It is the time of the 70’s brings us
together this weekend. It’s not the past. It’s now. Time passes and weaves
itself through our lives. Events
from our past remain present. We are who we were! The experiences from long ago
deeply impact on how we live today. The messages that were expressed then are
the same as what we express today…. just differently.
The focal point of the weekend is the
concert on Saturday night, but the overall objective is to unite the people who
have come for the event. People of all ages and from different parts of the
country gather. There are those who were here in the 70’s and those who were
not.
The weekend begins with a Friday night
campfire. People gather as a form of orientation. Big hugs with old friends and
genuine smiles of new introductions are made. People gather. Music is played.
And everyone has fun.
Saturday afternoon, provided time for
community circle. I was thrilled to be asked to facilitate the circle. The
objective was to reflect on ourselves in the context of who we were then and an
who we are now, and how our lives are similar and different. “What stories or memories characterised
who you were in the 70’s? How do those stories reflect, still, the person you
are today?” Those who chose to share these thoughts did.
Carefully facilitated circles like this are
such great ways to gather peoples’ stories and to offer opportunities for
meaningful conversations. During the circle time, setting ‘ground rules’ is
critical. There are always those who have no problems speaking publicly. Though
they are the ones we usually hear from, they are not the only ones who have
something to say. Starting at one place and going around the circle gives each
person who is present the opportunity to say something. Offering the chance to
‘pass’ gives an ‘out’, and still the sincere invitation to share. I think that
many people, who would not ordinarily ‘offer’ their stories, do so when their
turn comes.
Talking sticks, even imaginary talking
sticks ensure that people get their full time allotment. In our case this
weekend, each person got 2 minutes. As the facilitator, it was necessary to
determine the time restriction just to ensure that everyone had time to share
something. The good thing about circles like this, is it gives participants
inspiration to connect face to face later on in the evening. “I want to know
more about you.” Or “I was there during that event you talked about….” It
doesn’t have to be the whole story.
It simply offers a ‘trailer’ for further conversation. What a great way to
start the weekend!!!!
The community circle went for 2 hours.
There were tears shed, many laughs and intense interest in the various stories
that were shared. Inclusivity between all participants was evident. People who
didn’t even know each other before experienced a sense of belonging and
awareness of each other, of the times in question, and of today.
Being more familiar with each other allowed
for a more intimate and sociable event that evening. It was spectacular, with
music and dancing and hugging and loving.
The next morning many people gathered on
our land for breakfast/brunch and an opportunity to say "good-bye for
now”. It was, for many, more than they had expected…an event that helped create
wholeness and wholesomeness and contentment for lives from long ago. It is a
reminder that ime doesn’t change what
we do. It just changes how we do it.
