"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world."
Harriet Tubman
As America welcomes a new era in history, what are the hopes of the American people and how do they envisage their hopes being realized? Could it be that in these times, the greatness of a nation is built upon the greatness of its ordinary citizens? And if so, how?
"Be the change that you want to see in the world".
Mohandas Gandhi
Since 1996, with a few breaks, I have been holding monthly Saturday morning meetings on the theme of The Possible Dream. Anyone can come along. Each month, we are a slightly different group. We get together to talk about our Possible Dreams: what we most want to be, do or have in our heart of hearts. We are listened to without interruption, or advice being given. During a break over tea or coffee, we talk informally with each other. Ideas are exchanged and more listening happens.
One important criteria is that conversation has a positive focus. That is to say, we do not dwell on things going wrong, what terrible catastrophe might happen if...... , the opinions of those who do not support our heartfelt wishes. We are there for each other, whatever the outcome, and we share in a positive expectation that what is deeply wanted will take place. And it invariably does.
What is more, I have discovered that this positive orientation makes it safe for people to say what is true for them. No one will criticize or think any the less of me for what I value and find important. Safety, I have found, makes for open, honest communication. Clear communications liberate the human spirit to be and do its best. I would love to see that level of safety and communication more in families, schools and in the workplace. I know it is possible.
Over the years, we have witnessed possible dream new homes, possible dream marriages, possible dream new careers, possible dream babies, possible dream adventures, possible dream health cures, among many others. We do suggest that behind each dream there is a "highest good intention". That is to say what we may envisage as the most desirable outcome can be superseded by something better than we had not originally brought to mind. We also do not limit the time for the Dream to be fulfilled.
What started out as an experiment proved to be a tremendous source of energy and inspiration for ordinary people who were willing to speak their truth, and be heard. We receive hope and confidence there is always something we can do, a way forward. The format is simple. It works.
"I have learned to distinguish that aspect of health that is a loving consciousness, a caring, sharing consciousness, a vital consciousness. We all have the power to invoke that blessing no matter what condition we find ourselves."
John Morton From The Blessings Already Are
The Possible Dream experiment began with the conviction I had, and still have, that there is a tremendous wealth of untapped goodness and resource within each of us. That what it needs is an incubator of opportunity to germinate, flourish and bear fruit.
How am I so sure that such resource is available? For the last nearly 30 years, I have been training myself to focus on the best in my clients and people around me. This is not to say I have a 100% success rate. There are days when I am feeling less than wonderful and fail to see the best. Others will mirror to me what I am putting out. I consider myself to be still in training. However, I have witnessed many ordinary people produce extraordinary results in their lives.
"Reach high, for stars lie hidden in your soul. Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal."
Pamela Vaull Starr
In her Christmas broadcast last year, Queen Elizabeth II drew our attention to the value experienced by those who dedicate all or part of their lives to serving others. None of us is alone. I believe it is not up to one person alone to find solutions to the problems facing the world. There are no issues so great that combined minds cannot resolve.
Each one of us in our own way can contribute our best to make a difference. The more who do so, the better life will be for everyone. This time is, I feel, an opportunity for truly enlightened self-interest.
"To have passion, to have a dream, to have a purpose in life.... there are three components to that purpose, one is to find out who you really are, to discover God, the second is to serve other human beings, because we are here to do that and the third is to express your unique talents and when you are expressing your unique talents you lose track of time."
Deepak Chopra
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What are your hopes for the future? How do you see your hopes being fulfilled? If you would like to know more about Possible Dream Groups or would like to share any comments, I would love to hear from you. For information about Clear Results Consultations and Training, or for a free copy of the Clear Results Self-Assessment, contact clearresults@mac.com.