The Power of Presence
by Donald Sutherland

A few days ago I was privileged to witness something that is all too rare, “The Power of Presence.” What does this look and feel like? It is mostly body language that feels like electric currents or vibes emanating from all parts of the person. It is a highly impactful combination leaving behind changed perspectives, permanently etched in the memory.

For a number of months, I have been part of a talking circle with lifers at Stony Mountain Prison in Manitoba. Our little team of seven “outsiders” has been meeting with an equal number of “insiders” for a few months. We looked for a project that we could do together that might result in marketable products, meet prison safety concerns, and, finally, channel any net earnings to victim healing. The latter was and is a clearly expressed wish of the prisoners. The final project choice was to construct jewellery using beads. Each prisoner selected his own starter project from pictures in a catalogue. The next step was to find beading specialists willing to join our group at the prison as volunteer beading teachers. Enthusiastically, the owners of poco creations and beads of Winnipeg rose to the challenge. Lulu, one of two sisters who own poco, joined us at Stony Mountain, along with Bonnie, who is part-time.

Before breaking out of the large talking circle into teaching tables of two for hands-on explanations, Lulu spoke to all of us. In less than two minutes, I was captivated, my mind thrown into overdrive, trying to soak up all that I was thinking and feeling. She radiates exceptional electricity, complete openness, no masks, no fears, absolute authenticity, and a very deep love for her business. Beads are the medium, not the message.

We closed the evening in circle format and one of the lifers spoke up, reflecting what all of us were feeling, “Lulu, you blew me away. You exhibited no fear, were totally authentic, completely yourself, unforgettable.” Lulu responded, “When I first arrived tonight, I engaged several of you in conversation. I was not able to determine who might be insiders or outsiders, social workers, clergy, or other. To me, you are all just friendly, wonderful people.”

Lulu accepted my request for an interview at her place of business. I asked about her business philosophy. She responded with, “Every bead is a gem. Every client is a gem. We call our clients sisters. All of our employees are sisters. Many start as volunteers. We serve coffee and dessert at our teaching sessions four times per week. Maximum class size is seven. The large table in our store is a bar for women. Women come and talk at the bar. We are a soft place to land. This is a place for sharing stories and knowledge, and for being who we really are. Since opening our business July 7, 2007, we have volunteered in many settings. My experience at Stony Mountain was a pinnacle. In all my volunteering, I have never felt so welcomed, so appreciated.” Their website is www.pocobeads.com.

Reprinted courtesy of Earthcare Connections, PO Box 1790, Wynyard, SK S0A 4T0. Phone (306) 554-LAND, email: info@earthcare.ca, www.earthcare.ca. Donald Sutherland is a career counsellor, personal coach, and mediator with special training in restorative justice. He is also a professional agrologist who divides his time between Saskatoon and Winnipeg, and he is also an active farmer in west-central Saskatchewan, email: donaldsutherland@sasktel.net.