May: Connect, Create, Collaborate

Build community and share resources! Let's widen the safety net of love together. 💗

Hello!

This is our second monthly “Connect, Create, Collaborate” thread, an experiment in building a new connection economy.

"The connection economy is the economy of prosperity, collaboration and infinite possibilities. It's the vision of an economic ecosystem, a complex network of interconnected systems built on trust, value alignment and reciprocity. -Forbes

This is the vision we’re holding as we begin a tangible experiment in creating a post-capitalist system of sharing resources.

Here, we value:

1. Collaboration over competition

2. Abundance over scarcity

3. Community over disconnection

4. Generous reciprocity over greed

5. Trust over fear

We can’t expect systems of oppression to self-destruct without building new ones to take their place.

I’m so excited to envision and co-create a new way of being together that’s harmonious, sustainable, and life-giving. As a response from April’s thread, I received this lovely journal and postcard from

Breeann Adam

! 🙏💗

How It Works:

1. In the comments on THIS POST

   • Share your city in ALL CAPS

   • Under "RESOURCES OFFERED" list up to 3 free resources you'd like to share (examples: tarot reading, editing services, homemade meal, etc.)

   • Under "RESOURCES NEEDED" list 1-3 items you'd like to receive from the community (examples: a writing critique partner, 2 hours of childcare per month, an old typewriter, painting lessons, etc.).

2. Connect with others by responding directly to offers/requests that interest you

3. If you can’t directly respond to a request, but know someone who can, invite them to participate!

4. Check back periodically for new connections

5. This thread will remain active through May 31st, with a new thread starting June 1st.

Additional Opportunities to Build Community 🦋

Community Art Share 🖌️

Our first virtual Community Art Share is May 16th, from 8:00pm-9:30pm EST

This is an opportunity to gather in community and share your art in a supportive, welcoming environment.

Sign up to share your poem, dance, idea, sculpture, or visual art and receive generous feedback and encouragement. Sign-ups for sharing your art are limited, but even if you don’t share this time, it’s a great chance to build community and connect with other creatives!

Heartbeats Connection Circles 💞

These intimate, bi-weekly circles are for mothers/caregivers, creatives, and entrepreneurs to share resources and form new friendships in an informal, virtual co-working space.

• May’s Theme: Regeneration

• May 7th and 21st 10:30AM-12:00PM EST

• 45 min connecting, 45 min co-working on or off-camera

• Weekly journal prompts for reflection

• Check in weekly in the chat to share challenges/celebrate wins

• Limited to 10 participants per session*

*For paying members of Heartbeats. Check out the new Connection Circles Hub to register and find info on all the upcoming circle sessions, themes, and journal prompts.

Heartbeats Community Bulletin Board 📌

This is an idea I’ve had for a long time—a way for us to share our offerings and “cross-pollinate” our communities. 🐝

• Share your events, promotions, newsletters, or websites

• Included at the bottom of all future Heartbeats newsletters

• Limited to 6 postings per 6 months*

*For paying members of Heartbeats.

Heartbeats Chat 💬

• Continue conversations between Connection Circles

• Weekly check-ins with journal prompts*

• A place to ask for help, collaborate, brainstorm ideas, and be witnessed in our wins/challenges. 💖

*For paying members of Heartbeats.

*If you'd like to participate in any paid features but don't have the financial resources, email thebarefootbeat(at)gmail.com for a gifted subscription, no questions asked.

The connection economy rewards the leader, the initiator, and the rebel.

—Seth Godin

May we become the sacred rebels we long to see in the world.

All my love,
Mariah

Ways to support my writing and this community

Heartbeats is a community for creative caregivers (even if you are only caring for yourself!) to build community and honor the natural rhythyms and seasons of life. By financially contributing to Heartbeats you are saying yes to collaboration, connection, and creating sacred spaces where we can heal, learn, and honor each other with care.

• Send this letter to a friend or share on social media

• Leave a 💗or comment

• Reach out for a collaboration

• Make a one-time contribution via Venmo (@thebarefootbeat) or Paypal

Thank you for your presence here. 💞