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sit, be still
‘Sit, be still, and listen because you are drunk and we are at the edge of the roof.’ I said – Sit, be still and listen Can you feel your heartbeat? Can you hear the wind blowing through the trees? Can you look up to the skies, recognize the wonders of this life? Know that you are free to choose of your liking so choose consciously Because this world you inherited from your ancestors to pass on to their great-great-great-great-great grandchildren You, sit under a tree they never saw grow still they planted the seed Remember to be faithful to what you believe to trust your heart and hers, in all honesty Realize what you yearn for and what you preach through your words, are you – following these? That come from my heart, my soul and beyond Know that you have come from far Yes – you were born a million years ago Words written during the Youth Future Conference, Bonn, September 2013 Maaike is a poet, traveller, and bridge builder. Called by the complex challenges of our time, and inspired by the simpli city and innate beauty of life, Maaike has been on a quest of what it means to walk the new way, both personally and collectively. Her work is around creating conditions for meaningful conversation and wise action to generate systems change. She co-founded the Healthcare Leadership Summer School, and is currently part of the ALIA Europe core team. Maaike holds an MSc in Strategic Leadership towards Sustainability.
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What would you do if you would act your age? What would you say if you would speak your truth, fully? In this time of history we are to take nothing personally So be humble, as humble as the sea that continues to kiss the shore, even if she is sent away a million times before As humble as a flower that will grow and bloom, just to feed, the birds and the bees, and us – ultimately Be humble and not afraid to confront structures so deeply ingrained into what we do we think it became part of who we are dig a little deeper and take time to feel common humanity roots to one destiny Anytime you’re lost, you find yourself wandering, remember just to Sit be still and listen.
by Maaike Madelon Boumans