Awakening Together is an in-person, warm and informal gathering, akin to the Buddhist concept of sangha (Sanskrit meaning “community” or “assembly”) for spiritual seekers who long to come together with like-minded individuals to share, collaborate, and connect.

The gathering, established by Dr. Gabriella F. Buttarazzi (Uma Shakti Devi), is an antidote (“a soothing balm”) to the potential overwhelm of such volatile and uncertain times. Awakening Together is inspired by the work of Larry Yang (2017) and is radically inclusive of all individuals from all cultures, backgrounds, paths and stages of spiritual development.

Some important features of the gatherings include:

1. Active listening: The conscious practice of fully focusing on, understanding and responding to a speaker, rather than just passively hearing their words. It involves giving undivided attention, observing nonverbal cues, and providing feedback to ensure comprehension, ultimately building trust, empathy, and clearer communication.

2. Action learning: A form of shared problem-solving that comprises a process of bringing thinking and action into harmony. The spiritual side of action learning goes beyond mere problem-solving, touching upon deep personal transformation, humility, and the cultivation of an ethical, humanistic approach to work and life. It emphasises a spirit of inquiry that requires participants to be honest with themselves, admit ignorance, and foster genuine trust within a group setting.

3. Shared practice: A collaborative approach where a group of people with common goals interact regularly to share lived experiences, tools, and contemplative techniques, creating a collective repertoire of knowledge to improve the quality of practice and possibly also solve problems.

4. Unconditional positive regard: Based on the work of Carl Rogers (1961), this is the consistent acceptance, respect, and valuing of a person as inherently worthy, regardless of their feelings, thoughts, or behaviours, thereby creating the psychological safety necessary for growth and self-actualisation.

Gatherings take place every Friday evening from 7 pm. Children and pets are more than welcome to join. A selection of Ayurvedic and Chinese teas is always served.

References

Yang, L. (2017). Awakening Together: The Spiritual Practice of Inclusivity and Community. Somerville, MA: Wisdom Publications.

Rogers, C. R. (2021). On Becoming a Person: A Therapist's View of Psychotherapy (60th Anniversary Ed.). London: Constable. (Original Work Published 1961).