I've just returned to Oslo, where I officially live, with suitcases full of thoughts and reflections. A year ago, I returned home, after being in New York during the election and first months of Obama's presidency. A year later, and so much of the enthusiasm and hope has waned. I devoured the New York Times while in the US recently, and continue to be a devotee of Thomas Friedman, and some others like Frank Rich, and like many thinking people, I try my best to make sense of this complicated time. Perhaps our time isn't more complicated than other times, however with so much (too much) information available, it is at least a very overwhelming time.
To begin this Blog. I'd like to start with some basic reflections.
1- How immature Americans still seem to be. Needing reassurance, constantly.
2- How incredibly callous those rich and greedy bankers are.
3- How important it is for us to see and hear Mr. Obama again - as we did during his campaign. I can't even imagine how tired he must be, how overwhelmed he is.
4- How important it is to begin the day (and have this essence with you for the entire day) with a sense of gratitude and willingness to embrace the idea of connection.
As this is my first day of "blogging" and my thoughts are crashing into each other, like small children wanting to be first on the line out of the classroom, let me end by relating a small episode that happened at the beginning of my recent trip.
I was flying from Amsterdam to the US. At Schiphol airport it is possible to go to the "Meditation" Lounge before one's flight. I like to do this, and mostly find the gentle and soothing room to be empty. The room is set up with chairs, and open space as well. It is designed for all religions and all peoples. I am a teacher of the Alexander Technique, and I practice yoga and attempt meditation. With the room vacant, I can do a little of the above. On my recent visit, I was quickly joined by a group of traveling Muslims. (I believe they were on their way to Mecca). It was a first for me: sharing not only a room, but the meditative experience with Muslims. And I, being a woman, and they all men, it felt slightly dangerous at the start. All what we've heard, all what can happen. The clash of cultures to say the least. The Dutchman, in charge of the space came over to me -- just as this crowd arrived-- and nicely ask if I minded moving over. (I hadn't been aware that I was using the Mecca directed area). I quickly did so, and not moments later me and these five men went about our business of pray and meditation. It was unusual, but without incident. It is possible to be together in such a way. I noticed that at one point, while doing the child's pose in Yoga, that I was nearly doing the same position as these men who knelt in prayer. Ever so interesting, and connected.
All went well, and my flight arrived safely, gratefully so, into the US.
Thank you for listening,
Deborah
