Cultivating Joy From the Soil of Life

In this women’s circle we will gather to explore the role of joy in our lives and ways to cultivate it for ourselves and support others in their pursuit of joy.

Life can swing wildly between highs and lows. And yet joy is an interior posture available no matter where the pendulum swings on any given day.

Joy is a feeling, an experience that is rooted in something deeper than transitory circumstances.

Joy is a creative response to life’s natural highs and lows. In this women’s circle, we will gather resources and practices that cultivate joyful hearts. The rhythm of each gathering will include teaching, spiritual practices, and sharing of one’s personal experience with the material.

How It Works

• Duration: 11 Weeks

• Format: Weekly in-person meetings

• Some of the practices and topics we will explore include:

  • What is joy?

  • What does it mean to “cultivate?”

  • The power of presence.

  • Anger and grief as teachers.

  • Community as opportunity for joy.

  • The generosity of joy-bearers.

  • Humility and receiving care–unwelcome soil for joy.

What You’ll Need

• No book is needed. Material will be provided for you.

• Bring a pen and journal or notebook to jot down your thoughts.

• Bring your own refreshing drink, if desired.

• Most importantly, ask friends to join you and look forward to building connections with others too.

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Dates & Time of the Program:

• Tuesday Mornings, September 9 - November 18

• 11:00 AM - Noon

Lead by:

• Mary Bea Sullivan

Fee & Registration:

• There is no fee for this program.

• Room space is limited to 25 people.

• There is no registration. Simply show up and join in. We welcome you!

Meeting Information:

• Until renovations are complete at the Threshold Center, this program will be hosted across the street from the Threshold Center at Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 3775 Crosshaven Drive, Vestavia AL 35223.

• The Women’s Circle will meet in the Terrace Room on the second floor.

Mary Bea sullivan, Facilitator

Mary Bea is a retreat leader, spiritual director, nonprofit founder, and author. Her latest book is Living the Way of Love:  A 40-Day Devotional. Mary Bea’s exposure to various spiritual traditions and practices, and her training as a facilitator are well-suited to the mission. Collaborating with so many talented, generous-hearted people to bring the Threshold Center to life is the answer to a long-held prayer.