Note: Be advised that programs that are being conducted in-person and seating will be limited to allow for social distancing. With the exception of the outdoor offerings, participants must provide proof of vaccination or expect to wear a mask for the entire time they are in the building. There will be no exceptions. Classes offered on Zoom are listed accordingly. Fees are non-refundable.
Dates: Wednesdays April 12th to May 17th
Time: 1:00-2:30pm
Fee: $30 Members/$60 Non Members
Format: In Person
We will both discuss the art of memoir writing and learn ways to produce and enhance stories from your life history. This six-session course is taught by Judith Porter, a retired school librarian who loves to read and write memoirs. She was one of six women who recently published the book How We Got Here.
Dates: Thursday, April 21st
Time: 5:00pm- 6:30pm
Fee: By donation
Format: In Person
Description: This program began in March 2016, and is conducted as the Rhode Island Chapter of the International Association for Near Death Studies (“IANDS”at www.iands.org). The aim of the group is to explore and deepen our understanding of what has been learned about human consciousness from people who have had near-death experiences (“NDEs”) and have reported an amazing journey after they have been revived, along with the lessons they learned. We will review and discuss actual documented experiences along with the findings of various researchers and scientists, all of whom have various theories about how this happens and what it can tell us about the transition from life as we know it, and what lies beyond. Some videos and guest speakers are utilized. This is not connected with any organized religion or religious belief. Some of the group’s current members include persons who have had NDEs, “after death” communications with loved ones, and related experiences of their own.
Presenter: Ben Riggs is a retired Naval Aviator and later business executive who has served as chief executive of several manufacturing companies. His knowledge and interest in NDEs evolved from the experiences of friends and family and subsequent participation with IANDS, which has included numerous national conferences, workshops, extensive study, and close collaboration with leading experts in the field.
Format: In Person
Date: March 23- May 4
Time: 1pm
Fee: $30 members/$60 for nonmembers
As the years pass, we become more aware how precious each moment is… how perilous the journey. What can we do to fully appreciate our days, live joyful lives and contribute effectively to our world? Mindfulness. It’s the most powerful resource we have. In this six-week, in person class, we will explore what mindfulness really is and how it can help us live – fully awake and alive to the possibilities of each moment. We will practice mindfulness in sitting meditation and in our daily lives, in stillness and in movement, alone and in company, in happiness, sadness, irritation, impatience, love, and joy… With mindfulness, we can access our own inner resources of wisdom, healing, and peace. Must be fully vaccinated to participate.
Nancy Bennett is a Certified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) teacher trained at UMass Medical Center for Mindfulness and the Brown Mindfulness Center. She has a Masters of Pastoral Care and Counseling in the Buddhist track from New York Theological Seminary and interned as a chaplain in NYC and RI Hospitals. A long-time meditator with extensive retreat experience, Nancy offers this course as part of a two-year Mindfulness Meditation Teacher’s Certification Program (MMTCP) presented by The Awareness Training Institute and the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California at Berkeley.
