Tailgait for Joy
This is an excerpt from the weekly News-Loveletter. If you would like it sent to your inbox directly (with all the other juicy bits, including a mini joy practice), you can add yourself to my mailing list here.
"This goes with our spread," says Berta, waving bright green chickweed high in the air. She harvested this treasure from the woods nearby after finishing her walking meditation.
"It's delicious after the first frost," she says. "So sweet."
We're having our first co-created joy gathering outside of class.
Creating is exciting. Co-creating is even better. You never know what's going to happen or how. Someone who suggested we meet up for a hike couldn't make it. The players shift and change, but every contribution counts. Each shapes the culture and activities a group stands for.
I made it clear in the email for today's adventure that I'm a participant in a leaderful group. It's not "my" event.
Since I did organize this round, I included something I love—a walking meditation in nature. I listened to Dr. Joe Dispenza's free Walk for the World meditation, and others could too if they wished. I'd be happy doing that meditation rain or shine, regardless of whether anyone showed up.
Which was awesome, because it rained and the park was mostly closed for construction. (A twofer!) The early hour and weather deterred a number of folks, but Berta and I loved the chance to connect and play outside.
I'd suggested that folks tote along whatever brought them joy and comfort. I didn't have high expectations of myself, but ended up making my favorite chocolate-pecan-date cookies (reply for recipe) and a carafe of winter spice tea. Mellow.
Berta added her gift from the forest and a bag of fruit she'd dehydrated herself. Melt-in-your-mouth asian pears and peaches completed our hatchback spread.
The sun peeked out. Raindrops sparkled like diamonds on fir needles. Acorn woodpeckers chuckled overhead. Berta and my fingers and toes grew numb as we drank tea from mason jars. We shared about our favorite rivers, walks, and edible delights. So sparkly.
Community isn't always easy to gather, with everyone going different directions. When we take care of our own needs first, it's easier to love unconditionally, to make space for folks to do what feels right to them.
How you play the game in the rain, when the park is closed, that's where the win is possible. The win is in our attitude, our ability to joyfully meet our own needs without making many demands on others. When we can find joy in any circumstance, we are fabulous companions, even to ourselves.
Looking for community and the inner joy to make it shine? We've got you.
Contact us at kristin@collierconnections.com and let me know if you want to join my free Beta Writers Group, while it's still free.
Or CLICK HERE to register for my Zoom Core Joy Series. This course is live only once a year, in January. Once it's gone, it's gone. Most of the classes are near-full, a few seats remain. This is the entry-point to our year-round Joy Together Community.