Spiritual Offerings & Contemplation
Stay tuned for programming information and registration links!
Ageing Gracefully:
An Invitation to Practice Grace as We Go Through the Ageing Process
2nd Saturday of the month - 10am - 11:15 am
AUG 8 * SEPT 12 * OCT 10 * NOV 14 * DEC 12
Suggested Donation: $50
Facilitator: Rae Veloon
Unlike the Breaking Free journaling series (graffiti journaling), this journaling series is far more contemplative and inward focused. Using multiple articles and book excerpts, group discussions, reflective prompts and guest presenters...everyone will be experiencing their own personal journey deeper into the aging self.
Maybe, just maybe...this is an invitation to lose the burden of being someone you once were, and step into and show up "As is"...as the person you are in this very moment.
Note: If you prefer to pay by cash or check in person, please register by emailing Kelly
Saturday Morning Coffee Clutch:
Undrowned: Black Feminist Lessons from Marine Mammals, Part 1 book study
Saturday Morning Coffee Clutch:
Undrowned: Black Feminist Lessons from Marine Mammals, Part 1 book study
1st & 3rd Saturday's, 9:00 - 10:00 am; September 19 through December 19
ZOOM only
Suggested donation: $40
Our aquatic cousins are fierce, protective, complex, shaped by conflict, and struggling to survive the challenging conditions our species has imposed. Author Alexis Pauline Gumbs employs a brilliant mix of poetic sensibility and naturalist observation to show what they might teach us, unfolding reflective space for wondering and questioning. From the relationship between the endangered North Atlantic Right Whale and Gumbs’s Shinnecock and enslaved ancestors to the ways echolocation changes our understandings of “vision” and visionary action, Gumbs invites the reader to delve deeply into their own fierce, protective, complex lives shaped by our own conflicts and offers ways we, too, can gain strength to survive our own tumultous times.
Part I explores, reflects on and discusses the first half of the book; Part II will be offered in the Winter semester.
Note: If you prefer to pay by cash, check or Venmo, please register by emailing Kelly here.
Sangha
1st & 3rd Tuesdays: 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm,
begins August 18th
In person only
Suggested donation: Free Will Offering
Registration is suggested but not required
In the Buddhist tradition, a sangha is a beloved, contemplative community that supports others on their spiritual journey. Called a wisdom healing circle or circle of trust by other traditions, the APTB sangha becomes intentional space where spirit and everyday life intersect; where we step into the mystery of who we are and who we were created to be and explore that in the context of our lives. In sangha, participants are invited to share what is on their hearts with others in a supportive, compassionate space. Following the guidelines of a sacred circle, only one person is allowed to speak at a time while others listen and offer presence. Any discussion that occurs is intended to invite the speaker to unpack their sharing further; in no way do participants offer advice, attempt to fix or offer opinions on what is shared. Sharing is completely voluntary.
Creative Contemplation
2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Begins August 25th
In-person only
Suggested donation: Free will offering
Registration is suggested but not required
Meditation is one of the key practices to achieving balance and well-being in one’s life. Yet many find it difficult to begin – navigating the “what” and “how” of meditation can be intimidating and discouraging. Are you curious to learn more about it? Join us as we explore the various forms and techniques of meditation, then participate in a contemplative practice led by one of APTB’s practitioners.
GLOW
Every day, we have to function at a level that sustains our existence: eat, exercise, work, plan, take care of people, and learn new things. And then, on top of all this, life hands out more challenges and demands: aging parents, job termination, illness, etc. How can we reduce our daily stress and tension, let alone get in touch with our spiritual side, and pursue higher meaning and purposefulness through our inner light?
GLOW is FUN while exploring the profound! The workshop includes creative hands-on activities, musical mediations and the creation of your own personal GLOW jar!
Register by November 25th * minimum 6 participants needed
"I am in the process of healing from the inside out. I knew this would be a vital part of healing but never guessed it would have impacted me as much as it did. What an important and wonderful part of my journey. Amazing - moving - emotional and enLIGHTening! Excellent, humorous, I laughed and cried, expressed myself artistically - Love LOVE" Tracy
Drumming Circle
2nd Mondays; beginning August 10th
5:30-7:00 p.m.
Suggested Donation: $10
Hand drumming is an ancient art used in many cultures. The music of drums creates a conduit to the Divine. Drumming is an opportunity to experience worship with our bodies as well as our minds. Join us for this monthly evening of drumming and discover inner strength and encouragement by those sharing the experience. Bring a drum of your own or use one of ours. No experience is necessary. All are welcome!
Note: If you prefer to pay by cash, check or Venmo, please register by emailing Kelly here.
Busy Person’s Retreat
Facilitator: Kelly Lemens
Donation: $50
A “Busy Person’s Retreat” is a time of focused prayer and companion journeying. This Online Busy Person’s Retreat gives the participant an opportunity to make a retreat in the midst of a daily, busy routine of life, using a daily suggested scripture passage, some written reflections and other optional resources (i.e. videos, audio scriptures, and messages to one of our spiritual companions). This retreat will help you learn how to make time for prayer and meditation even in the midst of a regular busy schedule.
Click here to learn more about the Busy Person's Retreat.
Available during center hours
Our library features a variety of books and dvd's on a wide variety of topics, available to check out, to foster personal and spiritual well being. We also have a well-lit library space with comfortable seating that offers the peace and solitude for readers to dive into whatever books they wish to explore while they visit.