The Gatherings
Gatherings of women are held around Sacred Peace Fires along the way. At the Gatherings, the Grandmothers, women over 50, are asked to share their stories and wisdom.
Nine Gatherings are being scheduled for the 2011 journey, and tentativly one more in Venice. Women of all ages are encouraged to attend the Gatherings. There is no fee to attend a Gathering. No reservations are required, just come.
The women in attendance are given a list of questions to get their thoughts flowing. The questions are just suggestions and can be completely ignored if your heart and soul have something else to share.
Everyone in attendance is asked to complete a story and/or photo release that allows Nancy to use the information/photos in her books. The Gathering is recorded for accuracy.
The Gatherings are held outside, generally at dusk, in any weather.
Why call us Grandmothers
Grandmother is a term borrowed from the Native American culture which is a title of great respect that recognizes wisdom born out of time and experience. For the Gatherings this term embraces women age 50 and older, regardless of whether they have had children or grandchildren.
Peace Fire
The Peace Fire was started in 1995 by Bruce Hardwick, a Fire Keeper in his home area of Rapid River, Michigan at an international conference at Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. The fire was attended by over 1500 people from the world over including Aru Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi's grandson. The purpose of the fire is to awaken our consciousness about peace, love, sisterhood and brotherhood. At the end of the conference, which became an annual tradition, participants made coal bundles which have been distributed around the world, where people are gathered with peace in their hearts. Later Peace Fires were attended by others such as Jane Goodall. Participants at our Gatherings are given Peace Fire coals to take with them. For more information about the Sacred Peace Fire go to www.neiu.edu/~team
What to Bring
- Dress appropriately for weather.
- Lawn Chair
- Bug Dope
- Jacket or Blanket if cold
- Snack or beverage for yourself if you feel you will need one.
What do I say? - Grandmother Questions
These questions are just suggestions and can be completely ignored if your heart and soul have something else to share
- What makes your life rich?
- How has courage affected your life?
- What brings out compassion in you?
- How have you persevered in times of adversity?
- What life experiences or choices generated the most wisdom for you?