I have fond memories of sitting around bonfires in my younger years—overnight at the beach, whiling away the time with family and friends. We would sing, talk, eat, or simply be together.
These days, it feels harder to come together, with space and time pulling us apart. Longing for that sense of connection, I joined an online group and soon realized I wanted to gather regularly with a circle of friends. This opened the way for me to become a grateful gathering facilitator—part of the grateful.org movement that brings together seekers who long for community, connection, and guideposts for daily living.
For the past few months, we have been meeting, and I am grateful to share this experience.
The day unfolds and with it comes,
the echoing of the screens
Of the restless hum of a world in need.
Behind the glass that stares us back,
scenes we read and hear
stories of thousand and one
struggles, challenges, pain and hurt
Tapestry of unfolding lives distanced from us
Closely tugging and pulling like the constant tides.
From where we are,
we send back a gentle hum
across the cyberspace
Gathering in quiet circle
with friends from far-flung lands
We spend time and share stories
Small blessings around us,
kindness within us and hope that abounds
For in this shared space, as we are where we are,
we become what we hope to be
where we could not be for now.
Our shared peace and words of hope,
are the butterfly wings
Responding to the screens’ echo,
For we believe that connected with all that is
Our collective breath,
becomes a luminous ripple
of peace, hope and joy.
I love the imagery you’ve created with this reflection. I also fondly remember bonfires from my childhood. Thank you!
Thanks for this powerful imagery of connection and communion showing the non-changing need to share stories in ever new and changing ways.