Common Street Spiritual Center

Tea, Pray, Knit
2023-06-15 14:00 - 16:00, 2023-06-29 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York)
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.

Show & Share
2023-06-18 15:00 - 17:00
Held in a community circle format, this event is free of charge (donations accepted) and will provide space for folks to gather face-to-face. It will be a place where people can connect in a vibe of safety, spiritual communion, openness, honesty, and non-judgement to share whatever they wish. My hope is for this to be something of a compassionate and open-hearted ‘show and tell’ for adults, a place where the inner child can have space to play freely, experience emotional release, and heal through the joy of supportive human connection!
If you want to share feelings: fears, joys, and get into deep places that are often difficult in surface-level conversations, you are welcome. If you choose to share stories, poems, songs, life experiences, you are welcome. Want to share creative emotional expression, dance, photo albums, or something else that is important to you? YOU ARE WELCOME!
—————
-At the open and close of each meeting I will facilitate a short sound healing and guided meditation. Also, if a few people bring instruments, we could do a peaceful jam session at the end of the event… I’m always up for those!
-While I don’t wish to make any topics explicitly off limits, we will practice compassionate and respectful communication. There will be a ‘talking stick’ of some sort, so the only ground rules will be: don’t interrupt while someone is sharing, don’t respond directly to a share without asking permission first, and please do not use derogatory/demeaning language or point aggressive communication/anger at anyone.
-There is no commitment required. Come to one circle or come on a regular basis. This is not a closed or ‘regular members only’ event.
-I will bring a limited amount of snacks.
Anyone who wants to bring food and/or non-alcoholic beverages to share, you welcome to do so.
-This group will meet in the Meditation Room on the 3rd floor.
—————
I hope to build a supportive and connected community around this gathering, which will be held on a recurring basis (regular recurring time open to group discussion and potentially subject to change).
If you have any questions, please reach out to Jason at MetalionMusicOfficial@gmail.com.
*Please note that the end time of the gathering will be organic and will flow with being in the moment on that day. 5:00pm is a loose target. Anyone who wants to come but needs to come after 3:00pm or leave before 5:00pm can feel free to do so knowing that it will be received with acceptance and grace.*
Peace & Respect,
Jason Karol

Breaking Through: Stories of Daring to Thrive
2023-06-24 15:00 - 16:30
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

Community Healing Circle + Potluck
2023-06-25 14:00 - 17:00
Our community is coming together to create a healing circle, a brave space where we can be real about feeling the pain in our lives and moving through that together into a deeper joy.

We invite you into a space of vulnerability and healing. You’re welcome to bring your pain, your trauma, and also your strength and intentions to hold space for others in their healing. Together we will find balance and a reassurance that we are loved and we are OK, together. Our intention is to create a held space within which we can trust ourselves to feel the pain we need to, on the way to wholeness, and on the way to a life of greater balance and joy.

After our circle process, we’ll have space to connect together over a shared meal, to decompress, allow our normal boundaries to come back, and move ourselves gently through sustenance and nurture back into the world.

The circle is from 2-5, the potluck is from 5-7 (and is optional).

The Community Healing Circle is free and open to the whole community. Please RSVP below so we know who will be there!

****

An Invitation to Brave Space
By Micky ScottBey Jones inspired by a poem by Beth Strano
Together we will create brave space
Because there is no such thing as a “safe space”
We exist in the real world
We all carry scars and we have all caused wounds.
In this space
We seek to turn down the volume of the outside world,
We amplify voices that fight to be heard elsewhere,
We call each other to more truth and love
We have the right to start somewhere and continue to grow.
We have the responsibility to examine what we think we know,
We will not be perfect.
This space will not be perfect.|
It will not always be what we wish it to be
But
It will be our brave space together,
and
We will work in it side by side….

Show & Share (Stories of Summer Edition)
2023-07-16 15:00 - 17:00
Held in a community circle format on the 3rd floor of the center, this event is free of charge (donations accepted) and will provide space for folks to gather face-to-face. It will be a place where people can connect in a vibe of safety, spiritual communion, openness, honesty, and non-judgement to share. My hope is for this to be a compassionate and open-hearted ‘show and tell’ for adults, a place where the inner child can have space to experience emotional release, connect, and heal through the joy of supportive human connection!
For this iteration, I will be trying something that was suggested to me recently. This ‘Show & Share’ will start off with a theme. So, the first round of sharing will be focused on the phrase “stories of summer.” Stories, memories, pictures, poems, songs… please bring something to share with the group that is from and/or reminds of past summer experience from you life.
Then, if there is time, we will open the floor to a round of more freestyle sharing… fears, joys, and get into deep places that are often difficult in surface-level conversations, stories, poems, songs, life experiences, creative emotional expression, dance, photo albums… all are fair game for the freestyle round!
—————
-At the open and close of each meeting I will facilitate a short sound healing and guided meditation. Also, if a few people bring instruments, we could do a peaceful jam session at the end of the event… I’m always up for those!
-While I don’t wish to make any topics explicitly off limits, we will practice compassionate and respectful communication. There will be a ‘talking stick’ of some sort, so the only ground rules will be: don’t interrupt while someone is sharing, don’t respond directly to a share without asking permission first, and please do not use derogatory/demeaning language or point aggressive communication/anger at anyone.
-There is no commitment required. Come to one circle or come on a regular basis. This is not a closed or ‘regular members only’ event.
-I will bring a limited amount of snacks. Anyone who wants to bring food and/or non-alcoholic beverages to share, you welcome to do so.
—————
I hope to build a supportive and connected community around this gathering, which will be held on a recurring basis (regular recurring time open to group discussion and potentially subject to change).
If you have any questions, please reach out to Jason at MetalionMusicOfficial@gmail.com or (508)254-0263.
*Please note that the end time of the gathering will be organic and will flow with being in the moment on that day. 5:00pm is a loose target. Anyone who wants to come but needs to come after 3:00pm or leave before 5:00pm can feel free to do so knowing that it will be received with acceptance and grace.*
Peace & Respect,
Jason Karol

Heart To Heart - Cacao Ceremony & Deep Connection Games (In Person)
2023-07-19 18:30 - 21:00
You are invited to join us at a truly unique and connected event: Heart To Heart. During this special evening we’ll be blending two of my favorite things:
A magical Cacao ceremony to help us all drop into our hearts, followed by some really fun, deeply engaging connection games.
WHAT IS A CACAO CEREMONY?
A Cacao Ceremony is a ritualistic gathering where participants drink ceremonial-grade Cacao to foster a sense of unity, openness, and introspection.
The ceremonial-grade Cacao serves as a natural heart opener, encouraging a deep emotional connection to oneself and to others in the group.
The value of this ceremony lies in its power to dissolve barriers, enhance mindfulness, and nurture a warm sense of community, helping individuals to experience deeper levels of connection and understanding.
WHAT MAKES THIS CACAO SPECIAL?
I pride myself on serving some of the best-tasting ceremonial Cacao you’ll ever have. Cacao is not the same thing as hot chocolate. It’s a bitter stimulant, and it’s generally fairly watery and bitter.
Mine is different.
I prepare mine with full fat oat milk for a smooth, creamy base and source our Cacao from Prophecy Chocolate, known for its premium quality.
Then I add a unique blend of spices (including a hint of cayenne pepper), vanilla, and maple syrup to sweeten it.
It’s a heartwarming drink that not only tastes great but also helps set the stage for deeper, more meaningful interactions.
Next we move into playing some deep connection games
WHAT ARE DEEP CONNECTION GAMES?
Rather than having a bunch of polite small talk, we will focus on playing games that create heartfelt connections with each other.
By participating in these heart opening games, you’ll not only have a lot of fun, but you’ll learn a so much about yourself and the people around you. You’ll get to share things you would normally never get to share at a typical social gathering.
Does that sound like music to your ears? I am excited to co-create this intentional social / ceremonial gathering together with you.
EVENT DETAILS & LOGISTICS
Where is it? – The event is held at the Common Street Spiritual Center in Natick, MA which is a beautiful facility for an event like this.
What time? – We start promptly at 6:30 PM and go until 9:00 PM (with a break in the middle). Please plan on arriving by 6:15pm so you have time to park, and then settle in and meet the others.
HOW TO REGISTER: Pricing and registration details are on the Eventbrite page here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/674546906957
I’m looking forward to seeing you there.
Warmly,
Jason
P.S. – Please check the FAQ section at the bottom of the Eventbrite link to make sure Cacao is safe for you. It generally is for most people, but it’s good to have a look to be sure.

Book Discussion: Decolonizing Wealth
2023-10-04 12:00 - 12:40, 2023-10-11 12:00 - 12:40, 2023-10-18 12:00 - 12:40, 2023-10-25 12:00 - 12:40, 2023-11-01 12:00 - 12:40, 2023-11-08 12:00 - 12:40, 2023-11-15 12:00 - 12:40, 2023-11-22 12:00 - 12:40 | Online
CSSC member and Outreach Coordinator for Family Promise Metrowest Paula Brown will facilitate a series of discussions related to Decolonizing Wealth by Edgar Villaneuva, a renowned activist, author, and philanthropy expert who offers a crucial perspective on wealth and philanthropy. As a member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, Villanueva advises a diverse range of organizations on social impact strategies, working with philanthropic entities, Fortune 500 corporations, and entertainment enterprises. His work empowers communities, giving them control over their own narratives and representations while striving for increased visibility across all sectors of society. In “Decolonizing Wealth,” he examines the role of colonialism in philanthropy, the wealth gap, and the prevailing power dynamics in modern philanthropic structures.

Just Desserts: Striving for Housing Justice
2023-10-26 19:00 - 20:30 | UU Wellesley, 309 Washington St., Wellesley, MA, 02481, United States
Striving for Housing Justice: Learn more about how the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization (GBIO) works for the public good by coalescing, training, and organizing people along religious, racial, ethnic, class and neighborhood lines. ALL ARE WELCOME! Dessert served at 7p; Program from 7:30 – 8:30 in the Parish Hall of UU Wellesley (309 Washington St.)

Depolarizing Within, a Braver Angels Workshop
2023-11-04 14:00 - 17:00 | France
Polarization can be driven by how we talk with like-minded people about those on the other side. Too often, we stereotype, dismiss, or ridicule our fellow citizens who support the other political party, its leaders, and its policies.
This free 3 hour workshop teaches participants:
• How to be more aware of their own “inner polarizer”
• How to be critical without demonizing, dismissing or stereotyping large swaths of the population
• How to constructively intervene in polarizing social conversations with like-minded people.
Anyone interested in examining their own inner polarization and learning strategies to disagree without condemning or ridiculing others is encouraged to come.
The follow-up workshop, Skills for Bridging the Divide will be offered on Nov 11.

Joyful Warrior: Self-Care & Wild Wellness Circle
2023-11-11 10:30 - 12:00 | Meeting Room of CSSC
Come in cozy clothes for a rejuvenating self-care session and leave feeling uplifted and supported in your self-care journey.
Popularized self-care seems to be all about buying things and sitting in a bathtub, but this workshop goes into holistic, sustainable, and new approaches to self-care inspired by listening to your specific needs and Wild Wellness practices for wellness and wholeness.
Our circle consists of an opening grounding practice and a brief lecture that flows into open sharing.

Skills for Bridging the Divide a Braver Angels Workshop
2023-11-11 14:00 - 17:00
In our current polarized political environment, many people avoid or dread political conversations with friends or family members whose politics differ from their own. They worry, rightly so, that any attempts at political discussions will devolve into arguments and acrimony, and result in hurt feelings or anger.
Braver Angels Skills for Bridging the Divide Workshops teach skills for having respectful conversations that clarify differences, search for common ground, and affirm the importance of the relationship. They also give participants a safe environment to practice those skills.
This workshop is approximately 2 ½ hours long.

Interfaith Book Discussion
2023-11-11 15:00 - 16:30 | Islamic Society of Boston in Wayland, 126 Boston Post Road, Wayland, MA
Join in a groundbreaking discussion about how Christian views of the Prophet Muhammad are evolving to support greater interfaith unity.

Deep Connection Mixer - An Evening Of Unforgettable Connections
2023-11-25 19:00 - 21:00 | Sanctuary at Common Street Spiritual Center, 13 Common Street, Natick, MA, 01760, United States
Have you ever attended a meetup or some other social gathering and gotten stuck in “small talk” that went nowhere?
Are you tired of polite, boring conversations that don’t light a spark and make you really feel something inside?
If you answered “yes” to either of these questions, then you’re going to love this.
This is a unique kind of social event where the focus is on playing games that create interesting conversations and profound connections with some warm and amazing people.
By participating in these eye-opening (and heart-opening) exercises, you’ll not only have a lot of fun, but you’ll learn a so much about yourself and the people around you.
And on a practical level, you’ll also learn tools that you can use in your everyday life to create deeper connections with others.
WHY COME TO A DEEP CONNECTION MIXER?
You’ll discover how you are truly experienced by others in fun, eye-opening, and compassionate ways.
You’ll learn to navigate those moments when you’re not sure what you’re going to say next, and surprise yourself at how interesting and creative you really are when you stop trying to manage how others see you.
You’ll learn how to share yourself more authentically in conversation, and that will serve you in other areas of your life as well.
Rather than having a night of boring small talk, you’ll actually get real with the people you meet… giving you the kind of deep, connected experience we often hope for at gatherings, but rarely experience.
And you’ll have a lot of fun!
Does that sound like music to your ears? This is going to be very different from what you typically experience at a meetup event. I’m excited to create this together with you!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where is it? – The event is held at the Common Street Spiritual Center in Natick, MA which is a beautiful facility for an event like this.
What time? – We start promptly at 7:00pm and go until 9:00pm (with a break in the middle). Please plan on arriving by 6:45pm so you have time to settle in and meet the other participants.
How much? – I wanted to keep this affordable for everyone, so it’s only $20 to attend. That is very inexpensive for a facilitated gathering where you are guaranteed to meet great people and actually have meaningful connections with them.
I’m looking forward to seeing you there.
Warmly,
Jason

Community Dialogue on Israel and Gaza
2023-11-26 12:30 - 14:00 | Common Street Spiritual Center, 13 Common Street, Natick, 01760, United States
We need each other. In this time of war and humanitarian crisis in Israel and Gaza, we are opening an inclusive and sensitive space for dialogue and listening.

Using a sharing circle format, we will share our thoughts and feelings, and listen to each other. The space will be free of hate speech, courteous, and respectful of all.

Our goal is to learn from each other, see how we can support each other in these times, and find ways to work together to create a more peaceful world.

Seven Sacred Talking Circles: Indigenous Wisdom from Within
2024-01-28 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-02-11 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-02-25 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-03-10 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-03-24 14:00 - 16:00 | Sanctuary at Common Street Spiritual Center, 13 Common Street, Natick, MA, 01760, United States
In honor of one of the primary principles of a Talking Circle, to be able to look into each persons’ eyes, we are holding space for 20 people at the most. You are welcome to sign up for as many, or as few, as you are called to and your schedule allows. It’s okay to over or under register and come back to the form and add or subtract a registration. If a Circle is filled you will be put on a wait list and be notified of that status, and you will be notified when a space opens. You should also expect an email a week or so ahead of time to confirm your registration. This will help ensure people on the wait list can get a spot that may have become available.

Register here: https://forms.gle/WK2jpJjKGkWNVAKf9

Sun, Jan 28 – Truth
Sun, Feb 11 – Humility
Sun, Feb 25 – Respect
Sun, Mar 10 – Love
Sun, Mar 24 – Courage
Sun, Apr 7 – Honesty
Sun, Apr 21 – Wisdom

The Seven topics are Seven Sacred Indigenous topics. How the Circle moves and what comes forth individually and collectively will be a result of who shows up on any given date. Each Circle will hold its own magic and connection to what is already embedded in you. Come and explore life through an Indigenous lens. You may be pleasantly surprised by what you find out about life and how you are called to walk in it!

Once the Seven Circles are complete, we intend to host a collective integration on Zoom where all participants can come on to share how things are moving, or have moved, since they participated in one or more of the gatherings. It promises to be a beautiful experience!

Wuniish – A gift and blessing to all from Medicine Story

Learner's Minyan Shabbat Service
2024-02-09 19:30 - 21:00 | Common Street Spiritual Center, 13 Common Street, Natick, 01760, United States
HaMakom’s Learner’s Minyan is an engaging, musical, interactive Shabbat service including traditional and contemporary elements. Rabbi Robin Sparr will provide opportunities to learn and ask questions about the rituals, music, prayers, and symbolism that comprise the evening service.

Community Dialogue on Israel and Gaza
2024-03-17 13:30 - 15:00 | Common Street Spiritual Center, 13 Common Street, Natick, 01760, United States
We need each other. In this time of war and humanitarian crisis in Israel and Gaza, we are opening an inclusive and sensitive space for dialogue and listening.

In a process facilitated by Sadik Kassim, Rabbi Robin Sparr, and Rev. Dr. Ian Mevorach, we will share our thoughts and feelings, and listen to each other. The space will be free of hate speech, courteous, and respectful of all.

Our goal is to learn from each other, see how we can support each other in these times, and find ways to work together to create a more peaceful world.

FREE and open to the public.

Awakening - Exploring The Dance Of Light & Dark
2024-03-28 19:00 - 20:30 | Sanctuary at Common Street Spiritual Center, 13 Common Street, Natick, MA, 01760, United States
Dear friends,
You are invited to join us for a unique and enriching spiritual experience at our gathering called Awakening.
This is definitely not a traditional church service. Awakening offers a space where individuals can come together to explore and deepen their spiritual journey in a supportive community setting.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT AWAKENING:
Brief Music/Meditation: Take a moment to settle in. Experience the power of mindfulness and connect with Spirit.
Interactive Exploration and Discussion: Explore both the light and dark aspects of life (and of yourself) with nuance and compassion instead of rules and judgment.
Engage in meaningful reflection, open dialogue, and explore innovative perspectives. Do you disagree with commonly held ideas about our Divine nature?
BRING IT!
This is a place where you have permission to share and explore your truth with other intelligent beings who have similar questions.
Stories From The Other Side: Hear stories from people who have had direct experiences with the other side.
Coffee / Chai Hour: After our gathering, join us for a relaxed coffee hour where you can connect with fellow attendees, discuss ideas, and deepen your sense of community.
IS THIS FOR YOU?
At Awakening, there are no experts or authorities dictating how you should think or live. Instead, we embrace curiosity and inquiry, encouraging questions that expand our possibilities and foster personal growth.
Come be a part of this experiment with us. Let’s create something beautiful together. All that’s required is an open mind and a willingness to explore.
Please RSVP to this event by grabbing your free ticket on Eventbrite. Your RSVP helps us ensure a meaningful experience for everyone.
We look forward to seeing you at Awakening.
Jason and Amanda
