First Light: Coming Home Again to Chautauqua
Blessings and Beauty in a Fractured World
It was Sunday morning, July 6th, just after dawn at Chautauqua Lake in western New York. As I walked down the hill toward the lake, the first light of the new day was stretching across the sky and the water. First light. First light on the first morning of my 2025 summer at Chautauqua. My breath was deep and full, and I felt held in the blessing and beauty that is the spirit of this place. I had come home again.
I paused to take in the view, the light, the place, the feeling. And then continued walking alongside the lake as more light gradually poured into the sky. Soon, I reached my meditation spot—the same spot where I have sat in the early morning summer light for more than 50 years. As I settled deeper into the familiar feeling of being held by this place, whatever felt unsettled within me or not at peace began to find its way to the surface of my awareness. Because that’s what happens when I’m here. And without thought or consideration or invitation, the healing had begun.
I arrived here on July 5th, the day after my country celebrated the 249th anniversary of its Declaration of Independence from England. Yet two days before, on July 3rd, after months of uncertainty, consternation, and anticipation of what felt inevitable, the United States Congress passed the biggest and most costly and, arguably, the most egregious legislation in U.S. history. And so, while I came to Chautauqua with a deep inner sense of peace in my personal life and work, I also came with profound sadness and deep concern about the current trajectory of my country. For many of us, it was like there was a pall hanging over our land and over our hearts. We don’t recognize this country that we love so deeply. And we ask ourselves: Who and what are we becoming? What do we stand for as a people and as a nation?
The evening I arrived, renowned American mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves was the guest soloist with the Chautauqua Symphony. She sang two spirituals, “Hold On” and “Deep River,” both in tacit response to the realities of today. Her singing—her voice—was incredibly deep and rich like the river she sang about. Her visceral sound and presence enveloped the audience with healing and hope in the face of challenge and uncertainty. She closed the concert with Gene Scheer’s stirring “American Anthem.” The lyrics of the last verse went deep inside:
For those who think they have nothing to share,
Who fear in their hearts there is no hero there.
Know each quiet act of dignity is that which fortifies
The soul of a nation that never dies.—from “American Anthem” by Gene Scheer
And then, the next morning, still bathing in the energy of the concert and those closing lyrics of Gene Scheer’s anthem, I was held in that first morning light. So many gifts already. Beauty. Blessing. Peaceful, still, life-giving. I was home.
Since its founding 151 years ago, Chautauqua Institution has been a center for hope and possibility in community. It’s long been recognized as a place of civil discourse, inspiration, beauty, spirituality, the arts, learning, recreation, and balance. Chautauqua meets the realities of our time with an enormous capacity for holding duality and paradox in the same space—holding opposing thoughts, ideas, and opinions. That capacity is at the heart of what Chautauqua is all about. It’s in its DNA. Acknowledging the full spectrum of what’s happening in the world and in our daily lives, and bringing it into the conversation.
It's not perfect—the conflicts and challenges of the world are mirrored here at Chautauqua just like in any other community. And occasionally it gets messy. Yet for the most part, it’s a place where truth can be spoken about what is broken as well as what is working well, about what needs more attention and what needs less, about who we are and who we could be, and sometimes even who we are called to be. Chautauqua’s spirit is guided and fed by its rich heritage, its visionary leadership, and its collective commitment to diverse presence and thinking. All that is supported for nine weeks in the summer by a rich platform of speakers, performing artists, spiritual leaders, and recreational opportunities on idyllic and historic lakeside grounds.
The morning lecture theme for this week is “Building Community Through the Arts,” and Denyce Graves returned to the amphitheater as the Tuesday speaker. She spoke about the work of the Denyce Graves Foundation (established 2021)—bringing together social justice, American history, and the arts by discovering, lifting up, and supporting the development of young classical music artists from historically marginalized communities. Her closing words:
If the world feels fractured, then let Chautauqua be our rehearsal for something better. Let Chautauqua be where we remember how to listen—how to listen and lift each other up, and how to create something true and beautiful. Because community doesn’t just happen. It’s built, voice by voice … and choice by choice. … So please, keep showing up. Let’s keep creating and fighting for a world where everyone has a place at the table and a verse in the song. The curtain is up, the stage is set, let’s get to work.
—Denyce Graves, mezzo-soprano, at Chautauqua Institution, July 8, 2025
Stepping beyond Chautauqua, how might we all live in ways that set the stage for our best future—for a world that works for all? What would that mean for you? How might you remember how to listen and lift others up to create something true and beautiful?
We all have our own roles to play, our own gifts to share. What is yours to do to bring blessings and beauty into the world, at least for now? And what is not yours to do? Recognizing that, what will be your next step?
Invitations
Free recorded Meditations for Changing Times led by Alan. More than 50 guided meditations. Choose the title that speaks to you and listen. Available for free to you anytime.
Visit The Center for Transformational Presence website
Consider reading one of Alan’s Books
Explore Coaching and Mentoring with Alan
Invite Alan to Speak to your organization or conference
Thank you Alan! And thanks, also, to Denyce Graves for her artistry and wisdom. Such a beautiful article; such important reminders!
“How might we listen and lift others up?” That is the perfect question to frame my own “what now?” Thank you for an essay full of deep thoughts, Alan!