Living in Harmony

Parables are the language of the soul. Every tradition understands the unique capacity for
stories to convey feelings and virtues, in a way
that is non-didactic, non-confronting, and yet marvellously effective, somehow bypassing the mind, and heading straight for the heart.

Donna has utter faith in the power of story. She believes they inform the soul in a way that nothing else can. They can comfort, sustain, broaden, enlighten, and save us. They can fight racism, prejudice, ignorance and fear.

They can instill compassion, understanding, and forgiveness. Whether it be a little memory a mother tells a child, or a story of epic proportion, they are gems of transformation and powerful tools for self realization.

Bio

As a peace activist, Donna has been invited to tell stories at Reconciliation events, at Peace Rallies, and very often at inter-religious gatherings, specifically Ba Hai, Uniting and Catholic churches, The Buddhist Temple and Library, and of course for the Jewish community. An accredited artist with the Department of Education, she has travelled widely over the last few years, all around Australia and New Zealand, in a little rented camper van, her performance being a celebration of difference, of tolerance, of purpose and of truth. She has travelled to the States, to Israel, and to the UK teaching and telling for teachers, for children, for refugees - at festivals, conferences, seminars and concerts.

Her favourite tale?

"If I had only one story to tell it would be this one" she says.

Once, the great Hassidic leader, Zusia, came to his followers. His eyes were red with tears, and his face was pale with fear.

"Zusia, what's the matter? You look frightened!"

"The other day, I had a vision. In it, I learned the question that the angels will ask me when I stand at the Gates of Heaven."

The followers were puzzled. "Zusia, you are pious. You are scholarly and humble. You have helped so many of us. What question about your life could be so terrifying that you would be frightened to answer it?"

Zusia turned his gaze to heaven. "I have learned that the angels will not ask me, 'Why weren't you a Moses, leading your people out of slavery?'"

His followers persisted. "So, what will they ask you?"

"And I have learned," Zusia sighed, "that the angels will not ask me, 'Why weren't you a Joshua, leading your people into the promised land?'"

One of his followers approached Zusia and placed his hands on Zusia's shoulders. Looking him in the eyes, the follower demanded, "But what will they ask you?"

"They will say to me, 'Zusia, there was only one thing that no power of heaven or earth could have prevented you from becoming.' They will say, 'Zusia, why weren't you Zusia?'"