Yesterday, around noon, I joined five women in a hotel lobby cafe, and ordered a cup of mint tea. The waiter brought a wooden tray with a shiny white tea pot, a low white porcelain tea cup and a tiny jar of honey. I poured the tea, admiring how it formed a calm steaming pool. The first sip slowly flowed into my body. Returning from a walk in the windy wintery city the warmth of the tea was welcome. We, five female educators, sat drinking tea, a moment of rest after intensive learning and before heading to the airport to journey home.
Women around a table drinking tea. Women around fire. Women telling stories.
Our last workshop was for female leaders learning how to tell our stories so others would hear our voice. Being a leader is like walking in the windy wintery city. You see the beauty, you know where you are heading, but the wind is unpredictable, and you never know which way it turns, when it bites, or a blizzard forms. Then you need to find what brings you warmth, helps you calm, and gives you strength to keep going. It is valuable to have others around you, whom you can trust, who understand, listen, and support you, and share a cup of tea.
You've created quite a picture with your words. A perfect way to end the days of intensive learning, to relax before returning to home where new ideas may not be accepted easily. It's good to have support.
ReplyDeleteThis is lovely. I see all these wonderful things happening with and by strong women and often feel inadequate. Thanks for leading us.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great way to end a perfect workshop.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, how you spin out your metaphor!
ReplyDeleteYou are a teacher leader.
I would love to meet you for mint tea in the cold :)