New Beginnings for Peer Support Space!

Delighted to share that the first circle of Peer support space, Bangalore, took place this June! I have been apprehensive about starting something, and expecting that it grow on a large scale. It was incredible to apply emergent strategy instead, and begin with my core network who kindly trust me with this space.

The first circle prioritized authenticity and safety, and I heard from people later that they appreciated being in community and felt a sense of democratic leadership. this peer-led community is at the heart of my intention for Peer Support Space, and made me feel happy and humbled.

We began with icebreakers, checked in about how each of us was feeling, and spent some time discussing various types of rest. It emerged in the group that rest doesn't necessarily mean napping or sleeping, but can often look like exercise, pursuing a hobby, seeking social justice - many ways for our many parts to be heard and expressed. 

Fortuitously, this circle also came on the eve of my second miscarriage, and carried me through the grief with its warm echoes. I had first found great support on the world pulse community when my article on miscarriage was read and appreciated. In hearing echoes of my own voice and support for what I was going through, I felt strengthened and held.

When it happened to me again, I was numb and unable to even write. I feel tired of going through the same cycles, and found solace in nature.

Soon after the miscarriage, I attended the first meet and greet of Changemakers Lab from World Pulse, and was encouraged and impressed by the cohort that I get to learn from and share space with. The journey through grief is long, but to have a wonderful new community encouraging my fledgling initiative makes me feel a little less numb, a little more able to participate in the ever-changing world.

Looking forward to this little bud flowering more, with plenty of sunshine and fertilizer from chosen family and world pulse community. Feeling grateful for this new beginning!