Art is always something that’s been pushed onto us as it connects the ideas of humanity and history. When we’re children, it’s in our nature to be infatuated with creativity; how does something work? Can I make it work better? That work frames creativity and builds the base for art. Art represents our humanity and our creativity, and I’d forgotten how freeing it can feel. At the Grunewald Guild, you begin to realize that a lot of day to day hobbies and activities can be traced back to its root of art. Art is everywhere, in the trees that waver, in the conversations that make you laugh, and even in service. At my organization it’s nearly impossible to not come into contact with art, and that has impacted my mentality. I’ve noticed that because of art, things seem brighter, my emotions feel freer, and I am able to ground myself. Art reminds us of our human nature, it makes us feel and ask questions and that’s why it’s so important. As burnout came and went, I had repressed my artistic side and the Guild has really helped me ignite it again and use it to help others. Art becomes, therefore, connected to the idea of serviceship.

Service becomes apparent when you notice an impact that you may have had on your own life, or on somebody else’s life. At the Grunewald Guild, we prioritize allowing people to be themselves, step out of their comfort zone and try something new. Since my last blog post, I’ve participated in varying activities such as ecstatic dancing, diving into a cold river, jewelry making, and crocheting. The activity that stuck out to me the most was the act of ecstatic dancing. Now, a direct definition is “Ecstatic dance is a form of dance in which the dancers, sometimes without the need to follow specific steps, release themselves to the rhythm and move freely.” But I personally don’t think that fully sums up the elevated feeling ecstatic dancing brings up. As you move freely to the rhythm of music, that inner child starts to come out, that shameless kid inside of you that is still there begins to dance. Your inner emotions begin to free itself all in the name of music. It’s a “feel-good” activity that I highly recommend for people to try. But through it, I felt no judgement and a sense of safety in the community. To feel those emotions has been a privilege, to continue to be part of a community that serves each other is freeing.

The activities I’ve experienced have had an impact on me mentally and from the past couple weeks of hearing people say that their experience at the Grunewald Guild was irreplaceable, reminds me that I actively participate in service to others. In the Guild’s mission statement this year there is a theme of resonance which includes paying attention to the vibration and energy of those around you. Resonance has become a key to the service I am actively participating in. We are being encouraged to slow down, spend time with each other, listen to ourselves and to others.

Nickie Smar, Grunewald Guild