by Bonnie Hutchinson

At this transition time, saying good-bye to the year just ended and hello to the new year, I’m reflecting. I’ve been thinking whether anything else needs to be finished before 2021 is really “complete” (regardless of what the calendar might say). I’ve also been considering what new opportunities or tasks I might invite into my life during 2022. That reminded me of a friend’s story that spoke to me. Maybe it will speak to you too.

My friend was a volunteer at Findhorn, a remarkable community in Scotland. My friend’s crew of volunteers was responsible to prepare the dining room for the noon meal that hundreds of people that would be eating every day. Every morning, their crew would meet with the person in charge. My friend would be very conscious of the limited time they had to prepare for the noon meal. She was anxious to get going.

The person in charge did not begin by explaining what was to be done or who would do what. Instead, she would ask people what was going on with them.

Someone would talk about trouble with his girlfriend. The person in charge would listen and then ask, “Is there anything else?” Someone else would talk about a deep personal challenge. The person in charge would listen and ask, “Is there anything else?” Someone would talk about being homesick and missing the people back home. The person in charge would listen and then ask, “Is there anything else?” And so on. And so on.

My friend would be increasingly impatient. Who cared what was “going on” with people? What did this have to do with why they were there? They had work to do. The clock was ticking. Time was passing. They had a deadline. And every morning, there would come a time when the leader would ask, “Is there anything else?” And there would be silence. The leader would smile.

My friend said it was amazing. The crew would go to work. Everything went smoothly. Everyone knew exactly what to do and how to help the next person. No matter how much or little time they had before the noon diners arrived, the dining room was always ready, pristine and organized, perfectly prepared for the diners’ arrival, and filled with cheerful energy.

The story reminded me of two things.

One, we need to be at peace with our current reality before we can move on. That doesn’t mean thinking everything has to stay the way it is. But it does mean ending struggle and turmoil. It’s not going to be a “happy new year” if we’re still mentally or emotionally dealing with baggage from six months ago–or six decades!

That’s something I didn’t know 50 years ago: Paradoxically, when we can accept “the way it is”, we then have the power to change whatever “it” is.

Two, we need to make a space for what enriches our lives. Sometimes the space is physical. We can clear out clutter, get rid of things that no longer serve us and create beautiful new spaces that support the person we have become and the circumstances in which we live.

Sometimes the space may be social. We may need to change or let go of some relationships that are not good for the people in them to make room for relationships that are healthier and more rewarding.

Sometimes the space is emotional. We can notice and release old feelings, just let them go, to allow room for happier feelings.

Sometimes the space is mental. We can say, “stop” to negative and judgmental thought patterns and choose to focus on the positive aspects of all that’s around us.

My reflection has taken me to a new question.

“Is there anything else?” What do I need to acknowledge, clean up and/or be at peace with, in order to do what needs to be done–and experience the new joy that’s waiting for my attention?

I’d love to hear from you! If you have comments about this column or suggestions for future topics, send a note to Bonnie@BonnieHutchinson.com. I’ll happily reply within one business day. PURPLE SUPPORT

Murray Green, Camrose Booster

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Murray Green, Camrose Booster