At a recent Wellness Day here at the Inn, I offered a presentation on "Spiritual Wellness".  When they asked me to speak on that, I said "Oh sure!  No problem!"  But when I actually began to pull my thoughts together I realized what a broad, deep, and often misunderstood, topic that really is.  It could take a lifetime to learn all there is to learn about how to be "well" spiritually, or to fully experience spiritual health.

So, first we had to distinguish between "religious" and "spiritual".  For this discussion, "religious" refered to a specified system of belief or doctrine, and a unified expression of those beliefs within a community of people....  a church, temple, or mosque.

"Spiritual" meant connecting with the Higher Source that guides and organizes the universe and is present within each living being.   It is that part of us that answers the questions: Who am I? and Why am I here?

So here's a little quiz to see how we're doing: 

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We are excited to introduce our new Board of Directors.  At our recent Annual Meeting, the following were elected:

Allyson Chalapatas, President

Jim Bellina, Vice President

Carol Recchion, Clerk

Anne Renaud-Jones, Treasurer

Marcia Hopper, Director

Cheryl Thompson, Director

Sharalynne Fife, Director

Merith Cole, Director

We will be introducing our Directors at a Meet and Greet event, on Tuesday, May 14th, from 6-8 PM.  We are very fortunate to have the time and wisdom of these gifted individuals who are committed to the vision and mission and growth of The Gathering Inn.

Reminder: The deadline for applying for The Gathering Inn's scholarship is May 15th. 

The scholarship will be awarded on June 15th. It is available for any woman (high school seniors and adult learners), residing in Central Mass, who is entering or continuing her education in the field of complementary, integrative health care.

 

Click here for more information and to download an application.

New Date: May 11, 1-4 pm

With Shari Fife, The Inn's Culinary Director

Did you know the United Nations has declared 2013 the Year of Quinoa (pronounced 'keen-wa')?  Come and learn why as we spend an afternoon cooking with this ancient grain from South America.

In our hands-on cooking class, you will learn how to incorporate this super nutritious and tasty grain into your breakfast, lunch, and supper and yes, even dessert. 

We will learn the basic techniques for cooking quinoa and learn about the different forms of quinoa that are available.  We will end the three hours by sampling all of our creations. 

Cost: $40.00 (includes all cooking supplies.) 

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May 12, 1-4 pm 

Our Red Tent will be open on Mother's Day for all who want to come celebrate the lineage of all our mothers back since time began, and all those who have mothered us, and all stirrings of creativity that have birthed new life... whether that is our children, our projects, our visions, or our gifts to the world. 

Cost: $10

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May 17-19

With Margaret Thompson & M'Liss Calzaretta

Beyond the foundational Reiki training, you will learn and experience a series of energetic practices that will bring you into a direct and aware encounter with the human energy body.  Through practices of self-discovery you will open onto your own deep wisdom that supports and guides you as you bring your gifts to the world.

Includes:

• *20 session hours training
• *Reiki teaching that will prepare you to move on to Advanced and Master trainings.
• *Chakra clearing and balancing
• *Breema® bodywork (a meditative bodywork that activates the body's self-healing)
• *Journeying
• *Vision Quest

Cost:  $450 includes 20 session hours, meals, and lodging.  Limited to 15 participants.

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May 20, 21 & June 17-19

Integrated Reiki Teachers M'Liss Calzaretta and Margaret Thompson team up with you to form a healing triad and, together, you'll move through a three phase wholistic process for healing and restoration that supports a full unfolding in wholeness as you move through life. 

You are an active partner in the experience, being empowered to support your own healing and expression of wholeness over time. Each session is personalized to meet your unique circumstances.

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June 1, 9 am - 10 pm

With MaryAnn DiPinto,

"The Lady of the Woods"

Did you ever wish you could go to summer camp as an adult?

Come join us for a spring day of outdoor activities:

• Nature observation
• Hiking
• Outdoor cooking
• Drumming
• Yoga
• Star gazing
• Campfire complete with marshmallows
• Storytelling
• Sing along
• Things to do for those who love the out of doors but are more comfortable with less vigorous activities

Cost:  $75

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June 12, 9 am - 4 pm

With Marilyn Taylor,

A Retreat For Wellness Professionals

Cultivating our Connection to Creativity for Professional Inspiration and Personal Well-being.

Cost: $60.00. or Register by June 1 for early bird price of $45.00

For more information or to register, contact Marilyn Taylor at

Marilyn@confident-directions.com or go to her web site: Confident Directions

Lunch: bring your own, or purchase lunch for $15.  (Pre-register for lunch through Marilyn; payable to the Inn the day of the retreat.)

Overnight accommodations  with continental breakfast available for those wanting to extend the retreat.  Contact the Gathering Inn by calling 978-820-1139 or emailing at info@gatheringinn.org.  

June 20, 6:00-10:30 pm

Facilitated by Margaret Thompson & M'liss Calzaretta of Evoking Alchemy

Celebrate the Solstice with Us! 

August 23-25 

with Margaret Thompson & 

Building on Integrated Reiki™ One & Two, the Level Three/Master One training will teach you tools for refining and expanding your Reiki experience and practice.  The teachings will take you yet further into the energetics of human experience, and into deeper union with the planetary energy body and universal spirit . It is from this alchemic place that we offer ourselves as a clear, integrated channel for Reiki. 

Cost: $450, includes 20 session hours, meals, and lodging. Limited to 15 participants. 

<MORE INFORMATION & REGISTRATION>

In October, 2012, Melissa White, of My Life Opportunities, Sedona, AZ, offered a wonderful workshop and ceremony here at The Gathering Inn based on Colin Tipping's book Radical Forgiveness. This event will empower you to release the past, enabling you to shift behavior patterns, relationships and life circumstance to move forward in your life.   

The Gathering Inn is available for retreat leaders and practitioners to offer their programs.  And of course, don't forget that our primary mission is to provide individual women like YOU a place to step out of the busyness and distractions of the world, to be in quiet and stillness, to be a bit pampered, and to reconnect to your spiritual center. 

We can't wait to see you at the Inn!