Paths to Peace
Practical Wisdom for Turbulent Times
“How much peace are you willing to work for?”
-Paula Underwood,
Keeper of a 10,000-year-old oral history
Feeling overwhelmed? Weary of conflict? Unclear on what you can do about it? Over the centuries, Paula’s ancestors focused on how to gain clarity in times of great change. Their survival depended on it. They distilled their insights into three learning stories.
One for Mind . . the way we identify and process information
One for Body . . the way we live on the earth
One for Spirit . . awareness of our relatedness to each other, to Earth, and to the Universe.
Each learning story creates the space you need to apply its wisdom to your circumstances. In combination, you'll learn how to stand in ways that fully represent who you are.
We invite you to weave these three strands into your braid of understanding – bringing peace within yourself and to others.
Workshop One:
Who Speaks
for Wolf?
How the People, when faced with difficult choices, learned to make good decisions.
[Excerpt]
"Almost at the edge of the circle of light cast by Central Fire - - Wolf was standing. His eyes reflected the fire's warmth with a colder light. Wolf stood there, staring at the fire. A boy of eight winters was watching Wolf - - as immobile as Wolf - - as fascinated ... Why does Wolf stand there and only watch the fire?"
Workshop Two:
Winter White &
Summer Gold
How the People learned to plan for the seventh generation.
[Excerpt]
"Last winter was difficult. A winter of too much snow followed a summer of too little rain. Little kernels of future life had been carefully stored preserved as one preserves the future of a Whole People. During the winter no one asked for this corn. Not one cry was heard even from the smallest of the People. Each morning .."
Workshop Three:
Many Circles,
Many Paths
How the People learned to co-exist with
their enemies and find peace within
their community.
[Excerpt]
"It was dark in the clearing, only occasional fires lit the faces that surrounded them. The night sky was overcast darkening even the stars. Many voices were heard here and there among the houses. Something was being discussed that no one at all found easily resolved. For a long time now our strongest efforts ..
Learning stories are not fables, parables or folk tales. These stories are designed to engender questions rather than provide answers to them. When read together, learning stories enable us to learn from each other as much as from the words and images. The stories also enable us learn from ourselves, to liberate us rather than define us. As Paula would say, "Let us learn together."
Workshop One:
Who Speaks for Wolf?
April 23, 2019
6:00-8:00 pm
Wildflower Center, Yoga Barn
This Gathering focuses on the learning story titled, Who Speaks forWolf? The story is about how the People, when faced with difficult choices, learned to make good decisions.
We'll experience the stories in the oral tradition, reading around the circle, reflecting on our insights and applying the wisdom to our daily lives.
Workshop Registration
Workshop Two:
Winter White & Summer Gold
April 30, 2019
6:00-8:00 pm
Wildflower Center, Yoga Barn
This Gathering focuses on the learning story titled, Winter White & Summer Gold. The story is about how the People learned to plan for the seventh generation.
We'll experience the stories in the oral tradition, reading around the circle, reflecting on our insights and applying the wisdom to our daily lives.
Workshop RegistrationWorkshop Three:
Many Circles, Many Paths
May 7, 2019
6:00-8:00 pm
Wildflower Center, Yoga Barn
This Gathering focuses on the learning story titled, Many Circles, Many Paths. The story is about how the People learned to co-exist with their enemies and find peace within their community.
We'll experience the stories in the oral tradition, reading around the circle, reflecting on our insights and applying the wisdom to our daily lives.
Workshop Registration
Unsure whether this workshop is for you?
See what others have said ...
"I want to tell you [Paula] what a big part your stories have played in my life. They are helping me see and honor important things that have been taken for granted. What I thought was a window turns out to be a mirror too."
Lana Leanard
Storyteller, Longmont, CO
"Wolf for me is the harmony that exists in Nature. I am learning to see Indian stories as something deeply philosophical, not just as colorful folklore."
San Antonio, TX
Workshop Participant
"The story taught me not to mess with Nature. Also how Man and Nature are like brothers who always fight."
Marc Choyt
9th Grade, Santa Fe Indian School, NM
"... thank you [Paula] for your gift to us. If that were your only contribution to us in this lifetime, it would be so much more than most. And yet the giving continues!"
Monique Miller
ED, Carrying Capacity Network, Washington, D.C.
"Your works bring great joy into our lives and help our hearts to sing."
Carole Gilmore
Phoenix, AZ
Your Workshop Guide
Stephanie Nestlerode, MSW
7th Generation Labs
Omega Point International, Inc.
Stephanie Nestlerode is a social worker by training and a strategic planner by trade. In her words, “The future we create is the legacy we leave the world’s children.“
She has over 40 years of experience coaching community coalitions and organizations through change. Her clients have ranged from Boeing and the US Environmental Protection Agency to the City of Austin and LifeWorks. Her specialty is providing learning opportunities that inspire, guide, and cultivate skills. Her clients learn how to generate the energy, ownership, and structure required for strategic thinking and successful implementation – creating efficient and effective systems for serving the common good.
As Chief Synthesizer for 7th Generation Labs, she is joining with kindred spirits to create a treasure trove of ways to learn what matters.
About the Wildflower
Country Inn & Event Center
The Wildflower Country Inn and Event Center is a unique venue in the Hill Country of Texas where you can relax, rejuvenate and restore a sense of well-being. Take a moment to visit this amazing place online and explore their offerings. [Learn More]
About the Artist - Frank Howell
Frank Howell is best known for his intricately detailed renderings of American Indians. He viewed these works as universal symbols - as a kind of visual mythology. A mid-westerner by birth, he spent many years in the Santa Fe and Denver areas where he became nationally known not only for his acrylics and oils but also for his lithographs, monotypes, watercolors, drawings and sculpture. He taught on both high school and college levels. Before his death he wrote several books and illustrated many others.
Can't attend a Workshop but Want to Know More?
7th Generation Labs and Wimberley Valley Works offers a variety of workshops and gatherings to support learning and community engagement. Everyone can get involved and make a unique contribution.
