Report on our first Monthly Giving Circle

Eleven of us came together on Saturday (3/24/2012) in an ongoing experiment we're calling a giving circle.

We used a stone with the word "charity" engraved in it as our "talking stick" as we shared stories of giving and receiving, listening attentively to each other as we took our first hesitant steps towards exploring what it is to live in a "gift economy."

We heard of the generosity of a husband's love and an aunt's joy, of the gift of sitting with one who is dying, and of helping to organize someone's crowded life, of having to move to a smaller space and recognizing how much we don't need, of care taking a baby for the evening so its parents can enjoy a night out.

We brought physical gifts to offer. Among them were clothes (some gorgeous, some practical),
a lovely photo frame, an angel pin, a box of envelopes, oranges and lemons, a basket of rosemary. We also asked for things we need, such as help with organizing, cooking and garden tasks. Matches between gifts and needs emerged as if by magic.

Instead of an economy based in market principles and money, we want to live in the recognition that much of what sustains us comes to us freely shared: nature, parenting, caring for each other, for our places and our animals... Remove the idea of monetary value and you get a transaction of the heart. A request becomes an opportunity for someone to give, and someone to receive graciously.

We came away feeling a little uplifted, a little more connected and supported, and knowing we have started something that will evolve as we bring ourselves to this monthly practice.

We invite you to join from 7 pm to 8:30 pm every fourth Saturday of the month.