Part of my job at this time, is to continue to offer and hold space for community centered events that counteract the stress, fatigue and burnout of the time we are living through so that we can keep each other sane, healthy and vibrant. For that, we need each other. Not only is it impossible to do it alone, but alone is what got us here to begin with.

There is a sweet old story about the Dalai Lama giving a talk and at the beginning he writes these words on a chalk board:

And then he does this:

Gatherings are opportunities to remember who we are, how we can contribute our strengths and wisdom to a group, and how that makes us better and stronger, together. They also remind us that joy and connectivity are essential parts of our humanity and are vital for our spirit, to help regulate our nervous system and allow for greater capacity and resilience. They remind us that kindness, sweetness, sharing and community are bedrocks to the health of that nervous system and help us stave off loneliness and rancor. Community allows us to face the time we are in head on, with support. And there lies our only chance for success. And possibly survival.

I know it’s scary out there right now. If you feel frozen, or your stress level is getting the better of you, if you feel lonely or unsupported, or even if you want to activate but don’t know where to begin, being in community might just be the balm to pull you out of the stupor. Because we need all hands on deck right now.

Every time I host a gathering I leave having met brilliant amazing people from different walks of life who teach me so much and give me so much hope! And hope is not just a dream, it is the ability to look into the future and imagine your dreams taking shape. It is a good faith action into the future that yes, sometimes fails, but without it, nothing moves or takes shape.