Icons of The Constellation

[Dr. E. Mohamed Rafique]

Alternative Title:  How good are our Icons?

If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants. – Isaac Newton.

Many are the stars in The Constellation: 💫✨
Most of us are old and mature enough to be able take a step back and look at our Constellation friends from those early days, in order to celebrate whatever we could appreciate, including the diversity amongst us. For, we had the thinkers, the titles and the big names, along with the unsung ones, those who appeared professorial, and those who were not; some performers, who delivered results when it mattered most, some who could tug the reins in the corridors of power, and those who were popular just like that; some sporting, some with sense of humour, the happy men, and the kind women, the varied hobbies, backgrounds, culture, and the countless countries; the guys and girls who presented well; the early birds, the late comers, the eager beavers and the back benchers in the workshops and trainings, yet they facilitated so effectively in their communities, the fence sitters, and those so silent in the communities, you would have thought they were dreaming, yet their insights and reports were valued, and how mostly things turned out to be quite contrary to anybody's guess in the end.  Certainly, it’s been a wholesome, awesome story. 

Few were steady on course, lived their dreams and progressed in their self-assessments. Quite a few we think missed crossing the rivers in their lives, and lesser used their potentials for reasons, we could not find out.

But the most, plodded on, moved from awareness to action, tried their luck, learned from their own and other’s experiences, and soon their hidden strengths and talents became manifest, and when the going got tough, learnt their lessons, with a little help from Providence, made a life for themselves and their communities. Then, is it not inspiring to look back, satisfying to ponder, to count all the lessons we learnt, and celebrate all those abundant success stories? Of Course! Nostalgic could be the trip, down the memory lane of The Constellation's Journey!

Accordingly, let us appreciate all those stalwarts, not only for the knowledge they imparted, but also for the brand of enthusiasm with which they delivered it. So, we must first recognize all those who founded The Constellation. Accordingly, it is important to acknowledge the contributions of all founding members like JL, Geoff Parcell, Ian Campbell, Phil, Luc, Marlou, and Usa. Each of these individuals, in their own unique way, has shaped the organization and left an enduring legacy. As we celebrate the achievements of The Constellation, let us also remember and honor the contributions of all of them individually. Ultimately, all individuals, regardless of their position or fame, are equal and worthy of our respect and admiration. By recognizing the humanity of each individual, we can foster a more compassionate and just world.  One line keeps ringing in my mind:

"For in the crucible of Life is the mettle of men, like gold assayed".

A Shout Out to the Brave Souls: Inheriting the Spirit of The Constellation's Guardians:
A reflection by one of the Founders of the Constellation that they were just "dreamers" set us thinking of the vibrant tapestry of people that have since walked that dream, as silent witness giving a testimony to the truth in the dream: the thinkers, performers, observers, and quiet contributors. Does this not offer a powerful lens through which to view the present? Does this not reminds us that within our community, there exists a remarkable resilience, a capacity to not just endure, but to thrive, even amidst adversity? As the lines so eloquently states, "For in the crucible of Life is the mettle of men, like gold assayed." This sentiment resonates deeply when we consider the unwavering dedication of our current Board Committee.

Moreover, this reflection on the past is not merely an exercise in nostalgia; it serves as a powerful call to action, a reminder of the values we must uphold and the spirit we must inherit. It compels us to recognize and celebrate the exceptional contributions of our current Board Committee members: Luc, Marlou, and Loli.

These individuals stepped up during a period of unprecedented challenge. They navigated the turbulent waters of the pre- and post-COVID era, a time marked by uncertainty, resource constraints, and significant strain on our community. They held the fort when funds were scarce, when external support was limited, and when internal and external pressures threatened to overwhelm. They persevered without the fanfare of public praise, without even the comfort of a reward or a word of praise.

Thus, their service was a testament to their unwavering commitment to The Constellation's mission. They faced acrimony, both internal and external, yet they remained steadfast in their dedication. They embodied the very spirit of resilience described in the reflection on the "old timers"—they toiled, they took chances, and they learned from the experiences, both their own and those of others. They wore their “battle scars as badges with pride,” emerging stronger and more committed to the cause.

We must acknowledge the immense sacrifice these individuals made. They gave their time, their energy, and their expertise without expecting anything in return. They exemplified the true meaning of selfless service. Their actions speak volumes about their character and their unwavering belief in The Constellation's potential.

This is the spirit we must inherit. We must carry forward the torch of dedication, resilience, and selfless service that they have so bravely carried. We must learn from their example and commit to supporting future leaders with the resources, recognition, and appreciation they deserve.

In conclusion, the dedication of our current Board Committee serves as a powerful reminder of the true values of The Constellation. Those who work without any reward or recognition, driven purely by a desire to serve and contribute, earn a unique level of trust. Their integrity shines through, untainted by personal gain. They are the true embodiment of selfless service, and their contributions are invaluable. Let us honor their legacy by embracing their spirit and continuing to build a stronger, more resilient, and more compassionate community.

Moving forward, it is crucial for The Constellation leaders and facilitators to adopt a more fundamental SALT and CLCP inclusive process, and style of dialogue and functioning. Accordingly, the rest of the Chapters harvest out new evidence, and realistic solutions, from recently-developed interpretations, and creative futuristic explorations to the SALT-CLCP acronyms, making the chapters a must-read for anyone wanting to be competent in any facet of life.

Group -Work: Let us not ignore any one from the Founders of The Constellation. Let the Group Work, do a sincere appreciation, collecting the points by a Peer Assist exercise of all the Founding members. This could be a right point to start the twenty-year celebration of CLCP.

Copyright Notice: This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Attribution: This paper acknowledges the valuable contributions and learnings from the diverse members and communities within The Constellation. Their experiences and insights have been instrumental in shaping the understanding of community ownership and the power of local knowledge.  

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This license encourages the sharing and adaptation of our work while ensuring proper attribution and respecting the spirit of community-led development.

By including this Creative Commons note, you acknowledge the contributions of The Constellation and encourage others to build upon and share the knowledge presented in our paper, fostering a culture of open access and collaboration within the CLD community.

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