All Comments By Sally Mahe

It is refreshing to contemplate this notion that renewability makes something valuable - and renewability comes from inefficiency or impermanence. However, cultural roots are needed... the underlying culture-market driven choice applied to appliances in the US...market system drives option to buy another one. Success of Walmart, etc. . In contrast I think of old rural America, at least in my reading about it...communities formed by helping one another renew basic needs: barn raisings, fence breaks, bad crop years, etc. Roots of a culture (tending of natural growth) is fundamental for renewability to flourish. Village in India had these cultural roots. I love the idea of nurturing the "culture" in a family in such a way that family members choose to help to" renew" when things break down...job is lost, child has special needs, house lost in natural disaster, etc. Families need constant renewal. We can start there. How do we build social places (families, relationships, organizations) that inspire renewal?

Surrender as a option is usually present subliminally in my thoughts. However, when things don't go as I want, feelings come up - frustration, disappointment, fear, etc. Rationally, the writer makes a great point, universe gets along quite well on its own. As we contribute our part, "knowing" this truth is helpful. And, we need to deal with a mix of feelings that coincide with how "life" is going for us. Recognizing change as a constant in nature is one helpful practice. I could say, "oh how natural for this thing that I thought would give me security for a long time is changing..."that's just like nature." Surrender sounds good. To me, it brings with the challenge of managing feelings. Surrender is a deep spiritual practice.

Very much appreciate these four levels! I believe that generative listening happens with me when I am writing in my journal. I feel moved to an altered state consciousness. I may ask a question, general or specific. I listen. Always a response emerges. I don't judge it but write it down. I am connected to something larger than myself. I feel loved and accompanied. I would like to engage in generative listening with others but find occasions to do this are rare.

I love the unexpected ending. What a state of grace the man (contemplating by the river) had to give the diamond he had found away. What a blessing that the beggar "turned rich" went back to the man to learn the source of the man's ability to give the stone so freely. Thank you for this amazing parable.

Thank you for this piece. Years ago the Brahma Kumaris World Peace Organization introduced me to the power of "incognito" -providing service 'under the radar.' Not so much about not caring'who gets the credit' but a belief in the power and impact of 'unseen' intentions and actions. Quite a spiritual endeavor!

My own need to "be seen" comes from a deep wound and continues as a deep longing. I like thisarticle because, whether for oneself, for marginalized groups, for people stuck on social media personas, for anyone whose voice is not valued as a relevant member of society - the topic ofvisibilityis lifted up and being considered inthoughtful ways. Visibilityis an excellent focus for reflection.

Thank you Nipun for this deeply insightful reflection on solitude as heart of communityFor organizations I think it is especially relevant...and yet still so "counter-cultural' in most places to prioritize going to the "hub" of the wheel. Gratitude to Henri Nouwen and to you for sharing this truth.