Finding Peace and Contentment in a Distracted World

Friday, October 18, 7:00 p.m. – Sunday, October 20, 3:30 p.m.

Most of us are living busy, distracted lives much of the time, overwhelmed with work, family, and other issues. We are so distracted, we have no time to think about how we feel or how we are doing in our inner lives. As a result, we have become robotic in many ways and are losing our health and mental well-being. We cannot focus or concentrate and we become sad, mad, and angry easily and often. Bhante Sujatha will help us find our inner Buddha nature for inner peace, happiness, contentment, and joy.

This retreat will include personal time with Bhante Sujatha, sitting meditation, walking meditation, group meditation and discussions, labyrinth walking meditation, mindful eating, sutra study, and more.

Bhante Sujatha, a Buddhist monk for over 35 years, is singularly focused on adding more love in the world. Bhante teaches loving-kindness meditation to people around the globe for all those seeking the art of happiness and contentment. His approach to meditation is deep and simple, bringing core Buddhist teachings to everyone in a way that is practical and easy to understand. A joyful, radiant, funny, and wildly energetic monk, Bhante will help you obtain the peace that can only be found in deep silence. Originally from Sri Lanka, he is the head monk/abbot of the Blue Lotus Buddhist Temple and Meditation Center in Woodstock.

As space is limited, early registration is encouraged.

Schedule

Retreat sessions, meals, private lodging—$350
Retreat sessions, meals, shared lodging—$250
Retreat sessions, meals—$175

Register here

You can also join Bhante Sujatha on Thursday, October 17 for his talk A Buddhist Approach to Loving Yourself as You Are.

Friday, October 25, 7:00 p.m.

Relax and bathe in the sounds and frequency of crystal bowls. Their vibration brings harmony to the etheric, emotional and physical bodies, shifting the brain into higher states of consciousness, slowing down thoughts, and opening the heart to healing. Deeksha, or the Oneness Blessing, creates balance in the hemispheres of the brain, releases fear, and invites the higher frequency of love to enter, allowing us to reconnect with our spiritual essence. 

Wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring a mat and/or blanket to lie on.

Yolanda Lozano has over 20 years of extensive bicultural training in the healing arts from master teachers in India, China, and the United States. She integrates breathing techniques, toning and chanting, meditation, movement, vibrational energy healing, and self-care while listening to the True Self within. For more, visit www.yolandahealinghearts.com.

$30 in advance, $35 at the door

Register here

Saturday, October 26, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Go deeper into the nine universal personality types and learn what the Enneagram can show you about your emotional health and spiritual connection. Rosemary Hurwitz will help you discern your own personality type through both the information shared and a short quiz. You will also learn what Rosemary calls the Seven Mainstays of the Enneagram as well as insights into the nine personality types, including their strengths and challenges, emotional passion, blind spots, wellness map, instinctual center, wing style, and ways to practice balance.

At the end of the workshop, participants will have an option to do a more in-depth personal Enneagram profile that will give even more insights into the personality and spirit consciousness. Written results will be shared during a follow-up workshop on November 9. 

Rosemary Hurwitz, MA, PS, received her Enneagram Certification in a Pastoral Studies program at Loyola University in 2001. An accredited professional member of the International Enneagram Association, she is on the faculty at Common Ground in Chicago and has been published in five inspirational compilation books, including No Mistakes: How You Can Change Adversity into Abundance. Rosemary has certifications in intuitive counseling and angel card reading. She coaches with and teaches the Enneagram internationally.

TS Members: $30 • Nonmembers: $35 • $40 at the door

Register here

You can also join Rosemary Hurwitz on Thursday, October 24 for her talk The Enneagram: Discover Your Personality Type for Spiritual Growth.

Saturday, October 26, 11:30 a.m.

Join us for an event devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. Our speakers come from the ecumenical community to offer prayers and blessings of peace. With an open heart and mind, reach out and share your expertise and ideas in this global effort.

Discussion over a light lunch follows. If you plan to attend or would like to represent your tradition by speaking, please RSVP to hmahmed@hotmail.com.

Mazher Ahmed, born and educated in India, is involved in a number of interfaith endeavors. She is vice president of the Batavia Islamic Center in Illinois, an emeritus trustee for the Council for the Parliament of World’s Religions, and founder of Interfaith Prayers for Peace.

Free Event. Donations are appreciated.

Saturday, November 2, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Resilience is the power that moves us forward each day, despite obstacles and adversity. The resilience of the human spirit is what makes us who we are. It is the presence of something deeper than the human experience, and it is as available as your next breath.

Discover what resilient people have in common. Learn simple power moves to help shift from resource-less states to the powerful states of resilience, possibility, and creativity.

Obtain the vital tools to gain greater access to the resilience of your own spirit in the form of explorative inquiry followed by 30 minutes of focused breath work.

Leslie Sann, MA, LCPC, is the author of the award-winning book, Life Happens: What Are YOU Going to Do About It? She is the founder of the Living by Design School. For over 30 years Leslie has been helping people create a joyful life personally, professionally, and in their relationships, guiding them to live by design rather than by default while learning to live in joy regardless of circumstances. Visit www.lesliesann.com for more.

TS Members: $30 • Nonmembers: $35 • $40 at the door

Register here

You can also join Leslie Sann on Thursday, October 10 for her talk The Art of Spiritual Resilience.

Sunday, November 3, 3 – 4:30 p.m.

Nurture your spirit through rhythm and meditation. Based on a blend of traditions, this Spirit Circle draws on our most ancient roots to creatively raise group energy. Each round will begin with a chant or Native American flute song. Rhythm instruments will gradually come in until the drumming reaches its natural conclusion. A few moments of silent meditation will follow as we take in the energy that was raised and send it out in blessings. This is a safe place to connect with your deepest wisdom, honor your inner guidance, and create more love and light for yourself and the universe. You are welcome to bring your own drums, rattles, or rhythm instruments. A limited number of shared instruments will be available. 

Karen Tlusty-Rissman is a musician, astrologer, artist, and celebrant of Spirit. She currently leads a variety of meditation classes in the western suburbs and has facilitated sacred circles for over 35 years. She weaves the common threads from many Earth-centered traditions as well as astrology, aromatherapy, and energy work to provide participants with a direct connection to their inner Source. Karen plays the Native American flute, concert flute, bass guitar, Tibetan singing bowls, and gong. Visit her at www.facebook.com/SpiritScent.

 Pre-registered: $10 • $15 at the door

Register here

Saturday, November 9, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Immerse yourself in the heart-centered and nurturing divine feminine through the rites and ritual of the Nusta Karpay. These authentic sacred initiations of the Andean Earth Goddesses consist of a series of seven ancient Incan transmissions.

For men, awakening of the heart allows a deepening connection to your own inner knowing, tuning into your own feelings as well as the empathic feelings of others. For women, the same is experienced, coupled with an invitation to the wild untamed femininity that longs to be freed.

The magical energy of each Nusta connects to a corresponding chakra of the body’s energetic system. A welcome note with guiding instructions will be sent to participants upon registration.

Christina Pateros is a painter, spiritual guide, healer, teacher, and steward of spiritual journeys to sacred lands. She owns a healing practice and also creates fine collectible paintings available through galleries and by commission. Her shamanic practice offers cleansing and clearing of beings and spaces. For more information, visit christinapateros.com and whispering-stones.com.

TS Members: $65 • Nonmembers: $75 • $85 at the door

Register here

You can also join Christina Pateros on Thursday, November 7 for her talk Shamanic Rites, Rituals, and Initiations.

Saturday, November 16, 7:00 p.m.

Join us for an immersive healing experience! A Gong Bath™ is a powerful vibrational journey that positively affects emotional balance, cellular healing, and spiritual awareness. An alchemy of eastern philosophy, bio-energetics, and quantum science, it is a powerful healing modality. During the Gong Bath, participants are bathed with rhythms, tonalities, and multi-tonal octaves that are naturally revitalizing, stress reducing, and profoundly healing—physically, mentally, and spiritually. 

Richard Rudis, (Karma Sonam Dorje), has studied Eastern philosophy, principally Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhist practice, for thirty years. He was granted refuge in the Buddha from His Holiness Gyalwa Karmapa while in Tibet in 1996 and has been teaching Buddhist Dharma via vibrational sound healing workshops since 1988. He is a published writer, musician, and lecturer. Richard conducts his Gong Baths nationally. Visit www.sacredsoundgongbath.com for more information.

$30 in advance, $35 at the door

*Please note the day of this event has been changed to Saturday, November 16.*

Register here

You can also join Richard Rudis for a gong bath on Friday, August 23

Saturday, November 16, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Onani Carver will present a scientific overview of how the evolution of life unfolds in a methodical, identifiable pattern, revealing an underlying expression of meaning and purpose within the blueprint of creation energy. This workshop includes guided meditation and discerning one’s own internal creation energy, the most profound, yet most subtle, energy recognized by both physicists and mystics. This energy is also called prana, chi, life force, and others depending on culture and viewpoint. There will be time for discussion, examining, questioning, and realizing the paradigm shift that matter emerges from consciousness. 

Onani Carver, ThD, leads a certification program on the fundamentals of energy medicine for women devoted to personal and social change. She earned the gold medal for emerging scientists by the International Society of Energy Medicine for her research on consciousness and biological evolution. Onani is one of the many inter-disciplinary scientists contributing to the theory that matter emerges from consciousness, rather than the generally accepted tenet of materialist science stating that consciousness is a random side effect of brain activity. For more information, visit www.onanimentoring.com.

TS Members: $30 • Nonmembers: $35 • $40 at the door

Register here

You can also join Onani Carver on Thursday, November 14 for her lecture Microbiology to Cosmology: The Phases of Creation and the Next Evolution.

Saturday, November 23, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

It is helpful to think about karma as unconscious feelings, memories and lessons carried over from past incarnations. Our past life memories contain a record of both our Soul growth successes and our errors. The more conscious and aware we are of our past life patterns, the more we can heal them. Discover your personal astrological north node, which represents qualities you need to develop in this lifetime, and the south node—qualities you have overdeveloped in past lives. A group-guided past life regression will assist you in learning about karmic patterns, relationships, and talents that you have carried into this lifetime. Learn about Soul age, types, missions, and challenges. Review autobiographical patterns in your romantic and work history in your current incarnation to reveal clues to your karma and destiny. Discover the past patterns of karma, destiny, and carryover facial/physical features of Barack Obama, Anne Frank, and Oprah Winfrey.

David Birr has facilitated weekly soul growth groups for 50 years. He has taught courses and presented lectures on many topics, including intuition, dreams, soul development, meditation, reincarnation, and karma. Susan Wisehart, MS, LMFT, CHT, has been in private practice for over 25 years as a holistic psychotherapist, licensed marriage and family therapist, certified hypnotherapist, and international author of Soul Visioning: Clear the Past, Create Your Future. She holds a master’s degree in psychology and was trained by Dr. Brian Weiss and Dr. Michael Newton in past life regression. 

TS Members: $60 • Nonmembers: $70 • $80 at the door

Register here

Saturday, December 7, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

As long as our vital energy is available, our bodies know how to keep us vibrant and healthy. When the energy flow is blocked or limited, however, we feel "off," have symptoms, or even develop serious illness. Dr. Marilyn Mitchell will share some reliable practices that will allow you to experience a rich communication between body and vital energy that can improve health and well-being, and even be accessed to reverse illness and serious disease.

Dr. Marilyn Mitchell received her medical degree from Rush Medical College and completed her residency at the University of Chicago. She is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the American Board of Integrative and Holistic Medicine, the Barbara Brennan School of Healing, and the EnergyTouch School of Advanced Healing. She is an educator, speaker, and health visionary and is a leader in the field of integrative medicine. Dr. Mitchell is also the founder of HealingSpace, an integrative medical and healing practice. She is the author of The True Nature of Healing: A Surgeon's Soul Journey.

TS Members: $30 • Nonmembers: $35 • $40 at the door

Register here

Friday, December 13, 7:00 p.m.

Become immersed in the rich tonal vibrations of three harmonious gongs as you detach from the pressure and content of the mind. Evoking physical, emotional, and spiritual responses, the vibrations of the gongs work on multiple levels to stimulate, heal and transform. After a gentle, seated yogic warm-up and meditation to prepare the mind and body, relax and be embraced by sound.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring a mat and/or blanket. In the communal spirit, we'll share a cup of homemade Yogi Tea afterward.

Jenny Bergold (Jagatjeet Kaur) received her Kundalini Yoga instructor and gong training through the Kundalini Research Institute and Spirit Rising Yoga. Maureen Milliken (Haripal Kaur) is a yoga instructor, sound practitioner, Reiki Master Teacher, and shamanic facilitator. Ela Geske received her Kundalini Yoga instructor and gong training through the 3HO Foundation (KRI). They are all honored to help you become more bountiful, blissful, and beautiful through Kundalini Yoga and this triple gong event.

$30 in advance, $35 at the door

Register here

Saturday, December 14, 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

What would our daily lives be like if our consciousness shifted its center from its normal material and personal focus to a more soulful place within? Is it possible to come into deeper peace and understanding of our inevitable karmic challenges? What are those unwholesome obstacles in our personality that stop us from unfolding our Divine Powers in this earthly incarnation? What soul activities can help stimulate and strengthen this Inner Life and bring more balance between our mental, astral, and physical vehicles of experience? These are some of the fundamental questions we will explore in depth and practice in this dynamic and artistic daylong workshop.

An optional vegetarian potluck lunch will follow from 12:30 – 1:45 p.m.

Danelys Valcarcel Cuellar, a Cuban-born artist, is a student of Theosophy, Anthroposophy, and Hindu philosophy who has dedicated the past thirteen years of her life researching the field of spiritual education. Currently working at the headquarters of the Theosophical Society in America, Danelys is also a Montessori, Waldorf, and Krishnamurti teacher.

TS Members: $60 • Nonmembers: $70 • $80 at the door

Register here

You can also join Danelys Valcarcel Cuellar on Thursday, December 12 for her lecture The Soul’s Awakening.

Thursday, December 19, 7:00 p.m.

Celebrate and welcome in the season with kindred spirits by sharing stories, ceremonies, songs, or poems from your faith tradition, family customs, or cultural heritage, followed by drumming! Please bring vegetarian, non-alcoholic holiday goodies to share as we close the evening in conversation and camaraderie! 

Paula Finnegan will facilitate this seasonal celebration with everyone’s participation. 

Donations are appreciated.

Tuesday, December 31, 6:00 – 7:00 a.m.

This yearly event coincides with group meditations around the globe. Using the concentrated power of thought to generate energy for peace, we meet to help heal the sense of separation among human beings and to release light, love, and spiritual energy. Everyone is welcome!

If you would like to participate by reading a quote or bringing refreshments for community afterwards, please contact Kim McDuffee Dotson at ksmcdot@gmail.com.

Donations are appreciated.