A new appreciation for Dallas culture and business

by Beth Freed of Dallas Dreamer

Who knew Dallas was so rich in culture and independent businesses? I sure didn't - until I discovered East Dallas, that is.

On Wednesday, a good friend from my Nonviolent Communication class included me on an email to a few of her friends and colleagues about going to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra's Community Parks Concert at the Dallas Arboretum. I felt touched that she included me in her invitation since we have only known each other for a few weeks.

Rain threatened to call off the whole event, which was the only scheduled concert without a reserved rain site. Luckily, the storm gods held off, and the weather was just unbelievable.

The breeze felt cool and soft. The air was light and fragrant. Thick cumulus clouds splintered the sunset into millions of prisms of light. The lake reflected the whole backdrop while the flutes, horns, and strings filled the space with harmonious tunes.

If you missed it, don't worry - you have another chance. The next Concert in the Park will be Wednesday, June 10 at 8 p.m. The location is Exall Park, located at Live Oak and Hall Street. The rain-out spot is the Latino Cultural Center.

The next day, I took my car in to Belmont Garage to get the AC fixed. My AC was out the whole summer of 2007, and I wasn't about to have a repeat. Plus, Belmont helped me out a few months ago when I ordered a part for my trunk. They lent me the tools and helped me install it for free. They won me as a customer for life that day.

So, of course it wasn't cheap, but they found a better deal than the initial quote, too - so, I'm not complaining. While the car was tinkered with, I took the opportunity to have breakfast at the new Whole Foods cafe (which has free wi-fi, btw). I picked up a new edible magazine while there - read more about the new pub at this newly discovered Slow Food Dallas blog. Later, I walked throughout the Lakewood Shopping Center. My car was ready before noon.

Later that evening, I went to Nonviolent Communication. The last chapter of the book focuses on offering appreciation in a way that honors the feelings and needs that the person is helping you meet. I know that sounds rather complicated, but it's actually a very gratifying, though rare, experience. We spent half the class sharing appreciation with each other.

Think of it this way - What has someone said/done for you that has truly warmed your heart?

When you are told/shown that your contributions are truly appreciated, a deep sigh goes through your mind-body-soul. I think of moments when a student has hugged me, or a reader has emailed me or left a comment, or the fact that my parents continue to support me in my vision.

So, a practice I would like to develop for my Self is this: Tell one person in a deep and meaningful way that I appreciate their contribution to my own, their own, and everyone else's well-being. More heart-to-heart connection is a hopeful goal of mine.