by Cindi Walker, M.A.
In the spring of 1988, a group of men who knew of each other, but had never met, gathered together in the same "tepee" for the first time. Each brought their "stories" about the other, uncertain of the outcomes of meeting face to face. They traveled from different "tribes", in different territories, because they knew to not be there would be worse than being there. Being there meant tension, risk, "butterflies in the stomach", and basic, primal, fear - similar to what may be commonly experienced on a challenge course high element.
They all survived. The stories they held about one another evolved and changed as they became more familiar with each other. Over time they decided for their own benefit that gathering in the same tepee might be useful - they learned, debated, challenged ideas, and even shared common experiences. This became an annual event that was agreed upon by all. The tepee got bigger to make room for more travelers from other tribes in other territories. The stories now were being shared openly. They smiled, even laughed - the butterflies were gone. Stories now were passed on from tribe to tribe, from territory to territory, about "the gatherings". Some were curious, others felt left out, others uncertain of why the tepee was so talked about and what it all meant.
The tepee added a tent. It was time to give this gathering a place, and the tribe a name. It was agreed, it was done. A new tribe was named. Chiefs were chosen, warriors were blessed and shamans were honored. Only those who knew were present for the ceremony, others wondered who was there and why they were not.
The tribes throughout the land had needs. There was no order, no rules; fear and uncertainty prevailed in some camps. Many turned to the new tribe for help, ideas, and leadership. The tent had knowledge, power, and experience. They could help. They would help. The tribe made rules, imparted knowledge, and helped to restore order caused by the uncertainty that existed in many smaller tribes. The rules became truth.
Some turned away, in dislike of the rules, in fear of others truth, and in uncertainty of what the rules meant. Many small tribes celebrated in gratitude of long held questions answered and intuited knowledge codified.
Others were sad and unsure of why they had not been called to share their wisdom. They asked. Answers were given and they were asked to share what they know. They did and it was good. Some were not asked and they wondered what it meant. Many were unsure of how the smaller tribes got into the tent and why they were outside. They gathered and pondered. Some went to the tent, asking to come in. Some went in, others waited, unsure of the meaning, and afraid to ask.
The tent got crowded. The chiefs met in the tepee. How had the tribe grown so big? How big should it get? Were all tribes welcome or just certain tribes? Were more rules needed or did the rules need to be changed? Who was "the tribe" now? How can the wisdom and knowledge serve all the tribes well? How can the tribe stay wise and knowledgeable if anyone can be here? Are we not valued and revered for our knowledge? Are we not sought out for our experience and wisdom? Surely this is sacred?
The chief pondered. They asked the warriors. They turned, in private, to the shamans, who proposed, "ask the people, they hold the truth". The tribe asked. The people turned to the tribe to answer. Some spoke, others stayed silent. Some were invisible. The chiefs reflected on the words of those that spoke and wondered about the silence of others. The invisible stayed invisible and wondered when they would be asked.
The chiefs decided. We need both. The big tent is where all who choose can gather and share ideas, information, and celebrate. We will continue our own gatherings, as we did in the beginning, in our smaller tent, the tepee. Those who are wise, and have knowledge of our ways will come to share what they know, and to laugh, and tell stories.
Many wondered, which tent do I belong in. Others wondered what it meant. The invisible stayed silent and wondered why they were not let in. The stories continue; many ask, many tell, and some listen. The truth is multifaceted, evolving, and changes as we change it. Through dialogue reality is created, through conversation, truth is known.
Editorial note: This is only one truth, created metaphorically out of conversation, observation, and the stories told and heard. It does not intend to reflect the "facts" regarding events, decision, ideas, or events made on the part of any member(s) of ACCT. Those who perceive otherwise, may want to knock on the tent, come in, and have a conversation, or not.
