Chautauqua

What I learned in Chautauqa this week:

1. On Monday morning Rev. Wallis spoke of recognizing the humanity in each human being, all over the world. It is imperative that we no longer make the differences amongst nations and religions a scary and impervious obstacle towards peace and justice.

2. Politicians don't make changes in our country, but social movements do! President Obama said that he can only make a big change with the help of a great wind from a strong movement at his back. This statement is crucial. I spoke with my Aunt Corky about how there are just so many 'little' social movements that my generation involves itself in. Sure the idea of choice and not putting yourself in one narrow category is great, however, if we don't all unite under a big cause, we won't have a great strong movement.

3. We must continually focus on giving God, Allah, Muhammed, the Universe (insert your prospective worshipee), something to WORK with. Share yourself and open yourself up so that miracles can be worked in the world through you. We are too focused on 'each one gets his own', and so are closed up and refuse to let miracles happen. Let's look past our simple lives to the larger picture of humanity and justice, then we can be 'used' as tools to create great change.

4. 10 year old girls ROCK! 10 year old girls know who they are, there is nothing wrong with them, they love their bodies, and they have the WHOLE WORLD on their plates with NO oppression or adversity clouding their feast of options. To women, I challeng you this: Remember who you were at 10. Channel your inner 10 year old. 10 year olds have it all figured out.

5. There are 25-30 year old men who genuinely 'get it'. Who get the importance of fight and passion in their lives. Who are moving toward change and justice and not the beer pong table or the shot selection at a bar. There are 25-30 year old men who may not understand what true peace and social justice are, but who desperately want to find out and will actively seek knowledge and build their passion. (unfortunately I just haven't MET any of them yet)

6. I will be a phenomenal mother. Am I ready to give up my life so unselfishly to nurture the soul of another...absolutely not! But the practice I had this week was a good indicator of my abilities to come..in a LONG time! :)

7. It is ABSOLUTELY possible to find a life long mate who will constantly challenge my intellect.

8. Old Russian men kiss on the lips...so beware!

9. Poetry takes time. Time to understand. Time to comprehend. Yet when it is read and appreciated by the ordinary person is when you know, as a poet, that your work is truly inspiring and inspired.

10. I have so much work to do in my life!