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The
Conference of a Lifetime
by Vanessa Durand, Staff Writer
The importance of
women worldwide has been a struggle to acknowledge since the
beginning of time. Ethical equality and morality has always been
frowned upon in a society in which men have always been expected to
persevere in any situation regardless of its qualifications. Now,
women of the world have something to smile about. As a
representation of how women contribute to the fundamental building
blocks of society, the 20th Annual California Governor and First
Lady's Conference on Women was held this month. Memorable guests
such as Maria Shriver, California's first lady, Arnold
Schwarzenegger, Martha Stewart, and his holiness, the Dalai Lama
himself attended this unique and rewarding rendezvous of impacting
speeches to spread the message that women are indeed architects of
change.
Held at the spacious Long Beach Convention Center on
September 26, 2006 was this unforgettable unification of famous
faces and local heroes all gathered under one foundation to
commemorate and educate the public about the bright possibilities of
life. Among the most famous speakers that day was Suze Orman, who
became well known after learning how to manage and thrive with one's
money and later teaching the importance of self reliance and hope
with finances of any number. She shared her miraculous story about
how she was a waitress struggling to support herself until the age
of thirty when she became money savvy and righteous. She stresses
the important fact that there is nothing a woman cannot do,
including support herself independently. Later to speak was Maria
Shriver who, like the countless other 14, 000 women in attendance
were strong willed and simply human. She shares with the convention
center buzzing with whispering voices, that she too was surrounded
by all of the elements that impact our daily lives. Items such as
numerous materialistic possessions include the latest technology,
overcrowded agendas, governor elections and campaigns, and her own
family to raise. This of course hectic lifestyle came with a price
to pay as Maria later explains, "That's when I decided to turn down
the volume and turn up the silence in my own life, to hear my own
voice." Powerful words of wisdom within her were what she had
needed to get her life back on track to overcome struggle and
succeed with pride.
California's own governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, had a
few words to address as well, as he congratulated the never ending
endurance of a woman's spirit and how determined individuals
continue to thrive. The governor and first lady stated as well to
"Color outside the lines" and that "Your own voice is in your heart,
not in your head." After many well composed and uplifting speeches
were given, Managing Editor and Moderator to Meet the Press's Tim
Russert spoke of how he was guided through life with the non
familiarity of riches, but the basics of discipline and hard work.
He explained how many things in life influenced him to prove himself
as worthy as others to have extraordinary rewards as he states, "You
never know what twist opens that jar."
The conference not only focused on individual speeches
but breaks in between to catch smaller afternoon seminar sessions
with hosts such as Tyra Banks to Sharon Rocha, mother of her
murdered daughter Laci Peterson. All were opportunities to gain new
perspectives and enlightenment about how everyone can become a
better person by listening to each other’s personal experiences and
stories. In addition were book signings and booths from many
corporations advocating how their businesses shine light in
tomorrow’s future. During another session of speeches, Sarah
Ferguson, the Duchess of York, and Anna Quindlen spoke of how ironic
the roles of women have now become, both commenting on how both
sexes truly have become equal yet the roles of women continue to
become more significant and impacting day by day. But one important
factor should remain in the heads of all, and that is that we must
shatter the blind achievement that we have “Gained the whole world
and lost our own souls”, as Quindlen announced. Ferguson later
proceeded with the words, “Seek to understand, not to be understood;
seek to love, not to be loved.” All wise suggestions that should be
followed and respected.
In the last remaining hour of the conference were the
highlights of the ceremony. The long day from 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM had
finally begun to anchor as the Minerva Awards, ( Minerva being the
woman on the state seal for California), to proceed. These awards
were given to women in local communities and only a hand full of
infamous women from throughout our great state. Women who have done
everything from push legislations persecuting murderers with
harsher sentences to women who have fought against abusive
relationships and even an award to Sally Ride, the first woman in
space. But the most astounding sight was his holiness, the Dalai
Lama who is believed to be the 14th reincarnation of Buddha himself.
All the way from India was a marvel that spoke of women’s rights,
and the simplicity of love, peace, and kindness. Surprisingly this
God on earth was personable, had a remarkable sense of humor, and
graceful presence. He stated that religion should not be a
determining factor when learning to accept the world’s differences
but to live with each other in nothing but harmony and learn from
each other’s history in order to create a better future together. He
later ended the conference as he said that “One must love not only
all human beings but all creations.” The Dalai Lama closed the day
with a three minute meditation to promote cleansing and eternal
peace, thus concluding a truly beautiful day.
SUPERIMPOSED:
"The only way to live a life that matters is to
have a goal larger than yourself."- Maria Shriver
"Too much distraction from external things
distracts you from your internal self." - Dalai Lama
"My future depends on the rest of
humanity."- Dalai Lama
“Color outside the lines.”- Maria Shriver
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