Belonging: Redefining Family, Friendship, & Community

Much recent research has confirmed that we in the West are living through an era of unprecendented fragmention and loneliness. Social media, screen contact, and physical isolation are not satisfying our ancient human need for face to face contact, physical presence, shared laughter and tears, communal meals, cozy evenings by the fire, real-time empathy and cuddles - even the tension of compromise and argument. We are wired to BELONG. How can we find our way back to what has been lost?

During this cozy winter day at beautiful, magical Mavens' Haven, we will explore what it actually means to belong. We'll dig into our own lives to identify our longings, where we've strayed, and how to nourish what's working. We'll boldly imagine creative new models of the age-old institutions of family, friendship, and community. 

Questions we might address include: What does it mean to belong to ourselves? to the Earth and the eco-communities of our places? to our bodies? What does it mean to belong to our stories? to our potential? to our dreams? What does it mean to love? to commit to something bigger than ourselves? to practice our "interbeing?" What do family, friends, and communities mean to each of us? What will it take to create and sustain nourishing relationships? What are we willing to sacrifice and/or commit to to create deeply meaningful connections?

For inspiration, we’ll examine research, share our experiences, take inspiration from myths and folktales, participate in creative visioning, imagine new possibilities, and identify what we need and how to get it. In the end, we will commit to actions we can each take within the context of our own lives to best nourish deep belonging. The day is also likely to include cozy conversation, walks by the river, tea-sipping, and a bit of personal quiet time for reflection.

We will share two warm and nourishing autumn meals together during our day, as well - lunch and dinner. Dietary limitations accommodated to the best of our ability.