I can hardly believe it, but we are entering peak season for holiday gatherings and celebrations. Before I share some thoughts for making your moments more full of meaningful connection, let me share some of my passionate and hopeful(!) beliefs about gatherings. I’ve been thinking a lot about them lately and I believe intentional, meaningful gatherings hold the possibility for people to see, love, trust and celebrate each other. I also believe it’s really important to be intentionally fostering this kinds of safe space for connection because it will allow us to see, honor and accept the beauty and goodness in ourselves and each other - ultimately creating a more beautiful and accepting world. Lofty language I know, but I believe gatherings hold great power!
So, whether it's a family dinner, company end of year celebration, or small informal gathering with friends or your team here are a few things to refresh and inspire your plan.
1. Remember: How we gather matters
Gathering is how we create deeper connections and community and it makes such a difference when we are thoughtful and intentional about it. Don't underestimate the power of your intentionality!
2. Identify what you or the group coming together really need right now
Yes, it's ok to design a gathering specifically around what YOU need. It's also a great idea to ask your people what they are most needing to get a sense of what kind of gathering might hit the mark and be most meaningful for everyone.
3. Let ALL decisions you make for the gathering flow from its purpose
Whatever you determine as the need can evolve into the purpose of the gathering (which you can choose to be explicit about or not). Either way, make sure every choice you make about the details such as location, activities, food, length of time and day be guided by, connected to and supportive of the purpose.
4. Create space for storytelling, listening and/or appreciation.
There are a million ways to do this, but one simple way is to have a question/prompt handy (or shared in advance). I've shared a few favorite prompts below. That said, I'm guessing you'll probably want to generate a few of your own based on the unique need and purpose you identify :)
What are you thinking about most these days?
What's one way you could gift yourself extra rest this Winter?
Give a one minute toast of appreciation for the person sitting to your right.
I LOVE helping people create gatherings full of deeper more meaningful connection. If you could use some assistance in exploring what it is you or your people really need right now to ensure more meaning, connection and purpose at your upcoming gathering/s, I’m here and would love to talk with you about it - schedule time here!