 Saturday, August 19, 2017 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. This talk will introduce the life and work of the poet, philosopher, and phenomenologist of consciousness, Jean Gebser. He is best known in the English-speaking world for The Ever-Present Origin (Ursprung und Gegenwart, 1953), in which he articulates the structures and mutations of consciousness underpinning pivotal shifts in human civilization. Together with the “Integral Yoga” of Sri Aurobindo, and the evolutionary spirituality of Jesuit theologian Teilhard de Chardin, Gebser’s work constitutes an emerging worldview of an “integral reality”, anticipating a global transformation of human consciousness and culture. These transformations often coincide with the breakdown and crisis of old structures of thought and the creative resurgence of new, spiritual qualities in humanity. In this talk, participants will be guided through the major structural transformations across human history--experiencing how these qualities of consciousness exist within themselves--and closing with a discussion on the indications of integrality in our present world. Participants should bring a notepad or note-taking device. Learn more and RSVP HERE. About the instructor Jeremy D Johnson, MA is a writer, essayist, and editor. He has previously worked as a staff editor for Reality Sandwich magazine, and contributed to publications like OMNI, Disinfo, and Evolve and Ascend. He is the co-founder of Metapsy Journal. Fascinated by the intersections of electronic media, depth psychology, and cultural studies, he received his MA from Goddard College in Consciousness Studies. Jeremy is the current president of the International Jean Gebser Society, an academic society that hosts annual conferences and aims to further integral pedagogy.
He is currently working on his first book, Passages From Tomorrow, to be published by Rubedo Press.  Saturday, September 9 - 3:30 PM - 5 PM Join us for an exploration of finding balance through music, Ayurveda and Bhakti Yoga.
Bhakti Yoga is the yoga of love and devotion. It is often practiced through uplifting music and chanting shared in a group called a Kirtan. Those who love music, singing or chanting may think all music is good. However, some music may put you to sleep while it energizes another. Why can one song bring up feelings of irritability or even anger while another soothes your soul? Ayurveda, or the Science of Life, explains why everything we do (including the smallest things) can bring us closer to balance or further away. It all depends on our unique blend of qualities. IN THIS CLASS: We will learn about Ayurveda and our individual nature or doshas. We will identify the quality of music most suited to our nature and for bringing us equanimity. Then we will practice Bhakti Yoga and finish with our own Kirtan! Come raise your voice in song! Love donations appreciated, no one will be turned away. About Penny Heffelfinger Penny began her journey in the Wellness/Fitness Industry in Fitness and Aquatics over 35 years ago in the Chicago Area. Her areas of expertise include E-RYT 500 Yoga Instructor, Reiki Healer, Aquatics Instructor, Fitness Instructor & Personal Trainer. Penny is completing Ayurvedic Counselor training in September 2017. She also specializes in Sound Meditation and Chant Practices. Through continued practice, Penny strives to apply the principles of yoga to every type of class that she instructs.  NEW MOON Thursdays- 6:30 PM - 8 PMTake some time for yourself and join us in this monthly heart-filled event!
2017 Dates:
Modern Goddess Gatherings are a safe place to learn, reflect and share with each other. Our intent is to bring a community of women together to hold space for each other and the goddesses of the modern world. We encourage women from all walks of life (and those identifying as women) to join us in gathering together to create a more grounded and harmonious world. Each monthly gathering will reflect the energies of the solar system. What to expect: We will engage in a short meditation to help ground us in these energies. We will spend some time diving into a specific goddess energy to help open ourselves up to the divine within. A circle of love will be created for sharing and contemplation. There will be a new guest speaker each month who will share their knowledge of a specific topic. 18+. Door opens at 6:15 to get settled. Meditation begins promptly at 6:35 PM and door is locked at that time. We love our children, however, we would like this to be a time for yourself. We understand the beautiful challenges of parenthood so we ask pre-crawling babies in arms only. $10 suggested love donation, no one turned away Hosted & Facilitated by Keirsten Proud & Jennifer Oppelt Visit our facebook events page for RSVP & more information: https://www.facebook.com/pg/mettacenterstpete/events  Tuesday, August 1 at 6:30 PM - 8 PMHave you ever wanted to draw your own mandala? In this workshop, Liz will be your guide through a process of creating your own mandala as a symbol of your current inner journey. This workshop will be a fun and easy way to learn how to create a mandala. Using a combination of guided visualization and intuitive drawing and painting techniques, you will create a 9” x 12” watercolor/black ink mandala.
Give yourself the opportunity to explore your own creativity and visualization methods while making art in a supportive circle. Release stress and have fun while creating a beautiful mandala work of art representing your current journey. No art experience needed. $30 (all art materials included) Space is limited. Sign up early to be guaranteed a spot. You must pre-register to attend. Get your tickets HERE. Check out our facebook events page for more information.  Saturday, July 29 9 AM - 12 PMWho really wrote The Bible? Is it the “greatest story ever told?” How has The Bible influenced modern literature and politics? How do we get the most out of scripture in the age of smartphones and social media?
Explore the past, present and future of this sacred text as we review Old and New Testament stories, discuss the spectrum of Christian movements from Gnosticism to Catholicism, study various translations and interpretations of scripture, examine the controversial life of Jesus, and rediscover The Bible in a whole new light. This class is BYOB (bring your own Bible). $35 in advance. Must register in advance. Get your ticket HERE See our facebook events page for information  Join us for our monthly movie night & discussion at The Metta Center of St. Petersburg.
This event is on the second Saturday every month from 6-9 p.m. This is a FREE EVENT: Bring your blankets, pillows, and snacks for a cozy relaxed evening of engaging cinema, intelligent conversation, and compassionate community. 18+ See our facebook events page for information on the next movie night.  What would your soul say if it had a voice? Come join us for an evening of meditation and soul expression through the written word. We will enjoy the practice of mindfulness with individual and group writing exercises. We will come together and learn to embrace our individual voices that come together as one.
Please bring a pen/pencil and paper. Love donation, no one turned away. This class meets on the 4th Friday of each month from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. About Nolie Nolie Root has an approach to health that combines an eastern and western approach. Constantly learning and growing, she is continuing to add different natural healing modalities to her tool kit and putting them into practice. Right now, Nolie's focus is on release and conscious expansion through the written word.  Calling all warriors, magicians, kings, lovers, soldiers, artists, storytellers and sacred fools.
Join author, speaker, interfaith minister and life coach Joran Slane Oppelt for a monthly meetup about male spirituality. All spiritual paths and faith traditions are welcome to this raw, open discussion about what it means to be a man. What to bring: * A readiness to share and a willingness to listen * A sacred object for "show and tell" (optional) * Ideas for future discussion topics Men only. 18+ $10 suggested donation; No one turned away. 4th Tuesday of the month 7:30-9:00 p.m. Check out our facebook events page for more information.  Interested in practical, spiritual tools for guidance, connection and meaning? Join Cathy Burns for an inclusive, open discussion of universal spiritual principles (such as compassion, devotion and understanding), how to apply these principles in our daily lives and relationships.
What to bring: 1. Yourself and a friend 2. An open mind 3. Respect and tolerance Every Second Thursday from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., $10 Love offering About Cathy Burns Cathy Burns is the founder and President of Virtues Circle, a local 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to inspiring happiness and purpose in others through the development of character strengths. She is a Master Facilitator for The Virtues Project™, a global organization honored by the United Nations whose mission is to provide empowering strategies that inspire the practice of virtues in everyday life. Cathy has a Master’s degree in Management Information Systems and bachelor degrees in Psychology and Engineering Systems. She became a Facilitator for The Virtues Project™ in 2012 and has over 8 years’ experience in corporate training and facilitation.  Join us and KEEP ST. PETE LIT for an hour and a half of reading and writing in the comfort (and silence) of the Metta Center of St. Petersburg. Phones and electronic devices will be checked at the door.
Bring the book you’re reading, the book you’ve been meaning to start, or choose one from Metta Center’s many bookshelves. You may also choose to write -- bring a notebook or journal. No laptops. This is a regular event on the second Tuesday of every month from 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. * If you are a member of Keep St. Pete Lit's BOOK CLUB at the Museum of Fine Art (held every second Thursday), this is a great opportunity to catch up on some reading before the discussion. No Cover / Donations for the Center always accepted. Check out our facebook events page for more information. |
