Book Studies for Spiritual Connection
This is a sacred space for personal growth, connection, and exploration of thought-provoking literature. Led by Chris Flynn (bio below), these sessions foster a welcoming environment for exploration, discussion, and connection as we journey through each book together and engage with wisdom traditions in a supportive community.
Upcoming Book Studies & Offerings
The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning
BY Margareta Magnusson
Mondays, August 4, 11, 18, & 25, 11:00 am
Cost: $60
During the four Mondays of August we will discover how to free ourselves and our families from a lifetime of clutter! The jacket cover tells us that this is a surprisingly invigorating process of clearing out unnecessary belongings, can be undertaken at any age or stage of life, but should be done sooner rather than later, before others will have to do it for us. With Scandinavian humor and wisdom our author encourages readers to embrace minimalism.
During these four weeks you can expect a bit of support and accountability! We’ll establish some small goals and each week share our progress with the group. This will certainly be a ‘get off the couch’ moment…a good start to de-stashing, de-cluttering.
As an extra bonus we will be inspired by the humorous bits and hilarious insights of Don Aslett’s 1984 groundbreaking book: Clutter’s Last Stand. No need to buy the book!
The Soul’s Slow Ripening
12 Celtic Practices for Seeking the Sacred
By Christine Valters Painter
Thursdays, Beginning September 4th 11:00am, 8 weeks
Cost: $150
Christine Valters Paintner, bestselling Catholic author and online abbess for Abbey of the Arts, uses reflections, stories, guided activities, prayer experiences, and a variety of creative arts to help you patiently and attentively listen to God’s invitation.
The Celtic way, which Paintner distills into twelve practices, offers discernment that focuses on the environment rather than the intellectual focus present in other forms of discernment. It allows for what Paintner calls the “soul’s slow ripening,” coming into the fullness of our own sweetness before we pluck the fruit.
Each chapter begins with a story of a particular Irish saint—some well-known like Patrick or Brigid, others less so, such as Ita and Ciaran—and then introduces a helpful practice for discernment that the saint’s life illustrates. Paintner explores the call of dreams, the importance of thresholds, the practice of peregrination (wandering for the love of God), walking the rounds, learning by heart, soul friends, blessing each moment, and the wisdom of the landscape and the seasons.
Christine Valters Paintner is the online abbess for Abbey of the Arts, a virtual monastery offering classes and resources on contemplative practice and creative expression. She is a Benedictine oblate living in Galway, Ireland, with her husband, John. We enjoyed studying her book A Midwinter God earlier this year.
Daring Greatly
How the Courage to be Vulnerable Transforms the Way we Live, Love, Parent, and Lead
by Brene Brown
Mondays, beginning September 15th 11:00-12:30, 8 weeks
Cost: $150
“The brilliantly insightful Brené Brown draws upon extensive research and personal experience to explore the paradoxes of courage: we become strong by embracing vulnerability, we dare more greatly when we acknowledge our fear. I can’t stop thinking about this book.” —Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project
Daring Greatly is not about winning or losing. It’s about courage. In a world where “never enough” dominates and feeling afraid has become second nature, vulnerability is subversive. Uncomfortable. It’s even a little dangerous at times. And, without question, putting ourselves out there means there’s a far greater risk of getting criticized or feeling hurt. But when we step back and examine our lives, we will find that nothing is as uncomfortable, dangerous, and hurtful as standing on the outside of our lives looking in and wondering what it would be like if we had the courage to step into the arena—whether it’s a new relationship, an important meeting, the creative process, or a difficult family conversation. Daring Greatly is a practice and a powerful new vision for letting ourselves be seen.
Then, in the New Year, we will study her companion book: RISING STRONG: How the Ability to Reset Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead.
Chris Flynn
Chris has been facilitating heart-centered groups for over 50 years. She creates Sacred Spaces where folks feel safe and comfortable expressing and sharing what’s in their hearts and minds.
Chris was ordained with a Master in Ministry of Spiritual Counseling and is a certified grief counselor. She formed and facilitated Conscious Connections Community, a singles ministry, for 20 years. She went on to work with both Hospice and Suicide Prevention, facilitating groups and trainings. Currently she loves facilitating book study groups for the Christine Center.
Chris lives in the California Redwoods with her husband. Eight years ago, while visiting her Wisconsin relatives, she discovered the Christine Center and immediately found her spiritual home. She has attended many of the Christine Center’s virtual classes, the weekly Tao group, plus, last year she attended in person, The Tao in the Summer. Through ‘Quantum Connecting via Zoom’ (thank you Sr. Gabe), Chris enjoys her deep connection with the Christine Center community.