Posted on by Tenneson Woolf

Responsibility to Wonder, Connect

My Sweetheart’s Father was a pediatric cardiologist. This morning I was peeking at one of his articles, published in the 1965 Journal of Pediatrics.

Dr. Martin Riesman was a pioneer in his field. In this particular article he begins to explore the links between childhood lifestyle and adult heart disease.

The article is interesting to me, mostly because it is an exploring article. And in particular, his opening line:

“The speculations contained herein represent the author’s personal groping in an incompletely charted field of possible pediatric responsibility.”

So much that I love in that — from my field of group process facilitation.

“…personal groping…” is an acknowledgement of the importance of wonder. It speaks to the need to connect ideas. It speaks to the need to dream conclusions that others haven’t.

“…incompletely charted field...” is an acknowledgement of mystery. It speaks to the parts that aren’t all figured out, that call for our continued curiosity.

“…possible pediatric responsibility...” is an acknowledgment of accountability and invitation. It speaks to the baked in job responsibility — I would suggest for all of us in so many professions — to wonder and participate and learn in the mystery.

It’s delicious framing for working with groups. Wonder. Mystery. Learn.

A bow for this 1965 sharing. It was fun to follow the thread this morning.

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Gifts of Circle - Question Cardsasd
Gifts of Circle is 30 short essays divided into 4 sections: 1) Circle's Bigger Purpose, 2) Circle's Practice, 3) Circle's First Requirements, and 4) Circle's Possibility for Men. From the Introduction: "Circle is what I turn to in the most comprehensive stories I know -- the stories of human beings trying to be kind and aware together, trying to make a difference in varied causes for which we need to go well together. Circle is also what I turn to in the most immediate needs that live right in front of me and in front of most of us -- sharing dreams and difficulties, exploring conflicts and coherences. Circle is what I turn to. Circle is what turns us to each other."

Question Cards is an accompanying tool to Gifts of Circle. Each card (34) offers a quote from the corresponding chapter in the book, followed by sample questions to grow your Circle hosting skills and to create connection, courage, and compassionate action among groups you host in Circle.

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In My Nature is a collection of 10 poems. From A Note of Beginning: "This collection of poems arises from the many conversations I've been having about nature. Nature as guide. Nature as wild. Nature as organized. I remain a human being that so appreciates a curious nature in people. That so appreciates questions that pick fruit from inner being, that gather insights and intuitions to a basket, and then brings the to table to be enjoyed and shared over the next week."

This set of Note Cards (8 cards + envelopes)  quotes a few favorite passages from poems in In My Nature. I offer them as inspiration. And leave room for you to write personal notes.

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Most Mornings is a collection of 37 poems. I loved writing them. From the introduction: "This collection of poems comes from some of my sense-making that so often happens in the morning, nurtured by overnight sleep. The poems sample practices. They sample learnings. They sample insights and discoveries. They sample dilemmas and concerns."

This set of Note Cards (8 cards + envelopes)  quotes a few favorite passages from poems in Most Mornings. I offer them as inspiration. And leave room for you to write personal notes.

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