When is the last time you experienced a deep and fulfilling experience of community? True Center’s October events calendar is full of opportunities for deeper connection and learning about simple ways to feel more connected and alive.
We all live full lives, moving from work to home and family at what seems an ever-increasing pace. If you are like most in Cherokee County and across the country, you may believe you have few opportunities to engage in community. Or you don’t know where to start.
This year, True Center’s annual community conversation will explore ideas for cultivating connections along a “spiral of connection” that begins with your connection to your true center and includes more meaningful connection to friends and family members, the larger local community, nature, and even the global community.
A full month of events to support you in cultivating greater connection to community kicks off with the October 2 event at True Center.
2nd Annual Community Conversation Kickoff Event FREE
Tuesday, October 2, 11:00 am-1:30 pm
An opportunity for the community to engage in a meaningful conversation around the theme of “Cultivating Connections for a Thriving Community.” The event offers a warm space for making connections with others from the community. The community conversation and free pizza lunch is open to the public. Registration is required. REGISTER to join us for the free Community Conversation followed by a free pizza lunch
We thrive in webs of relationships. We are at our best when we are fully connected. ~ Eve Willson
October Events at True Center Help You Cultivate Connections to Community
All October workshops and events at True Center expand on last year’s theme of cultivating community and thriving from the inside out. Our October workshop series will provide practical tips for greater self-care, quality time with family and friends, involvement in the local community, a restorative connection to nature, and ways to engage with the global community. Check out offerings below and reserve your spot today.
Connection with Self
Cultivating Genuine Happiness Workshop
Sunday, October 7, 4:00-6:00 pm
Facilitator: Marjorie Pomper, Ph.D.
In this workshop, participants will grow their experience of happiness, joy, and well-being through proven practices that relieve worry and stress, reduce fatigue, and increase resilience. This experiential session will focus on self-compassion, mindful presence, and gratitude. REGISTER
Connection with Self
Uncovering Your Hidden Jewel: Finding and Manifesting Your Gifts
Tuesday, October 23, 7:00pm-9:00pm
Facilitator: Lisa Watson
You have a treasure within you waiting to be uncovered. It is the divine spark that makes you feel like there is something else to your life that you should be doing—your purpose or calling. Perhaps you just can’t quite put a finger on what it is or how to manifest it. In this session, we will explore that jewel sparkling at the core of who you are, your essence, who you are meant to be and what you are meant to do in this world, even if you don’t know what it is… yet. We will discuss ways to honor and manifest your soul’s calling and roadblocks that get in the way. REGISTER
Connection with Self
Yoga Classes
-
-
- Hatha/Raja Yoga. Tuesdays through October 16, 7:00pm-8:00 pm. Instructor: Deborah Divver LEARN MORE + REGISTER
-
-
-
- Ashtanga Yoga. Thursdays, October 4 through October 18, 10:30 am-11:30 am. Instructor: Rene Eder LEARN MORE + REGISTER
- Slow Flow Vinysa Yoga. Fridays, beginning October 5 10:30 am-11:30 pm. Instructor: Jinga Patel LEARN MORE + REGISTER
- Ashtanga Yoga. Thursdays, October 4 through October 18, 10:30 am-11:30 am. Instructor: Rene Eder LEARN MORE + REGISTER
-
- Yoga with Sound Meditation. Sunday, October 21, 4:30-5:30 pm. Facilitators: Deborah Divver, Gabriel Nelson Sears LEARN MORE + REGISTER
-
Connection with Larger Community
Got To Love Yarn Knitting Group FREE
Friday, October 19, 6:30-8:30 pm
Facilitator: Sara Maxwell
With this ongoing group we are growing a wonderful community of fiber enthusiasts. We will be knitting/crocheting a project for a local community charity. Light refreshments will be provided. A love offering is optional. REGISTER
Connection with Nature
Walking Meditation in Nature FREE
Saturday, October 20, 10:00-11:00 am
Meditation Guide: Sara Maxwell
One of the simplest ways of becoming connected to our true self is the practice of walking meditation, a natural and universal practice for developing calm, centered, and embodied awareness. We will walk the Towne Lake Pass Trail (starting at the wooden bridge near WoofstockPark main parking lot) for a walking meditation in nature. REGISTER
Connection with Global Community
Laughter Yoga FREE
Saturday, October 27, 6:30-7:30 pm
Facilitators: Luisa Siepi and Eve Willson
Unconditional laughter connects people from different cultures and countries, no matter what language they speak or how they live. Laughter Yoga promotes a strong union between those who laugh together resulting in family-like bonds and providing social interaction and networking—essential for happiness. Laughter also has proven health benefits. The goal of Laughter Yoga is to connect people with one another at the heart level without judgment. Leave your yoga mat at home and come laugh with us! REGISTER
Why Connection to Community Is Vital for Thriving in Your Life
Facilitating more meaningful connections to community has never been more important. Even with our connection through technology and transportation, in truth there is a feeling of disconnection from the ways that bring the most meaning to our lives. This disconnection affects all age groups within the community from teens to senior citizens.
For example, while most teens in the US are connected by social media, we see social media too often being used for less than positive purposes, such as cyber-bullying and trolling. At the other end of the age spectrum, many people in our burgeoning aging population live in isolation and loneliness. In addition to these issues, many busy adults have become habituated to thinking and acting from the needs and desires of the ego in a world where fierce independence and competition are valued and seen as the way to really get ahead.
The consequences of this approach often show up in the form of stress-related health problems, meaninglessness or a lack of purpose, even environmental pollution. From busy moms to corporate executives and people of all ages, a sense of community and belonging is often cited as a key ingredient to thriving.
Cultivating connection to community takes focused intent and effort, yet there are so many ways to begin. Start your journey by choosing one or two connecting points along the Spiral of Connection, and be sure to join us for October events at True Center! Our article series will continue here with a look at each of the five ways to cultivate community, including practical ideas for deepening connections to self, family and friends, your local community, nature, and the global community.
Leave a Reply