Gathering Ground: What’s it Like?
A good question! Each gathering is facilitated by a leader who sets out a theme and activities. Participants do an activity on their own or as a group and have a chance to reflect, listen, and share with others as they are comfortable. We set intentions and support each other in the journey inward and the journey back out into the world — to act with power and just love.
Currently, we meet twice a month. We meet most often outdoors or online, and gather indoors when it is wet. We observe the solstices and equinoxes and other seasonal rhythms. We also offer online workshops and informal community gatherings throughout the year. We engage in crafting, writing, and movement. Past gatherings walked through the Duwamish River reclamation area, guided by residents, activists, and tribal members; recalled navigating without a map; pondered bias and masks; and stood with homeless members and neighbors to protect their encampment site.
As a collaboration, we choose topics for gatherings and themes over multiple months by listening to the concerns and yearnings of a listening circle of diverse community friends.
Gatherings are open for all to join in with no charge. Contributions are welcome to meet expenses: we all pitch in as we can to keep this shared space alive. Come on in.
Experiences
From the moment we all shared our pronouns, I felt safe to be real here as a queer person. The activities are a playful way to be together with our difficult questions.
I was surprised how meaningful this was.
Makes me less of a jerk
2 years later, I still carry the stone from your workshop. It helps me remember what is important on the hard days.
People are out here weeping for this. I long for a place to be at home spiritually. I cannot do that in the Christian story. It’s too abusive. Other places haven’t worked. I need this.
Gatherings stretch my thinking about topics. It brings me to meet with others in a non-judgmental way -- as some folk I would probably never connect with otherwise. It helps me to explore new areas of the Seattle community. It gives me delight in seeing how the workshop encourages others.