Inclusivity (Harmony in Diversity)

 

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,
April 30th

This photo, taken by our good friend, Robin MacDonald in City Park a few days ago, perfectly illustrates what we’d like to discuss this Sunday!!  She pondered, as we do….If a heron, a turtle, and two ducks can co-exist peacefully on this small log together, why can’t we, as diverse human beings, find a way to co-exist peacefully on this (rather large) planet together, despite our many perceived differences?  We really have more in common than we sometimes think (and act), and furthermore, diversity is a beautiful thing, don’t you think?  Let’s explore this concept of ‘Harmony in Diversity’ together!

“Is it always to be a winners-losers world, or can we keep everyone in the game? Do we still have what it takes to find a better way?” ~ Robert Fulghum

“When we openly engage with many diverse people, respecting and learning from one another, our personalities are made to sparkle, the flowers of creativity are encouraged to bloom.”
~ Daisaku Ikeda

“If you lack open communication and honesty in your life – It’s time to look within. Are you someone who handles heavy, emotional, or tough information well or do you often get excessively agitated, upset, or depressed? My rule of thumb is that no topic ‘should’ ever be off limits with a loved one. That is the goal to work towards. The point being, if you’re easy to talk to, people will talk to you! If you’re not, then they won’t!” ~ Alaric Hutchinson

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

New Website We hope you’ll stop by for a visit! www.pathsofheart.org

Paths of Heart Presents…” House Concert with Hana Zarra – Friday, May 5th,7:30 pm Hailing from Lincoln, NE, Hana Zara is “without a doubt recognized as a lyrical visionary, a story spinster, an enduring stylish troubadour, with a passion-soaked devotion for her craft.” Listen to her spellbinding music at https://www.facebook.com/hanazaramusic
Emma Sloniker and Colleen Crosson will do a short opening set.  Intermission will include an appetizer potluck, with a Cinco de Mayo theme!  RSVPs are encouraged for planning purposes, thanks!  Suggested donation, $20 (pay what you are able).

Children International Sponsorship – Last month, the Paths of Heart Community decided to sponsor a child through Children International! With ongoing monthly donations, we are supporting and nurturing Brithany Cristel (she likes to go by Cristel), an 8 year old girl living with her family in Quito, Ecuador.
We got our first letter from her last week!  We’ll read it to you on Sunday, and plan on writing her back soon.  If anyone would like to add their thoughts to our reply, or write their own personal note, just let us know, and we’ll include it with our correspondence.
Thank you so much for your ongoing donations which will help support this unique sponsorship that breaks the cycle of poverty and helps Cristel grow up healthy, educated, and empowered! What a beautiful opportunity to be of service!

StrengthFinder info: For those wanting to explore further, following Roger Funke’s presentation last month, there is an online assessment available to help you discover your strengths.  The cost is $15, and includes a download of the book.
https://www.gallupstrengthscenter.com/Purchase/en-US/Product 
We’re talking of gathering again with Roger as a group in May, maybe on a weeknight for a couple of hours, to discuss our assessments more in depth.  Stay tuned!

‘Gratitudes’

Thanks, everyone, for sharing their poetry last Sunday.  We all decided we’d like to do this poetry sharing on a regularly scheduled basis!

“Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul.” ~ Henry Ward Beecher

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. If you know of other interested and kind-hearted souls, 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.

Yoga with Heart!

We do yoga here in our “community space” on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.  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!)