In a world fragmented by issues that divide us and challenge our sensibilities, rediscovering the power of beauty, wisdom, and gratitude helps to reestablish wholeness within ourselves and our communities. Such wholeness restores our faith, our hope, and our sense of connection to the holiness of life. Each session, we’ll wrestle with questions that open us to new possibilities and re-mind us of our own abundant inner resources.

Format: We’ll use poetry, art, and song to open us to beauty’s mystery and the intricate ways in which all things are connected. Using writing, guided meditation, and interactive exercises we’ll strive to increase our awareness and learn to harvest the wisdom and sacredness from our daily living. There will also be times of silence and stillness for self-reflection, communing with nature, and/or prayer. We’ll gather our discoveries, share our insights with one another, and acknowledge our gratitude for the gifts of having this time together.

1. Awakening to the Beauty Surrounding Us (Sept 11, 2018)

Taking cues from various writers, poets, and artists, we’ll begin to slow down and open ourselves to the beauty that enlivens our spirits.

2. Mirrors and Mentors in Everyday Objects (Sept. 25, 2018)

Reflecting on the work of Gunilla Norris and others, we’ll see how the objects we collect and use everyday can mirror aspects of the self and become mentors, teaching us to discover the wisdom just beneath the surface of things.

3. Seeking Wisdom by Listening to the Words Under the Words (Oct. 9, 2018)

Using metaphor as a portal, we’ll learn to see the sacred in our daily activities if we slow down and reflect upon what our experience of living teaches us.

4. Intimacy Gives Way to Gratitude (Oct. 23, 2018)

As our awareness broadens and deepens, we experience a greater intimacy with ourselves, our worlds, and one another. Such intimacy evokes a sense of deep appreciation and gratitude for all that is.

5. In Word and Image: Bringing the Lessons Home (Nov. 6, 2018)

We’ll take time to gather our insights along with the words and images that that have become our portals. We’ll put these on a vision board, in a small handmade book, or other vessel to re-mind us of what we have learned and want to keep in sight.
6. Sharing Our Wisdom and Moving Forward with Intention (Nov. 27, 2018)

In this final session we’ll display our creative “re-minders” as works in progress of what we want to remember from our time together. As we prepare to move on, we’ll write mission statements of how we now want to move through the world given what we have learned.

Registration closes on or around August 10, 2018