Opening Doors and Hearts in These Times

Weekly, WholeHeart is opening our doors to gather in service of listening, wellness and community through our Weekly Wellness Circles. We have discovered over the past two months that it is not about being 'virtual' or ZOOMing or responding to sheltering in place. It is about extending welcome with wider arms beyond the boundaries of in-person gatherings in the Northeast. What we are learning from listening in a wide circle of community that stretches across the country, across borders and continents, is that listening is a gift we can offer ourselves and one another.

Each week a new configuration of community gathers. The surprise of who arrives is part of the delight. We name where we are calling from to see the size of the landscape and then settle in to listen together through reflection and generosity. Listening without giving comment, advice or any notion of answers. Simple presence. One hour and then back to our lives - infused with a taste of kindness.

You who gather are inspiring WholeHeart. You remind us that the heart of our work is to listen, connect and extend a loving hand through the practice of generous listening and sharing. You help spark ‘creative union’ - connection that ripples and informs new understandings and possibilities so needed in these times.

We extend a warm welcome to join us in this community of practice. We know Zoom can be daunting, but this is not a lecture or a webinar to digest. Rather, this weekly invitation is to connect with others and with yourself through shared listening practices when so many of us are seeking ways to wonder in community.

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Here are some of the takeaways participants have named at the closing of our weekly calls to guide them forward :

Inspiration from the robin on her nest outside my window: stillness and patience bring forth the life from the eggshells

Bravely sharing and bravely listening makes space in our souls.

We each, we all, make a difference.

I’m grateful that my heart is open to feeling all these feelings.

Carry on, shake off your burdens, shake off your fear, shed your tears, and carry on.

In between the waves, pause and listen to the heart and invite it to speak in the calm moments when the water is smooth, even if the next wave can be seen out of the corner of the eye.

Self-care as a priority, as if my life depends on it, because it does.

Listen for who/what protects me

Restart, again, writing a gratitude list every day.

It is really helpful to have people hear me

It is a gift to listen to another person. I can be a gift by simply listening.

The light is alive within

Remember to notice and be grateful for small good things, and moments of connection with others.

I can let go of trying to plan, and just take the next step

That there are loving, good people

I’m not who I was but I have a blueprint that’s still true.

Move! (Don't sit down, don't turn back)

There are songs to be written…

Risking sharing what is real & raw

The antidote to disconnection is....connection!

We share in the belief of hope

Animals know how to shake it off. Why don’t I remember to do that?!

Call the pals together

Thank you for the side-by-side in different boats in the same storm.

Wrap everything I'm carrying in kindness

When nothing is certain, anything is possible.