inspiral blog

So this week we celebrated our second christmas as a group, and in doing so confirmed a couple of traditions.

The first was soundtracks: each of us chose an album’s worth of songs that we connected with this year, whether because of their lyrics or an event they are tied to, or just repeated listening. It’s a way of reflecting on the year we’ve had as individuals and as a group, and sharing that together. Music connects things for me better than any other medium – mention a song and it’s like mentioning a feeling, a place, a smell. I think it’s the same for a lot of people.

The other “new tradition” (if that’s not a contradiction in terms) is virtual gifts – again, something we did last year, but which worked well enough to try again. The idea here is to say what you would give to each person if you had unlimited resources. Seriously, it’s magical. I got (amongst other things) a couple of round the world trips with Bono, a dinner with Counting Crows and an extra day in my week. What did you get?

Mostly though it was great just to hang out with this crew and reflect on a year when we’ve all moved a long way together. Oh, and Em joined us, which was awesome. And my bro and sis-in-law joined us too, and that was really cool.

So here’s to inspiral year 3! We kick off again in Feb next year. Till then.

Above: The gang

Above: The spread

For G20 stuff, see Simon’s blog.

It’s been a wild few weeks, but so worth it.

As per usual with life stories, no details on here, but suffice it to say this group continually blows my mind. What we have here is special, truly special. I value and honour it greatly. There are times when we don’t meet for weeks, or have sparse turnups other weeks, but then there’s always a week like this that reminds me not only why we do this, but why we’re alive and on this earth at this place, at this time, among these people.