Gathering With Intention

I don’t know about you, but with the arrival of spring, I can feel myself waking up. I’m coming out of a deep hibernation and starting to crave exploration, adventure, and being around other people again.

This is also the time of year when plans start unfolding—family trips, girls’ getaways, weddings, and backyard parties. Spring brings with it a natural pull toward connection and celebration. But how do we connect in a way that truly nourishes us? Sure, a boozy brunch or a weekend away can be a blast—but do we walk away feeling seen, supported, and fulfilled?

When I had my first child, I was living in a very rural part of Virginia. My son, Sycamore, and I spent our days outside—playing in rivers, foraging, getting muddy, and living our best little forest life. But around the time he turned two and a half, I realized we needed more human interaction.

I had seen a group of women and their kids at a nearby park. They looked close-knit—their kids played while they caught up and chatted. That was exactly what I needed. The only problem? I was painfully shy. Still, I could tell Sycamore longed to be part of the fun, so I mustered my courage, timed our visits to match theirs, and slowly weaseled my way into their circle, and their hearts.

That group became my, and Sycamore’s, best friends.

What started as a playgroup turned into something much deeper. We realized we needed time to connect without kids climbing all over us. We started gathering once a month for a women’s circle. We'd meet at someone’s home, sit around a fire when we could, and open sacred space. We’d call in Spirit, pass a talking stick, and each woman would take a turn sharing what was real for her—no interruptions, no advice, just deep listening.

It was the most healing thing I had ever experienced.

We added rituals over time—intentions for the month, seasonal celebrations, songs, and offerings. But the heart of it remained the same: honest, raw, loving connection. That simple act of showing up as our full selves—joys, messiness, grief, and triumphs—fed us in a way that nothing else could.

I’m sharing this today because I believe that gathering can be medicine—especially now. In a culture that encourages comparison, isolation, and surface-level interaction, it is revolutionary to sit face to face and say,
“This is me. I’m proud of this. I’m afraid of this. I’m here. See me.”

That kind of connection heals.

If you’ve ever thought about joining or starting a women’s (or men’s) circle, I encourage you to follow that nudge. And if you’re not sure where to start, reach out. Helping people feel more authentic, more at home, and more deeply held on this planet is one of my greatest joys.

P.S. If you (or someone you love) has a special event coming up—a birthday, a bridal or baby shower, a girls’ weekend—I’d love to help you hold a meaningful circle to mark the occasion. I offer custom women’s circles here in Ojai, and I can also guide you in designing your own if you’re farther away. Holding a circle adds soul, intention, and depth to any gathering—and it’s a beautiful way to honor the transitions in our lives.