ROOMS OF THE SOUL: INNER HOSPITALITY 8 Thursday afternoons, 3:00-5:00pm January 9, 16, 23, 30, February 6, 13, 20, 27 @The Nest, 11 Center St., Northampton, MA
I stumbled recently on this delightful book called "A Home for the Soul: a guide for dwelling with spirit and imagination." I was immediately enchanted. Rooms of the home become metaphors for our own journeys of coming home to ourselves.
This group will consist of personal and group reflection and conversation. Those who are inspired can break off and either write or make art on the theme.
January 9: KITCHEN: The essence of the home. A place for preparation and creation. Food for Body. Food for Soul. What is our hunger? What is it we are feeding?
January 16: DINING ROOM: "The hunger of the Soul meets the fullness of creation." We receive nourishment in the Dining Room. Inner cravings are tended. Can we allow ourselves to enjoy the feast?
January 23: "LIVING" ROOMS: Breathing Spaces. Whether a space where several gather or one of solitude, these rooms offer the practices of Giving and Receiving ease with self, others, the divine.
January 30: BEDROOM: The Deep Well of Satisfaction "The bedroom is shaped by the peace of sleep. the flights of dream, and the charged energies of sexuality." In this room, the needs of the Body are most deeply nurtured. The bedroom also holds THE CLOTHES CLOSET, a small yet powerful space revealing the paradox of who we are and who we choose to present to the world. The Clothes Closet is where identity and authenticity wrestle with one another.
February 6: BATHROOM “Listen--are you breathing just a little, and calling it a life?” (Mary Oliver) Water, washing, purification, excretion, release. The energy of Flow is most fully experienced in the Bathroom. How's it flowing for you--your breath, I mean?
February 13: HOME OFFICE Movement. Moving through, moving forward, clarity, production, purpose. Is this the most terrifying room in your home?
February 20: DOORWAYS, PASSAGEWAYS AND WINDOWS "A door is doubtless the most significant component of a house." It's because they let in Light and Air. Let's dare to fling them wide open to maximize both in the home of our soul.
February 27: GARDEN "The spirit cannot dwell in wholeness unless it is touched by the harmony and beauty of plants, soil, and the natural processes of growth." Whether a houseplant on a windowsill, a vase of fresh flowers or an expansive backyard garden, Beauty is necessary for the well-being of our souls. So are pruning, weeding and fertilizing. How does YOUR garden grow?
Cost: sliding scale of $15-40 per session While this is a series, you may come as your schedule allows. But please do let me know in advance the dates you plan to come: artandsoul.wm@gmail.com or call/text 413-348-2385.