Ever since I joined the Cobb Institute, I felt like I gained an instant family. That is exactly how we want it at the Cobb Institute. Our theme for July is “Building Community.” In this newsletter you will find thoughts and poems about what it means to be connected with others.

What does the Cobb Institute mean to you? For me it means community. It is also a place where I can learn how to contribute to an ecological civilization. I think the time is right for us to make an impact. I put my hand in yours, so that together we can do what I cannot do alone. In this issue, we celebrate our community while planning for the future.

Through stories, we share passions, fears, sadness, hardships, and joys, and we find common ground with other people. Stories can be universal, conveying meaning and purpose that help us understand ourselves better and find commonality with others. The process family has stories to tell. We hope you enjoy the ones included here.

Earth Day is an annual event celebrated around the world on April 22nd to demonstrate support for environmental protection. At the Cobb Institute it provides an opportunity to reflect on our commitment to bring about an ecological civilization.

In March 2019, the seeds were planted. In 2020, the seedlings sprouted. In 2021, the Cobb Institute is starting to bloom. We are grateful for the growth, and for all the volunteers who make it happen with their time, patience, and nurturing.

In this month’s newsletter, we explore theme of love from a process-relational perspective. We believe that if everyone fully understood and embraced the idea that we are interconnected, we would seek the well-being of others, and act in ways that are more loving and compassionate.

January brings chilly nights and more opportunity to slow down and simplify. During this time of hunkering down, we invite you to create home adventures and reflect with us on the simple things that really matter like finding community in different ways.