Bodhichitta

This is the power of gathering: it inspires us, delightfully, to be more hopeful, more joyful, more thoughtful; in a word, more alive. ~ Alice Waters

Welcome to Paths of Heart“- a high spirited, heart-centered community where we gather together in music, poetry, commentary, and dialogue to create and nurture joy, compassion, gratitude, and love – in our own lives and throughout the world.  Paths of Heart is a 501(c)(3) Human Services/Educational non-profit organization that uses the arts, especially, to encourage and propel seekers of a better, more peaceful world to find ways to serve, while becoming more kind and compassionate human beings.

We welcome you as we collectively and individually explore the sweet mysteries of life – this is an invitation into co-creation! Our gatherings are most every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. at 117 Evans Drive in north Fort Collins. Childcare is available (please let us know ahead of time so we can make arrangements).

We hope our paths cross soon!

Sunday,
August 13th

Mark shared a book with us last week that he’s been reading lately, called “The Places That Scare You” by Pema Chödrön.  In it, she shares a concept called Bodhichitta, which she admits is not so easy to translate, but can be understood and observed in various ways and felt through actions and emotions such as compassion, open-heartedness, tenderness, sadness, empathy, and love.  It is our “soft spot, a place as vulnerable and tender as an open wound.”This Sunday we’ll explore how we can awaken our own bodhichitta, to “inspire and support us in good times and bad.”

“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” ~ Antoine de Saint Exupéry

“Hatred never ceases by hatred, but by love alone is healed.  This is ancient and eternal law.” ~ The Buddha

“In other traditions, demons are expelled externally.  But in my tradition demons are accepted with compassion.” ~ Machik Labdrön

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

Sunday, August 20th –Our next monthly potluck!

Sunday, August 27th – Pat Kendall will lead a discussion on “Aging Gracefully”. She notes that it isn’t just the “seniors” who might consider this: we are all ageing!
“Every one of us woke up this morning a day older.  In our youth-worshiping culture, the question seldom seems to get asked:  Did we also wake up a day wiser?  A day more flexible, more compassionate, more conscious, more patient, more joyfully human and divine — just from having lived another day?  And if not, would we like to do thattomorrow?  What would it take to age gracefully all the days of our life?”  Join us for what promises to be a lively (and ageless!) conversation!

Monday, August 28th – Our “movie night” will feature a “Tour of Italy” photo show presentation by Terry Bieritz, highlighting the Italy trip that he and Serena recently enjoyed.  Details on time and place are available at ourSunday gathering.  We’ll also send out a separate invite to all newsletter subscribers.

Sunday, September 17th – Myles Sloniker and Eva Bacmeister will be our featured music guests, in from NYC!

Saturday, September 23rd – “Paths of Heart Presents”Megan Bee as part of our ongoing house concert series.  http://www.meganbeemusic.com/

Sunday, September 24th – Megan Bee will be our featured music guest at Paths of Heart.

“Paths of Heart” Website Stop by for a visit! www.pathsofheart.org
There you’ll find past newsletters, a newsletter sign-up form, more about our organization, and a photo gallery.  For folks who like to make their donations by credit card, there is a link for your convenience on the website.

‘Gratitudes’

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” ~ John F. Kennedy

What are you grateful for today?

Other Details….

If this has been forwarded to you by a friend and you would like to join us, we encourage you to add your name to our newsletter list, as schedules do occasionally change,and we like to keep you informed of topics and special events as well. Just visit our website www.pathsofheart.org and click the newsletter sign-up link. If you know of other interested and kind-hearted souls, please refer them to our website, or they may also contact us by email: info@pathsofheart.org or by phone: 970-484-9600, to learn more about our organization. Thanks! 

CAR-EOGRAPHY *  You may park in the driveway, as well as diagonally along the north side of our property.  Should those areas become full, please park out on Hwy 1, which has plenty of space and a nice wide shoulder.  Please watch for cars as you are exiting and entering your vehicle, though! The carport area is reserved for folks with special parking needs. Out of respect for our neighbors, we ask that you kindly refrain from parking on Evans Drive beyond our property line. Car pooling is encouraged.  We also have a bike rack for cyclists!

Yoga with Heart!

We do yoga here in our “community space” on Mondays and Wednesdays (we are taking a break on Saturdays through the summer).  All levels are welcome to participate.  Let us know if you’re interested in joining this heart centered practice!

“Be a lamp, or a lifeboat, or a ladder. Help someone’s soul heal. Walk out of your house like a shepherd.” ― Rumi

Please note, we are a “remove your shoes upon entering” household (what better way to bare our “souls”…!).  Feel free to bring slippers or thick socks for your comfort (and we always have extras!)