Yale Day of Service in Calgary - May 14, 2011(partnering with Stardale Women's Group)

Inspiration from the collective whole came when we started the day off in Talking Circle about the purpose of our gathering and the connection to Mother Earth. We spoke of reverence to the environment and the need to be further mindful for what exists on the earth today.

Present for the day of service were the Stardale organization with staff, young girls, parents and volunteers, as well as some of the residents from the Alice Bissett residence.

Very quickly, the group intermingled and began to sort through plant pots, rip open bags of planting soil, distribute tools and examine which flowers would be visually appealing in which pot container. There was a lot of chatting back and forth. Conversation and relationship building were primary components to the event. Several of the Alice Bissett residents directly participated in the planting, while others came out to say "thank you" to all of us for coming out and preparing the pots.

While we were playing with nature, the wind blew, the birds sang and we happily filled 170 pots of flowers to be distributed to 8 residential care settings within Calgary. At the end, we were feeling as though we had accomplished a meaningful, worthwhile task that was meant to be shared. Now everyone could enjoy the flowers and connect with nature.