AGLN Blog

In our eternally busy lives, it's often difficult to find a quiet moment to reflect on the people and experiences that have meant the most to us over the years. While the act of practicing gratitude is something we all value, it can get lost in the shuffle and swept aside for more pressing tasks. On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Henry Crown Fellowship this year, we wanted to create a special day during which we could all do just that.

A month ago today, on Monday, June 13, 2016, the Henry Crown Fellowship inaugurated its first annual ‘Henry Crown Day’. The day was created to honor and celebrate the legacy of Henry Crown – born June 13, 1896 – while encouraging Henry Crown Fellows around the world to take a moment to reflect on their Fellowship experience. Through this introspection we hoped Fellows would do something to bring them back to the seminar table, leaving them feeling inspired and motivated to continue to do good in the world. The activities that Fellows engaged in were as interesting as they were diverse and included, but were not limited to, the following:

-- Participating in Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless training
-- Writing a letter to their future self
-- Wearing their Henry Crown Fellowship cap throughout the day
-- Playing golf with good friends
-- Visiting the Killing Fields outside Phnom Penh, Cambodia, leaving a friendship bracelet and praying that peace
   and kindness prevail
-- Contacting their Henry Crown Fellowship mentor to thank them again for the support and guidance over the years
-- Re-reading Wendell Berry's Manifesto or other program texts
-- Sharing and discussing a program text with their staff
-- Pausing to enjoy a beautiful sunset
-- Reconnecting with a Henry Crown classmate over dinner
-- Visiting the Henry Crown Gallery at the Art Institute of Chicago
-- Going on a hike with friends or family

 

As a Henry Crown Fellowship staff member, I was privileged to see the various quotes, photos, and memories, from Fellows roll in throughout the day. Inspired to carve out my own time for reflection, I took 30 minutes on the evening of June 13 to spend some time outside in nature - my happy place - and read Oriah Mountain Dreamer’s poem "The Invitation", one of my favorite readings I've come across during my time at Aspen. My experience of the day was one of togetherness, positivity, and joy and it was clear that these sentiments echoed throughout the Fellowship.

While 'Henry Crown Day' will only officially take place once a year, we hope that our Henry Crown Fellows, and Fellows throughout the AGLN, will take time consistently throughout the year, to pause and reflect on what Fellowship means to them and how they can continue the journey they started at the seminar table. We are so grateful today and every day for the continued gift of Fellowship and to Henry Crown, whose legacy of integrity and philanthropy inspired the creation of this program and continues to inspire us to this day.