The post-bomb-cyclone evening of November 20th proved to be a truly “dark and stormy night”, with most Island homes still reeling from the lack of electricity.
Nonetheless, sixteen hardy souls gathered at the Ground Up Cafe to participate in a community exploration of the spiritual practice of gratitude, while enjoying each other’s company and sampling an assortment of delicious desserts (Ground Up’s iconic carrot cake, brownies, and seasonal pumpkin pie, with coffee or tea or coffee) accompanied by equally delicious live music.
Lynette Jackson facilitated a group process that provided the opportunity for each of us to identify (via that quaint old-fashioned skill of writing on paper!) three aspects of gratitude – – something from the previous 24 hours for which we often feel grateful, and a personal insight gleaned over the years regarding the nature or quality of gratitude. These written reflections were collected in a basket and then each participant chose one at random to read to the group. This gentle sharing of our collective community understanding of the healing and uplifting power of gratitude included the opportunity to hear our own insights presented by another member of the group.
We were then wonderfully entertained by two of our young Gabriola musicians, Nathan Sobko and Tomas Jackson, who perform under the name Remnant. We were thrilled by the original music presented by this very talented duo, and set off into the darkness inspired and feeling much gratitude for our generous and supportive community, even in the midst of a dark and stormy night.