Member Article

Meetups Gathering—Our "Self-Love Sunday"

Sahaja Douglass, LMFT

In her book, The Art of Gathering, Priya Parker writes, “the first step in convening people meaningfully: meaningfully: committing to a bold, sharp purpose.” Last year, when LA-CAMFT’s Meetups Committee formed, we created a clear purpose: to host intimate, fun, low-cost gatherings for mental health professionals that built a nourishing community. We felt there was a communal yearning for social connection, meaningful conversations, and opportunities to nurture ourselves. These gatherings would differ from LA-CAMFT’s other events that offer education or networking as primary goals.

So, with a “bold, sharp purpose” in mind, the hosts of the most recent Meetups gathering, set out to design an event that would focus on self-appreciation and we named it “Self-Love Sunday” since the date fell just after Valentine’s Day. 

The event featured a cookie swap and SoulCollage(R) activity, facilitated by LA-CAMFT’s president, Akiah Selwa Robinson. The event was hosted by myself, Sahaja Douglass, LMFT; Akiah Selwa Robinson, LMFT; Jennifer Stonefield, LMFT; Kim MacKay, LCSW; and Elizabeth G’Sell, LMFT. Support was graciously provided by other members of the Meetups Committee, LA-CAMFT Board members and volunteers.

This post-Valentine’s Day event sold out days before the sign-up deadline. On Sunday, February 16, 45 adventurous guests wound their way up a steep and windy canyon road to arrive at Sahaja Douglass’s home which is flanked by Oak groves and opens up to vistas of the Santa Monica mountains in the back yard.

Guests gathered in the back yard and were offered the option to anoint themselves by applying organic essential oil blends that were hand-poured for the occasion. The intention behind this offering was to create a sense of leaving the outside world behind— a fun, spa-like initiation into the community we were forming for an afternoon. After the optional aromatic wrist dabbing, everyone put their cookies on long tables and were invited to help themselves to the home-cooked buffet lunch and sit at round tables on the lawn. Conversation flowed and people wove new connections.

During lunch, Sahaja Douglass, welcomed all and Kiah talked about the origin of SoulCollage(R), and how this method of making collages from images in magazines that resonate with us can help us develop creativity and intuition, encourages self-discovery, and provides personal guidance. The cards we create can act as guides for us.

When the group finished eating, Kiah invited everyone to grab glue sticks, scissors, card stock and magazines from a table in the yard and find a comfortable place to work anywhere on the property or in various rooms inside the house.

We were given only 15 minutes to craft our collages and then we gathered in small groups of 4 or 5 people to share our cards and answer questions we ask of the images on the card, beginning with, “I am one who…”.

We were instructed to listen attentively, but also not to interpret anyone else’s collage and only give feedback that was solicited by the person sharing. 

In my group, people expressed themselves openly and vulnerably. The cards allowed for depth and introspection. Sometimes, people were surprised by what their own cards revealed.

When the small groups finished sharing we all came together in one large group in the living room.

We stood in a circle and held up our cards so everyone could witness and honor each other.  Kiah talked more about the resonance of SoulCollage(R) and also about LA-CAMFT. She invited people to become involved by joining committees, volunteering at our events or even starting a Special Interest Group(SIG) that LA-CAMFT could host on-line and promote through our emails and newsletter.

As the Chair of the Meetups Committee, Sahaja Douglass, encouraged guests to become hosts of a Meetups event—the committee was designed to allow for any LA-CAMFT member to host an event that is approved by the LA-CAMFT Board of Directors.  

Sahaja Douglass thanked everyone for attending and for sharing their beautiful hearts and then passed around a basket that had gifts for everyone: a card with a heart-shaped stone attached to it and a small vial of an essential oil blend that was created just for the Self-Care Sunday participants.

It was a magical day. I noticed people exchanging contact information so hopefully the seeds of new connections will grow into supportive friendships.

If you have an idea for a Meetups event or want to host one, please email Sahaja@SahajaPsychotherapy.com

Sahaja Douglass, LMFT works with clients in-person in her Woodland Hills office and on-line. Most of Sahaja's clients are ADHDers, and parents of neurodivergent children. She co-facilitates a grief support group at Our House Grief Support Center, and is on the Membership Committee for LA County Psychological Association. When not working or volunteering, Sahaja spends time with family and friends—hiking in the local mountains, swimming, cooking or snuggling with her giant sized dogs. Website: www.SahajaPsychotherapy.com