Nature Speaks: A Winter Bonfire for Connection, Reflection, and Belonging
Community Impact | Reflections From Our January 4 Sunday Service, shared by Jessica Riphenburg
What a joyful, grounding, connective and inspiring time this was!
A hearty group gathered on this sunny, crisp day of a whopping 25 degrees to embraced Winter, practiced listening to Nature, shared what we were receiving (learning from and inspiring each other in the process), and dreamed together about how to create a more connected, cohesive community.
One of my highlights came from a 9-year-old who arrived cold, resistant, and only there because his "mom made him come". After a conversation, a simple job, and invitation to connect, he was soon marching around the fire with other kids, drumming, laughing, and fully engaged. By the end, he said he was warm and having fun; mission accomplished!
Another young person, about 12, shared profound insight after a Nature-connection practice, opening a meaningful conversation for the entire group, and held a lot of good energy for his mom to receive. His confidence and wisdom moved us all.
Impact Highlights
Participation: 27 community members (23 adults, 4 children).
Children were welcomed and encouraged as valued participants as they as they shared their wisdom, experiences, and insight.
Families experienced shared moments of connection and meaningful conversations.
Participants reported increased grounding, joy, and sense of belonging.
Intergenerational dialogue emerged organically through Nature-based practices.
Creating spiritually nourishing spaces where children are honored, families are strengthened, and everyone belongs is a core pillar of Sacred Thread™.
We are deeply grateful for those who attended, shared the gathering with their communities, and supported this work through donations. Your support helps ensure these spaces remain accessible and alive.
Find upcoming Sacred Thread™ gatherings here.
Support our mission here.
Reflections From Participants
What felt most nourishing and meaningful to you?
“Sometimes I need to be reminded that we are nature, and I can get that sense of belonging with both other humans and being outside. In short to keep nurturing that relationship.”
“I enjoy the meditative aspect of the fire but I really also enjoyed talking with people around the fire during the intermission active part and then afterwards talking with a couple people in the house while warming up.”
“The message I received regarding abundance being a feeling and that I will many opportunities to experience that feeling.”
“I felt a connection to this community and met some amazing people. Everything was amazing despite it being cold outside.”
“The location is amazing. I love the trees there. It was a good feeling to know that there were others that get my connection to trees.”
“People coming together to share within a beautiful setting of nature.”
If you attended with a loved one, what shifts did you witness for them during or after the gathering?
“I attended with a friend who I think seemed more open to connection with nature and others after the gathering.”
“[my friends] seemed thoughtful and hopeful about the future”
“Definitely and improvement in mood and a sense of connection.”
“I’ve real realized in the last couple of years that I have a pretty good ability to intuit and perceive and seek. And I’m really thankful for that exercise that we did with the wood today and for my walk. Ask, and you shall receive perhaps"...
Thank you, Kristin K. for sharing these excellent photos with us!