The Festive Season at the Humaniversity

By Sambodhi

Growing up in Israel, I didn’t have Christmas celebrations until I was 30 years old, when I came to live at Humaniversity. That first Christmas here was a revelation. Not just because of the lights, the music, and the special atmosphere that were all new to me, but because I felt something deeper: a sense of family. Humaniversity quickly became my home, and the community here became my chosen family.

Making Friends

Before I moved here, I was good at pushing people away. I wasn’t so aware of it, nor was I aware that underneath my tough image, I carried a load of pain. Letting people close meant that I would have to feel that pain, so I kept people at a safe distance. My life felt incomplete, and I didn’t know why. I was longing for something else.

My fellow students in the ‘One Year Intensive’ were the first people in my life to stand by me when I tried to push them away. They wanted to get to know the real me under my protection. Letting go of my defense and allowing them closer was not an easy process, but by the time my first Christmas was approaching, I had already softened up and made new friends who were courageous enough to ask “what’s going on?” when I disappeared, and didn’t accept my response when I snapped at them with red eyes saying “nothing”.

Coming Together

There is something truly magical about celebrating the festive season with the people you care about. At Humaniversity, we come together in a way that is more than just a holiday gathering. Our “Coming Together” workshop is a highlight during this special time, where we create connections, and work on healing and self-discovery. It is a space where you can let go of old patterns, reflect on the past year, and make room for growth as you enter the new one. 

Together with my dear friend and co-leader Jayesh, we are bringing our friendship and experience of living together into the workshop, creating a warm and heartfelt environment for everyone to feel safe, seen, and welcome. Our friendship is one of the sweetest things about this time of year for me. We are longtime friends and have this mutual acceptance, which gives us the space to share everything with each other. I believe this quality sets the tone for the entire workshop and brings lightness and openness.

Celebration

Alongside the workshop, some highlights during the festive season include our special Christmas dinner: the Diner Dansant, a dance event with Geetee that is also live on Instagram, and a New Year’s Dance Party, where the whole community comes together to celebrate life, express ourselves, and simply enjoy being together. 

You are also welcome to join our Community Experience Program, where you take part in the Humaniversity community as a worker for some days or longer. In addition, for the teenagers, we have a Tan-Ju camp for young people, aged 14-20, who want to make this world a better place to live in by being open, honest and caring, and by mastering the art of friendship.

The festive season is a great time to create change and memories that will last forever. Let us come together to celebrate, discover ourselves, and make the most of this beautiful moment in time.

I am looking forward to celebrating with you,

Sambodhi