April 1, 2012      Listening to Silence - Quite time, no agenda

When we sit in silence together, we open ourselves and reach for the divine center of our being, a place of peace, love, and balance, where we are at one with the universe and with each other.

Revelation is continuing and a divine power is at work in the world today, healing, guiding, gathering, and transforming. This power is known by many names: God, Supreme Being, YWYH, the Light, Christ, Holy Spirit, Creator, Supreme Being, to name a few. By whatever name it is known, its nature is love. It draws us toward a life of integrity, simplicity, equality, community, and peace.

May 6, 2012       Breathing to Relax - Stress release for body and mind

There is a strong correlation between reactions to life events and our breathing. The average person’s breathing mechanism is functioning at a fraction of its full potential. Too many people regularly take insufficient shallow breaths that only partially fill the lungs or, even worse, some people will forget to breathe when stressed or overwhelmed by emotional or physical pain.

June 3, 2012      Walking in Nature - Mental vacation in nature

Each step of our journey becomes the destination. Walking Meditation, a practice found in many traditions, is a wonderful way of transforming something that we do every day into a deeply healing, deeply nourishing and enjoyable tool. It enhances physical, mental and spiritual well-being. It is especially effective for those who find it difficult to sit still for long periods of time.

When your body is in motion, it is generally easier to be aware of it compared to when you are sitting still. When we’re sitting still in meditation the sensations that arise in the body are much more subtle and harder to pay attention to than those that arise while we’re walking, You can experience your body very intensely, and you can also find enjoyment from this practice.

July 1, 2012       Exploring the Mandala  - Color for contemplation

The word mandala comes from the ancient Sanskrit language and loosely means “circle” or “center.” It’s a simple geometric shape that has no beginning or end. Circles are a powerful symbol found in every culture. We see them in halos, prayer wheels, and other religious symbols, architecture, and nature.

Mandalas are sacred circles that have been long been used to facilitate meditation. Within its circular shape, the mandala has the power to promote relaxation, balance the body’s energies, enhance your creativity, and support healing. Coloring a mandala using pencil crayons, crayons, paint, or pastels combines the benefits of meditation and art therapy.

Mindful people are happier, more exuberant, more empathetic, and more secure. Cultivating a nonjudgmental awareness of the present bestows a host of benefits. Mindfulness reduces stress, boosts immune functioning, reduces chronic pain, lowers blood pressure, and helps patients cope with cancer. By alleviating stress, spending a few minutes a day actively focusing on living in the moment reduces the risk of heart disease.

Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Cost: $55 per session (scholarships are available, please inquire)