Join us for this silent retreat to rest and get centered for this holy season.

For questions, email admin@shalemmidwestregion.org

For those participating in the drum-making workshop, the fee is $25

This is a deeply immersive shamanic journey using a 28" Sioux Ceremonial Drum, 26" "Paiste" Sound Creation Gong, 47" Buffalo Drum, tubular bells and Solfeggio Chimes, in addition to other traditional instruments.

Participants provide their own yoga mat, blanket, or anything they need to be comfortable. Sound bathing (sometimes called "sound meditation" or "sound therapy") is the practice of mindfully listening to different sounds that help relax the body and mind.

Sound baths provide an immersive, full body listening experience that can bring balance, relaxation, and a sense of calm to your whole being. 

This session will be led by Ool and Kellie Pardi, founders of Strongheart Drum Medicine, Fenton, MI. For this immersive shamanic journey, they will use a 28” Sioux Ceremonial Drum, 26” Paiste Sound Creation Gong, 47” Buffalo Drum, tubular bells, and Solfeggio Chimes in addition to other traditional instruments.

Contact: Joyce Phelps at joycequest@hotmail.com

Fee - $275

Led by Ool and Kellie Pardi from StongHeart Drum Medicine, Fenton, MI.

Contact:  Joyce Phelps at joycequest@hotmail.com

It’s no secret – many of us are navigating some intense emotions right now.

That’s why I’m inviting you to join me Saturday December 7 from 11am – 12:30pm to explore 3 Simple Shifts we can implement to cultivate resilience when times feel turbulent, uncertain or even chaotic.

When we implement these Simple Shifts, we strengthen our resilience and create a powerful foundation of inner peace, no matter what’s happening around us.

While we’re together, we’ll explore 3 Simple Shifts to cultivate resilience that allows us to rise above the noise and stay true to ourselves.

 I invite you to stay after the workshop to enjoy nourishing homemade bread and soup along with inspiring conversation with friends.

Led by: Fawn Winterwood. Contact her at fawn@fawnwinterwood.com

Sliding fee. Suggested $45

Learn More at https://workshop.fawnwinterwood.com/

Psychologist and writer Kevin Anderson’s created the nested meditation form. He integrates psychology and spirituality in both his healing work with people and his search for wisdom in words. His first collection of nested meditations, Divinity in Disguise, introduced this new writing form and was named a best spiritual book of 2003 by Spirituality & Health. Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat of spiritualityandpractice.com have called Anderson’s nested meditations “superb examples of everyday spirituality.” Richard Rohr (author of What the Mystics Know and The Naked Now) “Kevin Anderson puts together what needs to be put together—prepared mind, compassionate heart, and observant eyes!”

Join us as Kevin leads us in a journey of exploration.

On Friday, December 6, Kevin will offer a performance of several of his nested meditations, followed by an exploration of what makes nested meditations work and how to write them. We’ll also have time to practice writing a simple nested meditation.

On Saturday, December 7, Kevin offers:

• A view of therapy and spiritual direction via his Three Rivers Metaphor, which provides different windows into whole person

• 10 healing elements in an “I-thou Encounter” in therapy or spiritual direction

• How to make the work memorable: the deep processing theory of memory

• Beyond words: creating a memorable and healing experience through “Enactments”

  • exploring a variety of in-session tools that go beyond talking

• Suited best for spiritual directors and spiritual directors-in-training, but all are welcome.

Suggested donation levels:
$150 - Public
$120 - SDAO members
$100 - Wellstream students

Registration is closed.

December is often a time to gather with friends. The staff of the Spirituality Network warmly invite you to join us Thursday evening, December 5 from 6:00-8:00 at the Network offices for fellowship and food.

This year, we have the added treat of helping to launch Wellstreams alum Dave Long-Higgins' new book. Titled, Yes, Love Thank You, it features 66 of his prayers and his original photography. Dave will be signing copies at the open house.

This special book would make a beautiful holiday gift for those you love.

$50 - registration*

* limited scholarships available, inquire with Saralise by email at sara.ward54@gmail.com)

This will be an extended card making time (browsing images, opening circle, card-making, individual processing…) with an added time of guided card reading and witnessing in small groups that will offer you new methods to use on your own as you continue to build your deck and interact with your cards.

We will also offer an opportunity to learn more about the different Suits that make up your SoulCollage® Deck (Transpersonal, Committee, Community, Council, Companions) and to give voice to cards that may have been quiet up until now.

Led by Saralise Ward and Heather Monkmeyer

All supplies and materials will be provided along with hot coffee, cocoa, tea, and water. Bring your own water bottle/coffee mug and a snack to share if you are able. Lunch break when you need it - bring your own lunch (refrigeration available) or walk to one of the nearby restaurants.

Registration Deadline - Wednesday, November 20th

Accessible free parking available in First Congregational Church parking lot.

REGISTRATION IS CLOSED

Let’s gather and share our reactions to the November election in small groups facilitated by experienced spiritual directors. Prepare to be heard.

These are divisive times. But do they need to be? As people of faith, we can take the lead in engaging with others when we don’t see eye to eye… and doing so with respect and civility.

While we believe in the separation of church and state, we also believe that elections are matters of faith. We can hold both of these truths.

The Interfaith Association of Central Ohio, The Spiritual Life and learning Center and The Spirituality Network are working together to help us prepare for the upcoming November election and learning how to live with the results.

REGISTER HERE

We live in a time of change and uncertainty. We sometimes hold a distrust of those different from us. Sometimes it feels like “us and them”. We CAN shift away from that way of thinking and facilitate peace.

The labyrinth can be a tool to bring people together. We bring all our differences into a shared path. We walk our individual paths in life. Others walk their paths. Yet, we walk those paths together in community. In the labyrinth, we walk together in unity.

The labyrinth is different from a maze in that it follows a specified pattern of ancient geometry to enter, and then exits in the reverse order after reaching the center. Walking a labyrinth is usually done in silence and is used as a time for prayer, reflection, or contemplation.

The intention for this labyrinth experience (walk) is for peace and unity. Peace and unity in our individual minds and hearts. Peace and unity in our families, our community, our country and our world.

No experience is necessary. A brief “how-to” will be given prior to the experience. Hand-held labyrinths will be provided for those with mobility concerns.

This is a one-time experience walking a Chartres replica on canvas in the Brant Ballroom.

Cost: $15

REGISTER HERE

Learn and experience holistic self-care techniques in this 2-hour Energy and Sound Healing experience with Wellness Coach Melinda VanKirk, and Sound Healer Samantha Petroff. In this workshop you will:

• Discuss the importance of Self-care as a Spiritual Director

• Design a simple, daily self-care ritual that works for you

• Learn and practice self-care with simple, easy movements to move your energy and soothe your nervous system

• Discuss Reiki as a means of self-care, and practice a simple, guided meditation to clear and protect your energy with Reiki Healing

• Indulge in a healing Sound Bath to help clear your energy and leave you in a state of pure relaxation

Free to SDAO members Not a member of SDAO:  $25.
For your own comfort you may wish to bring your yoga mat or blanket.

REGISTER HERE

Our leaders for this program are Melinda VanKirk and Samantha Petroff:

Melinda is passionate about helping you cultivate your total wellbeing - following the ancient wisdom of yoga and Ayurveda, combined with energy healing and manifestation practices.  She is a certified Spiritual Life Coach, Yoga Health Coach, Yoga Teacher, Reiki Master Teacher, and Artist.  As an empath and avid yogi, Melinda promotes wellbeing through spiritual connection, self-love, and self-care.  You can find Melinda locally at Balancing Owl Yoga for a yoga class or Reiki session, or online at www.litlotus.me to learn more about her coaching services.

Samantha Petroff is an Usui Reiki Master and has been using sound as a healing tool for more than 20 years.  She is set to finish her Master Level sound healing training by the end of 2025.  Sound and vibrational healing is a non-invasive way to bring your nervous system into a more relaxed state.  By taking us out of fight or flight mode our bodies are able to heal in profound ways.  The goal of every session is to hold space for a client to find their balance and facilitate healing.  Samantha is also the Business Manager at The Reiki Center in Grandview representing 30+ practitioners and helping clients find the right modalities to assist them on their healing journey.  

A facilitated, balanced, faith perspective on the issues on the Ohio ballot. We’ll also cover voting basics so that your vote counts.

These are divisive times. But do they need to be? As people of faith, we can take the lead in engaging with others when we don’t see eye to eye… and doing so with respect and civility.

While we believe in the separation of church and state, we also believe that elections are matters of faith. We can hold both of these truths.

The Interfaith Association of Central Ohio, The Spiritual Life and learning Center and The Spirituality Network are working together to help us prepare for the upcoming November election and learning how to live with the results.

REGISTER HERE

Connecting more deeply with your cards through understanding the Suits and how they speak to your inner landscape.

You are invited to join us on:

This will be similar to a typical SoulCollage® Workshop day (browsing images, opening circle, card-making, individual processing…) with an added time of guided card reading and witnessing that will offer you new methods to use on your own as you continue to build your deck and interact with your cards.

*Gathering and browsing images begins at 8:45 am, opening circle 9:00 am.

Led by Saralise Ward and Heather Monkmeyer

$55 (Saturday only), limited scholarships available, inquire with Saralise by email at sara.ward54@gmail.com

All supplies and materials will be provided along with hot coffee, cocoa, tea, and water. Bring your own water bottle/coffee mug.

12:00 - 12:45pm: Lunch break - bring your own lunch or walk to one of the nearby restaurants.

Registration Deadline - Wednesday, September 25th
Space is limited so register early.
**May bring your own lunch and/or please bring a snack to share if you are able.

Accessible free parking available in First Congregational Church parking lot.

REGISTER HERE

Connecting more deeply with your cards through understanding the Suits and how they speak to your inner landscape.

You are invited to join us on:

Friday, September 27th - 5:30* - 8:30 pm ($35 - registration)

This will be a time to learn more about the different Suits that make up your SoulCollage® Deck (Transpersonal, Committee, Community, Council, Companions) and to give voice to cards that may have been quiet up until now. You will have time to interact with your own cards in various settings as you consider what they have to offer you.

*Please bring at least 10 cards to the session, and you may bring ALL of your cards. Note: No card-making will occur on Friday night.

Saturday, September 28th - 8:45 am* - 3:00 pm ($55 - registration)

This will be similar to a typical SoulCollage® Workshop day (browsing images, opening circle, card-making, individual processing…) with an added time of guided card reading and witnessing that will offer you new methods to use on your own as you continue to build your deck and interact with your cards.

*Gathering and browsing images begins at 8:45 am, opening circle 9:00 am.

Led by Saralise Ward and Heather Monkmeyer

Total Cost - $90, please register individually for each day (limited scholarships available, inquire with Saralise by email at sara.ward54@gmail.com)

All supplies and materials will be provided along with hot coffee, cocoa, tea, and water. Bring your own water bottle/coffee mug.

12:00 - 12:45pm: Lunch break - bring your own lunch or walk to one of the nearby restaurants.

Registration Deadline - Wednesday, September 25th
Space is limited so register early.
**May bring your own lunch and/or please bring a snack to share if you are able.

Accessible free parking available in First Congregational Church parking lot.

REGISTER HERE

In his 5 gates of grief, psychotherapist Francis Weller explores how we move through the waters of grief and loss in a culture so fundamentally detached from the needs of the soul.

Profoundly moving, beautifully written, this book is a balm for the soul and a necessary salve for moving together through difficult times. Grounded in ritual and connection, The Wild Edge of Sorrow welcomes each grief with care and attention, opening us to the feelings, experiences, and sacred knowledge that connect us to each other and ultimately make us whole.

Join us for this book study/review. Purchase of the book is recommended but not required.

REGISTER HERE

In partnership with the Spiritual Life and Learning Center (SL&LC) and the Interfaith Association of Central Ohio (IACO): Join us for this interactive workshop where we learn how to listen to each other, even when we hold strongly differing opinions.

These are divisive times. But do they need to be? As people of faith, we can take the lead in engaging with others when we don’t see eye to eye… and doing so with respect and civility.

While we believe in the separation of church and state, we also believe that elections are matters of faith. We can hold both of these truths.

The Interfaith Association of Central Ohio, The Spiritual Life and learning Center and The Spirituality Network are working together to help us prepare for the upcoming November election and learning how to live with the results.

REGISTER HERE

Few people have had quite the impact on the Spirituality Network as have Father Vinny McKiernan and Sister Maxine Shonk. We lost both of these giants of spirituality within a week of one another.

Join us for an evening of reflection and remembrance as we share their writings and our stories of our time with them.

REGISTER HERE

Have you ever found yourself challenged by unfamiliar territory during a spiritual direction session? Felt caught off guard or questioned your adequacy as a companion? These moments are not uncommon for those who serve as spiritual directors. But where do we turn with our unanswered questions and emotions? Perhaps together, we can uncover insights to assist one another.

In our upcoming July gathering, Mary Anne Evans will graciously share her journey. After over thirteen years as a spiritual director and companioning numerous individuals, she embarked on a reflective pause, contemplating how to embrace authenticity and uniqueness more deeply. A graduate of Wellstreams, Mary Anne now intertwines spiritual direction with mentorship. She is an accomplished retreat and workshop facilitator and the author of several insightful books, including "her memoir" I LV ME: A Spiritual Journey of Healing. Above all, Mary Anne is a profoundly spiritual individual with a passion for exploring life's profound questions, continually seeking, reaching, and growing.

Our discussion will be presented in an interview format, allowing ample time for your questions and participation. We look forward to connecting with you during this enriching experience!

Register here.

We invite you to attend this evening featuring the gifts and talents of friends of the Spirituality Network as we enjoy contemplative music and poems in a peaceful setting.
 
Proceeds will go toward the Noreen Malone OP Compassion Fund, which enables us to offer our rich programming to those without the ability to pay.

Registration is closed.

We invite you to consider joining the Wellstreams first year experience of spiritual awakening in deep community. This one-year program is designed for anyone who is seeking:

• A more contemplative life

• Greater freedom to bring more compassion to the world

• To nurture healthier personal and professional relationships based on a holistic view of self

• Enhanced skills for empathetic listening, discernment, and community building

• Deepened expressions of spirituality

• Explore my relationship with the divine, self, others, and the world

• Seeing broadly and feeling deeply

• Discernment for the practicum in spiritual companioning

While this is a prerequisite for the second phase of Wellstreams, participants are encouraged to join this whether or not they are considering spiritual companioning.

If you would like to learn more about this program, please sign up for one of our informational sessions (all are offered via Zoom and you’ll receive a link once you’ve signed up).

For those of us who are blessed with plenty, our opportunity is to build a longer table, not a taller fence. That’s easier said than done when we’re engaging with people who are different than us and may have different values and cultures.

Join us, with special guest, Rhonda Burns, associate vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion, Nationwide, as we explore the skills needed to build a truly inclusive culture.

This will be a practical, hands-on workshop that will provide you with ways to be more open and welcoming.

Registration is closed.

We invite you to consider joining the Wellstreams first year experience of spiritual awakening in deep community. This one-year program is designed for anyone who is seeking:

• A more contemplative life

• Greater freedom to bring more compassion to the world

• To nurture healthier personal and professional relationships based on a holistic view of self

• Enhanced skills for empathetic listening, discernment, and community building

• Deepened expressions of spirituality

• Explore my relationship with the divine, self, others, and the world

• Seeing broadly and feeling deeply

• Discernment for the practicum in spiritual companioning

While this is a prerequisite for the second phase of Wellstreams, participants are encouraged to join this whether or not they are considering spiritual companioning.

If you would like to learn more about this program, please sign up for one of our informational sessions (all are offered via Zoom and you’ll receive a link once you’ve signed up).

Socio-drama is a method by which a group of individuals select and spontaneously enact a specific social situation common to their experience. Socio-drama provides an engaging forum for learning and deepening relationships in a group. It is also effective in clarifying values, developing social skills, solving problems, diagnosing an organization’s core barriers to success, developing and rehearsing action plans or improving personal effectiveness and awareness.

This workshop will be a morning of playful engagement with one another and learning more about the challenges of effective spiritual direction. We will use the role of spiritual director as a focus for consideration of this learning method. Those in training to be spiritual directors and those who wish to be more present should also attend.

Our workshop will be facilitated by Rev. John Cramton, a hospice chaplain with Ohio Health and a certified socio-drama leader. John was trained at Temple University and has experience leading socio-drama workshops in Philadelphia and Columbus.

We invite you to consider joining the Wellstreams first year experience of spiritual awakening in deep community. This one-year program is designed for anyone who is seeking:

• A more contemplative life

• Greater freedom to bring more compassion to the world

• To nurture healthier personal and professional relationships based on a holistic view of self

• Enhanced skills for empathetic listening, discernment, and community building

• Deepened expressions of spirituality

• Explore my relationship with the divine, self, others, and the world

• Seeing broadly and feeling deeply

• Discernment for the practicum in spiritual companioning

While this is a prerequisite for the second phase of Wellstreams, participants are encouraged to join this whether or not they are considering spiritual companioning.

If you would like to learn more about this program, please sign up for one of our informational sessions (all are offered via Zoom and you’ll receive a link once you’ve signed up).

There is so much to consider when you’re setting up your spiritual direction practice… even if it’s been years since you’ve done so.

At our April 27 SDAO event, we’ll have a panel discussion where we discuss what you need to know. And because we believe in the wisdom of the group, we plan to make this an interactive dialogue with all who are attending so you can share what has been working for you.
 
Based on our brief survey, the top things you want to know about:

• ways to find directees

• bookkeeping and accounting practicess

• marketing yourself and your practice

• setting appropriate expectations for yourself

• pricing your services

• managing your time and calendar

 Come! Be in community with your sibling spiritual directors. Let us support and encourage one another as we continue to serve our community.

Register here

We invite you to consider joining the Wellstreams first year experience of spiritual awakening in deep community. This one-year program is designed for anyone who is seeking:

• A more contemplative life

• Greater freedom to bring more compassion to the world

• To nurture healthier personal and professional relationships based on a holistic view of self

• Enhanced skills for empathetic listening, discernment, and community building

• Deepened expressions of spirituality

• Explore my relationship with the divine, self, others, and the world

• Seeing broadly and feeling deeply

• Discernment for the practicum in spiritual companioning

While this is a prerequisite for the second phase of Wellstreams, participants are encouraged to join this whether or not they are considering spiritual companioning.

If you would like to learn more about this program, please sign up for one of our informational sessions (all are offered via Zoom and you’ll receive a link once you’ve signed up).

We invite you to consider joining the Wellstreams first year experience of spiritual awakening in deep community. This one-year program is designed for anyone who is seeking:

• A more contemplative life

• Greater freedom to bring more compassion to the world

• To nurture healthier personal and professional relationships based on a holistic view of self

• Enhanced skills for empathetic listening, discernment, and community building

• Deepened expressions of spirituality

• Explore my relationship with the divine, self, others, and the world

• Seeing broadly and feeling deeply

• Discernment for the practicum in spiritual companioning

While this is a prerequisite for the second phase of Wellstreams, participants are encouraged to join this whether or not they are considering spiritual companioning.

If you would like to learn more about this program, please sign up for one of our informational sessions (all are offered via Zoom and you’ll receive a link once you’ve signed up).

We invite you to consider joining the Wellstreams first year experience of spiritual awakening in deep community. This one-year program is designed for anyone who is seeking:

• A more contemplative life

• Greater freedom to bring more compassion to the world

• To nurture healthier personal and professional relationships based on a holistic view of self

• Enhanced skills for empathetic listening, discernment, and community building

• Deepened expressions of spirituality

• Explore my relationship with the divine, self, others, and the world

• Seeing broadly and feeling deeply

• Discernment for the practicum in spiritual companioning

While this is a prerequisite for the second phase of Wellstreams, participants are encouraged to join this whether or not they are considering spiritual companioning.

If you would like to learn more about this program, please sign up for one of our informational sessions (all are offered via Zoom and you’ll receive a link once you’ve signed up).

Attachment Styles impact relationships throughout the lifespan. The four basic styles are secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized. A person’s Attachment Style is heavily impacted by their early years but can and does change over a lifetime. 

Having an awareness of your own style allows you to be more intentional in your interactions with others. Considering another’s style provides some insight both into that person and into the interactions between you and them.

This workshop will begin with a resource packet for you to review before we meet including recommendations about attachment quizzes available online. You will be encouraged to consider both your primary style and secondary tendencies. We will cover signs in others and ways to react if someone is either not compatible with you or is very unstable. Attachment styles can change – we will look at the latest research regarding how to support positive change.

After the two hour in-person workshop there will be an additional resource package available to you for further exploration.

This workshop is suitable for all audiences, but especially appropriate for spiritual directors and spiritual directors in training.

Please share with friends and family who might benefit from this experience.

PUBLIC: To register click here.

SDAO Members: To register click here.

Our presenter

Laura Gaines has twenty years’ experience as a child and adolescent mental health clinician and Crisis Text Line volunteer working with children, adults and professionals to improve communication and mental well-being. She has trained professionals and parents for over 30 years regarding mental health, human development, ethics, trauma informed care, and resilience. Her goal is to empower others to overcome challenges and to build strengths so that they can pursue their goals. Her training style is lively, evidence based and interactive. As a former child therapist, she incorporates play/art in all workshops. Participants will go home with new ideas to try in their day-to-day life and work.