2019 Workshops and Day Long Programs
Saturday, Feb. 9: 8:30-Noon-Cancelled due to weather-rescheduled for 4/27
(A Mid-Winter Mini Retreat)
Loving-kindness Meditation: How It Can Heal What Ails Us
Dominican Center, Grand Rapids, MI
"Metta" is the Pali term for "unconditional friendliness" or "loving-kindness," and is a form of blessing/meditation practice. It is sourced in Buddhist tradition, yet versions of it are found in many spiritual traditions, including Judaism and Celtic Christianity. It is an interspiritual practice that supports all theologies.
A "sitting" (and in the "marketplace") meditation/prayer form, Metta takes us through six levels of blessing: one's self, benefactors, loved ones, neutral others, difficult others (“enemies”), ultimately wishing all earthly beings/creatures safety and happiness. This practice of using phrases of well-wishing opens our hearts to ourselves and others in profound ways: healing wounds, inviting joy, creating loving regard and compassion for all beings. You will leave this informational practice session feeling restored and refreshed knowing that you have done something beneficial for yourself and for others, and for the healing of the planet.
A "sitting" (and in the "marketplace") meditation/prayer form, Metta takes us through six levels of blessing: one's self, benefactors, loved ones, neutral others, difficult others (“enemies”), ultimately wishing all earthly beings/creatures safety and happiness. This practice of using phrases of well-wishing opens our hearts to ourselves and others in profound ways: healing wounds, inviting joy, creating loving regard and compassion for all beings. You will leave this informational practice session feeling restored and refreshed knowing that you have done something beneficial for yourself and for others, and for the healing of the planet.
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This program is suitable for newcomers to Metta practice and can serve as a refresher for veterans. Chairs will be provided but you may wish to bring a cushion, blanket or mat.
Bring a journal to write in. Cost: $45.00 Register here or by calling (616) 514-3325 |
Saturday, February 23; 9 am-4 pm
Pure Presence: Rootedness through Sacred Listening
Transformations Spirituality Center, Kalamazoo, MI
“Pure Presence” is a unique protocol developed by spiritual director and educator, Dr. Janice L. Lundy, for sacred listening that can enhance and deepen our ability to offer presence—the deepest empathy and spiritual care—to whomever we are with. It is presence without agenda. It is presence that welcomes each individual who steps across our threshold (mental or physical) with wholeheartedness and compassion. This is not any easy thing to do today, given our ethnic, religious and political differences.
In this day-long seminar, you will learn the practice of Pure Presence by cultivating non-judgmental awareness and compassionate presence for yourself first, and then for others. You will transparently and compassionately attend to areas of inner tension so you can have open-hearted conversations that will lead to enhanced relationships and positive outcomes with whomever you meet or serve. This approach to formal presence training can deepen and advance spiritual understanding and care in our homes, neighborhoods, workplaces and religious communities.
In this day-long seminar, you will learn the practice of Pure Presence by cultivating non-judgmental awareness and compassionate presence for yourself first, and then for others. You will transparently and compassionately attend to areas of inner tension so you can have open-hearted conversations that will lead to enhanced relationships and positive outcomes with whomever you meet or serve. This approach to formal presence training can deepen and advance spiritual understanding and care in our homes, neighborhoods, workplaces and religious communities.
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Program fee is $55 when received by February 1; $65 thereafter.
Includes materials, facilitation, morning coffee and lunch. Please register by February 8. Payment in full is due by arrival. Register here through the Transformations website |
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Saturday, June 22: "The Kindest Thing" Retreat Day
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9:00 am to 4:30 p.m.
(with optional overnight on 6/21)) Continental breakfast (starting at 8:30 a.m.), lunch, and afternoon snack included. Inn at the Rustic Gate, Big Rapids, MI Interspiritual/inter-religious Step away from the fray and give yourself permission to stop, breathe and get rejuvenated. In this unique day away in a place of extraordinary beauty and deep peace, you will be able to reconnect with your sacred self and the divine as you understand. Your day away will be lightly structured with time for solitude (walking, prayer, meditation, journaling) as well as contemplative time spent with kindred spirits in group spiritual practice. Walk the outdoor labyrinth, hike forest trails, sit alongside the wetlands and watch cranes, herons and bald eagles come and go. Breathe and be well!
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This day retreat is limited to 14 women.
Cost: $89.00 for the day; includes program and food.
Overnight retreat:
There are a limited number of overnight rooms available (7 single or shared rooms).
Overnight guests would stay on June 21 only.
Dinner on your own (no Fri. night meal included).
Cost: Day retreat + guest room is $159.00
Cost: $89.00 for the day; includes program and food.
Overnight retreat:
There are a limited number of overnight rooms available (7 single or shared rooms).
Overnight guests would stay on June 21 only.
Dinner on your own (no Fri. night meal included).
Cost: Day retreat + guest room is $159.00
Contact Jan to make your reservation.
"I am not sure if you know how much you have helped me transform my perspective on my life and on life in general. I am eternally grateful. And when I have a downward slide, I have resources to fall back on."
~ Program Participant, Grand Rapids, MI
~ Program Participant, Grand Rapids, MI