Return on investment
Bandani is a ancient Indian technique where fabric is gathered into a cone shape, string is tightly tied at the base of the cone and the piece is dyed, normally several times. When dry, the fabric around each cone is pulled gently, popping off the string and revealing white circles. Creating these dots is time and heart consuming work—both making the cones and revealing them after. When I made this silk scarf, my hands were completely blue from the natural indigo vat and the tips of my fingers hurt from pulling the string with all my might. Creating dots, connecting them, seeing how they all fit—it’s hard work. And completely worth it.
Stepping out
The locale where fabrics are imagined and created seem to fit the context perfectly. Colour and pattern in Nairobi, florals and glam in Karachi, light and airy in Trinidad. We tend to don what seems right for our context. Often though, we get stuck in what is regular and comfortable. But taking a chance to try on something different—maybe a little bolder, maybe a little softer—makes us stretch, test those boundaries. I combine facilitation, engagement, communication and planning to help leaders and organizations step out with finesse and confidence.
Letting the air in
Open windows allow air flow. Billowing curtains respond by dancing, blooming in the breeze. The influx of oxygen gives room to think and create. That’s also what a good, facilitated process does. It opens the window—sometimes with little nudges, sometimes with great flair—to enable fresh, spacious conversations.
Seeing clearly
I sat in various spots on this bus in Karachi, each time peering out the window to gauge the traffic flow of people and vehicles ahead. And, each time, I found myself bobbing up and down, leaning side to side and craning my neck in an effort to see much more than a truncated glimpse amidst the paraphernalia. Yet, the driver was forging full steam ahead, apparently able to see just fine. As organizations, many of our front windows become cluttered, making it hard for those in our circles of influence to see clearly. With consultation and planning I help wipe away the jumble and draw line of sight that bring clarity and action.
Expanding the picture
As I stood captivated by the 2000+ people offering mid-day prayers, for some reason, I turned to my left and saw this: a woman, her back to the worshippers, humbly eating lunch, in her own world of solitude and freedom. Laser focus is necessary and so is broadening the picture to see what is happening just outside, in the periphery where the context and reality shift and insight can be found.