TML gatherings weave social connection, individual reflection and learning and nourishment for our souls and stomachs alike, through seasonally inspired wisdom and shared meals. Come prepared for a growing community of curious minds, playful vibes and respect for the sacred.

Lammas Summer Gathering

Welcome to the first of the harvest festivals. The festival of Lammas (or Lughnasa) is a time to notice what has grown from the efforts we’ve put in this year and a time to pause, reflect and appreciate what we are harvesting in our lives. Lammas is a Saxon name meaning ‘loaf-mass’ which reflects the celebrating of the harvest of grain.

The first loaves were made as an offering at this time of year. The grain harvest whether it be the wheat, barley, corn, rye or oats would have been a significant undertaking, so it’s no wonder our ancestors had a moment of celebration once the work was done.

We’ll be gathering to mark Lammas with a bread ritual (don’t worry, even gluten free folks will be catered for!) and a picnic of all the lovely things that go so well with bread: think cheeses, chutneys, jams, fruits, salads, etc.

And we’ll also be taking offerings of skills…come share a skill with us. All attendees are invited to do a 5-10 minute demonstration or show-and-tell, on your favourite subject or a specific skill you’ve learned. I’ll prep a loose schedule for those sharing in case there are any logistics needing to be considered, so please let me know when you sign up to attend what you’d like to share. Whatever the skill is, from learning to play the harmonica to tarot card reading, clothes mending, painting, photography or secrets to winning Wordle…come along and share it in a grounded, beautiful space with us.

No requirement to participate, listening and offering your presence is enough, but any contributions will be greatly received in community.

What to Expect

• Simple opening welcome ritual to set the tone and theme

• Seasonal reflections

• Informal time to chat and get to know one another

• Shared vegetarian/vegan meal - this is a homemade meal lovingly prepared by all attendees (please do not purchase things at a shop on your way. why? read the FAQs.)

• A fire, if the weather/location permits

• Poetry, stories or music shared around the fire

You are welcome to participate as much or as little as feels right.

Who It’s For

This is an open, kind and inclusive space for open, kind and inclusive people.

We organise our gatherings around the community that’s consistently showing up for them. The aim is for these gatherings to be collaborative and intentional. This means we ask that if you want to join us, you do so with intention. Your willingness to prepare in advance a dish to share or a poem, story or song (or for Lammas a demo or presentation of skill or knowledge) with the group is a part of the ritual of these seasonal gatherings. Your intentional offerings in this space help to create a collaborative, nurturing space where we are all giving as well as receiving. We’d love for you to join us in the spirit of our gatherings as we cultivate a community of intention and care.

If you find there are barriers to participating, please reach out for a chat about how we might remove those barriers. Collaboration means speaking up and figuring out how to remove barriers together.

Read the This Mortal Life FAQ for more info.

Important to Know

This is a community gathering, not an event, therapy session or a support group. We understand and define the difference in this way: community gatherings are collaborative spaces created through mutual intention and care. Our intentional preparation means we arrive to these spaces prepared to give as well as receive.

While personal conversation and reflection are welcome, participants remain responsible for their own wellbeing. You are always free to observe, participate or step away at any time. Only share what feels comfortable to do so.

Practical Details

🌿 Outdoor setting on natural ground - pavement, grass, sand and uneven ground
👥 Medium group size - up to 10-12 people max
☕ Our gatherings are alcohol-free, bring a water bottle or whatever you prefer to drink
👢 Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy footwear, bring a picnic blanket or camping chair

Full arrival information will be shared via an email the week of the event to those who RSVP.

About Your Host

Esther Hall is a Creative Community Facilitator, Advance Planning Advocate and Educator and Founder of This Mortal Life, where we create spaces that explore how awareness of mortality can deepen our experience of living and belonging. We’re on a journey of learning to live more aligned with the natural rhythms of nature, and welcome anyone who’d like to join us in this purpose. You can read more about Esther here (scroll down).

Join Us

📍 Kewstoke - exact location provided after you’ve registered.
📅 Sunday, 2nd August
⏰ 5pm start
💰 Free to attend for members, £5 for non-members - Register by 28th July here. Please RSVP if you plan to attend by the deadline provided above, we will then send you an email the week of the event for up to date details on the weather and plans for the day.

👥 Open to all adults interested in reflection, connection and community - We want to ensure everyone feels comfortable with the dynamics of the gathering. If you would like to attend, but have concerns or questions, please reach out for a chat. My DMs are always open or email me at hello@thismortallife.co.uk.

Follow along on Instagram or Facebook to stay connected - @thismortallife.uk