Building Community Connections |
By DANA BRENNER |
The start of Spiritual Unity Sundays |
Spiritual Unity Sundays kickoff Feb . 9 : In 2025 , there will be five special Sunday afternoon gatherings focused on food , fellowship and the exploration of universal virtues
BRENNER that unite us all : our shared longing for belonging , meaning and connection . These ecumenical events are designed for everyone , whether you identify with a particular religion , consider yourself agnostic or embrace humanistic values . The goal is to foster harmony , understanding and community across differences .
These gatherings are distinct from Social Sundays , which take place during the other months of the year . Social Sundays are centered on building neighborly connections . The next Social
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Sunday will be the afternoon of March 9 and watch for the full Social Sunday calendar in the March Villager .
Spiritual Unity Sundays are held in The Cardroom of The Clubhouse , 3:30-6 p . m .
Save the dates / mark your calendars
2 / 9 Interconnectedness : Many traditions emphasize the idea that all life is interconnected , whether through nature , energy or a divine source .
4 / 6 Love and compassion : Love , empathy , and kindness are universally celebrated as transformative and divine qualities . From the Christian Agape , to Metta in Buddhism , to Humanistic kindness .
6 / 8 Impermanence : Life ’ s transient nature and the ability to let go are hallmarks of many belief systems . From seasonal cycles to the watching of the breath rise and fall in meditative practice .
9 / 14 The soul : Many traditions recognize an essence within us , often seen as eternal or divine . The soul in Abrahamic religions , the Atman in Hinduism , Nafs or Ruh for Muslims and Buddha nature as examples .
11 / 9 Cultivating Virtue : From Beautitudes & Cardinal Virtues , to the
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Ten Paramis , to Tikkun Olam in Judaism , to the core principles of Humanism , living from ethics and virtues is central across belief systems .
Spiritual Sunday format
3:30-4:15 : Guided group practice that experientially explores the theme ( optional ). If you plan to come to this portion , please be there for the whole time and participate ( rather than spectate ). It ’ s perfectly fine to come later only . 4:15-4:30 : Break 4:30-5 : Food and fellowship ( bring a dish or drink ). Join anytime during this portion .
5:15-6 : Ecumenical talks and sharing on the topic ( please arrive by 5:10 for this portion ).
There will be space to share something meaningful to you about this topic !
As always , Building Community Connections Events require no sign up , are no cost , and are open to friends and family / non-Charbonneau resident guests .
“ Practicing Presence ”
A comprehensive eight-week course that explores the foundations of
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meditation , mindfulness and somatic practice is currently running 1 / 29-3 / 19 . For those who were / are interested , but cannot make the weekly course , a condensed version will be offered in ( two ) half-day workshops , Saturdays 9 a . m . to 12:30 p . m . in The Clark Room of The Activity Center . Feb . 15 and April 26 . Cost is $ 75 and covers attendance at both workshops . Registration is required . Contact Dana at dbrenkel @ gmail . com for registration information or with questions .
Learn the foundations and how to practice meditation , mindfulness and body-based practices that calm your nervous system , manage your over-active mind and support you to align with what you care about most . Upon completion , you have access to weekly , no-cost , in-person practice going forward and connects you to a community of Charbonneau residents with shared values who practice collectively . While rooted in the Buddhist concepts of impermanence and interconnection , people of all faiths attend and find relevance .
Brought to you by CHARMMS ( Charbonneau Meditation & Mindfulness Society ).
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