Welcome in the ways that see you fully,
Have known you are coming
To a space that started long ago,
To a space that is eager to continue here and now.
Welcome with your family lines, with your ancestors
With the lines you have created in experience and community.

We are so glad you are here.
Glad your body is here. Your Mind and Spirit too.
That you have accepted this invitation.

Agreed to learning deeper names through stories of others,
To listen and serve while sustaining yourself.
That you may help each of us hear ourselves.
That you may learn a new meaning of your own.
To wonder about the nature of needs and fulfillment.
To see in new colors.

Each of our needs seek space and place and time.
Finds homes often or sometimes or never.
Met or unmet, these stretch into us. Into our own,
Creating shelters for our beings.
Becoming care or not.
Filling our containers.
The ones with cracks and glue from
repeated breakage and healing again.

How do we help you continue to hold yourself
When you haven't had capacity to give space to your need or take space from the needs of others.
When you plain just don’t know how, or don’t have time.

How can we hold you?
The way your grandmother holds your hand
Too tight during a prayer before a meal
A holding of protection
Of keeping you safe and close.
When was the last time someone asked?
How did the answer feel?

How can we help you hold others?
A mirror with no fear of its reflection.
Like 1 sweet bread not 2,
Even when you know there is a stash in the back
Like cutting up fruit.
What can we do here to make sure every and all get Free?
The answers are uncovered as each of us
Steps into our own light, brightening the way to come.

earth // PASADENA AND LOS ANGELES

water // SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY

fire // CENTRAL COAST

air // BAY AREA

WOOD // NORTH COAST