Education Multicultural - Random Kindness - Sweden Culture Water Ceremony

It was just three years ago that I spoke at the World Championship in Cooperation, sponsored by Globetree in Stockholm, Sweden. What a beautiful moment it was to finally meet the dynamic founder and my long distance friend, Kaysa Dahlstrom.

Marilyn-Joseph

I had known her late beloved husband, Ben van Bronckhorst, since 1992. We had met in New York at the United Nations World Summit for Children. My heart had been deeply touched as I watched Ben and children from around the world perform a unique, symbolic ceremony called the Sharing Water Ceremony. Approximately twenty-five children dressed in their native costumes gathered on stage, each one bearing a container of water from his or her respective city, town, local river, or lake. As their country’s name was announced, each child poured the water into a crystal bowl symbolizing the interconnectedness of all children. It was a lovely and powerful example of children coming together to share an important part of their life.

My friendship with Ben continued to grow over the years. During his travels, he often came to visit us at Laurel Springs. Ben always brought encouraging words and exciting projects for our students to explore. As a result, our students were invited to Sweden to participate in the Globetree educational seminars and their workshop teaching the importance of water. And so, a beautiful relationship blossomed that lead to my continued involvement with Ben, Kajsa, and Globetree.

In 2006, serving as an advisor and speaker at the World Championship in Cooperation, spending time with Kaysa and the wonderful team of young people was unforgettable. I met and worked with children from over thirty countries. My favorite event took place on the last evening on the lawn of Stockholm’s City Hall. All the children came together to create their individual country’s unique “Future Vessel,” a depiction of what our world could be or look like in years to come. I felt privileged to have the chance to help one team of young children design their Future Vessel. Of course, the moving Sharing Water Ceremony (held across from the Palace) consummated the week’s activities.

At that time of year, Sweden was abloom with gorgeous, multicolored lilacs, seeming even more beautiful because of the relationships we forged. One very special relationship developed with a lovely young graduate student who served as our guide and mentor. Charlotte was one of the highlights of our trip. She was fun, unique, very into fashion, and definitely focused on her future goals. As our visit progressed, something wonderful took place; Charlotte became more than a volunteer for Globetree. She became a friend, and her story and life are still intertwined with mine. To illustrate how small acts can have wonderful, unexpected results, I’d love to share with you a sweet blog about my first day in Sweden and meeting Charlotte for the first time. The account was written by Renita Wellman, founder of the Wellman Method, who accompanied me on the trip. You can find it here.

This story continues to remind me that a little act of kindness can turn out to be a significant force for another.

Marilyn Mosley blog

Gift of the Heart

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