Why Gathering Matters So Much
By Trathen Heckman
November 6th, 2025

Happy Fall Good Friends,

First, I want to share a huge dose of gratitude for those who contributed to our Fall Campaign. We’ve raised $90k of our $100k goal, so close! If you haven’t donated yet, please do. Second, I hope to see you next week at our Fall Open House

I love fall’s energy, the natural pull to slow down with the season, to gather together and dream anew. This is especially needed in moments such as now, with so much that is so challenging. Amidst life’s bustle, it’s vital to rest, reflect and reconnect, to celebrate what’s working and gently acknowledge our hurt and losses.

We gather together to fill a deep-seated need for meaningful connection, to feel a part of something larger, to make sense of the beauty and hurt, our inspirations and outrage.

Two recent gatherings that have put wind in my sails were the annual Localizing California’s Waters State Conference (LCW) and a more intimate affair in my back yard.

LCW is an incredible community of change makers across the state from greywater and rainwater installers to workforce development groups, Indigenous Communities, local and state government and everyone in between. It’s a fun, intimate environment that is all about the power of small acts and groups. LCW shows how local collaborative approaches can lead to regional strategies and a shared vision of healthy watersheds and communities across California. This, like so many of the networks we are or have been a part of, are deeply enriching from personal relations to organizational strategy, partnerships and being a part of a larger whole caring for the earth, people and communities in places far and wide.

Check out the visual note taking from the panel Trathen facilitated at LCW on The Power of Small, Local Actions!

Just last week, Daily Acts’ team gathered together around a big table in our home garden. For all the things we do in and with gardens to affect landscape and community transformation, my favorite is the parties. Just coming together to laugh, connect, share food and beverage and nourish the collective. 

As important as gathering together is, as they say on the plane, “put your oxygen mask on before assisting others.” It’s vital to continue to pull in, recenter and take the time to find and follow your beacon, tending to your needs and who we are becoming through the stresses and difficulties of life in this time. We must continue to feed the fierce resolve to live our inspiration, our vision and values each day, in some meaningful way.

I want to leave you with a few questions to jot down in a journal or simply contemplate:

  • What are you deeply inspired by right now?
  • Are there hurts that need tending?
  • What small steps can you take to claim the space you need, for your health, vitality and to live and give your best?

The Daily Acts Staff and Board gathered around the table.

At Daily Acts, we are immensely grateful for how you show up for yourself, for us and the wider community. Though there is much difficulty, there are many bright spots. Next Thursday we’ll gather to connect, laugh, celebrate some of our shared wins and nourish the dreams ready to take root in the year ahead. I hope you’ll join us!

Take heart, take action,
Trathen Heckman