Gentle Yoga – Embodying Soul Qualities for These Times
Tuesdays at 10 am in Edwards Hall and online
Throughout June and into July, our Gentle Yoga class will center on the ancient Jewish spiritual discipline called “Mussar.” Rabbi Elya Lopian defines Mussar as “Making the heart feel what the intellect understands.” Author Alan Morinia adds, “Mussar’s teachings and practices help us work a radical inner transformation by showing us how to close the gap between the high ideals we hold in mind and the living truth of how we act in the world.” Mussar philosophy identifies thirteen Middot ha’nefesh, traits of the soul: gratitude, trust, lovingkindness, simplicity, non-judgment, silence, generosity, zeal, order, humility, courage and equanimity.
Each week, we will center on one of the thirteen traits, reflecting on their beauty and challenge, hearing a related poem, embodying them in our practice. Many weeks, we will hear from a rabbi or Mussar practitioner offering brief reflections on the soul traits.
Gentle Yoga is for all ages and levels of experience. You can practice on the mat, in a chair, or a little bit of both. You can join in person or online! You can make a donation as you are able.
In Celebration of Pride Month Book Signing Party
Saturday, June 7 – 4 pm in Edwards Hall (Refreshments will be served)
Come celebrate Pride at Open Spirit with the launch of this heartfelt anthology Love is For All of Us: Poems of tenderness and belonging from the LGBTQ+ community and friends, edited by best-selling author James Crews and his husband, Brad Peacock.
James, Brad, and special guest Lisa Breger will share stories to uplift hearts and affirm the power of love. Books will be available for purchase and signing with a portion of proceeds to benefit The Trevor Project.
This is a free event. Donations to support Open Spirit programming are gratefully accepted. Suggested donation of $20-$30, more if you can, less if you can’t. Kindly RSVP by clicking here.
Makers (And Wanna Be Makers) Gathering led by Artist-in-Residence, Valarie Poitier
Wednesdays, June 11, 18, & 25 – 1:30-3 pm in Edwards Hall
Come together with other folks who love to create. Valarie will lead a lesson for the day for each gathering that can be adapted to meet student interests. Students are encouraged to bring their own projects, start a new project or simply sit and make together in community. This event is open to all, all projects welcome!
Valarie will provide guidance, advice and support if needed on your project. Let us know if you have tools or supplies you need to borrow to help complete your project and we may be able to provide them.
Suggested donation of $10-20. Drop-ins are welcomed but RSVPs are appreciated by clicking here.
*Please note, the art studio is accessible only via stairs and does not have elevator access. If stairs present a challenge for you, we are happy to accommodate your needs by relocating to an accessible space. Kindly inform us in advance so we can ensure a comfortable and inclusive experience for all participants.