Hosting - an invisible craft

"God's eye" basket in progress

Recently, to expand my experiences in crafting, which form a cornerstone of getting better through topping up your cup, I went to a couple of hours of basket weaving, something I've wanted to do for a long time.  It was at a place where the focus is community, spirituality, healing and practical skills. I'd like to be able to share the name, but since the stalker has had a distasteful and uncanny habit of turning up at things I have mentioned, and so I can't as I like to go there worry-free.

The young host and leader was delightful: fun, bubbly and enthusiastic and on the professional side: competent, prepared and helpful.  During the event, I mentioned to her what a happy sound there was in the room, people laughing, chatting and relaxed as their hands were busy.

 

- Those good vibes, they come from the host, I said, because I like to give compliments. 

- Oh! she said, pleased.
- You must have noticed that at events? I said. 

- No, she said, I don't go to that many events. But it's true, that's my life's ambition. 

- What is? 

- To create good vibes. 

- What is it in the host, I said, that you think that makes for good vibes? 

She thought for a minute and said: 

- The welcome. 

- Yes, I said.... 

[If have read much of The Outpost, you will recognise a theme.]

...The host's welcome is the number one thing that sets the tone. 

- And...making people feel, yes, welcome, happy to be there, to be themselves.... she said, feeling her way, somewhat to my surprise. 

- I agree, I said. It's something to do with the people being able to do what they came to do or be who they want to be, or discover what they were hoping.  

I thought later that all of that is an kind of enabling and to do with a genuine care for the people that is separate from a financial motivation. It will come as no surprise then, that, this workshop was free or by donation.  She didn't even advertise, as far as I recall, her business.