![]() 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. ![]() 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...
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,
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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!
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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!!
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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.
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3/25/2015 04:37:05 am
Prof. Mar - pebbles in ponds.
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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 :)
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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.
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Sunshine
3/25/2015 08:18:03 am
Hi MM, Thank you for sharing your wonderful weekend experience with us! :)
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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!
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Dear Sannel,
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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..
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Dear Ruby,
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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.
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