"Ssshh, listen..." Quiet strength

I have returned from a great three days in Brighton. I attended a conference for Soroptimists International Great Britain and Ireland, as a member of the York Ebor club.  www.sigbi.org The theme of the year is 'Inspiring Action, Transforming Lives.' 


As I listened to inspiring speakers, attended workshops, meetings and parties, I observed the human behaviour of 1500, mostly middle aged women. I had a number of blog subjects running through my head.


Unfortunately, the day before I went to Brighton, I had a silly accident on a London bus, which involved wrenching the little finger on my right hand on the handrail. Four fingers went forwards up the stairs, while the little finger stayed behind the bracket. Ouch!


The resulting tendon and soft tissue damage means that my key board time is limited, but I still wanted to write something for blog, especially as I missed writing last week.


So I've chosen to include the Aesop Fable of the competition between the North Wind and the Sun. This came to mind, after reflecting on how women achieved being heard in many challenging situations,  how they overcame childhood difficulties, plus watching the hustings for an officer's election.


I have 'cut and paste' for ease.


http://www.storyarts.org/library/aesops/stories/north.html




The North Wind boasted of great strength. The Sun argued that there was great power in gentleness.
"We shall have a contest," said the Sun.
Far below, a man traveled a winding road. He was wearing a warm winter coat.
"As a test of strength," said the Sun, "Let us see which of us can take the coat off of that man."
"It will be quite simple for me to force him to remove his coat," bragged the Wind.
The Wind blew so hard, the birds clung to the trees. The world was filled with dust and leaves. But the harder the wind blew down the road, the tighter the shivering man clung to his coat.
Then, the Sun came out from behind a cloud. Sun warmed the air and the frosty ground. The man on the road unbuttoned his coat.
The sun grew slowly brighter and brighter.
Soon the man felt so hot, he took off his coat and sat down in a shady spot.
"How did you do that?" said the Wind.
"It was easy," said the Sun, "I lit the day. Through gentleness I got my way."


Of course, there are times we have to shout, but the quiet strength and dignity of some of the women achievers I observed over the three days, has left a powerful impression.   


RitaLeaman2011