Reflecting on Spirit‭  ‬

“The nut of it,” as my dear friend Bob Manning would say, is spirit. Spirit is at the core of the living of our lives. Every meeting, meal, organization, and classroom is impacted moment-by-moment by the spirit of each person present, by the spirit created by the environment, and by the larger context in which the activity happens or the group convenes. Spirit determines what we make of the experiences and encounters of life, and it impacts what any particular moment might become in the story of others.

When we put SPIRIT forward as one of the five values of the World Forum Foundation, we were focusing on how we are with others, what is in our hearts, and what we create when our hearts connect. Each action we take, each relationship we build, is impacted by the spirit in which we engage—by who we are in that particular moment. 

The World Forum is a spirited community:

• Spirited hopefulness that uses information to create a global movement for children
• Spirited joy to build and sustain relationships across all boundaries
• Spirited eagerness to learn from others
• Spirited curiosity to learn about others
• Spirited vulnerability to share what matters
• Spirited authenticity to engage in meaningful ways
• Spirited respect to enable deep listening

Spirit is not just about joy, it is about depth of feeling and openness. We all know people who carry this spirit, who enter a space and change the experience for everyone. We have chosen to share three stories from Bonnie’s Global Cafe, because in each of them you can sense the spirit of the storyteller, and that makes these very fine stories indeed.

ADVERTISEMENT

The SPIRIT of the World Forum community is grounded in hope and connectedness. Experience it for yourself by visiting Bonnie’s Global Café often to listen to the heart in our stories and actions, and make time to share your SPIRIT through the telling of your own story.

Current Specials at the Café

A Personal Reflection on Spirit
Jackie Bennett, Aboriginal, Australia 

At the 2019 World Forum in Macao, Global Leader, National Representative, and member of the Indigenous Peoples Action Group Jackie Bennett delivered a heart-felt presentation about spirit and what it means to her. She speaks to spirit as character and shares her deep connection to her Aboriginal culture, nature, and family. Jackie reflects on the World Forum’s shared commitment to children, and the shared spirit that gathers us to stand together for global change.

Some Fun
Temesia Tuicaumia, Fiji and Driton Berisha, Roma, Kosovo

The World Forum song was created for the 2014 World Forum in Puerto Rico and we’ve been singing it ever since. Temesia and Driton take the music and the community involvement to new levels of spirit and fun. Follow the link and sing along!

 

Creating the Spirit of a School
Edward Ombajo Misava, Kenya

Edward Misava’s passion for early childhood motivated him to establish Edwards Royal Academy with his wife Ruth. We can learn so much from him about creating a sustainable mission, investing in young children and holding true to a vision of what each child deserves. His spirit supports hope for the future of these children, their families, and their community.