On January 1st, 2026, we gathered to look back, with connection and curiosity, at the challenges met and the ground we gained in 2025. It felt good to hear the struggles and triumphs of the humans that made the drive, showed up, and braved gathering.
We deepened and asked, "What is the core of what you want to build in 2026?" From each participant, we heard an expression of human values, relationships, and practices, held in their heart, as intention for 2026.
We came together to build relationship, slowly, at the speed of our human nervous systems and practice just witnessing each other in reflection and hope. This was a day of slowing down, of being present with our hands, our voices, and our imaginations.
During our Vision Board session, the room filled with quiet focus and soft conversation. People cut, arranged, and rearranged images, sometimes thoughtfully, sometimes intuitively, letting patterns emerge. The boards became mirrors as much as maps, reflecting hopes for personal healing, collective resilience, and a more connected future. What stood out wasn’t any single image, but the shared atmosphere of permission: permission to imagine boldly, to be unfinished, and to dream and share in community.
As we got to know the people in the room, we learned that one of the new participants had experience leading song circles. She happily volunteered to lead us in her favorites. Our voices rose together to sing simple folk songs from her compilation song book, The Happy Wanderer Songbook.
One quote from the day continues to echo:
“Just by stepping onto the land here at Childs Creek Farms you become part of the family of this land.”
A sense of belonging, felt through presence and care, was the quiet through-line of the day. Another gathering, another day, another reminder that regeneration begins with simply showing up together, putting relationship first. We closed the circle in gratitude and appreciation. Each person was witnessed and spoken to, named for what they bring, given gratitude for how they show up, and for the care they offer. In that shared recognition, something settled and something opened - each person seemed to shine. It felt like a heartfelt beginning to the new year: rooted, relational, and reminding us that being seen by one another is itself a form of renewal.
Thank you, Genevieve and Schappet