The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential... these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence.
~Confucius
“Throw open the door.” When you say these words to me, I cringe (almost retching). I’m an introvert—something new I’ve learned about myself in the past five years or so. I had always thought of myself as an extrovert—I thought I was because I like conversations, being humorous, going out with friends, and gaining laughs, (some) public speaking, and crowd watching (to name a few of my extroverted behaviors). And then I realized that I NEED a quiet space for recharging. I don’t like people just showing up unannounced (Although I would never turn people away). I don’t like talking on the phone to strangers. I prefer solitude—like, a lot of it. I thrive on quiet time like it’s a meal unto itself.
You can either be a host to God, or a hostage to your ego. It's your call.
~Wayne Dyer
“Throw open the door.” is a phrase that has been coming to mind during this holiday season when I’ve been thinking about my next blog post (sorry for the gaps). It’s something I’ve considered when thinking about my religious tradition (Swedenborgian-Christianity) and what my mantra for 2017 will be. Radical hospitality is something I learned about while in theological school. It’s not something that comes naturally for Swedenborgians; and because few people have heard about Emanuel Swedenborg and his theological writings, we are suspect. “How did you hear about us?” “Were you born into the tradition?” “We aren’t really on the map—how did you find us?” Maybe it’s just be me, but I don’t think these questions are exactly what new people would find “welcoming”—let alone hospitable. If we are going to thrive in any way it will be adapting and changing—something that isn’t in everyone’s repertoire.
Planning a dinner party in a way that you're actually capable of getting it done without panicking is important.
It's bad hospitality for the host to be freaked out.
~Ted Allen
“Come on in and make yourself comfortable.” Learning to play host is something I learned from my mom (though she was an active feminist in the 70s/80s). My mom knew how to host a party even if the women around us in the 70s were fighting that role. There was a push/pull happening. Up to this point, women were keepers of the house and expected to play hostess. While my mom learned this skill set, she was also working full time which was something new. I watched, observed, and took notes. I can set a table and create a great spread—but the push/pull I grew up with is playing out in my adulthood. I haven’t had a space for great spread since I’ve lived in Michigan (eleven years). I have moved into a space where I can host gatherings and am excited for this potential. 2017 is a year for opportunities and new beginnings.
Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates
walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.
~Maya Angelou
“Come on in and make yourself comfortable.” Inviting people in goes against everything I know internally. I’m socially awkward and know that my foot will go in my mouth more than hors d'oeuvres. This is a barrier for me to remove. I think of the people who work on making buildings, homes, businesses, etc. accessible—in other words, “barrier free.” What does it take for us to be accessible? Who can we lean upon to make it so that people can access who we are and what we have to offer? Perhaps we don’t think we are inaccessible. Perhaps that is the first step: self-awareness.
We welcome the scrutiny of the world - because what you see in America
is a country that has steadily worked to address our problems
and make our union more perfect.
~Barack Obama
“You are welcome here.” This is a phrase I've reflected upon regarding our nation and the administration that will take over in twenty short days. I will continue to speak these words, put it into tangible actions, and repeat. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t scared for what is to come during the next President’s administration and it’s fear I haven’t felt during any other election cycle. However, I will continue to speak these words, “You are welcome here.” as a spiritual practice and as a member of my community. Learn more here.
My friend posted this poem on social media and is fitting to include in this blog post.
Thank you, Anna.
Thank you, Anna.
The Year as a House: A Blessing
Think of the year
as a house:
door flung wide
in welcome,
threshold swept
and waiting,
a graced spaciousness
opening and offering itself
to you.
Let it be blessed
in every room.
Let it be hallowed
in every corner.
Let every nook
be a refuge
and every object
set to holy use.
Let it be here
that safety will rest.
Let it be here
that health will make its home.
Let it be here
that peace will show its face.
Let it be here
that love will find its way.
Here
let the weary come
let the aching come
let the lost come
let the sorrowing come.
Here
let them find their rest
and let them find their soothing
and let them find their place
and let them find their delight.
And may it be
in this house of a year
that the seasons will spin in beauty,
and may it be
in these turning days
that time will spiral with joy.
And may it be
that its rooms will fill
with ordinary grace
and light spill from every window
to welcome the stranger home.
by Jan Richardson
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