Events Gallery
Greenhouse Gives
Events Gallery
Expansion: Enduring resilience
November 16th, 2024
Discussion Summary:
At Expansion: Enduring Resilience, we explored the complexities, challenges, and resilience of Indigenous communities. The panelists shared powerful insights into what it means to be Indigenous, emphasizing the importance of asking individuals how they prefer to identify and approaching conversations with respect and good intentions. They shed light on navigating misunderstandings, prejudice, and oppression, offering personal stories and reflections that deeply resonated with attendees.
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Key themes included the collectivist values of Indigenous cultures, such as family, connection, and harmony with the earth, contrasted with the more individualistic mainstream culture. The panelists also spoke about the importance of preserving traditions, language, and spiritual practices—elements historically threatened by oppression—and their ongoing efforts to embrace cultural pride while seeking mutual respect within the broader society.
Attendees left inspired and moved, having gained a deeper understanding of Indigenous culture and resilience. This Expansion event provided a meaningful opportunity to break down stereotypes, foster empathy, and take a step toward a more inclusive and compassionate world.
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Food for Thought:
How can we take steps to ensure we build understanding and offer support to the Indigenous community? In what ways can we be more open to the collectivist values and approaches of the Indigenous people? What role can we play in supporting the preservation of cultural traditions, languages, and practices of Indigenous peoples while advocating for their rights and visibility?
Third Annual Yoga and Games
October 26th, 2024
Event Summary:
The third annual Yoga and Games was a truly beautiful experience. Ryan Fowler led an incredible yoga session that brought peace and calm to all who joined, as Mark’s live piano music wove through the air, creating a soothing and uplifting atmosphere. It felt wonderful to be outdoors, soaking up the sun, moving our bodies, and letting the music carry us into a space of relaxation and connection with nature. Despite the heat, our community showed up, and we’re so grateful to everyone who joined us under the warm sky! The success of this day has us considering a date shift to cooler months, so the next Yoga and Games may arrive sooner than expected—possibly in April or March!
After yoga, we shared in activities that brought joy, healing, and connection to everyone. Some sang karaoke or shared freestyle raps, while others had heartfelt conversations, opened up about personal struggles, or found comfort and support in the community’s embrace. A few people colored Kinsley pages, rediscovering the simple joy and healing that comes from creativity, and others explored the thought-provoking Book of Questions. There was juggling, hula hooping, laughter over games like Guesstures, and a shared indulgence of delicious baked goods donated by Panera Bread. As the sun softened into Golden Hour, the sense of warmth and community deepened, leaving a feeling of soul-nourishment that resonated through us all.
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At Greenhouse Gives, we’re dedicated to creating safe spaces that allow people to connect, share, and simply be themselves. We welcome you to join us for future events, to laugh, heal, and experience the beauty of community alongside us.​ We are #BetterTogether.
Real Talk: Redefining Leadership
July 20th, 2024
Discussion Summary:
In our enlightening discussion on leadership, we explored its complexities and profound impact, recognizing that leaders come in many forms. While some leaders focus on strength and control, others emphasize warmth and collaboration. We agreed that everyone has the potential to lead in their own lives, influencing those around them positively. We explored how effective leadership includes traits like collaboration, communication, trust-building, active listening, assertiveness, authenticity, and setting others up for success. Embracing these characteristics daily can inspire and empower others.
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We also discussed the essential balance between leadership and followership to effectively contribute to collective well-being. We challenged cultural norms that glorify leaders while undermining followers and discussed how both roles are crucial for a harmonious society and embracing one's unique strengths. We acknowledged challenges like systemic inequalities and privilege and embraced the hope that by redefining our cultural norms for leadership we can create a more inclusive and compassionate world.
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Food for Thought:
How can we show up as a leader for ourselves and create the life we want? How can we work to cultivate more compassionate and inclusive leadership that recognizes the strength in diversity? How can we work to overcome systemic inequalities and societal barriers affecting leadership development and roles?
Better Together March
May 18th, 2024
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Discussion Summary:
The Better Together March at Tempe Beach Park was a testament to the power of unity in today's often divided world. Every step we took was a step against prejudice, a step towards stronger community bonds. It was truly inspiring to see such a diverse group of people come together, embracing the ideals of community and cooperation under the gentle hues of a setting sun. Our event highlighted the beauty of diversity, with attendees sharing laughter, stories, and creating connections that transcended their differences.
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The event featured poster-making that expressed our call for unity, a calming meditation, and a relaxing gathering with games and delicious pizza graciously donated by 414 Pub Pizza. Join our movement as we continue to walk the path of unity, fostering a world where everyone feels valued, seen, and connected. This GHG event was a living testimony to how we are indeed #BetterTogether.
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Food for Thought:
How can each of us actively contribute to building a more inclusive community in our everyday actions? In what ways does embracing diversity enrich our personal and professional lives? What steps can we take to transform moments of unity from special events into sustained daily practice?
Real Talk: Uniting Humanity
March 23rd, 2024
Discussion Summary:
During our discussion, we explored the beauty of human diversity - our differences, privileges, and shared values. A powerful privilege walk activity vividly showed the varied challenges and advantages we face, and reminded us of everyone's inherent value irrespective of their background or privileges. We acknowledged how our primal instincts to judge can be overcome with self-awareness, compassion and a conscious effort to connect.
We discussed insights on how to cultivate unity by asking open-minded questions, seeking to understand, embracing inclusivity, and stepping out of our comfort zones to learn from diverse paths. These discussions reinforced the idea that every interaction is an opportunity to build bridges and foster a sense of belonging and understanding across diverse groups.
In conclusion, we left with a renewed commitment to act as beacons of unity in our daily lives, advocating for understanding and connection. Each of us has the power to contribute to a world where unity overcomes division, where empathy silences judgment, and where our shared humanity is the foundation upon which we build a brighter future. This vision for a peaceful, harmonious world calls us to advocate for unity in all we do, inviting everyone to join this noble quest.
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Food for Thought:
How has your privileges and disadvantages affected the way you connect with others? In what ways can you promote unity in your day to day life? How can you work to accept others' differences and contribute to a more inclusive world?
Real Talk: Light in the Dark
January 27th, 2024
Discussion Summary:
During our group discussion, we explored the profound interplay of darkness and light, unraveling the beauty of both in our lives. We redefined darkness as not the enemy but an opportunity for introspection, rest, and a deeper understanding of our emotions and passions. Darkness became a necessary catalyst, urging us to seek the light within ourselves and others.
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Acknowledging that light begets light, we explored the transformative power of sharing our inner radiance to create a brighter, more loving and compassionate world. We recognized that while external support is invaluable, our true strength lies in nurturing and strengthening our inner light which emanates from self-love, self-awareness, and authenticity. We discussed the challenges of embracing our inner light and the importance of staying true to ourselves even when the world doesn’t understand us or tries to put out our light. We acknowledged how light can feel foreign and scary for some individuals who have primarily experienced darkness in life. Embracing light demands bravery, determination, strength, trust, and openness.
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Together, we explored ways to share our light through kindness, compassion, understanding, and support. Recognizing that a single spark can ignite a ripple effect, we concluded that by collectively illuminating the world, we become agents of positive change. Let's continue this luminous journey, for within each of us lies the power to create a brighter and more inspiring world.
Food for Thought:
What is the relationship that you have with darkness and light in your life? How can you learn from the darkness in order to gain a deeper appreciation for the light? In what ways can you nurture and strengthen the light within yourself, recognizing that your true power lies in self-love and authenticity? How can you cultivate the bravery, determination, and openness needed to authentically express and radiate your inner brilliance, even in the face of potential challenges?
Yoga and Games
October 28th, 2023
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Event Summary
Yoga and Games was a true testament to the power of community and compassion. With a backdrop of soothing yoga, beautiful weather, and heartfelt connections, it was an unforgettable day that left us all inspired and hopeful.
Under the clear blue skies and warm sun, participants experienced a unique blend of relaxation, fun interactions, and deep conversations. This event showcased the essence of what Greenhouse Gives stands for – creating safe spaces where people come together, learn about diverse communities, and engage in meaningful discussions and interactions.
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We owe a special thanks to Sara, our talented yoga instructor from Journey to the Self Yoga, for guiding us through a truly transformative practice that recognized the individual needs of each body. The live piano performance by Mark Dorris added an extra layer of serenity to the event.
We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the ASL interpreters who played a pivotal role in making the event more accessible and inclusive for all participants.
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Our mission is to make the world a better place by fostering unity and compassion, and your support is invaluable. By subscribing to our email newsletter, following us on social media, or making a donation, you become a part of this inspiring journey. Together, we can continue to create safe spaces, cultivate deep discussions, and spread positivity and light. Join us as we work to prove that we are #bettertogether. Thank you for being a part of this incredible movement.
Real Talk: Living Artfully
September 2nd, 2023
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Discussion Summary
Our group discussed what makes something "art" and how maybe everything is art. We discussed how art may be a combination of perception, intention and creativity. Maybe art becomes "art" when we can connect with it by seeing something of ourselves in the art. Almost like a mirror reflecting back at us. Maybe art is within our human nature and design. We are emotional and cognitive beings designed to make, do, and express. Maybe everything we make is an intentional creation and therefore a form of art. From our homes, to our clothes, to paintings and music.. Art is everywhere. Art shapes our community and the world. Art may have been something innate in our human existence, and we then capitalized it by creating art to be sold. Art has the power to manipulate minds and emotions through, for example, marketing and advertising. How is this sort of power being used by those with money and influence? Yet, we also discussed how art can have extremely positive influences and be used as a therapeutic tool to address mental health challenges. We discussed how art can be a tool for practicing mindfulness, relaxation, acceptance, and focus. Everyone contributed to the discussion by sharing aspects of their experience with art and their perception of art. We agreed that art is difficult to define with words, but can be more easily felt with our heart.
Food for Thought:
How do you determine what is considered art? What would life be like if you perceived everything as art? How has art impacted your choices in life (your style, your home decor, your self-expression, your purchases, etc.)? How can you incorporate more healing art into your life? What types of art do you find soothing and healing? How can you live artfully?
Real Talk: Exploring Identity
June 17th, 2023
Discussion Summary:
Our group discussed what shapes our identity and how the essence of who we are is complex and unquantifiable. We discussed how society pressures us to conform and be defined by our labels and roles (such as mother, teacher, woman, etc.) and fails to fully encompass or represent the complex human being that we truly are. We discussed the tendency our brain has to place people and ourselves into categories in order to help make sense of our world, and how these categories and labels are actually quite limiting, restrictive and primitive. Everyone contributed to the discussion by sharing aspects of their identities and how their identities have impacted their life and choices. We discussed how over-identification and attachment to identities can lead us to distress and create a barrier to embracing our true selves. We agreed that having an open mind, being mindful of the words we use to describe ourselves and others, and daring to stay true to ourselves in a world that pressures us to conform is an important part of leading a more peaceful and fulfilling life.
Reflection Questions:
How have you determined who you are? What roles, labels, and words do you identify with? What parts of your identity did you choose for yourself and what parts of your identity do you think were determined by others, by society, or by chance? How does your sense of identity impact your choices, behaviors and relationships? Whose opinions and beliefs have the greatest impact on how you conceptualize your identity?
Cultural Impact on Mental Health
May 13th, 2023
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Discussion Summary:
Our group discussed how culture plays a significant role in shaping our mental health experience. We discussed how our cultural norms and expectations can put a lot of pressure on us to conform to a way of life that may not be aligned with our truth. Group panelists shared about their personal experiences regarding how religion, cultural norms, beliefs, and generational traumas shaped who they are. We discussed the importance of being true to yourself, engaging in self-care, and having healthy boundaries with self and others.
Reflection Questions:
In what ways has your culture and upbringing influenced your mental health and the way you perceive yourself? How can you support yourself when your culture is negatively impacting your mental health? How can we work together to create a culture that is more nurturing of mental health needs and challenges?
Real Talk: Finding Purpose
February 25th, 2023
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Discussion Summary:
Our group discussed how society and culture puts a lot of pressure on us to find our purpose in life. We discussed the tendency to perceive purpose as an objective rather than as deeper meaning in life, and how that impacts our confidence in achieving life fulfillment. Everyone shared about a time when they felt connected to life and themselves and how life purpose is an intangible, unachievable concept. That, maybe, there is no "purpose" in life, but rather an ongoing exploration for meaning by making choices to be true to ourselves and live in accordance with our values. We also discussed Ikigai, a Japanese concept about one's reason for being, and how that could be applied to each of our lives.
Reflection Questions:
How are you creating meaning in your life? What values help guide your life decisions? Are you working so hard to find your life purpose, that you're missing out on the beauty that life currently has to offer you?
Real Talk: Societal Change January 19th, 2023
Discussion Summary:
Our group discussed how one of the hardest parts of societal change is agreeing on what we want to change and how we want to change it. We discussed how what may be perceived as positive change for one group of people, may not be perceived as positive to another group of people. We discussed how it's important to recognize and accept our differences rather than trying to change everyone to be the same as us. We agreed that change begins with each individual person taking responsibility for their part in this world and helping to make the world a better place by spreading awareness, compassion, and kindness.
Reflection Questions:
So, how are you helping to make a difference in this world? How are you showing grace, humility and understanding to diverse others? What can you do to give back?
YOga and GAmes
October 21st, 2022
Game Night
September 23rd, 2022
expansion: Living in Silence July 22nd, 2022
Expansion: Artistic Evolution
June 24th, 2022
