February’s SLC: Honoring Imbolc, Embracing Change

Simplicity Living
Written By Dani Keating

Simplicity Living Circle co-founder Nikki Zalesak leads the group in a closing meditation.

On Saturday, February 1st, the Simplicity Living Circle gathered once again at Lacey Woods Park to celebrate the turning of the Wheel and the festival of Imbolc. Despite the chill in the air and an unexpected fire ban in Arlington County, the group came together in the spirit of adaptability, resilience, and community.

Honoring Imbolc and Its Traditions

Imbolc (pronounced IM-olk), the ancient Celtic festival marking the midpoint between winter and spring, is a time of renewal, inspiration, and preparation for the year ahead. Traditionally, this sacred time honors Brigid, the goddess (and later saint) associated with fertility, creativity, healing, and the hearth. In Ireland, Imbolc was a moment to clear out the old and welcome the new, aligning with the energies of returning light and the promise of warmer days ahead.

AI generated image of Brigid, the Celtic goddess associated with fertility, creativity, healing and heart in Ireland. Image created by SLC co-founder, Dani Keating.

SLC Member Cheryl led the circle in a discussion about these traditions, grounding members in the deeper meaning of the season. In keeping with the theme of tending to the spark of inspiration within, members crafted their own fire starters—small bundles of lint and melted wax poured into egg cartons—reminders of the warmth we will soon welcome back.

Though unable to light a fire, the circle embodied the Imbolc spirit of adaptability, adjusting the format with care and flexibility. The group conducted a mindfulness walk, reconnecting with the land and surroundings, before Dani spoke about the significance of this moment—not only in the seasonal cycle but also in our current reality.

Navigating Uncertainty with Simplicity

We are living through a time of immense change, particularly within our federal government, and uncertainty can feel like an ever-present weight. In this vein, Dani acknowledged this upheaval while affirming the importance of staying grounded. Simplicity, at its core, is not about detachment from the world but about cultivating the inner stability to navigate it with wisdom and grace.

As practitioners of simplicity living, we have an opportunity—and perhaps a responsibility—to take care of ourselves so that we may be present and supportive for others. This theme carried into Nikki’s guided meditation, which offered a much-needed space to get centered in the midst of collective uncertainty.

A Community in Evolution

The meeting closed with participant introductions and a powerful group reflection on what we are ready to surrender and what we seek to invite into our lives. While the evening’s format was not without its challenges, it was a beautiful reminder that this circle is an evolving, participant-led space. The Simplicity Living Circle is not Dani’s group or Nikki’s group—it is a community, participant-led group, one that will continue to grow and shift with the contributions and dedication of each person who joins us.

As we move forward, Dani and Nikki invite all participants to step up, share their voices, and help shape this community into the self-sustaining space they envision. Your presence, energy, and willingness to engage are what make this gathering so meaningful.

Stay Tuned! Details for March’s SLC Forthcoming

Beginning in March, the format will slightly shift to incorporate more participant sharing and discussions on topics related to simplicity. We will also be inviting members to lean into their knowledge and specialties, bringing forth their unique talents to enrich the group experience. A separate email with a loose agenda for our next meeting will be forthcoming. Additionally, Dani will contact Arlington County regarding the fire ban and will update participants the day before the event on the status so that everyone can mentally and physically prepare accordingly.

Upcoming Events Led by Dani and/or Nikki

Dani Keating
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