Cohousing-L Mailing List: Valadation Cards

[Derek Meyer (yoderekm]

 I thought cohousers might be interested in an annual
 tradition from a community I used to live in. It's
 called Valadation Cards and they were given out on 
 Valentine's day.  It was started around 20 years ago
 after a member observed it while visiting an Isreali
 kibbutz. It's amazing how many of the members have
 kept these cards through the years as treasured
 posessions.
 
 Below is a description from former member Marsha: 
  
  The cards:
  A small group of people use craft supplies (colored
  paper, ribbon, colored markers, lace, glitter,
  collage materials like magazine pictures, and glue)
  to create a unique card for each member of the
  community. The cards are put in a central place for
  a week or so, with the expectation that you will
 not look at yours until it's given to you.
  
  Writing in the cards:  The expectation is that 
members will write something validating and true,
something we appreciate about each person. It began by
writing in everyone's card, so no one would feel left
out. It really doestake some thoughtfulness to come up
with something positive about the inner person, not
just that you like the colors they wear, or that you
like that they did something for you. It's about them,
not you.
  
  And it's so fun! I realize my words above sound
  serious, but it really was a fun challenge to write
  heart-centered things about each person. And what a
  delight to see yourself mirrored back by so many
  others! 
  It was like getting many hugs at one time! And I'm
 sure that's why we've saved them all these years .

   Marsha :)
 


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