When Spring Calls Us Back to Each Other- The Awakening of Community

The sensory experience of early spring in Iowa is like none other. My spirit comes alive at first scent of a rainy, wet earth awakening from long winter months and the sound of songbirds returning to our trees. The first pops of green poking boldly through the brown has me doing exuberant happy dances. But beyond the basic senses relishing in the joy, there is another reason my soul celebrates spring so wholly...

Community.

We are mammals after all, and despite our attempts to pretend we aren't and keep our social calendars full, it's only natural that we hermit ourselves away a bit. When the wind chills are below zero we cozy in with our own little family units, only venturing out for the necessities of life.

But with the awakening of new life of plants and animals all around us, the sounds of joyful neighbor kids playing and riding bikes adds to the chorus of birds. Instead of hurrying our cold-to-the-bone selves to and from our vehicles, neighbors pause for unplanned chats when meandering to the mailbox and take walks in the fresh air together.

Spring calls us back to each other.

Not only community with one another as humans, but community with the living beings we share our planet with and Mother Earth herself... which leads to a greater sense of connection with ourselves.

This past weekend with my family was a reminder of this. We were ecstatic to discover it was to be a gorgeous 60 degree day. Not just because we wanted to enjoy a little quality time outdoors, but because our kids were in a state of constant dysregulation and seemed to be bickering from the second they awoke.

This was the kind of friction that only nature could ease.

Despite fussing before we left and more fussing in the car, we soon found ourselves hiking alongside the Cedar River in a tucked away little spot where it was only us. Like magic, the bickering and complaining halted and our sour attitudes were replaced with peaceful joy. We observed how full the rushing river was, now without a speck of ice to be found. The kids began playing in the ultra-soft sand along the shore and we all chuckled with delight at the sudden honking of geese we had unintentionally startled.

We hunted for signs of spring and came across a massive patch of willow, which grows abundantly along waterways. I smiled to myself in gratitude, for only the day before I had wished I had more willow to try basket weaving and other natural creations! I pulled my husband's knife from its holster on his waist and cut a few small, pliable willow branches, giving the plant thanks as I did so. Asking Hallie to hold the ends, I began braiding and weaving a small wreath. Upon returning the knife, soon Adam joined in as well, weaving his own creation... a panel that could be joined with others like it to make a fish trap, a shelf, or another piece of similar function.

As I wove, I felt the presence of my ancestors and the reminder that it wasn't long ago that this was done to create both art and functionality at once. And one rarely was weaving alone.

Women of many cultures have history of sitting together, perhaps around a fire or circling young children playing in the middle. They would converse, sharing thoughts and stories as they wove... weaving together community as much as the natural fibers they worked with. This reflection had me looking forward to two special community organizations I have the pleasure of taking part in for another year.

The first, our beautiful Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens near the campus of Hawkeye Community College. With staff and volunteers as welcoming as the abundant variety of plants, I closed my eyes to envision another series of classes beginning in May. The peace I felt in that moment, the sunshine on my face and fresh air coursing through my lungs reminded me of this peaceful setting. I've always loved yoga and been blown away at the peaceful power of meditation... but felt doing so inside a sterile room with no walls felt incomplete. It felt like trying to weave with only two willow branches. Sure it worked in a way, but not as full of depth and dimension as was possible. I cherished the opportunity to weave the element of nature into our community classes.

This place was more than just a spot for classes though. It was the magical place I'd taken our children to enjoy watching the koi fish, making a home in the hobbit house, and finding all of the hiding garden gnomes. The place where I'd attended a concert in the rose garden, refreshed my tired spirit in the orchard, and skipped along with the kids alongside more colors of lilies than I'd known to exist!

These acres exemplify the community we share with the many forms of life around us and invite us to be one with them all.

I finished the willow wreath and placed it upon our daughter's head as she straightened her posture and nobly proclaimed herself "Queen of the Forest". This had me reflecting on her joining me at another place where community with one another and nature is nurtured, the Cedar Falls Farmer's Market.

For years before having a monthly booth I enjoyed wandering the market on Saturday morning with friends, enjoying fresh cut flowers, deliciously made snacks and conversation in Overman Park. Before long I was pushing a stroller and letting our little one pick an array of colorful vegetables, and as she got older a sweet honey stick as well. Then last year she would join me for a short while as we set up for my first season taking part in the tradition.

The market isn't just about the purchasing of goods.

Like the botanic gardens, it is a fostering of connection... another strand in the willow braid of our community. You're just as likely to see a patron and vendor sharing hugs or a friendly dog owner pausing to allow an enamored child to give pets as you are to see produce and hand-made goods of all kinds. The market has an energy all its own, for that is what happens when good people get together for good purpose and presence with one another.

In this fast-paced world where convenience and capitalism appear to be king, the market is more like a mother... nurturing her young and connecting her community, feeding those hungry for real food fresh from the earth or thirsty for togetherness, welcoming people of all walks of life to join in the circle as she weaves.

As spring reawakens the growth of community, please feel free to join me at these two wonderful places where connection with the earth, each other, and ourselves is nurtured!

There are so many more opportunities to enjoy this feeling in our area and beyond. What are some of your favorites?! Leave them in the comments for us to share and enjoy!

Peace & Togetherness,

Ashley Kay

P.S. You can find more information about upcoming classes and events, online resources, books, and browse the gallery of past events by clicking here. Stay attuned to future offerings by signing up for my virtually penned letter that arrives straight to your inbox while you're there!