"Self in Community" Listening Circle, November 2020

At this paradigm shift, this Crossroad, the time arrived that we now examine what it means to be self in a community. As caring persons, we constantly re-adjust priorities. We talk boundaries, belonging, growth.  
November 25, 2020 Reflections on Learning (by Julia)
We began with a simple question, "How are you doing?" and recognized how difficult it is to tell the truth. We are all of the emotions: ease, interested, protective, worried, guilty, shame, alone. And, we had to be asked twice. The self: expressed through emotions which are too often disallowed. Emotions serve as warning systems, radars of things gone wrong. We learn to express emotion as expressions of self. But what is talking to a mirror? Emotions, feelings live not often in absolute isolation, but in community... 
However community is defined. Now intention and commonality of thought, of play, of work, replacing simple definitions based on geography, religion, color. How do these interact: the self and the multiple communities in which we belong? We asked. We need consistency, we need to feel needed. We accept responsibility for personal growth and strive for our most authentic selves and want others to also "make more sense!" We have trust issues but the belief in accountability persists as a solution. We took responsibility for setting boundaries, and that starts in great part with knowing what the self needs. We want to be heard. And believed. 
And for a moment in time all bodies had value, breathing. 
While we struggle, let us not forget to celebrate.
The telling of stories lived, not alone but with others. Ourselves, the common thread.
Next month, we do this: Celebrate the miracles of now, and of legacy making. 
Stay in tune.