THRIVING COMMUNITIES Fall Gathering 2022

How communities focus on trauma and community support to build a thriving beloved community.

The woods, the Hall and cabins, the food and much needed in-person fellowship welcomed people from around the country to share stories of incarceration, healing and hope. This could not have happened on Zoom! These tender and deeply emotional stories needed every ounce of what the Institute quite often takes for granted: presence, patience and power of listening in community!

Our group consisted of a high percentage of those formerly incarcerated, most of whom longed for more time on the land. The group enjoyed the presence of over 50% who had never been on Institute lands For those sitting next to someone who is attending for the first time, this can be a reawakening of the power of potential of place for those who have attended before

This was the 13th Thriving Communities Gathering held at the Whidbey Institute Each time we are welcomed and celebrated by every facet of this place. Never the same outcome, always pushing us to go deeper in our work, last November certainly took everyone to a deeper understanding of trauma and the power of healing and the need for all of us to be conscious of those who have paid their dues and reemerge with possibility.