Reflections from a year in
The doors of Mango in a Pot have been opened for just over a year. The space has taken on many forms throughout these past 12 months, but most importantly, it has served as a facilitator for connection and community.
The studio grows and roots
Not only have I myself undergone an immense transformation in the past year, but the studio has fully sprung to life. First slowly, like a seed planted that begins as a small sprout and then all at once. I looked away for a minute and the growth was almost too much to contain. The studio’s journey has coincided with a fig sapling that I planted in my garden around the time I got the keys last year. Both of which have now taken form, are still slightly fragile, have learned to grow and root - even in the face of challenge - and most importantly have become a foundation for community.
The fig tree facilitates connection, lavendar plants all around it’s feet, ivy cascades behind it, completely overtaking the fence. At first I was concerned that the already existing ecosystem would be too competitive for the fig tree to take root, but by spring time it was growing at a rate that came as a shock to me. The studio has been no different. My idea, planted into a part of Amsterdam I didn’t know very well, worries at first but then surprising growth, surprising ease, surprising support from community.
I’ve tried my best to tend to the studio space as I’ve tended to my plants in the garden. Providing nourishment and support, never forcing, and always allowing time and space to do their gentle work.
A note of gratitude
Perhaps its the law of attraction, the studio being a magnet for love and support (or something like that), but the individuals who now make up the studio community are some of the most beautiful souls I have ever met. I’ve lived in Amsterdam for years before opening this space and the city has changed appearance to me over the past year. I’ve been able to establish a solid connection with community, something I took for granted as a child and completely lost as an urban resident for years. It’s good to be back, knitted into the fabric of my home city.
The greatest gift of this past year is exactly that - the people. The lovely people who make the studio what it is. The beautiful and creative community of members, those who come curious and ready to learn in workshops, supportive partners and helpful neighbors, even the men from the mosque who wave to me through the window everyday when they walk by. It’s truly incredibly to witness what magic can happen when you start to allow a web of connection to take form.
I offer my most sincere gratitude for all of you, who continue to support the space, who continue to make it as beautiful and magical as it is. May this next year bring us even more blessings.
Just as the fig tree is gearing up for another season of growth and productivity, as are we. Moving at a natural pace and adapting to challenges when need be, but always remembering that we are part of something bigger.
