Keep Going On

It is safe to assume there won’t be any street parties this year, no huge concerts and no fireworks in the park because it is still not safe for large crowds to gather. So what does that mean for the spirit and hearts of our community? Many of us are struggling to keep hopeful when so much is still uncertain. In early 2020 we heard people talking about this pandemic as a marathon, not a sprint, but we could not have known it was in fact, the Trancendance Marathon - where we keep looping around the same block 6am-midnight, day after day.
Most days I’m done with screens and I just want to sit in a circle around a real fire with friends and neighbours and make a plan for a community gathering that won’t be postponed or delayed. So what IS possible? 

It is safe to say that it will take time to build back trust and confidence in group activities but when we can meet again, small group gatherings are going to be the best way forward and this actually gives me great hope. Here at the LifeSchoolHouse we thrive in small groups - this is our happy place! When a few people come together to learn or swap and share, we can have real conversations and get to know each other. I do miss the larger Makers Swaps but it is the small group classes where I knew we were making real connections and starting conversations that would continue after the gathering. These are the events that will begin again, in earnest, as soon as it is safe to gather once again and remember, there is space for many folks to join us in making this happen!

For now, we are quiet and holding onto a vision for a future where we can gather again to learn and swap, and just enjoy each other’s company. Today I draw courage from the “Keep Going On Song” so I share it with you today and hope that it buoys your spirits as well. 

Stay safe and see you soon.

-Jennifer DeCoste

“And I pray that when we meet again
That the world has changed
Into the world that we are imaging now together
And I pray that the world has become the world
That we are planting inside of ourselves for each other
And for our ancestors and for our kids

And we’re gonna start
We’re gonna start
This is rough beginning
That’s all I’ve got is a rough beginning to offer you
We’re just gonna start by singing some songs
We’re just gonna sing some sings for you
In this tiny space together
And we hope that when you hear them
You will feel a little bit less alone"

-Lyrics from the Bengsons “Keep Going on Song”