A new story…
I recently discovered a story. Perhaps, more accurately, the story discovered me. It is a story about what can happen when we try to use old tools to solve new problems. It is a story of reconciliation and forgiveness. It is a story about vision, purpose, and service. Above all else, it is a story about the need for a new kind of leadership based on the power of collective wisdom; and the need for a new kind of leader who has been initiated into the gifts of their soul. It is the story of Raven Hawk, and it is time for it to be told.
The first part of Raven Hawk’s story has been haunting me for a long time now. The rest of the story, at least the part that is now ready to be known, revealed itself during a recent trip to Santa Fe. It emerged fully formed during a workshop called Real Speaking lead by my new friend, Gail Larsen. Gail’s message to all of us is that “If you want to change the world, tell a better story,” and this might be the kind of story that can do just that.
The story goes like this: Raven Hawk was a medicine man who lived a long time ago. A man of great power and equally great pride, Raven Hawk made a decision he later came to regret. Wrapped in his grief and shame, he withdrew from his people, and in the process became of no use to himself or anyone else. Then one day, Raven Hawk had a vision. In the vision, he came to understand his true purpose in life. In hearing about the mistake he made, the forgiveness he found, and the new way he learned he was to serve his people, we might find a message for ourselves as well.
Ever since Raven Hawk first came into my awareness, he has been imploring me to “Tell the people the stories that remind them who they are,” and I am finally listening. In the service of this story and the message it wants to bring to the world, I have set a goal for the coming year: to, by July, be speaking to a different audience every week. It’s a big goal, and I am going to need some help to make it happen. I am willing to do whatever it takes, speak to any size audience, and go anywhere to do this. How it’s going to happen is not clear at this point, knowing that it’s mine to do is.
Will you help me? Invite me and I will come. Be willing to listen, and I will bring to you a story of finding hope in the midst of challenge. Open your heart and I will share with you Raven Hawk’s vision, and in the process, perhaps we might all find a vision of our own.
Wishing you, your friends, and your loved ones abundant blessings in the New Year.
You can find out more about Gail’s work here.
