Spring 2025 Small Groups – Common Street Spiritual Center

Small groups are a great way to get to know people, as you come together over several weeks to explore a specific topic or activity together. This spring, several Common Street Spiritual Center members are facilitating small groups for the community between late April and late June. Here is the full list:

Informal Groups (where inconsistent attendance is okay)

Dance Curious with Sandy Heierbacher and Nellie Goodman

Days, times and locations vary (see description below)

Introduction to Yoga Philosophy with Tim Mills

Wednesdays 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/28, 6/4, 6/11 from 7:00-8:30pm over Zoom

Hiking Adventures with Norma Pennie and Randy Barish

Saturdays 4/26, 5/3, 5/17, 5/31 starting at 11:00am; locations vary

Committed Groups (where regular participation is important)

Synchronicity, Signs and Spirits with Harold Than

Sundays 4/27, 5/11, 5/25 and Saturday 6/21 from 2-3:30pm in the Meeting Room

Raise Your Frequency, Transform Your Life with Selina Maitreya

Mondays 4/28, 5/12, 5/19, 6/2, and 6/16 from 6:30-8:30 pm in Arlington

The Listening Hour with Mary Elizabeth Wheeler

Mondays 4/28, 5/5, 5/12, 5/19, and 6/2 from 3:00-4:00pm over Zoom OR

Wednesdays 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, and 5/28 from 7:00-8:00pm over Zoom

Soul Awakening Journey with Pooja Mahtani

Tuesdays 5/6, 5/13, 5/20, 6/3, 6/10 from 10:30am-12:00pm in the Moon Room

It’s Lifey: Support for Widows and Widowers with Jennifer Newberg

Tuesdays 5/6, 5/13, 5/20, 5/27, 6/3, and 6/10 from 6:00-7:00 pm in the Studio

Book Club: The Power of Now with Amber Joy White-Feather

Tuesdays 4/29, 5/13, 5/27, and 6/10 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm in the Meeting Room

Together We Rise with Coralanne Hocking and BethAnn Schacht

Tuesdays 4/29, 5/6, 5/13, 5/20, 5/27, and 6/3 from 7:00-8:00 pm at Aurora Counseling Associates in Natick

The Power of Touch with Kathryn Kevorkian

Thursdays 5/8, 5/22, 5/29, 6/12 from 7:30-9:00 pm in the Studio

Elemental Evolution with Colleen Puzas

Thursdays 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 5/29, 6/5, and 6/12 from 6:00-8:00pm at various locations in Natick, plus optional campout 6/20 or 6/21

Full descriptions for each small group can be found below, in the order they are listed above.

Watch the Small Group Info Session!

Recorded April 8, 2025

Hear all the leaders introduce their small groups and explain what you can expect if you sign up. Presentations are given in the order listed above.

Answers to Common Questions

Registration closes the day before each group’s first meeting, or when the group is full (whichever comes first). Register now for your preferred group.
Except for the first three, these are not intended to be drop-in groups. Before you register, please mark the dates on your calendar and make sure you will be able to attend regularly.
You do not have to be a member of Common Street Spiritual Center to participate. But we encourage you to consider it! Learn more about membership here.
Small group facilitators are not paid, nor do we charge you money to participate in a small group. But if you are inclined to make a donation, we will be grateful and put it to good use. Make a donation now.
Fall 2025 small groups are likely to run September 28 – November 22. (There will be no centrally-coordinated small groups over the summer.)

Additional questions? Contact Anne Lafleur at 857-891-3006 or aranzie@gmail.com

Dance Curious

Day, Time & Location: Varies

Specific Dates (tentative): 5/1, 5/14, 5/18, 6/5, 6/14, 6/22

Desired group size: 5+

Attendance requirements: Inconsistent attendance is okay

What to expect: Dance Curious is open to anyone intrigued by the joy of movement—whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a newbie. Together, we’ll try out a variety of dance styles like Contra dancing, East Coast Swing/Lindy Hop, salsa, ecstatic dance, Bollywood, Blues, and others our group members suggest. Rather than having regular meetings, we’ll plan meetups before each dance event to grab a quick bite and connect.

Trying a new style of dance can feel daunting on your own, but the idea behind the Dance Curious group is that there is safety in numbers! We’ll all be supporting and encouraging each other as we put ourselves out there. And we’ll participate as a group in each beginner class that’s offered before social dances, ensuring we all feel a bit more ready to jump right in.

Each session will offer a unique experience, allowing you to drop in for one, a few, or all gatherings as you feel called (and as your schedule permits). Join the group and discover or rediscover new forms of dance, connecting with other “movers and shakers” as you go.

We’ll meet up to experiment with different forms of dancing that take place in different locations, and different times and days of the week. The schedule is still being finalized, but may look something like this:

Thursday, May 1 (7:00pm) Contra dancing in Concord
Wednesday, May 14 (8:00pm) Swing dancing in Belmont (meet up at Sandy’s house in Belmont first!)
Sunday, May 18 (10:30am) Nia with Nellie in Natick
Thursday, June 5 (8:00pm) Blues dancing in Somerville
Saturday, June 14 (11:45am) Bollywood/BollyX in Natick
Sunday, June 22 (7:00pm) Contra dancing in Cambridge

We will also be looking for additional options closer to Natick.

About the facilitators: Sandy Heierbacher has been a member of Common Street for over a year, where the welcoming community has helped her step outside her comfort zone—including as a formerly very timid dancer. Two years ago, she set a goal to get comfortable dancing in public and make it a regular part of her life. Now, she attends Bollywood dance every Saturday and takes Lindy Hop/Swing classes weekly, while also exploring salsa, contra, ecstatic dance, and more. Along the way, she’s realized how more fun (and less intimidating) the journey would be with a supportive, curious group of friends.

Co-organizer Nellie Goodman is a lifelong dancer who feels most connected to joy and spirit when she moves. With a background in ballet, modern, Nia, BollyX, and Salsa/Bachata, she has explored many styles over the years and loves dance as a form of expression and connection. She’s thrilled to co-lead Dance Curious, creating a welcoming space for others to discover new styles, move freely, and experience the magic of dance in community.

Questions? Contact Sandy at sandyheierbacher@gmail.com

Introduction to Yoga Philosophy – Path to Spiritual Growth

Day & Time: Wednesdays from 7:00-8:30pm

Location: Online over Zoom (you’ll get the link after you register)

Specific Dates: 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/28, 6/4, 6/11 (optional)

Desired group size: 5-20

Attendance requirements: Inconsistent attendance is okay

What to expect: Dive into the fascinating world of yoga philosophy and uncover the deeper wisdom behind this ancient practice. Yoga isn’t just about postures—it’s about discovering profound insights into who we are, why we’re here, and how we connect to the world around us. In this introductory class led by Tim Mills (Simran Randeep Singh), you’ll explore timeless teachings from foundational texts like Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita, discuss the evolution of yoga from East to West, and envision the exciting possibilities for yoga’s future.

Perfect for beginners, these 5 mini-sessions are your invitation to explore yoga as a powerful path for personal growth, spiritual awakening, and living a more mindful, balanced life.

Week 1 – What is Yoga? Personal definition and from Sages & Rishis
Week 2 – Yoga Philosophy According to Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtras
Week 3 – Yoga as Described in the Bhagavad Gītā
Week 4 – The Development of Modern Yoga: From East to West
Week 5 – The Future of Yoga: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities
Week 6 – Open Discussion Session (optional)

Join Tim for this transformative experience that blends engaging mini-lectures with lively discussions designed to spark curiosity, personal reflection, and deeper understanding.

About the facilitator: Tim Mills is a retired USAF Officer and Business IT/Strategy Consultant, now a University business management educator in the Boston, MA area. A life-long learner, Tim (Simran Randeep) is a dedicated Yoga teacher and trainer who teaches at Yoga at the Ashram in Millis, MA. He is Level 2 certified in Kundalini Yoga lineage, MBSR “mindful-meditation” Certified, a Certified Veteran’s Yoga Program teacher, and has Advanced Certification in Yogic Studies.

Questions? Contact Tim at tmstrategy78@gmail.com

Hiking Adventures

Day & Time: Saturdays; meet at 11:00 am for a (no later than) 11:30 start

Location: Varies each week

Specific Dates: 4/26, 5/3, 5/17, 5/31 (subject to change for bad weather)

Desired group size: 1-15

Attendance requirements: Inconsistent attendance is okay, but please let the leaders know whether you’ll be there so they know whether or not to wait for you

What to expect: This is a group to take pleasant hikes in nature. It is for members who want to enjoy the outdoors at parks and nature trails at various sites within an hour from the Common Street Spiritual Center. Participants should be physically fit enough to go on moderate hikes involving occasional climbing. Opportunities to rest as needed. We know of some interesting places to explore. Please bring water, energy snacks, bug repellant, and good hiking shoes.

Week 1: Moose Hill (Meet at 293 Moose Hill Parkway, Sharon, MA)

Week 2: Borderlands (Meet at 259 Massapoag Ave, North Easton, MA)

Week 3: Caryl Park to Noanet Peak (Meet at 107 Dedham St, Dover, MA)

Week 4: Acton Arboretum (Meet at 2 Taylor Rd, Acton, MA)

About the facilitators: Norma Pennie and Randy Barish are good friends who enjoy the outdoors and like to explore New England. They would like to share some nice places they’ve discovered with others, get some light to moderate exercise, and enjoy nature. Randy has participated at Common Street since 2022. Norma is more recent and has attended activities since 2023.

Questions? Contact Norma at normampennie@gmail.com or Randall at randallbarish@gmail.com.

Synchronicity, Signs and Spirits: A Scientific Approach

Day & Time: 3 Sundays and 1 Saturday from 2:00-3:30pm

Location: Meeting Room at Common Street Spiritual Center

Specific Dates: 4/27, 5/11, 5/25, 6/21

Desired group size: 3-7

Attendance requirements: Regular participation is important

What to expect: This group is for seekers who sense that life has deeper meaning and structure—but may not yet have the tools to fully access it. It’s ideal for anyone who:

Feels drawn to spirituality but struggles to “hear” clear guidance.
Experiences signs and synchronicities but isn’t sure what to make of them.
Is at a creative or spiritual crossroads and wants direction.
Feels they may have a deeper mission or “main quest,” but don’t know how to uncover it.

This group explores the deeper spiritual metaphor of life as a divinely designed “game,” where the goal is not to win in the traditional sense—but to align with your true path, recognize your soul’s mission, and follow the guidance that is always present.

The participants will become vastly more aware of the metaphorical lessons and messages sent to them through their Real-Self/Spirits/Angels/Higher-Consciousness Beings. We will include some nerdy physics explanation to show that this is Science-based and not simply esoteric writings.

Participants should be curious and open-minded. Ideally, you will already have some meditative or artistic practices, but this is not required, and can be done instead as homework.

Pre-work: Before the first session, watch the 30-minute video, Carl Jung’s Synchronicity

Session 1: How to Recognize Signs, Synchronicities, and “Quest Markers”

Session 2: Meditation and Manifestation: The Quantum Physics Explanation

Session 3: The Artist’s Way: Unlocking Creativity as a Channel for Guidance

Session 4: Closing Ceremony, aligned with Summer Solstice

Alternating Sundays might be used as Optional Online Check-Up.

About the facilitator: Harold Than, born and raised in Vietnam, blends Eastern spiritual sensitivity with Western academic training. After immigrating to the U.S., he earned a full scholarship to Dartmouth College, where he studied Computer Science and received awards for facilitating Economics-Philosophy groups.

After working in tech as a Lead Software Developer and Product Manager, he felt a deep calling to fully dedicate himself to the spiritual path. His journey includes years of plant medicine exploration, immersion in spiritual traditions, and profound experiences with telepathic messages, Spirit Orbs, and unseen dimensions of reality. Now rooted in Boston’s nature-based community, he integrates ecological awareness, technology, and spirituality to help others reconnect with their divine guidance and navigate life with clarity and soul.

Questions? Contact Harold at haroldthan@gmail.com

Raise Your Frequency, Transform Your Life

Day & Time: Mondays from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Location: Selina’s home on Hamilton Rd in Arlington

Specific Dates: 4/28, 5/12, 5/19, 6/2, 6/16

Desired group size: 3-6

Attendance requirements: Regular participation is important

What to expect: This is a group for people who don’t just want to think/talk/read about spirituality, but actually want to embody their spiritual beliefs 24/7. Each week I will share a teaching around a key topic and a practice that aligns with the weekly teaching. You will then use the material shared in your daily life between classes. When we come back together each week, you will discuss what you discovered, and then we will move on to a new topic.

The Benefits of the Work Include:

You’ll experience an increase in daily ease and peace, more awareness and presence, as you work and commune with others.
You’ll find yourself more patient and tolerant, more open and receptive to new ideas.
You will build a deeper connection to the Divine within.
You will discover how to respond to any life irritation, difficulty or tragedy from one of the many faces of love.
You leave with 5 new teachings and 5 new practices to use long after the group ends.

Week 1: Who Are YOU?

Learn about all the multi dimensions of you and how they are meant to serve!

Practice: 5 Minutes to Peace. The breath Is your most important and accessible transformational tool! Learn how to use your breath to transform any type of anxiety or worry into peace within minutes.

Week 2: Awareness is Your Special Magic!

What is awareness? Why is awareness the first step to conscious change? How to be in awareness during emotionally charged moments, and move through your day witnessing as you be! The benefits of moving through your day in conscious awareness.

Practice: Night time Review

Week 3: Do you need to be right? Or do you want peace?

The difference between seeking peace and needing to be right. Identifying the Situations that challenge you now to choose peace. The process from going to needing to be right to creating peace. Becoming aware of the situations in your world and the

relationships that challenge you.

Practice: Tehora He Meditation – Kabalistic meditation that provides an opportunity to

experience the soul level

Week 4: The Power of The Pause

In this teaching we learn the power of the pause and how to actually stop in the middle of a low vibrational moment in order to shift our frequency.

Practice: Going to Active Gratitude

Week 5: Leave Judge Judy behind and move forward in grace (+ Celebration!)

Release your conditioned need to criticize yourself and others and finally experience the freedom in peace you seek.

Practice: Isn’t that curious and wouldn’t that be nice

About the Facilitator: Selina Maitreya is a lecturer, author, and spiritual teacher who specializes in Practical Spirituality — a spiritual philosophy that helps people use their daily challenges to access deeper peace. Her new book, Raise Your Frequency, Transform Your Life, was published in June 2024 and forms the foundation of this course. Selina lives in Arlington, MA and is excited for this opportunity to connect with the Common Street community. Learn more at www.practicalspiritualitywithselina.com/

Questions? Contact Selina at selina@selinamaitreya.com

The Listening Hour – A CSSC Small Group Experience

Day & Time: Mondays from 3-4pm OR Wednesdays from 7-8pm

Location: Online over Zoom

Specific Dates (choose one):

Monday afternoons: 4/28, 5/5, 5/12, 5/19, 6/2
Wednesday evenings: 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28

Desired group size: 4-6

Attendance requirements: Regular participation is important

What to expect: The Listening Hour is exactly that—an hour of deep listening and personal storytelling in a small, supportive group. Guided by a trained facilitator, participants share and listen in a space grounded in silence, presence, and mutual respect.

With a maximum of six people, everyone has the opportunity to speak, and the session remains focused and intimate. Stories arise in the moment to be witnessed, honored, and received.

This practice can help you:

Build resilience
Release tension
Gain new insights and inspiration
Feel heard, seen, and accepted
Experience connection with others

If this resonates with you, join one of two five-week series—one during the day, one at night. Sessions are held on Zoom. Each group will run with a minimum of four committed participants and will be closed once full, though a waiting list will be available. Learn more about the Listening Hour.

About the facilitator: Mary Elizabeth Wheeler is a certified Listening Hour Guide and Trainer, Playback Theatre actor, musician, and conductor. She is an improvisational vocal artist, songwriter and song leader. As a teacher of Authentic Voice, a deep listening creative and spiritual practice, she believes in the transformative power of sharing our personal stories and songs in the presence of loving, listening witnesses.

Questions? Contact Mary Elizabeth at ISISisMEWS@gmail.com

Soul Awakening Journey: Deepen Your Intuition & Align with Your Highest Self

Day & Time: Tuesdays from 10:30am-12:00pm

Location: Moon Room at Common Street Spiritual Center

Specific Dates: 5/6, 5/13, 5/20, 6/3, 6/10

Desired group size: 4-20

Attendance requirements: Regular participation is important

What to expect: Are you ready to deepen your connection to your inner wisdom, expand your intuition, and activate your highest potential? This 5-session journey is designed for spiritual seekers, intuitive explorers, and anyone looking to align with their inner guidance in a fun, experiential way.

Each 90-minute session will follow a consistent rhythm that includes grounding practices, guided meditative journeys (often into the Akashic Records), intuitive exercises (like energy sensing, oracle work, or channeled writing), and space for group sharing and reflection. Themes we’ll explore include:

Strengthening intuition and trusting inner guidance
Accessing deep wisdom through Akashic and energy work
Releasing energetic blocks and aligning the chakra system
Manifesting from your soul’s highest timeline
Building connection and support within a like-hearted community

No prior experience is needed—just an open heart and curiosity. Participants are encouraged to reflect and integrate between sessions, but there’s no required homework.

About the Facilitator: Pooja Mahtani is a passionate intuitive guide and facilitator dedicated to helping people awaken their inner wisdom and step into their highest alignment. With a deep understanding of energy work, intuitive development, and transformational healing, she creates safe and engaging spaces for deep exploration and self-discovery. She is also the founder of Akasha Codes, where she guides others in accessing the wisdom of the Akashic Records, energy activations, and soul-aligned coaching to support their spiritual growth and transformation. Learn more at https://akashacodes.com/

Questions? Contact Pooja at akashacodes@gmail.com

It’s Lifey: Support for Widows and Widowers

Day & Time: Tuesdays from 6:00-7:00 pm

Location: Studio at Common Street Spiritual Center

Specific Dates: 5/6, 5/13, 5/20, 5/27, 6/3, 6/10

Desired group size: 5-12

Attendance requirements: Regular participation is important

What to expect: Anyone who has lost a husband or wife in the last 15 years. Together, we will share our experience and hope and dive into topics including loneliness, fear, anger, moving forward, hope, resilience and finding happiness. I hope the participants find a community that “gets it” and can form deep rooted bonds outside the group. There may be some journaling prompts, but it won’t be mandatory.

About the facilitator: Jennifer Newburg is the founder of It’s Lifey, a company devoted to supporting people through life’s most difficult transitions. After losing her husband suddenly while traveling in Greece in May 2024, she returned home to face unimaginable grief while caring for their three children. That experience, both traumatic and transformative, inspired her to create safe, compassionate spaces for widows and others navigating profound loss. Deeply rooted in the MetroWest community, Jennifer is building a local network where widows and widowers can connect, share their stories, and remind one another they’re not alone.

Questions? Contact Jennifer at jennifer@itslifey.com

Book Club: The Power of Now

Day & Time: Tuesdays from 6:00-8:00 pm

Location: Meeting Room at Common Street Spiritual Center

Specific Dates: 4/29, 5/13, 5/27, 6/10

Desired group size: 3-10

Attendance requirements: Regular participation is preferred

What to expect: This group would be a good fit for people who follow or are interested in meditation and/or the spiritual teachings of Eckhart Tolle. We will read the book The Power of Now in our own time and come together as a group to share what stood out to us the most and reflect on how what we are learning applies to our own lives. Along with discussion, we will engage in meditation practice and journaling. A copy of The Power of Now would be needed to fully participate, but people are welcome to sit in on the discussion and participate in activities even if they don’t have the book. A journal/sketchbook would also be a supportive tool. We will meet every other week to allow time and space for reading, reflection, and processing on our own between meetings.

About the facilitator: Amber Joy White-Feather is currently studying mental health counseling with a specialization in expressive art therapy at Lesley university graduate school. She also has a Bachelor’s degree in holistic psychology and wellness from Lesley. Her studies are rooted in social science and mindfulness, and she has a passion for spirituality and personal development.

Questions? Contact Amber at Whitefeatherhealing44@gmail.com

Together We Rise: A supportive space in challenging times

Day & Time: Tuesdays from 7:00 – 8:00 pm

Location: Aurora Counseling Associates (20 N Main St Suite 202 in Natick)

Specific Dates: 4/29, 5/6, 5/13, 5/20, 5/27, 6/3

Desired group size: 4-10

Attendance requirements: Regular participation is important

What to expect: This adult group (ages 18+) offers a welcoming space to explore thoughts and feelings related to navigating this political climate while connecting with others who understand and potentially learn new skills. People who are impacted by the current political climate are invited to attend, particularly those who feel especially vulnerable due to their sexual orientation, gender expression, race, or ethnicity.

About the facilitators: Both BethAnn Schacht, LMHC and Coralanne Hocking, LICSW serve community members at Aurora Counseling Associates in downtown Natick. Both therapists have provided therapy for many years and see the collective emotional impact of recent events including COVID, and most recently the acts and stated intentions of the current political administration. They hope to co-create a space where targeted people can be safely welcomed, heard, feel connected, and go home with some coping skills to survive and thrive another day.

Questions? Contact Coralanne at coralanne@auroracounselingassociates.com

The Power of Touch: Building Connection Through Presence

Day & Time: Thursdays from 7:30-9:00 pm

Location: Studio at Common Street Spiritual Center

Specific Dates: 5/8, 5/22, 5/29, 6/12

Desired group size: 5-20

Attendance requirements: Regular participation is important

What to expect: This event is for anyone, regardless of experience level, who wants to explore touch as a way to build deeper connections and feel more in tune with their community.

Over four immersive sessions, participants will engage in movement, sound, and interactive exercises designed to improve the quality of their touch while becoming more aware of how physical connection shapes relationships. Through guided activities, you’ll be invited to touch elbows, shoulders, backs, and hold hands—always within a framework of consent and comfort.

Whether you’re looking to refine your awareness of touch or simply curious about how it influences the way we relate to others, this experience offers a welcoming space to explore, reflect, and connect. By the end, you’ll leave with a greater appreciation for touch as a vital part of human connection, equipped with practices that can enrich your interactions in everyday life.

About the facilitator: Kathryn Kevorkian is a licensed massage therapist dedicated to advancing the art and professionalism of massage. She was a gold medal winner in chair massage at the 2022 American Massage Championship, and brings deep expertise in touch, movement, and healing. More than just teaching techniques, she creates safe and inclusive spaces where people can connect meaningfully, exploring touch as a foundation for trust and belonging.

Questions? Contact Kathryn at kevorkian.kathryn@gmail.com

Elemental Evolution

Day & Time: Thursdays from 6:00-8:00 pm

Dates & Locations:

5/8: Meeting Room at Common Street Spiritual Center
5/15: Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, Natick
5/22: Hunnewell Town Forest, Natick
5/29: Elm Bank Reservation, Wellesley
6/5: Coolidge Hill, Natick
6/12: Moon Room at Common Street Spiritual Center
6/20 or 6/21: Optional campout, location TBD

Desired group size: 4-12

Attendance requirement: Regular participation is important

What to expect: This is an immersion experience of the soul, senses, and psyche. Through the framework of the four directions and seasons as guides, we’ll learn how to attune with natural patterns and open our bodies to story, song, breath, and movement. Each class correlates to the seasonal shifts as we learn about and mirror phases of the plant growth cycle starting from seed and transforming into sapling, flower, shedding, and returning back to the soil. Four classes will be outdoors, with hiking and experiential exercises. Our tentative last gathering on June 20th or 21st will be a campout to fully befriend nature’s forces. Bring a notebook to document inner and outer changes. Optional listening and writing prompts as homework to steep in the practices.

About the facilitator: Colleen Puzas is a soul centric guide reflecting with natural patterns, wilderness, and the mythopoetic. Called into Earth based practicing, her studies focus as a 13 Moons ceremonialist and priestess following Mystery, nature’s biological patterns, and tracking. Her background is in natural resource management, plant biology, and wetland science. She is pursuing a certificate for Foundations of Jungian Psychology at the New England Institute of Carl Jung and studying in the Mythic Body with Josh Schrei. She guides with compassion, discernment, and a deep remembering of the fullness of what each human life can and was meant to be.

Questions? Contact Colleen at puzasc@gmail.com