November Theme: Living Everyday Wonder: Home
The idea of “home” is primal among our collective archetypes. Across ages and cultures, it can most simply be said that “home is where the heart is.” Metaphorically, home is the place that is wholly (holy) known and familiar. That heart-filled place is where we feel safe and fully free to be our unvarnished selves, knowing we belong and that there is always unconditional love and acceptance. It is also the place where the human journey typically begins and ends. This month, we begin our discovery of Everyday Wonder—Home with an exploration of the archetype of home, as both the starting point and destination of the spiritual journey.
We will discuss home in its idealized version, as we examine the great monomyth—also known as the Hero’s Journey—a metaphor for the process of psychological and spiritual maturation. We will continue with discussions about the “ideal home” and the paradox of safety – i.e. how having a sense of rootedness, belonging and boundaries empowers us to fly—to fully and freely be our best selves. Next, while many of us have a sense of what the home of our dreams might look or feel like, few of us have actually had the experience of living in our ideal, either in the past or in the present. In the third part of our series, we will explore how our childhood experiences influence how we see ourselves and the world, while preparing us for the work we are here to do. Finally, we conclude our discovery of Everyday Wonder at home with practices and ideas for realizing and experiencing the sense of home that lies nestled at the core of being…wherever we may go.
November 6th • There’s No Place Like Home
What do you have in common with Harry Potter, Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, Gautama Buddha and even Jesus? You and the rest of humanity are playing out the Hero’s Journey, which starts and ends in the place we call “home.” Speaker: Rev. Kathleen Music: Sharon Bousquet and Tom Glenn
November 13th • Roots and Wings
“There are only two lasting bequests that we can hope to give our children—roots and wings.” This week we explore the relationship between freedom and safety and how childhood conditioning sets us up for what Einstein called “the most important decision we make.” Speaker: Rev. Dr. Kathleen Johnson Music: CeleStiaL Joy Ensemble led by Dean Regan RScP EVENT: Thanks for Giving Luncheon
November 20th • H.O.M.E
Not everyone looks forward to going home for the holidays. Sometimes “home” is the place that breaks us, leaving lifelong wounds that can be difficult to heal. H.O.M.E. may be the place where Healing Opportunities Manifest Everywhere. This week we discuss the “initiation phase” of the Hero’s Journey and how to withstand and navigate the trials and tribulations that are necessary for learning and growth. Speaker: Rev. Dr. Kathleen Johnson Music: Deb Chamberlin and Dean Regan RScP
November 27th • Welcome To Your Dream Home
November 27th • Welcome To Your Dream Home The keys to the home of your dreams are in your heart and mind. Find out how to unlock the possibility and joy of being at home wherever you go. Speaker: Rev. Dr. Kathleen Johnson Music: Deb Chamberlin and Dean Regan RScP