Community
in The Goddess Foundation
Founded
by Annabell Alexander, and now run with co-founder Marie
Davenport, The Goddess Foundation is a not for profit
organisation, run on a voluntary basis.
Annabell
and Marie work hard to empower women, encouraging them
to improve not only their own life, but to take that a
step further on whatever level they feel comfortable with,
to improve lives around them, be that on a local or a
global basis. In a very male dominated world, bringing
the feminine aspect into any part of society will inevitably
make a positive improvement.
United
Nations state that; 'Today a central organizing principle
of the work of the United Nations is that no enduring
solution to society's most threatening social, economic
and political problems can be found without the full participation,
and the full empowerment, of the world's women.' This
has been the philosophy of The Goddess Foundation from
the beginning, and rather than just state the words, they
do all they can to make it happen. The idea that empowerment
comes from being totally at peace in who you are, and
with every aspect of who you are, is paramount in their
ideology Only then will females feel more confidence,
and their inner wisdom, or Inner Goddess shines forth
to make each of theme a stronger person.
There
is a strong emphasis on community. Whilst the focus is
on females, it is important to bring together families
and friends as part of the bigger picture so that nobody
feels excluded. Community is, after all, about bringing
people together.
Connection
with nature also plays an important part within The Goddess
Foundation. Learning to understand the connection with
natural world is just one part of being community minded.
Revering nature, be that the sea or woods, the growing
of flowers or vegetables, brings about inner peace and
improved health. Being at one with nature allows a better
understanding of the world on which we live and the importance
of looking after our planet. This is not restricted to
those of us who lead any kind of Pagan life, but is of
importance to all regardless of religious or spiritual
beliefs. We are all part of the same 'oneness' of life,
and living as a community includes not only people, but
everything around us, including the planet. What better
way to create a harmonious and caring world, than to embrace
a community attitude to all that is!
Red
Tent
The
focus on the feminine is achieved by Red Tent Gatherings,
Goddess Circles and various other events. Annabell has
been running Goddess Circles since 2003, before decided
to take the next step in 2009 when she founded The Goddess
Foundation with the aims of eventually creating a Sisterhood
with Goddess Circles around the globe.
Goddess
Circles
Whilst
The Goddess Foundation organises events to bring the Goddess
Circles together to share further their wisdom and friendship,
the Goddess Circles are the integral part of the set up.
Goddess Circles are small groups of women who work together
on a local level, usually gathering in each others homes,
to support each other whilst allowing each individual
to follow their own unique spiritual path. Other than
connection with nature and each other, and finding ones
own peace and 'Inner Goddess', The Goddess Foundation
does not teach anyone what their spiritual path should
be, as that is something that is unique to each of us.
Too many people believe they have to follow someone else's
path, or need to put a title to their belief, but TGF
believe that spirituality can take any shape that feels
comfortable and needs no title or description.
Working
within Goddess Circles, allows women to open up more and
discuss any problems they have in a safe and caring environment.
Much like in the past, when women would gather round the
kitchen table with a cup of tea, whilst the menfolk were
at work and children at school. How things have changed
in so many ways!
Sharing
wisdom is important, not only because of the learning,
but for those nervous of offering their wisdom, just by
doing so can be very empowering in itself. Women may think
they have nothing to offer, but everyone has something;
a listening ear, the ability to make people smile, cooking,
gardening, are all just as important as the spiritual
aspect and holistic living. The activities of the Goddess
Circles will generally be whatever the women within that
Circle decide they would like from it, as each Circle
is not led by one person, but shared and enjoyed by all
participants. TGF do have suggestions for members on the
website, and do encourage Goddess Circles to take part
in the projects and campaigns. Women are also encouraged
to interact with other Goddess Circles, to build on the
idea of community.
Mixed
Community Projects and Events
The
mixed community projects saw a wonderful mixed gathering
take place in July. The Green man Walk that took place
in a public woodland was led by CK, who being a survival
expert as well as having a very shamanic spirituality,
was able to offer a some fascinating dialogue along the
way. Once the walk was over, the treasure hunt took place
to find envelopes that held tickets to prizes such as
CK's amazing green man original painting, prints and cards.
Once everyone was worn out from the morning's activities,
over 30 people sat down together to enjoy a community
picnic. As it was the first woodland walk for some years,
the result was more than acceptable. Everyone had a great
time, many contacts were made, and at least one new Goddess
Circle was founded. Requests have been made for community
Green Man walks to be organised in three other areas around
the South East. The community spirit is revived once more!
There
are plans to provide transport to enable those who have
trouble getting to the events and to provide crèches
to enable single Mums to attend. The ultimate plans are
for premises and spiritual centres covering the UK and
scattered around the globe, as well as the Goddess Circles
and events continuing in as many places as possible.
The
long term aims seem very far away at the moment, but the
acorn has been planted and is beginning to sprout. One
day The Goddess Foundation will be a thick forest of strong
oaks, offering support and shelter for many, having made
a positive impact on the world around.
