Opening a space of connection
March 26, 2020.
Hosts: Andrea Currie and Duncan Ebata. Guest: Elder Albert Marshall.
We have begun!
Elder Albert Marshall opened our first online session, reminding us of our responsibility to each other, the land, and all creatures in these vulnerable times. He said that our coming together as one will be the medicine our Earth sorely needs.
Andrea then introduced this project as a space to tap into our collective resilience, wisdom, energy and vision. She acknowledged that many of us are struggling with difficult feelings. She said, “It is okay to be emotional in this space. We don’t need to apologize if we show emotion. Our elders teach us that our tears are our sacred waters, they are part of our healing. Because a gathering in this format can only offer so much support, we respect everyone’s right to take care of themselves according to your own wisdom about what you need. As in every Circle where sharing is invited, each person has the right to pass if they do not wish to speak. We also respect and support the right of anyone to leave the Circle if they feel they need to, either for some moments, or just to leave. We support you to take care of yourselves, as you know what is best for you.”
Andrea concluded by saying, “The core team believes so completely in the beauty and brilliance and power in our collective gifts and wisdom, and we are so excited to be co-creating this space with all of you.”
We then met in groups of three, in virtual break-out rooms, where we introduced ourselves and the reason we had joined the call.
When we returned, Duncan Ebata invited us to recall a recent moment that inspired or moved us, which we would share in small groups. He introduced these “good conversation reminders”:
Try to let go of preconceived ideas: no judgement, positive or negative.
No fixing people, no feedback. Don’t give advice.
Encourage. For example, “Can you tell me more about that?”
After 20 minutes of moment-sharing, we returned to the main group once more, and Susan Szpakowski invited us to reflect on what we’d heard in our conversations that suggested “stories we choose to live by.” Our answers appeared in the chat box and soon became a fast-flowing stream of insight and inspiration. Some themes:
Our connectedness, the power of community
Opportunities (silver linings) within this moment of COVID-19
Resilience of the human spirit
Healing power of the arts, nature
As a word cloud…
