CURRENT OFFERINGS
Sophia Circle: An exploration of the divine feminine in various cultures and time periods in human history. This is a shared-leadership circle, in which all contribute according to their interests and gifts. Currently meeting bi-weekly in Arcata, CA.
PREVIOUS EVENTS
Woke Women: An exploration of the stories and teachings of powerful women in the yogic, tantric and gnostic traditions, with a special emphasis on their relevance to our contemporary lives. Taught by Karen Harris, M.Div. and Therese Fitz-Maurice. Currently meeting at the Humboldt Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Bayside, CA.
The Wisdom of Yoga: A weekly class in yogic philosophy and spiritual practice. Taught by Karen Harris, M.Div. and Stephanie Corigliano, Ph.D. on Monday evenings from 5:15-6:30 at Om Shala Yoga in Arcata, CA.
What is yoga? An experiential immersion in the history and practice of a variety of yogic traditions, through the lens of their very different interpretations of what yoga is. Offered through the Religious Studies department at Humboldt State University. Credit available for registered HSU students; open to community members if space permits.
Texts and Traditions of Yoga: A four-month survey of the Indian spiritual and philosophical traditions that have influenced the contemporary practice of hatha yoga. Open to registered students at Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA.
Listen to the River: A one-day retreat at beautiful Vanaprastha on the banks of the Mad River. Led by Therese FitzMaurice and Emily Trutt. Click on the retreat title for further details and registration information.
The Power of Creativity: In every single moment, we are giving birth to our future. How can we expand our vision beyond the habitual, and awaken to the power of the possible? Come enjoy a celebration of the inherent creativity that lives within every human heart. A Sunday service at the Humboldt Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Bayside, CA.
Introduction to Hindu Tantra: This class will offer an introduction to Hindu tantra as well as a deeper exploration of the texts and teachings of Kashmir Shaivism. Open to registered students at Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA.
The Upayas: Three Paths to Liberation: In the nondual tantric tradition of Kashmir Shaivism it is taught that there are three methods to attain spiritual liberation: shambhavopaya, the path of consciousness, shaktopaya, the path of the mind, and anavopaya, the path of the body. In this workshop we will experience each upaya under the guidance of an inspiring teacher who has made it the focus of their lifelong practice: Swami Girijananda, Karen Harris, M.Div., and Robyn Smith, RYT. At the Community Yoga Center in Arcata, CA.
The Tantric Body: As practitioners of yoga, we also have access to another way of understanding the body that can radically transform our heart and soul. In this four-week journey we will encounter a vision of the body that is empowered by the wisdom of millennia of dedicated yogic practice. For more information, click on the class title. Inner Freedom Yoga in Arcata, CA. Drop-ins welcome.
Balancing Faith and Scholarship – Religious Studies panel at Humboldt State University: This first in a series of three lectures is being held to memorialize Father Eric Freed, former pastor of St. Bernard’s and lecturer in the Religious Studies Department at HSU. Speakers will include Katie Wilson, M.Div., Dr. Stephen Jenkins, and Karen Harris, M.Div., all members of the Religious Studies Department. Wednesday March 12 at 7 PM in the Native American Forum, HSU campus, Arcata, CA.
Tantra, Yoga, and You: Participants in this class will receive a general introduction to tantric teachings through the lens of the origin of hatha yoga. For more information, click on the class title. Inner Freedom Yoga in Arcata, CA.
What Is Yoga?: Take your understanding of yoga to a whole new level! Explore the spiritual traditions that influenced and gave rise to contemporary hatha yoga. A four-class series at Om Shala Yoga, 858 10th St, Arcata, CA.
Inner Asana: Cultivate your mental and emotional strength and suppleness with inner asana, the teachings and practices that lie at the root of hatha yoga. Tuesday evenings, Oct. 22nd – Dec. 17, 7-8:15 PM at Om Shala Yoga, 858 10th St, Arcata, CA. Drop-ins welcome!!!
Communitas: sustaining community in an unsustainable world. A panel of HSU professors speak on religion and community as part of the The Mandala Project. Organized by the Religious Studies Club at HSU. 6:45 PM, Thursday, Dec. 5 @ Couple Cups, 1603 G St., Arcata, CA.
Texts and Traditions of Yoga: A four-month survey of the Indian spiritual and philosophical traditions that have influenced the contemporary practice of hatha yoga. Open to registered students at Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA.
Inner Alignment: Living from the Heart: Every time we step on to the mat we practice aligning our outer posture. But how do we align with our life’s deepest purpose and the wisdom of our own heart? In this weekend retreat, we will infuse our practice of asana with the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita and powerful tantric teachings on the nature of the awakened heart. On the South Fork of the Trinity River, August 16-18. With Robyn Smith and Patrick Harested. Please click on the class title for more details.
Awakening the Voice of the Heart: A six-month course led by Karen Harris, M.Div., Robyn Smith & Therese FitzMaurice and other special guest teachers. January – July 2013. Please click on the class title for more details.
Surfing the Big Waves: Inner Asana for Your Emotional Body: Asana can bring us into alignment on the mat, but what happens when we go out the studio door? Are there inner postures for cultivating emotional balance? Come to this workshop ready to receive transformative teachings and practical tools for aligning with the wisdom of your own heart. Two Tuesday evenings, May 7th and May 14th, 6:30-8:00PM at Om Shala Yoga, 858 10th St, Arcata, CA. For registration contact Om Shala at (707)825-YOGA.
The Heart of Recognition: The essence of the tantric path is amazingly simple: recognize your own divinity. But how do we actually cultivate the experience of divinity in our daily life? Join Karen Harris, M.Div. and Swami Girijananda for an exploration of the teachings and practices contained in the key tantric text, The Heart of Recognition. Six Tuesday evenings, March 26th through April 30th, from 7:15-8:45 PM at Inner Freedom Yoga in Arcata, CA. Please click on the link for more details.
Introduction to Hindu Tantra: A six week introduction to the teachings of Hindu tantra and Kashmir Shaivism, focusing on a close reading of the Pratyabhijnahrdayam. Open to registered students at Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA. Six Wednesday evenings, March 27th through May 1st.
Align with Grace: Refining Your Inner Posture: True alignment goes much deeper than physical posture. When we align heart and mind with our life’s deepest purpose, profound energies of transformation unfold. March 10th is Maha Shivaratri, one of the holiest celebrations in India. On this auspicious day, create your intention to align with grace. Taught at Om Shala Yoga, 858 10th Street, Arcata, CA.
Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training: with Lori Snyder, Karen Harris, M.Div., and other instructors. Registered participants may access the class readings by clicking here.
The Yoga of Daily Life: A three day yoga retreat on the Smith River of northern California. With Robyn Smith, Patrick Harestad, Karen Harris, M.Div., and Vanessa Scott.
Yoga Darshana: Celebrate and explore the deep spiritual wisdom of the yogic tradition. Offered through Inner Freedom Yoga at 890 G Street, Arcata, CA.
The Gifts of the Goddess: A weekend workshop celebrating Lakshmi, Saraswati, Durga and Kali. Offered through Inner Freedom Yoga at 890 G Street, Arcata, CA.
The Arrow and the Goal: Creating and Cultivating a Power-filled Intention. Offered through Om Shala Yoga, 858 10th Street, Arcata, CA.
The Bhagavad Gita: A six-week class in which we will read and discuss the entire text. Open to registered students at Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA.
Radiant Creativity: A self-care workshop for artists at Ascend: A Summit for Emerging Arts Leaders, Humboldt State University. Co-led by Karen Harris and Patrick Harestad.
The Yoga of Motherhood: with Therese FitzMaurice and Karen Harris.
RECENT TALKS AND SERMONS
There’s No Place Like Home: Drawing inspiration from such disparate sources as The Wizard of Oz, bioregionalism, and the salmon run, this talk will explore the twin themes of heaven and home, and the possibility of deep connection between a people and their place. This talk is part of the weekend conference Golden States of Grace, sponsored by the Religious Studies Department at Humboldt State University. For a list of readings and other resources that influenced the crafting of this talk, please click here.
Somewhere Over the Rainbow: Does the human longing for paradise obscure the heaven in our own back yard? Drawing inspiration from such disparate sources as The Wizard of Oz, bioregionalism, and the salmon run, we will explore the twin themes of heaven and home, and the possibility of deep connection between a people and their place. A Sunday service at the Humboldt Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Bayside, CA. For a list of readings and other resources that influenced the crafting of this sermon, please click here.
Right Relationship: Quakerism teaches that the path to peace lies through right relationship, not only with our fellow human beings, but with all aspects of creation. While some say that right relationship means to “live simply, so that others may simply live”, others call for a radical restructuring of our economy and personal lives. What is right relationship? How can we cultivate this powerful teaching in our own lives? Join Karen Harris, M.Div. for a contemplation of this powerful and timely topic. A Sunday service at the Humboldt Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Bayside, CA. For a listing of readings influencing this sermon, please click here.
Thou Art That 