Awakening Together

A universal assembly for true discernment

NON-DUAL PURPOSE & PRACTICE

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This Sunday in the Sanctuary ~ April 21, 2024

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. Billy Sintiris

Topic: “Understanding is a Difficult Let Go”

Description: Rev. Billy will take readings from NTI, Colossians 1, Bentinho Massaro’s new post and readings from his personal contemplation to attempt to blend the highest form of conceptual thought with what can’t be comprehended, “Truth” beyond words.

Reading: Audrey Whitehead will read from NTI, Colossians 1.

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 Rev. Tawonda Chase.

 

Join us at 1:00 pm ET/ 11:00 am MT for Sacred Inquiry with Rev. Shawna Summers

Rev. Shawna demonstrates the art of Sacred Inquiry in real time. Join her as she follows the guidance, questioning each layer that the thinking mind throws at her in an attempt to hide the wisdom that is inherent in us all. She is learning to go deeper into beginners’ mind with humble and honest curiosity. This is an evolving process, as she learns to feel 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 spiritual practice. The original inspiration for this half-hour came from Adyashanti’s book ‘Sacred Inquiry’.

 

Join us at 1:30 pm ET/ 11:30 am MT for Reflections from the Healing Through Yoga & Prayer Retreat with Rev. Shawna Summers

We hope you can join us for Reflections from the Healing Through Yoga and Prayer Retreat that was facilitated by Jeff Bailey. The retreat participants will be sharing how this retreat helped them to identify and resolve the obstacles to peace and lasting freedom through the practice of yoga. They will also be sharing how Jeff’s unique and healing approach to yoga he calls Avita helped relieve chronic pain and bring more joy to their life.

We welcome everyone to join us!

For more information about our upcoming retreats, please: click here

 

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 Enlightened Leadership: Building the Foundation with Revs. Rhoda Makled & David Hemphill

The Tao Te Ching (The Way), written by Lao-Tzu (Old Teacher), is a guide to enlightened leadership. While most people believe effective leadership lies in knowledge and power, the Tao teaches it lies in emptiness, stillness, and presence.

Awakening Together’s Vice President-Minister, Rev. Rhoda Makled, and Rev. David Hemphill share from the Tao as they contemplate its principles in order to fully embody them. In addition to the 2 versions already being read from the Tao, the pair will also read Regina Dawn Aker’s translation of the Tao Te Ching.

 

Join us at 7:00 pm ET/ 5:00 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 7:30 pm ET/ 5:30 pm MT for our Live Satsang with Violet Synergy

Please join Violet Synergy who will be joining us for our April Satsang. This special event will take place in our Zoom sanctuary. Violet will be interviewed by Rev. Sharon Hepburn.

To see Violet’s Awakening Story, Click Here

Here is some information about Violet Synergy:

My name is Violet Richele (Alice) and I am a Lover of Truth & Dance, Intuitive Inquiry Facilitator, Meditation Guide, Artist, & Writer creating through emotion & intuition.  My goal in sharing my journey through childhood, spirituality, and creativity is to show you that no matter who you are, where you came from, or what disabilities you may have you do have the capacity to open to your creative impulses and live a life free of the structural demands society suggests.

I interact with creativity from my direct experience, I have learned to trust and use my “disabilities” to my advantage.  We are all unique and beautiful in our own ways. I think there is a very strong unknown sensitivity to us creators, we find peace while we are creating but can’t seem to find peace in other areas of life.  This is why I have a passion for Non-Duality teachings. Creativity and Non-Duality go hand in hand. Recognizing unconditional love in all things can allow you the chance to create from an unknown place. A place of surrender, a place of true freedom.  
 
If I share with you for one moment, my only hope is that you will know that what you are experiencing is true, and that you have the capacity to trust it.  My sharing’s are based on radical truth.  I communicate through the aliveness of the moment.  I see that direct experience and practicing Inquiry through the senses is the way.  I hope to share this truth with  those who are ready.   This aliveness isn’t mine, I can not give it nor take it away from you.  It’s an unknown magical dance.  Shall  we look for the dancer?

For more information on Violet, please visit her website https://www.violet-synergy.com/

We look forward to being with all who are able to join us!

📅 Date: Sunday, April 21st, 2024
🕢 Time: 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. MT
📍 Where: Awakening Together’s Zoom Sanctuary

 

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 ~ Thursday, April 18, 2024

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

7:30 – 8:30 am – Meditation Exploration with Rev. Rhoda Makled
This program, on Tuesdays and Thursdays,  provides an opportunity to meditate in community with others who feel to explore the Truth of what we are. Rev. Rhoda Makled gently guides participants through a meditation practice. The meditation practices may include any of the following, but are not limited to a specific style:

  • Being Aware of Awareness
  • Do Nothing
  • Self-Inquiry
  • Beingness
  • Radiance Sutras
  • Sound
  • Loving Consciousness
  • Contemplation

2:00 – 4:00 pm – Gentle Healing Year 3 –  Facilitated by Rev. Susan Telford
Rev. Susan guides a group of committed students through year 3 of Gentle Healing who would like to make consistent, gentle progress toward genuine peace, joy, and love. This group meets weekly for two hours on Thursdays at 2-4 pm ET and all members are committed to specific assignments and practices between group meetings. This class is based on The Seven Steps to Awakening.

6:00 – 7:00 pm – Gentle Healing Year 3 – Facilitated by Rev. Cyndi Krupp
Rev. Cyndi guides a group of committed students through year 3 of Gentle Healing who would like to make consistent, gentle progress toward genuine peace, joy, and love. This group meets weekly for one hour on Thursdays at 6-7 pm ET. All members are committed to specific assignments and practices between group meetings. This class is based on The Seven Steps to Awakening.

7:00 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, April 17, 2024

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

7:30 – 8:30 am – Being Aware of Awareness Meditation – Facilitated by Rev. Anne Blanchard
This program provides an opportunity to be in community with others who desire 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 a.m. ET by leading participants through gently guided Being Aware of Awareness meditation.

12:00 pm – I Think, Therefore…  – Rev. Cyndi Krupp
In this program, Rev. Cyndi explores 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 uses 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 explores 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 digs 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 shares 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 shares 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.

In this program, Rev. Rhoda explores the teachings of Michael Singer, Regina Dawn Akers, Paul Hedderman, Roger Castillo, Helen Hamilton, and many more.

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 – Get Curious with Tina – Tina Brown
In this weekly program Tina invites all to “Walk with me and ask the unquestionable questions. Inquire about the different principles of God. Go to Source with me and look to the Holy Spirit for Answers. Asking for discernment, clarity, and the willingness to be wrong. I need you to help me awaken! I’m willing, are you?”

2:30 pm – Returning Home – Helena Monteiro
This is Helena’s description: “This program is about returning to where I already Am but have forgotten. In willingness, I step back from this dream and look at the obstacles that I have made up and believed in. I will look at resistance, in its many forms, to the path I have chosen again and again in faith. In gratitude I turn within to the I Am that is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” Helena will be offering her program on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Wednesdays. 

3:00 pm – Start with Certainty –  with Joe Schmitz, Licensed Minster
In this hour Joseph Schmitz invites us to explore and contemplate the teachings of Dr. Hawkins, as drawn from his books, “Letting Go: The Pathway of Surrender” as well as YouTube videos of his talks. We will also look at quotes from the Awakening Together retreat Inspired Clarity,

Regina is on vacation for two weeks.

4:00 – 5:30 pm – Awakening Together Sanctuary Closed

5:30 pm – 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.

6:30 pm – Gentle Healing Year 3 – Facilitated by Rev. Sharon Hepburn
Rev. Sharon Hepburn facilitates this Gentle Healing Year 3 group. She 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 – Revs. Sharon Hepburn and Shawna Summers
Please join us for program this weekly program Explorations of the Unbound . It 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.

Sanctuary Closes at 8:00 pm ET

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 61

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

Add This Program to Your Calendar
*To add a recurring program to your own calendar click the three dots in the upper right-hand corner, and then click “copy” and “save”.

Homework Assignments for week 61:

  1. Homework Assignment A: Practice daily meditation for 30-60 minutes each day. Practice the “Loving All” Method.
  2. Homework Assignment B: Thoughts of Awakening, 43-49.
  3. Homework Assignment C: Read NTI Mark, Chapters 9-11 by following the daily reading assignments given through the tips.

What’s Happening in the Sanctuary – Tuesday, April 16, 2024

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

7:30 to 8:30 am – Meditation Exploration with Rev. Rhoda Makled
This program provides an opportunity to meditate in community with others who feel to explore the Truth of what we are. Rev. Rhoda Makled gently guides participants through a meditation practice, as guided. Meditation practices may include any of the following, but will not be limited to a specific style:

  • Being Aware of Awareness
  • Do Nothing
  • Self-Inquiry
  • Beingness
  • Radiance Sutras
  • Sound
  • Loving Consciousness
  • Contemplation

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 – Gentle Healing Year 1 – 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. Everyone willing to commit to healing/awakening is invited to join this group.

5:00 pm – 5:30 Sanctuary Closed.

5:30 pm – Stability – Facilitated by Rev. David Hemphill
David invites all to “Join me as I embark on a challenging journey of cultivating a virtue that doesn’t come easily for me. Throughout my life, I have changed jobs, relationships, and locations every few years. I am at peace with my external restlessness, but I realize stability is not just about constancy in the external world, but also about finding an internal sense of consistency. By following inner wisdom and taking an honest, vulnerable, self-effacing approach to practice, I will delve into the essence of stability and what it means for my life.

Each week we will open by reviewing the Awakening Together Core Values and Purpose, the 7 inner wisdom messages given, and any reflections from the week. Then we will proceed with contemplation, discussion, direct-experiencing, teachings, or whatever else may arise naturally. While these principles are abstract, we will look every week at real life examples and activities that illustrate how these principles are applied in daily life.”

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.

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 1st,3rd, and 5th 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.”

The Sanctuary will close at 8:00 pm ET/6:00 pm MT tonight.

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

Sounds of Awakening ~ April 14, 2024

Rev. Yolanda interviewed Rev. Pamela Mann and she shared a beautiful sound healing with us all. Reverend Pamela was ordained at One Spirit Interfaith Learning Alliance and Seminary in NYC, NY, Class of 2011 along with Rev. Yolanda who was in her class. Her first year of study had an emphasis on the world’s religions and their cultures and ceremonies. Rev. Pamela is a Wedding officiant as well as a self-taught, intuitive artist in addition to being a Ritualist and Ceremonialist, and Sound Healer.

Rev. Pamela last joined us in August of 2023 on Sounds of Awakening where she shared her joy of Sound Healing and took us on a meditative, healing Journey of Sound. We are truly looking forward to having her again to experience this beautiful practice.

If you would like to contact Rev. Pamela and find out more about her wedding ceremonies, please click here: heartstarceremonies.com

Rev. Yolanda is a trans femme gender queer singer/songwriter/performance artist & interfaith minister, originally from Muscle Shoals, Alabama- The Hit Recording Capital of the World. Rev. Yolanda has been making music/theater/TV/film/performance art for well over 40 years, winning the NYC MAC Award twice and inducted into both the NY Blues Hall of Fame and The GLBT Hall of Fame. Rev. Yolanda is so very happy to be a part of and be of service to the Awakening-Together Community on The Member Board of Trustees, as well as with her weekly program The Mighty Companions-The Voice that Likes You.

You can find Rev. Yolanda’s music here: www.Yolanda.net/audio

What’s Happening in the Sanctuary ~ Monday, April 15, 2024

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

7:30 – 8:30 am – Being Aware of Awareness Meditation – Facilitated by Rev. Rhoda Makled
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. Rhoda will be filling in for Anne Blanchard by facilitating this program on a few Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7:30 – 8:30 am ET by leading participants through gently guided Being Aware of Awareness meditation.

5:00 – 7:00 pm – Consistent, Gentle Healing Year 2 – Facilitated by Rev. Michele Hojnacki
Rev. Michele guides committed students to make consistent, gentle progress toward genuine peace, joy, and love using the Gentle Healing Curriculum. Everyone who is willing to make a commitment to awakening is invited to join. Having completed GHY1 is encouraged but not required. Year 2 is based on:

7:00 – 8:00 pm –  Self-Guided Awakening: An Epilogue of Gentle Healing – Facilitated by Revs. Shawna Summers & Sharon Hepburn
 This group meets weekly to share our experiences and insights on how these contemplations are lived. The intention is to stay True to Guidance and be honest in sharing.

The Sanctuary will close at 7 pm ET/5 pm MT tonight.

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, April 14, 2024

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

9:30 am – Contemplating Poetry Using Lectio Divina with Rev. Susan Telford
Rev. Susan Telford will be guiding us in learning the contemplative practice of Lectio Divina using poetry. In each session, Susan will read a poem, drawing from a wide range of poets, including Rumi, Hafiz, David Whyte, Mary Oliver, John O’Donohue, and many others (including her own work), then guide participants through the four steps of Lectio Divina. Susan shares that this direct practice is a beautiful way to connect with Inner Wisdom and obtain clarity.

10:15 am – Weekly Gathering – Rev. Saina Fernandez
Topic:  “Thoughts are Tools, Not Truths”

Description: Rev. Saina will be sharing deeply from her heart on some recent insights and realizations that are helping her to further let go of the ego. She invites you to join her this Sunday and perhaps some of these unveilings will inspire you to further let go of the ego.

Reading: Judy Lekisch will read NTI Colossians Ch. 4 & NTI 2 Thessalonians, Ch. 3.

11:30 am – Fellowship Time – Hosted by Laura~Joy Bedford
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 – NEW PROGRAM: Just Being Here Now – Anja Janssen
Everything is already here now, so all we have to ‘do’ is be. In this program, Anja will look deeply into the now – the present moment, to explore how truth presents itself. She will be using everyday experiences and events to practice being present with what is. She will also share a variety of teachings about the now, the illusion of time, and resting in beingness. Some of the teachers and texts she will draw from are Eckhart Tolle, Lao Tzu, Angelo Dilullo, A Course in Miracles & NTI. Join Anja in using our everyday experiences to embrace the present moment and be.

12:30 pm – God Through Audz – Audrey Whitehead
Join Audsie for her program ‘God through Audz’ as she reads and contemplates from Guiding Ollie Through “A Course in Miracles” Book One. It is directed and compiled by Rev. Devan Jesse Byrne. Experience the teachings of the first 60 Workbook Lessons of A Course in Miracles in a crisp, new, and child-like way.

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 Joe Schmitz
Following the recent Awakening Together online retreats it has become clear that many feel called to dive into intensive follow-up work. While the practice of unearthing and looking directly at our individual beliefs is primarily solitary in nature, we all recognize that the sharing of that work with others who are undergoing the same process can be enormously beneficial and supportive. This is a time of sharing our inquiries, insights and challenges, listening to others, or just knowing that we are in community, as we find that undefended place within ourselves that longs to be free.

2:30 pm – Qigong the Movement of Now with Ian McArthur
In this program, we will learn the traditional Mind, Body, and Spirit practice of Qigong (Chi Kung). Qi means life energy, referring to the energy circulating through the body, and Gong means cultivation or work. The two words are combined to describe the practice to cultivate and balance life energy. By following movements (forms) and a simple breathing technique, we encourage more Qi to flow, which in turn allows us to feel more peaceful and at One with ourselves.

This practice has been followed for thousands of years to promote balance and wellbeing as well as a means to encourage Spiritual Awakening. Ian’s Meditative approach to Qigong allows us to experience the many benefits of Qigong. One of the beauties of Qigong is its simplicity which makes it easier for the forms to be learnt. You can start your practice at any age and begin a journey of discovery into Qigong.

For more information about Ian and to access his teachings you can email him at peacefulexperience@gmail.com.

3:30 to 4:45 pm The Sanctuary Is Closed

5:00 pm – Sounds of Awakening with Rev. Yolanda Mapes
Join us for the next installment of Awakening Together’s musical program, Sounds of Awakening hosted by Rev. Yolanda Mapes where she will interview Rev. Pamela Mann.

Reverend Pamela was ordained at One Spirit Interfaith Learning Alliance and Seminary in NYC, NY, Class of 2011 along with Rev. Yolanda who was in her class. Her first year of study had an emphasis on the world’s religions and their cultures and ceremonies. Rev. Pamela is a Wedding officiant as well as a self-taught, intuitive artist in addition to being a Ritualist and Ceremonialist, and Sound Healer.

Rev. Pamela last joined us in August of 2023 on Sounds of Awakening where she shared her joy of Sound Healing and took us on a meditative, healing Journey of Sound. We are truly looking forward to having her again to experience this beautiful practice.

If you would like to contact Rev. Pamela and find out more about her wedding ceremonies, please click here: heartstarceremonies.com

Rev. Yolanda is a trans femme gender queer singer/songwriter/performance artist & interfaith minister, originally from Muscle Shoals, Alabama- The Hit Recording Capital of the World. Rev. Yolanda has been making music/theater/TV/film/performance art for well over 40 years, winning the NYC MAC Award twice and inducted into both the NY Blues Hall of Fame and The GLBT Hall of Fame. Rev. Yolanda is so very happy to be a part of and be of service to the Awakening-Together Community on The Member Board of Trustees, as well as with her weekly program The Mighty Companions-The Voice that Likes You.

You can find Rev. Yolanda’s music here: www.Yolanda.net/audio

6:00 pm – Enlightened Leadership: Building the Foundation – Facilitated by Revs. Rhoda Makled & David Hemphill
The Tao Te Ching (The Way), written by Lao-Tzu (Old Teacher), is a guide to enlightened leadership. While most people believe effective leadership lies in knowledge and power, the Tao teaches it lies in emptiness, stillness, and presence.

Awakening Together’s President-Minister, Rev. Rhoda Makled, and Rev. David Hemphill share from the Tao as they contemplate its principles to fully embody them.  They will read Regina Dawn Aker’s translation of the Tao Te Ching, and may refer to other translations as guided.

7:00  pm – Deepening into Clarifying the Teachings – Facilitated by Rev. Jacquelyn Eckert
During this program, Rev. Jacquelyn Eckert will guide us as we will listen to a portion of each previously recorded “Clarifying the Teachings” program, which was originally taught by our Founding Minister, Regina Dawn Akers. Afterward, we will spend time contemplating and sharing what is most alive for us now. We may also spend time practicing what Regina is teaching. Bring your journals, openness, and curiosity as we explore what is revealed and ready to be seen.  We invite you to join us.

8:00 pm 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 ~ Saturday, April 13, 2024

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

1:00 – 3:00 pm – Self-Inquiry Dyad Practice – Facilitated by Yvonne Unger, *Rev. Anne Blanchard will return next week

The practice is intensive, direct self-inquiry. The format is partner-assisted contemplation, commonly referred to as dyads, which means two.  You can join for either the first hour, the second hour, or for both depending on the time available in your schedule. No prior experience is necessary.  An introduction and overview will be given at the beginning of each hour.

What do you want?  What do you really want?  What is the aim of your spiritual practice?  What is the purpose?  What is your purpose? We ask because we embark weekly to practice in the sanctuary, and have a direct experience of the truth of what we are.  The very good news is that you cannot, not be the Truth of what you are.  Truth doesn’t go away because we don’t know it, can’t see it, or don’t presently experience it.

If you are interested in exploring your own blocks to the awareness of love’s presence, to the Truth of what you are, you are warmly invited to join us.

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

This Sunday in the Sanctuary ~ April 14, 2024

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 Contemplating Poetry Using Lectio Divina with Rev. Susan Telford

Rev. Susan Telford will be guiding us in learning the contemplative practice of Lectio Divina using poetry.

In each session, Susan will read a poem, drawing from a wide range of poets, including Rumi, Hafiz, David Whyte, Mary Oliver, John O’Donohue, and many others (including her own work), then guide participants through the four steps of Lectio Divina. Susan shares that this direct practice is a beautiful way to connect with Inner Wisdom and obtain clarity.

 

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

Topic: “Thoughts are Tools, Not Truths”

Description: Rev. Saina will be sharing deeply from her heart on some recent insights and realizations that are helping her to further let go of the ego. She invites you to join her this Sunday and perhaps some of these unveilings will inspire you to further let go of the ego.

Reading: Judy Lekisch will read NTI Colossians Ch. 4 & NTI 2 Thessalonians, Ch. 3.

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 12:00 pm ET/ 10:00 am MT for the Debut of Just Being Here Now with Anja Janssen Debuts

Join us for the brand new program, “Just Being Here Now” with Anja Janssen debuting today from 12-12:30 pm ET/10-10:30 pm MT. This program will be weekly on Sundays, 12-12:30 pm ET/10-10:30 pm MT.

Everything is already here now, so all we have to ‘do’ is be. In this program, Anja will look deeply into the now, the present moment, to explore how truth presents itself. She will be using everyday experiences and events to practice being present with what is. She will also share a variety of teachings about the now, the illusion of time, and resting in beingness. Some of the teachers and texts she will draw from are Eckhart Tolle, Lao Tzu, Angelo Dilullo, A Course in Miracles & NTI. Join Anja in using our everyday experiences to embrace the present moment and be.

 

Join us at 1:00 pm ET/ 11:00 am MT for Sacred Inquiry with Rev. Shawna Summers

Rev. Shawna demonstrates the art of Sacred Inquiry in real time. Join her as she follows the guidance, questioning each layer that the thinking mind throws at her in an attempt to hide the wisdom that is inherent in us all. She is learning to go deeper into beginners’ mind with humble and honest curiosity. This is an evolving process, as she learns to feel 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 spiritual practice. The original inspiration for this half-hour came from Adyashanti’s book ‘Sacred Inquiry’.

 

Join us at 1:30 pm ET/ 11:30 am MT for Freedom Practice Sangha with Guest Facilitator Joe Schmitz

This will be a time of sharing our inquiries, insights, and challenges, listening to others, or just knowing that we are in community as we find that undefended place within ourselves that longs to be free.

 

Join us at 2:30 pm ET/ 12:30 pm MT for Qigong with Ian McArthur

In this program, we practice Qigong (Chi Kung). Qi means life energy, referring to the energy circulating through the body, and Gong means cultivation or work. The two words are combined to describe the practice to cultivate and balance life energy. By following movements (forms) and a simple breathing technique, we encourage more Qi to flow which in turn allows us to feel more peaceful and at One with ourselves.

This practice has been followed for thousands of years in order to promote balance and well-being as well as a means to encourage Spiritual Awakening. Ian’s Meditative approach to Qigong allows us to experience the many benefits of Qigong. One of the beauties of Qigong is its simplicity which makes it easier for the forms to be learned. You can start your practice at any age and begin a journey of discovery in Qigong.

 

Join us at 5:00 pm ET/ 3:00 pm MT for Sounds of Awakening with Rev. Yolanda Mapes & Guest Rev. Pamela Mann

Join us for the next installment of Awakening Together’s musical program, Sounds of Awakening hosted by Rev. Yolanda Mapes where she will interview Rev. Pamela Mann.

Reverend Pamela was ordained at One Spirit Interfaith Learning Alliance and Seminary in NYC, NY, Class of 2011 along with Rev. Yolanda who was in her class. Her first year of study had an emphasis on the world’s religions and their cultures and ceremonies. Rev. Pamela is a Wedding officiant as well as a self-taught, intuitive artist in addition to being a Ritualist and Ceremonialist, and Sound Healer.

Rev. Pamela last joined us in August of 2023 on Sounds of Awakening where she shared her joy of Sound Healing and took us on a meditative, healing Journey of Sound. We are truly looking forward to having her again to experience this beautiful practice.

If you would like to contact Rev. Pamela and find out more about her wedding ceremonies, please click here: heartstarceremonies.com

Rev. Yolanda is a trans femme gender queer singer/songwriter/performance artist & interfaith minister, originally from Muscle Shoals, Alabama- The Hit Recording Capital of the World. Rev. Yolanda has been making music/theater/TV/film/performance art for well over 40 years, winning the NYC MAC Award twice and inducted into both the NY Blues Hall of Fame and The GLBT Hall of Fame. Rev. Yolanda is so very happy to be a part of and be of service to the Awakening-Together Community on The Member Board of Trustees, as well as with her weekly program The Mighty Companions-The Voice that Likes You.

You can find Rev. Yolanda’s music here: www.Yolanda.net/audio

 

Join us at 6:00 pm ET/ 4:00 pm MT for Enlightened Leadership: Building the Foundation with Revs. Rhoda Makled & David Hemphill

The Tao Te Ching (The Way), written by Lao-Tzu (Old Teacher), is a guide to enlightened leadership. While most people believe effective leadership lies in knowledge and power, the Tao teaches it lies in emptiness, stillness, and presence.

Awakening Together’s President-Minister, Rev. Rhoda Makled, and Rev. David Hemphill share from the Tao as they contemplate its principles in order to fully embody them. In addition to the 2 versions already being read from the Tao, the pair will also read Regina Dawn Aker’s translation of the Tao Te Ching.

 

Join us at 7:00 pm ET/ 5:00 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.

 

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

Awakening-Together.org: Sanctuary Schedule (A-T logo)
Awakening-Together.org: Radio Broadcast
Awakening-Together.org: Join & Subscribe
Awakening-Together.org: Bookstore