New series
Sacred Sessions in the Oude Kerk
75 minutes of contemplative practice, spiritual teachings & collective reflection. Everyone is welcome.
Many of us meditate alone and reflect internally. But without community, it feels like something is missing.
The Sacred Sessions are an opportunity to explore our inner-world collectively. Leaving our phone at the door, we gather in the beautiful Oude Kerk for 75 minutes of contemplative practices, spiritual teachings (mixed with philosophy and poetry), and group reflection.
The sessions are inspired by the seasons. Summer invites us to revel in abundance. Fall calls for discernment and mourning. Winter is a time for listening and rest. Spring beckons us towards hope and renewal.
Fall 2024 Edition
September 17th, 20h. Inhabiting the Threshold
We’re told we’re at the edge of great change, on the precipice of a paradigm shift, and living in liminal space. As the seasons shift, we’ll use this first autumn session to gear into the sensations of life at the thresholds, from the personal to the planetary.
October 10th, 20h. Merry be Thy Mischief
Despite algorithmic predictions and recommendations settling into the culture, we also feel like we’re alive in unprecedented times. Let’s hop into the paradox and see what sly gifts it has to offer. We’ll play with philosophy of Nora Bateson and Báyò Akómoláfé, and dare a little improvisation.
October 22nd, 20h. The Art of Recognition
POSTPONED TO DECEMBER 3RD.
November 5th, 20h. Dancing in Time
The ticking-clock makes it seem like time is linear and the past is gone. But, as William Faulkner wrote, “The past is not dead. The past isn’t even the past.” In this session we’ll feel out the textures of time and the aliveness of our memories.
November 19th, 20h. Grief as a Praise Song
Grief emerges from the loss or anticipated loss of someone we love. And it can feel as complicated as love, too. Together we’ll tenderly traverse the inner-landscape of grief, treating it as a mode of praise for those whom we will always love.
December 3rd, 20h. The Art of Recognition
Seeing and being seen without jumping into action is a deep offering to the world. But it can be hard to resist the urge to change, fix, or even deny what’s right in front of us. Together, we’ll explore the art of recognition by practicing agenda-free presence.
Your host
Madelaine Ley
Madelaine Ley is a philosopher with over a decade of spiritual training. Her research and practice is always in service to deepening connection and nurturing beauty.