Spiritual Exploration

Enjoy the opportunity to enhance your understanding of the self and others through a variety of programs. You can explore your spiritual journey physically and mentally and celebrate your spiritual dimensions with others.

For more information, about these programs, contact the church office at 613-725-1066.

SPRING, 2010: LEARN...KNOW...REFLECT...APPLY

YOGA FOR SENIORS AND EVERYONE ELSE
Fridays, April 9 - June 25 (except April 23)
10:15 - 11:15 a.m., Fellowship Hall

This course, led by Linda Percy is designed to Improve your flexibility in a relaxed setting. The fee is $105 for 11 weeks or $10 drop-in

A DISCUSSION ON FRIENDSHIP
Tuesday, April 20
7:30-9:30 p.m., Room 1

Why is it important to you? How does it sustain us? Please join Sharmila Khare, Worship Associate, and Rev. John Marsh to share your views on this important subject, which will be the theme of a service on Sunday, May 2.

SINGING MEDITATION
Sundays, February 28, March 28, April 25, and May 30,
4:00-5:00p.m.

Taste the bliss of a song sung deeply into your soul.  In this class, facilitated by Nicky Duenkel, songs are alternated with silent intervals for contemplation.  Songs are drawn from a variety of spiritual paths, including Earth-centred, Sufi, Hindu, Christian, Jewish and others.  You need not be an experienced singer to participate, as songs are short and easily learned.  

MEDITATION AND CONTEMPLATIVE PRACTICE
Wednesdays
7:30 p.m., Room 4

This weekly meeting for spiritual deepening will include instruction in the traditional mindfulness form of meditation adapted for contemporary situations.  Short readings on meditation practice (not doctrine) will be briefly discussed.  On the first week of each month, the group will be led by Rev. John Marsh in a discussion evening on a series of themes.  No incense will be used. Facilitated by Clea Derwent. Newcomers welcome at any time. No fee.      

INTEGRAL PHILOSOPHY DISCUSSION GROUP
Every other Saturday, January 9 - June 26
9:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Room 8

Can one be spiritual and rational? The wisdoms of the major faiths were all developed before Newton, Freud, Darwin, and Einstein.  How would Buddha and Jesus have taught differently if they had known the earth was round and that evolution is taking place? Valerie Cousins and Dale Wilson facilitate a discussion that explores spirituality and enlightenment based on the works of the philosopher, Ken Wilber. 

EMPOWER DANCE
Wednesdays, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Fellowship Hall

Dance, stretch, move, and meditate to all kinds of music. Fee: Suggested gift of $3/evening to the church.

OUR WHOLE LIVES SEXUALITY EDUCATION FOR ADULTS

Perhaps you're a parent and want to be able to talk more easily about sexuality with your child. Maybe you want to be up to date and better informed. Grounded in a holistic view of sexuality, OWL helps participants clarify their values, build interpersonal skills, and understand the spiritual, emotional, physical and social aspects of sexuality.

Adult OWL Classes
Saturday, April 10 to Saturday, May 8

The class schedule is as follows:

• Saturday, April 10, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
• Wednesdays, April 14, 21, and 28, 7:00-9:30 p.m.
• Saturday, May 8, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

$60 for the full course or pay what you can (cost should not be a barrier to participation). Supplies, lunch and beverages on Saturdays are included. Please register by April 8 by contacting Joan Turner at adultlearning@firstunitarianottawa.ca

CHALICE GROUPS

These small groups meet twice a month, using a structured format to explore issues related to spiritual growth and UU. A service component is included to keep the groups from becoming too inward-looking.

If you’re interested in joining a chalice group or becoming a facilitator, please contact the congregational office at 613-725-1066.