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This Sunday in the Sanctuary ~ February 23, 2025

February 20, 2025

All Times are Eastern Standard Time – See links below to join us in the Sanctuary

Join us at 9:30 am ET/ 7:30 am MT for “Shiny Things” with Claire Bhavani

What is Truth? And how do we find it in a life that is pushed and pulled around by the cravings, aversions, and ignorance of the human mind and senses?

There can be no confusion about where to start, for it is all laid out within the eight limbs of Raja yoga, as described in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.

Shiny Things provides practical guidance to apply the path of Raja Yoga in daily life, relieving suffering and accessing an inner sparkle, within a supportive group environment. It includes consideration of how we conduct ourselves in the world, how we relate to our spiritual practices, appropriate care of the body and vitality, a gradual quieting of the mind and senses, throwing out what is false, and glimpsing what is True.

We will initially use the book by Bhava Ram: The Eight Limbs of Yoga, Pathway to Liberation, as an introductory guide. If you don’t have the book, you can still join us. Later in the year, we will commence a deeper immersion into a full commentary of The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.

Join us at 10:15 am ET/ 8:15 am MT
for Our Weekly Gathering with Rev. George Maddox

Topic: “Becoming the Empty Shell“

Description: From NTI, 1 Corinthians ch. 9, “There is a voice within you that claims to be you. The voice is mistaken. Listen to me. You are not what you think you are. That is why I ask you to become a willing empty shell.” The primary theme of NTI, 1 Corinthians is about, what the empty shell is. How do we become the empty shell? Join me as we explore the difference between the self we believe ourselves to be, and the Self that is the truth of who we truly are.

Reading: Susan Bacon will read from NTI, 1 Corinthians chapters 9 and 10.

Enter Sanctuary Here

*Weekly gathering is held every Sunday morning at 10:15 am ET/8:15 am MT in the Awakening Together Sanctuary. Join us after the Gathering for our Fellowship Time, hosted by Joy Bedford.

Join us at 12:30 pm ET/ 10:30 am MT for “Transcending the Addiction to Mind” with Rev. David Hemphill

David invites us to explore the belief in separation through the lens of addiction to the mind! On this journey we will explore many topics such as:

What does it really mean to have spiritual awakening as part of my path?
What is my unique path?
Why do parts of my path feel uncomfortable?
How do I navigate the uncomfortable parts?
Where is the inherent bliss and joy on my path that spiritual awakening says is there? How do I access it now?
Why does my bliss come and go? Why do the bad parts always come back?
How do I get “unstuck” if I’ve been on this path many years and yet still have the same issues I’ve always had?
What is “Self-will” and why do I need to pay attention to it in order to get unstuck?
What is the nature of “desire” and “aversion,” and how are they related to stuckness?
Once I understand everything, or if I already understand everything, how do I actually make the realization happen?
What are paradoxes and how should I react when I find one?
What specifically is it that will permanently lead to spiritual awakening? How do I cultivate this?

If any of these questions resonate with you or spark your curiosity, David would love to see you there!

Join us at 1:30 pm ET/ 11:30 am MT for Reflections from the Dyad Online Retreat

Join us to hear from the recent retreat participants who attended the online Dyad retreat. Melody Brauninger will be our facilitator.

This 3 day online Dyad retreat was facilitated by Revs. Anne Blanchard and Kate Brennan. During this retreat, participants experienced deep self-inquiry by learning a powerful way of going deeper within one’s self to see that which is beyond one’s daily conscious awareness.

During this Reflections program, retreat participants will have the opportunity to share their experiences and insights. They will also be discussing any breakthroughs and wisdom gained from the retreat.

We invite everyone to join us!

Join us at 5:00 pm ET/ 3:00 pm MT for “The Mighty Companions Hour – The Voice That likes You” with Rev. Yolanda Mapes

Join Rev. Yolanda as she continues to share her beautiful voice and heart during The Mighty Companions Hour. This is a program she and her late, beloved husband, Rev. Glen Ganaway began in 2020.

Rev. Yolanda Mapes, who is an interfaith minister, shares a delightful, funny, and inspiring hour of A Course in Miracles. Come join in on the fun, the laughs, and the music while unlearning the ego through the lessons and chapters of ACIM.

You can discover more about the Mighty Companions on this website: www.themightycompanions.com. Also, Rev. Yolanda has a site where you can purchase her beautiful, spiritually uplifting music: www.Yolanda.net/audio If you feel to contribute to her ministry, you can do so here: www.patreon.com/RevYolanda

Join us at 6:00 pm ET/ 4:00 pm MT for “Deepening Into Clarifying the Teachings Together” with Rev. Jacquelyn Eckert

During this program, we will listen to a portion of each previously recorded “Clarifying the Teachings” program. Afterward, we will spend time contemplating and teaching ourselves what is most alive for us at the moment. We may also spend time practicing what Regina is teaching. And…we will start at the very beginning.

Bring your journals, openness, and curiosity as we explore what is most alive in us and ready to be seen. We hope you feel inspired to join.

Join us at 7:00 pm ET/ 5:00 pm MT for “Resting in Our Immaculate Nature” with Jill Grace & Joy Bedford

Jill and Joy invite us to gently rest and welcome our immaculate nature into full awareness. As we rest into our natural state, we relax beyond fear—letting go of the energy, beliefs, and egoic desires that contribute to suffering. Together, as a sangha, we cultivate a deepened recognition of our True nature, allowing the energy tied to false beliefs about ourselves to return to its natural state of Pure Divine Light.

Gathering as a sangha heightens our ability to detect obstacles–blocks to our immaculate nature…dense, lower frequency Light–so that these aspects of our being that we made up are welcomed into awareness, hastening their return to the original state as Pure Divine Light. As a sangha, we will use practical examples from our lives. Notably, resting in our True, immaculate nature supports noticing how the false identity that isn’t really what we are, enjoys, even wants!… to believe limiting beliefs (the false/unreal) until we realize what we actually are, immaculate, unaffected Divine Spirit. Join us as we put obstacles on the altar of Truth and free light that has been blocking our palpable awareness of Divine Love. Pointings from The Way of Mastery, ACIM, NTI and more will be used

Join us at 8:00 pm ET/ 6:00 pm MT for Movie Watchers Discussion Group with Laura “Joy” Bedford

Movies are modern day parables. Watching movies with your inner guide can inform rather than just entertain you. This Spirit Led Movie Watchers Discussion Group, facilitates the participants’ ability to identify spiritual themes in everyday movies and to use movies as a way of uncovering unconscious beliefs about ourselves and the world we live in.

Interstellar is a 2014 is a science fiction drama starring Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway and Jessica Chastain. Set in a future where life on earth is facing extinction, the film follows the life of Coop, a widowed former NASA test pilot turned farmer, his children and his father-in-law, as well as astronauts seeking another habitable planet for humanity. Coop’s daughter Murphy (“Murph”) discovers dust patterns in her bedroom, which she attributes to a ghost. It turns out the patterns are being caused by a gravitational anomaly. She and her father translate the patterns into geographic coordinates, opening a door to an astounding unfolding of events.

Spiritual topics include the power of Love to transcend dimensions; time; the power of joining; honesty and deception; holding onto suffering and letting it go/forgiving; fulfilling Love’s function/fulfilling one’s purpose even when we’re not sure that’s what we’re doing; service involved in following one’s passion; choice for love or the absence of love; following guidance and not following guidance, yet a miracle/accomplishing the impossible occurs; fear; desire for control, desire for wanting something to be different and other desires; seeming risk of everything; seeming sacrifice of the body; Love is all there really Is.

Please refer to the Playsheet for many spiritual themes and discussion prompts. Interstellar Playsheet

Interstellar can be streamed on YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple TV, The Roku Channel, Paramount, Hulu, fuboTV, Google Play, Fandango At Home. It is also coming to Showtime on TV this month.

Movie Trailer for Interstellar

The Sanctuary will close at 9:00 pm ET

Enter the Sanctuary or see the complete listing of speakers.
All Times are Eastern Standard Time – See helpful links below.
How to Enter the Sanctuary

What’s Happening in the Sanctuary ~ Friday, February 21, 2025

February 20, 2025

All times listed are Eastern Standard Time. Look below for helpful links.

7:00 to 7:30 am – Centering Prayer – Rev. Anne Blanchard
Centering Prayer is a method designed to seek the true Self by deepening into the intention to recognize and promptly empty ourselves of what is not true and, in turn, abide more and more fully in the heart as a symbol of the Truth of What We Are.

Devotional music or words will be offered prior to the start of the 20-minute silent practice period and for a couple minutes directly following the practice period to allow a transition time back to our ordinary awareness.

7:30 to 8:30 am – Being Aware of Awareness Meditation – with Rev. Anne Blanchard
One of the core practices of the Awakening Together community is Awareness watching Awareness meditation. Those words can inspire as much confusion for some as they do clarity of purpose for others. This program provides an opportunity to be in community with others who will to find that place of no-place, that attention to our natural attentiveness, that innate humanness that can often be overlooked. Anne Blanchard facilitates this program on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7:30 – 8:30 am ET by leading participants through gently guided Being Aware of Awareness meditation.

8:30 to 9:00 am ET – Contemplating the Thoughts of Awakening – A Daily Devotional Practice – With Rev. Michele Hojnacki and Sami Ross
This daily, year-long devotional program will be focusing on contemplating the Thoughts of Awakening. The group will meet every morning at 8:30 am ET for 30 minutes to share our insights from the previous day’s contemplation with our inner teacher. This Devotional program is hosted by Rev. Michele Hojnacki and Sami Ross.

The Thoughts of Awakening were given to Regina Dawn Akers in response to her prayer for help. In her book, Thoughts of Awakening, Regina wrote, “she found the contrast between profound spiritual devotion and her typical day-to-day state of mind unbearable”. The Thoughts of Awakening were given to help her from “falling back into the old state of mind after her morning devotional practice”. She says of the Thoughts of Awakening, “They are the thoughts that led her from suffering with a split mind to the experience of a highly consistent, happy way of being. “Each of the 365 thoughts is intended for a full day’s contemplation. They are to be read and contemplated repeatedly throughout the day. If you read and contemplate each thought deeply for a full day, you’ll experience shifts towards true perception this year.”

The group’s aim is to support one another in a daily practice of inner listening using the Thoughts of Awakening. This group could benefit those new to inner contemplation or anyone wishing to enhance their practice.

We will contemplate a single Thought of Awakening daily with our inner teacher.
Following Regina’s recommendation, we’ll write it down and carry it with us for reflection throughout the day, as well as reflecting on and putting into practice the guidance received from our own inner teacher.

The book, Thoughts of Awakening by Regina Dawn Akers is available to purchase on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2ag15vy

Our invitation to join extends to all, even if attending the daily sessions is not possible.

10:00 am to 12:00 pm ET – Gentle Healing Year One – Facilitated by Revs. Melody Brauninger and Erica Joy West
Join Revs. Melody and Erica for our new Gentle Healing group for 2025! Whether you’re just starting your journey with us or continuing to deepen your practice, we have something special for you. Read on to discover more about our Year 1 class.

Consistent Gentle Healing Year 1: A Journey Begins

Join us for our newest Gentle Healing Year 1 group. This weekly session provides a space for sharing experiences and learning new practices, encouraging growth and inner peace that resonate in your daily life.

🗓️ WHEN: The first class was on Friday, January 3, 2025. Meetings are scheduled every Friday from 10 am – 12 pm ET (8-10 am MT).

🛐 WHERE: Participants will meet in the Sanctuary.

🧑‍🏫 FACILITATORS: This group will be led by Revs. Erica Joy West and Melody Brauninger.

The Gentle Healing Curriculum is designed to foster steady and gentle progress toward a life filled with peace, joy, and love. It’s an open invitation to anyone committed to their healing and awakening journey. Our Year 1 group will explore profound insights through daily workbook lessons from “A Course in Miracles,” “The Holy Spirit’s Interpretation of the New Testament (NTI),” Michael Singer’s “Untethered Soul,” Gina Lake’s “In the World but Not of It,” among other transformative teachings.

Interested in joining? Simply arrive in the Sanctuary every Friday at 10am ET. No prior registration is needed. Please note that participants are required to purchase their own copies of “A Course in Miracles” (Foundation for Inner Peace Edition) and “The Holy Spirit’s Interpretation of the New Testament (NTI).”

3:00 to 4:00 pm – Nisargadatta Maharaj: Contemplating “I Am That” – Facilitated Rev. Anne Blanchard
While the impetus for this program was born from the power and the clarity of the practice of the Minster Preparation Program curriculum, “The Teachings of Nisargadatta Maharaj” in which his pointings were contemplated, the desire is to share in this practice with all at Awakening Together regardless of any prior familiarity with the teachings of this Indian Master. So whether you have taken the MPP class or are brand new to these teachings, you are warmly invited to join in and see how Nisargadatta speaks to you.

The only thing that’s needed is an open heart, a little curiosity, and the aim to bathe and soak in the Truth coming through the teaching; to abide in the place Nisargadatta points to. On a practical level, this means we will read and contemplate the book I Am That: Talks with Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj (by Maurice Frydman)”, which is available as a free PDF here: Click Here

You are also invited to choose and contemplate your own weekly reading assignment from the book. There will be space for sharing your contemplation during our time together.

“Between the banks of pain and pleasure the river of life flows. It is only when the mind refuses to flow with life and gets stuck at the banks, that it becomes a problem.” – Nisargadatta Maharaj. Come and step into the river of life with the teachings of I Am That as your guide. Come see for yourself where your river of life is flowing and where mind refuses to flow with life and gets stuck on the bank.

4:00 pm The Sanctuary is Closed
All times listed are Eastern Standard Time – See helpful links below.
Enter the Sanctuary or see the complete listing of speakers.
How to Enter the Sanctuary

What’s Happening in the Sanctuary ~ Thursday, February 20, 2025

February 19, 2025

All times listed are Eastern Standard Time – – – – See helpful links below

7:30 to 8:30 am – Morning Meditation with Anne Blanchard
Rev. Anne will guide those with a willing heart in Meditation.

8:30 to 9:00 am – Contemplating the Thoughts of Awakening – A Daily Devotional Practice – with Rev. Michele Hojnacki and Sami Ross
A year-long daily devotional program will begin focusing on contemplating the Thoughts of Awakening. The group will meet every morning at 8:30 am ET for 30 minutes to share our insights from the previous day’s contemplation with our inner teacher. This program is hosted by Rev. Michele Hojnacki and Sami Ross.

The Thoughts of Awakening were given to Regina Dawn Akers in response to her prayer for help. In her book, Thoughts of Awakening, Regina wrote, “I found the contrast between profound spiritual devotion and my typical day-to-day state of mind unbearable”. The Thoughts of Awakening were given to help her from falling back into the old state of mind after her morning devotional practice. She says of the Thoughts of Awakening, “They are the thoughts that led her from suffering with a split mind to the experience of a highly consistent, happy way of being. Each of the 365 thoughts is intended for a full day’s contemplation. They are to be read and contemplated repeatedly throughout the day. If you read and contemplate each thought deeply for a full day, you’ll experience shifts towards true perception this year.”

No Longer Being Offered: 12:00 to 12:30 pm – A Space For Silence – Hosted by Lisa Bakke
This program is no longer being offered. We thank Lisa for this time of Silence.

6:00 to 7:30 pm – Joel Goldsmith Tape Study Group – Facilitated by Rev. Cyndi Krupp
Joel Goldsmith is a Truth Teacher who taught all over the world, published approximately 30 books, and recorded about 1300 hours of teachings before he left his body in 1964. His teachings invite the participant to let go of separation and to allow God Consciousness to be the only voice listened to. He was also clear that students were not to teach until the God Consciousness taught through them.

This 90-minute program follows the guidelines he set for his students. It will be 5 minutes of silent meditation, listening to a 1-hour teaching, 5 more minutes of silence, then 15-20 minutes for the group to discuss the experience. Rev Cyndi has been listening to these audios daily for over 4 months now and has been moved to share them with all of us.

7:30 pm Sanctuary is closed
All times are Eastern Standard Time
Direct links to join us:
Enter the Sanctuary or see the complete listing of speakers.
How to Enter the Sanctuary

What’s Happening in the Sanctuary ~ Wednesday, February 19, 2025

February 18, 2025

All times listed are Eastern Standard Time. Look below for helpful links.

7:00 to 7:30 am – Centering Prayer – Sami Ross
Centering Prayer is a method designed to seek the true Self by deepening into the intention to recognize and promptly empty ourselves of what is not true and, in turn, abide more and more fully in the heart as a symbol of the Truth of What We Are.

During the 20-minute silent practice period, we relax and allow everything to be as it is. When we notice attention has gone to a thought/image/feeling/perception, we ever-so-gently return to a sacred word of our choosing. We do not resist thought but we also do not follow it either. We let thoughts go by without thinking ABOUT them. We let them be by softly saying our sacred word inwardly as a symbol of our intention to consent to the Presence of God within and God’s action within. Devotional music or words will be offered prior to the start of the 20-minute silent practice period and for a couple minutes directly following the practice period to allow a transition time back to our ordinary awareness.

7:30 to 8:30 am – Being Aware of Awareness Meditation – Led by Rev. Anne Blanchard
One of the core practices of the Awakening Together community is Awareness watching Awareness meditation. Those words can inspire as much confusion for some as they do clarity of purpose for others. This program provides an opportunity to be in community with others who will to find that place of no-place, that attention to our natural attentiveness, that innate humanness that can often be overlooked. Anne Blanchard facilitates this program on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7:30 – 8:30 am ET by leading participants through gently guided Being Aware of Awareness meditation.

8:30 to 9:00 am -Contemplating the Thoughts of Awakening – A Daily Devotional Practice – with Rev. Michele Hojnacki and Sami Ross
This program is a daily, year-long devotional practice that focuses on contemplating the Thoughts of Awakening. This group will meet every morning at 8:30 am ET for 30 minutes to share our insights from the previous day’s contemplation with our inner teacher. The facilitators are Rev. Michele Hojnacki and Sami Ross.

The Thoughts of Awakening were given to Regina Dawn Akers in response to her prayer for help. In her book, Thoughts of Awakening, Regina wrote, “I found the contrast between profound spiritual devotion and my typical day-to-day state of mind unbearable”. The Thoughts of Awakening were given to help her from “falling back into the old state of mind after my morning devotional practice”. She says of the Thoughts of Awakening, “They are the thoughts that led from suffering with a split mind to the experience of a highly consistent, happy way of being. Each of the 365 thoughts is intended for a full day’s contemplation. They are to be read and contemplated repeatedly throughout the day. If you read and contemplate each thought deeply for a full day, you’ll experience shifts towards true perception this year.

The book ‘Thoughts of Awakening’ by Regina Dawn Akers is available to purchase on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2ag15vy

Our invitation to join extends to all, even if attending the daily sessions is not possible.

11:30 am – Willingness – with Sami Ross
During this half hour, we will listen together, either in meditation or contemplation, with eyes opened or closed, as a beautiful prayer of willingness is spoken. We will notice without judgement what is present, the “yesses” and the “noes”, with open curiosity.

12:00 pm – I Think, Therefore… – Rev. Cyndi Krupp
In this program, Rev. Cyndi will explore how we can use the Conditioning Loop (What I think, I see, what I see, I experience, what I experience I think) to shine a light on how the little self works to keep us in the dark. She will be using personal stories, contemplations, and wisdom teachings. Join Cyndi in using the world that we see and the thoughts that we think to Awaken Together.

12:30 pm – Living The Undefended Surrender Experiment – Rev. Rhoda Makled
With humor, love, and open-hearted awareness Rev. Rhoda Makled is exploring her own take on the Surrender Experiment as coined by Michael Singer. Raw, authentic, and faithfully she is uncovering the path to living in the undefended Heart.

Rev. Rhoda will dig into topics she is exploring in her life such as what it means to live the experiment of being surrendered. Feeling every feeling and seeing every thought she can, Rhoda will share the journey of studying, journaling, contemplating, being inspired by, and surrendering to Truth. Inspired by so many teachers including those here at Awakening Together, Rhoda will share her contemplations and invites you to come and discuss your experience with your own surrender experiment. This undefended dialogue with Inner Wisdom is just one more way to observe as the self is undone–the intention being to leave space only for awareness of Awareness and release everything that covers Truth.

1:00 pm – Unfiltered – Rev. Anne Blanchard
Rev. Anne Blanchard shares her experience of purification and awakening, unfiltered and as it happens. Raw, reflective, brave, and infused with clarity, Anne’s open honesty inspires us all to dive deep into the spiritual journey instead of simply skimming the surface.

2:00 pm – Devotional Non-Duality – Hosted by Joseph Schmitz
Joseph invites us to delve deeper into the unknown, embracing the journey with curiosity, love, and trust. Exploring unknown territories can be both dangerous and adventurous. We will journey ever deeper into the unknown guided by the wisdom of spiritual teachers such as Dr. David Hawkins, Angelo Dilullo, Regina Dawn Akers, Adyashanti, as well as the insights found in music, poetry, and the intuitive wisdom within us all.

2:30 pm – DEBUT! The Inner Hexagram: Mapping the Mind’s Weather
In each present moment, a deeper Intelligence gently reveals the patterns beneath our perceptions, inviting us to rest in an awareness beyond all constraints. Through the living mirror of the I Ching, we discover a sacred conversation that transcends easy answers and guides us to align with the unchanging truth within.

Meg’s program will be on the first, third and fifth Wednesday of each month. The Inner Hexagon is a gathering where we pause, draw a hexagram, and allow this ancient oracle to reflect our shared spiritual guidance. Each session becomes an inquiry into the shifting currents of the mind – a chance to notice how a loving, subtle presence rearranges our thoughts and beckons us toward higher understanding.

With poetic reflection and open inquiry, we explore the weather of the mind, not to define it but to listen. Wisdom meets us where sincerity gathers, revealing truth between the lines.

Join us as we draw the hexagram, attune to the quiet presence some call the Holy Spirit, and map the mind’s weather together, reaching the peace that surpasses all understanding.

3:00 pm – Sangha Led Contemplations – Hosted by Jo-Ann Crane-Rodrigues
Please join us as we continue to contemplate Out of the Stillness & The Seven Steps to Awakening. Each week, we will share from Regina Dawn Akers’ published journal, Out of the Stillness. It was written as a personal journal over 8½ years as she contemplated quotes from spiritual masters and practiced the insight she realized through contemplation. The quotes Regina contemplated were collected by Michael Langford and published in The Seven Steps to Awakening. Both books are used in this program.

A new facilitator will also be assigned each week. Please email Jo-Ann if you feel to volunteer as a facilitator at j_crane_rodrigues@yahoo.com. The facilitator will be the one to facilitate the program during the following week. The facilitator will lead by reading the quotes, calling on participants who wish to share their contemplations. They may also share their contemplations if so moved. To be a facilitator you will need both books.

Any questions asked, will be posed to the group and inner wisdom will be brought forth from the sangha in response. We invite anyone who feels called to join us as we step into the vision of a highly effective sangha.

4:00 – 5:30 pm – The Sanctuary is Closed

5:30 – In The Flow – Rev. Andy Walker
In this program, Andy will be engaging in a simple exploration and discovery about connecting with guidance, insights, wisdom, and motivation that arise naturally out of the flow of life (rather than from the thinking mind).

6:00 pm – A Lot to Say About Nothing – Rev. Billy Sintiris
In this weekly program, Rev. Billy will expand on Awakening Together’s Core Value Number One by utilizing inspirational writings by various authors, including awakened masters, poets, and personal guests. Words alone, being subject to duality, cannot transform in and by themselves. But when paired with seeing and looking within, we can go beyond their limits. “A Lot to Say About Nothing” is about surrendering self (personal identity). Words can only point to the Truth of the Whole Mind. He will look deeper into the many words used to take us home to the One. NOTE: This program will be an hour long on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays, beginning a half an hour earlier at 5:30 ET.

6:30 pm – Gentle Healing Year 3 – Facilitated by Rev. Sharon Hepburn
Rev. Sharon Hepburn guides committed students who would like to make consistent, gentle progress toward genuine peace, joy, and love. Year 3 is based on The Seven Steps to Awakening.

7:30 pm – Explorations of the Unbound – with Revs. Sharon Hepburn and Shawna Summers
Please join us for this half-hour program in the Sanctuary Explorations of the Unbound, which will be a live, spontaneous contemplation, between Revs. Shawna Summers and Sharon Hepburn. They will explore and unhinge what constricts the opening to the joyous movement of the unbound. This will be an ongoing weekly program.

8:00 pm the Sanctuary is Closed
All Times listed are Eastern Standard Time – See helpful links below.
Enter the Sanctuary or see the complete listing of speakers.
How to Enter the Sanctuary

Audio & Homework~ Gentle Healing Year 2 with Rev. Michele Hojnacki – Week 105

February 18, 2025

Rev. Michele Hojnacki guides a group of committed students through year 2 of Gentle Healing who want to make consistent, gentle progress toward genuine peace, joy, and love. This group meets weekly on Mondays at 5-7 pm ET/3-5 pm MT and all members are committed to specific assignments and practices between group meetings.

Listen to the Recording

Homework for next week:

Homework Assignment A: Practice daily meditation for 30-60 minutes each day. Practice the “Loving All” Method.
Homework Assignment B: Thoughts of Awakening 351-357.
Homework Assignment C: Year 2 Review. The tips will guide you through the daily review.

*If you don’t already have it, order The Seven Steps to Awakening. That will be our text for Year 3.

What’s Happening in the Sanctuary – Tuesday, February 18, 2025

February 17, 2025

All times listed are Eastern Standard Time – – – – See helpful links below

7:00 – 7:30 am – Centering Prayer – Anne Blanchard
Centering Prayer is a method designed to seek the true Self by deepening into the intention to recognize and promptly empty ourselves of what is not true and, in turn, abide more and more fully in the heart as a symbol of the Truth of What We Are.

7:30 to 8:30 am – Morning Meditation with Rev. Anne Blanchard
Rev. Anne will guide those with willing hearts into morning meditation.

8:30 to 9:00 am – Contemplating the Thoughts of Awakening – A Daily Devotional Practice with Rev. Michele Hojnacki and Sami Ross
This program is a daily, year-long devotional practice that focuses on contemplating the Thoughts of Awakening. This group will meet every morning at 8:30 am ET for 30 minutes to share our insights from the previous day’s contemplation with our inner teacher. The facilitators are Rev. Michele Hojnacki and Sami Ross.

“Each of the 365 thoughts is intended for a full day’s contemplation. They are to be read and contemplated repeatedly throughout the day. If you read and contemplate each thought deeply for a full day, you’ll experience shifts towards true perception this year.”

The book ‘Thoughts of Awakening’ by Regina Dawn Akers is available to purchase on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2ag15vy
Our invitation to join extends to all, even if attending the daily sessions is not possible.

9:00 to 11:00 am – Heart Explorations: Embracing the Whole Show – with Rev. Anne Blanchard.
During our time together, we will explore what it takes to live from an open, undefended heart. Naturally, any true exploration of living from the heart necessarily entails taking a deep and sustained look at what prevents us from keeping our hearts open. Grounded in the knowledge that the essence of us, our true nature, is the very lovingness within us all, we will explore how to recognize and release egoic energies by cultivating open-hearted awareness practices which support us in directly experiencing our true Self. By leaning into willingness, steeped in self-honesty, and with a consistent dash of courage, we endeavor to open to whatever life brings, as it brings it, that is, on life’s terms. In so doing, we trust that everything – absolutely everything – is here for us to use for healing, for purification, and for learning to live from the heart. We look forward to supporting each other in our individual explorations of how we truly embrace the entirety of this show we call life.

3:00 to 5:00 pm – Transition to Year 2! Gentle Healing Year 2 – Facilitated by Rev. Diane Scott
Rev. Dianne Scott guides a group of committed students who would like to make consistent, gentle progress toward genuine peace, joy, and love. This group meets weekly and all members are committed to specific assignments and practices between group meetings.

Gentle Healing Year 1 is a recommended prerequisite for this group, although people who have completed the ACIM workbook on their own are invited to join Gentle Healing Year 2. People who have completed Year 2 and would like a review may also join the group.

Gentle Healing “Year 2” is based on:
The Holy Spirit’s Interpretation of the New Testament (NTI)
The Teachings of Inner Ramana
Thoughts of Awakening

5:00 pm – 5:30 Sanctuary Closed

5:30 pm – Discovering Presence: Exploring ‘Awake, It’s Your Turn’
Join us for an engaging and insightful study group as we explore “Awake: It’s Your Turn” by Angelo DiLullo. We welcome everyone to join us in this journey of awakening and self-discovery. Each week, a new facilitator will lead the discussion. Participants are encouraged to take a turn facilitating the discussion, making this a collaborative and enriching experience for all. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect, learn, and grow together! Whether you are new to Angelo Dilullo’s teachings or a regular follower, this group promises to offer valuable insights with meaningful connections.

6:30 pm – Early Insights – Facilitated by Rev. Jacquelyn Eckert & Connie Poole
The sisters will play Regina Dawn Akers’ Early Teaching videos and invite those in attendance to contemplate those teachings along with them.

Regina completed a YouTube playlist featuring 275 videos focusing on the “essence” of her early teachings. They are a treasure trove of insight into the practices and understanding that illuminated her path to awakening. Regina compiled the teachings by trimming down her early teaching audios to highlight the core components of the guidance she received early in her journey. Because these teachings are so helpful, Jacquelyn and Connie plan to slowly review them by playing one or two of them each week and contemplating them in a group format.

To access Regina’s Early Teaching go to our website, on the main menu bar, click ‘Regina’s Audios’, then in the drop down menu click ‘Early Teachings’, then click ‘Snippets From Early Teachings’. Here’s the link: Snippets from the Early Teachings on YouTube

7:30 pm – Silence of the Heart – Facilitated by Lin Castaldo
Join Lin Castaldo as we explore the book ‘Silence of the Heart: Dialogues With Robert Adams’, on the 1^st,3^rd, and 5^th Tuesdays of the month from 7:30 – 8 pm ET.

“Robert Adams (January 21, 1928 – March 2, 1997) is an American Self-realized master and a direct disciple of Ramana Maharshi. This book is dedicated to the teachings of Robert Adams during his Satsangs from 1991-1993. If you are a sincere seeker, and if you find the all-important heart connection with Robert, your life will never again be the same. Doors will unlock, magic will happen.”

8:00 pm ET/6:00 pm MT the Sanctuary is closed.
All Times are Eastern Standard Time – See helpful links below.
Enter the Sanctuary or see the complete listing of speakers.
How to Enter the Sanctuary

What’s Happening in the Sanctuary ~ Monday, February 17, 2025

February 16, 2025

All times listed are Eastern Standard Time – – – See helpful links below

7:00 to 7:30 am – Centering Prayer – with Rev. Anne Blanchard
Centering Prayer is a method designed to seek the true Self by deepening into the intention to recognize and promptly empty ourselves of what is not true and, in turn, abide more and more fully in the heart as a symbol of the Truth of What We Are.

7:30 to 8:30 am – Being Aware of Awareness Meditation – Led by Rev. Anne Blanchard
One of the core practices of the Awakening Together community is Awareness watching Awareness meditation. Those words can inspire as much confusion for some as they do clarity of purpose for others. This program provides an opportunity to be in community with others who will to find that place of no-place, that attention to our natural attentiveness, that innate humanness that can often be overlooked. Anne Blanchard facilitates this program by leading participants through gently guided Being Aware of Awareness meditation.

11:00 am to 12:00 pm – Satsang Reflections Program – Hosted by Joseph Schmitz
Satsang Reflections is a monthly dialogue held on the 3rd Monday of every month at 11 a.m. ET. The purpose of this program is to share what was most impactful, hear from others about what they took away, and deepen into the teaching from the previous day’s Satsang interview. We invite you to come and share or just listen to others. We hope you can join us live, but if not, Satsang Reflections will be recorded for broadcast and replay. All are welcome.

Thoughts of Awakening
The Holy Spirit’s Interpretation of the New Testament (NTI): Available through Amazon.
The Teachings of Inner Ramana: Available through Amazon.

7:00 to 8:00 pm – Self-Guided Awakening: An Epilogue of Gentle Healing – Facilitated by Revs. Sharon Hepburn & Shawna Summers
This group meets to share our experiences and insights on working with Fetters. We are guided by the website www.simplythe seen and other teachers.

Remember to be able to share in the group during our discussions, it is asked that you:

1. Have completed GH 3 in its entirety, as this just expands on contemplations.

2. Have read the reading and/or done the homework and contemplated the assignment with an open heart.

If the above criteria does not describe where you are currently at, you are more than welcome to join us in the sanctuary as an OBSERVER. Thank you for moderating yourself and if you are called to join us, we look forward to seeing you.

8:00 pm ET the Sanctuary is closed.
All times are Eastern Standard Time – See helpful links below.
Enter the Sanctuary or see the complete listing of speakers.
How to Enter the Sanctuary

What’s Happening in the Sanctuary Sunday, February 16, 2025

February 15, 2025

All times listed are Eastern Standard Time – See links below to join us in the Sanctuary

8:00 am – Centering Prayer – Sami Ross
Sami Ross leads us in Centering Prayer on the weekends! This method is designed to seek the true Self by deepening into the intention to recognize and promptly empty ourselves of what is not true. In turn, we abide more and more fully in the heart as a symbol of the Truth of What We Are.

8:30 am – Contemplating the Thoughts of Awakening – A Daily Devotional Practice with Rev. Michele Hojnacki and Sami Ross
This program is a daily, year-long devotional practice that focuses on contemplating the Thoughts of Awakening. This group will meet every morning at 8:30 am ET for 30 minutes to share our insights from the previous day’s contemplation with our inner teacher. The facilitators are Rev. Michele Hojnacki and Sami Ross.

The Thoughts of Awakening were given to Regina Dawn Akers in response to her prayer for help. In her book, Thoughts of Awakening, Regina wrote, “I found the contrast between profound spiritual devotion and her typical day-to-day state of mind unbearable”. The Thoughts of Awakening were given to help her from “falling back into the old state of mind after my morning devotional practice”. She says of the Thoughts of Awakening, “They are the thoughts that led from suffering with a split mind to the experience of a highly consistent, happy way of being.”“Each of the 365 thoughts is intended for a full day’s contemplation. They are to be read and contemplated repeatedly throughout the day. If you read and contemplate each thought deeply for a full day, you’ll experience shifts towards true perception this year.”

9:30 am – Devotional Attention to Stillness – Hosted by Rev. Abigail Edwards
An opportunity is offered to meditate in community with others sharing the core values of ‘Awakening Together. Join Rev Abigail Edwards in the restful practice of sitting in the stillness of heart connected Being. Letting go of mental chatter and embracing the Divine, our natural state, while remembering the Reality of Self.

This meditative process will draw on the Truth writings of Dr. David R. Hawkins, Inner Ramana, Nisargadatta, NTI and other teachers encountered on this spiritual path.

10:15 am – Weekly Gathering – Rev. Erica Joy West
Topic: “Exploring the Process of Moving from (s)elf-Love to (S)elf-Love“

Description: In a world that sends us mixed messages about the meaning of love and where to find it, it is our choice to release worldly meaning and recognize and honor the whole and completeness that already exists as what we are. Only then can we know the truth of what it means to be love.

Reading: Laura Joy Bedford will read from All You Need Is Love, The Way of the Heart, by Shanti Christo Foundation and The Holy Spirit’s Interpretation of the New Testament (NTI), John, Chapter 3.

11:30 am – Weekly Fellowship Time – Hosted by Rev. George Maddox
This is the time when Awakening Together joins together in fellowship as a community. We share what is on our hearts and minds from the recent homily or anything else that is truly inspiring us.

12:00 pm – Learning Mudras Together – with Tina Brown
Let’s join together and share the practice of Hand Mudras! Have you ever wondered about Mudras? Mudras are symbolic hand gestures used in Hinduism, Buddhism, and other spiritual practices. They are believed to direct the flow of energy (prana) in the body and promote physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

If you are curious, join us on Sundays between 12-12:30 to learn, practice, and discuss the mudras of the week. This will give everyone the opportunity to have a direct experience and share with the group the feelings it evokes.

12:30 pm – Transcending the Addiction to Mind – Rev. David Hemphill
Join us in exploring the belief in separation through the lens of addiction to the mind! On this journey we will explore many topics such as:

What does it really mean to have spiritual awakening as part of my path?
What is my unique path?
Why do parts of my path feel uncomfortable?
How do I navigate the uncomfortable parts?
Where is the inherent bliss and joy on my path that spiritual awakening says is there? How do I access it now?
Why does my bliss come and go? Why do the bad parts always come back?
How do I get “unstuck” if I’ve been on this path many years and yet still have the same issues I’ve always had?
What is “Self-will” and why do I need to pay attention to it in order to get unstuck?
What is the nature of “desire” and “aversion,” and how are they related to stuckness?
Once I understand everything, or if I already understand everything, how do I actually make the realization happen?
What are paradoxes and how should I react when I find one?
What specifically is it that will permanently lead to spiritual awakening? How do I cultivate this?
If any of these seem interesting, then I hope to see you there!

1:00 pm – Sacred Inquiry – Rev. Shawna Summers
Rev. Shawna demonstrates the art of Sacred Inquiry in real-time. Join her as she asks to see with Clarity, questioning each layer of the thinking mind, to see what beliefs are hidden in the sub-conscious. She opens deeper into beginners’ mind with humble curiosity. This is an evolving process, as she discerns for the vibrational level of each thought, exposing the source. She invites all listening to join her in their own Inquiry to experience the strength of this powerful and often surprising spiritual practice.

1:30 pm – Freedom Practice Sangha – Facilitated by Rev. Melody Brauninger
The Sangha will be led by Rev. Melody Brauninger today. She will follow Inner Guidance as to what practices will be suggested. We invite all to join in the honest sharing of insights, questions and challenges.

2:30 – 5:00 pm – Sanctuary Closed

5:00 pm – Listen to the Voice That Likes You ~ The Mighty Companions Hour with Rev. Yolanda Mapes

Please join Rev. Yolanda as she continues to share her beautiful voice and heart during The Mighty Companions Hour. This is a program she and her late, beloved husband, Rev. Glen Ganaway began in 2020.

6:00 pm – Deepening into Clarifying the Teachings – with Rev. Jacquelyn Eckert
When Regina Dawn Akers announced that the “Clarifying the Teachings” program had come to its natural end, Rev. Jacquelyn Eckert felt guided to re-listen to these transformative teachings with us.

During this program, we will listen to a portion of each previously recorded “Clarifying the Teachings” program. Afterward, we will spend time contemplating and teaching ourselves what is most alive for us in the moment. We may also spend time practicing what Regina is teaching. Bring your journals, openness, and curiosity as we explore what is most alive in us and ready to be seen.

7:00 pm – Resting In Our Immaculate Nature – with Joy Bedford and Jill Grace
Join Jill and Joy to gently rest and invite our immaculate nature into awareness. As we rest into our natural state, we relax beyond fear (i.e., energy, beliefs and egoic-desire frequencies of suffering); beyond what may arise that feels different than our natural resonant peaceful immaculateness. Together, as a sangha, we strengthen our awareness of our True nature so that the energy invested in beliefs about ourselves returns to its natural state as Pure Divine Light. Gathering as a sangha heightens our ability to detect obstacles — blocks to our immaculate nature…dense, lower frequency Light — so that these aspects of our being that we made up are welcomed into awareness, hastening their return to the original state as Pure Divine Light. As a sangha, we will use practical examples from our lives. Notably, resting in our True, immaculate nature supports noticing how the false identity that isn’t really what we are, enjoys, even wants!… to believe limiting beliefs (the false/unreal) until we realize what we actually are, immaculate, unaffected Divine Spirit. Join us as we put obstacles on the altar of Truth and free light that has been blocking our palpable awareness of Divine Love. The pointings are from The Way of Mastery, ACIM, NTI and more will be used.

7:30 pm – February Satsang Featuring Fr. James Twyman
Please join us for our February Satsang, featuring Fr. James Twyman. This special event will take place tonight, Sunday, February 16th, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. MT in our Zoom sanctuary. Fr. James will be interviewed by Lin Castaldo.

Here is some information about Fr. James Twyman:
Fr. James Twyman, also know as “The Peace Troubadour”, is a Franciscan friar and Episcopal Priest who founded Namaste Village in Ajijic, Mexico. He is a NY Times bestselling author, having written twenty-two books, and has recorded over nineteen musical albums.

James Twyman is known for his work in non-dualistic spirituality and has traveled to conflict zones around the world to share prayers of peace. He has also initiated world synchronized meditations in countries like Bosnia, Iraq, Northern Ireland, and Syria.

Namaste Village is an interfaith contemplative community that focuses on spiritual teachings and practices, including A Course in Miracles, A Course in Love and the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi. The community gathers for meditation, sharing, singing, and other activities aimed at fostering spiritual awakening and compassion.

For Fr. James Twyman’s books, please visit Amazon: Click Here
For more information on Fr, James Twyman, please visit World Peace Pulse

9:00 pm ET – The Sanctuary is Close
All Times are Eastern Standard Time – See helpful links below.
Enter the Sanctuary or see the complete listing of speakers.
How to Enter the Sanctuary

What’s Happening in the Sanctuary ~ Saturday, February 15, 2025

February 14, 2025

All times listed are Eastern Standard Time. Please have a look below for helpful links.

8:00 to 8:30 am ET – Centering Prayer with Sami Ross
Centering Prayer is a method designed to seek the true Self by deepening into the intention to recognize and promptly empty ourselves of what is not true and, in turn, abide more and more fully in the heart as a symbol of the Truth of What We Are.

During the 20-minute silent practice period, we relax and allow everything to be as it is. When we notice attention has gone to a thought/image/feeling/perception, we ever-so-gently return to a sacred word of our choosing. We do not resist thought but we also do not follow it either. We let thoughts go by without thinking ABOUT them. We let them be by softly saying our sacred word inwardly as a symbol of our intention to consent to the Presence of God within and God’s action within.Devotional music or words will be offered prior to the start of the 20-minute silent practice period and for a couple minutes directly following the practice period to allow a transition time back to our ordinary awareness.

8:30 to 9:00 am ET – Contemplating the Thoughts of Awakening – A Daily Devotional Practice – With Rev. Michele Hojnacki and Sami Ross
This daily, year-long devotional program will focus on contemplating the Thoughts of Awakening. The group will meet every morning at 8:30 am ET for 30 minutes to share our insights from the previous day’s contemplation with our inner teacher. This program is hosted by Rev. Michele Hojnacki and Sami Ross.

Each of the 365 thoughts is intended for a full day’s contemplation. They are to be read and contemplated repeatedly throughout the day. If you read and contemplate each thought deeply for a full day, you’ll experience shifts towards true perception this year.

9:00 am ET – The Sanctuary is Closed for the rest of the day.
All times listed are Eastern Standard Time – See helpful links below.
Enter the Sanctuary or see the complete listing of speakers.
How to Enter the Sanctuary

What’s Happening in the Sanctuary ~ Friday, February 14, 2025

February 13, 2025

All times listed are Eastern Standard Time. Look below for helpful links.

Consistent Gentle Healing Year 1: A Journey Begins

🗓️ WHEN: The first class was on Friday, January 3, 2025. Meetings are scheduled every Friday from 10 am – 12 pm ET (8-10 am MT).

🛐 WHERE: Participants will meet in the Sanctuary.

🧑‍🏫 FACILITATORS: This group will be led by Revs. Erica Joy West and Melody Brauninger.

You are also invited to choose and contemplate your own weekly reading assignment from the book. There will be space for sharing your contemplation during our time together.

4:00 pm The Sanctuary is Closed
All times listed are Eastern Standard Time – See helpful links below.
Enter the Sanctuary or see the complete listing of speakers.
How to Enter the Sanctuary

All Times are Eastern Standard Time – See links below to join us in the Sanctuary

Join us at 9:30 am ET/ 7:30 am MT for “Shiny Things” with Claire Bhavani

Join us at 10:15 am ET/ 8:15 am MT for Our Weekly Gathering with Rev. George Maddox

Join us at 12:30 pm ET/ 10:30 am MT for “Transcending the Addiction to Mind” with Rev. David Hemphill

Join us at 1:30 pm ET/ 11:30 am MT for Reflections from the Dyad Online Retreat

Join us at 5:00 pm ET/ 3:00 pm MT for “The Mighty Companions Hour – The Voice That likes You” with Rev. Yolanda Mapes

Join us at 6:00 pm ET/ 4:00 pm MT for “Deepening Into Clarifying the Teachings Together” with Rev. Jacquelyn Eckert

Join us at 7:00 pm ET/ 5:00 pm MT for “Resting in Our Immaculate Nature” with Jill Grace & Joy Bedford

Join us at 8:00 pm ET/ 6:00 pm MT for Movie Watchers Discussion Group with Laura “Joy” Bedford

All times listed are Eastern Standard Time. Look below for helpful links.

All times listed are Eastern Standard Time. Look below for helpful links.

All times listed are Eastern Standard Time. Please have a look below for helpful links.

All times listed are Eastern Standard Time. Look below for helpful links.

Join us at 10:15 am ET/ 8:15 am MT
for Our Weekly Gathering with Rev. George Maddox