All these years later…
Back in 2015, Caitlin, Tim Merry, Tuesday Rivera, and I were travelling around the world offering a workshop called “Art of Hosting Beyond the Basics,” in which the four of us were sharing our extensions of work that we had developed emerging out of the common root of the Art of Hosting community and our practices. It was a rich experiment, and we met really interesting folks in Canada, the US and the UK. It started some longer-term partnerships and friendships, and from time to time, I ran into folks who were at those workshops.
I met one of them last week again. Dr. Nomusa Mngoma is a health researcher at Queen’s University, where I was last Monday delivering a day-long workshop on the Art of Hosting basics for the Centre for Community Engagement and Social Change. Nomusa saw the invitation and showed up. When I met her, I had a vague recollection of meeting her previously, but I couldn’t place it. We both thought for a while, and of course, it was at our Beyond the Basics retreat in Kingston in 2015, the last time I had taught in that city.
We caught up and went through the day, and as we were leaving, Nomusa handed me her business card, which wasn’t for her job at Queen’s. It was as the owner and instructor of Dansani Dance Company, a local business specializing in Latin Dance and Ballroom Dance lessons. The moment she haded me the card I had a flash of recollection.
“Wait!” I said. “Didn’t you propose this idea as a topic in the Pro Action Cafe at Beyond the Basics?”
She thought for a minute and, with delight, realized that she had indeed! “That conversation changed my life,” she said.
Wow. I love that.
Later, I was talking with my friend Michelle Searle, who brought me to Queen’s, and she wondered how Nomusa had received the invitation to our event. The workshop was open, but the invitation was only sent out through Queen’s and to a few partners. I told Michelle that Nomusa is an Adjunct Assistant Professor and Health Research Scientist. Michelle expressed delighted surprise because, although she didn’t know Dr. Mngoma in that capacity, apparently, Nomusa is famous in Kingston for leading free outdoor dance classes downtown in the summer!
Nine years from a template full of notes in a workshop to joy unleashed in a community and one happy and fulfilled human being.
I just love ripple stories! As a host, I take it on faith that many of these types of outcomes happen. It is always a joy to actually hear about them.
Ripple stories! That’s the term. Yeah. I love them too.
Powerful stuff! ?
Wicked! I remember her too. Love the story. Thx Chris.
Was she in one of our Ottawa region AoHs as well?
Yes, I was…in Pembroke, I think it was.
Hello Tenneson!
LOVE this!!!! Thanks for sharing Chris.
Chris, thanks so much for sharing this story here. It was so lovely to see you and be hosted so beautifully. I’m really glad I opened my email that late Friday afternoon. The invite had been shared by Connected Minds, a network of researchers that I am a member of. What caught my eye right away was, “Art of Hosting”, and then of course I had to read on. I was so delighted to see that you’d be leading the workshop, Chris. I registered right away, and although my day was already fully booked, I knew I wanted to attend and would just have to find a way. I’m so glad I did.
I still remember the day I was first introduced to the Art of Hosting, all those many years ago. I remember how the way of showing up resonated with me; it was like coming home. I had found my people; I had found my tribe! That experience (and many such to follow) really did change my way of being in the world. Just knowing that there were like-minded people out there changed the way I showed up. All those incredible connections, teachings and learnings have served me well over the years as I have gone on to host many conversations (workshops) in Canada and abroad; often tackling difficult subjects.
I’m amazed Chris that you remembered that conversation from so long ago! Wow! Yes, so cool!
With deepest gratitude, I see you all!
Well you clearly leave an impression! Dance on friend!
? ?