A Day Rooted in Community, Care & Connection
Our Spring We Love Crystal Lake Celebration was filled with so much beauty, healing, laughter, and togetherness. From sharing meals, music, and movement to blessing the waters and honoring the land, the day reminded us what becomes possible when community gathers with intention.
A deeply moving highlight of the day was the land and water blessing led by Gustavo of Munay Wasi. He reminded us that while this space might look like a garden, it functions as a "spiritual healing clinic", a vital sanctuary where we can touch Mother Earth, connect with ancestral wisdom, and find true medicine for the mind, body, and soul. (Be sure to check out our latest YouTube videoproduced by Jeremy Niare, our Youth Media Team storyteller to watch his full reflection!)
We are carrying so much gratitude for everyone who showed up, shared their gifts, and helped make the day feel so meaningful and alive.
Healing & Movement
Throughout the day, community members were invited to rest, reconnect, and recharge through offerings rooted in wellness, movement, and embodiment. Shayna guided an immersive Sound Bath experience, Karen offered grounding acupressure sessions, Carla held space through restorative bodywork, Urania led community Yoga, and Elisabeth guided a hike up Snake Hill, creating moments of reflection and connection with the land.
Creativity, Ecology & Play
The celebration also created space for curiosity, creativity, and connection with nature for all ages. Zach and Outdoor Elementsbrought playful eco-games and outdoor activities to the day, Ashley guided a collaborative art-making experience that invited community expression, and Gitashared an inspiring Floating Gardens demonstration that deepened our connection to water, ecology, and imagination.
Sacred Offerings & Water Blessings
The day opened in a powerful way through ceremony, prayer, and song honoring the waters and land of Crystal Lake. Munay Wasi, led by Gustavo and Katari, guided a sacred offering for the land, while Ivonne and Betty shared moving Algonquin water songs that brought deep presence and reflection to the gathering. Throughout the celebration, Daniel carried the day with warmth, energy, and care as our MC.
Shared Food & Refreshments
Food always brings people together, and we’re deeply grateful to Sabores De Mi Pueblo for providing a nourishing community lunch that fed everyone with care, and to Lemonade Oh Yeah for keeping the day refreshed with delicious lemonade treats shared throughout the celebration.
Thankful Community
A heartfelt thank you to our volunteers, youth apprentices Noah and Gaby, and our incoming Youth Media Team for helping everything run with such care and intention. Your energy, creativity, and support helped make the day truly special.
Pollinator Planting Day Sunday May 31
Last year, this month we planted the first native seeds, trees and shrubs, and today the birds, the bees, and the land itself can feel the difference. We are so excited to continue transforming and beautifying Crystal Lake!
We invite you this coming Sunday, May 31 12-4pm to come create pollinator gardens with us. Not only are we launching three innovative floating gardens into the water, but we are creating new sanctuaries for our collective contemplation and joy. This space belongs to all of us, and it blooms because of you.
Come co-create this urban paradise, share a warm meal with community, and see our green future unfolding. RSVP to let us know you are coming here.
Mark Your Calendar: July 11th
We’re already looking forward to gathering again for our Summer of Love Celebration on July 11th, featuring live music, dancing, and another joyful day in community at Crystal Lake. Events like these are rooted in collective care and made possible through community support. Your donations help us continue offering free, accessible programming centered around healing, ecology, culture, and connection for our neighbors.
