Manager's Reflections

In the past one month, I have seen Family Centre come to life again with re-emergence of aspirations, connections and activities. This reminds me of the cyclical nature of reality with ongoing transitions as part of our existence.

As the cycle of seasons continues with the fading of Winter and arrival of Spring, I am once again reminded of a new cycle of creation, growth and nurturance. I think about the unmanifest reality, that is the potential which will turn into manifest reality, that is the actuality. The process of “potential to actualization” inevitably entails multiple changes, uncertainties, challenges and continuity. Some of the questions for reflection are how we balance the changes and continuity, and what resonates with us as we strive towards this balance.

As many of us continue to endure the burdens of colonization, displacement, and longing for respectful place in the world, the question arises what values we bring to our collective work and wellness. What does wellness feel like as we confront our historic traumas amid renewal and revival of spiritual practices, festivities, and communal activities such as Iftar gatherings. This burning desire to keep the cultural, ethnic, linguistic and spiritual roots alive for multiple generations is a way of rebelling against isolation. It is heartwarming to observe that the weekends are bursting with new energy and hope at the Family Centre. This is similar to the flowers coming alive in the Spring season.

I continue to reflect about how do we envision new possibilities; how do we honour our place in the world and how do we share our place with the rest of creation in a respectful manner. I would like to invite you to be part of this new cycle of creation. Let us meet and continue our collective work together.

Santiago