Redefining Home and Belonging in Challenging Times🌿💫 - Edition 4 // 1.20.24

Dear friends,

The past two weeks have been incredibly challenging times for our LA community. Many have faced evacuations, and others have lost everything they own. These moments of profound loss and uncertainty have left us grappling with what truly matters.

As I’ve reflected on what home and belonging mean, my initial thoughts turned to the tangible: the familiar corner of my couch, the smell of cooked rice, or the sound of my dad’s whistle calling my name. But as I sat with these feelings, I realized home is so much more than physical objects. It’s the warm embrace of friends, the strength of a shared meal, and the unwavering support of community.

This is a moment for us to redefine what home means, not just as a place but as a connection to ourselves and those around us. It’s an opportunity to create something new to stand on as we face life’s unpredictability.

In times like these, self-care becomes a vital foundation. Watching the waves crash on the Long Beach shore recently, I was reminded of the importance of embracing all feelings—without judgment. Before we can truly care for others, we must tend to ourselves.

Self-care is not indulgence; it’s sustenance. Whether it’s pausing for a deep breath, prioritizing rest, or finding small moments of joy, tending to our well-being allows us to show up for the world with grace and authenticity.

Today, on Martin Luther King Day and the inauguration of a new president, emotions may run high. I encourage you to take time to reconnect with yourself, reflect on what home and belonging mean, and nurture your inner well-being. Let us come together from a place of grounded harmony, building strength, and empowerment through our shared humanity.

Recap from Our January 13th Event: Grounded Harmony: Togetherness in the Face of Catastrophe

Our recent gathering focused on exploring Grounded Harmony—a state of balance deeply rooted in the present moment. The evening was an opportunity for reflection, connection, and creating meaningful intentions for the future.

Here’s a summary of what we explored:

• We reflected on where they find harmony in their daily lives and how these practices support their well-being.

• Through guided exercises, we examined the roles we play in life, prioritized what matters most, and set meaningful goals for the year ahead.

• We engaged in an activity to create grounded and actionable plans for 2025, focusing on building balance and resilience in uncertain times.

Grounded Harmony invites us to create balance in our lives by aligning our actions with what truly matters. As you reflect on the past week or month, consider:

• Are my actions aligned with my values?

• Am I taking care of myself while supporting others?

• What can I do to create more balance in my daily life?

I hope this practice supports you in navigating uncertainty with greater clarity and purpose ❤️ 

Looking Ahead: Join Us in Celebration and Reflection

1. The Three Cups of Life: A Mindful Journey to Release and Renewal

📍 When: Sunday, January 28, 2025, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM PST
📍 Where: Online via Zoom
📍 RSVP here: lu.ma/oijw081u

Take a journey through life’s lessons, one cup at a time. Inspired by the ancient wisdom of the Three-Course Tea Ceremony, a traditional Chinese tea ritual practiced by the Bai people of Yunnan Province, this workshop invites you to reflect, release, and renew as we sip through the symbolic stages of life.

Curious about our retreat in Dali, China, from April 12-17? This virtual session will share insights into the retreat’s themes—Discover, Release, Invent, and Charge—and how this experience can guide you toward greater harmony and belonging.

2. Alhambra Lunar New Year Festival Meetup

📍 When: Saturday, February 8, 2025, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
📍 Where: Alhambra Lunar New Year Festival (Meeting location TBD)
📍 RSVP link: https://lu.ma/4t1cjv9l

Join us as we come together to celebrate the Year of the Snake at the vibrant Alhambra Lunar New Year Festival. This annual event is a cherished tradition in the San Gabriel Valley, honoring Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage through a rich tapestry of cultural experiences.

Spotlight on the April Retreat

Our April 12-17, 2025 Retreat in Fengyu, Dali, China, offers a unique opportunity to step away from routine and reconnect with yourself. Highlights include:

• A Bai tea ceremony will ground us in local traditions.

• A full moon ceremony to reflect and release.

• Workshops in incense making and printmaking, led by local artisans.

• Immersive experiences to cultivate harmony and belonging.

This journey empowers you to live with renewed curiosity and purpose, embracing both yourself and the world around you with a sense of deep belonging. Find out more about the details here.

Thank you for being part of this journey toward balance and connection. Let’s continue to explore what it means to build a sense of home and belonging together. I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events.

Warmly,
Shanshan
Founder, Homecoming Co.

P.S. A question for your journal:
“What would it look like to meet the people in my life with curiosity and gentle love?”