Mastering the Art of Intentional Gatherings: Tips for Memorable Celebrations
And Inspiration for the New Year
A Fresh Chapter of Connection and Celebration
Happy New Year to all! As we step into this fresh chapter, I hope your holiday season has been filled with joy and rejuvenation. This time of year often brings us together—through festive gatherings, religious celebrations, or New Year’s Eve parties. It's a season rich with connection and shared experiences, reminding us of the power of intentional gatherings.
Inspired by our community discussion on The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters by Priya Parker, I’ve reflected on a few events I attended (or facilitated) this past year. These experiences provided insights into how intentional rules, rituals, and traditions can elevate gatherings into deeply meaningful experiences.
Here are some highlights that I hope will inspire your creativity for hosting future events or designing your own unique traditions.
1. Yule Event: Bringing Light into the Darkness
At Yoko Maria’s center, I attended a very powerful Winter Solstice Yule event. One standout moment was a meditation with a star, symbolizing the intention to bring more light into our lives during the darkest day of the year.
A memorable activity involved crafting a gift. Each of us personalized a piece of tree with the star emblem, beads and a message before exchanging it with the person next to us. This act of connection—sharing intentions through handcrafted tokens—created a sense of unity and magic.
2. Dîner en Blanc: An Elegant Celebration of Connection
This globally celebrated event, featured in The Art of Gathering book, was a unique experience I couldn’t miss when it came to NYC. Attendees wore all white and met at a secret location, with the mystery adding to the excitement.
The evening unfolded as a dressed-up picnic where we shared food with strangers who became fast friends. Sitting next to a mother and daughter passionate about neuroscience, I marveled at the serendipity of our placement. This event beautifully demonstrated how intentional rules can foster an ambiance for forming new connections.
3. Wild Spirit Retreat: The Magic of the Unknown
One of my most cherished retreat experiences was with Kalid, founder of Injoy. Keeping the details a delightful mystery, participants were invited to embrace the unknown and surrender control.
As someone who thrives on planning, this experience was liberating and so uplifting precisely because I didn’t know the details. Kalid’s ability to draw attendees purely through word of mouth—and create a transformative container with just a hint of what to expect—was truly impressive.
sculptures at the retreat center
4. Red’s Table: Stories Beyond Labels
At Red Nilsson’s women’s roundtable, we embraced a unique tradition: not revealing our professions until the end. This allowed us to connect through stories and experiences rather than labels, challenging stereotypes and fostering authentic understanding.
We also received inspiring quotes in gift bags, which we read aloud and reflected on together. This thoughtful touch deepened our connection and made the gathering unforgettable.
5. MDL Improv Games: Magic of Intuitive Expression
One of my favorite community events was a discussion on Multidimensional Leadership, followed by a series of surprise questions/prompts. Not knowing what would come next challenged us to think on our feet and respond intuitively.
There’s a unique magic in speaking the first thought that comes to mind—it’s often the most genuine. This spontaneity deepened our connections, offering glimpses into each other’s souls in a way that felt both unexpected and profound.
You can read more about it here:
Designing Meaningful Gatherings: Insights and Cliffnotes
These experiences reminded me of some key principles we discussed in our community conversation on The Art of Gathering. Here are my cliffnotes to inspire your next event or retreat:
The Kindness of Exclusion
"The more the merrier" isn’t always true. Be intentional about your guest list.
Ask: Who is this gathering for? Avoid letting it be hijacked by politeness.
Rules Are Important
Introduce rituals, codes of conduct, or specific discussion topics to enhance the experience.
Realness Can Be Designed
Encourage sharing of life stories and crucible moments, but be mindful of integration techniques for heavier topics.
The Pre-Event Dialogue
Prepare attendees by connecting them to the event’s purpose before they arrive.
Closing Meaningfully
Instead of letting the clock dictate the end, create a closing ritual that recaps the experience and prepares guests for re-entry into the world.
Crafting a Year of Meaningful Moments
As we look forward to the new year, let’s draw inspiration from these gatherings to make each future event special and meaningful. Whether it’s borrowing ideas from a Yule craft, or a roundtable of stories, the key lies in designing with intention.
And just like the Wild Spirit retreat, may this year bring you moments of wonder and openness to new experiences.
P.S. Do you have an upcoming event you’d like to share?
Submit Your Upcoming Gathering!
We’re excited to launch the Collective Pulse Events Calendar on our website, showcasing all virtual and in-person events and retreats hosted by our members, clients, and partners. This calendar is designed to increase the visibility and engagement for your events, providing a platform to reach a wider audience and connect with like-minded individuals.
If you plan on joining us as a paying member, you’re welcome to submit your events using the link below. This is a great opportunity to spotlight your offerings and be part of a collective mission right from the start!
