Welcoming All That We Are - by Billie Rogers & Cassandra Vieten (Paperback)

About the Book

"When women come together, unique and powerful magic happens. We gather to tell the truth about our lives, to be authentic with one another, to sing, to vision, to drum, to dance, to make art, to organize, to cry, to recover and heal, to raise our voices, to make good trouble, to solve problems, to innovate, to lead, to mourn, to weave a blanket or build a new world. For millennia women have gathered in circles, in council and boardrooms, around cook pots and quilts, as royals and as slaves, in public and in secret, around fires and funeral pyres, during menses and menopause, as maidens, mothers, and elders, in PTAs and carpools, at churches and synagogues, temples and shrines, mosques and kivas, among standing stones, and in meadows. Everywhere women are, they find a way to gather. Why is it important for women to come together? In a world where women's voices have too often been silenced, diminished, invalidated, punished, ridiculed, and more, we need places where we can be ourselves without editing, and without fear of retribution. In societies and communities where women are honored and elevated, we still need places to gain inspiration and courage, where we can be genuine and welcomed for ALL that we are. We need spaces where women's ways of inner knowing and intuition are valued, where we can experiment with creative spiritual and secular practices, where we can share our mistakes and victories and learn from each other's life experiences. It can be difficult for women in today's world to find the natural opportunities to gather that were built in for previous generations. Fewer women attend organized religious services, more women work outside of the home, and families and often friends live in different cities. The sheer volume of activity and information overload that make up many modern women's lives means that spending dedicated meaningful time with other women can require that we formally set aside time for a women's group. If you are surrounded by women who are family and friends, it can be even more helpful to commit to a chosen group of women who meet regularly"--

Book Synopsis

Gathering with other women is empowering-whether you are a daughter, sister, mother, leader, change-maker, teacher, seeker, or healer. Women's groups are safe harbors to share your hopes, fears, dreams and aspirations-where your authentic self is welcomed and witnessed by other women. You will find this book full of inspirational ideas for women groups of all ages and backgrounds.

The book's 52 activities are arranged across four seasons or can be used any time. Each includes step-by-step guidelines, materials, and recommended books, media, poetry, and music for your group members to explore their strengths, discover new aspects of themselves, come to terms with the past, connect with their spirituality, and support one another. This collection of powerful practices and explorations is designed to enliven groups of women who meet in living rooms, spiritual or religious settings, retreats, community organizations, treatment centers, and anywhere women gather.

"If you have ever wanted to start a group or wish to deepen the activities of the group you already have, this book is a great tool to bring women together."

Sharon Salzberg, author of Lovingkindness and Real Happiness

"Full of wisdom, beauty, practical tips and concrete exercises, this book is a treasure-trove of inspiration for tapping into the divine feminine."

Kristin Neff, Author of Fierce Self-Compassion: How Women can Harness Kindness to Speak Up, Claim Their Power and Thrive