Copenhagen Day Two – Finding my rhythm

It is day two here in Copenhagen. I arrived on Tuesday night and went right to a conversation and presentation at Survival Academy, which is a series of workshops and experiences put on by friends of ours during the next ten days. It was great to arrive and see so many people I know.

Then, the very next morning while I was rushing a bit too much, my back went out! I spent the day somewhat uncomfortable but still able to participate in our lovely group. The key lesson for me is, however, to slow down and be in my natural rhythm rather than pushing so see and do everything just because it is here. That is the underlying message of all we are doing here in the Inner Climate Learning Village – creating space to slow down, listen to our hearts and to each other so when we act it is from a grounded space.

So here we are on Day Two. I still haven’t gone out to the big crowds and that is ok. I have many days here and I know the excitement will still be there. I am taking care of my back – which is feeling better already – and volunteered to be the one holding the beautiful apartment here open so all of us who want to come and go tonight are welcome.

We had a full and flexible day. Starting with a peaceful meditation on a rainy Copenhagen morning, the space for our Inner Climate Learning Village was set. Ulrik and I were the hosts for the day, which means we called people in for various circles or conversations and loosley managed the day. Once people arrived, we had an opening circle where we checked in with the question, “Given what we experienced together yesterday and you experienced last evening, what is blooming in you today?” Each of us took turns sharing about how we are appreciating the beauty and space we are creating. It feels like a ‘home’ where we can show up, be grounded and then go out and do our work.

After snacks – the official Copenhagen “amager” sandwich – cheese and butter on one slice of homemade dark bread and one white bread – we continued our harvest – creating lists and charts of everything from what is going on in Copenhagen that we want to be involved in to who will be hosting the various days and what everyone’s phone numbers are. It is good to have the loose structure up on the walls so we know where we want to flow amongst the rhythm we are setting.

Then a call came from Janine – President Obama is receiving his Nobel Peace Prize…. did we all want to watch. We gathered around the television inspired by the pianist and Esperanza Spaulding  who played her bass and sang for him. Hi speech brought good discussion – as we thought about his talk about using force as a way to peace. Here are the lyrics of Experanza’s song.

Espera

people i almost gave up holding on
watching us give into our fears
i almost believe
almost believe
all the world is helpless sorrow
no hope for a bright tomorrow
but i’m not sure enough
to give it up…no

now as i learn how i must work for change
i nearly cave in from the weight
i almost believe
almost believe
all the sorrows will consume me
’til peace among men i never can see
but i’m not sure enough to give it up

i’ll keep faith
like so many souls who won’t be drowned
by evil in the world
I HAVE FAITH IN MANKIND
that we can guide our choices towards a healthy world
in time to ease our bind
for only hard work through time
can change men’s minds, i know
<b>if we make some small changes now
we’ll heal ourselves, some way, some how</b>

i don’t expect to ever taste the fruit
my life devoted could bring forth
i almost believe
well i do believe
oh the path to peace is endless
so, choosing to close our eyes makes our fault mendless
of this i’m sure enough

I WON’T GIVE UP
I’M SURE ENOUGH
AND I WON’T GIVE UP
I’M SURE ENOUGH
AND I WON’T GIVE UP

So, Mr. Obama came into our circle which meant our rhythm of having open space in the afternoon was shortened. No worries. We called a circle to honor our desire to bookend the day with check – in and check out. The circle was attended by those who were present at the moment. Flow is an important part of the pattern here. A few freedom songs from Luke and me topped off the day. Most of us went off to engage in various activities around town.

At this moment, Ulrik and I are sitting in this beautiful space, sipping wine and listening to classical music. We are here to welcome anyone who still wishes to come by. That will be the role of at least one of us each evening.

Join the Conversation: Are you tapping into your natural rhythm.