In the Space Between: A Contemplative Walk with Ikebana
Soul Trekkers
In the Space Between
A Contemplative Walk with Ikebana
Presented by Anne Brown, Susie Brent and Mary Patterson
April 18 @ 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Gathering at 12:30pm
Snacks, coffee and tea will be available.
Snacks, coffee and tea will be available.
Explore the Contemplative Paths of Mindfulness, Silence, and Spiritual Connection
Join us for a unique, transformative 2.5-hour workshop where you’ll experience the beauty and serenity of two relaxing contemplative practices: Centering Prayer and Ikebana from the Ikenobo School (Japanese flower arranging). This workshop will offer tastes of inner peace through silence, presence, and simplicity. By the end of the session you will take away your own beautiful arrangement.
What You Will Experience:
Hands-On Flower Arrangement:
You’ll have the opportunity to create your own flower arrangement using materials provided. With expert guidance, you’ll arrange your flowers mindfully, taking time to connect with the beauty and energy of each bloom, stem and leaf, and leave with a an Ikebana arrangement to display at home.
You’ll have the opportunity to create your own flower arrangement using materials provided. With expert guidance, you’ll arrange your flowers mindfully, taking time to connect with the beauty and energy of each bloom, stem and leaf, and leave with a an Ikebana arrangement to display at home.
Centering Prayer Teaching:
A 20-minute guided Centering Prayer meditation will introduce you to this modern Contemplative prayer. Learn the simple steps for cultivating inner silence, focusing on a sacred word or breath or inner gaze, and deepening your connection to God through stillness and surrender.
A 20-minute guided Centering Prayer meditation will introduce you to this modern Contemplative prayer. Learn the simple steps for cultivating inner silence, focusing on a sacred word or breath or inner gaze, and deepening your connection to God through stillness and surrender.
Ikebana of the Ikenobo School:
Discover the principles of Ikebana, the ancient Japanese art of flower arranging, through the teachings of the Ikenobo School. You’ll learn about ancient Japanese floral design, simplicity, and reverence for nature as you create your own Ikebana arrangement.
Discover the principles of Ikebana, the ancient Japanese art of flower arranging, through the teachings of the Ikenobo School. You’ll learn about ancient Japanese floral design, simplicity, and reverence for nature as you create your own Ikebana arrangement.
Please bring pruners or scissors , a small towel (for your work surface) a box to take your flower arrangement home.
Flower materials, vase container, plastic kenzan and other supplies provided.
Flower materials, vase container, plastic kenzan and other supplies provided.
Why Attend?
- Transformative Experience: Both Centering Prayer and Ikebana are deeply transformative, guiding you to inner peace, spiritual growth, and connection with the Divine.
- Mindfulness: Learn the art of mindfulness through silence, meditation, and flower arranging.
- Personal Connection: Leave with a hand-made Ikebana arrangement as a symbol of your spiritual journey.
This is suitable for beginners and advanced floral arrangers for men and women.
Anne Brown, Mary Patterson and Susie Brent are Assistant Professors of the Ikebana Ikenobo School.
About the Presenters
Anne, Susie and Mary have been studying the practice of Ikebana from the Ikenobo school for 10 years.
A little history on the formation of the Soul Trekkers
In 2022 following a 7 day silent retreat in Snowmass, CO at St. Benedict’s Monastery, Jennifer Beeman, Heather Fricke and Susie Brent gathered with Jenny Adamson and Pat Johnson to discuss potential avenues for sharing the methods of centering prayer with the next generation. It was suggested to combine centering prayer with an activity such as yoga or art.
It was agreed upon that contemplative prayer may enhance and be enhanced by any activity that lends itself to a stillness in mind and heart, a joy within, and being truly present in each moment. The divine dwelling within can be communed with while hiking beneath the trees, free flowing with a favorite melody, exploring and creating in a favorite artistic medium, within the deep breath taken while settling into a yoga pose, energy breath work, or while listening to the draw of classical piano music. These are just some avenues to become more comfortable with simply being.
It is the Soul Trekkers intent to investigate the many branches of the Tree of Contemplative Practices combined with guided Centering Prayer meditation sessions to inspire exploration, joy, and connection in a fellowship of contemplative travelers. While centering prayer guidelines will be offered, any and all meditation disciplines are welcome. The goal is to embrace stillness and foster a relationship with the God within each of us and our true authentic selves. Come share in the beautiful intimacy that stillness in community has to offer.
It was agreed upon that contemplative prayer may enhance and be enhanced by any activity that lends itself to a stillness in mind and heart, a joy within, and being truly present in each moment. The divine dwelling within can be communed with while hiking beneath the trees, free flowing with a favorite melody, exploring and creating in a favorite artistic medium, within the deep breath taken while settling into a yoga pose, energy breath work, or while listening to the draw of classical piano music. These are just some avenues to become more comfortable with simply being.
It is the Soul Trekkers intent to investigate the many branches of the Tree of Contemplative Practices combined with guided Centering Prayer meditation sessions to inspire exploration, joy, and connection in a fellowship of contemplative travelers. While centering prayer guidelines will be offered, any and all meditation disciplines are welcome. The goal is to embrace stillness and foster a relationship with the God within each of us and our true authentic selves. Come share in the beautiful intimacy that stillness in community has to offer.
Image by Carrie Bergman
For any questions please email: cpsoultrekkers@gmail.com
Registration:
COST: $40.00 dollars
Registration includes flower materials, vase container, plastic kenzan and other supplies.
This fee is non-refundable.
Having trouble registering or did not receive a confirmation email? Reach out to susiebrentcostl@gmail.com.