Category: Newsletter

weekly newsletter

Posted on

Planting Seeds

Sunday, May 24th, 2026

It sure has been a strange spring! With recent snows, freezing temperatures, and being in and out of town, we still have not planted any vegetables or annuals, and I suppose that’s a good thing! But I’ve been THINKING about planting and that’s got me thinking about the analogy of planting seeds in our mind for the things we’d like to nurture and grow in our lives. Since thoughts become things, let’s sow seeds of love, gratitude, joy, and abundance! Hope you’ll join us in discussion and stay for our potluck afterwards in the backyard. The forecast looks gorgeous!
Happy Planting! Colleen and Mark

Quotes to ponder

“For a seed to achieve its greatest expression, it must come completely undone. The shell cracks, its insides come out and everything changes. To someone who doesn’t understand growth, it would look like complete destruction.”
~ Cynthia Occelli

“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.”
~ Robert Louis Stevenson

“Our thoughts are the most impactful actions we can take in our lives. They are the seeds that create every aspect of who we are.”
~ Charisse Glenn

“The greater part of our happiness or misery depends on our disposition, and not on our circumstances. We carry the seeds of the one or the other with us in our minds wherever we go.”
~ Martha Washington

“Your mind is a garden. Your thoughts are the seeds. The harvest can either be flowers or weeds.”
~ William Wordsworth

You plant seeds every single day, in the world and in others, with every thought you think and word you speak and action you take. You have influence. You’re making a dent in the universe and you matter, in a very real way.
~ Jennifer Healey

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

Sunday, May 24th, 10:30 a.m. – In person Paths of Heart Gathering, followed by a potluck. Emma Sloniker will be our guest musician!

Saturday, May 30th, 7 p.m. “Paths of Heart Presents…” Cosy Sheridan with Charlie Koch in concert. You won’t want to miss this! Cosy Sheridan has been called “a Buddhist monk in a twelve-step program trapped in the body of a singer-songwriter” and also one of the era’s finest and most thoughtful songwriters. Her music regularly tops the folk radio charts. Her 2025 release, The Breathing Room, debuted at #3 on folk radio. We’ll have an optional potluck at 6 p.m. Suggested donation $25. RSVP required: info@pathsofheart.org
You may pre-pay at https://www.pathsofheart.org/donate/ or on venmo @PathsofHeart.
Please note “Cosy Concert” in memo.
Find more info on Cosy and her music at, https://cosysheridan.com/

Sunday, June 7th, 10:30 a.m. – ZOOM Paths of Heart gathering.

Sunday, June 21st, 10:30 a.m. – In person Paths of Heart Gathering, followed by a potluck.

Sunday, July 5th, 10:30 a.m. – ZOOM Paths of Heart gathering.

Sunday, July 19th, 10:30 a.m. – In person Paths of Heart Gathering, followed by a potluck.

Giving Opportunities
Paths of Heart welcomes and appreciates your generous donations in support of our gatherings and other events. Remember, we are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, so your donations are tax deductible. Many folks find online donations very convenient and these are always gratefully accepted on our website, https://www.pathsofheart.org/donate/ There is an option for recurring monthly donations, if you so choose. We have also added Venmo as an easy way to donate to Paths of Heart! Just type in @PathsofHeart to find us in the Venmo app. Thank you ever so!

Another easy way to further support Paths of Heart is through the King Soopers Community Rewards Program – If you shop at KS and have a rewards card, you can “link” it to Paths of Heart and King Soopers will donate a portion of your dollars spent (around 5%) to our non-profit. Go to https://www.kingsoopers.com/i/community/community-rewards to sign up and link your card. Our organization name is Paths of Heart and organization number is RG782. Let us know if you want help signing up! This one small gesture (by just 25 or so families at this point) helps to generate over $1,000 a year for Paths of Heart, so we appreciate your consideration in participating in this valuable program!!

“Paths of Heart” Labyrinth and Zen Meditation Garden
This was intentioned as a community space, so know that you are always welcome to drop by and walk or sit – you do not need to let us know in advance. Do note that we have experienced the outer “halo” of glass blocks in the labyrinth to be slippery when wet, so it’s best to walk it on a dry day. 

Gratitudes

Ah, this RAIN!!! Things are finally greening up around here and that brings us much joy!

What are you grateful for?

“Be mindful. Be grateful. Be positive. Be true. Be kind.”
~ Roy T. Bennett

“Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet.”
~ Thich Nhat Hanh

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.”
~ Epicurus

“Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.”
~ A.A. Milne

“Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.”
~ Maya Angelou

About Paths of Heart…

Paths of Heart is a high spirited, heart-centered community where we gather together (in new and creative ways!) for 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! 

Visit us on the web at https://www.pathsofheart.org
We hope our physical paths may cross soon!

“Pull up a chair. Take a taste. Come join us. Life is so endlessly delicious.” ~ Ruth Reichl

Posted on

Love Your Mother: The Sequel!

Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10th, 2026

Ha! At our last gathering, we talked about our “Earth Mother”; this Sunday we’ll talk about our “personal” mothers, whether they be biological, “step-“, mother figures, mothers of choice, or really any person that provides you with a “nurturing, mothering vibe”! We acknowledge that Mother’s Day is not always a positive experience for many and we can delve into that, too, as our participants feel called. We’re on ZOOM this week, and here’s the link:
Topic: Paths of Heart ZOOM Gathering
Time: May 10, 2026 10:30 AM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88421217257?pwd=Ugh0DchdYoVemQpBqoiOF7Wkwg3neM.1

Meeting ID: 884 2121 7257
Passcode: 116779

Join by SIP

  • 88421217257@zoomcrc.com

Join instructions
https://us02web.zoom.us/meetings/88421217257/invitations?signature=kfta8HgyWkp46xffchpaM7bvY38SxYsuZOuowHPh1ZU

Wishing you ALL a Happy Mother’s Day (you either are one or you have one!),
Colleen and Mark

Quotes to ponder

“Mother energy is universal. It is the large expression of the sacred feminine that comes from spirit. It is embodied in all our biological mothers, but it’s not limited or confined to them.”
~ Elaine Seiler

I am sure that if the mothers of various nations could meet, there would be no more wars.
~ E. M. Forster

“Life began with waking up and loving my mother’s face.”
~ George Eliot

“We are born of love; Love is our mother.”
~ Rumi

“A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take.”
~ Cardinal Meymillod

“If at first you don’t succeed, try doing it the way mom told you to in the beginning.”
~ Unknown

“Sometimes the strength of motherhood is greater than natural laws.”
~ Barbara Kingsolver

“Besides, the real religion of the world comes from women much more than from men, — from mothers most of all, who carry the key of our souls in their bosoms.”
~ Oliver Wendell Holmes

“A mom forgives us all our faults, not to mention one or two we don’t even have.”
~ Robert Brault

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10th, 10:30 a.m. – ZOOM Paths of Heart gathering.

Sunday, May 24th, 10:30 a.m. – In person Paths of Heart Gathering, followed by a potluck.

Saturday, May 30th, 7 p.m. “Paths of Heart Presents…” Cosy Sheridan with Charlie Koch in concert. You won’t want to miss this! Cosy Sheridan has been called “a Buddhist monk in a twelve-step program trapped in the body of a singer-songwriter” and also one of the era’s finest and most thoughtful songwriters. Her music regularly tops the folk radio charts. Her 2025 release, The Breathing Room, debuted at #3 on folk radio. We’ll have an optional potluck at 6 p.m. Suggested donation $25. RSVP required: info@pathsofheart.org
You may pre-pay at https://www.pathsofheart.org/donate/ or on venmo @PathsofHeart.
Please note “Cosy Concert” in memo.
Find more info on Cosy and her music at, https://cosysheridan.com/

Sunday, June 7th, 10:30 a.m. – ZOOM Paths of Heart gathering.

Sunday, June 21st, 10:30 a.m. – In person Paths of Heart Gathering, followed by a potluck.

Giving Opportunities
Paths of Heart welcomes and appreciates your generous donations in support of our gatherings and other events. Remember, we are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, so your donations are tax deductible. Many folks find online donations very convenient and these are always gratefully accepted on our website, https://www.pathsofheart.org/donate/ There is an option for recurring monthly donations, if you so choose. We have also added Venmo as an easy way to donate to Paths of Heart! Just type in @PathsofHeart to find us in the Venmo app. Thank you ever so!

Another easy way to further support Paths of Heart is through the King Soopers Community Rewards Program – If you shop at KS and have a rewards card, you can “link” it to Paths of Heart and King Soopers will donate a portion of your dollars spent (around 5%) to our non-profit. Go to https://www.kingsoopers.com/i/community/community-rewards to sign up and link your card. Our organization name is Paths of Heart and organization number is RG782. Let us know if you want help signing up! This one small gesture (by just 25 or so families at this point) helps to generate over $1,000 a year for Paths of Heart, so we appreciate your consideration in participating in this valuable program!!

“Paths of Heart” Labyrinth and Zen Meditation Garden
This was intentioned as a community space, so know that you are always welcome to drop by and walk or sit – you do not need to let us know in advance. Do note that we have experienced the outer “halo” of glass blocks in the labyrinth to be slippery when wet, so it’s best to walk it on a dry day. 

Gratitudes

Oh my gosh! Was that Northern CO snowstorm not glorious?? We so desperately needed the moisture and it was SO lovely! Hopefully there was not too much tree damage for you (ours wasn’t too bad). We look forward to things really greening up finally!

What are you grateful for?

“Be mindful. Be grateful. Be positive. Be true. Be kind.”
~ Roy T. Bennett

“Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet.”
~ Thich Nhat Hanh

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.”
~ Epicurus

“Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.”
~ A.A. Milne

“Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.”
~ Maya Angelou

About Paths of Heart…

Paths of Heart is a high spirited, heart-centered community where we gather together (in new and creative ways!) for 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! 

Visit us on the web at https://www.pathsofheart.org
We hope our physical paths may cross soon!

“Pull up a chair. Take a taste. Come join us. Life is so endlessly delicious.” ~ Ruth Reichl

Posted on

Love Your Mother

Sunday, April 26th, 2026

As I sit down to write this newsletter it is Earth Day, celebrated each year on April 22nd since 1970. For 56 years, we have collectively honored Mother Earth and all that She provides for us, while being reminded that we are all ONE on this big blue ball and that our most sacred task is the responsible stewardship of our beautiful planet for ourselves and all future generations. This Sunday we will express our gratitude and share ways in which we can ensure the health and well being of our most precious Earth home. I think we’ll plan for an indoor potluck this Sunday, as the current forecast looks a bit iffy (come on rain!!), but who really knows? The Mother always keeps us guessing…
In Oneness, Colleen and Mark

Quotes to ponder

“The Earth is what we all have in common.”
~ Wendell Berry

“The environment is where we all meet; where we all have a mutual interest; it is the one thing all of us share.”
~ Lady Bird Johnson

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
~ Margaret Mead

“The Earth will not continue to offer its harvest, except with faithful stewardship. We cannot say we love the land and then take steps to destroy it for use by future generations.”
~ John Paul II

“Like music and art, love of nature is a common language that can transcend political or social boundaries.”
~ Jimmy Carter

“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference and you have to decide what kind of a difference you want to make.”
~ Jane Goodall

“The ultimate test of man’s conscience may be his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard.”
~ Gaylord Nelson

“A nation that destroys its soils destroys itself. Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people.”
~ Franklin D. Roosevelt

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

Sunday, April 26th, 10:30 a.m – In-person Paths of Heart Gathering with a potluck following in the backyard, as weather permits. We will very likely be inside!

Sunday, May 10th, 10:30 a.m. – ZOOM Paths of Heart gathering.

Sunday, May 24th, 10:30 a.m. – In person Paths of Heart Gathering, followed by a potluck.

Saturday, May 30th, 7 p.m. “Paths of Heart Presents…” Cosy Sheridan with Charlie Koch in concert. You won’t want to miss this! Cosy Sheridan has been called “a Buddhist monk in a twelve-step program trapped in the body of a singer-songwriter” and also one of the era’s finest and most thoughtful songwriters. Her music regularly tops the folk radio charts. Her 2025 release, The Breathing Room, debuted at #3 on folk radio. We’ll have an optional potluck at 6 p.m. Suggested donation $25. Please RSVP at info@pathsofheart.org. You can also prepay to guarantee your seat here https://www.pathsofheart.org/donate/ or on venmo @PathsofHeart.
Please note “Cosy Concert” in memo.
Find more info on Cosy and her music at https://cosysheridan.com/

Sunday, June 7th, 10:30 a.m. – ZOOM Paths of Heart gathering.

Sunday, June 21st, 10:30 a.m. – In person Paths of Heart Gathering, followed by a potluck.

Giving Opportunities
Paths of Heart welcomes and appreciates your generous donations in support of our gatherings and other events. Remember, we are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, so your donations are tax deductible. Many folks find online donations very convenient and these are always gratefully accepted on our website, https://www.pathsofheart.org/donate/ There is an option for recurring monthly donations, if you so choose. We have also added Venmo as an easy way to donate to Paths of Heart! Just type in @PathsofHeart to find us in the Venmo app. Thank you ever so!

Another easy way to further support Paths of Heart is through the King Soopers Community Rewards Program – If you shop at KS and have a rewards card, you can “link” it to Paths of Heart and King Soopers will donate a portion of your dollars spent (around 5%) to our non-profit. Go to https://www.kingsoopers.com/i/community/community-rewards to sign up and link your card. Our organization name is Paths of Heart and organization number is RG782. Let us know if you want help signing up! This one small gesture (by just 25 or so families at this point) helps to generate over $1,000 a year for Paths of Heart, so we appreciate your consideration in participating in this valuable program!!

“Paths of Heart” Labyrinth and Zen Meditation Garden
This was intentioned as a community space, so know that you are always welcome to drop by and walk or sit – you do not need to let us know in advance. Do note that we have experienced the outer “halo” of glass blocks in the labyrinth to be slippery when wet, so it’s best to walk it on a dry day. 

Gratitudes

We had a beautiful several days in Paonia, celebrating a dear friend’s life and enjoying the company of several others. What a great, friendly town!

What are you grateful for today?

“Be mindful. Be grateful. Be positive. Be true. Be kind.”
~ Roy T. Bennett

“Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet.”
~ Thich Nhat Hanh

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.”
~ Epicurus

“Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.”
~ A.A. Milne

“Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.”
~ Maya Angelou

About Paths of Heart…

Paths of Heart is a high spirited, heart-centered community where we gather together (in new and creative ways!) for 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! 

Visit us on the web at https://www.pathsofheart.org
We hope our physical paths may cross soon!

“Pull up a chair. Take a taste. Come join us. Life is so endlessly delicious.” ~ Ruth Reichl

Posted on

The Antidote is JOY!

Sunday, April 12th, 2026

The current state of our country and the world continues to agitate and aggravate – if we let it. JOY can actually be a tool for societal and environmental change. So many systems of power and oppression rely on our exhaustion, our apathy, and our disconnection from our true selves. We invite you to counteract these forces by connecting with your inner joyful self! We’re on ZOOM this week. Here’s the link and we hope you’ll join us in conversation.

Paths of Heart ZOOM Gathering
Time: Apr 12, 2026 10:30 AM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85845228299?pwd=ZyGa5KSaJm361wSjflXE4cwzsrcIWU.1

Meeting ID: 858 4522 8299
Passcode: 880977

Join instructions
https://us02web.zoom.us/meetings/85845228299/invitations?signature=AgcLVxQxKgxt42C1orS-j-bz1Q1ujBDDf3r5ctxtkLM

Spread Joy, Colleen and Mark

Quotes to ponder

“I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.”
~ Rabindranath Tagore

“Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy.”
~ Leo Buscaglia

“Find a place inside where there’s joy, and the joy will burn out the pain.”
~ Joseph Campbell

“Your success and happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties.”
~ Helen Keller

“Joy is the most infallible sign of the presence of God”
~ Teilhard de Chardin

“Shared joy is double joy; shared sorrow is half a sorrow.”
~ Swedish proverb

“It is okay to feel more Joy than the people around you. It is one of the greatest gifts we can give. They need our Joy, not our sadness.”
~ unknown

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

Sunday, April 12th, 10:30 a.m. – ZOOM Paths of Heart gathering. NOTE: we shifted this a week earlier, as we will be attending a Memorial/Celebration of Life for a dear friend on the 19th. Thank you for your understanding.

Sunday, April 26th, 10:30 a.m – In-person Paths of Heart Gathering with a potluck following in the backyard.

Sunday, May 10th, 10:30 a.m. – ZOOM Paths of Heart gathering.

Sunday, May 24th, 10:30 a.m. – In person Paths of Heart Gathering, followed by a potluck.

Saturday, May 30th, 7 p.m. “Paths of Heart Presents…” Cosy Sheridan with Charlie Koch in concert. You won’t want to miss this! Cosy Sheridan has been called “a Buddhist monk in a twelve-step program trapped in the body of a singer-songwriter” and also one of the era’s finest and most thoughtful songwriters. Her music regularly tops the folk radio charts. Her 2025 release, The Breathing Room, debuted at #3 on folk radio. We’ll have an optional potluck at 6 p.m. Suggested donation $25. More details to follow, but mark your calendars!

Giving Opportunities
Paths of Heart welcomes and appreciates your generous donations in support of our gatherings and other events. Remember, we are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, so your donations are tax deductible. Many folks find online donations very convenient and these are always gratefully accepted on our website, https://www.pathsofheart.org/donate/ There is an option for recurring monthly donations, if you so choose. We have also added Venmo as an easy way to donate to Paths of Heart! Just type in @PathsofHeart to find us in the Venmo app. Thank you ever so!

Another easy way to further support Paths of Heart is through the King Soopers Community Rewards Program – If you shop at KS and have a rewards card, you can “link” it to Paths of Heart and King Soopers will donate a portion of your dollars spent (around 5%) to our non-profit. Go to https://www.kingsoopers.com/i/community/community-rewards to sign up and link your card. Our organization name is Paths of Heart and organization number is RG782. Let us know if you want help signing up! This one small gesture (by just 25 or so families at this point) helps to generate over $1,000 a year for Paths of Heart, so we appreciate your consideration in participating in this valuable program!!

“Paths of Heart” Labyrinth and Zen Meditation Garden
This was intentioned as a community space, so know that you are always welcome to drop by and walk or sit – you do not need to let us know in advance. Do note that we have experienced the outer “halo” of glass blocks in the labyrinth to be slippery when wet, so it’s best to walk it on a dry day. 

Gratitudes

Every moment holds an opportunity to be grateful! Steep in it!

What are you grateful for today?

“Be mindful. Be grateful. Be positive. Be true. Be kind.”
~ Roy T. Bennett

“Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet.”
~ Thich Nhat Hanh

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.”
~ Epicurus

“Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.”
~ A.A. Milne

“Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.”
~ Maya Angelou

About Paths of Heart…

Paths of Heart is a high spirited, heart-centered community where we gather together (in new and creative ways!) for 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! 

Visit us on the web at https://www.pathsofheart.org
We hope our physical paths may cross soon!

“Pull up a chair. Take a taste. Come join us. Life is so endlessly delicious.” ~ Ruth Reichl

Posted on

Spring (or is that Summer??) Has Sprung!

March 22nd, 2026

Welcome to Sprummer, or Sung, or…What is going ON??  Whatever it is, Spring (as it is officially known) has officially begun. It’s my (Colleen’s) favorite season, though I am concerned…
We’ll talk about all the wonderful things Spring can teach us – it’s a time for growth and renewal and keen observation. I also noticed that it’s World Water Day this Sunday, and though I am in no way making light of the world wide crisis of the lack of fresh, clean, safe water for many around the globe, Mark and I have had a bit too much of it lately, as you will hear. Looking forward to seeing you all after several weeks!  I hope it’s not TOO HOT for our outdoor potluck following our gathering.
With a spring in our step,  Colleen and Mark

Quotes to ponder

“Spring adds new life and new beauty to all that is.”
~ Jessica Harrelson

The Spring being at her blessed carpentry
This morn will shape a stem, this noon a leaf,
Then jewel her sparse greenery with a bud.
~ Louise Imogen Guiney

Of course everything is blooming most recklessly: if it were voices instead of colors, there would be an unbelievable shrieking into the heart of the night.
~ Rainer Maria Rilke

“Spring is the time of plans and projects.”
~ Leo Tolstoy

“Spring shows what God can do with a drab and dirty world.”
~ Virgil A. Kraft

“The first bud of spring sings the other seeds into joining her uprising.”
~ Amanda Gorman

“I can still bring into my body the joy I felt at seeing the first trillium of spring, which seemed to be telling me, “Never give up hope, spring will come.”
~ Jessica Stern

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

Sunday, March 22, 10:30 a.m. – In person Paths of Heart Gathering, followed by a potluck outside

Easter Sunday, April 5th, 10:30 a.m – Help us decide whether this will be an in-person or a Zoom Sunday since we do love our Easter gatherings here! We’ll discuss this Sunday, but if you have some thoughts and want to email ahead of time, please do!

Sunday, April 19th, 10:30 a.m. – Still deciding… This will be a ZOOM gathering if we do decide to have Easter in person. Help us decide!

Giving Opportunities
Paths of Heart welcomes and appreciates your generous donations in support of our gatherings and other events. Remember, we are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, so your donations are tax deductible. Many folks find online donations very convenient and these are always gratefully accepted on our website, https://www.pathsofheart.org/donate/ There is an option for recurring monthly donations, if you so choose. We have also added Venmo as an easy way to donate to Paths of Heart! Just type in @PathsofHeart to find us in the Venmo app. Thank you ever so!

Another easy way to further support Paths of Heart is through the King Soopers Community Rewards Program – If you shop at KS and have a rewards card, you can “link” it to Paths of Heart and King Soopers will donate a portion of your dollars spent (around 5%) to our non-profit. Go to https://www.kingsoopers.com/i/community/community-rewards to sign up and link your card. Our organization name is Paths of Heart and organization number is RG782. Let us know if you want help signing up! This one small gesture (by just 25 or so families at this point) helps to generate over $1,000 a year for Paths of Heart, so we appreciate your consideration in participating in this valuable program!!

“Paths of Heart” Labyrinth and Zen Meditation Garden
This was intentioned as a community space, so know that you are always welcome to drop by and walk or sit – you do not need to let us know in advance. Do note that we have experienced the outer “halo” of glass blocks in the labyrinth to be slippery when wet, so it’s best to walk it on a dry day. 

Gratitudes

We are grateful to have spent some amazing time in HI, and also grateful to have made it back home in the midst of powerful storms that took a toll in significant ways…

What are you grateful for today?

“Be mindful. Be grateful. Be positive. Be true. Be kind.”
~ Roy T. Bennett

“Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet.”
~ Thich Nhat Hanh

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.”
~ Epicurus

“Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.”
~ A.A. Milne

“Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.”
~ Maya Angelou

About Paths of Heart…

Paths of Heart is a high spirited, heart-centered community where we gather together (in new and creative ways!) for 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! 

Visit us on the web at https://www.pathsofheart.org
We hope our physical paths may cross soon!

“Pull up a chair. Take a taste. Come join us. Life is so endlessly delicious.” ~ Ruth Reichl

Posted on

March On! (Moving Forward)

March 1st, 2026

March always feels like such a “hopeful” month – green shoots start appearing through the dry, brown detritus, the days start warming (though have we really had winter here in Fort Collins??), we usually get a few really wet snowstorms (sorely needed!), and it’s my (Colleen’s) birthday month – ha! The word “march” comes from the Old French marchier, “to tread, to move.” I always loved the phrase from our past Science of Mind days – “treat and move your feet”. The premise is that prayer (treatment), spiritual intention, or affirmations must be paired with tangible, physical action to achieve results. Faith is not passive; one must take active, practical steps toward their aspirations. Whatever your goals or intentions, March is the month for some action! This Sunday is a “Zoom Sunday” and here’s the link:

Time: Mar 1, 2026 10:30 AM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82001426523?pwd=4c4vSjE1aHdRkOWpbUBCA8qcgezpL7.1

Meeting ID: 820 0142 6523
Passcode: 682198

Join instructions
https://us02web.zoom.us/meetings/82001426523/invitations?signature=w_TqZGDSW8TIyCKt4Je0ra-y0TyGVTAbHIwDGXDjgZ8

Movin’ and Groovin’, Colleen and Mark

Quotes to ponder

“In March, winter is holding back and spring is pulling forward. Something holds and something pulls inside of us too.”
~ Jean Hersey

“I have discovered in life that there are ways of getting almost anywhere you want to go, if you really want to go.”
~ Langston Hughes

“Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul – and sings the tunes without the words – and never stops at all.”
~ Emily Dickinson

“March, when days are getting long, Let thy growing hours be strong to set right some wintry wrong.”
~ Caroline May

“Enthusiasm is excitement with inspiration, motivation, and a pinch of creativity.”
~ Bo Bennett

“Hope begins in the dark. The stubborn hope that if you just show up and try to do the right thing, the dawn will come. You wait and watch and work: you don’t give up.”
~ Anne Lamott

“Don’t watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going.”
~ Sam Levenson

“Tomorrow becomes never. No matter how small the task, take the first step now!”
~ Tim Ferriss

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

Sunday, March 1st, 10:30 a.m – ZOOM Paths of Heart Gathering

Sunday, March 22, 10:30 a.m. – In person Paths of Heart Gathering

Easter Sunday, April 5th, 10:30 a.m – ZOOM Paths of Heart Gathering (NOTE: we may switch this up to an in-person if there is enough interest, since we do love our Easter gatherings here!).

Sunday, April 19th, 10:30 a.m. – In person Paths of Heart Gathering with potluck following (NOTE: this may change to a ZOOM gathering if we do decide to have Easter in person).

Giving Opportunities
Paths of Heart welcomes and appreciates your generous donations in support of our gatherings and other events. Remember, we are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, so your donations are tax deductible. Many folks find online donations very convenient and these are always gratefully accepted on our website, https://www.pathsofheart.org/donate/ There is an option for recurring monthly donations, if you so choose. We have also added Venmo as an easy way to donate to Paths of Heart! Just type in @PathsofHeart to find us in the Venmo app. Thank you ever so!

Another easy way to further support Paths of Heart is through the King Soopers Community Rewards Program – If you shop at KS and have a rewards card, you can “link” it to Paths of Heart and King Soopers will donate a portion of your dollars spent (around 5%) to our non-profit. Go to https://www.kingsoopers.com/i/community/community-rewards to sign up and link your card. Our organization name is Paths of Heart and organization number is RG782. Let us know if you want help signing up! This one small gesture (by just 25 or so families at this point) helps to generate over $1,000 a year for Paths of Heart, so we appreciate your consideration in participating in this valuable program!!

“Paths of Heart” Labyrinth and Zen Meditation Garden
This was intentioned as a community space, so know that you are always welcome to drop by and walk or sit – you do not need to let us know in advance. Do note that we have experienced the outer “halo” of glass blocks in the labyrinth to be slippery when wet, so it’s best to walk it on a dry day. 

Gratitudes

Well, weren’t we blessed to indeed have our last Sunday potluck outside in the middle of February! A bit crazy, though, we must admit…

What are you grateful for today?

“Be mindful. Be grateful. Be positive. Be true. Be kind.”
~ Roy T. Bennett

“Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet.”
~ Thich Nhat Hanh

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.”
~ Epicurus

“Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.”
~ A.A. Milne

“Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.”
~ Maya Angelou

About Paths of Heart…

Paths of Heart is a high spirited, heart-centered community where we gather together (in new and creative ways!) for 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! 

Visit us on the web at https://www.pathsofheart.org
We hope our physical paths may cross soon!

“Pull up a chair. Take a taste. Come join us. Life is so endlessly delicious.” ~ Ruth Reichl

Posted on

I Choose Love

February 15th, 2026

For those who celebrate, Happy Valentine’s Day weekend to you! We’re not big on the commercialization of it all, but it does give us a chance to reflect on how we’re doing with “being love” in this often confusing and chaotic human world. We can choose love in each and every moment. LOVE is naturally our theme for this Sunday, as we meet in person and share in a lovely potluck afterwards. Heck, with our continued spring-like temps, we may even be able to dine outside (predicted high of 62)! Emma Sloniker will join us in song – always a treat!

Big love, Colleen and Mark

Quotes to ponder


“Love is the solution. Everyone has a want and need to love and be loved, and children who love themselves will not want to harm themselves or others. Choosing love…”
~ Scarlett Lewis

“If people can learn to hate they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than it’s opposite.”
~ Nelson Mandela

“We are here to heal, not harm. We are here to love, not hate. We are here to create, not destroy.”
~ Anthony D. Williams

“We can become the medicine that stops violence at its root. We can do this by putting love into practice.”
~ Valarie Kaur

“Remember, we are all affecting the world every moment, whether we mean to or not. Our actions and states of mind matter, because we are so deeply interconnected with one another. Working on our own consciousness is the most important thing that we are doing at any moment, and being love is a supreme creative act.”
~ Ram Dass

Your task is not to search for love, but to find a portal through which love can enter.
~ E.T.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
~ 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

Sunday, February 15th, 10:30 a.m. – In person Paths of Heart Gathering. Potluck afterwards. Emma Sloniker joins in the music.

Sunday, March 1st, 10:30 a.m – ZOOM Paths of Heart Gathering

Sunday, March 22, 10:30 a.m. – In person Paths of Heart Gathering

Sunday, April 5th, 10:30 a.m – ZOOM Paths of Heart Gathering

Sunday, April 19th, 10:30 a.m. – In person Paths of Heart Gathering with potluck following

Giving Opportunities
Paths of Heart welcomes and appreciates your generous donations in support of our gatherings and other events. Remember, we are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, so your donations are tax deductible. Many folks find online donations very convenient and these are always gratefully accepted on our website, https://www.pathsofheart.org/donate/ There is an option for recurring monthly donations, if you so choose. We have also added Venmo as an easy way to donate to Paths of Heart! Just type in @PathsofHeart to find us in the Venmo app. Thank you ever so!

Speaking of donations, we are working on getting all of our generous donors their 2025 Giving Statements/Tax Donation Receipts! In an effort to streamline the process and preserve our resources, we will be e-mailing all statements this year. Please let us know if you need a printed statement and we’ll be happy to get you one. We thank you so very much for your generous contributions which kept Paths of Heart solvent and thriving for another year!

Another easy way to further support Paths of Heart is through the King Soopers Community Rewards Program – If you shop at KS and have a rewards card, you can “link” it to Paths of Heart and King Soopers will donate a portion of your dollars spent (around 5%) to our non-profit. Go to https://www.kingsoopers.com/i/community/community-rewards to sign up and link your card. Our organization name is Paths of Heart and organization number is RG782. Let us know if you want help signing up! This one small gesture (by just 25 or so families at this point) helps to generate over $1,000 a year for Paths of Heart, so we appreciate your consideration in participating in this valuable program!!

“Paths of Heart” Labyrinth and Zen Meditation Garden
This was intentioned as a community space, so know that you are always welcome to drop by and walk or sit – you do not need to let us know in advance. Do note that we have experienced the outer “halo” of glass blocks in the labyrinth to be slippery when wet, so it’s best to walk it on a dry day. 

Gratitudes

We have been taking mini-trips to Denver for music fun and staying overnight for an added treat. Grateful to have a bit of respite, take in some awesome concerts, and visit friends in the process. Feels like a real vacation just an hour from home!

What are you grateful for today?

“Be mindful. Be grateful. Be positive. Be true. Be kind.”
~ Roy T. Bennett

“Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet.”
~ Thich Nhat Hanh

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.”
~ Epicurus

“Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.”
~ A.A. Milne

“Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.”
~ Maya Angelou

About Paths of Heart…

Paths of Heart is a high spirited, heart-centered community where we gather together (in new and creative ways!) for 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! 

Visit us on the web at https://www.pathsofheart.org
We hope our physical paths may cross soon!

“Pull up a chair. Take a taste. Come join us. Life is so endlessly delicious.” ~ Ruth Reichl

Posted on

64 Ways in 64 Days

February 1st, 2026

This Sunday we’ll be talking about the Season for Non-Violence, marking the 64 calendar days between the memorial anniversary of the assassination of Mohandas Gandhi on January 30 and that of Martin Luther King, Jr. on April 4. Established in 1998 by Arun Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi’s grandson, this yearly, global grassroots campaign raises awareness about the transformative power of nonviolence. It brings individuals and communities together, empowering them to envision and help create a culture of peace and nonviolence, one choice at a time, one action at a time, and one day at a time. We are on ZOOM this Sunday and here’s the link: 

Paths of Heart Zoom Gathering
Time: Feb 1, 2026 10:30 AM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83166289729?pwd=6cKTCh4wzEEp71MBJno3foMHYTvhgt.1

Meeting ID: 831 6628 9729
Passcode: 567047

Join instructions
https://us02web.zoom.us/meetings/83166289729/invitations?signature=2mLAInkc_f1A0BxSTnj9QZz6DuqBnOzdBM0wwvl8bwY

Find a way,  Colleen and Mark

Quotes to ponder


“Nonviolence is a powerful and just weapon. which cuts without wounding and ennobles the one who wields it. It is a sword that heals.”
~ Martin Luther King Jr.

“Nonviolence is not a garment to be put on and off at will. Its seat is in the heart, and it must be an inseparable part of our being.”
~ Mahatma Gandhi

“Praise yourself as much as you can…The love in our lives begins with us…Loving yourself will help heal this planet.”
~ Louise Hay

“Every breath we take, every step we make, can be filled with peace, joy and serenity.”
~Thich Nhat Hanh

“If we are to teach real peace in this world…we shall have to begin with the children.”
~ Mahatma Gandhi

“Peace is a daily, a weekly, a monthly process, gradually changing opinions, slowly eroding old barriers, quietly building new structures.”
~ John F. Kennedy

“Do more than belong: participate.
Do more than care: help.
Do more than believe: practice.
Do more than be fair: be kind.
Do more than forgive: forget.
Do more than dream: work.”
~ William Arthur Ward

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

Sunday, February 1st, 10:30 a.m. – ZOOM Paths of Heart Gathering. To learn more about The Season for Non-Violence, please visit https://gandhiinstitute.org/season-for-nonviolence/

Sunday, February 15th, 10:30 a.m. – In person Paths of Heart Gathering. Potluck afterwards.

Sunday, March 1st, 10:30 a.m – ZOOM Paths of Heart Gathering

Sunday, March 22, 10:30 a.m. – In person Paths of Heart Gathering

Giving Opportunities
Paths of Heart welcomes and appreciates your generous donations in support of our gatherings and other events. Remember, we are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, so your donations are tax deductible. Many folks find online donations very convenient and these are always gratefully accepted on our website, https://www.pathsofheart.org/donate/ There is an option for recurring monthly donations, if you so choose. We have also added Venmo as an easy way to donate to Paths of Heart! Just type in @PathsofHeart to find us in the Venmo app. Thank you ever so!

Speaking of donations, we are working on getting all of our generous donors their 2025 Giving Statements/Tax Donation Receipts! In an effort to streamline the process and preserve our resources, we will be e-mailing all statements this year. Please let us know if you need a printed statement and we’ll be happy to get you one. We thank you so very much for your generous contributions which kept Paths of Heart solvent and thriving for another year!

Another easy way to further support Paths of Heart is through the King Soopers Community Rewards Program – If you shop at KS and have a rewards card, you can “link” it to Paths of Heart and King Soopers will donate a portion of your dollars spent (around 5%) to our non-profit. Go to https://www.kingsoopers.com/i/community/community-rewards to sign up and link your card. Our organization name is Paths of Heart and organization number is RG782. Let us know if you want help signing up! This one small gesture (by just 25 or so families at this point) helps to generate over $1,000 a year for Paths of Heart, so we appreciate your consideration in participating in this valuable program!!

“Paths of Heart” Labyrinth and Zen Meditation Garden
This was intentioned as a community space, so know that you are always welcome to drop by and walk or sit – you do not need to let us know in advance. Do note that we have experienced the outer “halo” of glass blocks in the labyrinth to be slippery when wet, so it’s best to walk it on a dry day. 

Gratitudes

We are most grateful for a recent chance to explore the magical area of Sedona, AZ. What beauty and peaceful energy we encountered, roaming the many trails along the red rock buttes and canyons. Visiting friends and experiencing many culinary delights also enhanced our trip!

What are you grateful for today?

“Be mindful. Be grateful. Be positive. Be true. Be kind.”
~ Roy T. Bennett

“Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet.”
~ Thich Nhat Hanh

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.”
~ Epicurus

“Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.”
~ A.A. Milne

“Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.”
~ Maya Angelou

About Paths of Heart…

Paths of Heart is a high spirited, heart-centered community where we gather together (in new and creative ways!) for 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! 

Visit us on the web at https://www.pathsofheart.org
We hope our physical paths may cross soon!

“Pull up a chair. Take a taste. Come join us. Life is so endlessly delicious.” ~ Ruth Reichl

Posted on

Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Sunday, January 18th, 2026

We are pleased to be joined by a host of local musicians to celebrate Martin Luther King in song this Sunday! Liz Barnez, Marty Rein, Krisann Meyer-Corcoran, and Emma Sloniker will lend their talents to our band as we remember King’s life, achievements, and legacy. Known for inspiring a generation to peaceful action in the fight for civil rights, we are called now, more than ever, to embrace the values of justice and freedom that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. espoused in his life.
In remembrance and honor to MLK, Colleen and Mark

*note* We will not have a potluck this Sunday so we can leisurely visit with our guest musicians after our gathering.

Quotes to ponder


Here are some of our favorite MLK, Jr. quotes:

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.

The time is always right to do what is right.

In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.

Morality cannot be legislated, but behavior can be regulated. Judicial decrees may not change the heart, but they can restrain the heartless.

I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality… I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

Sunday, January 18th, 10:30 a.m. – In person Paths of Heart Gathering. A special MLK, Jr. Celebration of Music with Liz Barnez, Marty Rein, Krisann Meyer-Corcoran, and Emma Sloniker joining us! No potluck this Sunday.

Sunday, February 1st, 10:30 a.m. – ZOOM Paths of Heart Gathering

Sunday, February 15th, 10:30 a.m. – In person Paths of Heart Gathering. Potluck afterwards.

Sunday, March 1st, 10:30 a.m – ZOOM Paths of Heart Gathering

Sunday, March 22, 10:30 a.m. – In person Paths of Heart Gathering

Giving Opportunities
Paths of Heart welcomes and appreciates your generous donations in support of our gatherings and other events. Remember, we are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, so your donations are tax deductible. Many folks find online donations very convenient and these are always gratefully accepted on our website, https://www.pathsofheart.org/donate/ There is an option for recurring monthly donations, if you so choose. We have also added Venmo as an easy way to donate to Paths of Heart! Just type in @PathsofHeart to find us in the Venmo app. Thank you ever so!

Another easy way to further support Paths of Heart is through the King Soopers Community Rewards Program – If you shop at KS and have a rewards card, you can “link” it to Paths of Heart and King Soopers will donate a portion of your dollars spent (around 5%) to our non-profit. Go to https://www.kingsoopers.com/i/community/community-rewards to sign up and link your card. Our organization name is Paths of Heart and organization number is RG782. Let us know if you want help signing up! This one small gesture (by just 25 or so families at this point) helps to generate over $1,000 a year for Paths of Heart, so we appreciate your consideration in participating in this valuable program!!

“Paths of Heart” Labyrinth and Zen Meditation Garden
This was intentioned as a community space, so know that you are always welcome to drop by and walk or sit – you do not need to let us know in advance. Do note that we have experienced the outer “halo” of glass blocks in the labyrinth to be slippery when wet, so it’s best to walk it on a dry day. 

Gratitudes

We are grateful for our community of patriotic protectors of democracy who are making their voices heard to create a more kind, loving, and just world.

What are you grateful for today?

“Be mindful. Be grateful. Be positive. Be true. Be kind.”
~ Roy T. Bennett

“Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet.”
~ Thich Nhat Hanh

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.”
~ Epicurus

“Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.”
~ A.A. Milne

“Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.”
~ Maya Angelou

About Paths of Heart…

Paths of Heart is a high spirited, heart-centered community where we gather together (in new and creative ways!) for 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! 

Visit us on the web at https://www.pathsofheart.org
We hope our physical paths may cross soon!

“Pull up a chair. Take a taste. Come join us. Life is so endlessly delicious.” ~ Ruth Reichl

Posted on

New Year Rituals

January 4th, 2026

Many of us celebrate the New Year with ritual – whether it be a Burning Bowl Ceremony, choosing a “Word for the Year”, setting intentions, or even writing down more traditional “New Year’s Resolutions.” It’s a way of making a fresh start, a contemplative time full of hope and bright wishes for the year to come. What are your rituals and traditions as we start this new year? We’re on ZOOM this Sunday, and here’s the link:
Paths of Heart Zoom
Time: Jan 4, 2026 10:30 AM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83895136011?pwd=iT9lSORRh9UgbUMI5aIQlBEo1Ux9UQ.1
Meeting ID: 838 9513 6011
Passcode: 875180
And may the Fourth be with you! Colleen and Mark

Quotes to ponder


“The magic in new beginnings is truly the most powerful of them all.”
~ Josiyah Martin

“To live in the light of a new day and an unimaginable and unpredictable future, you must become fully present to a deeper truth – not a truth from your head, but a truth from your heart; not a truth from your ego, but a truth from the highest source.”
~ Debbie Ford

“It’s important to have a vision of the long run and make wise decisions for our highest good in the present moment; however, we don’t want to become attached to how everything must look. When we show up in good faith, life provides. And when we trust, we are always in the flow of manifestation.”
~ Alaric Hutchinson

“A new year. A fresh, clean start! It’s like having a big white sheet of paper to draw on!”
~ Bill Watterson

“Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start.”
~ Nido Qubein

“Take a leap of faith and begin this wondrous new year by believing.”
~ Sarah Ban Breathnach

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

Sunday, January 4th, 10:30 a.m. – ZOOM Paths of Heart Gathering

Sunday, January 18th, 10:30 a.m. – In person Paths of Heart Gathering. A special MLK, Jr. Celebration of Music with Liz Barnez, Marty Rein, Krisann Meyer-Corcoran, and Emma Sloniker joining us!

Sunday, February 1st, 10:30 a.m. – ZOOM Paths of Heart Gathering

Sunday, February 15th, 10:30 a.m. – In person Paths of Heart Gathering

Sunday, March 1st, 10:30 a.m – ZOOM Paths of Heart Gathering

Sunday, March 22, 10:30 a.m. – In person Paths of Heart Gathering

Giving Opportunities
Paths of Heart welcomes and appreciates your generous donations in support of our gatherings and other events. Remember, we are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, so your donations are tax deductible. Many folks find online donations very convenient and these are always gratefully accepted on our website, https://www.pathsofheart.org/donate/ There is an option for recurring monthly donations, if you so choose. We have also added Venmo as an easy way to donate to Paths of Heart! Just type in @PathsofHeart to find us in the Venmo app. Thank you ever so!

Another easy way to further support Paths of Heart is through the King Soopers Community Rewards Program – If you shop at KS and have a rewards card, you can “link” it to Paths of Heart and King Soopers will donate a portion of your dollars spent (around 5%) to our non-profit. Go to https://www.kingsoopers.com/i/community/community-rewards to sign up and link your card. Our organization name is Paths of Heart and organization number is RG782. Let us know if you want help signing up! This one small gesture (by just 25 or so families at this point) helps to generate over $1,000 a year for Paths of Heart, so we appreciate your consideration in participating in this valuable program!!

“Paths of Heart” Labyrinth and Zen Meditation Garden
This was intentioned as a community space, so know that you are always welcome to drop by and walk or sit – you do not need to let us know in advance. Do note that we have experienced the outer “halo” of glass blocks in the labyrinth to be slippery when wet, so it’s best to walk it on a dry day. 

Gratitudes

What a beautiful, restful, family holiday time we had! Thanks again for your understanding as we “took the night off” on Christmas Eve! Mark and I had a wonderful dinner out on the town and then came home to a peaceful night enjoying all the twinkly lights around the house and starting a new puzzle! Then we enjoyed 2 days of celebration and feasting with Emma and Ethan, and so much rejuvenating down time the rest of the week! Happy New Year Everyone!

What are you grateful for today?

“Be mindful. Be grateful. Be positive. Be true. Be kind.”
~ Roy T. Bennett

“Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet.”
~ Thich Nhat Hanh

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.”
~ Epicurus

“Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.”
~ A.A. Milne

“Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.”
~ Maya Angelou

About Paths of Heart…

Paths of Heart is a high spirited, heart-centered community where we gather together (in new and creative ways!) for 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! 

Visit us on the web at https://www.pathsofheart.org
We hope our physical paths may cross soon!

“Pull up a chair. Take a taste. Come join us. Life is so endlessly delicious.” ~ Ruth Reichl