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• Seekers Book Club - Winter/Spring Session

  • Start
    Monday, December 16, 2024
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  • End
    Monday, July 21, 2025
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  • Schedule
    15 sessions
  • Location
    Online - Zoom
  • Spaces left
    6

  Register

  Beginning December 16, 2024 we will be reading:

  ​Backpacking with the Saints: Wilderness Hiking as Spiritual Practice

  Carrying only basic camping equipment and a collection of the world's great spiritual writings, Belden C. Lane embarks on solitary spiritual treks through the Ozarks and across the American Southwest. For companions, he has only such teachers as Rumi, John of the Cross, Hildegard of Bingen, Dag Hammarskjöld, and Thomas Merton, and as he walks, he engages their writings with the natural wonders he encounters--Bell Mountain Wilderness with Søren Kierkegaard, Moonshine Hollow with Thich Nhat Hanh--demonstrating how being alone in the wild opens a rare view onto one's interior landscape, and how the saints' writings reveal the divine in nature.

  
  

  Prerequisites: None
  Dates: December 16, 2024 to July 21, 2025 (end date tentative depending on pace of reading) - Join anytime
  Number of Participants: Min 3/Max 15
  Day/Time: First and third Mondays of the month, 7:00 - 8:00 pm ET
  Location: Zoom
  Cost: ​$10 per book; register for one date at the beginning of the discussion of the book to receive the zoom link for the following sessions. (No need to register for multiple dates.)

  Questions about this class?  Email programs@tolit.org and be sure to include the title of the class in your message and it will be forwarded to the class presenter.
  

  
  

  This book club is designed to provide an opportunity to share in community, lively discussion and self exploration. It will provide a casual and relaxed environment during which we can exchange ideas and experiences through the reading of selected books.
  Discussion leader rotates based on the book.

  
  
  

  
  

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• An Ordinary Life Transformed: A 20-Class Study of the Bhagavad Gita

  • Start
    Sunday, January 12, 2025
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  • End
    Sunday, May 04, 2025
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  • Schedule
    17 sessions
  • Location
    Tree of Life Interfaith Temple, 5 Northern Blvd, Suite 8, Amherst, NH

  Registration is closed

  An Ordinary Life Transformed: A 20-Class Study of the Bhagavad  Gita

  Rev. Dr. Stephanie Rutt

  The Tree of Life Hermitage

  
  I've always said, "It's good to know. But it's better to Know." Why? We can have read all the books, earned any number of theological degrees and, still, have never had an experience of the One - an experience to which we can only point and yet is more real to us than all we know. I believe, ideally, a good combination of knowledge and experience is best which is why I'm dreaming The Tree of Life Hermitage. Here is a place where I'll be offering some of the programs I've created, along with new ones, weaving together the experiential with the understanding.

  First up: A 20-class study of the Bhagavad Gita . . . 
  

  Deep in the hearts of all, there is the light of all lights, forever beyond darkness. (13:17)

  Back by popular demand, I'm offering a 20-week study of the Bhagavad Gita! This class will be 1/3 experiential and 2/3 discussion and sharing.  The experiential part will include any combination of walking mediation, mantra prayer, simple circle dance, and contemplative meditation.  Each week we will focus on a chapter, and you'll be asked to consider the Questions for Reflection at the chapter's end which will guide our discussion and sharing time. We'll also be learning and chanting several of the slokas in Sanskrit.  I'm very excited about integration the experiential aspect with our book study of this Song of God!

  Program Objectives and Outcomes:  1) To step into an experiential exploration of the universal teachings and principles. 2) To study and apply the universal teachings to everyday life

  Required Reading:  An Ordinary Life Transformed:  Lessons for Everyone from the Bhagavad Gita

  Who will this program benefit?  Any seeker

  Prerequisites (if any):  Divine curiosity

  Minimum/Maximum Number of Participants: 6 minimum/no maximum

  Start and End Dates:  January 12, 2025 - May 4, 2025

  Day/Time: Sundays, 3:00 - 4:30 PM (Note: February 23, March 23, and May 4 time is from 2:00 - 5:00 PM)

  Number of Hours Per Session: 1.5 or 3

  Number of Sessions to be Offered: 17 

  Are participants required to attend all sessions, or can they select individual sessions to attend?  All sessions required

  Tuition:  $300

  Location:  Tree of Life Interfaith Temple 5 Northern Blvd, Suite 8, Amherst, NH 03031  Please note: If you're interested in an online study of the Bhagavad Gita, please contact Stephanie directly at stephanie.rutt @ gmail.com (no spaces).

  Questions about this class?  Email programs@tolit.org and be sure to include the title of the class in your message and it will be forwarded to the class presenter.

  About the Presenter: Rev. Dr. Stephanie Rutt is the Founding Minister of the Tree of Life Interfaith Seminary and Temple.  Her book, An Ordinary Life Transformed: Lessons for Everyone from the Bhagavad Gita, was first published in 2006. It arose out of nine studies of ordinary seekers seeking to apply the principles to everyday life.

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Yoga Nidra: The Essence of You - Spring 2025

  • Start
    Wednesday, February 12, 2025
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  • End
    Thursday, April 03, 2025
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  • Schedule
    8 sessions
  • Location
    Zoom

  Yoga Nidra: The Essence of You

  Rev. Peggy Petahtegoose

  Are you stressed, unfocused, suffering monkey mind or lack of sleep? Yoga Nidra can help. This practice only requires you to remain physically still. I take care of the rest. We each have 5 koshas, or sheaths, that represent our humanness. During this meditative practice I will guide you through the mental, emotional, physical, energetic, and spiritual koshas. This is a form of Bhakti yoga, devotional yoga. The outcome is stillness, quiet, calm and peacefulness. As we rest in stillness we rekindle our divine spirit, creating that Oneness that we all long for in our daily lives.

  Program Objectives and Outcomes:  Designed to offer you a guided meditative practice that brings you to a deep restful and restorative space of peace and tranquility.

  Who will this program benefit?  Anyone who is stressed, unfocused, agitated, or wrestling with monkey mind. Also, those who are lacking restful sleep.

  Prerequisites:  A quiet place, no disturbances, no distractions. A comfortable place to rest your body for approximately 50 minutes.

  Minimum number of participants:  6

  Start/End Dates:  February 12, 2025/April 2, 2025

  Start/End Times:  11:30 AM/12:30 PM

  Number of Hours per Session:  1

  Number of Classes to be Offered:  8

  Frequency:  Weekly

  Days and Dates:  Wednesdays February 12, 19, 26, March 5, 12, 19, 26, April 2

  Are participants required to attend all sessions or can they select individual sessions to attend?  All sessions are required

  Tuition:  $100

  Location:  Zoom

  Questions about this class?  Email programs@tolit.org and be sure to include the title of the class in your message and it will be forwarded to the class presenter.

  About the Presenter:  Rev. Peggy has been offering Yoga Nidra - The Essence of You, since 2012. It is one of my favorite meditative practices to share!  She is E-RYT 200 certified and has almost 1000 hours of teaching and 1000 hours of training as a yoga teacher.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Writing From the Heart - Words as Spiritual Practice Spring 2025

  • Start
    Wednesday, March 05, 2025
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  • End
    Wednesday, April 23, 2025
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  • Schedule
    8 sessions
  • Location
    Zoom

  Register

  Writing From the Heart - Words as Spiritual Practice

  Rev. Carol LaChance

  Are words your preferred artistic expression? Do you wish you had a supportive community of writers to hear your voice? Do you need more understanding of the craft of writing? Do you wish you could listen and learn from others on the writing journey?

  This class will explore writing as a spiritual expression of our heart's experiences using a writers' workshop format where all participants will give and receive feedback. 

  Over the next eight weeks we will write using the following topics and formats, with a focus on word choice:  1. Blessing (poetry)  2. Longing (heart's desire)  3. Place (describe your heart place)  4. Person (someone you love) 5. Narrative (what creates strong narrative). 6. Dialogue ( how to write realistic dialogue)  7. Plot (how to see the arc of a story or essay). 8. Voice - a shared celebration (read your favorite piece to the group)

  Program Objectives and Outcomes:  Words can give expression to our deepest longings and experiences. This class will provide a safe, sacred circle where participants can share their writing and receive supportive feedback. Together we will explore the spiritual practice of finding heart-centered words to tell our stories.

  Who will this program benefit?  All those who love to write and use words to paint the pictures of their life experiences. Those new to writing and those already immersed in writing projects are welcome.

  Prerequisites:  A love of words. A desire to share, listen, and experiment. A willingness to write between classes and share your work.

  Suggested Reading:  John O'Donohue poems in To Bless the Space Between Us or his book Anam Cara. HIs writing gives us a sense of how well-chosen words from the heart can bless the reader.

  Minimum Number of Participants:  5

  Start/End Dates:  March 5/April 23

  Start/End Times:  3:00 PM/5:00 PM

  Number of Hours per Session:  2

  Number of Classes to be Offered:  8

  Frequency:  Weekly

  Days and Dates:  Wednesdays, March 5, 12, 19, 26, April 2, 9, 16, 23

  Are participants required to attend all sessions or can they select individual sessions to attend?  All sessions are required.

  Tuition:  $225

  Location:  Zoom

  Questions about this class?  Email programs@tolit.org and your question will be forwarded to the presenter.  Be sure to indicate the title of the class in your email.

  
  

  About the presenter:  Rev. Carol LaChance loves to use words as an expression of spiritual practice. Carol is the author of The Way of the Mother (Element Books). She has experience with writing children's picture books, a middle school novel and a young adult novel, and is currently finishing her memoir: Pondering the Heart. Carol is retired teacher, an interfaith minister and a spiritual mentor. She has taught writing to children and young adults, and has conducted adult writing circles and workshops at the Tree of Life Interfaith Temple since 2018. 

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Monthly Drumming and Sacred Sound Circle - Spring 2025

  • Start
    Friday, March 28, 2025
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  • End
    Friday, June 27, 2025
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  • Schedule
    4 sessions
  • Location
    Tree of Life Interfaith Temple 5 Northern Blvd Suite 8 Amherst NH

  Register

  Monthly Drumming and Sacred Sound Circle

  Rev. Pam Nowell

  Drawing inspiration from West African drum traditions and sacred sound circles, Rev. Pam has developed a unique style of teaching and facilitating that reflects her years of experience and her spiritual connection.  Her work goes beyond music, creating spaces for community, healing, and personal growth.

  Join us for a welcoming and joyful exploration of rhythm and sound! Whether you're an experienced drummer or a complete beginner, you're invited to connect with your inner rhythm and the community through drumming and sacred sound.

  We provide a limited number of drums on a first-come, first-served basis.  If you'd like to reserve one in advance, please text Rev. Pam at 603-620-9133.

  Program Objectives and Outcomes:  To create connection through drumming and sound in order to facilitate a deeper connection with each other and the divine.

  Who will this program benefit:  Whoever comes

  Prerequisites:  None

  Required Reading:  None

  Minimum/Maximum Number of Participants:  2/no maximum

  Start/End Dates:  March 28/June 27

  Start/End Times:  6:00 PM/8:30 PM

  Number of Hours per Session:  1.5

  Number of Classes to be Offered:  4 

  Frequency:  Monthly

  Class Days and Dates:  Fridays, March 28, April 25, May 30, and June 27

  Are participants required to attend all sessions or can they select individual sessions to attend?   Participants may attend individual sessions

  Tuition:  A donation of $10 is suggested, paid at the door.

  Location:  In person at the Temple.

  Questions about this class?  Email templenews@tolit.org and be sure to include the name of the class in your message.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Conversations in the Wilderness - Spring 2025

  • Start
    Thursday, April 03, 2025
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  • End
    Thursday, June 26, 2025
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  • Schedule
    13 sessions
  • Location
    Online - Zoom

  Register

  Conversations in the Wilderness

  AHJAN GROSSMAN
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  Join us for an open-hearted exploration and conversations into the edges of the unknown wilderness of any and all things Spiritual.
  
  A casually structured group which began as an offshoot of Rev. Dr. Rutt's Mantra; Into the Wilderness course continues in open discussion of Spirituality. Metaphysical explorations, occasional guest speakers, mantras, prayers, experiences from various traditions keep us wandering through the wilderness of the less familiar. A safe place to wonder and wander.
  
  Topics for the following week are chosen as they arise from the conversations at hand. Input is shared by all in sacred circle.

  
  

  Prerequisites: None but curiosity and an openness
  ​Who will benefit from this program? Those with a curiosity of all things spiritual and who enjoy community with like-minded travelers will benefit. Anyone who has left a sacred study with questions still brewing, this is the place to explore.
  Required / Suggested Reading: None. You are welcome to bring to the group prior wisdoms gained and any experience pertinent to the discussion
  Start / End Date: April 3 to June 26, 2025; Always open to new participants
  ​Number of Classes: 13
  Number of Participants: Min 4/ Max 12
  Day/Time: Every Thursday, 6:00-7:30pm; Come as you can
  Cost: ​ $25 per 3-month session. Additional donation to the Temple is encouraged. Sign up before any class to receive the zoom link for the rest of the session.
  Location: Zoom

  Questions about this class?  Email programs@tolit.org and be sure to include the title of the class in your message and it will be forwarded to the class presenter.
  

  
  

  About Ahjan Grossman: Ahjan has been steeped in Sacred Studies for 20 years through the Tree of Life Interfaith. As an Interfaith minister she continues a thirst for universal understanding of consciousness and Mystical Unity.
  ​Qualifications: Interfaith Minister, educator, lifelong Sacred Studies and metaphysics student

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• Second Saturday Deep Gong Immersion - Spring 2025

  • Start
    Saturday, April 12, 2025
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  • End
    Saturday, June 14, 2025
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  • Schedule
    3 sessions
  • Location
    Tree of Life Interfaith Temple, 5 Northern Blvd, Suite 8, Amherst, NH

  Register

  Second Saturday Deep Gong Immersion

  REV. LINDA GOODMAN

  ​Gongs have been tools for healing, relaxation, and connecting with Spirit for thousands of years. There is evidence that places the use of the gong as far back as 16,000 B.C.

  In a gong bath, you simply lie back and let the deep, penetrating sounds of the gong wash over you (hence the term "bath"). The frequencies of the gong will quickly transport you into the theta and delta brain waves of deepest meditation where guidance may be received, buried emotional trauma may be released, and healing may occur at the innermost vibrational level.
  
  We welcome you into this altered state.

  Program Objectives:  Achieving a state of deep relaxation, meditation, and healing.

  Who will this program benefit?  Everyone

  Minimum/Maximum Number of Participants: 3/12

  Start/End Time:  2:00 PM/3:30 PM

  Number of Classes to be Offered: 3

  Frequency:  Monthly (second Saturday)

  Days/Dates:  Saturdays/April 12, May 10, June 14, 2025

  Are participants required to attend all sessions (closed class) or can they attend individual sessions (open class)?  Individual sessions

  Tuition:  $35 per session

  Location:  In person, at the Tree of Life Interfaith Temple

  Questions about this class?  Email programs@tolit.org and be sure to include the title of the class in your message and it will be forwarded to the class presenter.

  

  About the Presenter:  Rev. Linda is a Minister Emerita of the Tree of Life Interfaith Temple. She has been a practitioner of sound and vibrational healing for nearly 40 years, using tuning forks, crystal bowls, singing bowls, chimes, and gongs. Most recently, she has received gong mastery training with Dr. Romy Valdez, Yogi Mehtab, and Gong Grandmaster Don Conreaux. 

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• A Course in Miracles - Spring Session

  • Start
    Monday, April 14, 2025
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  • End
    Monday, June 23, 2025
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  • Schedule
    6 sessions
  • Location
    Online - Zoom

  Register

  A Course in Miracles
  CORRINE NIKOLENKO
  
  ​A Course in Miracles (ACIM) discussion group for anyone interested in learning about the Course for the first time, or for those with experience interested in sharing their interpretations of the material. ACIM is a form of "spiritual psychology", where you can learn to see the peace instead of the chaos of life. The course uses Christian terms in the material, but any terms can be substituted for those used in this self-taught course. The course aims at removing the blocks to the awareness of love's presence. "This course can therefore be summed up very simply in this way: Nothing real can be threatened. Nothing unreal exists. Herein lies the peace of God." Introduction, ACIM.
  
  Program Objectives and Outcomes: To give participants possibly another path to inner peace to practice.
  
  ​Required / Suggested Reading: A Course in Miracles (Combined book) with the Text, Workbook for Students, and Manual for Teachers in one book. (Most editions being sold now are the combined this way.) It is published by the Foundation for Inner Peace. Additional optional recommended reading is A Return to Love by Marianne Williamson, Love is Letting Go of Fear by Gerald Jampolsky, MD, and A Course in Miracles Made Easy by Alan Cohen.
  
  Prerequisites: None
  ​Who will benefit from this program? Anyone who is interested in using spiritual concepts to lower stress in everyday life.
  Start / End Date: April 14, 2025 / June 23, 2025
  ​Number of Classes: 6
  Number of Participants: No limits
  Day/Time: 2nd and 4th Mondays, 6:30-8:00pm ET
  Cost: ​ $25 for the full session; come as you can. Open to join anytime.
  

  Location: Zoom

  Questions about this class?  Email programs@tolit.org and be sure to include the title of the class in your message and it will be forwarded to the class presenter.
  

  
  About Corrine: I am a 25-year spiritual seeker. Interested in learning about and discussing all types of spirituality in my spare time. I have spent 25 years on and off studying A Course in Miracles. I facilitated an ACIM discussion group in my United Methodist church in Sacramento, CA in 2004. The group continued on their own for 5 years after I moved to NH, so I guess they liked it.

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