Ada Glustein
Creative juices were flowing. Voices and laughter filled the
air. Paints and glue, pipe cleaners and
crayons, dreamers of every age and culture were working together to represent
their collective dreams. A Tree of
Paradise, a city plan for a Village of Dreams, a Garden of fruit-bearing Dreams,
a Welcoming Circle. Together the
impossible became possible! This was the Circle of Dreams day at Frog Hollow,
an energizing and hopeful event that captured the imagination of all its participants.
“Dare to dream! Dream
big and dream bold!” We were led in a
guided imagery that gave us time to be comfortable, time to relax, time to put
our worries in a box and shut the lid, at least for the afternoon. The pathway cleared, it was time to
imagine. “When you are ready to think
beyond your everyday dreams, dare to imagine the impossible. Picture yourself
in a community of true compassion and caring.
What do you dream? What do you
see? How do you feel?” With eyes closed
and mind open, it struck me that this project is gifting this community by devoting
time to dream, time to envision the kind of community that it wants, precious
time that so often is filled with automatic tasks, acquiring possessions, or worries
and concerns. No matter how near or far
from our present reality, time to dream is a luxury, and yet a necessity.
And then, the fun began!
In small groups, we shared those individual dreams, listening to each
other, honouring each other, and recognizing the hopes that we all have in
common. In the group I joined, I heard
dreams of laughter, children’s voices, safety and freedom. A dream of re-connection to historical values
of respect and kindness, doing no harm, and a sense of home and trust in
community. “I see all the houses full of
light, families connected and cheerful,” said one group member. “It’s mountainous and green, a place I can
fly with my children!” said another. “Every social service is provided,”
dreamed another. “There is unlimited
money available!” “A feeling of peace is in my community; it’s somewhere I can
say hi to everyone I meet.” “I see
children who are valued and who belong, learning at their elders’ knees respect,
honour and integrity.”
There was an infectious excitement in the air, faces smiling
with optimism. “I feel like what we need
already exists!” said one participant. “I can feel the unity! All we need to do
is put it into practice!” Yes, in that
large community hall, participants in the Dream Circle training showed that the
trees, gardens, and villages of compassionate children and caring community are
already flourishing in Frog Hollow, not only in their dreams!
