I've been experiencing a touch of writer's block...I'm finding that it's much easier to write about places than about people. I don't want to speak for others, misrepresent them, etc. But what I'm also realizing is that it's the people that make the places. In other words, someone is more likely to connect with a story about an individual or group of people, rather than reading facts about a place. Although facts feel safer, there's power in sharing our human experiences!
Eventually, I concluded that it doesn't have to be scary or daunting, writing about people. As long as my intentions and actions are thoughtful and honoring and that I'm writing my own personal story, not speaking for others. So, here it goes, I give myself permission to share my experiences...even (and especially) if they include others, knowing that I'll do my best to honor the sacred in those around me.
Because....the people I've met here at Camphill are so unique! Everyone brings such a fresh flavor to the soup/salad (whatever metaphor you want to use). They're amazing. For example, this is a conversation from my first day here:
Friend: You're new?
Me: Yep.
F: Do you have any brothers or sisters?
M: Yes, I have two older sisters and one younger brother. What about you? Do you have siblings?
F: Yeah.
M: How many do you have?
F: I don't know; I don't keep track of those things!
This friend, we'll call her Scilla, has become a dear companion. We see each other every day for morning circle, work in the weavery together and have bun crew every Friday. She's constantly making me (and others) laugh. She has such a fun and unique way of engaging with people; she's fearless and forward and friendly in a frank and refreshing way. She's not afraid to tell you how she really feels or express what truly matters to her. The other day we were meeting someone new and the way Scilla steered the conversation was priceless.
Scilla: What's your name?
Someone New: Rosa, what's yours?
Scilla: Scilla. You got any pets?
Rosa: No, I-
S: I've got a goldfish. His name is George. You want to see him sometime when you come over?
How often do we jump to our passions in a way that's inclusive to others? When was the last time that you met someone for the first time and immediately invited them to take part in or witness something special to you? It's amazing and endearing. I'm grateful for Scilla's openness and uniquely direct way of engaging others...it makes being in her presence easy and pleasant. I hope to become less fearful (if you've read this entire post, you might understand my inner hesitation, anxiety and self-doubt)...and maybe during my time here I'll learn to become more open, direct and fearless, just like Scilla.
Scilla and other bun making crew friends!
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