In Plain Sight: Opportunities to Connect Abound BUILDING COMMUNITY
BY THERISIA “TRISH” HALL
We have, in plain sight, an opportunity to create a world that works — a world that supports itself by connecting and nurturing all aspects of creation. The common phrase “hidden in plain sight” applies to much of our human experience. Life in all its messy diversity is bla- tantly in front of and all around us. We are immersed in it. We can pretend it is not, and such pretense will only cause greater and greater rifts. Used by Edgar Allen Poe in his short story, “The Purloined Letter,” the idiom “hidden in plain sight” demonstrates the limits of human perception and the importance of observation, suggesting something can be both conspicuous and inconspicuous at the same time. %XGGKLVPDGGUHVVHVWKHFRQFHSWRI³KLGGHQLQSODLQVLJKW´E\VXJ - gesting the path to awakening is not about seeking something external RUH[WUDRUGLQDU\EXWDERXWUHFRJQL]LQJWKHWUXWKDOUHDG\SUHVHQWLQ our experience. Christianity guides followers to see the “hidden things of God” hid- den in plain sight for those who have opened their eyes to see and their ears to listen. Similarly, we often miss opportunities, such as the possibility of changing the whole world, because we go through life so preoccupied with routine activities. We miss the richness constantly presented to us. The admonition, “slow down and smell the roses,” advises us to take respites from our busyness to appreciate what is right in front of us. Within current times that are often described as “tumultuous,” some of us withdraw into our personal cocoons, isolating from others,
WŚŽƚŽďLJŝǀĂWůĂǀĂůĂŐƵŶĂ͖ ƉĞdžĞůƐ͘ ĐŽŵ resulting in loneliness. Alternatively, we join communities with which we have a lot in common, and which exclude people unlike ourselves. To insulate from perceived dangers, these groups can take on the na- ture of gangs clustering together against assumed enemies. With either approach, barriers emerge that block our ability to con- nect with the richness of Creation. The sense of separation — separate- ness — arises as fear and loneliness. Loneliness has been labeled a pervasive epidemic. Whether individuals isolate or withdraw into the DVVXPHGVDIHW\RIFXOWXUDOFRPPXQLW\ERXQGVDVKDUHG¿[DWLRQRQ FRQWUDVWDQGGL̆ HUHQFHVFDXVHV³RWKHULQJ´+RVWLOLW\DQGDJJUHVVLRQ ensue, and the chasms between peoples grow. The opportunity presenting itself is to become cultural connectors ²EULGJHEXLOGHUV
Must reading for building new communities and healing relationships.
Evolutionary Groups is an invitation to bring a new quality of awareness and care to every gathering of two or more. Families, partnerships, teams, friendships, spiritual circles, and healing LUJV\U[LYZILULÄ[^OLU^L attend to how we gather—not only why. This guide offers a bird’s-eye view of familiar habits and reveals new possibilities for connection, meaning, spirit,
and creativity when we participate from a wider, more unitive perspective. Practical applications translate deeper intuitive truths into everyday choices and conversations that make life together feel more safe, kind, and meaningful. Drawing on decades as teachers and group facilitators in personal transformation, business leadership, and personal training, Patricia Pfost and Anne Altvater offer language you can use today and practices that mature over time. ~ Available on Amazon ~
32—PATHWAYS—Winter 25-26
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