Men's Wisdom Council
2023-05-18 19:00 - 21:00, 2023-06-01 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York)
What does it mean to be a “Man”?
Most men find that there is no clear answer to that question. It’s never been easy being a man. We take on the roles that society assigns us, without being given clear instructions. Role models that are offered up to us don’t speak to our deeper concerns, or rarely reply from the depths that our spirits require.
Councils have long been used by many traditions and cultures as a way to come together and gain a greater understanding of the world. The Men’s Wisdom Council continues this sacred tradition of sharing and deep listening.
Our circle we will strive to create a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space where we can take turns telling our stories, sharing our concerns, and learning from each other—as we explore how we, as men, walk through the stages of our lives.
Please contact Michael Corthell (michaelacorthell@gmail.com) for any questions that you may have.
Meets upstairs in meditation room. Enter through school street door.

Open Circle Gathering
2023-05-21 10:30 - 11:45, 2023-05-28 10:30 - 11:45, 2023-06-11 10:30 - 11:45, 2023-06-18 10:30 - 11:45, 2023-06-25 10:30 - 11:45, 2023-07-09 10:30 - 11:45, 2023-07-16 10:30 - 11:45, 2023-07-23 10:30 - 12:00
The Open Circle is a weekly gathering of like-minded spiritual seekers who show up to connect authentically, share our truths, and be held in the space of a growth-oriented and loving community.

In the Open Circle, everyone has a chance to contribute as we move around the circle. You’re welcome to bring poems, songs, prayers, and insights to share.

Free and open to the public–yes, you can simply show up!

If you’re new to Open Circle, you’re welcome to register here so you can be in the loop for future gatherings: https://forms.gle/Aa18ZuGfyy4Nv3gq7\n
The Spiritual Center community is holding space for change in the lives of our members and in our world.
*we embrace diverse forms of spiritual practice and artistic expression
*we cultivate a hopeful societal vision built on principles of compassion and justice
*we support the growth of a consciousness of interconnection across human differences and between people and the whole web of life around us
*we build authentic community based on principles like love, respect, kindness, and collaboration

If this resonates, please join us! You’re welcome to become a member simply by filling out the form on this page: www.commonstreet.org/membership

Our current schedule for Open Circle is that we are meeting in person on 1st, 2nd, and 4th Sundays, and virtually or hybrid on 3rd Sundays. 1st Sundays include a potluck brunch and are less formal. However, in 2023 we are experimenting with a hybrid 3rd Sundays, with both in person and virtual options.

Community Yoga Class FREE
2023-05-22 08:00 - 17:00, 2023-06-12 19:00 - 20:00, 2023-06-26 19:00 - 20:00
YOGA COMMUNITY CLASS with Dr. Jen Kurz
This is a free offering but donations to Common Street are welcome.
Please register by email to doctorjenkurz@gmail.com
YOGA: (yoga citta vrtti nirodah): Translates, from Sanskrit, as “the cessation of the fluctuations of mind.” Patanjali, a great yogi sage, defines it in his “Yoga Sutras” as the ability to direct the mind exclusively toward an object and sustain that direction, without distractions.
For many westerners and Americans, yoga practice involves particular asanas, or mat exercises and stretches, which build strength, flexibility, and balance. It may also be a way to find stillness in the mind in the effort to reach a state of focused attention and self-awareness — through guided sound, breath, and posture. This class will be geared towards those who are looking for a moderate to fast paced flow, as well as a deeper understanding of the mind body connection.
Dr. Jen Kurz is a pain management physiatrist (www.doctorkurz.com for further information).
Dr. Kurz witnesses the limits of conventional care in the treatment of conditions as complex and difficult as chronic pain, addiction, and related mood disorders. If we lose our ability to move due to chronic pain, we know the central and peripheral nervous systems are involved. Neurons that fire together, wire together. Can we redirect our minds and rewire neurons towards health and wellbeing?
Yoga is a powerful healing and preventative practice for chronic, painful physical conditions – including chronic spine and joint pain, muscle pain, weakness, tightness, and postural imbalances. Yoga may enable you to awaken to root mental causes, conditions, and obstacles that may be overcome with practice. Previous experience with yoga is recommended for this class.

Meditation Mondays
2023-05-29 19:00 - 20:00, 2023-06-05 19:00 - 20:00, 2023-06-19 19:00 - 20:00, 2023-07-03 19:00 - 20:00, 2023-07-17 19:00 - 20:00 | Meditation Room @ Common Street, 13 Common Street, Natick, 01760, United States
Whether you’re curious to begin or years into a practice, start the week off right with Meditation Mondays. Try out breathwork, chanting, sound baths and other techniques in a collaborative and supportive setting.

Meditators of all levels are welcome to drop in 7-8PM every first and third Monday of the month. FREE. No registration required.

For more information, please email weronika.zawora@gmail.com

Open Circle and Community Brunch
2023-06-04 10:30 - 12:00, 2023-07-02 10:30 - 12:00
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

The Art Of Meaning Making - Finding Hidden Value In The Story Of Your Life
2023-06-10 14:00 - 16:00
After 31 years of exploring the world of personal growth, I can confidently say that there is one skill I’ve acquired that has served me more than anything else.
It’s the skill that has allowed me to:
– Untangle the confusing events and themes of my childhood
– Find lightness and freedom in places where I was deeply stuck
– Develop a kind of emotional & cognitive agility I never knew was possible
– Help others become free in ways that were surprising to us both
That skill is the art of meaning making.
What is that exactly? It’s the ability to see multiple “truths” inside the same situation. It’s the ability to create meaning around a particular event or memory in a way that moves you forward in your life rather than keeping you stuck.
TO ME, THIS IS ONE OF THE GOLDEN KEYS OF PERSONAL GROWTH
Meanings come in all forms. You can have meanings around things like:
– The story of why you are the way you are
– Why you’ve been stuck for so long
– Emotionally charged memories that serve as reference points for how you make decisions and live your life
– The meaning you invest your attention into can keep you in a kind of mental prison (unable to break free, get unstuck, move on, etc.).
Or…
Meaning can gently and elegantly open a pathway forward for you. One that has been there all along, but was invisible to you because the meaning you were previously stuck inside of actually prevented you from seeing it.
What I love about meaning making is that it’s a skill you can learn. The better you get at it, the more you can look forward to these important benefits opening up for you:
First, you become more agile in your ability to navigate life skillfully and gracefully. You feel more capable and able to take on anything that matters to you.
Second, you become antifragile. When something comes along that would diminish most people, the skillful use of meaning making can make you stronger, more resilient, and transform the adversity you’re facing into a source of strength and love (for you and others).
AND YOU CAN DO THIS WITHOUT THE CIRCUMSTANCES (OR THE PEOPLE INVOLVED) NEEDING TO CHANGE
How would you like to learn, explore, and experiment with this almost magical ability… using your own life’s stories as your playground?
If this sounds intriguing to you, then I invite you to come explore with us inside our experimental container. This is a container where we leave behind “I’m right” and “I know the truth”.
Instead we explore questions that open up possibility and create space inside your mind and especially in your heart.
If you resonate with what you see here, then you are welcome to join us. We’ll explore the art of deliberate meaning making together, and then share what we discovered with each other so we can all grow in surprising, new ways.
HOW TO JOIN US
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 2:00pm and go until 4:00pm (with a break in the middle). Please plan on arriving by 1:45pm so you have time to settle in and meet the other members. I’m one of the few teachers who starts on time, so please be sure to arrive early.
How much? There’s no cost to attend this event. I want to bring everyone together so we can explore meaning as a community. Just bring a willingness to share and participate with us.
I’m looking forward to seeing you there.
Warmly,
Jason

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.

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….

Ho'oponopono and Cacao Ceremony
2023-07-09 15:00 - 17:00 | Fellowship Hall @ Common Street, 13 Common Street, Natick, MA, 01760, United States

Community Yoga Class FREE
2023-07-10 19:00 - 20:00, 2023-07-24 19:00 - 20:00
COMMUNITY YOGA CLASS with Dr. Jen Kurz
Please register by email to doctorjenkurz@gmail.com
YOGA: (yoga citta vrtti nirodah): Translates, from Sanskrit, as “the cessation of the fluctuations of mind.” Patanjali, a great yogi sage, defines it in his “Yoga Sutras” as the ability to direct the mind exclusively toward an object and sustain that direction, without distractions.
For many westerners and Americans, yoga practice involves particular asanas, or mat exercises and stretches, which build strength, flexibility, and balance. It may also be a way to find stillness in the mind in the effort to reach a state of focused attention and self-awareness — through guided sound, breath, and posture. This class will be geared towards those who are looking for a moderate to fast paced flow, as well as a deeper understanding of the mind body connection.
Dr. Jen Kurz is a pain management physiatrist (www.doctorkurz.com for further information).
Dr. Kurz witnesses the limits of conventional care in the treatment of conditions as complex and difficult as chronic pain, addiction, and related mood disorders. If we lose our ability to move due to chronic pain, we know the central and peripheral nervous systems are involved. Neurons that fire together, wire together. Can we redirect our minds and rewire neurons towards health and wellbeing?
Yoga is a powerful healing and preventative practice for chronic, painful physical conditions – including chronic spine and joint pain, muscle pain, weakness, tightness, and postural imbalances. Yoga may enable you to awaken to root mental causes, conditions, and obstacles that may be overcome with practice. Previous experience with yoga is recommended for this class.
This is a free offering and anyone from the community is welcome, whether or not you are a member of the Spiritual Center.

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.

Dub Yoga
2023-07-20 19:00 - 20:00
A vinyasa flow yoga class set to live roots and dub Reggae

Yes, Yoga and Reggae fusion!

FREE & open to the community

w/ Dr. Jen Kurz and DJ Jah Rich, live!!

Curious about the meaning of “Dub”?

What is Dub music? Dub is one of the many sub genres of Reggae music. Dub is instrumental Reggae that is artistically enhanced and layered with effects like echo and reverb as well as production techniques like splicing in snipits of vocals or sporadically dropping out all the instruments except for the powerful, stripped down drum and bass.

Dub gives the recording engineer the opportunity to become the musician as their multi-track mixing console acts as the instrument. An engineer making Dub is like a chef creating a unique meal not often seen on most menus!

Jamaican producer and engineer King Tubby is commonly known as the creator of Dub, as he first experimented with ways to manipulate and “dub out” his instrumental tracks in the early 1970s. Today, his innovation and influence is widely seen in genres like techno, drum and bass, and electronic music overall. Dub stands as another example of the rich contributions of Jamaican music.

Jah Rich 7/19/23

Conscious Kundalini Yoga
2023-07-25 09:15 - 10:15 | Sanctuary at Common Street Spiritual Center, 13 Common Street, Natick, MA, 01760, United States
Join Nelya for a Kundalini-inspired community class to restore spirit, mind, and body. We start by tuning in with breath work and mantra, followed by a warm up and Kriya (set of Kundalini exercises). We’ll end with a relaxing meditation. Each class focuses on a unique theme, from self love and immune support to connecting with your intuition. This class is an invitation to slow down and look inward to connect with a deeper consciousness. All levels welcome, no experience needed.

Members – $11
Non-members – $15
To register, Venmo @Nelya-Binder (#6560) or email nelya@rootedsanctuary.com
To learn more about Nelya’s yoga, healing, and community work, check out www.rootedsanctuary.com.
