November SLC: The Fire of Remembering
Christina co-facilitates the SLC
On a brilliant, golden afternoon on 1 November, the Simplicity Living Circle of Northern Virginia gathered beneath the rustling canopy of Lacey Woods Park. Autumn blazed around us—leaves crisp and ember-bright, air cool with the promise of slowing down—and with it came our largest gathering yet: 47 beautiful souls drawn together by the desire to live more simply, more intentionally, and more connected to each other and the turning seasons.
As our circle continues to grow, so too does its evolution. We are shifting gently toward a leader-full model—where wisdom is not held by one or two, but shared by many. Each person carries stories, traditions, and knowing within them. Each person is invited to “tend the fire”. And this month, as we honored our ancestors, that sharing felt especially alive. We are actively seeking our next experiential guide for December’s gathering, where we’ll celebrate Yule and the returning light.
Dani and Christina opened the event, co-facilitating a reflection on Samhain and Día de los Muertos—two celebrations rooted in remembrance. At Samhain, the ancient Celts honored the final harvest, the thinning veil, and the quieting of the world. Día de los Muertos, meanwhile, invites us to remember with joy. These traditions may be oceans apart, and yet their heartbeats are the same: those who walked before us still walk beside us.
Cheryl shares her practice of honoring her ancestors
Next, Cheryl guided the circle deeper into the cultural roots of Día de los Muertos and shared her personal ancestor practice using the offerings alcohol and tea, wearing red to call in her lineage, and tending a ritual space with presence and reverence. Then, she passed around jasmine and lemongrass incense—a fragrant invitation to each of us to remember someone across the veil. Smoke curled like whispers, carrying memory skyward.
From there, Christina opened the floor, inviting others to share their own ways of honoring loved ones who have passed. The circle became a story-weaving: altars made of photographs and favorite foods, candles set near windows, family recipes stirred slowly with quiet love. It was beautiful to witness new ideas land gently into open hands—sparks of future traditions.
As the sun dipped lower, Shaileen (“Shai”) led our Fire Ritual. Participants wrote down what they were ready to release—old habits, tangled thoughts, fears no longer serving—and what they wished to invite in—courage, calm, clarity, compassion. Speaking these aloud is no small thing; it is an act of truth-telling. And when those folded papers touched flame, they transformed. In smoke, we witnessed letting go. In embers, we glimpsed becoming.
Just before 5:00 PM, another group arrived to use the fire pit. In true simplicity fashion, we pivoted gracefully, carrying our offerings to the park pavilion. There, Ethan led us in a mindful walk through the twilight woods. Leaves crunched softly beneath our feet. Cool air wrapped around us like a shawl. Our breath became visible, weaving us into the season’s slowing pulse.
Nikki leads the group in a closing meditation
When we returned, Nikki closed our gathering with a spacious, grounding meditation—drawing together the threads of remembrance, release, and renewal. Drums emerged next, sending rhythm into the cooling night. Conversations unfurled. Laughter rose. New friendships sparked beneath the darkening sky.
As the light faded completely, we found ourselves in community: sharing snacks, stories, and simple joy. Twice each year—after the autumn and spring equinoxes—this circle intentionally breaks bread together, honoring the ancient instinct to gather at the changing of the light. To eat in community is to remember: we are not meant to do any of this alone.
The wheel of the year now turns toward winter—the fertile dark, where seeds dream underground. This is the season of inward tending. Of candles and wool blankets. Of ancestral whispers. And as we rest, we carry the warmth of this gathering in our chests like coals.
We hope you’ll join us next month for Yule, where another community leader will step forward to guide us into the returning light. If you feel called, please reach out—we would love to support your leadership.
Until then: walk gently, honor your ancestors, and tend the flame of your becoming.
With gratitude and ember-bright hearts,
The Simplicity Living Circle
About the Co-Founders
Dani is a Simplicity Living Practitioner and Life Coach dedicated to helping individuals simplify their inner and outer worlds, reconnect with nature, and live with intentional ease.
🔗 Learn more at: https://www.coachingwithdanijk.com/blog
✨ Follow along on Instagram: @simplicitynomad
Nikki (Rain Walker Healing) is a Massage Therapist and Reiki Master who blends earth-based spirituality, energy work, and intuitive wisdom to support holistic healing and community connection.
🔗 Learn more at: https://rainwalkerhealing.com/
✨ Follow along on Instagram: @rainwalkerhealing
Together, they envisioned the Simplicity Living Circle as a place where modern life’s noise softens—and where the quiet voice of the soul can finally be heard.