Thanksgiving Gifts: A Praying in Color Meditation with the Poetry of Mary Oliver (Online Program)

“Let God and the world know you are grateful” ~ Mary Oliver

Gratitude is a theme that weaves throughout Mary Oliver’s poetry. She invites, cajoles, and sometimes demands that we pause, notice, wonder, and respond to the myriad gifts right before our eyes…and then tell someone about them! Her poetry calls us to a grateful life.

Thanksgiving is a day set apart in our culture to notice and be grateful for the gifts in our lives. For some, this holiday is so full of family, friends, turkey, football, and pumpkin pie, that it can be challenging to find a moment to reflect on those gifts. For others, the holiday holds grief, loneliness, and challenges that make gratitude seem elusive in the midst of it all.

You are invited to start your Thanksgiving week in a guided and contemplative meditation where we will intentionally pause to notice and let gratitude be our response. We will listen deeply to Mary’s words and spend unhurried time in reflection using the spiritual practice of Praying in Color. There will also be time to share our reflections with one another – to tell someone about what we noticed – in the sacred community of our group.

No prior experience or artistic skills are required to engage in this practice. Praying in Color is simply doodling with color as a way of helping us pause, notice, and reflect. All you need is white paper and colorful writing utensils such as colored pencils, markers, crayons, or pens. Lorie will guide every step of this simple and meaningful spiritual practice.

DATE: Monday, November 25, 2024

TIME: 7:00 – 8:30 PM ET

COST: $20

LOCATION: ZOOM

REGISTRATION is required; please register here.

CANCELLATION POLICY:  Please read our cancellation policy, here.

IMPORTANT: You will receive an email from lorie@wellforthejourney.org at least 24 hours in advance of the start of your program. If you are unable to find the email, please check your SPAM or JUNK email folders. This email will include details to help you prepare for your program including any pertinent handouts, location information, and the ZOOM link for online programs. Please be sure you have received and read this email a minimum of 24 hours in advance of the start of the program. Thank you!

FACILITATOR: Lorie Conway

FACILITATOR BIO: 
Lorie has a passion for deep listening and accompanying others on their spiritual journeys through spiritual direction, small groups, and retreats. It is Lorie’s ongoing journey of transformation and spiritual discovery that fuels her desire to offer spiritual companioning to others. Lorie’s spirituality is rooted in the Christ tradition and is welcoming of the many paths and unique journeys enfolded within Divine Mystery. Lorie received her certificate in spiritual direction from the Kairos School of Spiritual Formation and holds a M.A. in Religion from Lancaster Theological Seminary and a M.A.S. in Behavioral Management & Human Resources from Johns Hopkins University. Lorie is delighted to serve both on the programming staff at the Well and as a program and retreat facilitator. She is also Director of the Shalem Institute’s Transforming Community: Leading Contemplative Spiritual Groups & Retreats program.