Gathering Joy

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Our first-ever local Joy Collective gathering in July

“We should turn on the sprinkler and run through it,” whispered Keith as she walked through the door and reached for a hug. “I’m already planning to fill the cool soak tub,” I assured her, laughing. On one of the hottest days of summer, our local Joy Collective group gathered from the nether reaches of Lane County to grace our back deck with all colors. Sampling drinks concocted from the garden itself (teas of lemon balm, rose, pineapple sage, and nettle), we feasted on “Yumm” bowls and a host of other delicious salads, sides, cakes, cookies, and bars presented by the Collective. Bonafide dishes and napkins were used, and no trees were killed in the dining experience. Colorful tablecloths and flowers (thank you, Jamie!) bedecked the tables, and our community spread out from deck to garden.

Even before the party started, our Joy Collective was co-creating together. I gathered from guests a playlist of their favorite high-vibe songs and on the big day, every so often, someone called out, “This is my song!” or, “I love this song!” While several danced on the circle lawn, lively chats unfolded in the cool pool (a converted livestock trough in a cove of flowers) while private talks ensued in the cabana behind sheer curtains and on the rocking bench in the Peace Garden. At dinner, we sat together at a long communal table discussing life, love, and plans for the future.

I have never felt so comfortable in a large group. “Here, tie my dress up!” I begged Julie, as I stepped into the cool pool with a drink in one hand and her gluten-free pear-almond paste bar in the other. Julie leaned over while telling a story and tied the hanging panels of my long dress up higher to save them from a drenching. Stepping into the pool at the end of the table, I didn’t miss a word of conversation while I blissed out in chill water with sweet treats. Transported!

Thank you immensely, my dear local Joy Collective, for the best-ever first gathering. The culture of compassion and fun that we build by showing up in a practice of joy week after week shares dividends unimaginable across time. I have no doubt there is more merriment among us to come.