas.  This could be a watering hole for those interested in Conscious Business, spiritual growth, the environment, community development, world peace or brilliant business ideas. It could be a lively meeting space for those interested in “being the change”, for instance. I envision a place that supports celebratory music, visionary arts and provides an oasis of connection in the middle of the action. Imagine gathering with your friends for a bit of great music in a world-class setting with exquisite, healthy food and running into exactly the visionary that you needed for a project that YOU are working on.
I see this as the bricks and mortar version of Social Networking – hubs to connect all of these wheels of energy – in real time.
So now I’ve put it out there into the Universe, lets see what sorts of brick masons show up to create it.  I can promise that I will be looking out for such places while I am in New Zealand.