vol. 75 / connected

Meet our guest editor...

VOL. 75   /  CONNECTED There’s no place like here. The degree to which Richmonders are connected reflects the strength and resiliency of our community. But community connection doesn’t just happen, it’s the result from having connections on multiple levels — starting with one’s connection to self.  Sydney Lester, this week's guest editor, has rounded up three suggestions to help you connect with this place we call home. Sydney is the CEO of Chic Stripes, a personal styling company and the founder of Style Camp, a transformative 6-week guided virtual program to help women find, hone or reset their personal style. Take it away, Sydney!  Connect Silently Sometimes all you need is a good book, comfy chair, strong drink, no talking and … a bunch of other people? Silent Reading Party, created by Sarah Choi, encourages you to create an intentional quiet space in your calendar for reading the old fashioned way and made more fun with a few twists, like eclectic drink menus ordered via paper and pencil and the presence of people who do not talk to each other ... at all. The demand for the Silent Reading Party has turned into a set-your-alarm type situation and now has enough silent readers for two groups in Richmond and one in Charlottesville. Reading has never been a more fun - or silent - way to connect. Follow @silentreadingpartyrva and @silentreadingpartycville on Instagram to find out about the date and location of the next Silent Reading Party.   Vitals: Sign up for the next Silent Reading Party in Richmond or Charlottesville Connect Authentically The Rebelle Community calls itself a club without a clubhouse and is made up of women who are seeking an alternative to the traditional networking and women's group experiences. From panels featuring women sharing the nitty gritty behind all the things they quit (six figure jobs, marriages), to creative workshops tuning into one’s physical body to make life decisions, to mixers (with both lots of bubbly and thoughtful nonalcoholic options), this is the place to connect authentically and build relationships.   Vitals: Rebelle Community Connect Mindfully This is not your ordinary meditation center. Brought to life as a collaboration between two women-owned businesses, Shockoe Slip Yoga and Fantastically Fit, the Mindfulness Bar is committed to “making silence sexy.” From a menu that lets you book a “shot” of meditation, “by the bottle” group workshops, or a “total detox” that brings on-site consulting + meditation to you, you’ll find that connecting mindfully doesn’t have to be taken so seriously. Want to ease in? Schedule a seasonal “On the Rocks,” a 45-minute walking meditation to the James River and back.    Vitals: Mindfullness Bar   Grid is here. The spring issue of Richmond Grid, a collaboration with Coffee With Strangers RVA, is now available! This issue of Grid was co-produced with guest editors, Matt Pochily and Kelli Lemon, and is designed to explore the positive impact of strangers throughout the Richmond community. Contact us if you'd like Richmond Grid delivered to your local business, organization, or good cause. And follow Richmond Grid on Instagram and Facebook for daily news that celebrates RVA.  READ GRID