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Marcoujor: The Ripple Effect

3/25/2015

23 Comments

 
Picturemarcoujor
This past weekend I attended my third Gestalt training workshop weekend led by Mariah Fenton - Gladis and her team.  
 
The theme for this workshop was Not for the Feint of Heart.  Mariah, who has lived intimately with ALS for 34-years started off our workshop inspiring us. As usual, Mariah would go on to inspire us throughout the entire weekend in countless ways ...
 
Yet, I want to focus this post on Mariah's introductory words - because they are mighty and powerful in and of themselves.  


Picture
On Friday night, we sat in a circle all facing and listening to Mariah with her ALS accent.  Those of us in her training group easily understood her words. Doctor Dori and Doctor Mark were by her side to translate for those who had a difficult time with her words.
 
Mariah spoke of the fears that we all possess and how natural fear is.  She told us how brave we were for walking through the door and taking the first step - how important it is to have an open heart, ready to receive everything the weekend had to offer.
 
Mariah shared about her recent trip to Esalen, California where she led two sold-out workshops. Also at this world- renowned Gestalt center were a group of Palestinians and Israelis. The speaker scheduled to meet with this group was Nitsan Joy Gordon, Author of The Magic of Tears.  
 
I'm sharing the book summary that Amazon provided to show why Nitsan Joy Gordon would be such a likely choice to strive for empathy and understanding between Arabs and Jews. 

"One definition of Peace is a state of harmony amongst diversity. The story is in three languages to embody this possibility.

"Shaya is a big boy now and not supposed to cry. But one day, fed up, he opens the door and runs towards the sea. On the way, guided by the wind, he discovers how the pain within our hearts can be released and healed through the Magic of Tears.

"Ultimately, Shaya's journey also helps his parents discover the magic of tears and open their hearts. The Magic of Tears describes how our natural inborn healing mechanism works in a story that will touch the hearts of children and adults. It was written and illustrated by a three generation team who live in Israel, served in the military or in national service and have experienced the Israeli Palestinian conflict "up close and personal."

"Nitsan (the mother and daughter) wrote the book, Rachella (the grandmother and mother) and Shir (the daughter and granddaughter) illustrated it. In 2003, along with her Arab and Jewish colleagues in Israel, Nitsan created the Together Beyond Words Organization (TBW) (www.beyondwords.org.il) that has since provided workshops and trainings for Arab and Jewish women and more recently men to release their pain related to the conflict, regain their ability to feel empathy towards one another and work together for change.

"The Magic of Tears describes, through the eyes of a young boy, one key aspect of our healing work. Fifty percent of the profits from this book will be donated to the Together Beyond Words Organization so we can expand our efforts to transform the pain that is fueling the conflict in the Middle East into understanding and empathy…"
Well, Nitsan Joy Gordon could not tear down the walls,  But she heard Mariah was in the house and she asked her to speak to the group.  And of all people, Mariah is not "feint" of heart and she readily agreed. 
 
And she honestly admitted to us how frightened she was - because "I wanted to do it right. It was such important work. And I did."
 
Mariah's husband, Ron Gladis, added an amazing anecdote of information to this story.  Ron translated for Mariah.  Someone translated from English to Arabic.  Someone else translated from Arabic to Hebrew.  Ron laughed: "We never really knew what they were saying to each other."
 
But when Mariah was done, magic indeed had happened.  Members from each of these two groups were in the middle of the room, holding hands, hugging even and better yet...crying, tears of empathy, understanding, feelings that may have been held back for a lifetime - thanks to a woman who was not "feint" of heart. 
 
And we were charged to think about the ripple effect this could make - and in turn, the ripple effect a weekend like this could make in each one of us as we spread what we learn and feel to others - even if we have fear when we do it.
 
As for me, the weekend was one of insights, mind stretches and personal focus.  I found some clarity I am going to strive to maintain and I will forever remember to be grateful for my many blessings as I learn more of the struggles of others.
 
So many songs with meaning were played through the weekend... The song I shared at the beginning to express how I was feeling is by the band Dawes, A Little Bit of Everything...

Before you go...

Please don't miss the latest features circulating the Weeblyhood...
  • We Need to Shed in Order to Grow - Follow Mother Nature's Lead via Bravewarrior's Feathered Pen
  • Meet Wanda Keay: Passionate About Wildlife Photography via Inspiration Station
  • When Life Hands You Lemons via Life Talks - I Write
  • Kathy Morton: A Voice in the Deaf Community via flashPress

Until next week, I wish you peace, purpose and some courage too,

mar
23 Comments
Vicki
3/25/2015 03:04:17 am

Dear Maria,
So enjoyed reading about your Gestalt weekend! It sounds like a really interesting and rewarding experience for you. I'm a great believer in the ripple effect, as you might know. It's only by engaging in deeds yourself that you can start the ripples moving.
Your video was perfect too. It's the little bits of everything that build a worthwhile whole.
Love and hugs

Reply
Maria link
3/25/2015 02:18:36 pm

Dear Vicki,

Thanks for being the first to stop by - even though we've 'chatted' a couple times today, glad to swing by to tell you how much your support and friendship is appreciated.

Have a peaceful night. Love and hugs, mar

Reply
Shauna
3/25/2015 03:13:05 am

Mar, thank you for sharing your Gestalt journey. I can only imagine the verbal mayhem at the conference in California. Well, not mayhem, because obviously, Mariah's words touched everyone who heard them - in whatever language!

Love the video. I've never heard this song before. I love the bridal party that danced down the aisle. What a happy celebration!

Reply
Shauna
3/25/2015 09:01:38 am

Hey, Mar! I had to come back because the right word just struck me: cacophony! I can imagine the cacophony of voices and languages in that room (not mayhem). Talk about invigoration! Wow!!

Reply
Maria link
3/25/2015 02:25:46 pm

Dear Sha Sha,

Thanks for both of your visits. I love the word cacophony and it's a perfect description of what must have taken place.

Dawes is a cool band - you would love them - Love you, Mar

Kim Thompson
3/25/2015 03:30:32 am

Good morning lovely friend. So happy you had a joyous weekend. Your are the queen of the ripple effect if you do not know this. Your love and giving spirit has touched many and continues to bless me every day. Love this blog post and pray it touches many.
Love and hugs
Kimmie

Reply
Maria link
3/25/2015 02:29:03 pm

Thanks for your kind words, dear Kimmie. You cause quite a few ripples yourself, I must say!

Love you much. Will be by to visit as I have a few moments. Maria

Reply
Peg Cole link
3/25/2015 03:41:58 am

Your recap of the seminar was beautiful. What a challenge it must be for Mariah and yet she continues to shine despite her challenges. A beautiful example for each of us. I keep hearing the old folksong "They Called the Wind Mariah". Lovely post.

Reply
Maria link
3/25/2015 02:32:10 pm

Hi dear Peg,

Indeed, Mariah may be one of the most inspirational women I have ever known. Always love to see you and hope you and yours are well. Love and hugs, mar

Reply
femmeflashpoint link
3/25/2015 04:37:05 am

Prof. Mar - pebbles in ponds.

Even tiny pebbles making tiny splashes can still send ripples a pretty long way.

I liken it to casting bread on the water ...

femme

Reply
Maria link
3/25/2015 02:34:42 pm

Dear femme,
Your comment is profoundly beautiful. Thanks for your insights.
Wonder why we are all "br...br..."?? in our responses? Thanks for your help as always. Love and hugs, mar

Reply
Martie Coetser link
3/25/2015 07:48:30 am

Dear Mar, there are always people with more painful issues than our own. In order to stay grateful and positive, we need to know about it. Down here in SA racial conflicts are perhaps worse than in Israel/Palestine, but thank God, it has not (yet) exploded into open wars. SA can do with Mariah and her team :) Thanks for sharing your experiences :)

Reply
Maria link
3/25/2015 02:37:30 pm

So much wisdom in your remarks, dear Martie.
There is always someone who has it worse than we do...and we could use a little bit of Mariah everywhere - which is why we need the ripple effect.
Hope you are having a peaceful night. Love and hugs, mar

Reply
Mike
3/25/2015 07:52:04 am

Good morning Maria. This is yet another wonderful expression of your life's journey. Mariah must be quite extraordinary.

Reply
Maria link
3/25/2015 02:39:26 pm

Hi Mike,
Yes, extraordinary is a great word for Mariah - hope all is well in your neck of the woods this evening.

Reply
Sunshine
3/25/2015 08:18:03 am

Hi MM, Thank you for sharing your wonderful weekend experience with us! :)

Reply
Maria link
3/25/2015 02:40:35 pm

You are most welcome, dear Sunshine - thanks for the rays...:))

Reply
Sannel link
3/25/2015 11:31:37 am

Oh wow, what an incredible weekend! Gosh, I would have given anything to be there. What an uplifting, inspirational experience! Having read the book by Mariah Fenton, made this story even more special. I'm just dumbfounded by the knowledge, this extraordinaire woman has lived with ALS for 28 years, and she's still going strong. . . .Wow!! I'm a strong believer in the ripple effect myself. Your story here shows it's working!
Love and hugs,
Sannel

Reply
Maria link
3/25/2015 02:44:48 pm

Dear Sannel,

Mariah's book is to be savored for a review for another post...and I'm so happy you have already read this memorable book.

You are one of my Sistas that I wish I could fly in from Sweden to a workshop because I know you would absolutely love it, as I do. As it is, I take you with me in my heart.

Thanks for stopping by and love you much, Maria

Reply
Ruby link
3/26/2015 04:04:38 am

Mar, Your enthusiasm simply glows through your word's. Living with ALS for 28 years and still sharing is a testament to her love for helping others. I was there in spirit. Thank you for passing on the ripple effect with words of encouragement and hope. Love you..

Reply
Maria link
3/29/2015 12:29:52 am

Dear Ruby,

I had to correct my own text as Mariah has actually been living with ALS for 34 years. I will be sharing a beautiful video with you all on Wednesday's post I just received.

I know you were with me in spirit, as you always are, dear friend and I love you too. Sending big hugs, Maria

Reply
Theresa
3/26/2015 12:09:59 pm

Oh, wow, Maria, this is powerful stuff here! Thank you for sharing of your wonderful weekend experiences and it is having a ripple effect for sure. That is amazing about the different languages and there is truly magic in tears. Mariah is a special soul placed on this earth to bless so many through her trials and triumphs, just as we all are. I love the beyond words.

I am blessed to have read about this experience of yours.

Hugs and much love to all,

Theresa

Reply
Maria link
3/29/2015 12:33:14 am

Dear Theresa,

There is always so much wisdom and love in your visits and words of support. You are appreciated more than you may know.

Hope you are having a peaceful weekend and sending you love, peace and hugs, Maria

Reply



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    Marcoujor

    Welcome to my desk...

    I am a work in progress, so a rule of thumb is to expect the unexpected every week!

    Pull up a comfy chair and make yourself at home.

    Thank you,

    mar  



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      • Mysterious & Miraculous Book I - News and Reviews
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