Category: Newsletter

weekly newsletter

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The Path of Love

The Path of Love

Sunday, February 21st

The subject tonight is Love
And for tomorrow night as well,
As a matter of fact
I know of no better topic
For us to discuss
Until we all
Die! ~ Hafiz

Of course, this sentiment is pretty much what “Paths of Heart” is founded on/grounded in and it’s what we talk about in one form or another every time we meet! However, February is always especially steeped in love with Valentine’s Day smack in the middle of it (however you may or may not celebrate), so we figured our stated subject this week would be LOVE. Feel free to join our Love Fest this Sunday on ZOOM, 11 a.m. Mountain Time. We are really enjoying seeing your smiling faces from around the country and the WORLD (JnJ joined us from Spain last time!). It’s a little silver lining in this time of COVID, as a much wider group of folks can join us, regardless of geographical location. We continue to work on improving the online experience and have yet another set-up this week to try. Thanks for your beautiful patience with us (and thanks to TB for helping us test it out!).
Please RSVP (via email preferably) for this Sunday’s meet-up, as only those folks who RSVP will be sent the link (on Saturday).
See you then with loving and grateful hearts,
Colleen and Mark

Quotes to ponder

“The most important aspect of love is not in the giving or receiving: it’s in the being. When I need love from others, or need to give love to others, I’m caught in an unstable situation. Being in love, rather than giving or taking love, is the only thing that provides stability. Being in love means seeing the Beloved all around me.”
~ Ram Dass

“Your task is not to search for love, but to find a portal through which love can enter…
Feeling the Oneness of yourself with all things is true love.” ~ Eckhart Tolle

“From where we are there is always a path toward love. What takes discipline is continually choosing that path.” ~ Jesse Pender

“Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone’s face? Did I say words of healing? Did I let go of my anger and resentment? Did I forgive? Did I love? These are the real questions. I must trust that the little bit of love that I sow now will bear many fruits, here in this world and the life to come.” ~ Henri Nouwen

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

Remember to RSVP if you’d like to join us for our Paths of Heart Zoom meeting on Sunday, Feb. 21st at 11 a.m. Mountain Time. Only those who RSVP will be sent the link to join. Going forward, we plan to meet via ZOOM on 3/7, 3/21, 4/4, and 4/18. Maybe by then we’ll be able to meet in the backyard again! Even then, we are planning on keeping a once a month ZOOM meeting, especially for those out of town folks who have so enjoyed the opportunity to join us from across the country and the world!

Sending “Good Juju” and prayer ~ If anyone ever wants to receive our collective positve thoughts and prayers on a Sunday morming, please ask! We can be as specific or as anonymous as you’d like. Let us know if we can surround you in love and light!

Paths of Heart and Mark and Colleen were incredibly honored to be featured in the ChooseLoveMovement.org ‘s “Daily Dose of Love” newsletter, along with a YouTube link to Mark’s song “I Choose Love”. Thank you to Tamara S. for letting this amazing organization know about Mark’s song! The Choose Love Movement is inspired by 6-year-old Jesse Lewis, his final acts of love, and his mother’s path of forgiveness after Jesse was killed in the Sandy Hook school shooting. Paths of Heart and the Choose Love Movement are so aligned in our mission to simply “choose love” in whatever situation we find ourselves in!

“Paths of Heart” Labyrinth – What a joy it was to envision and oversee the creation of our labyrinth and Zen Garden this spring/summer! This was intentioned to be 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 to be slippery when wet, so it’s best to walk it on a dry day!

Giving Opportunities – We wanted to remind you of two ways you can support Paths of Heart without costing you an extra penny. 🙂

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!

Amazon Smile – We do love shopping locally and very often do, but Amazon sometimes fits the bill. If you are an Amazon shopper, you can make a difference by shopping at smile.amazon.com/ch/81-4175487 to generate donations for Paths of Heart!

Online donations are always gratefully accepted on our website, https://www.pathsofheart.org/donate/. You can even sign up for monthly giving, which we deeply appreciate. Thanks so much!

Gratitudes

We are tickled by the photos you send us or that we come across, featuring beautiful paths and fun hearts found in nature! Thanks for allowing us to feature them in our newsletters. Today’s newsletter features 3 such photos – what good eyes you have for Nature’s treasures and serendipitous whimsy! If a photo doesn’t have a credit on it, it’s most likely Colleen’s. 🙂

What are you grateful for today?

“I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness – it’s right in front of me if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude.” ~ Brene Brown

“Just an observation: it is impossible to be both grateful and depressed. Those with a grateful mindset tend to see the message in the mess. And even though life may knock them down, the grateful find reasons, if even small ones, to get up.” ~ Steve Maraboli

“If the only prayer you said was thank you, that would be enough.” ~ Meister Eckhart

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

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Celebration!

Celebration!

Sunday, February 7th

Judi L. (Keeper Extraordinaire of all important dates!) reminded us recently that Paths of Heart had an anniversary coming up. February 9th, 2014 was Paths of Heart’s first gathering so we are 7 glorious years young, heading into our EIGHTH YEAR next week! We wish we could have a big ol’ party in the Great Room with you all, but a ZOOM meetup will have to suffice. As we experience the fullness of life, we celebrate the magic, lovingly embrace the tragic, and acknowledge with gratitude all else in between. Please share with us your joys and concerns this week and we’ll lift one another up as we celebrate our kind-hearted and supportive community!
Our next scheduled ZOOM Paths of Heart Gathering is THIS Sunday, February 7th, at 11 a.m. MT. We have determined, through an informal poll of attendees, that going forward we’ll continue to meet every 2 weeks on ZOOM at 11 a.m. Please RSVP (via email preferably) for this Sunday’s meet-up, as only those folks who RSVP will be sent the link (on Saturday).
See you then with grateful hearts,
Colleen and Mark

Quotes to ponder

“Shall we walk through the woods;
dance through the meadows;
and celebrate the miracle
of this garden world?”
~ Leland Lewis

“Every day is a good day. There is something to learn, care, and celebrate.”
~ Amit Ray

“Always celebrate your wins. Big or small.” ~ Leigh Shulman

“Celebrate who you are in your deepest heart. Love yourself and the world will love you.”~ Amy Leigh Mercree

“Celebrate your journey of life.” ~ Lailah Gifty Akita

“What life expects of us is that we celebrate.” ~ José Eduardo Agualusa

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

Remember to RSVP if you’d like to join us for our Paths of Heart Zoom meeting on Sunday, Feb. 7th at 11 a.m. Mountain Time. Only those who RSVP will be sent the link to join. Going forward, we plan to meet via ZOOM on 2/21, 3/7, 3/21, 4/4, and 4/18. Maybe by then we’ll be able to meet in the backyard again! We are seriously considering keeping a once a month ZOOM meeting, especially for those out of town folks who have so enjoyed the opportunity to join us from across the country!

Paths of Heart and Mark and Colleen were incredibly honored to be featured in the ChooseLoveMovement.org ‘s “Daily Dose of Love” newsletter, along with a YouTube link to Mark’s song “I Choose Love”. Thank you to Tamara S. for letting this amazing organization know about Mark’s song! The Choose Love Movement is inspired by 6-year-old Jesse Lewis, his final acts of love, and his mother’s path of forgiveness after Jesse was killed in the Sandy Hook school shooting. Paths of Heart and the Choose Love Movement are so aligned in our mission to simply “choose love” in whatever situation we find ourselves in!

“Paths of Heart” Labyrinth – What a joy it was to envision and oversee the creation of our labyrinth and Zen Garden this spring/summer! This was intentioned to be 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 to be slippery when wet, so it’s best to walk it on a dry day!

Giving Opportunities – We wanted to remind you of two ways you can support Paths of Heart without costing you an extra penny. 🙂

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!

Amazon Smile – We do love shopping locally and very often do, but Amazon sometimes fits the bill. If you are an Amazon shopper, you can make a difference by shopping at smile.amazon.com/ch/81-4175487 to generate donations for Paths of Heart!

Online donations are always gratefully accepted on our website, https://www.pathsofheart.org/donate/. You can even sign up for monthly giving, which we deeply appreciate. Thanks so much!

Gratitudes

We are so grateful to be entering what we feel is a new era in our country ~ one of kindness and character, honesty and service. We are sighing deep breaths of gratiude…

What are you grateful for today?

“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

“When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears.” ~ Anthony Robbins

“If the only prayer you said was thank you, that would be enough.” ~ Meister Eckhart

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!

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

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Kindness, Humility, and Gratitude

Kindness, Humility, and Gratitude

Sunday, January 24th

These three qualities (and more) are on our minds and in our hearts today, as we write on this auspicious Inauguration Day with great hope for our country and the world’s future. We refrain from politics here at Paths of Heart, yet there is an overwhelming sense of peace and calm that washes over us in this moment as we look forward to a new day. We have been on edge of late, seeing the hatred and violence festering in the hearts of many, and we affirm that change is coming, with the gentle coaxing of kindness and love that we can all help spread.
Our next scheduled ZOOM Paths of Heart Gathering is this Sunday, January 24th, at 11 a.m. MT. We have determined, through an informal poll of attendees, that going forward we’ll continue to meet every 2 weeks on ZOOM at 11 a.m. Please RSVP (via email preferably) for this Sunday’s meet-up, as only those folks who RSVP will be sent the link (on Saturday). See you then with an open heart,
Colleen and Mark

Quotes to ponder

“An honest concern for others is the key factor in improving our day to day lives. When you are warm-hearted, there is no room for anger, jealousy or insecurity. Healthy, happy families and a healthy peaceful nation are dependent on warm-heartedness.” ~ Dalai Lama

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” ~ Dr. Seuss

“No one is born hating another person… People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” ~ Nelson Mandela

“As much as we need a prosperous economy, we also need a prosperity of kindness and decency.” ~ Caroline Kennedy

“Kindness is the light that dissolves all walls between souls, families, and nations.” ~ Paramahansa Yogananda

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

Remember to RSVP if you’d like to join us for our Paths of Heart Zoom meeting on Sunday, Jan. 24th at 11 a.m. Mountain Time. Only those who RSVP will be sent the link to join.

Paths of Heart and Mark and Colleen were incredibly honored to be featured in the ChooseLoveMovement.org ‘s “Daily Dose of Love” newsletter, along with a YouTube link to Mark’s song “I Choose Love”. Thank you to Tamara S. for letting this amazing organization know about Mark’s song! The Choose Love Movement is inspired by 6-year-old Jesse Lewis, his final acts of love, and his mother’s path of forgiveness after Jesse was killed in the Sandy Hook school shooting. Paths of Heart and the Choose Love Movement are so aligned in our mission to simply “choose love” in whatever situation we find ourselves in!

“Paths of Heart” Labyrinth – What a joy it was to envision and oversee the creation of our labyrinth and Zen Garden this spring/summer! This was intentioned to be 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 to be slippery when wet, so it’s best to walk it on a dry day!

Giving Opportunities – We wanted to remind you of two ways you can support Paths of Heart without costing you an extra penny. 🙂

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!

Amazon Smile – We do love shopping locally and very often do, but Amazon sometimes fits the bill. If you are an Amazon shopper, you can make a difference by shopping at smile.amazon.com/ch/81-4175487 to generate donations for Paths of Heart!

We are so overwhelmingly grateful to all those who donated to Paths of Heart on #Giving Tuesday, #Colorado Gives Day, and as part of your “end of the year giving” plans!
Online donations are always gratefully accepted on our website, https://www.pathsofheart.org/donate/ . We know this past year has been a tough one financially for many individuals and non-profits, including Paths of Heart, and we do not take your generosity for granted. Thank you so very much!

Gratitudes

We are so grateful to be entering what we feel is a new era in our country ~ one of kindness and character, honesty and service. We are sighing deep breaths of gratiude…

What are you grateful for today?

“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

“When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears.” ~ Anthony Robbins

“If the only prayer you said was thank you, that would be enough.” ~ Meister Eckhart

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!

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

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Spiritual Navigation

Spiritual Navigation

Sunday, January 10th

It was challenging to get out of bed this morning. We just wanted to stay there, wrapped up in warmth and peace, cocooned from the assaults and ambushes that the outside world all too often confronts us with. We’ve been basking in the bright promise of this new year, and were cut down abruptly (and all too soon) in our humanness by yesterday’s events in our Nation’s Capitol. Our Paths of Heart topics during the first month of a new year often include “Intentions”, “Tabula Rosa” (a clean slate), “Finding Our Word of the Year”, “Epiphany” (in the forefront of our minds at the moment), etc. ~ all in an effort to “take stock” and realign our spirit beings with our physical bodies that move about this earth. In times like these (or in ANY moment!), how do we stay IN this world but not OF it? How do we stay grounded in love and peace as the cruelties of this world rage around us? As always, we invite you into the conversation so we may all help one another navigate and rise above these turbulent times.
Our next scheduled ZOOM Paths gathering is this Sunday, January 10th, at 11 a.m. MT. If you haven’t sent in your RSVP (via email preferably), please do so, as only those folks who RSVP will be sent the link on Saturday. See you then and let’s all pray for peace, love, and understanding,
Colleen and Mark

Quotes to ponder

“So many of us bungee cord from wanting to contribute in a meaningful way to wanting to escape simply altogether…disappear and live quietly in some remote place filled with villagers who share our values. We teeter between TA-DA and bye-bye now! Right?” ~ Christopher Lowell

“Celebrate endings ~ for they precede new beginnings.” ~ Jonathan Huie

“Do not wait until the conditions are perfect to begin. Beginning makes the conditions perfect.” ~ Alan Cohen

“Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.” ~ Alfred Lord Tennyson

“While politics may have been the initial trigger, it is clear to those who have always embraced truth, inclusiveness and human empathy, that something far bigger, if not perhaps even ultimately transcendent, is at play…” ~ Christopher Lowell

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

Remember to RSVP if you’d like to join us for our second Paths of Heart Zoom meeting on Sunday, Jan. 10th at 11 a.m. Mountain Time. Only those who RSVP will be sent the link to join.

You Matter Marathon – Paths of Heart participates in this international movement throughout the month of November every year. Since we didn’t get to meet in person for our last 2 gatherings, we’d still love to hear your stories of how you are sharing your YOU MATTER cards. Please send them to us and we’ll post in future newsletters. For more information about this movement go to: https://youmattermarathon.com/

“Paths of Heart” Labyrinth – What a joy it was to envision and oversee the creation of our labyrinth and Zen Garden this spring/summer! This was intentioned to be 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 to be slippery when wet, so it’s best to walk it on a dry day!

Giving Opportunities – We wanted to remind you of two ways you can support Paths of Heart without costing you an extra penny. 🙂

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!

Amazon Smile – We do love shopping locally and very often do, but Amazon sometimes fits the bill. If you are an Amazon shopper, you can make a difference by shopping at smile.amazon.com/ch/81-4175487 to generate donations for Paths of Heart!

We are so overwhelmingly grateful to all those who donated to Paths of Heart on #Giving Tuesday, #Colorado Gives Day, and as part of your “end of the year giving” plans!
Online donations are always gratefully accepted on our website, https://www.pathsofheart.org/donate/ . We know this past year has been a tough one financially for many individuals and non-profits, including Paths of Heart, and we do not take your generosity for granted. Thank you so very much!

Gratitudes

We were grateful to spend peaceful and non-structured holiday time as a family these past several weeks (though we missed our son Myles!). We hope you were all able to do the same, within the safety guidelines so important these days.

What are you grateful for today?

“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

“When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears.” ~ Anthony Robbins

“If the only prayer you said was thank you, that would be enough.” ~ Meister Eckhart

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!

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

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Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays

Thursday, December 24th

Happy Holidays to all ~ Here we are having a very quiet Christmas Eve when we are normally in the midst of a very bustling evening with an overflowing crowd of wonderful folks (and overflowing shoes!) in our great room for our annual Christmas Eve concert. While it feels very strange and just a tad melancholy not to be doing some sort of music celebration and sharing on this night (first time in about 25 years!), we are receiving this respite as a peaceful gift to our family. We trust you are finding other joyful ways to spend this night as well. Wishing you all a sweet week as 2020 draws to a close and we welcome 2021, full of possibility. Our next Paths of Heart ZOOM gathering will be on January 10th at 11 a.m. Please rsvp at your convenience and we’ll send you a link. Till then, we leave you with this poem:

When the song of the angels is stilled,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and the princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flocks,
The work of Christmas begins:
To find the lost,
To heal the broken,
To feed the hungry,
To release the prisoner,
To rebuild the nations,
To bring peace among people,
To make music in the heart. ~ Howard Thurman

Bright Blessings for comfort and joy, Colleen and Mark
info@pathsofheart.org
www.pathsofheart.org
970-484-9600

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Winding our Way to Christmas

Winding our Way to Christmas

Sunday, December 13th

Greetings and warmest holiday wishes to you in this Season of Light and Peace! We are looking forward to seeing you on the screen for our first Zoom Paths of Heart gathering this Sunday, at 11 am Mountain Time. Never thought we’d be saying that, and it still feels weird, but these are weird (yet still often wonderful!) times. The path to Christmas may be a bit winding and crooked this year, but we will get there, with our hearts full of love, comfort, and all the joy we can muster! Quite a few folks have signed up to get the link for this Sunday. If you haven’t sent in your rsvp, please do so, as only those who do will be sent the link (probably on Saturday).

See you then! Love and light,
Colleen and Mark

Quotes to ponder

“Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts.” ~ Janice Maeditere

“From home to home and heart to heart, from one place to another. The warmth and joy of Christmas brings us close to each other.” ~ Emily Matthews

“Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.” ~ Hamilton Wright Mabie.

“What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace.” ~Agnes M. Pahro

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

Remember to RSVP if you’d like to join us for our first Paths of Heart Zoom meeting for Sunday, Dec. 13th at 11 a.m. Mountain Time. Only those who RSVP will be sent the link to join.

You Matter Marathon – Paths of Heart participates in this international movement throughout the month of November every year. Since we didn’t get to meet in person for our last 2 gatherings, we’d love to hear your stories of how you are sharing your YOU MATTER cards. Please send them to us and we’ll post in future newsletters. For more information about this movement go to: https://youmattermarathon.com/

“Paths of Heart” Labyrinth – What a joy it was to envision and oversee the creation of our labyrinth and Zen Garden this spring/summer! This was intentioned to be 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 to be slippery when wet, so it’s best to walk it on a dry day!

Giving Opportunities – We wanted to remind you of two ways you can support Paths of Heart without costing you an extra penny!

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!

Amazon Smile – We do love shopping locally and very often do, but Amazon sometimes fits the bill. If you are an Amazon shopper, you can make a difference this holiday (and any time!) by shopping at smile.amazon.com/ch/81-4175487 to generate donations for Paths of Heart!

We are so overwhelmingly grateful to all those who donated to Paths of Heart on #Giving Tuesday (Dec. 1st) and #Colorado Gives Day (Dec. 8th)!
If you’d still like to consider us in your end of year giving plans, you can do so on our website, https://www.pathsofheart.org/donate/ . We know this has been a tough year financially for many individuals and non-profits, including Paths of Heart, and we do not take your generosity for granted. Thank you so very much!

Gratitudes

We are (still!) grateful for blue Colorado skies, bike rides, masked walks with friends, a crackling fire in the woodstove, a good book, time for quiet contemplation, and our Paths of Heart Community. We also love all the twinkly lights shining all over town, which soothes our souls.
What are you grateful for today?

“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

“When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears.” ~ Anthony Robbins

“If the only prayer you said was thank you, that would be enough.” ~ Meister Eckhart

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!

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

Posted on

Giving Thanks

Giving Thanks

Wednesday, November 25th

On this Thanksgiving Eve we want to wish you all a “Happy Gratitude Day” and hope you can freely count many blessings in your lives, even amidst the turmoil and uncertainty that so many of us are facing. We just learned of yet another family we know who are all sick with Covid, and we are praying for the highest and best in their recovery. We are missing Myles this Thanksgiving yet are grateful to be able to spend the day with Emma and Ethan – we’ll have a simple and quiet meal together and probably start another puzzle! Enjoy your holiday weekend in a safe and satisfying way and may your lives be full of both thanks and giving! With gratitude and love,
Colleen and Mark

Quotes to ponder

“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” ~ Melody Beattie

“Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts.” ~ Henri Frederic Amiel

“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues but the parent of all others.” ~ Marcus Tullius Cicero

“Gratitude is the sweetest thing in a seekers life – in all human life. If there is gratitude in your heart, then there will be tremendous sweetness in your eyes.” ~ Sri Chinmoy

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

There seems to be a good deal of interest in meeting via Zoom for our Paths of Heart Gatherings. We’ve heard from folks out of town and in other states who are eager to join in, too, which will be fun! We are planning our first Zoom meeting for Sunday, Dec. 13th at 11 a.m. Mountain Time. Only those who RSVP will be sent the link to join.

You Matter Marathon – Paths of Heart participates in this international movement throughout the month of November every year. Since we didn’t get to meet in person for our last 2 gatherings, we’d love to hear your stories of how you are sharing your YOU MATTER cards. Please send them to us and we’ll post in future newsletters. For more information about this movement go to: https://youmattermarathon.com/

“Paths of Heart” Labyrinth – What a joy it was to envision and oversee the creation of our labyrinth and Zen Garden this spring/summer! This was intentioned to be 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 to be slippery when wet, so it’s best to walk it on a dry day!

Giving Opportunities – We wanted to remind you of some ways you can support Paths of Heart, two of which won’t cost you a penny. 🙂

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!

Amazon Smile – We do love shopping locally and very often do, but Amazon sometimes fits the bill. If you are an Amazon shopper, you can make a difference this holiday (and any time!) by shopping at smile.amazon.com/ch/81-4175487 to generate donations for Paths of Heart!

In addition, there are 2 days coming up that have always been beneficial to Paths of Heart: #Giving Tuesday (Dec. 1st) and #Colorado Gives Day (Dec. 8th). We will be setting up a Facebook Fundraiser for Giving Tuesday, and you can always donate directly from our website as well. Paths of Heart is technically not a “big enough” non-profit to be included on the Colorado Gives Day website, but as a symbolic gesture, you may donate directly on our website if you so choose. https://www.pathsofheart.org/donate/
We greatly appreciate you considering us in your end of year giving plans. We know this has been a tough year financially for many individuals and non-profits, including Paths of Heart, and we do not take your generosity for granted. Thank you so very much!

Gratitudes

We are grateful for blue Colorado skies, bike rides, masked walks with friends, a crackling fire in the woodstove, a good book, time for quiet contemplation, and our Paths of Heart Community.
What are you grateful for today?

“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

“When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears.” ~ Anthony Robbins

“If the only prayer you said was thank you, that would be enough.” ~ Meister Eckhart

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!

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

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Change in Plans

Change in Plans

Thursday, November 12th

Dear Fellow ‘Gatherers’ ~ As we continue to read and listen to our Governor’s suggestions and pleas to really cut back on all types of social interaction with others not in our “bubble”, and as we personally learn of local folks closer and closer to our ‘circle of friends’ testing positive for the virus, we’ve come to the difficult decision to suspend our backyard in-person gatherings till further notice. We probably didn’t have too many possible ones left due to falling temps, and it feels like the right and responsible thing to do in this moment, as we would never want to put our friends’ and families’ physical health in jeopardy. We realize this decision may affect some people’s mental and spiritual health (ours, too – we love hanging out with you!), so we plan to stay in touch through regular newsletters as well as discuss options for online gatherings going forward. We’d love your feedback about whether an online platform would be of interest to you. As you know, we weren’t crazy about the idea this past spring, but maybe we’ve gotten comfortable enough with Zoom and the like over these many months to entertain giving it a shot if there is enough interest! We deeply appreciate your continued financial support of Paths of Heart during this time and also want you to know we COMPLETELY understand if folks desire to pull back on that for the time being. This change of plans has us feeling a bit like the scorched trees in our beloved forests, but we know that growth and renewal will eventually follow.  Holding you in our hearts,
Colleen and Mark
info@pathsofheart.org
www.pathsofheart.org
970-484-9600

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Firmly Grounded in The Moment

Firmly Grounded in The Moment

Sunday, November 8th

Holy Moly! Anyone else reeling from the suspense of “What will happen next…?!” Truth is, we can never really know the future and being anywhere but in the present moment (especially in times of uncertainty) is bound to cause anxiety, frustration, fear, you name the emotion and you might be feeling it! However, being grounded in the present moment within your immediate surroundings can often bring an inner knowing of peace, serenity, and calm. We invite all of you to live in each moment and nowhere else as we navigate these murky waters of our lives. Let’s help one another through! See you in the Paths of Heart backyard (117 Evans Dr., Fort Collins, CO 80524) this Sunday AFTERNOON @ 1PM (we’ve decided this will be our start time till further notice!) and remember to RSVP ( see the “Looking Ahead” section below for details). The weather looks like it will hold but bring layers and check your email for any last minute cancellations! Love you all,
Colleen and Mark

Quotes to ponder

“Be happy in the moment, that’s enough. Each moment is all we need, not more.”
~ Mother Teresa


“If you feel lost, disappointed, hesitant, or weak, return to yourself, to who you are, here and now and when you get there, you will discover yourself, like a lotus flower in full bloom, even in a muddy pond, beautiful and strong.“ ~ Masaru Emoto

“If you were conscious, that is to say totally present in the Now, all negativity would dissolve almost instantly. It could not survive in your presence.” ~ Eckhart Tolle

“Do not ruin today with mourning tomorrow.” ~ Catherynne M. Valente

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

THIS Sunday, November 8th, 1 pm (note time change – this is what we decided as a group going forward, to allow for more warm up!) – Our next Paths of Heart Gathering in the backyard at 117 Evans Dr. in Fort Collins. We will be limiting the number of people on any one Sunday, so reservations (and masks!) will be required. Enter through the back gate. Once everyone is seated and our meeting begins, we’ll have the opportunity to remove our masks if everyone present is comfortable with that. We will be seated at least 6 ft. apart. Reply to this email or call 970-484-9600 to RSVP.

We are planning on scheduling a gathering every Sunday through at least November, knowing that cancellations due to weather will be very possible.

You Matter Marathon – We participate in this international movement throughout the month of November every year. For more details go to: https://youmattermarathon.com/

“Paths of Heart” Labyrinth – What a joy it was to envision and oversee the creation of our labyrinth and Zen Garden this spring/summer! This was intentioned to be 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 to be slippery when wet, so it’s best to come on a dry day!

Gratitudes

We are grateful for all those who are supporting Paths of Heart financially during these challenging times. Expenses still exist, even when we can’t meet in our regular way these days. Several have chosen automatic monthly donations through Paypal, which is a big help.  Let us know if you’d like more information on this option.
https://www.pathsofheart.org/donate/

What are you grateful for today?

“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

“When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears.” ~ Anthony Robbins

“If the only prayer you said was thank you, that would be enough.” ~ Meister Eckhart

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!

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

Posted on

Letting Go…Again!

Letting Go…Again!

Sunday, November 1st

Well, our October 18th gathering was cancelled due to cold and windy weather. We thought we’d see if it could be rescheduled for this Sunday, the 25th, but TRULY frigid temps and the prediction of a foot of snow put the kibosh on that idea! SO, we’re looking forward to November 1st, when (so far) the temps look tolerable. We’ll keep our theme of letting go – an annual fall topic coinciding with the falling leaves. It’s always a great reminder and perhaps more so this year, as there seems to be such a plethora of things to let go of! We’ll also celebrate Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and the start of the You Matter Marathon https://youmattermarathon.com/ which Paths of Heart participates in every year. We are changing our meeting time to 11:30 a.m. on November 1st to allow for a bit more warming up. It’s also the end of Daylight Saving Time so we’ll get an extra hour of sleep (and maybe more warming up?) when we set our clocks BACK one hour on Saturday night. See you in the Paths of Heart backyard (117 Evans Dr., Fort Collins, CO 80524) and remember to RSVP ( see the “Looking Ahead” section below for details).
Enjoy the colors while they last!
Colleen and Mark

Quotes to ponder

“Let go of certainty. The opposite isn’t uncertainty. It’s openness, curiosity and a willingness to embrace paradox, rather than choose up sides. The ultimate challenge is to accept ourselves exactly as we are, but never stop trying to learn and grow.” ~ Tony Schwartz

“To let go does not mean to get rid of. To let go means to let be. When we let be with compassion, things come and go on their own.” ~ Jack Kornfield

“Pain will leave you, when you let go” ~ Jeremy Aldana

“Are you going to allow the world around you to change while you remain stagnant? Make this the time you throw away old habits that have hindered your happiness and success and finally allow your greatest self to flourish.” ~ Steve Maraboli

“Life is made up of a collection of moments that are not ours to keep. The pain we encounter throughout our days spent on this earth comes from the illusion that some moments can be held onto. Clinging to people and experiences that were never ours in the first place is what causes us to miss out on the beauty of the miracle that is the now. All of this is yours, yet none of it is. How could it be? Look around you. Everything is fleeting. To love and let go, love and let go, love and let go…it’s the single most important thing we can learn in this lifetime.” ~ Rachel Brathen

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

NEXT Sunday, November 1st, 11:30 a.m. (note time change to one hour later and also remember to set your clocks back on Saturday night!) – Our next Paths of Heart Gathering in our backyard at 117 Evans Dr. in Fort Collins. We will be limiting the number of people on any one Sunday, so reservations (and masks) will be required. Enter through the back gate. Once everyone is seated and our meeting begins, we’ll have the opportunity to remove our masks if everyone present is comfortable with that. We will be seated at least 6 ft. apart. Reply to this email or call 970-484-9600 to RSVP.

We are thinking of scheduling a gathering every Sunday through November, knowing that cancellations due to weather will be very possible. We’d like to change the meeting time to 1 or 2 pm just so it’ll have a chance to warm up some! Your thoughts on this are appreciated.

“Paths of Heart Labyrinth” Service Opportunity! – We are still looking for volunteers who might want to drop by occasionally (or on a regular basis) and help with clearing the labyrinth of debris and weeds. With our frequent high winds, there is a constant need to pick up twigs and limbs that fall from the trees onto the path, and we are finding that even though we put down professional grade weed barrier, our persistent bindweed is finding its way through! You can be as meticulous as you’d like (Colleen has a different word for her particular fastidiousness!), and any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

Know that you are always welcome to drop by and walk the Paths of Heart labyrinth – you do not need to let us know in advance. Do note that we have experienced the outer “halo” of glass blocks to be slippery when wet, so it’s best to come on a dry day!

Gratitudes

We are grateful for all those who are supporting Paths of Heart financially during these challenging times. Expenses still exist, even when we can’t meet in our regular way these days. Several have chosen automatic monthly donations through Paypal, which is a big help.  Let us know if you’d like more information on this option.
https://www.pathsofheart.org/donate/

What are you grateful for today?

“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

“When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears.” ~ Anthony Robbins

“If the only prayer you said was thank you, that would be enough.” ~ Meister Eckhart

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!

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