~ Press Release ~

Spiritual Paths Foundation Announces Leadership Transition and New Strategic Initiatives

The Spiritual Paths Foundation (SPF) is pleased to announce an important leadership transition as the organization enters a new chapter of growth and service.

After many years of Interspiritual visionary leadership, founder Dr. Ed Bastian has stepped down from his role as President of the Foundation. Since founding the Spiritual Paths Foundation in 2005, Bastian has played a pivotal role in shaping its mission to foster interspiritual understanding, contemplative practice, and compassionate engagement across traditions. He has created two foundational books, online classes, videos, film, music, retreats, partnerships with contemplative leaders from many spiritual traditions, as well as a seven-step meditation process named "InterSpiritual Meditation."

While stepping back from day-to-day leadership, Bastian will continue to serve on the Foundation's Board of Directors, ensuring the organization continues to benefit from his wisdom, vision, and guidance.

Reflecting on this transition, Bastian said, "It has been one of the great privileges and goals of my life to help nurture the Spiritual Paths Foundation from its earliest beginnings. I am deeply grateful to the many teachers, students, supporters, and colleagues who have helped shape this community. I have every confidence that the Foundation's next generation of leadership will continue to expand our vision, deepen our offerings, and carry forward the essential work of fostering interspiritual wisdom and compassionate action in our world."

The Board of Directors has appointed Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Keefer as Executive Director of the Spiritual Paths Foundation. In this role, Keefer will oversee the organization's administration and day-to-day operations while helping guide its future development. "I have long been inspired by the Spiritual Paths approach, which honors the wisdom found within diverse spiritual traditions while encouraging freedom to create personal paths of meaning, purpose, and transformation," said Keefer. "I am honored to serve as Executive Director and look forward to working alongside our board, faculty, and community to strengthen and expand the Foundation's impact in the years ahead."

In addition, Rev. Dr. Don Chatfield, Lead Pastor of All Souls Interfaith Gathering in Shelburne, Vermont, has been elected Chair of the Board of Directors. "The work of the Spiritual Paths Foundation is more important today than ever," said Chatfield. "At a time when our world so deeply needs understanding, compassion, and spiritual depth, SPF offers a model of interspiritual learning that builds bridges across traditions while nurturing personal and collective transformation. I am deeply committed to supporting this mission and helping guide the Foundation into a vibrant future."

The Foundation's new leadership team has already begun work on several important initiatives. These include developing a new Strategic Plan, which includes a comprehensive review of the Foundation's course structure and educational offerings; expanding the board of directors; and exploring partnerships with like-minded spiritual and educational organizations.

"The Spiritual Paths Foundation has always been a living, evolving organization," said Keefer. "As we look toward the future, we are committed to building on the strong foundation established by Ed Bastian while thoughtfully adapting to meet the spiritual needs of a new generation."

Founded to support spiritual exploration, interspiritual understanding, and contemplative practice, the Spiritual Paths Foundation continues to provide educational programs and community experiences that invite participants into deeper engagement with the world's wisdom traditions.]

For more information about the Spiritual Paths Foundation, please contact:

Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Keefer

Executive Director

Spiritual Paths Foundation

jeffrey@spiritualpaths.net

www.spiritualpaths.net

InterSpiritual Corner:

When Stillness Moves

The InterSpiritual Meditation approach developed by Ed Bastian has been a faithful companion for many of us on our spiritual journeys. Drawing from the wisdom of the world's spiritual traditions, it invites us into presence, compassion, and a deeper awareness of the sacred within and around us. For many practitioners, sitting meditation has become a cherished daily practice—a place of stillness and renewal.

And yet, there are seasons in life when sitting still is challenging or simply not an option. Illness, injury, grief, anxiety, caregiving responsibilities, or even the natural changes that accompany aging can make our familiar practices more difficult. At such times, it is important to remember that the spiritual path invites us to respond with compassion, including compassion for ourselves.

This doesn't mean abandoning a sitting practice whenever possible. Rather, it may mean allowing our practice to grow and adapt to the realities of our lives.

Have you ever tried practicing InterSpiritual Meditation while walking? What about on your bicycle as you move gently through the world? The rhythm of your steps, the movement of your breath, or the simple awareness of light, sound, and beauty around you can become invitations into sacred presence. Movement meditation has long been honored in many spiritual traditions as another doorway into contemplation.

Our bodies and emotions are not obstacles to our practice—they are part of it. By listening deeply and responding wisely to what we need in each season of life, we discover that the sacred is not confined to stillness alone. Sometimes, stillness moves.

~ Rev. Dr. Don Chatfield,

We thank you for your time and interest in the work of the Spiritual Paths Foundation and hope you remain connected with us now and into the future.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey Keefer, PhD,

Executive Director, Spiritual Paths Foundation