Trusting Strangers
As part of a recent women’s retreat, we were asked to gather into a circle at the beginning of the day. Chairs were already in place, as each woman arrived and claimed her temporary spot. It’s always interesting to watch the dynamics of personalities as the group of strangers come together.
As the leader described how the day would go, and explained the information in our packets, we all looked around the room, as we made random conversation with those in near proximity. I had thought it was a bit odd the facilitator didn’t take the time to have people introduce themselves, as I made a mental note of what not to do at the future workshop I planned to facilitate.
After going through our packets, describing the day and expectations, the facilitator stated she would like the group to say a little something about themselves and tell what brought them to the retreat that day. Ah, note to self…..”I like how she waited for us to introduce ourselves.”
As the facilitator directed the woman to her left to start the group off, one by one each woman gave a brief description about themselves and what drew them to the event. The second woman introduced herself and then passed on offering any tidbit of information about herself. Hmmm…..I wondered what was keeping this woman from sharing with the group.
It’s not always easy speaking in front of a group of strangers. Everyone tests the waters, being the best versions of themselves they could muster up. During my turn I had talked a little about my own journey of discovering myself over the last few years, and admitted how I fell in and out of my mindfulness practice. How irritating it was to know how good I feel when being diligent about my routine, but somehow still manage to mess it up. I could see a few women shake their heads in agreement. I could tell women connected with my truth as if it were their own.
As the day continued, the women began to open their hearts and share more about themselves and why they came. The more we shared our truth, the more we connected with one another.
In another activity, the facilitator talked about her rosemary bush and how it is said to have qualities to open our hearts. In front of the lush rosemary bush was several sayings typed on little pieces of paper. She wanted each woman to silently read the quotes and take the one that spoke to our heart. After we all read and picked, our leader asked us to share about what quote spoke to our heart and why.
Again, the second woman from her left opted out. Her friend or sister mentioned something about a situation being tough. Again I wondered what could of happened to this woman that was preventing her from sharing her truth. However, later in the day she was able to share her experience about walking the labyrinth. I was glad she finally felt safe to share her heart.
The retreat was fabulous, as were each and every woman I met and connected with that day. You never know what people have happening in their lives. They may have struggles far greater than our own. Sometimes trusting strangers might just crack your heart wide open.
xoxox…..Sheryl