Annual Day of Spirit – Visions of Wholeness: Reimagining Our Lives and Our Communities
Saturday, October 18 – 12-4 pm on the Edwards Campus
In our daily lives, and in the world around us, many of us feel the weight of constant stress, sadness, uncertainty and awareness of brokenness. This gathering invites us to pause, breathe, and explore how we can find balance, connection, and a sense of wholeness — within ourselves and our communities.
Wholeness doesn’t mean perfection or the absence of struggle. It is about finding inner balance and harmony, reconnecting with our authentic voices, and rediscovering our interconnectedness — with one another, with our communities, and with the larger world. It’s about embracing the belief that every voice belongs and every ripple of connection matters.
At Day of Spirit, we’ll explore what wholeness means — for ourselves and for our communities. Together, we’ll ask:
- How do we see beyond what’s broken to imagine what can be restored?
- How do we weave the pieces into something new and beautiful?
- How do we reimagine lives and communities where empathy, inclusion, and belonging are at the center?
Our day will begin with a cross-cultural, intergenerational conversation led by Yining Lu and Debbie Clark.
You’ll then choose from three immersive workshops:
- Writing for Wholeness led by Jackie Harris
- Meditation: Union of Wisdom and Compassion led by Tsering Ngodup Yodsampa
- A Multi-Sensory Experience of Wholeness: Five Elements Healing in Guzheng led by Yining Lu
As a closing gift, we will experience the restorative power of sound bathing provided by Caroline Goldman. Let crystal bowls and chimes guide you into harmony, as body, mind, and spirit integrate the wisdom of the day.
Throughout the day, witness Artist-in-Residence Valarie Poitier as she creates a communal artwork, piecing together fabrics torn upon arrival into a communal expression of wholeness.
This event is offered by donation. Suggested donation of $30-$50. More if you can, less if you can’t.
Register today! Click here for more information and to register!
Gentle Yoga with Sarah Hofschire – Fall & Winter Mini-Sessions
All sessions are held on Wednesdays @ 9:30-10:45 am in Edwards Hall
Fall: Oct 1, 8, 15, & 22 // Winter: Nov 5, 12, & 19 and Dec 3, 10 & 17
Sarah Hofschire is excited to be teaching Gentle Yoga at Open Spirit again this fall and winter. Her teaching style is all-levels / gentle with a focus on increased balance, strength, mobility and mind-body connection with a bit of creative movement added to the mix.
The cost of the remaining fall session classes is $25/class (drop-in classes are $30).
The cost of the winter session is $120 for 6 classes if paid in full by the first class.
If you cannot commit to all classes in a session, there is a prorated rate of $25/class. Drop-in classes are $30 – space is not guaranteed, but we’ll do our best to make room. You may pay via VENMO (@sarah-hofschire) or personal check. Drop-ins may also pay in cash.
Open Spirit has everything you need for a comfortable yoga class, but you’re welcome to bring your own mat and props. We hope you’ll try a class! Contact Sarah with any questions: sazah16@gmail.com
Falling Into Balance: An Autumn Sound Bath Series
Select Mondays in October & November @ 7-8 pm in Edwards Hall
Facilitated by Caroline Goldman of Breathe in Gratitude
Experience the shifting of the seasons through the soothing vibrations of crystal singing bowls, chimes, and guided meditation.
- Each session will hold a unique theme, guiding you from summer energy into the stillness of the winter.
- Sound healing meditation supports relaxation, inner peace, emotional balance, and energetic alignment.
Series schedule and themes:
September 15 – Rooted Beginnings: Ground into the season with stability, clarity and calm.
September 22 – Equinox Harmony: Balance light and dark at the turning of the season.
October 6 – The Art of Letting Go: Release what no longer serves you with grace and ease.
October 20 – Inner Harvest: Gather the wisdom and light you’ve cultivated this year.
November 3 – Quieting the Winds: Find stillness and grounding as the days grow shorter.
November 17 – Gratitude & Glow: Close the season with warmth, appreciation, and inner light.
Fee: $25 per class. To pay online, click here. Payments may be made in cash, via check (made out to Open Spirit) or with a credit card via PayPal.
Spirituality and Poetry; Grounded in Awe
October 20 – 2-3:30 pm in Edwards Hall
What stirs in us when we reach for a poem, whether sitting down to write or read the work of a favorite poet? Why do poems stay with us and continue to inform our lives?
In this workshop, we’ll approach poetry as a vehicle for living fully in the present and deepening our humanity. Each month we’ll focus on an element of craft in the context of a particular theme to generate new work.
This class is for anyone interested in poetry as a spiritual practice and no previous writing experience is required to enjoy the pleasures of creative expression. Come join us and be inspired!
RSVPs appreciated. To RSVP, click here.
Suggested donation of $20. More if you can, less if you can’t. Email info@openspiritcenter.org with questions.
Meaningful Reflections on Hope and Peace
Sunday, November 2 – 4 to 5:30 pm in Edwards Hall
(Light refreshments will be served)
Open Spirit invites you to a multi-faith gathering for hope and peace. Please bring uplifting poems, songs, prayers, or art to share with others seeking meaningful connection. Together we will create a safe and supportive space to listen and reflect. Led by Matia Rania Angelou and Fran Pollitt from Open Spirit’s Multi-Faith Collaborative.