Mark Green's Atheopaganism Blog

It had been two years, three months and and sixteen days.

In that time, I had seen not a one of the amazing people I met at Suntree Retreat 2022 in person. Zoom calls with a few, social media exchanges.

And now I am come back from the 2024 Retreat. I am brimming over, having seen some of them again and met newcomers to my world.

We laughed a lot. We sang. We shared rituals of grief and joy, celebrated transitions, and spoke unguardedly of the important things in our lives. We told stories and shared lore.

The love was palpable. Strange and wonderful, the unique and beautiful people of this community.

It’s hard, going back to the world of strangers.

And I am fortunate, for there is much love in my life.

But having seen, having belonged, having not been alone, surrounded by lovely strange people and welcomed as a lovely strange man in such a profound way, I carry the memories.

I am changed for it, changed for the better.

I saw people soften. I saw joy. And sorrow. And change.

I saw how we can be with one another if we dare, if we risk, if we consider. If we care.

The precious faces dance before me and I know the world is less cold now for me.

There are so many more people in my heart, or more deeply there.

I am so grateful to everyone who helped to make these moments.

If I am lucky, I will have more with you.

Thank you for your beautiful selves.