Gathering Differently
A reflection on community, creativity, and common ground
This summer, I’ve been slowly weaving together a series called COMMON GROUND - a collection of FREE and donation-based creative & wellbeing gatherings held in Brighton’s green spaces.
But really, it’s about more than just putting on events or workshops here and there. It’s about how we gather and how we might gather differently.
Why Gather?
We live in a time where togetherness can feel fragile. Where making friends as an adult is a whole thing. Where loneliness + disconnection are quietly shaping how we move through the world. And people are craving more community and belonging in their lives than ever before (me included!).
COMMON GROUND was born out of a desire to gently challenge that - not with noise, but with presence. By slowing down and making space. Presence is radical.
I wanted to create a soft landing place. A series of small-scale, community-rooted sessions where people could meet, move, make, or simply be - outside, together, without pressure.
What Makes It Different?
Each COMMON GROUND session is held by a different local facilitator - wonderful humans offering their gifts, whether that’s movement, painting, storytelling, music, connection games, or simply holding space.
The sessions are:
Held outdoors in green spaces across Brighton & Hove
Always FREE, donation-based, or fundraising for a cause
Designed to be accessible, low-pressure, and heart-led
Grounded in the belief that everyone has something to offer
There’s no right way to participate. You can join in fully or sit quietly at the edge. It’s not about performative engagement - it’s about presence.
Less hierarchy, more shared space.
Stories From the First Sessions
The first session (The Creative Launch) took place under a leafy shelter in The Level on a rainy July afternoon. Just five of us made it through the downpour. We drank tea, talked about colour and emotion, and let the rain join our creativity as it fell onto our papers.
It felt like a quiet reminder of why this matters. Even with a tiny group, connection happened. The weather shaped the day, but definitley didn’t take away from it. It was small, but it felt whole.
The following week, we gathered in Victoria Gardens for a Connection Circle with Manasi. Through playful games and reflection, strangers became familiar. Walls came down. It was lighthearted and grounding all at once.
Who Is This For?
You, probably.
If you’ve ever felt a bit disconnected. If you’re new to Brighton or just want to feel a little more rooted. If you’re craving community but don’t know where to begin.
COMMON GROUND is open to anyone - no experience, no small talk skills required. Just curiosity and kindness.
Whether you come to explore, to reflect, to play, or to simply sit and listen - you’re soooooo welcome here!
What’s Next?
Common Ground runs through to mid-September. We have a full August schedule now live, including beachcombing, mindful music, painting with natural pigments, a womb circle, and more going live over the next couple weeks.
Some sessions raise money for causes chosen by the facilitator. Some are just there to offer connection. But 100% of the proceeds made from ticket sales will go directly to that facilitator for them, or their cause.
You can follow along on Instagram @mindbodyandearth, or sign up to come along to any session HERE.
And if you’re reading this and feel like you have something you’d like to share - a gift, an offering, a way of gathering - I’d love to hear from you.
Let’s keep meeting on COMMON GROUND.
With love,
Meg x