The Parable of the Uninvited Guest

Many moons ago, when bands of inquisitive individuals realized they needed new information and skills, they would gather to partake in an ancient ritual called learning. As was the case for as far back as anyone could remember, the mutual intention of those gathered was a sacred endeavor. Each brought their unique, individual gifts – perspective, experience, attention and imagination, as well as respect and honor for each other. These last two acted as the weave and weft of the shared learning process.
 
Over each generation, the elders took great care to instruct and model the learning ritual. The process grew strong and contributed to the richness, depth and durability of the community. One day… an uninvited guest appeared. Not knowing the rituals and ignoring the foundations of respect and honor, the uninvited guest began to tease a single thread from the edge of the sacred fabric that bound the community. Gradually, yet more quickly than one could imagine, this thread dislodged many others and began to visibly loosen that which bound each to the other in the shared experiences of learning and life.
 
Elders did what elders do, pointing to the disruption and describing impending doom. Yet – the guest was allowed in by those who had not yet come to fully understand and experience the benefits that mutual respect and honor bestow. Believing these values would always be there, they knew not the role they were to play in sustaining these practices. While the fears of the elders did not appear overnight, indeed worse came to pass… and the sacred ritual of shared learning was lost.
 
The uninvited guest, promised ease and connection, yet provided complication, interruption and ultimately, division. For all the while the guest came into the learning space, they never came fully, seeking to contribute. They brought only a desire for attention, with nary a consideration for the spirit of the gathering. As a result, the weave and weft of shared experience, deep understanding, true respect and honor were lost forever.

A
Meaningful Trainings
Parable