11 February 2019.
I had a great week last week so I thought I’d share some of what I’ve been up to and decided on one specific thing that brought me hope for the work we are doing to combat isolation.
The opposite of isolation is connection… and what I am sharing highlights how a social gathering that builds on the strengths and gifts of those who have pledged to attend forges greater connection between us - and a willingness to act.
I might add that the preparation and relationship building beforehand is a vital part of the process that should not be skipped if you want to build a movement that has the potential to sustain!
On Monday night I did what many warn against; I combined personal and work passions. It’s a tricky one for me - as is often the case - with my personal values and experiences so closely aligned to those of Grapevine.
I love swimming (mostly outdoors these days) and understand the nourishment I get from it through being at one with nature but also being at one with others.
So on Monday night we held the first ‘Swimmers Social’ - a gathering of swimmers and non-swimmers (all are welcome).
Culinary gifts and passion came out in abundance. We ate delicious food, shared stories and developed ideas. People gathered around the ideas and pledged their support - growing our capacity to make them happen. We left that evening with full bellies and full minds.
Photo credits: Iva Dyke.
In my reflections about the evening, I was struck by the way we responded to the instinctive gifts from others and how inclusive the gathering felt. These gifts came in the form of sharing our own stories and ideas and offers of mentoring and guidance.
The more practical gifts sat alongside this - making cakes, bread and soup for us all to share, taking photos, serving refreshments and pledging support to develop ideas. It is these gifts that were so warmly given and received that will help to build the depth of relationships that mean we will come together to make great things happen. Watch this space!
If you’d like to know more about the ideas that are developing from the Swimmers Social or how you can get involved with the #connectingforgood movement more generally (we like to talk over a brew), then please contact me:
Or 02476 631040 extension 105.