Common Street Spiritual Center

Tea, Pray, Knit
2023-01-12 14:00 - 16:00, 2023-01-26 14:00 - 16:00, 2023-02-09 14:00 - 16:00, 2023-02-23 14:00 - 16:00, 2023-03-09 14:00 - 16:00, 2023-03-23 14:00 - 16:00, 2023-05-04 14:00 - 16:00, 2023-05-18 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) and 3 more dates | MA
Join Diana, Fran and Donese every other Thursday in the Meeting Room from 2-4 pm. Bring along any handcraft you’d like to work on as we take time to enjoy one another’s company, engage in thoughtful conversations and develop new relationships. We can share thoughts about matters that affect us all such as:

children’s education,
safe neighborhoods, and
food insecurity.

We can exchange prayers and positive thoughts and seek ways to contribute to those in need.
You are welcome to drop in when you can. Children are also welcome with a parent or caregiver.
Our next Thursday gatherings are May 4th and 18th and June 1st, 15th, and 29th.
Please email Donese @ donese.sylvester@gmail.com to RSVP or ask questions.

Stories of Longing for Belonging
2023-03-11 15:00 - 16:30 | MA
In this interactive improvisational performance, True Story Theater will bring to life personal stories shared on the longing for belonging.

Are you looking for a unique and intimate experience that allows you to connect with others in a deep and meaningful way?
Would you like to witness the power of improvisation to bring personal stories to life right on the spot?
Would you like to participate in an unforgettable experience that will leave you with fresh perspectives, insight and understanding?

This powerful, moving and memorable theater experience is not to be missed!
We warmly invite you to join us for an interactive performance on the theme of Longing for Belonging, featuring skilled actors from True Story Theater and hosted by Common Street Spiritual Center.
This unique and intimate experience is designed to explore the shared human need for connection and belonging in a world where we can sometimes feel fragmented, disconnected, isolated, or just lonely.
Through the art of creative improvisation, using movement, music, song, and dialogue, the performers will embody and reflect the heart of each story shared by audience volunteers – however ordinary or extraordinary, challenging or joyful.
This powerful and transformative form of theater is known as Playback Theatre. It offers a truly moving experience that fosters empathy – essential for building strong relationships and creating a supportive environment for spiritual growth.
This event offers a space for exploration and reflection, and an opportunity to witness the community’s value, meaning, and purpose in action. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in connection, community, or creative expression.
So come join us for a magical afternoon of listening, learning, laughter, and tears, and witness the power of True Story Theater for yourself. Whether you’re a member of Common Street, friend or family, new to the community or fan of True Story, don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience!
This event is open to the public, and all are welcome.

Pricing for Eventbrite tickets:

General Admission – $15 online ($20 at the door)
Children’s Admission – $10 online ($15 at the door)

Donation Ticket – $20-$50 online (give what you can)

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stories-of-longing-for-belonging-tickets-556356405987

Door Ticket – $20 (with no one turned away for lack of funds)

Community Gathering
2023-03-12 18:00 - 21:00, 2023-05-07 17:00 - 20:00 | MA
Join us to contemplate life together!

A gathering to connect with yourself & raise your vibe!

Community Gathering
2023-03-26 17:00 - 20:00 | MA
The ceremony offers you a unique opportunity to reconnect with your higher self and tap into an inner well of energy, peace, and willpower.
Come find inspiration, community, and connection!

Children's Easter Festival
2023-04-08 14:00 - 16:00 | MA
Join us for children’s Easter festivities! We’ll be celebrating the spring equinox with a lovely Ukrainian Easter story, egg painting and dying, planting flowers in our community garden, and an egg hunt outside.
We welcome friends, new and old, to gather and pause to appreciate these fun traditions associated with the turning of the season.

All ages are welcome; caregivers please attend with your children under 7.

FREE and open to the whole community, including people of all cultures and faiths

Thank you for registering so we can plan re: craft supplies! Sign up here: https://forms.gle/uVauio2jKgVGt6xZ8

Beginning in the Moon Room on the top floor; ending outside.

Red Tent Ceremony
2023-04-28 19:00 - 21:30 | MA
Calling women who desire deeper connections!
Are you craving an environment where you can show up in your rawness, be witnessed, and be heard by other women in a sacred way? Are you hungry for more than light and fluffy meditations and aching for rebirth and renewal?
Welcome to the mysteries of the Red Tent. A space where maidens, mothers, queens, and crones meet and share our stories, our pain, our sorrows, our joys, and our celebrations. Take a deep dive into the realm of the Divine Feminine, and be held and cradled in sisterhood.
What happens at a Red Tent Ceremony?
❤ We open ceremony with agreements about how we hold space for each other, without rescuing or taking away from someone’s process.
❤ We share what is in our hearts, souls, and bodies, and we embody our truest authentic form
❤ We discuss the astrology and the moon phases, seasons, and how these energies and cycles affect our lives.
❤ We honor where we are at in our cycles and rejoice in the wonderfulness of our brilliant bodies!
❤ We take a guided journey into our heart spaces to connect with what is alive for you and what you’re desiring to release or welcome into your life.
If this ignites a spark of interest in you and sets your soul ablaze, please join us Friday, April 28th at 7pm!
This event is open to those who identify as women, wherever you are in your cycle. Energy exchange: $22-44 sliding scale. Pay what you can.
Please send your offering to Colleen at https://venmo.com/u/C-puz and include your email address and “Red Tent” in the memo.
Reach out to Colleen at redtentnatick@protonmail.com to make other arrangements or if you have sensitivities to sound, smells, lighting, etc.
Things to bring
❤blankets and creature comforts
❤a journal and pen to take notes and write intentions
❤a snack to share if you feel called
❤a mug or cup for tea
❤wear clothes that make you feel beautiful in celebration of YOU.
Meet your Hosts
Colleen Puzas holds a Bachelors in Environmental Science, double minor in Natural Resources Conservation and Plant & Soil Sciences, and is a 1st generation graduate of the UMASS iCons Program. She is a teacher and supporter of internal and external system biomes, wetland science, women’s sacred spaces, herbalist practices, and alternative healing modalities, such as song, sound, and creative self-expression. She is currently enrolled in Align Your Story as a writer/poet and is a Liaison of the POWER Environmental Division’s Employee Engagement Committee. She studies the earth-based traditions of the Work that Reconnects, fire tending, and revitalization of the Spiral Dance goddess wisdom. She also follows the heart-centered language of the Universe and participates in ForestDance. From my heart to yours, I welcome you.
Stephanie Lynn Brown is a licensed and trauma informed massage therapist, craniosacral therapist, certified practitioner of Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy® with over 16 years experience in hands-on healing and bodywork. She has a bachelor’;s degree in psychology and background in mental health specializing in behavior modification, and has been training in ceremonial arts for close to a decade. Stephanie is a Tantric Priestess and has studied divine embodiment and sacred sexuality, and is passionate about encouraging folks with mental illness, disabilities, and history of trauma to live their best lives and advocate for themselves in a variety of ways. She is an avid herbalist, animal communicator, and life-long student and seeker of Truth. She is a proponent for safe and ethical use of psychedelics and entheogens for healing trauma and working through energetic blockages.

Open Circle and Community Brunch
2023-05-07 10:30 - 12:00, 2023-06-04 10:30 - 12:00 | MA
On the first Sundays of the month, we combine our Open Circle Gathering with a community potluck brunch.

We gather and connect in a more relaxed, less structured way, yet with threads of meaning and spirituality tying it all together.

You’re welcome, if it would bring you joy, to contribute a food or drink item to share as part of the community brunch. Another option is to bring non-perishable food or toiletry items for our free mini-pantry.

If you’re new to Open Circle, you’re welcome to sign up here so you can be in the loop for future gatherings: https://forms.gle/Aa18ZuGfyy4Nv3gq7

Our community is finding a creative place in the spiritual world, where new forms of spiritual practice, artistic expression, and self-awareness are emerging to support humanity to meet the challenges of our times. We are finding balance within ourselves, making peace across differences, and stepping up to protect the Earth.

We welcome folks of all beliefs and backgrounds to build community with us as we align around a hopeful sense of common purpose. To become a member, please fill out the membership form here: www.commonstreet.org/membership

Natick Music Makers
2023-05-26 19:00 - 21:00 | MA
What: Natick Music Makers
When: Friday, May 26, 2023, 7-9pm
Where: Common Street Spiritual Center, Upstairs
How much: Cost; 100% of your $10 entry fee goes to the center to support its mission*
Who: You & Us!! ?
Hello! We want to play music with YOU!
If you have a basic musical ability (play an instrument, know your chords), We welcome you to bring your instrument; guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, ukelele, voice, and more – for a night of playing songs together. We’ll finish out the night with a jam.
Point of the event is to have fun and make music together. There is little expectation beyond that.
Format of the event: we’ll play relatively easy songs which are 3-5 chords. We’ll have a list to choose from for this event, and we’ll cast them on a screen / or have on poster-boards, so everyone can see the chords and lyrics. We’ll draw numbers from a hat @ 7pm and that will be the order of those wanting to lead a song. If you just want to play, then just play!
Genres include but not limited to Rock, Pop, Folk, Blues. Typically, we’ll be mostly in 4/4 time to keep things simple. I’ll start off the 1st song to get us warmed up, then we’ll take turns leading a song (optional if you desire to).
Note: we’ll play mostly “clean” in terms of sound, but some basic pedals / effects are permitted such as Wah, Compressor, Reverb, Delay, etc. Ear plugs will be available.
Also Note: respectfulness of everyone’s ability level is expected, kindness is appreciated. This is for fun, and there is no expectation that the songs will sound like the original nor do we really desire for it to.
Keep your alcohol and drugs and pets at home.
We’ll take a break about halfway through to socialize and munch on snacks.
If you have any questions, you can reach me by email: MrDaveStewart@gmail.com
Hope to see you there!

Natick Music Makers

*Free if you’re a member of Common St. Spiritual Center. See this link if interested: https://commonstreet.org/membership/

Alex Cook Art Opening
2023-05-28 14:00 - 16:00 | MA
Alex Cook is a public artist who had created over 220 murals in 20 states around the US and 4 countries. (www.stonebalancer.com) As creator of the YOU ARE LOVED Mural Project he works with organizations of all types including schools, prisons, shelters, and government organizations. These collaborations create love-focused murals (like the one downstairs at Common Street Spiritual Center!) that bring together the power of art and community to support a warmer, more loving society. (www.youarelovedmurals.com)
Alex will speak about his nation-wide work with the YOU ARE LOVED Project as well as show pictures of the process. Beyond the paintng process Alex will share how bringing this message of love to all kinds of locations has created conversations and even saved lives. On exhibit in the sanctuary are 10 of Alex’s newest works. He will discuss how creating YOU ARE LOVED murals opened the door to creating new work, revolutionizing his creative process.
ARTIST STATEMENT:
For most of my 30 years of art making my inclination has been to make representational art – pictures of things to tell a story or express a feeling.
The 10 works currently on display in the sanctuary represent a departure from that style. Having spent the last several years working on YOU ARE
LOVED murals whose content is only the lines, colors, and contrasts of words and letters, I have found myself much more interested in how to make
soulful, heartfelt work that uses only formal elements – line, color, and contrast – to create beauty.
The earliest of these works (on the right wall) were created improvisationally. I created patterns of color on the individual papers and
then arranged them to create the larger final piece. Later I realized I could arrange the papers first and then, still using the geometric patterns on each
paper, make a single image that would unify the piece. I began simply with the green and red rings and quickly moved to more complex images like the Floating Man.
In these 10 works you can see the development of my thinking from the earlier purely geometrical pieces on the right to the pieces on the left which
each contain an image created by or event through the geometrical patterns.
Enjoy!
Alex Cook, May 2023
Alex Cook is a public artist who had created over 220 murals in 20 statesaround the US and 4 countries. (www.stonebalancer.com) As creator of the
YOU ARE LOVED Mural Project he works with organizations of all types to make love-focused murals (like the one downstairs in this building!) that bring together the power of art and community to create a warmer, more loving society. (www.youarelovedmurals.com)

The Natick Dance Showcase
2023-05-28 18:30 - 21:00 | MA
The Natick Dance Showcase features dance styles from around the world with exotic music, dazzling costumes and enchanting performers, both solo and in troupes. The showcase will have 14 acts to offer you a full evening of entertainment. The doors of the Common Street Spiritual Center will open at 6:00pm and the show will begin at 6:30pm. Cost is $10 with kids under 12 getting in for free.
Yes, it’s a holiday weekend, but if you want to stay local and get some great cultural enrichment for a few dollars, come join us at the CSSC!

A River Flows Through Me: A Thematic Presentation Through Dance
2023-06-10 15:30 - 17:00 | MA
The river, the vein of our earth, enriches the land! By flowing through hills, villages, and cities, the river supports the lives of plants, birds, fishes, and humans.
We get mesmerized by its beauty. A fisherman depends on it for livelihood, while the poet and artist get inspired by its beauty and create!
The river gives refuge to the sick, old, tired, socially unacceptable and retired, by its soothing sound of rippling, flowing water.
But as we use and enjoy the river, we remain somewhat numb to the ways we abuse it. So who will give refuge to the river?
Free and open to the public.

Ayahuasca and Plant Medicine (Potluck Gathering)
2023-06-11 12:00 - 13:30 | Fellowship Hall @ Common Street, 13 Common Street, Natick, MA, 01760, United States

Red Carpet Reveries (Inter-generational Chorus Concert)
2023-06-11 16:00 - 17:30 | MA
Enjoy a free concert of Hollywood favorites! The ongoing collaboration between Golden Tones chorus and the Natick High School choral program continues, with our first public event since Jan 2020. Sing along to iconic numbers from the silver screen, with songs beloved by all generations!

Community-Wide Juneteenth Celebration
2023-06-19 10:00 - 18:30 | Natick Common, 12 S Main St, Natick, MA, 01760, United States
Join our wider local community in this celebration of freedom and liberation! May we all be inspired to overcome dynamics of racism and create a more equitable, inclusive, and joyful world.

Poetry by Black Americans Juneteenth Nature Walk
2023-06-19 17:30 - 18:30 | Upper Mill Brook Conservation Area, 107 Concord Road, Wayland, MA, 01778, United States
Enjoy a walk through the woods and over streams while reading and reflecting on nature poetry written by Black Americans in recognition of Juneteenth. The walk will be at Upper Mill Brook in Wayland and will be led by Rabbi Katy Allen. Registration requested. Email rabikza@gmail.com to RSVP and get the meeting location.

Screening of Black N Black
2023-06-19 18:30 - 20:30 | MA
Black N Black is an award-winning documentary by local filmmaker Zadi Zokou. It explores the history, current state, and future of the relationship between Africans and African Americans. The screening is part of Natick’s town-wide celebration of Juneteenth. Please join us for the screening and a Q&A with Zadi Zokou.
This event is free and open to the public.

Breaking Through: Stories of Daring to Thrive
2023-06-24 15:00 - 16:30 | MA
Experience the Transformative Power of Playback Theatre!
We warmly invite you to join us for an interactive performance on the theme of Breaking Through: Daring to Thrive, featuring the talented actors from True Story Theater and hosted by Common Street Spiritual Center.
This unique and heartfelt experience will explore our shared human need for thriving in a world that often challenges us to simply survive or settle for less.
Now more than ever we need the courage to break through the barriers that hold us back, whether personal, social, or even self-imposed.
This event is about you, about us, about every human being who dares to step into the unknown, rise above challenges, and embrace life.

RESERVE YOUR SEAT now and be part of this empowering experience!
Tickets: Adults – $15 advance/$20 at the door
Children (under 12) – $10 advance/$15 at the door
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/breaking-through-stories-of-daring-to-thrive-tickets-646684038367

Imagine an afternoon dedicated to hearing stories that echo your own. Imagine the thrill of seeing your own personal story – whether it’s filled with joy or struggle, failure or success – come alive on the spot. Feel the camaraderie in a room full of people just like you who have dared to dream, dared to act, dared to thrive.
Through the art of creative improvisation, using movement, music, song, and dialogue, the performers will embody and reenact the heart of each story that members of the audience share with us – however ordinary or extraordinary.
More than just a theatrical experience, this is an opportunity for reflection, exploration and connection. Whether you’re looking for a spark of inspiration, or you’ve got a story of your own to share, you are welcome!
So come witness the power of True Story Theater for yourself. We promise an afternoon filled with listening, laughter, a few tears and many profound moments. Prepare to be captivated!
It doesn’t matter if you’re part of Common Street, a friend or family member, new to the community, or a True Story fan. This is an experience you won’t want to miss!
Get your ticket now, and join us for an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling inspired, moved, and connected.
This event is open to the public, and all are welcome (kids too).
What is True Story Theater?
Welcome to True Story Theater, a magical space where real life meets the stage. We believe in the transformative power of stories shared in community. Our actors are skilled in the art of Playback Theatre, an interactive, improvisational approach that embraces authenticity, promotes empathy, and celebrates the human spirit.
In our world, every experience, every story and every voice matters. And that includes yours. We honor each person’s strength and vulnerability, each story’s unique rhythm and right to be heard.
At a True Story show, you will have the opportunity to engage with your own experiences and share them if you feel called to do so. Our actors create a reflective mirror for you to view your own experiences in a new light.
We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives to share their stories. We all need to be reminded that our lives have value, meaning and purpose, and we are capable of amazing things. Your story could be just the one someone else needs to hear. We look forward to sharing this incredible journey with you.

COVID-19 Safety Measures
Event will be indoors. We are not requiring masks. Please feel free to wear a mask if you wish, though. The performance space is quite large, with plenty of room for social distancing if needed.

Image Credit: (c) 2018 Peter Conlan, Unsplash

Reggae Dance Party
2023-07-01 18:00 - 22:00 | MA
Reggae Dance Party
International Reggae Day Celebration #ONEJULY
Saturday, July 1st, 2023
Live Performances by Toussaint the Liberator, Lady Lee, D’Arryval, NyJah, King Rhymez
100% Reggae selections by DJs Jah Rich and Brave Prince
@ Common Street Spiritual Center, 13 Common Street, Natick, MA 01760
6-10 pm, $10 or food pantry donation, ALL AGES, Commonstreet.org
Jamaican Food Catering by JaCan Kitchen!
Strictly Yard Entertainment presents an evening of sweet Reggae music on Saturday, July 1st featuring live performances by Boston’s best Reggae artists, live DJs, and catering by award winning JaCan Kitchen, serving the best in Jamaican cuisine. The Common Street Spiritual Center is the place to be, and this ever popular venue boasts a brand new sound system which is ready to boom Reggae, Ska, and Dub!
Boston’s top live Reggae artists will grace the stage of Common Street in celebration of International Reggae Day #ONEJULY. The lineup includes Toussaint the Liberator (2022 New England World Music Award winner), Lady Lee (Boston’s First Lady of Dancehall), D’Arryval (acclaimed Dancehall artist), plus NyJah and King Rhymez, whose latest single Mama Africa is getting radio play from Brooklyn to Zimbabwe! DJs Brave Prince and Jah Rich continue to promote quality Reggae shows in and around New England, and play weekly on Nice Up Radio. From classics like Half Print’s “Greetings” and Desmond Dekker’s “Conqueror” to insider cuts like Daweh Congo “Coconut Chalice” and Sister Nancy “Rude Gyal,” all styles of Reggae music will play!
Saturday, July 1st promises to be a night of “total niceness” with live Reggae artists, top DJs, and delicious Jamaican food at the Common Street Spiritual Center (the MetroWest’s hub for community events and spiritual entrepreneurship). Make it a date, and don’t be late! Doors open at 6 pm for this all ages event with plenty of free parking. Vendors and potential sponsors please contact: Dubplatesteel@gmail.com
