Exploring the spirit - topic of upcoming workshop in Carleton Place
Posted Mar 4, 2010 By Donna Davidson
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Tweet ThisEMC Lifestyle - There is a part of our being which is spirit, a component different from but equal to our physical, emotional, and intellectual development and health.
This "spirit" component did not fare so well in our preceding Age of Science because it wasn't observable, measurable or quantifiable. We are left puzzled because we have an awareness of something that is our essence, yet we often lack the words to articulate and communicate this spiritual aspect of ourselves. This topic will be explored during a session March 26 at the Carleton Place Canoe Club.
We fear that we will be thought crazy or at the very least "misunderstood" if we try to talk about this personal reality.
While the Age of Science brought us many good advances the misuse and limits of this approach in isolation have led us to a world of increased power in war and violence and a planet on the verge of destruction. On an individual level we humans often feel great isolation, marginalization, depression and a feeling that something is missing.
However, as much of our former structures and thought are in a state of non-function and decay, there are many strong manifestations of a growing consciousness that breaks down our sense of separateness and the barriers of race, religion, culture and economic disparity. We have leading thinkers such as Jean Vanier, Karen Armstrong, Eckhart Tolle, Matthew Fox, Black Elk and many others who help us validate and articulate our own spiritual experiences.
Thousands of people are streaming to a movie ('Avatar') in which the central message is our connectedness to each other and to the earth. The essence of spirituality is our connectedness to our real self, to one another, to the universe and the wonderment of it all.
We welcome you to a day of sharing your experiences, thoughts and questions regarding spirituality - the long unacknowledged part of our health.
We are fortunate to have as our facilitators for the day two men who have years of leadership in the academic, mental health, and theological worlds but also great awareness and knowledge of the uniqueness and emergence of spirituality in our consciousness.
Dr. Jim Albert taught social work at the University of Toronto and was director of social work at Carleton University from 1973 to1996. Jim is also an elder of the First Nation Community and as such is very involved in the life of the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health in Ottawa. Jim lives on a farm outside of Lanark on which he regularly runs sweat lodges.
Dr. Stan Errett is a registered psychologist with a doctorate in ministry from the University of Alberta. He is also an ordained United Church minister having served previously and primarily at Grace United Church and the Royal Alexander Hospital in Edmonton, and St. David's United Church in Calgary. Stan retired to the Lanark area where he continues to pursue his passions - horses and wilderness.
Stan and Jim will share with us their knowledge, understanding and experiences of spirituality from all the rich and varied aspects of their lives. Both state that it was "spirituality" which "kept them sane" in the years they spent in very good, but bureaucratized and institutionalized structures of academia and theology.
Primarily they will facilitate the process of exploring our collective and individual spirituality.
Spirituality as a Part of Health, sponsored by Lanark Community Programs will take place at the Carleton Place Canoe Club, March 26, from 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Those interested need to register by March 23. Lunch will be provided and will feature local and/or organic food. The cost to attend is $30 (lunch included). If the cost would make it difficult for you to attend we are very open to barter. Register at www.surveymonkey.com/s/YDHHSBT (online) or email Terry Kirkpatrick at terryk_lcp@bellnet.ca or telephone Donna Davidson at 613-858-7752. Please join us in what will be a very eclectic and interesting gathering.
Submitted by Lanark Community Programs.
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