I was blessed to participate in a wonderful opportunity to connect with like-minded spiritual people over the last week.
My home Center is located in Olympia, Washington. Despite living in Idaho, I’ve been affiliated with a Center outside my area for several years. When Covid came along, I had the fantastic opportunity to connect via Zoom. I shared, listened to, and interfaced with a spiritual group for over two and a half years — many I did not know well or had never met in person.
Strange as it sounds, the Covid lockdown was a blessing for me. I rejoiced when the minister told me they would broadcast their services over Zoom! I
knew I would not be a part of a spiritual group without traveling hundreds of miles away.
Then, things changed this last weekend. A group bought a physical building, spent several months remodeling it, and opened it for its first service on September 18th. So, I hopped on a plane and traveled nearly 300 miles to join them in person.
What a tremendous blessing!!
All those months of seeing and interfacing with folks via Zoom (you know those tiny squares!), I could see and hug the group of folks I attended service, class, and workshops.
Boy, was I in for a surprise!
I arrived on Friday and was invited to dinner at a lovely restaurant near the water. Off again on Saturday for lunch with another friend whom I had not seen in several years.
Saturday night was a time for an Open House and celebration of gratitude for all who made the new building with all its renovations and adjustments possible. About 50 people were encouraged to share their feelings of gratitude. Many of the attendees (including me) were teary-eyed through the sharing. Interestingly, many construction workers were present at this ceremony and were very touched by all the love and gratitude sent to them.
Of course, Sunday was the first in-person service. Despite all the concerns over procedures and protocol and facilitating a virtual service, I thought things went very smoothly! Rev. David, the minister, even joked about forgetting how to host an in-person service after 2.5 years on Zoom! Of course, I received many more greetings, hugs, and connections with those who were only little squares on the screen before this time! The day concluded with a beautiful meditation and sound bath (with singing bowls and flute music). Also very moving.
Monday was full of meetings, and I flew home on Tuesday.
Thanks to all my friends in Olympia for a weekend to remember!