April 1, 2026 Full MOON ZOOM was another connecting event!
Emergent themes:
Spring Plants, Non-Violent Communication & Attunement!
Chat Notes:
Zen retreat Pat Kolon & NVC,” The Myth of Normal” book, Gilda’s Club, “What’s alive in you?”, whats inside us that connects or disconnects, No Bad Parts book. Internal Family Systems, “attunement” concept, Rise Up Singing book. “Songs for the Great Turning”.
Quick recap
This was a monthly Zoom meeting of a community group that discusses life updates and shared interests. The participants, including Deanne, Pat, Jack, and Jo, took turns sharing what was “alive in them” – discussing recent activities, gardening updates, and personal insights. Key topics included Pat’s work with non-violent communication (NVC) teaching opportunities, Jack’s plans to plant native plants including seaberry and Siberian pea shrub (though with concerns about potential invasiveness), Jo’s work with the Mohawk Valley Collective on restoring historical buildings and managing 29 acres with chickens and campers, and Deanne’s hosting of 31 third-grade students from Detroit Waldorf School at the Straw Bale Studio. The group also discussed music and community building through songwriting, particularly around creating rounds and community songs, with Deanne sharing her interest in writing community songs and mentioning a website called “Songs for the Great Turning” as a resource.
Next steps
- Deanne: Propose to the Fort Wayne NVC group that she can offer a 3-segment NVC session in October, November, and December, and confirm interest/scheduling.
- Jo: Coordinate with someone to bring a mower to shred leaves at Unity Park, likely on Saturday, for composting.
Summary
Moon Potluck and NVC Discussion
The group had an informal conversation about morel mushrooms and the full moon potluck, with Deanne sharing her experience of getting lost while morel hunting with Jerry. Pat shared a personal story about choosing to sit and enjoy the moon rather than joining a Zoom call, which led to a discussion about practicing positive framing and expressing what one wants rather than what they don’t want.
Informal Group Update Meeting
The group had an informal conversation, with Deanne sharing a story about finding half-capped morel mushrooms while out with Jerry. Jack discussed his recent visit to friends in New Hampshire and mentioned his plans to have children with his partner. The meeting appeared to be following a typical pattern of showing a 3-minute video of the Straw Bale Studio before proceeding with individual turn-taking for updates.
Straw Bale Studio Video Discussion
The group watched a video of a straw bale studio, which included the Rocket Mass Heater…that Deanne noted was filled today with 31 third graders from Detroit Waldorf School! They discussed the video setup and technical issues with screen sharing, with Jack handling the video playback. The participants shared their locations, with Jo in Fort Plain, New York, Pat in Detroit, Jack in Massachusetts.
Gardening and Companion Planting Discussion
Jack and Pat discussed their gardening activities, with Jack sharing his native and non-native plantings including seaberry, Siberian pea shrub, purple amaranth, stinging nettle, asparagus, and lovage. Pat mentioned harvesting thick asparagus from crowns planted in 2018 and his current garden activities including weeding, planting peas, radishes, spinach, lettuces, and thinning beets. Both participants discussed companion planting techniques, with Pat referring to a book about carrots and tomatoes, and Pat shared how his 3-year-old granddaughter enjoyed exploring the raspberry canes at his home.
Non-Violent Communication Opportunities Discussion
Pat discussed a recent opportunity to teach non-violent communication at a women’s peace group in southern Ohio but declined due to scheduling conflicts and the long drive. Pat expressed interest in potentially offering non-violent communication workshops locally and shared a positive experience where her doctor had read “The Myth of Normal” by Gabor Mate, which led to an inspiring discussion about holistic health approaches. Pat also mentioned exploring book clubs and support groups like Gilda’s Club as potential venues for sharing these topics with others.
NVC “What’s Alive” Discussion
Deanne and Pat discussed the concept of “what’s alive in you” from Non-Violent Communication (NVC), which involves sharing one’s feelings and needs to maintain connection rather than create disconnection. Deanne explained that participants would have 5 minutes to share whatever is currently alive in them, whether positive or challenging. Deanne shared that she needed more rest while Pat noted that what’s alive in someone can affect their energy levels and connection with others.
Virtual Meeting and Life Updates
Deanne and Pat discussed their virtual meeting setup, which they started during COVID and continue monthly with regular and irregular participants. Jo shared updates about her life in upstate New York, including her experience with an unusually long and cold winter, her 29-acre property with forest and blueberry fields, and her plans to plant 75 trees and shrubs. Jo also mentioned losing another hen to a weasel.
Community and Restoration Projects Update
Jo discussed her work with Alternatives to Violence and mentioned that several people she had been corresponding with in prison have been released and plan to visit. Jo also shared her involvement with the Mohawk Valley Collective, a local non-profit restoring historical buildings in Fort Plain, New York. She described community-building efforts, including raking leaves for a neighbor and managing compost with horse manure. Jo noted that they had collected 22 bags of leaves and were in the process of creating compost using these leaves and horse manure.
Rental Properties and Environmental Initiatives
Jo shared updates about managing multiple rental properties and reading a murder mystery book called “Heartbreak Hotel.” Deanne discussed hosting 31 third graders at the meadow and described ongoing projects with young people involved in environmental initiatives, including work at the Ann Arbor Community Farm and efforts to address Line 5. Deanne also mentioned upcoming co-teaching responsibilities for a permaculture class at Oakland University.
Permaculture and Teaching Initiatives
Deanne discussed her collaboration with Fay Hansen on a permaculture class at Oakland University’s student organic farm, where they plan to build an earth oven. She also shared her involvement with NVC (Nonviolent Communication) teaching opportunities, though she expressed concerns about balancing her schedule and proposed offering the sessions in three segments across October-December. The conversation touched on natural building interests and community initiatives, including a “stranger at the table” program in Fort Wayne.
Early Meeting and Plant Discussion
The group agreed to end the meeting early at 9:30 PM instead of the original planned time. Deanne suggested taking a brief “bio break” before concluding. The group then discussed invasive plant species, with Jo sharing her experience with Canada thistle in her garden, which spread despite her efforts to control it. The conversation ended with Deanne granting everyone permission to leave early, and the group bid farewell to Jo, who was participating for her first time.
Secret Society Storytellers Event
Pat shared her experience attending the Secret Society of Twisted Storytellers event at the Wright Museum in Detroit, where the theme was “family ties.” She described how the event included storytelling, music, and dance, and mentioned that it was well-attended by people from various backgrounds. Deanne inquired about the name of the event and noted her initial impression of the name, contrasting it with “crazy wisdom” events she has worked with.
Language and Culture Evolution
Deanne and Pat discussed how language and culture evolve over time, with Pat noting how the word “trauma” has become more openly discussed in society. Pat recommended the book “No Bad Parts” by the author of Internal Family Systems, which aligns with Non-Violent Communication principles. Deanne shared information about a community farm run by Shanye (formerly Alex), who is studying death doula work and communication, and discussed how different belief systems and languages shape our reality and worldview.
Music as Universal Language Discussion
Deanne expressed enthusiasm about the shared worldview and connection among the group members, highlighting the alignment of principles such as non-violent communication and internal family systems. The discussion shifted to the theme of music as a universal language, with Deanne sharing her interest in writing rounds that bring people together. The group engaged in singing a traditional round, discussing how themes, poems, and chord patterns can be used to create musical rounds.
Community Songs and Harmony Discussion
The group discussed community songs and harmony, sharing resources like “Rise Up Singing” and “Songs for the Great Turning” as potential sources for songs to use in future gatherings. Deanne emphasized how music can create shared intimacy and harmony without requiring specific actions, comparing it to the experience of being in love. The conversation ended with participants expressing appreciation for their monthly gatherings and discussing potential future meetups, including a possible visit from Deanne to Jo’s location near the New York State Thruway.
IT IS A JOY TO CONNECT IN THIS WAY….sharing our lives, and this Full Moon energy, even though we are not in person ! 
