Inspiration from Sophia
She is the way to everlasting life, true wealth, and honor.
Her way is pleasant,and all Her paths are peace.
She is a Tree of Life to those who embrace Her, and
those who unite with Her find happiness.
Wisdom is the earth’s foundation,
and understanding the sky’s pillar.
She is the divine order patterning all creation,
from the ancient oceans to this morning’s dew.
Proverbs 3:14-20
Wisdom is not separate from creation; She is the order of creation. She is the grain of wood, the currents of wind and sea. Everything rests on a metaphysical order, a principle that patterns all reality. While the world is impermanent, the Principle of Wisdom is timeless. To know Wisdom is to know the current in the midst of chaos.
Rabbi Rami Shapiro, The Divine Feminine in Biblical Wisdom Literature
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Wisdom Circle – March 15
A Wisdom Circle will begin on Sunday, March 15 from 1 – 3p.m. Group participants will study wisdom teachings of contemporary spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle. Using his books, especially A New Earth, and excerpts from Eckhart Teachings in DVD format, the group will explore the practical application of wisdom teachings to our daily lives.
When you no longer compulsively label things, when you let go of attachment to your story, you become alive to the present moment. Presence arises and replaces the conceptual sense of self. You become quite simple. The need to be special falls away. You become ordinary. You don’t need to protect a sense of specialness anymore and find your identity in that. What a freedom comes to you when you no longer need to be special to get some sense of your identity! What freedom comes when you’re in touch with the preciousness that is the essence of who you are.
Ekhart Tolle, Stillness Amidst the World
The study group will meet at 19619 Mella Drive, Volcano and will continue in April.
Spring Equinox – Friday, March 20
Join us for a celebration of new beginnings. At the time of the Spring Equinox the sun’s rays again begin to strike our planet more directly. The sun, radiant and healing, revitalizes the dark and dormant as days and nights are again of equal length. The external experience of spring is an opportunity for each of us to prepare for a personal rebirth and resurrection. The arrival of the spring corresponds with the Christian Lenten time of prayer and reflection. The Spring Equinox celebration will begin Friday evening at 6 p.m. Call for the location. We will also honor St Patrick with a focus on Celtic contributions to the spiritual aspects of the season.
Healing Circles – Monday, March 9 & Sunday, March 29
Reiki, spiritual healing energy, is the focus of the ongoing healing circles provided as a community service. The circles for this month are on Monday, March 9 from 6 – 8 p.m. followed by a world healing meditation from 8-8:30 and Sunday, March 29 from 2 – 4 p.m. The circles are held at Refresh at Sutter Creek, 81B Hanford Street.
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A Sophia Circle is forming!
A Sophia Circle is a unique form of spiritual group process, which fosters spiritual growth and supports individual discernment within an experience of community support. Three conditions are essential to the life of the group. Members must commit themselves to 1) an honest desire to draw closer to God, 2) genuine participation in the group process through compassionate listening and prayerful response, and 3) opening their spiritual journeys to the consideration of others. Sophia’s Well of Wisdom is currently gathering together those who want a supportive group spiritual process. Contact Patsy if you are interested in participating.
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Special Events Coming Soon!
April 22 – Earth Day Celebration, time and location announced next month.
July 18 – Rev. Carol E. Parrish, Dean of Sancta Sophia Seminary will present an all day workshop. Topic, time and location will be announced soon.
July 19 – Ordination Ceremony for Patsy, more information coming soon.
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Book Recommendation
Recently a book was recommended to me by Mike Mason entitled Return to The Sacred by Jonathan H. Ellerby, Ph.D. Ellerby is a friend of Mike’s and wanted to help promote his book. I ordered the book to review it and was pleasantly surprised with what I found. Although this is Ellerby’s first major publication (Hay House, 2009), it is an excellent work, well-written and organized. As the subtitle states, this book is about ancient pathways to spiritual awakening; however, it is written for the contemporary spiritual seeker. The major focus of the book is a thorough discussion of 12 different spiritual practices organized in four categories: Body-centered practices, mind-centered practices, heart-centered practices, and soul-centered practices. It reminds the reader that there are multiple pathways on the Sacred journey to wholeness, balance, and peace. It’s a great read! Let me know when you come across a book worthy of recommendation. |
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