Projects

The Red Chair Project

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Journey to Rwanda

The Red Chair Project emerged after years of work in the areas of peace-building, dialogue, facilitation, and transformation. I have traveled to over 100 countries around the world observing and listening to individuals and communities. I have worked with youth, some of whom came from material wealthy and some who lived poverty, war zones, or areas of complete devastation from natural disasters. Yet, they were willing to offer their energy and voice to create peace in this world.

I was invited to journey to Rwanda with a group of Zen Buddhist Peacemakers to attend the 16th Commemoration of the Genocide Against the Tutsi which occurred there. All of the work I had done in the past prepared me for my journey to Rwanda.

After listening to stories of genocide survivors, rescuers and even killers, my life was forever altered. I began to see life in a different way, to appreciate all that I had and to really get that life is impermanent. All we have is the now. I went into deep inquiry with my spirit and soul and asked what is my purpose for being here on this planet? How can I serve? It became clear to me that I was to dedicate myself to a life of service and that a part of my mission is to bear witness to human beings’ capacity to do great good and also inflict great harm. Thus, I am a keen observer of life, my own and of all of that which shows up around me. I listen also for opportunities to serve life in ways that promote peace, understanding, kindness, love, and beauty. This listening led me to continue my education and complete my doctorate degree in Depth Psychology with an emphasis in Community, Liberation, and Ecopsychology. When it came time to select a research topic for my dissertation, no other ideas came except to return to Rwanda.

Heart- centered Listening

One morning in meditation, I saw in my mind’s eye a green field, and in the middle of the field I saw 5 Red Chairs in a Circle, and that I was to invite people to sit with me. My job was simply to listen to them with nothing to fix, advise, or direct; just simply – listen. I thought about the many people I have worked with around the world and that often when conflicts and misunderstanding occurred, if they were willing to sit with each other and allow time for each person to speak, knowing that they too would have their time to be listened to, often the concern or issue would be resolved just in the listening.

I also thought about my time in Rwanda. As I interviewed survivors who shared stories of profound horror, all I could do was listen. Often, I found myself listening with my entire being. From the top of my head to the bottom of my feet I was engaged in listening. At the end of each session, I felt myself a kindred spirit, profoundly connected to each and every person’s humanity. As a result, something in me got healed and also, something healed in the person to whom I listened. So, this is one of my focuses and contributions to the table of humanity: to continue to train myself and others to listen.