This Uncertain Spring
Connecting at Winter’s End
Saturday March 12, 2:30–5:30 pm
$10–$35 Sliding Scale Registration
Quaker Meeting House, 4312 SE Stark, PDX
Doors open 2:10 pm.
Space is limited (pre-registration is encouraged). If money is tight, please contact us. We will make sure everyone who wants to attend can be there. Proceeds benefit mutual aid for Portland and Warm Springs.
Whatever spring might bring, it’s time to gather.
Winter’s edge as the season ends is sharp. Wars and the rumors of wars weigh on our hearts right now. The divisions in our city and in our society have deepened steadily since spring 2020. The work ahead for reconciliation, peace, justice, wholeness, and stability will call for new insights, tools, and skills. Being together, we’ll center on the present moment, even as we acknowledge the tension that is part of what we’re working with. Listening, learning, speaking, and connecting kindles resilience and brings us into balance. We’ll soften our hearts and strengthen our spines. That is what community can do – remembering together that we were born for this time, to be here now.
REGISTER by March 10
Whatever the seasons ahead may hold, gathering as spring approaches has ancient roots. Once again, winter is past, and people have gathered in forests and villages, cities and towns, near rivers and gardens as spring begins for eons. Here in our circle, for the past 12 years, our lovingkindness retreat in spring was held out at the Breitenbush Hot Springs, along the Breitenbush River. But this year, the cabins are gone. So after a long, hard pandemic-inspired hibernation, we’ll gather for an afternoon in Portland just as blossoms are starting to smile, and the daylight is almost midway to its zenith.
Emerging …
Like crocuses determined to make their way up through the hard, snowy ground, let’s get together.
We’ll have time to breathe easily, chant quietly together, meditate or pray, and simply sit a while in stillness.
We’ll also talk one-to-one, listen openly, discuss and reflect as a group, and warm the light in each other’s eyes.
Betsy Toll will facilitate this one-afternoon version of our lovingkindness spring retreat. The afternoon will include simple movement – outdoors if weather is good – interactivity, spoken truths, probably laughter and tears, with a sprinkling of poetry and music. We’ll reflect on how we see world the right right now, how our hearts are in this moment, how we can support each other, and bring our full hearts to the weeks and months ahead. Tea and sweet and savory nibbles will be provided.
REGISTER HERE SLIDING SCALE: $10–$35.
Teens and adults are welcome; contact us for scholarship information. Doors will open shortly after 2:00 pm. If you haven’t registered, contact us by March 11 regarding space (if we are full, walk-ins may not be possible).
Any proceeds beyond event expenses will be contributed to mutual aid on the streets of Portland and help us purchase food and supplies for the Warm Springs community. Please give generously if you can.
* PANDEMIC NOTE: As of Feb. 25, the Meeting House still asks all who attend to sign in confirming they’re vaccinated at least twice. We’ll keep windows ajar and allow space between us especially to care for those who may have heightened vulnerabilities. Masks will be available on site, if you don’t have one with you.
Questions? Please email for info.
