To create a space, a place for peace…
not with the idea to change any other person’s way of being,
yet a place where change might occur.
McFarland Park, Ames, IA
“Hospitality means primarily the creation of a free space where the stranger can enter and become a friend instead of an enemy. Hospitality is not to change people but to offer them space where change can take place. It is not to bring men and women over to our side, but to offer freedom not disturbed by dividing lines. . . . The paradox of hospitality is that it wants to create emptiness, not a fearful emptiness, but a friendly emptiness where strangers can enter and discover themselves as created free; free to sing their own songs, speak their own languages, dance their own dances; free also to leave and follow their own vocations. Hospitality is not a subtle invitation to adore the lifestyle of the host, but the gift of a chance for the guest to find his own.”
~Henry Nouwen
https://henrinouwen.org/meditation/hospitality/
McFarland Park, Ames, IA
I can’t recall how I came to find this passage on “hospitality,” however, it truly resonated with me. Particularly, this: “Hospitality is not to change people but to offer them space where change can take place.”
So many pearls of truth in this statement, and infinite ways we might apply this to our own lives. Again, as I look to the trees in the woods, grounded, rooted in place they offer a sanctuary, a space for change to take place, with no intentions to change those who enter the forest.
Henry Nouwen, the author of the aforementioned post, was a man who suffered great losses in his life at the hands of others… yet despite these great atrocities, his heart was not hardened for life. He was able to find peace in place. You can read more about him here.
The word “hospitality” has always had a different meaning to me… it’s not really a word or concept that I’ve ever liked. And yet, this perspective on creating a space, welcoming others, is an entirely new twist.
This way of thinking of hospitality seems to provide a path forward to break down barriers…
Ponderosa Park, McCall, Idaho
Peace tip #5
Take a little journey and find a new space in your house, yard, city, or forest, mountain, or water way, not one that you normally visit. Have a seat, place your hands on your thighs and close your eyes. Notice your breath, shallow at first and then allow it to slow and deepen. As your thoughts begin to wander, follow them… where do they go?
How are hospitality and peace related?
Ponderosa Park, McCall, Idaho
Updates
Thank you to everyone who posted yesterday… that was a little more intense than I was anticipating. The backstory on my poem from Day 4 pertains to my own feelings of being place-bound and not at peace in the physical place where I live. I’ve researched how I could move to Shetland, only to discover that the physical boundaries we place on moving to new countries makes it nearly impossible to relocate. So, the outsider looking in represented my own longing to move and be part of the new space. I thought today’s topic of ‘hospitality’ might be a good follow-up to yesterday’s conversation.
The first give-away will be announced on Monday, Day 7… the topic for that day is light-hearted and draws on our creativity.
As a reminder, I’ll be providing an extra special give-away at the end of the 21 days. If you submit a meaningful comment (or email it to me), you’ll be eligible to have your name in a drawing. I’m doing this because it truly helps us build community, a vital component of peace. Also, your ideas and suggestions may be just what sparks and idea for someone else. Plus this encourages you to stay engaged on a daily basis, an additional aspect of peacebuilding.
It’s never too late to participate in the knit-along. Knowing that 100’s of others are knitting the same project as you around the world in the name of peace is a powerful thing. The pattern is available on Ravelry and The Healthy Knitter website.