Beginning in May, our Gentle Yoga class will center on the ancient Jewish spiritual discipline called “Mussar.”

 

Rabbi Elya Lopian defines Mussar as “Making the heart feel what the intellect understands. Author Alan Morinia adds, “Mussar’s teachings and practices help us work a radical inner transformation by showing us how to close the gap between the high ideals we hold in mind and the living truth of how we act in the world.”  Mussar philosophy identifies thirteen Middot ha’nefesh, traits of the soul: gratitude, trust, lovingkindness, simplicity, non-judgment, silence, generosity, zeal, order, humility, courage and equanimity.

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Each week, we will center on one of the thirteen traits, reflecting on their beauty and challenge, hearing a related poem, embodying them in our practice.

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Gentle Yoga is for all ages and levels of experience. You can practice on the mat, in a chair, or a little bit of both.

 

You can join in person in Edwards Hall or on-line! Click here for the Zoom link.  

 

This class is led by Debbie Clark. 

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Suggested donation $10-$20. More if you can, less if you can't. 

Join us for a relaxing 8-week session of Gentle Yoga, led by seasoned teacher Sarah Hofschire. These sessions are the perfect way to relax and prepare your body and mind for the days ahead.

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8 week Gentle Yoga Series

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May 7, 14, 21

June 4, 11, 18

July 10, 16

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8 weeks for $160 (if you can attend 7 of the classes, you may pay $20 per class)

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If you are unable to commit to 7 of the 8 dates at $20 per class you may prorate classes at $25 per class. Drop-ins are $30.

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Please pay by personal check, Venmo (@Sarah-Hofschire) or cash. Payment is not due until the first class.

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To register, please email Sarah at sazah16@gmail.com.

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Classes are held in Edwards Hall.

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About Sarah:

I completed 200 Hour Yoga Alliance Teacher Certification in 2015 through The Yoga for Life program created and lead by the exceptional team of Sandra Dennis and Abby Schwab. I have taught classes in several local studios over the years as well as private classes. My teaching style is all-levels/gentle with a focus on increased balance, strength, mobility and mind-body connection with a bit of creative movement added to the mix.

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Led by Artist-in-Residence, Valarie Poitier

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Come join us for a brief demonstration of memory/junk journal making and various techniques used to create them. 

 

During this introductory session, you will be able to make and take a small journal.  We will be using all recycled materials.

 

Please bring along any of the following supplies if you have them: music sheets, scrap book paper, old books in any condition or language, coloring books, magazines, card stock, recycled envelopes, and gently used stationary or copy paper.

 

No experience required!

 

This introductory class is complimentary. Donations to support Open Spirit are always welcomed and appreciated. 

 

Registration is required so that we can plan for space and materials.  To register, please click here. *Please note a minimum number of participants is required to offer this workshop. We will notify registrants by email if the workshop is canceled.

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This workshop is scheduled to take place in either Edwards Hall or the downstairs art studio. Please note that the art studio is accessible only via stairs and does not have elevator access.​

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If using stairs presents any challenges for you, we are more than willing to accommodate your needs by selecting an accessible space. 

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Kindly inform us in advance so we can ensure a comfortable and inclusive experience for all participants.​

Embark on a transformative journey with The Path to Awakening: Seven Points of Mind Training workshop series. Rooted in the ancient Eastern wisdom tradition, this series delves into  profound practices, designed to cultivate deep compassion and mindfulness.

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What You'll Experience:

• Guided Meditations: Engage in structured sessions that center the mind, fostering a state of calm abiding.

• Practical Teachings: Learn skillful methods to transform daily challenges into opportunities for spiritual growth.

• Community Support: Connect with like-minded individuals on the path to inner peace and enlightenment.

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These workshops are offered on a sliding scale of $25-35 per session.

Cash and check are accepted in person or pay online through PayPal.
Click here to pay via PayPal.

 

We appreciate RSVPs so that we can plan appropriately.  We encourage you to attend the full series of workshops, but you may RSVP and attend single sessions. Click here to RSVP to the series or individual sessions.

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​These workshops will be held in Edwards Hall.

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Join us to explore the art of centering the mind and opening the heart.  This workshop series is an invitation to transform your life through the timeless teachings of the Seven Points of Mind Training.

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Led by Artist-In-Residence Valarie Poitier

 

An introduction to creating journals, or fun booklets to use as a gift. We will make these from recycled cardboard, envelopes, old jewelry, buttons, ribbons and lace, and used copy paper. Our goal is to have fun make something beautiful with zero waste and walk away with special items to use or gift to others. Each session will focus on a different technique.  Join us for community and fun.

No experience needed!

 

Bring your own materials or use what we have on hand. Materials include our own recycled items like photocopies of photos or precious notes, letters, recipes, old books (even torn pages) in any language, greeting cards, unopened junk mail or used envelopes. And things like nearly worn-out playing cards, tea or coffee stained papers or fabric scraps.  

 

Each session will teach a new skill like adding side pockets, belly bands, tags, and decorated paper clips. Near the end of each session  we will gather the left over bits and pieces and make up kits for gifts for our selves others. 

 

We will have on hand scrapbook making tools, scissors for paper cutting, glue sticks, buttons, tags, Amazon packing papers, flowers, plastic or fabric. Bring needles and thread fabric bits, if you want to make a fabric journal, a glue gun, or glue sticks. 

 

​Registration is required so that we can plan for space and supplies. You are welcome to attend single sessions or all of them. Click here to register. 

 

Cost is $20 per session.
Cash and checks made out to Open Spirit are accepted the day of each workshop. 

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​This workshop will be held in the Edwards Hall building located at 39 Edwards Street in Framingham. 

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Questions or concerns? Please email info@openspiritcenter.org 

​What stirs in us when we reach for a poem, whether sitting down to write or read the work of a favorite poet? Why do poems stay with us and continue to inform our lives?

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In this workshop, we’ll approach poetry as a vehicle for living more fully in the present and deepening our humanity. Each month we’ll focus on an element of craft in the context of a particular theme to generate new work.

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This class is for anyone interested in poetry as a spiritual practice and no previous writing experience is required to enjoy the pleasures of creative expression.

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Come join us and be inspired!

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​This class will be held from 2:00-3:30pm in-person at Open Spirit in our Edwards Hall, located at 39 Edwards Street in Framingham.

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RSVPs appreciated. To RSVP, click here. 

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​Suggested donation of $20. More if you can, less if you can't.

​Email info@openspiritcenter.org with any questions.​​​

Come celebrate Pride with the launch of a heartfelt and necessary anthology Love is For All of Us: Poems of tenderness and belonging from the LGBTQ+ community and friends. This anthology is edited by set-selling author James Crews and his husband Brad Peacock.

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James, Brad, and Special guest Lisa Breger will read poems and share stories to uplift hearts and affirm the power of love. 

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Books will be available for purchase and signing, with a  portion of proceeds going to benefit The Trevor Project. 

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Refreshments will be served. 

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This event is offered free of charge. Donations to support Open Spirit programming are gratefully accepted. Suggested donation of $20-$30, more if you can, less if you can't. 

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Kindly RSVP.  Click here to RSVP. 

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This gathering will be held in Edwards Hall.

Come together with other folks who love to create. Valarie will lead a lesson of the day for each gathering that can be adapted to meet student interests.

 

Students are encouraged to bring their own projects, start a new project or simply sit and make together in community. 

 

Open to all, all projects welcome. 

 

Valarie will provide guidance, advice and support if needed on your project. Let us know if you have tools or supplies you need to borrow to help complete your project and we may be able to provide them. 

 

This workshop will be held in the lower level art studio of the Edwards Hall building located at 39 Edwards Street in Framingham. 

*Please note that the art studio is accessible only via stairs and does not have elevator access.​ If using stairs presents any challenges for you, we are more than willing to accommodate your needs relocating to an accessible space.  Kindly inform us in advance so we can ensure a comfortable and inclusive experience for all participants.​

 

Cost is $20 per session. Cash or checks made out to Open Spirit accepted.

 

Drop-ins are welcomed but RSVPs are appreciated. To RSVP, please click here.

 

Questions or concerns? Please email info@openspiritcenter.org. 

We are proud to host a new weekly program, lead by Aiko Callahan, Physical Therapist.

The Integral Movement Method (IMM) is a gentle movement approach created by internationally recognized hypermobility movement expert Jeannie di Bon.

 

In this class, physical therapist Aiko Callahan will introduce the basics of IMM. The IMM approach may be useful for individuals who tend to injure themselves with typical exercise programs.

 

Participants may either sit or lie down during this class. Dress in layers for your own comfort. Modifications and supports are welcome! 

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For more information or to RSVP, please email aiko@aikocallahanpt.com.

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Immerse yourself in the calming vibrations of crystal singing bowls, the enchanting melodies of Koshi chimes, the soothing resonance of the  tongue drum, and other sacred instruments. each sounds is carefully curated to create a unique auditory experience that promotes deep relaxation, releases tension, and restores energetic balance.

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Alongside the healing sounds, guided meditation and reiki energy healing will further enhance your experience, helping you connect deeply with your inner peace and restore harmony within your body and mind. Allow yourself to embark on a transformative journey where sound, meditation, and reiki work together to ground you in peace, well-being, and emotional healing. This class is perfect for those seeking stress relief, relaxation, and a profound sense of balance.

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This class will be led by Caroline Goldman. To learn more about Caroline, visit breatheingratitude.com.

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​RSVPs are appreciated so that we can prepare the space. To RSVP, please click here.

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Cost is $20 per session. Only cash and check will be accepted in-person. To pay online via PayPal please click here. 

 

​This workshop will be held in Edwards Hall.​​​

We are now offering in-person Qi Gong/Tai Chi classes.  Join Kathleen Sakovitz on Wednesday mornings for Qi Gong/Tai Chi at Open Spirit. 

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All are welcome. Suitable for beginners.

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Weather permitting classes are held outside in the parking lot in from of Edwards Hall. In inclement weather, classes are held in Sue Dickerman Hall located next to Edwards Church. 

 

Suggested donation: $10-$15.
To donate with a credit card via PayPal click here. 

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If you can't make it to our in-person class, Kathleen offers Qi Gong/Tai Chi via Zoom at 8:45am on Tuesdays and Thursdays. She is looking to teach Tuesday class as a hybrid class. If you are interested in attending in-person, please email Kathleen.

 

To join one of those sessions via Zoom, click here. ​​

Michelle Goldhaber is back to lead us in Friday morning meditation. every Friday at 9:00 am via Zoom. 

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End your week with an opportunity for centering and reflection.  We will offer a brief reflection on a theme, followed by a guided meditation and a few minutes for sharing. The whole thing will be about 20 minutes, so it can mark the end of your week! 

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To join, click here.  Password is open. 

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*Yining Lu will be leading meditation on 4/25.

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