Catalytic Conversions with Conversing Narratives: Alchemical Traditions that Transform Us
Dr. Raymond Reyes
8:30 am, Monday, May 1, 2017
Saul Alinsky in his book Rules for Radicals points out that it is no coincidence that a question mark resembles an inverted plow breaking up the hard soil of old assumptions and beliefs preparing the ground for new growth and development. This closing reflection will examine the following questions and presuppositions: How does our own Emmaus Journey reveal the footsteps of transformation by connecting our lived experience with the Incarnation, Crucifixion, and Resurrection? Let us presuppose that connecting these proverbial dots is the sustainable energy source that ignites our hearts on fire. Is it true that men and women are not changed by strong intellectual convictions or impeccable moral urgings, but rather, by transformed imaginations? Let us presuppose that we are made in the image and likeness of God and in some cultural traditions God is called “Creator,” therefore that makes us “Creative.” How is it possible to become a midwife of the Creative Impulse on a daily basis to more fully understand and embody the epistemology of transformational change?
Dr. Raymond Reyes currently serves as the Associate Academic Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer for Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington and has been with the Gonzaga University since 1987. He has 33 years of experience in Indian Education and professional development training, and has delivered workshops and seminars addressing the topics such as: multicultural education; emotional intelligence, diversity and organizational change; cultural competency in counseling psychology; the principles and practices of “Sacred Hospitality”; and team building using laughter, humor and play. He is a foster parent to three Native American children and the proud father of a twenty six-year-old son, a twenty three-year-old daughter and a sixteen-year-old son. In 1996 he was awarded the Eugene T. Carothers Human Relations Award for outstanding service in the fields of human rights and human relations by the National School Public Relations Association.
