Peace in the Present Moment: How to Open the Door to the Now, and Walk Through

What is your relationship like with the present moment? Does it feel like an obstacle to overcome? A burden to bear? A problem to solve?
 
Over four weeks we will learn how to have a functional, healthy relationship with the only moment we’ll ever actually experience: the Now.  By removing the inner barriers that prevent us from experiencing the present moment as it actually manifests, what was once seen as a nightmare can become peaceful and fulfilling.  When we look at why our minds and hearts respond to the world the way that they do, they can no longer hold us back from walking through the door and coming home to the Now. 
 
This course will take place over 4 sessions, that each run 1 hour and 15 minutes.  Each class will include participant check-ins, a brief guided meditation, a lecture, and a period of discussion.

Facilitated by Katie Spero

Introduction to Social Mindfulness

While the pandemic rages on, we are also in the midst of a mindfulness meditation revolution. This ancient spiritual practice has found modern applications as a tool for stress management, psychological wellness, and awakening. Neuroscience is discovering that mindfulness meditation causes fundamental changes to our brain and nervous system that restore our natural balance and allow healing of stress-induced states.

In this experiential program, you will explore an emerging form of mindfulness meditation that is particularly suited to our social, relational nature. Called Social Mindfulness Meditation, this approach to meditation leads to inner peace as well as a felt-sense of connection to others that can be deeply renewing after weeks of social distancing. In this introduction, you’ll learn more about how social meditation works as well as the neuroscience behind the practice. Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for light stretching. No prior experience with meditation is necessary.

Facilitated by Bill Epperly

Social Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness is a path to peace of mind, healing and deepening spiritual awareness. Ultimately, the practice of mindfulness meditation leads to present moment awareness and awakening to our interconnectedness to all life. While traditional meditation practices begin with isolating ourselves from our family and friends, in Social Mindfulness Meditation we meditate in a novel, relational style that is more natural for our social nature. This is done by practicing audibly rather than silently. The result is the same cultivation of deep meditative awareness as in traditional mindfulness plus a sense of connection to the group that is heart-warming and enriching. Meditating in this way gives us a deep sense of connection to self and other, something particularly important for those who have been socially isolating. I hope you will join me for this mindful exploration of deep connection to self and others!

Participants will come away with an established practice of social mindfulness meditation as well as tools for taking mindful awareness into all aspects of your life. Each evening of this experiential program will include meditation time as well as time for discussion and Q & A. Prior meditation experience is helpful but not necessary. Wear comfortable clothing suitable for light stretching.

Contact Bill Epperly (bill@integralawakenings.com) or attend the free Introduction to Social Mindfulness, above (date to be announced).

Facilitated by Bill Epperly

Spiritual Discovery Dungeons & Dragons

Discover what makes you come alive while overthrowing a despotic ruler. Learn about yourself while crawling through a dank cave in search of exotic ingredients for a powerful spell. See the interconnectedness of all things while traveling between dimensions in search of a lost hero.

Spiritual Discovery Dungeons & Dragons! Imagine you are a crafty wizard, tenacious warrior, or mysterious ranger (like Aragorn in Lord of the Rings). Then go on such adventures while engaging in spiritual growth, exploration, and healing. 

Players are invited to make a character that addresses some of their big questions about life, the universe, and everything. Want to explore what it could be like to serve the Divine? Want to be big and blustery when you are normally quiet and reserved, or vice versa? Want to come from a village where everyone is encouraged to be exactly who they are? You can. 

No D&D experience required. Players of all spiritual paths or none are welcome. 18 and older. All players will need access to the 5th edition D&D Player’s Handbook. All sessions on Zoom.

Facilitated by Menachem Cohen

Four Worlds Up-Lift

In Jewish mystical thought there are 4 worlds of overlapping existence. The physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual—Asiyah, Yetzirah, B’riah, and Atzilut. This workshop will check-in with how we are doing in each world during these challenging times. Participants will leave with a method for continuing the check-in and tools for dealing with the challenges of these, and any, times.

Facilitated by Menachem Cohen