Soulful Song: A Wisdom Circle Develops

Service Description

The name we gave this gathering, Soulful Song, originated in the writing of Howard Thurman. Three spiritual directors, Jack, Karen, and Mark, responded to Thurman’s call and dreamed together about how they might facilitate a group to explore the transformative potency of these times. In many ways this Wisdom Circle’s purpose was founded in finding a common language, a cosmic perspective, and a community from which to understand and engage uncertain times. Save the dates, register now, and join us. February 15 ~ March 08 ~ April 19 (all Saturdays) from 10am – 1pm. Initially three wisdom teachers facilitated these gatherings by introducing ways of perceiving these times. An objective of these first Saturday gatherings was to find common language, recognize what already resonated within us, and meet one another. Something happened along the way, which was both intentional and hopeful. We found that the group began to need less facilitation. The wisdom of the group members was deep and they carried forward the integration of the group. The three facilitators remain, less because they need to teach or define a common language, but to support a safe and reliable space for deepening and sustaining our joint inquiry. This group meets in person at the Franciscan Spiritual Center on three Saturdays over the course of three months. We invite you to join all the gatherings so we may foster a common wisdom practice. If you have never joined before, you are welcome to join us now. One of our facilitators will answer any questions you have and provide you with background information. Our facilitators, include Karen Beal (a practitioner of Zen Buddhist meditation and Centering Prayer and the former director of the JV EnCorps program at Jesuit Volunteer Northwest), Jack Kennedy (a spiritual director, educator and retreat leader formed in the Ignatian tradition), and Mark Lesniewski (a spiritual director and supervisor for directors with the Franciscan Spiritual Center, who was formed in both the Franciscan and contemplative Buddhist tradition). We meet for three Saturdays, February 15, March 08, and April 19. 10am – 1pm, Pacific Time. We meet in-person. Franciscan Spiritual Center 3159 Furman Drive, Marylhurst, OR 97036 Our facilitators are Karen Beal, Mark Lesniewski, and Jack Kennedy. Cost $60 (for the 3 session series). Maximum participants: 25.