Group Profile (from MapleLine Magazine, Vol.2 No.2, page 25)   |         February 3, 2010

Last summer Lynn Goodacre had an “aha!” moment: “Many people in Sooke are deep thinkers who value personal and spiritual growth ... they are concerned about our impact on planet Earth... they might want to share ideas and build community.” The first meeting of The Consciousness Cafe in Sept.09 attracted 38 people. Open to all, every first-Thursday of the month (7 pm, Reading Room Cafe). Call Lynn or Kim for info: 250-642-0391.

Online story by Lynn Goodacre    |         February 28, 2010

What do you get when you cross people wanting to discuss meaningful topics and people looking to build community? You get the Sooke Consciousness Cafe!

The Sooke Consciousness Cafe was born from an idea last summer when Lynn Goodacre became aware of her own need and others’ to have a place to talk about personal and spiritual growth and to get together with kindred spirits. She ran this idea by a number of people who said they felt isolated and longed for such a group... and the Cafe became a reality in September.

Spreading the news by word of mouth resulted in nearly forty people attending the inaugural meeting which was chaired by Lynn Goodacre and her partner, Kim Brandt. Small groups were formed so that each person would have an opportunity to discuss goals, dreams and visions for the Consciousness Cafe. The overwhelming response indicated that people wanted to build a community in which they could discuss topics that matter to them.

The Sooke Consciousness Cafe is held monthly and there have been many topics discussed such as “living in the now”; “your experience of the divine in your life”; “what is sustainability?” “how important are new friends in your life?” and “what is kindness and what actions demonstrate it?”. The usual format is to have attendees write down ideas for discussion which are then chosen at random. All are welcome and encouraged to contribute but if people prefer not to say anything, their choice is respected. Ten to fifteen people usually turn out on these dark wintry nights, drawn by the warmth of being heard and hearing others in this stimulating and engaging venue.

In November there was a change from the usual format when a local group did a presentation on Transition Towns. This is about building community in the face of climate change, peak oil and global financial instability.
What do members of the Sooke Consciousness Cafe say about it?

Last month we had someone attend the group for the first time. "Green" Kelly Proctor had recently moved to Sooke and was very enthusiastic about her experience! In her words, “New to Sooke and looking for like-minded people, attended my first meeting and loved it! Wish it was once a week or at least twice a month. Gaining new perspectives, opening my mind farther, holding space and having a social gathering healthy to my body mind and spirit are some of the reasons I will be back again and again, with friends!”

John Bigras, who drives out from Victoria to attend said this: “It’s important to me to have connection to others, wherein those who are moved to are able to explore the esoteric, alternate realities, life styles and non-mainstream belief systems, and the Café provides that for me. It’s a warm, fun and open community of seekers, involved in supporting each other in their often challenging explorations of the unorthodox, the profound and the profane.”

Mary Holland, who has attended almost every month: “Consciousness Cafe is a place and time where we informally meet and accept whoever joins in for an evening of down-home philosophizing, listening to our lives, and sharing our views on whatever topics are suggested. With the warmth of a hot drink and the true Sooke spirit of friendliness, Consciousness Cafe gives us another opportunity to connect with one another in an environment of respect and mutual inquiry.”

Monthly meetings are held at the Reading Room Cafe in the Evergreen Mall in Sooke town centre, on the first Thursday evening of each month. Doors open at 7:00 pm for informal socializing and purchasing of refreshments, and meetings start at 7:30 pmand end at 9:00 pm sharp. New people are always welcome to attend. There is no commitment to “join” -- you come when you feel like it. Each person pays $2 to help to cover the cost of Kathe Drover opening the Reading Room Cafe just for the meeting.

You can join the contact list by emailing sookeconsciousnesscafe@gmail.com or by phoning Lynn or Kim at 250-642-0391.  MM