Philadelphia Yearly Meeting

of the Religious Society of Friends

mindfulness

The Wisdom Within the Present Moment with Mary Grace Orr and Larissa Kitenko

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A Seven-Day Mindfulness Meditation Retreat with Mary Grace Orr and Larissa Kitenko

Sunday 4:30pm to Sunday 1pm

Virtually every spiritual lineage stresses the importance of learning to plumb the depths of the present moment. The simple techniques of mindfulness and kindness, taught by the Buddha, teach us to do just that. This silent retreat will have periods of sitting and walking meditation, opportunities to talk with a teacher, and formal presentations. It is suitable for both beginners and experienced students, and for people of all faith traditions.

For more information, to register, or to apply for financial assistance: https://pendlehill.org/events/the-wisdom-within-the-present-moment/

Bench Yoga

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Join us at 11:30 on December 5 at the Little Egg Harbor Friends Meetinghouse where Shanti Revolution will incorporate our meetinghouse benches into a 45 minute session of gentle stretching and breathing exercises. A key aspect of Quaker spiritual formation is communal spiritual practice, by opening our doors to the wider community we intend to create space in which this can take place. All are welcome. A free-will donation will gratefully be accepted.

The Divine Invitation webinar (evening session)

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This webinar is the initial session of the Tuesday evening online Exploring Spiritual Practices course taught by Swarthmore Meeting member Marcelle Martin.

This first session is open to all, both those who have registered for the full course and those who want to sample the webinar.  We will explore the spiritual practices of gratitude and mindfulness, and give attention to the ways that God is inviting each one of us into a more intimate relationship.  The session will include time for sharing with others in small breakout groups. This webinar will be offered both in the morning, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, and also in the evening, from 7 to 9 pm Eastern Time.

​There are many ways to think about and describe God–Creator, the Ground of Being, the Almighty, Spirit, the Light, the Holy One, the Wholeness, Eternal Being, and so much more.  However we think of it, the Divine is already in intimate relationship with everyone and is inviting all of us to become more aware of that relationship and fully engaged.  This empowering connection is our birthright, but from early childhood we have been conditioned to limit our ability to perceive this relationship and minimize our acceptance of the gifts of the Spirit.  Spiritual practices are helpful methods of becoming receptive and aware of the presence and activity of God within us, as well as in others and the world.  There is a huge variety of practices available to us, ranging from very active and involving images, music, and movement, to more quiet, receptive, and contemplative practices.  Some practices are very individual, while others require the participation of a group.

​​In the course Exploring Spiritual Practices: Meditation, Prayer and Presence, online class time will include brief presentations about different kinds of spiritual practices and opportunities for experiencing and experimenting with various forms of meditation, prayer, and presence.  We will draw upon practices from across the Christian tradition, including traditional Quaker practices, and also upon practices from other traditions, including Buddhism and Hinduism. In breakout groups we will share our experiences in pairs and small groups and listen to the experiences of others.  We will also engage in class discussion and ask important questions including “What or who is God in our experience?”  “How do we experience presence?”  “What is the nature of consciousness?”  “What impedes our awareness of the divine within us and others?”

​No particular beliefs in God, prayer, or meditation are required, only a willingness to earnestly try different kinds of practices, notice what we experience, and listen respectfully to the experiences and beliefs shared by others.

This event is sponsored by New England Yearly Meeting and Beacon Hill Friends House.  Marcelle Martin’s ministry is under the care of Swarthmore Friends Meeting (PYM).

The Divine Invitation webinar (morning session)

Written on:

This webinar is the initial session of the Tuesday online Exploring Spiritual Practices course taught by Swarthmore Meeting member Marcelle Martin.

This first session is open to all, both those who have registered for the full course and those who want to sample the webinar.  We will explore the spiritual practices of gratitude and mindfulness, and give attention to the ways that God is inviting each one of us into a more intimate relationship.  The session will include time for sharing with others in small breakout groups. This webinar will be offered both in the morning, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, and also in the evening, from 7 to 9 pm Eastern Time.

​There are many ways to think about and describe God–Creator, the Ground of Being, the Almighty, Spirit, the Light, the Holy One, the Wholeness, Eternal Being, and so much more.  However we think of it, the Divine is already in intimate relationship with everyone and is inviting all of us to become more aware of that relationship and fully engaged.  This empowering connection is our birthright, but from early childhood we have been conditioned to limit our ability to perceive this relationship and minimize our acceptance of the gifts of the Spirit.  Spiritual practices are helpful methods of becoming receptive and aware of the presence and activity of God within us, as well as in others and the world.  There is a huge variety of practices available to us, ranging from very active and involving images, music, and movement, to more quiet, receptive, and contemplative practices.  Some practices are very individual, while others require the participation of a group.

​​In the course Exploring Spiritual Practices: Meditation, Prayer and Presence, online class time will include brief presentations about different kinds of spiritual practices and opportunities for experiencing and experimenting with various forms of meditation, prayer, and presence.  We will draw upon practices from across the Christian tradition, including traditional Quaker practices, and also upon practices from other traditions, including Buddhism and Hinduism. In breakout groups we will share our experiences in pairs and small groups and listen to the experiences of others.  We will also engage in class discussion and ask important questions including “What or who is God in our experience?”  “How do we experience presence?”  “What is the nature of consciousness?”  “What impedes our awareness of the divine within us and others?”

​No particular beliefs in God, prayer, or meditation are required, only a willingness to earnestly try different kinds of practices, notice what we experience, and listen respectfully to the experiences and beliefs shared by others.

Spring 8-Week Mindfulness Series

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Join us for a virtual series on mindfulness meditation for Friends, sponsored by the Friends Counseling Service! In this 8-week series we will explore the theory and practice of mindfulness meditation and ways in which the practice can enrich and deepen our experience of meeting for worship. Each class will offer a brief talk, a time of meditation, and time for questions or comments. The class is open to all; no prior experience necessary. Join us for one session or all eight, whatever your schedule permits. All sessions are held on Zoom – links for each session in the series will be sent a few hours prior on the same day.

To support the sustainability of our offerings, we are experimenting with a “pay as led” arrangement, with a suggested payment of $10 per session.  Please don’t let this be a barrier — if you cannot contribute financially, please come anyway.

Deborah Cooper, M.Ed., is a licensed professional counselor in private practice and a member of the PYM Friends Counseling Service. She has studied Mindfulness Stress Reduction at Thomas Jefferson Hospital and taught several courses in Mindfulness Meditation. She has a committed personal meditation practice.

REGISTER

Spring 8-Week Mindfulness Series

Written on:

Join us for a virtual series on mindfulness meditation for Friends, sponsored by the Friends Counseling Service! In this 8-week series we will explore the theory and practice of mindfulness meditation and ways in which the practice can enrich and deepen our experience of meeting for worship. Each class will offer a brief talk, a time of meditation, and time for questions or comments. The class is open to all; no prior experience necessary. Join us for one session or all eight, whatever your schedule permits. All sessions are held on Zoom – links for each session in the series will be sent a few hours prior on the same day.

To support the sustainability of our offerings, we are experimenting with a “pay as led” arrangement, with a suggested payment of $10 per session.  Please don’t let this be a barrier — if you cannot contribute financially, please come anyway.

Deborah Cooper, M.Ed., is a licensed professional counselor in private practice and a member of the PYM Friends Counseling Service. She has studied Mindfulness Stress Reduction at Thomas Jefferson Hospital and taught several courses in Mindfulness Meditation. She has a committed personal meditation practice.

REGISTER

Spring 8-Week Mindfulness Series

Written on:

Join us for a virtual series on mindfulness meditation for Friends, sponsored by the Friends Counseling Service! In this 8-week series we will explore the theory and practice of mindfulness meditation and ways in which the practice can enrich and deepen our experience of meeting for worship. Each class will offer a brief talk, a time of meditation, and time for questions or comments. The class is open to all; no prior experience necessary. Join us for one session or all eight, whatever your schedule permits. All sessions are held on Zoom – links for each session in the series will be sent a few hours prior on the same day.

To support the sustainability of our offerings, we are experimenting with a “pay as led” arrangement, with a suggested payment of $10 per session.  Please don’t let this be a barrier — if you cannot contribute financially, please come anyway.

Deborah Cooper, M.Ed., is a licensed professional counselor in private practice and a member of the PYM Friends Counseling Service. She has studied Mindfulness Stress Reduction at Thomas Jefferson Hospital and taught several courses in Mindfulness Meditation. She has a committed personal meditation practice.

REGISTER

Spring 8-Week Mindfulness Series

Written on:

Join us for a virtual series on mindfulness meditation for Friends, sponsored by the Friends Counseling Service! In this 8-week series we will explore the theory and practice of mindfulness meditation and ways in which the practice can enrich and deepen our experience of meeting for worship. Each class will offer a brief talk, a time of meditation, and time for questions or comments. The class is open to all; no prior experience necessary. Join us for one session or all eight, whatever your schedule permits. All sessions are held on Zoom – links for each session in the series will be sent a few hours prior on the same day.

To support the sustainability of our offerings, we are experimenting with a “pay as led” arrangement, with a suggested payment of $10 per session.  Please don’t let this be a barrier — if you cannot contribute financially, please come anyway.

Deborah Cooper, M.Ed., is a licensed professional counselor in private practice and a member of the PYM Friends Counseling Service. She has studied Mindfulness Stress Reduction at Thomas Jefferson Hospital and taught several courses in Mindfulness Meditation. She has a committed personal meditation practice.

REGISTER

Spring 8-Week Mindfulness Series

Written on:

Join us for a virtual series on mindfulness meditation for Friends, sponsored by the Friends Counseling Service! In this 8-week series we will explore the theory and practice of mindfulness meditation and ways in which the practice can enrich and deepen our experience of meeting for worship. Each class will offer a brief talk, a time of meditation, and time for questions or comments. The class is open to all; no prior experience necessary. Join us for one session or all eight, whatever your schedule permits. All sessions are held on Zoom – links for each session in the series will be sent a few hours prior on the same day.

To support the sustainability of our offerings, we are experimenting with a “pay as led” arrangement, with a suggested payment of $10 per session.  Please don’t let this be a barrier — if you cannot contribute financially, please come anyway.

Deborah Cooper, M.Ed., is a licensed professional counselor in private practice and a member of the PYM Friends Counseling Service. She has studied Mindfulness Stress Reduction at Thomas Jefferson Hospital and taught several courses in Mindfulness Meditation. She has a committed personal meditation practice.

REGISTER

Spring 8-Week Mindfulness Series

Written on:

Join us for a virtual series on mindfulness meditation for Friends, sponsored by the Friends Counseling Service! In this 8-week series we will explore the theory and practice of mindfulness meditation and ways in which the practice can enrich and deepen our experience of meeting for worship. Each class will offer a brief talk, a time of meditation, and time for questions or comments. The class is open to all; no prior experience necessary. Join us for one session or all eight, whatever your schedule permits. All sessions are held on Zoom – links for each session in the series will be sent a few hours prior on the same day.

To support the sustainability of our offerings, we are experimenting with a “pay as led” arrangement, with a suggested payment of $10 per session.  Please don’t let this be a barrier — if you cannot contribute financially, please come anyway.

Deborah Cooper, M.Ed., is a licensed professional counselor in private practice and a member of the PYM Friends Counseling Service. She has studied Mindfulness Stress Reduction at Thomas Jefferson Hospital and taught several courses in Mindfulness Meditation. She has a committed personal meditation practice.

REGISTER