As the first day of spring arrived in Salem, Oregon, friends, my wife and I celebrated the day with each others company in what has become a monthly gathering we call Our Communal Heart. We allowed ourselves to share what is stirring in our hearts, whether a joy or sorrow, as we held space to allow each one of us to be heard. Through creativity, meditation, nature encounters , and conversations in the hot tub, we connected at a deeper level than we are usually exposed to, and at the same time afforded ourselves a sense of play. After feasting on sweet-potato fries at a local eatery accompanied with a Mt. Hood-Cascade pale ale and a Pinot Noir from Pleasant Valley winery, we guided our good spirits to the Salem Capitol Mall to walk among the blossom-covered walkways, as more blossoms fell like pink snow in the gentle breeze, a stunning display of beauty amidst the monolithic structures of the State Capitol mall.
As the weekend drew to an end, we lovingly parted, each one of us nourished by the richness of our weekend community, as we continue our individual journey into mining the jewels of our being.
Namaste,
Werner
Thank you, Werner, for the inspiration and comfort in your photos and writing.
“Our Communal Heart” — as lovely as the blossoms in the photos.
Best wishes
kay