Eremos Summer Interlude Series 2022

Wednesday, June 8th — Noon – 1:00pm Central via Zoom

Kai Siedenburg on Cultivating a Sacred and Healing Connection with the Earth

What allows us to experience the sacred in nature?  How can we cultivate a deep, healing relationship with the natural world that supports and sustains both us and the Earth?  This peaceful and nourishing program will weave together guided meditation, contemplation, poetry, and sharing as we explore these themes together.

Kai Siedenburg is a nature connection guide, Ecotherapist, and poet who is passionate about helping people connect with nature as a path to greater peace, joy, and balance in their lives and in the world.  She offers group programs, individual sessions, and consulting services through Our Nature Connection and is the author of two books, Poems of Earth and Spirit and Space Between the Stones.

Wednesday, June 22nd — Noon – 1:00pm Central via Zoom

Madison Madden, A.D. on Redefining Your Relationship with the Food of the Earth.

Drawing upon her Ayurvedic and yoga practices, work with clients, and wisdom shared in her book MIND BODY FOOD, Madison will invite you to reconsider how you relate to food, nourish your body and senses, and better care for yourself and the earth.  

Madison Madden, A.D. Madison is recognized as an Ayurvedic Doctor (A.D.) by the National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA). She is also a Climate Reality Leader. Her unique combination of Ayurvedic knowledge, 10+ years intensive gurukula yogic training, background in professional dance/movement, and her deeply empathetic demeanor make her a gifted healer and passionate educator. You can find out more about her at LiveWiseHeal.com or learn about her book MIND BODY FOOD: Redefining Your Relationship with Food HERE.

Wednesday, July 13th — Noon – 1:00pm Central via Zoom

Karen Cotton on Experiencing Thin Places

What is a “thin place”? It’s often described as a location where the boundary (or veil) between heaven and earth seems “thinner” than in other places. Have you ever visited a site, especially in nature, where you just felt more “in touch” with the Divine? How did that affect you? Karen will share some thin place experiences she has had, and we’ll take a little “tour” of thin places others have discovered.

Following careers in business, education, and as a volunteer for organizations working to end homelessness and hunger, Karen Cotton earned the Master of Divinity degree from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. She enjoys facilitating study groups, listening to her partner play bluegrass music, and playing with her grandchildren. Going on a pilgrimage to the island of Iona off the west coast of Scotland remains a bucket list item for her.

Wednesday, July 27th — Noon – 1:00pm Central via Zoom

Gerry Starnes, M.Ed. on Earth Changes: A Shamanic Perspective

Drawing upon his experience teaching and practicing shamanic wisdom since the 1990’s, Gerry Starnes will welcome us by inviting us to join him in Calling in the Directions, then offer a glimpse through “shamanic eyes” of what is transpiring on our planet.

Gerry Starnes, M.Ed. has been a teacher, author, and practitioner in the Austin, Texas area since the 1990s. His practice is built upon more than 30 years of experience and training in a variety of traditions and techniques. He is the author of the award-winning book, Spirit Paths: The Quest for Authenticity, and numerous other publications. Details about his programs and writings can be found at www.gerrystarnes.com

Wednesday, August 10th — Noon – 1:00pm Central via Zoom

Rev. Doug Fritzsche on Hope Amidst Climate Change (or a spiritual look at the fears about our planet’s future).

Doug Fritzsche is a Spiritual Director and retired Presbyterian Pastor living in Austin, Texas. I have a MDiv from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary and a whole previous career as a business owner and as a photojournalist. Before moving to Austin, I spent the largest part of my life before coming here in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Wednesday, August 24th — Noon – 1:00pm Central via Zoom

Rev. Dr. Mona West on Tikkun Olam for the Earth

In Jewish teachings, this Hebrew invitation to “repair the world” offers rich inspiration for embracing actions that bring the world “closer to the harmonious state for which it was created.” (Chabad.org) Regardless of our faith tradition, Rev. Dr. Mona West will share how this beautiful invitation can call us to take action in better caring for the earth.

About Rev. Dr. Mona West: Director of Adult Christian Formation at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Austin, Dr. Mona West served on the international staff of Metropolitan Community Churches for 11 years as the director of formation and leadership development. She is retired clergy in Metropolitan Community Churches. Mona earned a doctorate in Hebrew Bible from Southern Seminary in Louisville, KY, and completed a Certificate in Spiritual Formation from Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, GA, which included study at the International Center for St. Teresa and John of the Cross in Avila, Spain. She served on the Eremos Board of Directors from 2019-2021.