Alchemy 5,6,7
Alchemy is about the transformation of the self. It is transforming the base self into gold, or spiritual awareness. Stage five: Fermentation, describes the decay of one’s old self and the rebirth of one’s true self. The first four stages involved discarding our old, inauthentic self and drawing together the authentic elements within us. Stage […]
Alchemy Stages 2, 3, 4
“The secrets of alchemy exist to transform mortals from a state of suffering and ignorance to a state of enlightenment and bliss.” — Deepak Chopra
Alchemy Intro 3
Alchemy is the medieval forerunner of modern science; alchemists were interested in converting base metals into gold. Spiritual alchemists sought to liberate the soul from its attachment to matter, using the quest to transform metals into gold as a metaphor for attaining spiritual enlightenment.
Alchemy Intro 1
Alchemy is the medieval forerunner of modern science, Based on the goal of transforming matter, alchemists attempted to purify, mature, and perfect certain materials. They were particularly interested in attempting to convert base metals into gold, or to find a universal elixir.
Desiderata
The word desiderata, which means “things wanted or needed,” often evokes this famous poem by Max Ehrmann. Written in 1927, the poem is about how to live your life well.
The Garden of the Self
In this poem the garden, or nature is used to illustrate a deeper meaning – to give us insight into our essential Self.
Holy Relics
I wrote this poem about the experience you have when you sense you are in a sacred place, or when you are walking on holy ground.
I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud
Written by William Wordsworth in 1804, it is a classic English Romantic lyric poem about an experience in nature which brings us comfort (“the bliss of solitude”), when we’re alone. I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud (also known as Daffodils) is one of the best-known and most loved poems in the English language.
The Road Not Taken
This famous poem by Robert Frost is about the paths we choose — the turning points we reach and the decisions we make that can determine the course of our lives.
Don’t Go Back to Sleep
13th century Sufi mystic poet Rumi enjoins us to wake up, be present and become aware of the depth and complexity of the unseen world— that lies just beyond the doorsill.
The Night
Rainer Maria Rilke uses the image of night to take us beyond the surface and the limits of our prejudices, to see “people, nations, just as they are”.
The Hour is Striking
This lovely little poem by Rainer Maria Rilke speaks to the importance of our being mindful and aware — to live in the moment.
Devotional vs Contemplative Practices
Our speakers discuss the difference between devotional and contemplative practices
Universal Oneness
Various scientists, philosophers and theologians discuss the idea that all things originate from one source — a comprehensive and nameless unified oneness that is entirely whole and complete.
Pilgrimage Introduction
We took a pilgrimage to the Holy Land during May this year. We were 36 pilgrims in a bus, plus our guide Iyad Qumri, and our spiritual leader Mark Stanger.
The Carillon at Grace Cathedral
The Grace Cathedral carillon can be heard throughout the community, commemorating joyful events and tolling to mark local and national tragedies. Members of the Grace Cathedral guild of carillonneurs talk about their carillon ministry, and about the history and the purpose of the bells.
A Hunger for Wholeness
Ilia Delio, OSF, PhD, Franciscan Sister from Washington, DC, American theologian and prolific author, talks about our need to create an interior universe, in an introduction to her new book, A Hunger for Wholeness: On Soul, Space and Transcendence.
Mystical Knowing
Mary Reed, the “Unwitting Mystic” talks about meditation, contemplation, and the experience of embodiment on the path to mystical knowing. ….Enjoy these short excerpts taken from interviews for our upcoming full-length documentary on mysticism. Stay tuned!
Inner Knowing
Lama Palden Drolma discusses the Buddhist mystical path. .. ….Enjoy these short excerpts taken from interviews for our upcoming full-length documentary on mysticism. Stay tuned!
The Mystic Path
Dr. Carol Weyland Conner, Murshida of Sufism Reoriented, talks about the journey of soul.