About us
Northern Commons is a community practicing the art of being alive together.
We’re a group of curious people with diverse interests who gather for discussion, meditation, shared meals, music, and play. Some of us love poetry, complexity theory, and math. Some are artists, technologists, scientists, contemplatives, organizers, builders, and wanderers. What matters most is curiosity, sincerity, and a willingness to be changed by encounters with other people and ideas.
Our world is complex and fast-moving. Let’s slow down to cultivate the perspective, presence, relationships, and practical wisdom needed to live thoughtfully, creatively, and courageously.
If that sounds like something you’ve been looking for, come join us!
Upcoming events
5
Diverse Futures (S1E2): Expansive Kinship
Northern Commons, 308 E Prince St #246, St. Paul, MN, USNorthern Commons is hosting a series of lectures and discussions. Each session in the Diverse Futures series features a different presenter and their view of what the future can be if we embrace diversity rather than try to contain or eradicate it. The second presentation in the series will be Expansive Kinship with Jennifer Luciani:
Expansive kinship encompasses relational practices that push back against patriarchal, heteronormative, capitalist, and colonialist supremacy.
Some of these practices include dismantling the idea of relationships as a form of ownership or requiring exclusivity; interrogating the role of the state or religion in codifying and enforcing rules in relationships, such as through marriage; questioning the utility of relational labels; supporting, creating, and maintaining intentional communities; elevating the roles of “aunties” and other alloparents; and cherishing and promoting chosen families in general.
Jennifer (she/they) will give a short introduction to her work on expansive kinship and then lead a discussion on the topic. She is a relational trauma-informed coach, a facilitator of discussions on polyamory and relationship anarchy, and has been an educator/mentor for unschoolers and eclectic homeschoolers, including her child. She holds multiple long-term radical identities (queer/pansexual, polyamorous, relationship anarchist, feminist, and past co-creator and resident of intentional community).
Here are some things you might like to know if this is your first visit to Northern Commons.
This event is pay-what-you-want. Certainly, we want you to attend even if $0 is the right amount for you. At the same time, Northern Commons is donation-funded so if you like what we're doing, want to see more of it, and can spare some funds, we would much appreciate it.
Suggested donation: $30
11 attendees
Evening Sound Bath & Bedtime Tea
Northern Commons, 308 E Prince St #246, St. Paul, MN, USJoin Marc Anderson for healing, connection, and meditation through immersive sound!
Sound baths are meditative experiences where participants are "bathed" in sound waves and vibrations produced by instruments like gongs, singing bowls, chimes, drums, and hand pans. Designed to induce deep relaxation, lower stress, and improve mood, they act as a form of sound therapy, often helping participants feel calmer and more centered.
There’s a growing body of research suggesting that sound healing practices can positively affect our physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. But beyond the science, sound baths are also a chance to slow down, tune in, and rest while doing nothing for a while. As a shared experience, they can create a surprising sense of connection and togetherness (like a group nap for the nervous system, but with better acoustics).
Stay for herbal tea after the sound bath!
13 attendees
Past events
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