Grotto Network

A note to our followers: It's going to be a little quieter here as we pour our time and energy into our other platforms. But Grotto's not going anywhere! Here's where you can keep up with us: instagram.com/GrottoNetwork/ grottonetwork.com/connect

It's hard not to be struck by the power of harmony, of bandmates or musicians working seamlessly together to create a beautiful sound. There's magic in that experience.

"Listen, create, accept, love — live this mentality...Expand the world you want to live in, and choose to be accountable for how you invite the people around you to belong."

This can certainly be challenging. h/t: @matthewbecklo

Never underestimate the art of being prepared. #GrottoMoments

Have you played music with others? In a school band, on a stage, or maybe in someone's living room? If you have, you know the feeling that comes with it — the "transcendence," as @mikelaskey puts it. But you can also sense it as a viewer.

"I think we, humans, were created for the liminal space, for tension. We are relational creatures. We need one another, and we all come to one another with diverse experiences, beliefs, and personalities."

Our #GrottoVoices series shares the hopes and fears of people in our community. Share your voice with us — DM for a blank template!

There's nothing quite like the feeling of belonging. It's warm, it's safe, it's fulfilling. It's something we all deserve. Today on Grotto, Hanna ponders the magic of belonging.

Licensed therapist Julia Hogan offers some insight into this form of clinical depression. She not only shares symptoms and signs, but some helpful solutions and resources as well — such as light therapy, vitamin D supplements, and seeking professional help.

#GrottoStories | Chadwick's love for puppets started at a young age. As he got better at puppeteering, he started making his own puppets by hand — and eventually got recruited for the opportunity of a lifetime: to join a rock band. And not just any band. Fragile Rock🎸

We live in a world where we are often forced to make decisions quickly and to take sides. There's no time for us to sit in tension, to wander or wonder. But today on Grotto, one writer argues that we were made for just that.

Many of us fall victim to the "winter blues." The shorter, darker days can have us feeling tired, lonely, and less motivated to get out and do things. For some people, winter brings an additional challenge: seasonal depression.

"Witnessing art in the moment of its inception through live music grounds me in the present, an exercise in mindfulness that tapping the replay button on Spotify cannot replicate."

Our hopes for you🙌🏽 h/t: @sketchesbyboze

This is your sign to spend some time in nature this week. #GrottoMoment

Today on Grotto, one writer shares how the night sky, and the galaxies beyond, have captivated him since he was young. While some are intimidated or frightened by how small we are in the grand scheme of the universe. More than that, it's an invitation to humility.

Live music hits different. Whether it's a concert from your favorite band or an orchestra performance, hearing instruments and voices blending together in real time, right in front of you, is a magical experience. And you don't have to be musician yourself to feel inspired by it.

When you look up at the night sky, what do you think? What do you feel?

"Finding joy in the unknown and unscripted heals my soul."