For the next six months TGW is based in Minchinhampton, England, a bucolic village of 12th century homes and workplaces in the Cotswolds. It is an opportunity to do some in-depth work with colleagues here and in nearby countries, complete a writing project, and watch the unfolding political events in the United States from different news sources and citizenry perspectives (e.g., the U.S. president is called “the orange man” here). Change can often inspire as well as shape creativity and these six months abroad are doing just that. A colleague and I are writing a book chapter and my part adds a call for the more frequent inclusion of a resilience lens into trauma work. My international work in trauma settings consistently demonstrates the capacity of the human nervous system to bounce back from dysregulation given the appropriate skills with which to do so. If we don’t watch for resilience (in both individuals and systems) and actively access it, we short-change the body’s capacity to return to balance. TGW’s SRM skills directly target harnessing the natural resilience of the human nervous system.
On an entirely different note, I had no idea that I was such a fan of cows! Here in Minchinhampton the cows are allowed to roam free on the Common, a many-acre green hilltop near our home & office. Next week includes a special day for “marking the cows” and farmers lead their cows down the narrow streets of this small village (buildings date back to the 13th century) to freely graze all summer. Signs dot the roadways showing a cow and the words “Drive slowly, we’re out now!”
My desk overlooks our narrow, winding street. I had naively thought Britts would be conservative, slow drivers…but our slim street is a veritable speedway. And drivers often must swerve onto the sidewalk to avoid collisions. It is tricky when walking a dog!
This change of venue has inspired creativity as well as gratitude. Each day offers new possibilities. I enjoy hearing from those of you who have written to me ( Leitch@thresholdglobalworks.com) about your own creativity using our SRM skills. Many Thanks!
