Stillness Groups
***
Spring Sitting Celebration 2024
Yesterday, we celebrated Spring and Earth Day with another seasonal sitting organized by Katheryn. As always it was a moving experience to share stillness outside with others. Katheryn offered the following poem by Heidi Barr, who lives near the St. Croix River, just east of St. Paul, MN.
Coming to Our Senses
Maybe we need
to be cured by
a rainstorm's earthy flavor
a wildflower's intoxicating scent
the view of starts at night
a misty morning fog tickling naked skin
the echo of a hawk's piercing cry
Maybe we need
to come to our senses
and wake up
to the beauty of the world
that lives more fully
when we notice all the parts.
Sitting in full sun and a fresh breeze, talking afterwards, eating Black Pepper Cookies and drinking fennel tea, was a great way to "come to our senses" and to celebrate Earth Day.
***
Autumnal Equinox Sitting 2023
Last Sunday we observed the equinox at EB Lyons. In celebration, some of us provided poetry, chanting, or a mudra for all to try. In addition to organizing the event, Katheryn served chai and delicious Scotcheroos. But at the heart of our celebration was our time sitting together in silence -- soaking up the mild sunshine of Autumn, smelling the prairie around us, hearing the birds preparing for journey.
Our way is easily overlooked because of its simplicity. No cost, no mandatory beliefs, no promises, no hierarchy of teaching. But simplicity is in fact its strength. Its uniqueness. Just sitting. And the joy of sitting with others.
Come sit with us!
Current Stillness Groups:
Platteville Stillness Group
Beginning September 11, Rountree Gallery (120 W. Main St., Platteville, WI) will once again be hosting our weekly Stillness Group every Wednesday, 6:30-7:30 pm. We thank them for their generosity and encourage everyone to support the Gallery with membership. Rountree Gallery is an exceptional gem in our community, and a great setting for our practice.
Art alters the objects of perception; sitting still alters the act of perception. Both contribute to the same habits of clarity, insight, and appreciation. What a boon to enjoy both paths at the same time.
Meanwhile, on the second floor of Rountree Gallery, Rooted Studio continues to offer responsible, profound instruction in yoga and tai chi, two more highly effective approaches to appreciation. Help support these wonderful opportunities; all in one building!
Dubuque Stillness Group
Tuesdays, 6:15-7:15 pm
Body and Soul Wellness Center and Spa
2728 Asbury Rd.
Dubuque, IA 52001
***
Up-coming Events: TBA
***
Winter Solstice Sitting 2023
On December 20 we celebrated our annual Winter Solstice Sitting. It is in many ways the most meaningful of our seasonal celebrations.
A big thanks to the knot of wonderful people circled in silence up on that prairie hill;
Also to a weakened sun's full efforts to ease the bitterness of the season,
and the small fire reminding and returning the sun's better days;
And to the vees of geese overhead shouting their strength,
And to Jim and Jeff singing the ancient songs,
And especially to Katheryn for her vision and leadership.
Big thanks to all
***
Summer Solstice Sitting 2023
Dear friends,
It was a very powerful celebration. The heat, the long-songed birds, the smell of the prairie ... and most of all the camaraderie of all who attended; being with friends, old and new.
A huge thanks to Katheryn, for her organization, her poem, her drum, the welcome refreshment of fruit kabobs and icy, fruit-infused water.
Shalom 2nd Annual Wellness Fair
Big thanks to our ambassadors, Matt and Neal, for getting the word out about Stillness Groups at the Shalom 2nd Annual Wellness Fair (7/13/24). And to Katheryn for table set up, and other assistance; and to Jim Earles, Program Coordinator at Shalom, for putting together this opportunity.
As always Stillness Groups remains unique in its inclusiveness, simplicity, and effectiveness.
***
Past Events:
***
Winter Solstice Sitting 2022
Dear friends,
Yesterday in the dusk of late afternoon (12 degrees), we gathered once again at EB Lyons. Katheryn -- organizer of our quarterly celebrations -- started us out with a Papuan proverb: Knowledge is just a rumor until it's in the muscle. I've stressed that sitting with a group strengthens our personal stillness practice. Yesterday, it was obvious that the reverse is also very true. Community is ever so deepened when we sit still together. It was beautiful -- such a diverse group enjoying such spontaneous affection. Many were wearing the warm sweatshirts that Auni donated in September. Katheryn's hot lemon tea was perfect. Our knowledge was clearly in the muscle.
Come sit with us! (It's muscle!)
***
Spring Equinox Sitting 2023
Dear friends,
A big thanks to Katheryn and all who attended our sitting last evening as we celebrated the balance point of night and day. Once again, the ground was soft, the temperature chilly, but not too uncomfortable, and the redwing blackbird chatter further up the hill was bright.
***
Summer Solstice Sitting 2022
Celebrating the peak of summer yesterday, with temperatures in the 90's, we took to the shade of the park shelter, and a nice breeze kept us comfortable. Katheryn's customary fire log was appropriately replaced by a jar of fresh flowers. As we sat, we could hear Red Wing Blackbirds gabbing up on the hill as they do towards evening. Afterwards, we snacked on Katheryn's tasty veggie kabobs, quaffed blackberry-raspberry iced tea, and had many wonderful conversations. I can think of no better way to celebrate community -- our group of dedicated sitters, or the greater community of the myriad beings around us.
***
Autumnal Equinox Sitting 2022
Dear friends,
Each succeeding celebration of seasonal change seems better than the last. Katheryn has established a wonderful tradition that brings the power of simply sitting to the joys of community and the natural world. The weather was excellent, and it was so good to catch up with old friends and meet new ones as well.
A big thanks to Katheryn for organizing this event and providing fire, Scotcheroos, chai, poetry, photos, and enthusiasm. Also, to Jim for his profound closing mantra, and Auni for her unexpected gift of brand new hoodies for everyone. (It was plenty warm as we began, but enough chill at the end that we were quite grateful for her gift. Welcome to the quick shifts of Autumn...)
I'm looking forward to seeing you back indoors each Tuesday at Body & Soul and Wednesdays at Rooted Studio.