Munson's Mead Hall - the first Think and Drink

I sorta invented something a few months ago called a "Think and Drink".
Here is the text of the e-vite I sent out....

Hailsa!

You are invited to a new, somewhat experimental spiritual gathering which I am calling "Think and Drink".

T&D is a blending of aspects of my two spiritual paths - Zen and Heathenry. The idea is actually quite simple and comes in two parts...

First, we meditate.
Meditation will be simple seated breathing meditation with a focus element. You are invited to bring a meaningful object on which to focus your thoughts - a tarot card, photo, poem, prayer, Hebrew letter, whatever. I will also have available a bowl of runes if you feel like drawing one at random so as to contemplate its meaning. (and yes, I'll go over what your rune means ;-) )

Then, we drink!
After meditating, we will gather round for a free-form Sumbel during which we will each share our reflections on the topic of our personal meditation. For those not familar, "Sumbel" is a ritualized toasting/drinking activitiy in which a horn of mead is passed from person to person in a circle. The horn acts as a sort of "talking stick."

After each person has had a chance to speak, we will throw it open for free-form drinking, toasting and discussion until we're all tired, bored, thoroughly enlightened or thoroughly platzed.

Arrival time is 7:30 so we can settle in. Meditation will begin at 8:00 and go till 8:30 with a stretching break after the first 15 minutes. This should work for both experienced sitters and newbies. Then we Sumbel and probably eat some. I may order a pizza (good spiritual food).

Personally, I know how powerful each of these two activities can be, so in combining them, I'm sure we will have a great experience. I hope you can make it. Please write me if you have any questions.

Good tidings,

- eric

The party was quite a success. We had some very interesting revelations come out of the meditation portion. For example, my wife drew the "Isa" rune and realized that it held some very important guidance for her as she was in the middle of a radical job transition. She told us over the horn that she had decided she needed to accept "the ice breaking" and do her best to ride the change without fear.

Another guest, who is a student of Celtic ways, explained how his meditation took him back to a good experience he'd had during a retreat. He said he was struck with the realization that he should pay attention to the inner voice that was telling him to teach and help others spiritually, not simply be a participant. It has always been a goal of his to become a teacher and now he is more determined to make it a reality.

Also during the sumbel (which featured the debut of my mead, btw), we had one oath. A writer friend decided she needed to focus more on her novel and not let herself get distracted by mundane concerns or writing jobs. She set herself an October deadline for a draft. I reminded her that it was our duty to then see that she follow through and that more than just the people in the room were listening. She acknowledged this and made the oath on the horn.

Logistically, the evening went well, too. Simple party foods were enjoyed before we sat down to meditate (meditiating on an empty stomach doesn't always work!). Two of the moms present took turns entertaining their two kids in an upstairs bedroom. I led the meditation and timed it with a watch. I kept it short; 30 min total since we had inexperienced sitters. With the living room lights dimmed, I guided the guests into a simple zazen breatheing meditation for 15 minutes. I then allowed them to break and stretch before doing a second 15 minutes. During the second session, I reminded them to focus on their chosen object, vision, etc. and let it lead their thoughts.

About the only thing I regret about how it all went down was my use of "platzed" in the e-vite. I was being too hasty and glib when I wrote that, and thinking about how I and most of my friends are such light-weights. I guess I was also trying too hard to inject a little humor so as to set my invitees at ease since most of them were not Heathen. In any case, rest assured, I did NOT have anyone getting drunk in sumble and we took the proceeding seriously and in the proper spirit.

So, in all, a success. We enjoyed some pretty deep discussion and felt really energized by evening's end. I was asked by several of the attendees to do it again. It has also helped inspire me to write some guided meditations on Heathen themes - meetings with the AEsir, using mythical places, etc. Stay tuned. :-)