« All Events

  • This event has passed.

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.

“Centering Prayer & Ikebana: In the Space Between”

We will begin with a welcome and a brief introduction to Centering Prayer, followed by a 20-minute period of silent meditation—an experience of resting in God’s presence within.
This experience brings together two contemplative traditions—Centering Prayer and the centuries-old Japanese art of Ikebana—each inviting us into silence, presence, and attentive awareness.

Japanese Art of Flower Arranging
Ikebana, the centuries-old Japanese art of flower arranging, transforms plant and flower materials into simple, elegant expressions that honor both form and space. Rooted in the Ikenobo tradition, this contemplative practice invites us to work in harmony with nature, emphasizing balance, line, and the beauty of what is both seen and unseen.
Following a brief introduction to its history and a demonstration, participants will create their own arrangement while learning foundational principles, skills, and practical guidance for this disciplined and expressive art form. You will leave with your own arrangement to enjoy at home.
This 2.5-hour workshop offers a quiet and creative space to engage both prayer and design in a spirit of reflection and simplicity.
Registration fee: $65 (includes all materials and instruction)

What You Will Experience:

Hands-On Flower Arrangement:
You will have the opportunity to create your own arrangement using provided materials. With gentle guidance, you’ll arrange each element—flower, stem, and leaf—taking time to connect with their natural beauty. You will leave with your own Ikebana arrangement to enjoy at home.
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 and observations of nature from the oldest school of Ikebana.

Centering Prayer Teaching:
A 20-minute guided Centering Prayer meditation will introduce you to this Contemplative prayer. Learn the simple steps.

Participants Will Receive:
Ikebana Vase
Metal Kenzan
Fresh flowers and foliage materials
Completed Ikebana arrangement to take home

Please bring scissors/pruners, a small cloth, and a box to carry your arrangement home.

12:30 PM Gathering until 1 PM (Snacks provided)
1PM – 3:30 PM
Upright ikebana

Why Attend?

  • A Time to Practice and Create:
  • Both Centering Prayer and Ikebana invite an intuitive sense of peace and connection.
  • Experience Centering Prayer and flower arranging as a contemplative practice.
  • Personal Connection: You’ll create your own ikebana arrangement and enjoy the materials with a new sense of joy.
Ikebana 3
This class is suitable for beginners and advanced floral arrangers for men and women.

Community of Christ Church

Address

830 N Kirkwood Rd
St. Louis, MO
63122

About the Presenters

Trio

Anne Brown, Mary Patterson and Susie Brent are Assistant Professors of the Ikebana Ikenobo School. They 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.
Tree of complative practices 1

Image by Carrie Bergman

 For any questions please email: cpsoultrekkers@gmail.com

Registration:

COST: $65.00 dollars
Registration includes flower materials, vase container, metal Kenyan and other supplies.
This fee is non-refundable.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name(Required)
Address(Required)
This field is hidden when viewing the form
Volunteer
Volunteers help make events like this possible, and we deeply appreciate any support to help lighten the load! Your presence is more than enough, but if you’d like to help, please arrive 30 minutes early for welcoming or setup, and/or stay 30 minutes after for cleanup.
Do you want to be added to our mailing list?(Required)
Please input the number of attendees in your party in the quantity fields below:
Price: $65.00
If you wish, please support us with a donation of your choice, which helps cover our rent, website maintenance, scholarship fund and other expenses.

Make it payable to COSTL and mail it to:

COSTL c/o Susie Brent
489 Staines Court
St. Louis, MO 63141
IMPORTANT:  All information provided with your gift is strictly confidential and will never be exchanged with another organization or sold to anyone for other use. You may rest assured that we value your support and would not put you or your identity in jeopardy.

Having trouble registering or did not receive a confirmation email? Reach out to susiebrentcostl@gmail.com.

Scroll to Top