Here is a letter the President of the Chicago Botanic Gardens sent to her staff. I thought it was worth sharing:
As
you know, last Friday we enjoyed a wonderful afternoon
together—celebrating our colleagues’ years of service and achievements.
As we left
the party that day, we learned that yet another tragedy had taken place
in the world.
I
walked back to my desk in tears, feeling helpless and wondering what I
could do to make the world a better place. Adding this grief to
my worries about climate change, feeding hungry families, and
reconciling our Federal budget just felt like too much! Perhaps you
felt, or are feeling, this way too.
And that is why I wanted to write this letter to you.
Because
while as individuals we cannot solve all the world’s problems, we are,
as Garden staff and volunteers, doing a lot together. When I realized
how much we
are doing for others, my pain began to ease. I hope that you, too, will find solace in remembering the importance of our garden.
Each
and every day of the year, from dawn to dusk, we offer a refuge, as
well as education, wellness, therapy, inspiration, and conservation of
the environment. Each and every day, as part of
the intricate team it takes to run our garden, you deliver joy,
healing, and inspiration. Your efforts, especially now, make a
difference in so many ways. People who come into contact with your work
can feel your commitment and your nurturing kindness.
Our garden is a place where hope for the future can be rekindled; where serenity and the beauty of nature can calm the spirit and the
mind. Each season and every program offers a respite from the stresses of the world.
Our garden
is a place where people play, stroll, eat, laugh, and dance with
friends and family, with strangers and alone, in good times
and bad. Our garden embraces people of every age and background and
welcomes multi-generational families to enjoy a day together. Our
garden, through its formal design, and informal programs, offers joy,
beauty, fun, and peace.
Our garden
helps
ensure that science education reaches thousands of children and
provides individuals of all ages—and from all backgrounds—with engaging
classes and programs. These opportunities enrich people’s lives,
complement the education system, and, hopefully, over time, help heal
the planet.
Our garden
helps
people get regular exercise and grow their own food. People who walk
outside move at a faster pace, perceive less exertion, and experience
more positive emotions than people exercising indoors. Together
with wonderful partners, we are committed to growing and donating food,
and training farmers throughout Cook and Lake Counties.
Our garden
helps
heal and conserve the environment. All life depends on plants; Garden
conservation scientists study what is happening to plants, the changes
that can result from a loss in plants and healthy habitat, and
then seek to discover ways to heal the damage.
Our garden
serves veterans and people who have physical and emotional challenges.
Working with plants builds strength, relieves stress,
fights depression, and increases well-being. Just looking at a scene
depicting nature activates parts of the brain associated with balance
and happiness. Garden therapy programs extend beyond physical
boundaries, serving schools, hospitals, rehabilitation
centers, and hospice.
Our garden is a refuge and a good value—people return over and over again and Mother Nature, aided by skilled horticulturalists, always
provides something new.
If
we remember that gardens are important to the physical and emotional
well-being of all people, and if we honor the opportunity we have to
work with wonderful colleagues in a place whose beauty
changes with every hour, we will help address the world’s challenges
today, and for many years to come.
Thank
you for all you do for the Chicago Botanic Garden. I am profoundly
grateful to work with you and hold you and your family in my heart.
I wish you all the best for a Happy, Healthy New Year.
Warmly,
Sophia
Sophia
Siskel
President
& CEO
Chicago
Botanic Garden
No comments:
Post a Comment