The Importance of Gathering

Winter, spring, summer, and fall. Each of these seasons brings on new and exciting possibilities, new memories to be made, and new activities to explore. They also hold many traditions and memories that we remember with fondness.

Each of these seasons also brings the opportunity to gather. Gathering with family and friends; gathering wood to stay warm for the winter; gathering fresh blooms from the spring garden; gathering the harvest from a summer garden; gathering a team for an important business meeting or event; or gathering a group that will help with an insurmountable task if done alone.

Whatever the purpose is for gathering, there is strength in numbers. Helen Keller said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” The act of gathering contributes to our well being, progress, and overall quality of life.

Gathering people fosters social connections and relationships. Emotional support, companionship, and a sense of belonging. When we gather it is a great opportunity to learn from each other with our different backgrounds, experiences, and expertise. This collaboration often leads to new solutions, better decision making and the ability to tackle complex problems more effectively. Attending gatherings such as workshops and educational events can contribute to personal growth and the development of new skills, knowledge, and capabilities.

Gathering for celebrations and special occasions provides an opportunity for people to share in each other’s joys and successes. These gatherings create positive memories, strengthen relationships, reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, and contribute to our overall happiness and well-being.

When we take time to gather objects, food, tools, or resources, it will ensure we have access to what we need when we need it, leading to more effective planning and organization.

What season of life are you in? Are you waiting to be invited to a gathering? Consider creating a gathering to bring people together with a purpose. That purpose may be simply to visit with a friend, to work on a project with others, or for a celebration. When people come together, whether in communities, teams, or families, they can achieve remarkable things through collaboration, unity, and shared strength.

Have you attended a gathering recently that inspired you to do or create something? Have you done anything about that inspiration?

Many years ago, a large group of family members headed to one of our favorite beaches. We had been going there for a very long time and there were some changes being made to that area so we would no longer be able to enjoy that area. This trip was spent reminiscing and doing all our favorite things one more time. We spent hours on the beach playing and looking for shells to somehow hold on to the wonderful time and memories we had spent together. This gathering of people and shells strengthened relationships and gave us something tangible to take home to remind us of the time together and what really mattered most – each other.

The container of shells sat for several months until an idea came to share more of what had been gathered that day. Creating Christmas ornaments. These were well received and have given opportunities to talk about the connections that were made and the planning of more outings together.

When we take time to gather with others, gather things that remind us of those moments and collaborate together, our lives become more enriched than they ever would be alone.

---

At Believe we enjoy gathering together to learn from each other’s experiences, knowledge, and expertise. We would love to have you join us as we know there is strength in numbers.