Cultivating Joy. Becoming Community.
Be Light
A space to share your light with others.
Are you an artist? Are you a teacher? Do you want to share your love of plants, crocheting, food, or music? Do you have a story to tell or a cause you’re passionate about that you want to share with others? This is the place to share what lights you up, brings you joy, and could bring joy to others. The light we carry is often the light others need to light their own fire when it’s in danger of burning out. Bring your light to share to this space built for that purpose and watch others catch fire while fueling your own.
To Be Light is...
Light does little good when it’s hidden. One light in a room is great, but it can’t light the whole house on its own. It takes many lights of different shapes, sizes, brightness, and purpose to properly illuminate the whole house, inside and out. This room isn’t so much a room, as it is the opportunity for members of the community to make each room a bit brighter and more inviting by sharing their presence with others in a very intentional way.
A community cannot thrive if only a single individual or a group of the “best and brightest" are expected or allowed to be all things for all people. We all need to invite and encourage one another to share each other’s gifts, in every stage of their development, for others to bear witness to its value and be warmed by their glow. This means that for it to be the authentic and joyful community we all need, we all must play an active part in it, not be apart from it. Being is a verb, not an adjective.
The type of light and energy level we are able to provide to the community may vary, but understanding we all have light to offer is fundamental to this space. If you want to offer your expertise to others in one of the rooms, or the House as a whole, this is the place for you to make known what you would like to teach or the specific service you would like to offer to support the community. If you want a safe place to share the new skill you’re developing, this is your chance to dip your toe in the water and encourage others to do so through your courage.
"Being community" means we are as committed to the spaces we exist in being as well-lit for others as they are for ourselves. At times, you may bring light to the Be Still room because you are sharing your personal or professional experience so others can learn from your expertise. Other times, your light may shine in the Be Creative room when others see you share your courageous vulnerability through storytelling, writing, singing, or offering your attempts at making pottery as a loving gift of welcome to newcomers. You may be an artist, accountant, counselor, master gardener, community-connector, or aspiring DIY candle maker, or someone with financial resources to contribute and help ensure the doors remain open to all who wish to enter.
The what matters far less than the will to authentically share it.
It may take some of us longer than others to discover exactly what type of light we bring with us, but we all must be committed to uncovering and encouraging the light within all of us for this house to become a home. By walking through these doors, we are all entering with an open invitation and encouragement to Be Light for not only this House but the neighborhood and beyond.