A Summer of Spiritual Deepening:
Reclaiming Hope & Joy
An Online Book Study Series
This summer, step into a sacred space of shared reading, reflection, and spiritual nourishment. Through two powerful texts and heartfelt group connection, we will deepen into the timeless wisdom and practices of cultivating hope and joy—not as fleeting feelings, but as abiding spiritual companions.
Whether you’re looking to restore your inner light, connect more deeply with the sacred, or simply take a mid-year pause for spiritual self-care, this online book study series offers a gentle, soulful rhythm to your summer. Together, we’ll lean into what lifts the spirit and sustains us through both the calm and the storm.
This is more than a book club—it is a sacred circle of connection and transformation. All are welcome. Come as you are, and discover what is waiting to awaken within you.
Hope: A Spiritual Book Study with Pope Francis
Please Purchase: Hope-The Autobiography, by Pope Francis
Wednesdays, beginning June 4th (5 weeks: 6/4, 6/11, 6/18, 6/25, 7/2)
10am-11:30am
Cost: $75 for the series
“But one single man, one single woman is enough for hope to exist. And that man and that woman can be you.” —Pope Francis
In a time when many are weary or spiritually restless, this summer series offers more than a space to read—it offers a space to reconnect. This is not a typical book club. It is a spiritual book study, grounded in sacred ritual, meaningful reflection, and shared intention. It is a space to be nourished by spiritual wisdom and transformed by collective presence.
Over the course of six weeks, we will journey through Hope, Pope Francis’ moving autobiographical work that blends his personal story with over 100 years of global history, spiritual insight, and contemplative guidance. He shares how his family, community, and experiences shaped his faith and how we, too, can reclaim hope—especially when we face discouragement or uncertainty.
We will explore how hope is not passive optimism, but an active spiritual virtue cultivated in community and in connection with God.
Each gathering will include:
- A ritual opening with invocation and prayer
- Dialogue and shared reflection rooted in the weekly readings
- Invitations to engage in guided practices and reflection throughout the week
For our first session on June 4, please purchase the book—Hope, and read the introduction. Also please bring a quote, passage, or meaningful object that evokes hope for you. This opening session will focus on introductions and building the sacred container for how we will gather and support one another.
“Hope is the virtue of a heart that doesn’t close itself in the dark, doesn’t stop at the past, doesn’t scrape along in the present, but can clearly see tomorrow.” —Pope Francis
Let us see and build the future of hope, together.
Joy: A Spiritual Book Study
Please Purchase: The Book of Joy-Lasting Happiness in a Changing World, by the Dalai Lama & Desmond Tutu with Douglas Abrams
Wednesdays, beginning July 23rd (5 weeks: 7/23, 7/30, 8/6, 8/13, 8/20)
10am-11:30am
Cost: $75 for the series
“Discovering more joy does not, I’m sorry to say, save us from the inevitability of hardship and heartbreak. In fact, we may cry more easily, but we will laugh more easily too.” —Archbishop Desmond Tutu
As we continue our summer of spiritual deepening, this series invites us to embody joy as a spiritual practice—a joy that is grounded, enduring, and rooted in compassion. This is not a typical book club. It is a sacred gathering space where personal reflection, community sharing, and ritual presence come together to nourish the soul.
Over the course of six weeks, we will companion the extraordinary friendship between the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu as captured in The Book of Joy. Their laughter, wisdom, and stories offer more than inspiration—they offer spiritual tools for cultivating joy even in the face of pain, loss, and uncertainty.
We will explore many Joy Practices, including cultivating the Eight Pillars of Joy to awaken a deeper sense of peace within us.
Each gathering will include:
- A ritual opening with invocation and a short joy practice.
- Reflective dialogue rooted in the weekly reading (please read through page 25 for our first session)
- Invitations to integrate simple joy practices and reflections between sessions
For our first session on July 23, please purchase the book—The Book of Joy, and read through page 25 (up to ‘Day 1’). Also bring a photo, memory, or object that connects you to joy. This opening circle will focus on creating our shared sacred space and honoring the joy that already lives within and among us.
“So when joy arises at the level of your mind and not just your senses, you can maintain a deep sense of satisfaction for a much longer period of time—even for twenty-four hours.” —Dalai Lama
Let us build joy within our minds, together.
Whether your summer days are steady or scattered, all sessions will be recorded and shared with registered participants. You will also receive weekly materials to help deepen your experience and carry the insights of hope and joy into daily life.
Your Guide for A Summer of Spiritual Deepening
Robin Richards, MA, EdS, RMT
Robin Richards is a master teacher, multi-certified wellness coach, and Karuna Reiki Master Teacher dedicated to holistic healing, lifelong wellness, and intentional living—creating calm amist chaos.
Emerging from personal challenges of tragedy and health setbacks, Robin’s journey toward well-being transformed her professional path, integrating energy work, mindfulness, and community building. With a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction as wells as an Educational Specialist degree in K-12 Leadership, Robin spent almost two decades as a teacher, consultant, and school board member before founding Robin’s WellNest LLC, where she is a Holistic Weight Loss and Wellness Teacher. In addition to being a licensed teacher and Reiki Master Teacher, Robin is certified in nutrition & hormone health coaching, yoga, mindful eating, meditation, mindfulness, EFT, NLP, and mat Pilates, weaving these practices into her work supporting others.
Robin lives in the Twin Cities Metro with her husband and their young daughter, whose joyful spirit inspires Robin’s commitment to conscious living and spiritual deepening for global transformation. As a facilitator at the Christine Center, Robin brings her passion for connection, transformation, and service to guiding others in their journeys toward growth and self-discovery. She has facilitated the annual By Women for Women Retreat since 2022 as well as several Reiki and Mindful Nourishment Retreats onsite and ‘The Artist’s Way’ online this year. Robin is one of the guides with the SDGT VIII cohort.