Sunday is Father's Day!

I noted in my last Blog, Bucky Fuller saying the definition of genius was someone who had the right Mother.  Now, I didn’t see him elaborate on that so I will from my perspective because I believe this is so important.  First of all let me be clear, I think all children have the Genius capacity and potential within them and that the power of family, village life can make or break this for a child.

When I was just starting my professional career in the church, I was clear as a feminist that for me, the women's movement was about equality and still is because without the balance of the masculine and feminine, the left brain and the right brain, we have a ‘half baked worldview’ on a good day.  I lovingly referred to as my Mother the Marine, my father was typically working two jobs or  24/7 building up the family business and without what I call the Village Life, I would have lacked the balance I needed as a growing child to become whole, healthy and prosperous.

Today all adults, in general, still need parenting, nurturing and guidance.  Our children need EXTRA care at every opportunity, so, I’m offering some points to consider making this Family Father’s Day a most memorable event for all:

·       First let’s de-emphasize the family hero worshipping and put the intention and attention more on the family as a whole.  Begin to draw out the leadership skills and responsibilities from everyone.

·       Next, we stop any critical comments, de-emphasize failures and focus on the Vision, the Mission of the individuals and this family as a unit.  Are we working effectively to empower the individuals and the whole family or not?!  Could we do this better collectively, probably so?

·       At these family celebrations, insure the activities are inclusive.  Are our youth integrated in the conversations?  Are our children are given sufficient entertainment, attention and focus?  Why?  Because adults NEED this youthful engagement as much as our children need our attention and feedback.

·       Are general principles of health and well being incorporated in the food, drinks,  dialogues?  Is there an environment of consistent wellness with a positive spirit, language and doing that feeds us bodymind and soul until we meet again?

The perpetual evolution of “US” occurs as a direct result of the strength and resilience we get from these encounters. Now take a quick assessment before the next reunion: Are primary attachments, bonding taking  place so all feel a fairness, love, caring and sharing is common place here?  Will the children remember that the adults helped them to identify their true nature, and manifest their dreams in community?  Did the elderly feel heard, valued, respected?  In general are these celebrations adding to the resilience, health and balance of each member and the power of family as a whole?

Robert Louis Stevenson says,

“Life is not a matter of holding good cards, but playing a poor hand well.”