![\"buddha\"](\"http:\/\/blogs.scu.edu\/writeherewritenow\/files\/2014\/04\/buddha.jpg\")
<\/a>These days too many heartless corporations treat people like replaceable parts. In an atmosphere of mechanical efficiency, loyal employees are downsized, contract workers come and go. But wise leaders value the power of community. They know that together we can create what no one person can achieve\u00a0 alone. And community heals us, bringing our frantic, fragmented world from the edge of despair to new horizons of hope.<\/p>\nWe each have our own stories of community. Years ago, I met George Sullwold, a Classics and English Professor at Santa Clara University. I still remember the story he told me about teaching at St. John\u2019s University in Shanghai before World War II.\u00a0 After the Japanese invasion, the students and faculty were placed in an internment camp for the rest of the war. They lived with simple bamboo shelters and meager rations. \u201cWe couldn\u2019t do anything about the food and living conditions,\u201d he said, \u201cso we concentrated on our studies.\u201d Sharing their books and ideas, the professors and students found a sense of freedom, building community by teaching each other Latin, Greek, history, philosophy, poetry, and drama. They met for tutorials, held poetry readings and philosophical discussions, and they staged plays. In fact, George told me with a tinge of regret, they were preparing for a performance of Shakespeare\u2019s Twelfth Night<\/i> when the camp was liberated at the end of the war.<\/p>\n
George returned home, teaching at American universities for the rest of his career. But he told me that his internment was \u201cthe best time of my life,\u201d his eyes shining as he reflected on the small community that transformed deprivation into an affirmation of hope.<\/p>\n
We all have our stories of community.<\/p>\n
- \n
- What is yours?<\/li>\n
- Write down your story of community.<\/li>\n
- Then ask yourself: \u201cWhat lessons does this story hold for my life today?\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Namaste,<\/p>\n
Diane<\/p>\n
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\u201cWise leaders depend upon their people, Without whom they are lonely exiles. When the parts are separated, There can be no harmony.\u201d Tao Te Ching, 39 These days too many heartless corporations treat people like replaceable parts. In an atmosphere … Continue reading