In the spirit of this pairing, Winter Solstice Gathering on December 14 in Kalamazoo combines merry-making with ceremony. The free event is organized by Crow’s Nest Community. Being open to the public, newcomers and Nesters’ friends are welcome to join the fun. Please visit the Facebook listing here for details and updates.
Of course, Nesters have been playing with purpose at the Center and off-site since its creation. Yet the Winter Solstice Gathering is a first in our current experiment of intentional community. This event embodies a pilot effort directed by Nesters’ participation and is designed to flex with change.
A feature of this initial experiment is gathering in satellite locations. By connecting socially and spiritually in various homes and venues, opportunity widens for guests to experience the support of Crow’s Nest. Alternating sites brings not only individuals into relationship, but also links up our communities across geographies.
Traveling as a community in this way, the collective forms a rudder, steering across a sea of possibility. Add the oars of play and purpose for balanced strokes, similar to the collective Spirit Boat at November’s workshop. That journey began in preparation, as partners painted each other’s faces. Laughter and trust bubbled room to room, moving us toward healing work as a community. Indeed, play and purpose make good bedfellows.
The practice of focusing with the felt sense, as taught by Founder C. Michael Smith, offers a very handy tool for navigating our growth as a community. As we travel the path of the open heart, willing to innovate and align our intentions, we can listen to that “still small voice” and deepen our “experiential root”. What a resource for our collective experiment!
Community Corner will trace this unfolding process in coming months. Toward future editions, here are some topics I’m floating:
* individuation and community
* community, a life of its own
* exploring the felt sense in intentional community
In closing, thanks to responders of the October survey. And, yes, replies still are invited! Meanwhile, do you have questions or reflections about Crow’s Nest Community? Please email them to community@crowsnestshamanism.com.
[Credit] Melissa Dey Hasbrook explores the creative and healing arts from her base in Kalamazoo, Michigan.