Gathering the Shards: Exploring Vestiges of Faith, Culture and Identity Saturday, July 9--in person and virtual 9:00am-12:00pm (EST) @ Madhouse Multi-Arts, 479 Main St., Greenfield, MA
Years ago, in the Unitarian Universalist denomination, there was an adult learning curriculum called "Your Haunting Church." It was always full, full with people who had lots of stories to tell about how early experiences with religion or spiritual community had shaped them, and was shaping them still, for better or worse. Our spiritual lives are multi-lingual; religion is only one language of the soul, and yet "haunting" appears to be a good word for many us when it comes to sifting through past religious/spiritual detritus.
In the midst of all the critical conversations we are having with each other right now, where does spiritual identity come into the conversation? How can we bring a vital spirituality to the table to participate in these conversations? What is grounding us, guiding us and leading us into the practices and actions that invite us into authentic and wonder-full relationship with one another? What haunts you still that you continue to carry? Are there pieces of your religious/spiritual history that you would like to reconnect to, but just not in a churchy or religious context? In this hybrid gathering, we will gather the shards, literally and symbolically, of our past and present faith lives, gently exploring the wounded places, sifting out those shards of meaning and beauty and nurturing space for new ways of understanding and inhabiting our identities as spiritual people that serve our calling as humans being here and now. We'll listen, reflect, explore, express and share through dialogue, reading and creative expression (journaling, writing or art making). You need not be "creative" in any way to find this session meaningful.
Facilitated by Susannah Crolius, M. Div., spiritual director, founder of art + soul and The Center for Spiritual Imagination, formerly ordained minister, whose own spiritual path has been deeply circuitous and is always interesting.
Cost: $25-50+. If this gathering speaks strongly to you but the cost is prohibitive, please contact me. Options for payment include Venmo, Paypal check or cash. A ZOOM link will be sent before the session to those who are joining us virtually.
Space is limited. Please register by Thursday, July 7: artandsoul.wm@gmail.com Registered Participants will be sent a ZOOM link.