– Marc Gafni’s students, collaborators, and supporters speak out for the sake of restoring integrity. This comment by Annie about Recognizing Pioneers by the Number of Arrows in their Back was first posted to the Center for Integral Wisdom statement on centerforintegralwisdom.org. You can read the statement below or listen to the audio. –
“One recognizes pioneers by the number of arrows they have on their back”. A quote I read many years ago. The recent events confirm that Marc is a really pioneer. There aren’t that many in the spiritual realm.
In my career in Corporate America as an employee then as a corporate coach, I had the opportunity to meet, work with and accompany many international leaders. In my personal quest I also had the chance to meet many teachers. Those leaders and teachers have many qualities in common. Most of them are knowledgeable and talented in their transmission; some of them are inspiring and a few of them possess an innate capacity for a loving kindness; however very rare are those who possess all of the four qualities. Marc is one of them and I am grateful to have to chance to follow his teaching and read his books.
Furthermore I also love the groups around him. Because Marc seems to treat the team that supports him with respect and kindness, they can in turn be very kind, and respectful. I did not meet anyone with a patronizing attitude, unfortunately too often the case in other spiritual groups.
Around Marc, people are just like him, caring, kind and also, which is also very important for me; possess a good sense of humor. I love the “festival” atmosphere: being inspired, sharing, singing and dancing. A space and an invitation to express my Unique Self.
As for the “bowmen or women” who have thrown their darts to him and his close friends, I am surprised that this kind of attitude happens in spiritual communities.
Potential explanations: when one is unable to reach and express his talents, (expressing their Unique Self) there could be jealousy towards those who can. In the corporate environment this attitude is mostly for financial reasons.
Annie Martinez – Montpellier (France)