Dear Friends,
This week is the annual worldwide celebration called Be Kind To Humankind Week. While preparing this edition, I stumbled across the announcement. It is a time for us to reflect on what we can do to make this world a better place. I'd rather think of it as a good week to recommit to being kind rather then a week set aside to be kind.
Have you purchased your ticket for the 40th Anniversary Celebration? Forty Years ago, the Spiritual Life Center opened its doors to all those seeking a deeper connection with the Divine. That core purpose hasn’t changed one bit, but a few other things have. Please see the registration details below and plan to join us on September 11, 2022. You won't want to miss it.
Please consider joining us for an in-person Walking Meditation for Peace on September 12th where Ellen Graham will lead us in healing breath work, gentle mindful movement, and compassion (metta) practice before heading to the labyrinth for a silent walking meditation. Nancy Benben is also planning for a Community Conversations (one will be in-person) and she is looking forward to your attendance. Details are included below.
If you are not meeting with a Spiritual Companion or if you paused your practice when we shifted to mostly on-line sessions, consider if this is a good time to engage. There are options for in-person, virtual and/or group sessions. Please see below for details.
"Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness.”
– Lucius Annaeus Seneca
As a reminder, if you have an original poem, reflection or artwork you'd like to share as part of the The Source, please submit a word document to Jane Virgilio at jvirgilio@spiritlifectr.org. More details below. Thanks to those who have already submitted.
|
|
For more on programming, please click on the underlined titles for details and registration information.
|
|
Join Me in Conversation
One of the Spiritual Life Center’s core values is “Deep Listening through Discernment, Silence, and Sensitivity to movement of spirit.” You might say it is the core of all we do as spiritual companions and seekers! As we begin this new phase of our journey, I’m curious about what’s been on your minds and hearts. This fall, I’m holding a series of Community Conversations. What have you noticed about our community over the last few years as we navigated the tumult of the pandemic? What’s surprised you? What opportunities do you see? What makes you proud to be part of the Spiritual Life Center?
Choose one of the following dates/times. Please register via link below.
-
Tuesday, September 13, 2:00-3:00 (Via Zoom)
-
Thursday, September 22, 7:00-8:00 (Via Zoom)
-
Tuesday, October 25; 2:00-3:00 (In person – Anam Cara Room)
I’m looking forward to gathering with you to share ideas, ask questions, and be together as Anam Caras! Register below.
|
|
Please join us for a walking meditation for peace on Monday, September 12th with a rain date of Thursday, September 15th.
We will gather behind the public chapel at Holy Family Monastery at 1 PM and Ellen Graham will lead us in healing breath work, gentle mindful movement, and compassion (metta) practice before heading to the labyrinth for a silent walking meditation. You are welcome to bring a chair or blanket for the first part of this gathering.
This event is free to all, but you are encouraged to make a good will donation to Seeds of Peace to support their leadership program which promotes peace in areas of conflict or to another charity whose mission is to promote peace.
Please register so that we can notify you if there is a change of date due to inclement weather.
|
|
Curious about what this program can offer that will benefit your secular and spiritual life? The core of Buddhist practice is devoted to understanding reality so that we can see why we suffer. Furthermore, its principals are the basis for the Mystics of every spiritual tradition. I think you’ll see that this tradition is compatible with any religious belief, or with none at all.
This is an EXPERIENTIAL program, not a set of lectures. We’ll meditate together, contemplate how we needlessly struggle, and glimpse the future that could be ours if we two desire.
Program begins Tuesday, September 6th at 7:00 PM for 6 weeks, running until October 18th.
|
|
Mindfulness Meditation & Lovingkindness |
|
We invite you to join us on zoom for Monday Meditation. We welcome all levels, including beginners, to be supported by this group practice. Meditation has many positive health benefits including the reduction of anxiety and stress and helps us to be more present in our lives.
Together we’ll be exploring mindfulness meditation, healing breath work, and compassion (metta) practice.
This program is on ZOOM. Mondays at 1 PM: 9/26, 10/3 , 10/10, 10/24, 10/31, 11/14, 11/28, and 12/5
Suggested Program Offering: $40 Alternative Offering: $25
|
|
Want to refresh and deepen your prayer life? Then join us for a five part series called "Renewing Prayer" in which we will explore and experience a variety of prayer practices. Persons of any religious tradition as well as those on their own unique path are welcome.
Join Us for Renewing Prayer
We will meet every other Tuesday Evening from 6:30 to 8:30 EST by Zoom
on September 20, Sept 27, October 18, November 1 and November 15th (note date change)
|
|
|
|
The Revered KellyJane Caesar, a recent graduate from the Spiritual Direction Internship program, discusses some of her experiences in the internship with fellow graduate and our Special Projects Manager Courtney Canfijn
|
|
|
|
The Spiritual Life Center is pleased to announce our
40th Anniversary Celebration!
The SLC is celebrating its 40 year of service to those who seek a deeper connection with the Divine. Come join us on September 11, 2022 from 2-5 PM for an in-person community gathering. Enjoy time with friends, listen to great music, and enjoy good food and beverages.
Location: Holy Family Monastery’s Dining Room
Ticket Prices:
|
|
Entertainment will be provided, as well as light appetizers, wine, coffee, tea, and soft drinks. |
|
Covid Protocols: As guests of Holy Family, we will follow their Covid policy. More information concerning masks and these protocols will be coming out in late August.
|
|
In individual spiritual companioning, seekers enter the process of deepening their spirituality while working with a trained Spiritual Companion. There are many ways to participate including FaceTime, Zoom, Skype, and phone.
Read more about companioning at this link, complete an initial interview form, and we’ll give you a call. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for more information about this transformative experience.
|
|
Welcome to The Source - Online. This new feature will now showcase your works in the electronic newsletter and on our website. For submissions, please send your poem, art, pictures or other reflections to Jane Virgilio @ jvirgilio@spiritlifectr.org and we will review for inclusion in an upcoming publication. Preferred format is word and/or .jpg for pictures.
|
|
A reflection poem written (and refreshed) about Sandy Hook by Joe Bartok
|
|
Collaboration Updates
Collaboration continues. We've been meeting with HIU and sharing the vision and objectives of the collaboration.
They recently announced the joining of Dr. Lisa Dahill as the Miriam Therese Winter Chair for Transformative Leadership and Spirituality . Read more here.
|
|
Spiritual Directors Corner
|
|
Creativity and the Arts are expressions of the soul's journey. Both assist with centering and awakening to the Divine, the Great Mystery both within us and around us.
The program includes six sessions on Zoom. These take place from 9:30 am to noon on first and third Mondays. The dates are Sept 19, Oct 3 and 17, Nov 7 and 21, and Dec 5, 2022. (Please note, there are 5 Mondays in October.) The leader is Carol A. Fournier.
The cost of the program is $295. Spiritual Companions who see one or more seekers for the SLC receive a $50 discount as a token of our appreciation.
This program is open to all with no previous artistic training required.
|
|
Happenings With Our Friends
|
|
Watch for updates coming soon! |
|
|
Get Social With Us!
As a community we have long been connected through the "center". The central place we gather, share, learn and grow.
Like us, follow-us, add a comment or share a post with your friends and contacts!
|
|
Share this email update with your friends and family.
|
|
Be part of the Community! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
