The Life Itself 2024 Gathering and the Second Renaissance
Nurturing the seeds of change: the Life Itself 2024 Gathering brought together individuals focused on social and cultural transformation in Thenác, France.
From the 12th to 16th June we were very happy to welcome old and new friends to the Petit Bois Martin Farmhouse after years of renovation. A few months before hosting the Gathering we had the joy of Boaz B. Feldman and Monica Antunes coming to live in the complex, where we enjoyed the spirit of a Second Renaissance neighborhood.
We had not organised a Life Itself Gathering for over four years and so the topic of the Second Renaissance was relevant not just for the broder context of the Gathering, but also on a personal level for our organization. Prior to arrival attendees familiarised themselves with the Second Renaissance Whitepaper, to facilitate the opportunity to dive in deeper to the activites and discussions during the week.
We had a wonderful team of volunteers who came a few days before to help us transform the space. It is always incredible to see what we can achieve as a group of people working together compared to one or two lone wolves.
I believe the topic of the Second Renaissance had this aspiration; to gather people who had a defined craft and enable alliances so that we could join forces and be more powerful together. Yet for that, certain prerequisites are necessary: we must develop connection and trust, as well as an alignment on the overall theory of change.
During the week, 21 individuals from Europe and the US came together to learn, play, discuss and create social transformation, to nurture the seeds of a Second Renaissance. The participants came from various backgrounds: a pastor, psychotherapist, activist, artists, a community manager, entrepreneurs, a student, a retiery, a designer and facilitators. There was a true diversity in our collective craft, and while this diversity could sometimes seem chaotic or challenging, the people who came together displayed a real maturity, leading to an overall alignment.
The five day schedule included group embodiment sessions, Second Renaissance talks, Cultural Creation group work and presentations, open spaces, group discussions and collective care practices, interweaving the practical with the theoretical. After a few quiet years I was delighted to share my embodiment practices with the community and to see people play and share joyful laughter through embodied exploration.
Looking back on the Second Renaissance talks we had througout the week I would have framed the ‘Why’ more powerfully, although this did not deter the participants in anyway from diving into explore the topic with enthuasism and rigour, particularly through the open spaces.
We had several open spaces that included a family constellation, art presentations, and the beginning emergence of a Swiss group with a strong intention to elevate aspects of the Second Renaissance to the political level in parliament.
We were very lucky to have Valerie and Nina, our Tenzo and Head Chef, feeding us during this time, which nourishing, plant-based meals. Unfortunately, the weather was very precarious for a June in the southwest of France and we had quite a bit of rain.
The leisurally dinners and lunches, and evening bonfires provided time to connect deeper with each other. These were complemented by the morning meditation, silent breakfast and contemplative silent part of lunch, which invited an opportunity of inner connection and reflection.
Projects, ideas and collaborations were birthed througout the week as attendees left feeling nourished, inspired, and hopefully a little wiser.
I regret not having had more energy to give at the Gathering as I was quite tired from doing the pre-production, and I did not foresee the emotional fatigue of holding the space while being pregnant, as well as dealing with all my inner turmoil related to the vulnerability of exposing our hopes and ideas to a group of people, in person, after those years of quietness.
Overall, it was a true success. Firstly, because I felt the connection, love and compassion people had for each other, and also for me, and this was extremely healing. Secondly, because out of all the Gatherings we have hosted this was actually the easiest one mostly due to the kindness and maturity of the group. This, I believe, reflects the maturity of our organization and what we have learned over the past eight years and I am quite proud to see that we are still standing. Finally, of course we can still continue to learn how to improve ourselves, our ways of being, our communication, our practices and so much more. The Gathering 2024 was a success because we still hold a desire and a want to keep learning. Success is not about feeling like you have nailed it but acknowledging where you have come from, the effort it took for you to get to where you are, and the want to learn more and grow with others.
We feel very grateful for all the people who came and the renewal of faith we felt by their presence as they sung our song back to us, reminding us that we are not alone on this path.
If you would like to view a few more photos from the Gathering, take a look below.
And we look forward to seeing you at our next gathering.
 | A guest post by
|
It was indeed a great success from my point of view. Meeting and talking face-to-face, not to mention the occasional hug, brought a warmth and closeness that isn't possible in on-line meetings. Thanks for all the organisation and preparation!