Category Archives: Retreats

Art Meditation Program

The road toward Acceptance and intentional processing of deep grief.

As our friends and family know all too well, one year ago this month our son, Riley Dai, died tragically. He was 22 years old. It was an unexpected and violent death. Our family is reeling over this loss. Deep grief is what is present with me, even amid the ever-present joys of our very blessed life – ie: we welcomed three new grandbabies into our family this year, six in total, so much joy exists alongside and intertwined with this grief. Most days, outwardly, I am able to function, accomplish necessary tasks, and be attentive to our youngest child who is a young teenager. Run my businesses and answer my Call. But I had not even begun to process, let alone accept my son’s death. I know I need to and that the inward journey to do so is something I have been avoiding, with the exception of a brief stint of grief counseling early after he died. I decided that enrolling in some sort of creative program would help. 

Whenever I think about what to enroll in, the “Om Tara Tu Tara” chant for liberation sings in my mind. Then, a few weeks ago, I saw a promo on social media for the “22 Day TARA Painting Meditation” – I knew instantly it was the perfect place for me to start. 

The largest canvas I had here was an unfinished painting. So, I painted over much of the original painting, with some of the original paint still seen throughout. 

I realize as I type that it is emblematic of where I am on my path. The life I envisioned for and with my son, the life he envisioned for himself, the dreams shared and seen in our imaginations yet never fully realized, will remain part of our/my memories of him. The future shape of our lives without him physically present is not a blank canvas, but one that will forever carry the loving imprint of him.

Each day of this meditation art program we are given a new aspect of the Tara to consider, along with a meditation, a written contemplation, a chapter in Rachael Wooten‘s beautiful book, and a video with Whitney Freya as guide. We each paint what we feel called to. We share as we wish with the others in the group. Doing so shows how diverse and unique our individual interpretations of Tara are. It is a very personal process, so evolutions of our paintings are personal as well.

Day after day. Layer after layer. We meditate. We paint. We meditate. We paint. It is cathartic, yes, and raw and opening wounds, and emotion inducing, and healing, and soothing and calming all rolled into one in this sacred space we call the canvas.

This is Day 12 of 22:

August 1st Reflection

Summertime in Maine is so very beautiful. We are blessed with spaciousness and the ability to spend abundant time in Nature, create art, and nurture our spiritual practices. Here, we are able to Live Life as a Prayer.

#Lughnasadh #BlessingsOfLammas #TheChurchOfKineo #LivingLifeAsAPrayer #PiecesOfPeaceOnEarth #MooseheadLakeRetreats

Our Sacred Self – an introductory class

We are delighted to share this class being facilitated by Cheryl Partridge, creator of the Sacred Sisterhood Tribe. “Our Sacred Self” is a 40 minute introductory class that explores how your menstrual cycle is actually your super power! (Yes, even if you are entering or postmenopausal, this class can help bring you insights on the woman’s body and how to bring it into alignment in ways that enhance your physical and spiritual lives, as well as your personal relationships and careers, all while bringing you clarity of mind).

Thursday, May 21st, 2020

7:00PM Eastern

on Zoom

A $10 suggested donation is appreciated. You will find the PayPal button link on the event page.

https://www.facebook.com/events/2893630824095942/

Join us for our Online Potluck+Ritual

Join us for a diverse celebration of women and femininity! Minerva Potlucks are a time for spiritual renewal and nourishment. A safe and sacred space for women to connect with one another in spiritual exploration. Our weekly online gatherings embody the same elements of conversation, poetry, music, art and ritual as our in-person Minerva Gatherings have over the years. Bring your meal and beverage to your computer. Relax. And be in the company of other women. Minerva Potluck+Ritual Gatherings:

Tuesdays 7:00PM – 8:00PM Eastern Time

https://www.uuwf.org/event-3802738

Join us for an Online Potluck!

Join us for a diverse celebration of women and femininity!

Minerva Potlucks are a time for spiritual renewal and nourishment. A safe and sacred space for women to connect with one another in spiritual exploration. Our weekly online gatherings embody the same elements of conversation, poetry, music, art and ritual as our in-person Minerva Gatherings have over the years. Bring your meal and beverage to your computer. Relax. And be in the company of other women. (There is no charge to participate)

Register here: https://www.uuwf.org/events

Indigenous Soul Revival – Book Selection

We are delighted to explore this book by Cathie Stivers: Reviving Our Indigenous Souls: How to Practice the Ancient to Bring in the New. Be sure to get your copy now and Join us in October for our book discussion group!

The video link below is a message featuring the Author talking about how this book came into being, and how we can apply the wisdom in our lives:

https://www.facebook.com/indigenoussoulrevival/videos/808663116011438/

Note: Cathie is a member of UUSCM !!

Join Starhawk for a live webinar series

Starhawk is leading a 7-session online course!! Click the link for more information and to join in this magical adventure! Each session will include a teaching, some practical exercises, a ritual, and homework. Choose your adventure: register for all 7 sessions, and automatically receive the links to the live webinar as well as the recording, or sign up for one at a time.

Magical Activism: Live Digital Ritual Series w/Starhawk

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/magical-activism-live-digital-ritual-series-wstarhawk-tickets-92951663929

“We need magic to help us stay grounded, sane, and able to sleep as the tension mounts—and a little support from our friends would be nice, too! We need magic to counter the manipulative magic that floods the internet and the airwaves every day with toxic energies, to help us discern truth and provide an antidote to the poisons. We need magic not as a substitute for action, but to further our own resilience as we dream the world we want and channel our energies effectively to make it real.”

Remembering Starhawk in Concord, MA at Twinkle’s Place with Friends and at First Parish UU.

And Twinkle’s Interview with Starhawk at the TV Studio.

Radical Compassion with Tara Brach

Join us in Tara Brach’s Radical Compassion challenge. Stemming from the wisdom and practices in her book of the same title, Tara guides participants through insights each day, grants access to one on one interviews with her celebrity guests, and offers a guided meditation to set your compassionate focus each day for 10 days! (January 21st-30th, 2020)And…it’s all FREE.

Click link below for details and to enroll.