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Sharing Your Story, an Intermediate Memoir Experience
We all have a life story inside of us and what you’ve learned over a lifetime is a treasure that must be shared! In this workshop, you’ll learn how you can harness the power of your stories for future generations. Through writing exercises and feedback from experienced writing teacher Alice Osborn you will generate memorable prose using all of your senses along with your favorite foods, colors, and photographs. You’ll also learn road-tested techniques to keep up your writing practice after the program concludes. This program is best-suited for women who have previous writing experience or who have been working on their memoirs.
Presenter: Alice Osborn
Dates/Times: Wednesdays, August 18, through Wednesday, September 22 (six weeks)
11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. (bring your own lunch; drinks and dessert provided)
Suggested donation: $60
SEPTEMBER
Mindful Eating
A healthy and balanced way of eating supports emotional, mental, and physiological well-being. Your life can turn out completely differently when you eat well and understand how food affects you. Are you interested in learning how conscious eating can deeply impact how food affects you? Join us to learn:
- The impact on the body while eating under stress vs. eating mindfully
- Tools for building a healthier relationship with food and with yourself
- How to key into your body’s hunger cues and how to deconstruct cravings
- The 10 steps of mindful eating; how to fully experience all of the elements of food
Participants will enjoy healthy food samples while participating in mindful eating exercises. Join us for this educational and delicious life enriching experience!
Presenter: Jean Wright
Date/Time: NEW DATE: Thursday, September 9th, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Investment in health: $25
Our Judgments — What’s Spirit (and Practice) Got to Do With It?
This program will offer us the opportunity to explore our own judgments and triggers. We cannot hope to speak from the heart in challenging situations if we do not have an understanding of our own judgments and triggers. We’ll delve into practices that support taking responsibility for our experiences, feelings and desires and their impact on judging others. Participants will leave with practical tools to use in everyday life.
Presenter: Jan Hutton
Date/Time: Saturday, September 11, 10 a.m. –1 p.m. (bring your own lunch; drinks provided)
Suggested donation: $30
The Journey from Traditional Religion to the Sacred Feminine
Many women have taken this journey. Many would like to but fear its consequences. This program will look at the experience of Sue Monk Kidd as she described it in her book The Dance of the Dissident Daughter. Through discussion and reflection, we will journey with her and, perhaps, discover touchstones for our own journeys.
Presenter: Sister Mary Margaret Weber
Dates/Times: Monday, September 27, 7–8:30 p.m.
OR Thursday, September 30, 10–11:30 a.m.
Free-will donation
Living Your Visionary Life
In The Artist’s Way, Julia Cameron explores the creative process through discovery, inquiry and exploration. In this program, participants will discover their strengths, passion, creative tools for overcoming obstacles and challenges, and nourishment to find balance and creative flow in their lives. Using discussion, writing prompts, creativity tools, and a vision board, Living Your Visionary Life allows you the freedom to dream and take small steps to reach beyond your potential.
Presenter: Megan Cutter
Dates/Time: Tuesdays, September 28 AND October 5, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Suggested donation: $30
OCTOBER
A Spirituality that Renders Dieting Obsolete
This four-part series will explore the connection between our efforts to diminish our bodies through dieting and our efforts to expand our spirits through our spiritual quests. Are these efforts at cross-purposes? Does one diminish the other? Enhance it? Insights from Women, Food, and God by Geneen Roth will serve as a reflective text as we explore these interrelated realities. Participants will find themselves nourished in the deepest of ways!
Presenter: Sister Mary Margaret Weber
Dates: Second Mondays: October 11, November 8, December 13 and January 10
Times: 10–11:30 a.m. OR 7–8:30 p.m.
Free-will donation
The Untethered Soul:Discussion and Practicum
Come and join others for a journey inward. The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer begins by walking us through our relationship with our thoughts and emotions, helping us uncover the source of fluctuations in our inner energy. We will learn exercises that will free us from energy patterns that limit our consciousness. This book opens the door to a life lived in the freedom of our innermost being.
Presenter: Nancy Huslage
Dates: Mondays, October 4, 11, 18 and 25
Times: 2–3:30 p.m. OR 7–8:30 p.m.
Suggested donation: $60 for series/$20 per session
Storytelling for Healing: Building a Story Mishkan in Our Wilderness
Women have been sharing stories for healing over countless generations. Stories mark and guide life’s passages and transitions and help us build sacred time and space. A mishkan is the Hebrew word for the sacred space created by the Jewish people living in wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. This holy tent and altar traveled with them on their journeys and served as the dwelling place for the Shekinah (God’s in-dwelling presence often referred to in the feminine). In this workshop we will create our own mishkan by sharing personal and ancient stories of inspiration and communing with the Divine and by exploring how storytelling for healing can enrich our spiritual practices and help us sanctify spaces and times in our daily lives. This workshop is open and welcoming to women of all faiths and spiritual backgrounds. There is a possibility of our work continuing once a month should participants desire.
Presenter: Rachel Galper
Date/Time: Friday, October 15, 2–4 p.m.
Suggested donation: $25
Women in the Circle of Mary Magdalene
“Magdalene Circles are groups of women who focus their shared energies on the wisdom of Mary Magdalene to gain insight into the role of the sacred feminine in their own lives and to help them advance on their spiritual paths.” – Margaret Starbird
In this circle we will delve into the mysteries of Mary Magdalene through prayer, thoughtful exploration of her story and myths, meditations, dances, chants and songs in her language, and through our own shared experiences. Each gathering will be a celebration of the divine feminine.
Presenter: Judy Homer
Dates/Time: Sunday afternoons, 2–4 p.m.
October 17: It Was Foretold – Reclaiming the Bride and Beloved
November 21: Why We Need the Bride
December 19: The Special Kiss – A Sharing of Breath and Spirit
January 16: We Carry the Grail – The Hopeful Cup of Life
Suggested donation: $60 for the series/$20 per session
Overwork: The Acceptable Addiction
Workalcololism is one of the few addictions people brag about! Outwardly, it often leads to what looks like success, but inwardly, what is the cost? Like all addictions, it is unhealthy. And, like all addictions, it helps to claim it and talk about it and develop strategies to deal with it.
Presenter: Sister Mary Margaret Weber
Dates/Times: Tuesday, October 26, 2–3:30 p.m. OR Thursday, October 28, 7–8:30 p.m.
Free-will donation
Eating for Healthy Bones
Have you been told that getting older means getting weaker? Are you interested in taking steps that may help support your skeleton in growing and staying strong? Join us to learn about foods and their nutrients that promote strong bones, seasonal foods that are best, foods that should be reduced and healthy lifestyle tips for protecting our bones. We will receive “bone healthy” recipes, food charts and other valuable resources. As an added treat, we’ll sample a bone-building recipe that is simple and delicious!
Presenter: Jean Wright
Date/Time: Tuesday, October 26, 6:30–8 p.m.
Investment in your health: $25
A Change Map for Your Life Journey
All of us would like to change without having the feeling that we are completely at the mercy of outside forces. This program is built around the use of the Change Map: a comprehensive, step-by-step strategy, for managing change, instead of change managing us! The map will make very clear the emotional and spiritual components of change, the action steps to take, the pitfalls to be mindful of, and the peace of mind that is possible to find in midst of the journey. Everyone will receive a copy of the map so that it can continue to guide us as we live our one, precious and sacred life.
Presenter: Ilene Cummings
Dates: Saturdays, October 30, AND November 6
Time: 10 a.m.–noon
Suggested donation: $50
NOVEMBER
When Animals Were Sacred
Ancient cultures the world over had deep respect and honor for animals. Constellations in the sky were named after them. Customs and sacred beliefs were embedded in stories that featured animals. Many animals were linked with the divine, and rituals were created to honor them. These cultures lived in dynamic relationship with nature. In our sessions (taken individually or as a series), participants will listen to stories of animals that have been passed down for millennia, learn which animals were associated with goddesses and why they were, and discover new ways to relate to our own nature. Sessions will include stories, ritual and discussion.
Presenter: Olivia Woodford
Dates/Time: Tuesdays, November 2, 16, and 30, 7–9 p.m.
Suggested donation: $50 for the series/ $20 per session
Stress Management at Your Fingertips: Thought Field Therapy
Thought Field Therapy (TFT) is a simple appearing and straightforward technique for resolving emotional and psychological issues. TFT utilizes acupressure points which the individual activates by tapping them with the fingertips while thinking about a specific problem. This process has the capability of disabling and often completely eliminating troublesome emotional and physical responses. Under development for nearly 30 years, TFT is the “grandfather” of all the tapping therapies. If they choose, attendees will have the opportunity to experience the power of TFT for themselves.
Presenter: Lois Sugarman
Dates: Wednesday, November 10, OR Saturday, November 13
Time: 10 a.m.–noon
Suggested donation: $30
Encountering Forgiveness Through Art and Film
A seemingly insignificant encounter with a poster of Rembrandt’s 17th-century painting, “The Return of the Prodigal Son,” set in motion a spiritual adventure for Henri Nouwen, a well-known author of many books pertaining to the spiritual life. He traveled to St. Petersburg, Russia, to view the original and meditate on this 8-foot by 6-foot colorful oil painting on canvas. As he reflected on Rembrandt in light of his own journey, Nouwen speaks to all of us about loneliness and homecoming. In the first session of this program we will use a poster print to reflect on the artists work and Nouwen’s reflections. Session two will be a film, “The Power of Forgiveness” (named 2007 best documentary at the Sun Valley Spiritual Film Festival).
Presenter: Sister Patricia Cornell
Dates/Times:
Session 1 – Wednesday, November 10, 2–3:30 p.m.
Session 2 – Monday, November 15, 2–4 p.m.
Free-will donation
The Nia (R) Technique is a practice that combines movements and concepts from the martial arts, dance arts and healing arts. Blending music, breath, sounding and self-expression with the movements, we are invited to reconnect with our body’s sensations, and discover the joy of movement. By allowing the sensation of pleasure to be our guide, the practice of Nia provides a path to body awareness, and is a holistic movement form that engages the body, mind, emotions and spirit.
Presenter: Darlene Downing
Date/Times: Thursday, November 18, 10–11 a.m. OR 7–8 p.m.
Suggested donation: $10
DECEMBER
Clearing the Clutter: Making Space for Spirit
Are you stressed? Overwhelmed? Do you need more peace in your life? Clutter in our environment is often a reflection of the condition of our internal well-being and spirituality. Join us as we discuss common technical errors, life realities and psychological obstacles to de-cluttering and getting organized. We will explore “green” organizating tips as well as demonstrate how to repurpose everyday items to help us get organized, nurture our peace of mind, and reinvigorate our spirit!
Presenter: Julie Seibert
Dates/Times: Monday, December 6, 7–8:30 p.m. OR Thursday, December 9, 10–11:30 a.m.
Suggested donation: $20
The Spiritual Practice of Being Grounded
“You’re grounded!” we say to a child in an attempt to discipline. Unfortunately, it is not said as an invitation to a spiritual practice! However, being grounded is foundational to a healthy life. This program will explore the ground we walk on!
Presenter: Sister Mary Margaret Weber
Dates/Times: Tuesday, December 7, 10–11:30 a.m. OR Thursday, December 9, 7–8:30 p.m.
Free-will donation
Drum Your Holiday Stress Away
The holidays seem to be an especially stressful time for many.If you are one of those “many,” this program is for you. Come to this drumming circle and release your stress into rhythm. Drums and other percussion instruments will be provided, or you can bring your own.
Presenter: Stacy Grove
Date/Time: Tuesday, December 7, 7–8:30 p.m.
Free-will offering
Blessings: What are they? Who gives them?
We bless our food before we eat it. We seek blessings for babies, newlyweds, when our loved ones die and when we move into new houses. We even bless battleships! So we know what it is to be blessed, but do we know what it is to bless? This program will explore the energy of blessing and help participants see themselves as able to give blessings as well as receive them.
Presenter: Sister Mary Margaret Weber
Dates/Times: Tuesday, December 14, 10–11:30 a.m. OR Thursday, December 16, 7–8:30 p.m.
Free-will donation
WINTER SOLSTICE LABYRINTH WALK
Tuesday, December 21, 7 p.m.
Millbrook Baptist Church, 1519 East Millbrook Road,
North Raleigh
Call if you are coming: 846-3601
JANUARY
Embracing the Feminine in Art
Join us for an enriching and inspiring adventure in art with a walk through the galleries of North Carolina Museum of Art’s fabulous new west wing, which opened in April 2010. A docent-led tour will take us to artworks focusing on women from ancient times to the 21st century. Many recent acquisitions are of a global nature. Emphasis will be on the diversity of women in art. Highlights include the sacred feminine portrayed from early Christian, biblical and classical times, as well as mythological figures and modern-contemporary works. A Picasso painting, an interpretive work of the Mona Lisa and exquisite sculptures by Auguste Rodin, recently gifted by philanthropist Iris Cantor make NCMA a leading cultural institution of the south. Following this exceptional tour by our docent, Gen Keoppl, there will be the opportunity to enjoy lunch together at the Iris Restaurant in the new west wing.
Tour guide: Gen Keoppl
Date/Time: Thursday, January 6, 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Suggested donation: $20 (includes lunch) due by January 3
Dream Circle
“Every understood dream is like a slight electrical jolt into higher consciousness.” – Marie-Louise von Franz
Dreams are the most direct way for us to access our own inner wisdom. The language of dreams is sometimes difficult to understand. More often than not, dreams are not literal. They are symbolic in nature. In this circle, we will learn several techniques for understanding and working with dreams.
Presenter: Nancy Huslage
Dates: Mondays, January 10, 17, 24 and 31
Times: 10 a.m.–noon OR 7–9 p.m.
Suggested donation: $60
Sharing Your Story, a New Beginning Memoir Experience
We all have a life story inside of us and what we’ve learned over a lifetime is a treasure that must be shared! In this six week workshop, we’ll learn how to harness the power of our stories for future generations. In-class writing exercises and feedback from experienced writing teacher Alice Osborn will help us generate memorable prose using all of our senses along with our favorite foods, colors, and photographs. We’ll also learn road-tested techniques to keep up our writing practice after the class concludes. All levels of writers are invited to join us.
Presenter: Alice Osborn
Dates: Tuesdays, January 11, 18, 25, February 1, 8, 15
Time: 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. (bring your own lunch; beverages and dessert provided)
Suggested donation: $60
BOOK DISCUSSION
Half the Sky by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn
This book documents what is already well known: Women in most parts of the world lead hard, oppressed lives. But it also documents what isn’t as well known: the resilience of these women to survive the oppression of patriarchal custom and culture and in many cases go on to become a resource for other women dealing with the same thing. All they need is a little help to supplement their hope. Reading this book will deepen our connection to our sisters throughout the world. Discussing it will, hopefully, offer insights into how we can support them.
Presenter: Sister Mary Margaret Weber
Dates/Times: Thursday, January 13, 10–11:30 a.m. OR Tuesday, January 18, 7–8:30 p.m.
Free-will donation
I Wish I Could Just Say No. . . .
The hardest word for many spiritual seekers to utter is “No!” And yet, in always saying yes to others when they ask us for help, we deny ourselves one of the most important resources for spiritual health: time to ourselves. Participants in this program will give themselves time to explore this little-known spiritual practice.
Presenter: Sister Mary Margaret Weber
Dates/Times: Thursday, January 27, 7–8:30 p.m. OR Monday, January 31, 2–3:30 p.m.
Free-will donation
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