[HANASHIR:6190] RE: Refreshed and ready

[Roslyn Schwartz <rs4...>]

Oh Emily, you said some things I would never have dared to say.  Thank
you.

There is a simple solution to the isolation newcomers feel:  change the
welcoming activity to one in which we break up into small groups and
_talk_ to each other.  There are many variations on this theme ...
people interview each other in pairs, then introduce their partner to
the rest of a small group of eight ... people are given sentences to
complete, or ideas to discuss, again in pairs then in small groups ...
etc. etc. etc.  Then you have a core group of people that you can
connect with, and your friendships can grow in expanding circles from
there.

Could one of the organizers e-mail me privately, so I know that you have
heard this suggestion?

Much more to say, at another time,

With love to all of you,

- Ros


Emily Blank wrote:
> 
> Hi Folks,
> 
> I have to say that the effect HN has on me is slightly different from that
> on others.  Yes, I experienced the spiritual highs that were so intense
> they resembled a sexual release.  (After all, Laura Nyro, ztl, said that
> sexuality, and spirituality and work are not separate).  And, as a second
> timer, I actually BONDED with one or two people.
> 
> On the other hand, I also experience lows when I go to HN.  Being around
> all those people can be terribly lonely (if one is not socially adept) when
> the singing and dancing stop, and the noise in the dining room can be
> physically painful.  I know from talking to others that I am not the only
> one who felt that way.
> 
> It's still worth it, and you can bet I'll be back, if not the next year,
> then the year after that, as long as HN exists, but I was glad to get back.
>  (After all, you wouldn't want to spend your entire life having sex would
> you?)  G-d may even be relieved to get a rest from all that intense
> praying.
> 
> Emily

------------------------ hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org -----------------------+