Pop-Up Listening Circles

I heard the "woop woop" of a cop and turned to look over my shoulder in case it might be me they wanted to move. It felt good for that reaction to be in my body, I have been emotionally disconnected from events I see every morning, police moving people while I am dropping my daughter off at preschool.

When I was recovering from cancer treatment, this park was my sanctuary. I don't live near the park anymore, but I still come here. This is my park. Our park. A part of my history is here.

I saw a squirrel running down a handrail and I thought I would see if could get it with my collapsed umbrella while still riding my bicycle. I didn’t choose wisely. I ran into the rail and crashed in front several moms. I regret nothing! Aside from not looking before sitting down. I’m being overrun by ants.

It’s refreshing to be at the park right now, a welcome break from the stressors of daily life and the chaos and busy pace of urban living. My toddler loves the picnics in the [park] around lunchtime and meeting friends on the playground. The park unites the local community with nature, food and play.

It’s nice to have a space to be both alone with my thoughts but also feel connected to other people by having people close by. The park is very precious to me because my dad took us here to play as kids, and now we go with a new generation to do the same activities!

Far across the park I see a mom filming their kid with a phone— he practices his wild hop-hop moves and she can barely keep him in the frame. She has to spin and spin as he moves and kicks out with both feet. She tilts her head back with amusement and I can her rich laughter faint and delayed across this distance.

Escaping the office's rush, this park is an oasis. The greenery and calm soothe my stressed mind. Kids laughing, joggers passing, and the scent of fresh grass remind me to breathe. Here, I find a moment of clarity and balance amidst life's hustle.