Small Gatherings Count Too

We tend to picture community as something big. Festivals, movements, packed rooms. I have come to believe community is mostly built in rooms of six.

A small gathering lets everyone be seen. Nobody disappears into the crowd, and nobody has to shout to be heard. Conversation can actually go somewhere, because there is time for it to wander.

Small also lowers the stakes of showing up. Committing to an evening with a handful of people feels possible on a tired Tuesday in a way a big event never will. Community grows through exactly those ordinary evenings.

I think about the gatherings that changed me, and they were rarely the impressive ones. They were kitchen tables, living rooms, and circles of folding chairs. A few people, an open evening, and the willingness to be a little honest.

As I reflect on what I want to build, it is more of those rooms. If something bigger grows out of them someday, fine. The small ones are the point. You can find them on my events page.

Are your events large or small?

Mostly small, on purpose. I host community evenings, sound meditations, and seasonal celebrations at the Empower House Community Gathering Space in North Phoenix, Arizona, and everything is listed on the events page.

I feel awkward in groups. Is a small gathering better?

Often, yes. A smaller room means fewer faces to read and more time to warm up at your own pace. There is never pressure to talk before you are ready.

Why do small groups matter for community?

Depth needs time, and time needs a small enough room. The U.S. Surgeon General's advisory on social connection makes clear how much belonging affects our health, and belonging grows best in rooms where everyone is seen.

If you'd like more info, feel free to call me at 623-986-3987.

Warmly, Water Shepherd