In this new series, we revisit past episodes of The Wonder Dome that continue to resonate powerfully today. First published in October of 2021, this conversation with the incomparable Lawrence Barriner II surrounding the complexities of grief, the transformative power of understanding one’s own story, and the untapped potential that lies in the collective grieving of our shared history feels as relevant as ever.
Lawrence’s ability to honor past lineages while forging new cultural pathways shines through his belief in storytelling as a tool for justice and creation. Lawrence works in individual, group, and network levels, particularly at the intersections of white supremacy and toxic patriarchy, to support transformation in order to create a world where, “liberation is experienced, not just imagined.”
In this episode, Lawrence teaches us that by creating a space where we can grieve, heal, and imagine something new, we can step towards possible futures beyond our wildest imaginations.
"On Joy and Sorrow" by Kahlil Gibran Then a woman said, Speak to us of Joy and Sorrow. And he answered: Your joy is your sorrow unmasked. And the selfsame well from which your laughter rises was oftentimes filled with your tears. And how else can it be? The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain. Is not the cup that holds your wine the very cup that was burned in the potter's oven? And is not the lute that soothes your spirit, the very wood that was hollowed with knives? When you are joyous, look deep into your heart and you shall find it is only that which has given you sorrow that is giving you joy. When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight. Some of you say, "Joy is greater than sorrow," and others say, "Nay, sorrow is the greater." But I say unto you, they are inseparable. Together they come, and when one sits alone with you at your board, remember that the other is asleep upon your bed. Verily you are suspended like scales between your sorrow and your joy. Only when you are empty are you at standstill and balanced. When the treasure-keeper lifts you to weigh his gold and his silver, needs must your joy or your sorrow rise or fall.
Show Notes:
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Throwback Thursday: Ep #75 Making New Worlds Possible (with Lawrence Barriner II)