to beget a global gallery of images. Finally, the Global Mala Project


demonstrates what can be accom- plished with a worldwide, inter- community, consciousness-raising event (GlobalMala.org). Here, yoga studios from many nations gather local individuals to form a “mala around the Earth,” as they perform ritual practices based on the sacred cycle of 108, to raise funds and awareness for pressing global issues. This year, the mala will be held September 18-19. Tune in for an “Om” heard ‘round the world.


Kirsten Broadfoot has lived and worked in New Zealand, Australia, the UK, Japan and the United States, granting her a profound appreciation of community life. She has created and coordinates two online communities, the Good Work Circle and COMMUNEcation, and has written numerous conference papers, academic articles and essays. Connect at Kirsti@sterena.com.


Creativity and Community: Getting Started


Creativity in a community begins in artists’ neighborhoods, amateur arts practices, galleries, studios and performing companies, and blossoms in public participation in arts venues and events.


minerals • books • tumbled stones • beads • jewelry • crystals • spheres • egyptian papyrus paintings Since 1976 Essence of the Earth


1783 Meriden Waterbury Rd, Milldale, CT 860-628-7906


Classes offered in wire-wrapping and beading.


candle holders • bookends • paperweights • desksets • slabs • obelisks • wood carvings • geodes Hours - Tues-Thurs 11-5pm • Fri-Sat 10-5pm


“Imagination will often carry us to worlds that never were. But without it, we go nowhere.”


~ Carl Sagan


Why people engage in creative op- portunities in their communities is a question that has long been debated. In 1998, the Urban Land Institute con- ducted a study to uncover the answer. According to participants, people’s primary motivations include:


1. to celebrate heritage


2. to support community events or organizations


3. to learn something about another time or culture


4. to learn more about a particu- lar form of art or cultural expression


YogArtdancEarth got


ART? creative painting intuitive yoga authentic dance 122 naubuc 1worldMovement.com glastonbury


5. to experience the high quality of an art


6. to support a family member or friend


7. to participate in a religious service, ceremony or ritual


8. to get together with friends or family for social reasons


In every case, the phenomenon of inspired community enhances our individual and collective quality of life.


natural awakenings September 2010 37


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