Sometimes group process may be difficult. It can be challenging not only to think for oneself, but to struggle with those things that block personal growth, like ego, for example. In order for the transformational power of a group to work its magic, we need to become part of the group, and this means letting go of judgment and any sense of superiority. In time, the sense of belonging, the listening to others and the sharing of oneself, lead to new insights, transformational growth, and even a profound sense of joy. The power of group process cannot be underestimated.

​I am grateful for the inspiration found in two books on group process:

1. Wisdom Circles: A Guide to Self-Discovery and Community Building in Small Groups by Charles Garfield, and 
2. Calling the Circle: The First and Future Culture by Christina Baldwin

Neither of these books are new, but then neither is the perennial wisdom at the heart of the world's religions nor the act of gathering in a circle around a fire to share culture, wisdom and community.

Dear Friends,

We are one year old! Founded in September, 2020, in the throes of lockdown, Halcyon Arts New England presents programs in music and spirituality. We are now a full-fledged, nonprofit organization with an active and talented Board of Directors guiding us as we offer our first, in person, public programs this fall.

First off, our first residential weekend, From Fear to Joy: Discovering Your Inner Singer, takes place September 10-12. There are still a few places left for last minute registrations. Only vaccinated people may attend. It will be joyful to sing together in the spaciousness and elegance of Hallelujah Farm Retreat in Chesterfield, New Hampshire!

There are more weekend, residential workshops coming up:

• An Introduction to Celtic Shamanism with Jane Burns, October 15-17.
• ​Hildegard of Bingen, ​Magistra, Mystic, Musician with Ruth Cunningham, Melinda Gardiner, and Robert Bowler.

The Hildegard weekend will include a public concert, Saturday, December 4th, at 8 pm, featuring Ruth and Melinda, both harp and vocals, performing Hildegard's exquisite music at Epsilon Spires in Brattleboro, Vermont.
 
We will also be presenting our first concerts this fall at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Amherst, Massachusetts:

• Gypsy Reel on ​Saturday, November 20, 2021 at 7:30 pm
• HarpBeat, a ​percussion/harp duo, Saturday, December 18 at 7:30 pm.

Born during the pandemic, we cannot predict the future, but with vaccines widely available now, we are moving ahead with all these programs in the very heart of New England. Please join us!

All the Best,
Beau