Team as Community

If you have never been to a real Irish wedding, know that it is a marathon. Before the wedding begins, the families stroll the graveyard on the property to pray over or talk with the relatives who have passed. Generally there is a beautiful morning wedding in a stone church complete with haunting Irish music played and sung by relatives. After the wedding, it's a quick visit to the local pub or a visit to an elder relative who may serve you Jameson in a juice glass before noon. Mid afternoon, you're off to the reception which usually has Happy Hour, Dinner, Happy Hour, Dancing and Happy Hour on repeat, sometimes for multiple days. This proverb explains it all "An Irishman is never drunk as long as he can hold onto one blade of grass and not fall off the face of the earth." I have never been to a wedding in the US like this. Everyone is family at these events and celebration means reconnecting. Even the children are treated to presents and fun as shown by my little cousin Michael (right). 

As demonstrated by our current elections and global politics, it's become very easy to hate people we don't know and even some we do. We're pretty thrilled with wishing limping on others. Even at work, we make up stupid things in our head about people and we suspend them into always being that person that did that thing. With all the multitasking and chaos at work, people are isolated and tired, triggering more judgment, comparison and disconnect. "Us Against Them" is an evil but easy game when nothing else is getting done but hate and discontent. I do not believe this is the best use of our time.   

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