A Workshop For Spirit Community-Building

Respect and goodwill exist within a community setting because of participants, not bystanders. This also holds true for a certain community that is far less recognized by many—the space we share with land spirits. This workshop highlights the importance of developing and maintaining a sense of community in both the physical and spiritual sense, and it includes a meditative working for grounding and connecting with land spirits.

Transcript

At the time of writing and recording this, There seems to be a pronounced need for community, And that need is much stronger than I've ever sensed it at any point in my time on this planet so far. And while the existence of that need is certainly something to give one a pause, It is uplifting to a much higher degree to see people's actions reflecting that a sense of community does indeed exist. It is more than still alive. It is thriving, Vibrant, And it is a very beautiful thing to see. As difficult as it is to watch cell phones and social media propel many into self-absorption, Equal time must be given to noticing that such has not deteriorated interactions altogether. In fact, Seeing members of a society, Their spiritual backgrounds being of no importance in this, Actively being of help to one another, Is as refreshing as watching a sunflower grow and blossom in the midst of a drought. Few things bring me the same measure of joy as observing a group of people banding together when one is in need. This is even more inspiring when such behavior appears to be motivated solely by a sense of doing good, With no apparent expectation of receiving anything in return. This is another case in which little things are anything but small. We see this when a bus driver pauses for an extra 15 seconds so that someone can make it to the stop on time when the weather is inclement. When a retail worker volunteers to hold a product back for us until we can get there. When someone holds a door for us. Pleasant surprises are all around us, And they occur all the time. Unfortunately, We are largely unaware of these unless we personally witness them, As news headlines are far more concerned with reporting instances of division. To a large extent, People are not simply yearning for a sense of community and letting it in there. I'm actually seeing it in action. I'm talking about the hands-on approach to making something happen, An active engagement that goes far beyond merely wishing for something to occur. Borrowing a common expression again, If you know, You know. This wonderful occurrence is relatable to us because it's something that we can see with our physical eyes. Going in tandem with it, However, Is something that is equally as powerful and active. But in order to have an awareness of it, We need to attune to it differently. I'm talking about the sense of community that exists and has always existed in regard to land spirits. The society we perceive with our eyes is but one component of the ecosystem, So to speak. There is a pronounced sense of community and ongoing general interest in helping others that is also active among spirits of the land. It matters not which land we refer to. Postal codes and other lines on a map have no meaning in the spirit realm. This activity exists in urban settings as much as it does in forests. And if we are able to perceive and notice people of this realm being helpful to one another, That very same awareness is all that we need in order to dial into what is taking place with our neighboring land spirits. Community very much exists there as well. What's more, Whether any of us are actually aware of it or not, We, Too, Are part of that community. That community wishes for us to feel welcome and it desires to help us. This is more headline-worthy news. But in order for the realm of land spirits to fully gel with us, We are best able to do so when we are actively engaged in that community also. So how do we do this? Awareness is the first step. Our awareness of land spirits is not contingent upon witnessing physical manifestations or occurrences that challenge scientific reason. The engagement of our mind is usually all it takes to bring this about. For example, There was a gentleman who owned a restaurant in my neighborhood. Over time, I came to know and love him greatly. About ten years ago now, I was selfishly saddened when I learned that he had crossed over into the spirit realm. His restaurant, However, Is still where it was and is continuing on. Not only can I still feel his presence each time I go there, But it is also undeniable whenever I simply pass by the building itself. His spirit very much remains a part of the neighborhood. This land. Accordingly, He is one who I honor on my ancestor table each year at Samhain, But my remembrance of him and interactions with him are not strictly on an annual basis. I invoke him and spend a few moments visiting with him each time I add his signature ingredients and spices to a dish. Many people who never met him in the physical form enjoy that restaurant very much, And the reason why, At least from my perspective, Is that his spirit is still a quite active part of it. Many other people who were at one time an active or integral part of the neighborhood who have since crossed over continue to make their presence known in one way or another. In the interest of brevity and privacy, I won't list them or share details. That said, You might already be drawing parallels from what I just shared to similar experiences and feelings that are present where you live. This is the awareness component. Our recollection of certain individuals, Remembering them as they were in the physical form, Is important. Memory is one thing that can open the door for us insofar as having interactions with the spirit realm. In the example I just shared of the restaurant owner, My memory of him, Particularly when I'm cooking certain things, Lays the foundation for my being receptive to acknowledging his ongoing spirit, Feeling the presence of his spirit. It is through memory that spirits can begin to engage us. Likewise, Memory is the catalyst for us to be open and receptive to any possible messages from the otherworldly. This is especially helpful when such memories are good, Those that bring us an immediate sense of joy. In such cases, We will, At least in part, Actually wish to have an interaction with certain spirits. At the very least, We will not be fearful of our initial approach. So what, Then, Do these spirits want? What do they want from us? Speaking very generally, They want the best for us. Consider this example. Someone you know is going somewhere, And in this example, It is a place you also enjoy. For whatever reason, You are not with them at the time, But you hear from them. Let's say it's an amusement park. When this person embarks upon their journey, You might say to them something such as, I'll be with you in spirit. At some point, You might even add, Be sure to ride the roller coaster once for me. To a great extent, This is exactly what is going on regarding our interactions with the spirit realm. So the next question is, What do you want? If you recall a certain person who has crossed over with any degree of fondness, It is generally understood by all that you would be open to having an interaction with them in spirit form. If this is not the case, Then that will be known by them. Again, I am speaking very generally, But if you indeed wish to have interactions with certain spirits, There are ways in which you can be actively involved in this. In some traditions, Leaving offerings to spirits is a common practice. It's a good practice. Think of this in the same way as you would offering a cup of coffee to anyone who comes over to your home. The act is of greater value than that which is being offered. In this case, Your interactions are kind and hospitable. Such is quite possibly the greatest offering you can make to land spirits as well. Simply honor them. Allow your internal guidance to take it from there, And you will know immediately if your offering is a good choice, Because it will simply make you feel good. You might, At either that point or somewhere down the line, Wish to ask a favor of them. There is nothing wrong with this whatsoever, But receptiveness and kindness should be your first and primary motivation. If you are out in nature, There is no need to tell land spirits that they are welcome there, Because that is generally understood, And it is not your place to do so. In your home, However, You will want to make this known if your desire is that they feel welcome within your personal sacred space. Making an announcement of such is generally good enough, Provided that your actions are in tandem with your words. Your behavior should indicate that you mean what you say. Again, This will likely flow quite naturally, And not present any sort of struggle for you. As I touched upon a moment ago, Land spirits can indeed be called upon for assistance with various workings. In doing so, It's important to ensure that whatever you're setting out to do will be done with good intentions and not to harm anyone. Beyond that, Just ask. But, As with all interactions that are familiar to us, Requests are always looked upon even more favorably when the request itself isn't the beginning and sole purpose of the dialogue. Dialogue as opposed to monologue. This is very important. Think about ways in which you yourself personally prefer to be asked for something. Once more, If you know, You know. In dealing with land spirits in particular, Requests pertaining to something that can in any way be considered a local interest, Or those that are of particular interest to spirits of a certain location, Will almost always get a more sympathetic ear. Don't forget the community aspect here. Approach any interaction with land spirits, Particularly when it comes to a request, In a community-oriented context. Communities themselves function optimally when there is a balance of give and take. Communities thrive because of participants, Not bystanders. Communities flourish when giving and receiving are not mismatched or when one does not outweigh the other. In establishing and maintaining a relationship with land spirits, Attunement is vital. Most necessary levels of attunement can be achieved by practicing awareness. But an even deeper dive into this calls us to maintain a certain level of grounding, Especially pertaining to one's locale. What follows is a meditative working for grounding, Specifically designed for opening our receptiveness to interactions with land spirits. This practice is not limited to any specific area, And I invite you to modify it to fit your needs and to make any sort of adaptations you wish in order to incorporate any element specific to your location that you might feel to be beneficial. Begin this practice in a position that is comfortable for you, But also one that allows you to feel a connection with the earth. This can be sitting or lying down, Indoors or outdoors. If you wish, You may close the eyes. However you are positioned, Sense yourself connecting to the earth, Rooting into the earth. The earth anchoring you, Supporting you. The spine is straight. The body is becoming calm and loose, Freeing yourself from any thoughts that compete with your peace. Allow the neck and shoulders to relax. Allow the jaw and eyes to soften. Allow yourself to simply be in this moment. Take a slow, Conscious, Deep breath in. And release it slowly. Now become aware of the natural flow of the breath. Simply notice the breath without attempting to alter it. The spontaneous rhythm of the breath allows you to become aware of the earth beneath you and your connection to it. You become aware of the support that the earth is providing you. With each inhale, Your connection to the earth strengthens. With each exhale, You relax. You relax even further into the support the earth is providing you. See, Sense, And feel yourself drawing energy from the earth into you. That energy entering you through the feet and traveling up through the body like a tendril of light. This energy continues rising and flowing through you without any effort on your part. And by maintaining awareness of the breath, You feel the power of this energy. The connection it provides with not only the earth, But the land upon which you live. Spend a few moments now becoming aware of those who walk this land before you. With gratitude, Attune to them with each inhale. Feel a measure of comfort and peace with each exhale. Now bring the awareness to the spirits of the land. You need not know them by name or have any sort of description of them. Simply become aware of their presence. Acknowledge them with your contentment. Speaking only with your heart, Let it be known to them that your intentions are peaceful. That the space you share with them is a place of love and respect. That you come in love and light for the good of all and with harm to none. Spend a few moments now allowing them to absorb this message from you. Allowing yourself to simply sit with them in a sacred space that can only foster goodwill and community. Speaking with only your heart again, Offer your thanks to the spirits. Allow them to also thank you. Begin to allow the mind to become external now. The breath continues to flow naturally as you open up your awareness to the sounds around you. Simply notice these sounds without judgment or expectation. The awareness shifts to the flow of the breath once more. As you begin to allow the excess energy you have gathered to return to the earth. Knowing that it will be there for you whenever you need it again. Begin inviting subtle movements into the hands and feet, The fingers and toes. Take another slow, Conscious, Deep breath in and release it slowly. And when you are ready, Open the eyes. The crow flies from me to thee, To send the message, Blessed be.