Talking Sticks + Open Mics
Our main event format is the talking stick ritual. Like King Arthur’s knights at the round table, or Quanah Parker’s tipi meeting centered around the fire, it’s about leveling the playing field, speaking with intention, listening with respect, and creating a space where everyone feels seen and heard. In a world that moves so fast, talking stick rituals ask us to slow down, to connect, and to remember that every voice matters. See our article for more info: Ancient Magic of the Talking Stick Ritual.
A secondary format that we know and love is the standard open mic event. In fact, our organization started as a live music event called Hive Open Mic. We hosted events locally and also globally through the HIVE blockchain, exceeding 200 consecutive weeks, spotlighting hundreds of musicians and thousands of listeners. It is natural to see the common thread between these two event types—Flower Songs events focus on creative expression and community connection.
“I learned so much by observing and listening to all who shared—it became less about performing and more about how to connect to others through authentic expression of the heart.”—Shelly Searle
Our vision is this: simple glimpses of everyday heaven on earth. Whether we’re looking through a secular or spiritual lens, we don’t have to die to find paradise—we only have to truly live. That’s why we do this Work, with a capital “W,” and it is an honor. We welcome people from all walks of life to join in and enjoy each other’s gifts. Stay updated through our Facebook Group, and visit our Song Index to sing along.
To us, the times are calling us toward ancient ways and modern wonder. It’s time for us to slow down, check in, and ask the question: “What lights us up?” This brings us clarity and focus. This helps us to balance the chaos, clutter, and negativity we find elsewhere in the world, when conversations can feel like a race to speak, with interruptions and misunderstandings piling up like traffic jams. No interruptions, no multitasking, no checking our phones. It’s simple, and maybe that’s why it feels so revolutionary.
Sacred structures such as the talking stick ritual brings us back to basics: one person speaks, everyone else listens. We practice generous listening. This involves openness, empathy, and a deep commitment to understanding the speaker’s perspective. It engages wordlessly with the speaker, setting aside personal biases or judgments, and creating a safe space for honest communication. In this way, our presence might be the spark that ignites the fire of passion, path, and higher purpose.
Community Agreements
- Co-creation: Help create a safe, shared space.
- Inclusivity: Welcome all voices and backgrounds.
- Generous Listening: Honor the speaker with ample attention.
- Time Awareness: Use the bell for gentle time reminders.
- Space Presence: Co-create a safe, sacred container.
- Respectful Speech: Share openly, lovingly, and truthfully.
- Personal Choice: Opt-out of recordings or responses, if preferred.
- Bloom: Generate gratitude to rise above the mud.