Liz WineQuaker Gatherings always have a profound impact on me and encourage me in immeasurable ways. I have been so fortunate to have been able to attend a number of Quaker Gatherings within the last few years that have left a deep impact on me. However, the struggle always comes in the form of the transition back to the 'real world.' Leaving behind a supportive community, Quaker process and a deeply spiritual week (or weekend) tends to leave me emotional and uncertain of how to step confidently when I return home.

Upon returning home from FGC Gathering I was faced with not only the continued demands of a new job, but with an anxiety that had recently been stifled, of driving on highways, due to past issues with transmission and tire blow outs. I can not explain this irrational tightness of the chest and the racing thoughts that come with these 60 mph roads. Pre-FGC I may have just white knuckled it on the highway. Yet, the slower and more intentional week of FGC reminded me I could take the slower way, the 'through town' way that allowed me to go at a more relaxed pace, away from the erratic drivers. It still got me there, even if it added ten minutes on to my trip. I found that this has given me a daily quiet space and time alone I may not otherwise get. Even if the FGC Gathering did not have a drastic life changing impact on me (such as giving up all material possessions or doing volunteer work overseas) it had a daily impact on me that I am grateful for—it is OK to do things the slower, calmer way, with a focus on the process, not the end result.