Setting Intentions: November
30 Questions for Gathering | 11.07.24
November.
This month did not begin in the way I - or any of my loved ones - hoped. I am certain that many of those who follow along with my musings on The Zip Code Project are feeling much like I am right now. And I am fortunate that many of those who fill both my physical world and my online world are meeting this moment with care and love, holding each other close and offering time to be together.
At the same time, much of my news feed feels draining right now. If I’m not seeing analysis of how we ended up here, I’m seeing foreboding and frankly scary projections of where we’re going. I hope to interrupt this a bit.
November is traditionally a month for gathering - for being with loved ones, sharing warmth and sustenance, and reminding one another that we matter. The importance of that practice takes on new meaning this year. This month, I am offering 30 Questions for Gathering. But rather than reflect on these questions alone, I hope you will take these questions into conversation with others. Offer care and support for one another, and consider how you might extend the gathering to those who may not be so fortunate.
We must, of course, not retreat into ourselves and our communities forever. But I hope you will take moments this month to gather with those you love. I hope you will consider together how these gatherings serve you, your healing, and your capacity for action.
Until next time, friends.
30 Questions for Gathering
When you hear the word gathering, what comes to mind?
How does gathering with others influence your sense of self?
Who do you gather with most often?
Did you gather with others growing up? Family? Friends?
What did family or friends-gatherings look like in your childhood? What did you do together?
Who facilitated these gatherings when you were young?
What do family or friends-gatherings look like today? What do you do with your loved ones when you are together?
Who in your life facilitates gathering today?
Do the activities that fill these times help your gathering? Do they provide a conduit for deeper connection? Or do they serve as a distraction (welcome or not)?
How are your decisions impacted by the community that surrounds you?
Gatherings are also connections. Connections bind us to others and affirm that we are not alone. Do these connections limit our capacity for change, or expand it?
Are there specific places or settings where you feel more connected to others?
Where do you gather with others when you are feeling low?
Where do you gather with others when you have something to celebrate?
How are the decisions available to you different from or similar to others who live in the same place as you?
How are the decisions available to you different from or similar to others who live in different places than you?
What methods do you use to reach out to others?
Did you have any collections growing up?
Do you have any collections today?
How does the process of collecting impact you? Why do you do it (or why don’t you)?
We can also collect - or gather - people. Who have you collected over the years?
How did you know these people were ‘your’ people?
Have you collected any rituals over time for connecting with the people you love?
Do you think it is possible to gather ‘well’? Would gathering ‘well’ look different in different circumstances?
How might you cultivate a gathering that serves you and your community - a supportive space that builds you up, rather than tears you down or drains your energy?
How might we develop new rituals around gathering or connecting with others?
How do your gatherings reflect the values that matter to you?
What small moments in your day might you reclaim to use for human connection?
How might gathering facilitate growth - for you or for others?
Looking back at the month, in what ways do the people, places, and practices in your life connect you with others? How would you like to practice gathering in the future?
*Surprise! It’s been a while. If you’ve been wondering where I’ve been, you’re not alone :)
I’ve been taking some time to focus on other writing projects, but I hope to return here more regularly very soon.