by Ellen Moriarty
For my 55th birthday I decided to treat myself to a “Community Experience Weekend” at the Sirius Community. It was the best present ever!
I was delighted to meet the community members, interns and the other guests. Everyone was so welcoming and willing to thoughtfully explain how the community works together. Each day we gathered for delicious vegetarian meals in the community center. Saturday morning Joyful Productivity was so much fun. We laughed as we worked and accomplished our gardening goals together. Our tour through the grounds revealed so many awesome features of Sirius, the stone circle, the labyrinth and my favorite, the retreat house.
It was April so all of nature was still asleep. I had been feeling so cooped up for over 2 years with the pandemic. It was magical to be in such beautiful nature, I felt my soul awaken and my connection to nature restored. I was impressed to see the sustainably built houses made of cob, straw bale and local timber.
The Constellation workshop and Non-Violent Communication session were fascinating and engaging. I learned a lot about myself. I almost missed the evening music circle because I was so relaxed after dinner, I fell asleep, but luckily I woke and heard the faint sound of drums coming from the gardens. I followed the music to the bonfire and enjoyed singing with our group and star-gazing into the night.
I read Bruce Davidson’s book about Sirius and it really moved me. Then to go and see it all in person was absolutely amazing! It is truly an inspiring place with incredible positive energy, created by and maintained by special people. On Sunday afternoon I walked out to the retreat house by myself and lit a candle and just sat peacefully for a while.
This entire cabin is made out of cob!?