“These are the times when we stand humbly and boldly in the presence of our own great promise. These are the days when through our decisions and actions, we determine our legacy for those to come.”
--Jean Houston
The first time I had the pleasure to hear Jean Houston speak was a few years ago at the New Living Expo in San Francisco. I was entranced as she told us her story - she is an philosopher, an author, a cultural anthropologist, a leader and a visionary. She was mentored by cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead; and has consulted with Presidents, political and spiritual leaders from around the world. Her lecture that day was an introduction to Social Artistry, she spoke to us about becoming leaders in a world that was changing and evolving - I was struck by her message that day. She encouraged each of us to understand that in order to help a society you must first understand their culture and way of being, by immersing yourself and truly understanding a culture; only then can you can then make a difference.
Just after the big Indonesian earthquake and devastating Tsunami, I was reminded of what I learned from Jean. I thought about how our country (bless their hearts) are the first to come to the aid of people all over the world. But the one thing we often forget is that in order to make a difference we need to understand the people we are helping The United States sent their ships filled with food for the survivors in Indonesia and the affected areas. However, the people could not eat the food and it made many ill. What we did not understand was that the Indonesian people are not used to eating things like spaghetti or chicken and dumplings, let alone preserved food from a package. Understanding that you need to know a culture and its people, a small organization (I promise to remember the name and get it to you) arrived and made vats lemon rice. This was food that the people were familiar with. The people who made the decision about what to feed the survivors were Social Artists.
One day I shall have the pleasure of attending Jean's Mystery School and meeting this wonderful woman face-to-face.
