NO MEETING IN JUNE. We'll return to our regular schedule in July
TALK CIRCLE
Meaningful Conversations Exploring the Inner Journey
2nd Thursday of each month • 6:30 to 8:00pm
Be part of our ongoing circle of conversation where, each month, we explore stimulating subjects that could affect our quality of life and vitality. What are some options to inject meaning into our lives and move us farther along our paths?
Many of the spiritual authors encourage us to find purpose for being alive, one that offers a vibrant, juicy life. That purpose can be bold and noble, as in service to the planet, and it can be small and intimate, offering personal fulfillment and joy.
TALK CIRCLE offers options for self-exploration and the roles they can play in our lives and our spiritual growth, contributing to a meaningful life.
Each monthly topic focuses on a guest or two who concentrate in that field and can offer insight to its workings, and benefits derived. Group conversation is encouraged and is open to Q & A while also being facilitated by Joyce Richman, a former TV program producer & executive.
AUGUST TALK CIRCLE
Our next get together will be on Thursday, August 13 at 6:30 where we delve into the philosophy of TAOISM with Dr. Michael Naparstek, Assoc. Prof of Religious Studies at UT.
Simply put, the Tao (the Way), is an invisible, cosmic force that flows through and balances all things in the universe. It is the source of all things and the nature of all things.
In our group we'll read verses of the Tao De Ching, a foundational ancient Chinese text attributed to the master Laozi (Lao Tzu). It translates to "The Book of the Way and its Virtue" or "The Classic of the Way and its Power". Written around the 4th to 6th century BCE, it consists of 81 short, poetic chapters that shape the core of Taoist philosophy
We'll hear a short description of the difference between Buddhism & Taoism.... and some of the foundational principles of the Tao.
We'll also discuss several philosophical points raised by Ilchi Lee in his book, Living Tao
In preparation, please feel free to read two articles written by Dr.Naparstek in the publication, The Conversation.
https://theconversation.com/what-taoism-teaches-about-the-body-and-being-healthy-219374
https://theconversation.com/from-ancient-texts-to-modern-practices-daoism-provides-a-profound-framework-for-understanding-the-world-not-as-broken-but-as-naturally-seeking-balance-272115
I hope you'll find it to be an enlightening 90 minutes where your contribution adds to the richness of conversation.
Hosted by Joyce Richman
As a former non-fiction TV program creator, producer, director and executive – she produced hundreds of talk show hours as well as many series & specials. Joyce worked in Pittsburgh, Boston and Chicago, for national syndication, and, after producing two series in Chicago for HGTV’s inaugural year, was recruited to Knoxville as their first Director of Programming and later VP. She’s retired from the business.
Joyce also recently facilitated the book discussion at MLC, LIVING TAO by Ilchi Lee.
Planned Talk Circles
Topics may change based on scheduling and availability of guest speakers.
FEBRUARY 12 - What defines a meaningful life?
MARCH 12 - What is past life regression and how might it heal a person’s current life?
APRIL 9 - Buddhism, its premise and its fundamentals
IMPORTANT: May meeting will be 6pm at Ijams Nature Center
MAY 14 - Sylvotherapy – or forest bathing
Related to Taoist practices, revering nature and becoming enveloped by it is the basic premise to forest bathing. Suggested reading - “The Hidden Life of Trees –what they feel, how they communicate” by Michael Wohlleben. We may also schedule a day retreat in the Smokies for a forest bathing session.
JUNE 11 - No meeting
JULY 9 - Life Coach, what role can they play in one’s search for direction?
AUGUST 13 – Taoism or Daoism – its premise as connection to the nature of things
SEPTEMBER 10 - Transcendent experiences – the potential for psychedelics, sound baths, deep meditation, near death experiences…
OCTOBER 8 - Aromatherapy – its benefits
NOVEMBER 12 - Acupuncture – why, how and when?
DECEMBER 10 - Reiki – what it is, how it works