Our Next IN PERSON Vital Living Gathering: Sunday, May 18th 2025

4pm – 6pm

March/April Topic:

“Equanimity”

What is equanimity? Technically, it means “mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation.” But to me, equanimity is about being centered. When I’m in my center, I’m no longer pulled to react—whether it’s to something difficult or to something joyful. Instead of swinging to extremes, I can stay grounded. I can respond with clarity and intention. Try picturing equanimity like an old-fashioned scale—one of those balancing ones with two trays. On one side are the “negative” things: disappointments, frustrations, fear. On the other side are the “positive” things: praise, excitement, joy. Both sides are part of life. But equanimity is staying in the center, not tipping too far either way. It’s not about being numb or indifferent—it’s about remaining connected to a deeper part of myself that isn’t defined by outer events. That place of center is where your soul lives. And when we can stay in that space, everything else quiets down. We’re not being constantly pulled by emotional tides. We can be present. Here are a few good tools to practice to cultivate equanimity:

1. Pause Before You Speak or Act

2. Check in with Your Body

3. Create a Centering Morning Practice

4. Embrace the Present Moment

5. Visualize the Scale

Practice these tools and we will see you May 18th for our next IN PERSON Vital Living Gathering!

Vital Living Gathering and Services

January 19th, 2025, 4pm-6pm

“Love your Gut“

What does it mean to love our gut? Our gut microbiome is all the organisms that live in our gut – like viruses, fungi and bacteria (we have much more bacteria in our body than human cells, and most of them are helpful, even critical to a healthy existence). They all play vital roles in gut health by breaking down what we consume into all the nutrients we need to survive and thrive. The importance of a diverse and healthy microbial community in our gut is unquestionable and balance is the key! Too much of one organism and too little of another can cause havoc in our system. There is an abundance of research on the role gut health has in warding off damaging inflammation which can lead to everything from obesity, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune conditions, and of course cancer and much more. Please join us at our gathering Sunday, January 19th where we will be sampling different fermented foods, learning how to make miso and sauerkraut, loving our gut, bolstering our microbiome and reclaiming being vitally alive!!

Program: 

-Music with Kendyl

-Opening welcome and prayer with Lori

-Discussion on gut health

-Making sauerkraut with Nicole

-Miso Making with Miwa

-Closing circle, story sharing and pot luck!

Vital Living Gathering and Services

October 20th, 2024, 4:30pm-6:30pm

“Masks“

With Halloween approaching it feels like an ideal time to contemplate the many masks we wear. In this day of makeovers, filters and digital manipulation, the face we show others is often literally not even our own. And in reality most of us wear metaphorical masks in our everyday life designed specifically to prevent others from knowing what’s going on. We use masks to create an illusion. Then, perhaps we create illusions upon illusions and then forget which is the illusion. I invite you to look at the masks in your life. Start with the characters you’ve dressed up as in the many Halloweens of your life. Why did you choose those characters? Think of the last mask you wore. Was it to hide, wish or explore something? Is it new, old or a variation? Then come join us for our gathering where we will create and celebrate masks in our lives and share more stories.

Program: 

-Music with Kendyl

-Opening welcome and prayer with Lori

-Fire spinning with Julie

-Mask making and sharing

-Closing circle, story sharing and pot luck!

Vital Living Gathering and Services

July 21st, 2024, 4:30pm-6:30pm

“Freedom”

In the heart of July, amidst celebrations of independence and reflections on freedom, it’s an opportune moment to delve into the profound dimensions of freedom from different perspectives. Cory Tixier shares that as a lover of Ayurveda, her journey has been deeply intertwined with exploring and understanding the essence of true freedom, not just as a concept, but as a lived experience. Freedom, in its most expansive sense, encompasses far more than the absence of physical or external constraints. It’s about liberation at the deepest levels of our being—freedom from attachments, aversions, and the myriad fluctuations of the mind and emotions that tether us to a state of unrest and dissatisfaction. This Sunday we dove a little deeper and shared what freedom meant to us! 

Program: 

-Music with Kendyl

-Opening welcome and prayer with Lori

-Breathing Meditation, movement & group sharing

-Music with Alex Akamine, Jason Forester, Lindy Patterson and Babatunji Heath

-Closing circle, story sharing and pot luck!

Vital Living Gathering and Services

March 17th, 2024, 4pm-6pm

“Heritage”

Embracing our heritage is a journey of discovery, connection, and personal growth. By exploring the roots of our past and the spiritual wisdom it holds, we can find inspiration and guidance for living a more fulfilled and meaningful life. Let’s cherish our heritage and let it guide us on our path to wellness! 

Program: 

-Music with Kendyl

-Opening welcome and prayer with Lori

-Breathing Meditation

-Community Sharing (bring something to share from your heritage: an object, food, story, song, etc.) 

-Music and stories with special guest: Country Dan Berkery

-Closing circle, story sharing and pot luck!

Vital Living Gathering and Services

November 19th, 2023, 4:30pm-6pm

“Health in the Winter Holidays”

 Holidays and the Winter months bring up different things for different people. For some, winter holiday season is a time of joy and creativity, a time of connecting or reconnecting with family and loved ones. Others dread the winter holidays, longer cold dark nights and memories of stressful childhood or relationship traumas. Depression, loneliness and the seasonal flu can certainly put a damper on this already damp season. Either way, one might get less sun, poor sleep, eat a bit more sugar and make a little less time for exercise and self care.

In this gathering guest speakers will share Chinese and Ayurvedic perspectives on how to stay healthy in the winter holidays! Also, Dr. Lori will share Naturopathic home remedies as well! Sorting out your relationship with these winter months and the holidays within could also support your vital health. May you enjoy your holidays and find peace in however you choose to be. 

Program: 

-Music with Kendyl

-Opening welcome and prayer with Lori

-Ayurvedic Wisdom with Cory Tixier

-Chinese Perspectives with Special Guest: Jenna Murad LA

-Naturopathic Home Remedies with Lori

-Music with Special Guest: Grammy Nominated Native American Flute player Aaron White

-Closing circle, story sharing and pot luck!

Vital Living Gathering and Services

August 20th, 2023, 4:30-6pm

“Commitment”

The world is full of distractions, commitment becomes our foundation to achieving peace and earthly bliss. But how do we keep the drive to be committed to our goals and our self evolution? In this gathering we will discuss how we can nurture commitment and embrace the journey of transformation. By committing to be committed, you will see whatever area of your life you choose drastically change. Where attention goes energy flows!!

Program: 

-Music with Kendyl
-Opening welcome and prayer with Lori
-Breathwork Meditation
-Revisit Vision Boards
-Closing circle, story sharing and pot luck!

Vital Living Gathering and Services

July 16th, 2023, 10:30am-12pm

“Wild”

This July as we explore “wild,” perhaps you can take a moment to consider what is wild in your life? We’ve probably all heard comments like “she’s a wild girl,” “he’s acting like a wild animal,” or “that’s just too wild for me!” What do these statements really tell us? Does this mean that girl or guy is “living or growing in a natural environment,” “not domesticated or cultivated,” “behaving in an unconstrained manner,” or “living without human control?” (Since these are all definitions of “wild.”) Does it mean animals in the wild live without any control? Or is it just that wild means not under human or societal control? Wild animals do live in sync with nature and nature’s universal laws. Some humans also live more aligned with nature’s universal laws rather than the rules of society. Perhaps they live or spend more time in the natural world and are less constrained by human programming. Once we domesticate or cultivate something we take some of that wildness away and along with it the appreciation and connection to natural law.    

Program: 

-Music with Kendyl
-Opening welcome and prayer with Lori
-Wild Dancing/Drumming
-Wood carving art with special guest!
-Closing circle, story sharing and pot luck!

Vital Living Gathering and Services

June 18th, 2023, 10:30am-12pm

“Fathers”

June’s Vital Living gathering falls on Father’s Day, so this month’s theme is “Fathers”. It is a time to reflect and be grateful for our fathers who have taught us many things. Regardless of how we felt about our fathers, whether we knew them at all, whether they raised us, whether we were angry with them, loved them deeply or are still processing our feelings towards them, and even whether we’d like to admit it or not, our fathers played an important role in who we are today.

Program: 

-Music with Julie
-Opening welcome and prayer with Lori
-Father-Protector Archetype Visiting Spiritual Director of
Clearbright Way: Special Guest Cain Carroll
-In Honor of his Father, Native American Flute performed by 
Special Guest: Lathaniel White 
-Closing circle, story sharing and pot luck!

Vital Living Gathering and Services

May 21st, 2023, 10:30am-12pm

“Hawai’ian Culture”

In this gathering we will dive deep into Hawai’ian culture! We will discuss the significance of Lei Day, Hula and traditional Hawai’ian music. “Hula is the art of Hawaiian dance expressing all that we see, hear, smell, taste, touch and feel” and it has kept the history of the people alive through their stories. Join us to learn some Hula movements and steps! Furthermore, Kendyl will teach us a few Ukelele chords, allowing us to tap into the spirit of the music inside of ourselves and into the beauty of our islands.    

Program: 

-Hawai’ian Slack Key music with Kendyl
-Opening pule (prayer) with Lori
-Ukulele Workshop with Kendyl 
-Hula dancing with Lori
-Closing circle, story sharing and pot luck!

Vital Living Gathering and Services

April 16th, 2023, 10:30am-12pm

“Reflection”

There are two basic definitions of “reflection.” One is “the throwing back by a body or surface of light, heat, or sound without absorbing it” as in a mirror. The second is “serious thought or consideration, deliberation, contemplation, study.” In this gathering we will explore combining these two definitions together!  

Program: 

-Music with Julie
-Welcome and blessing with Lori
-Ocean Reflection with CJ and Self Reflection and music with Pavana
-Mirror and Partner Reflection Exploration with Lori
-Self Reflection/Nature Immersion Therapy with Carrie
-Closing circle, story sharing and pot luck!

Vital Living Gathering and Services

March 19th, 2023, 10:30am-12:30pm

“Seeds of Change”

Change can often feel like it’s happening to us, but change is always happening FOR us. When we want to see difference or transformation in our lives, we must plant seeds; this is true on both individual and global scales. Seeds can be ideas, feelings, or conversations that spark transformation. When we allow our hearts to be heard and giveaway to the flow of life, we release resistance, making growth and expansion possible. Through self-knowledge and self-care, we can be the change we want to see. In order for the world to transform, we must plant the seeds of love, unity, and self-acceptance.   

Program: 

-Music with Kendyl
-Welcome and blessing with Lori
-Co-creation breathwork and meditation with Carrie
-Special Guest Speaker: Jazmin Yong Diaz Kala
-Ayurveda activities for Spring with Cory
-Closing circle, story sharing and pot luck

Vital Living Gathering and Services

February 19th, 2023, 10:30am-12:30pm

“Love”

“When you love someone, you have to have trust and confidence. Love without trust is not yet love. Of course, first, you have to have trust, respect, and confidence in yourself. Trust that you have a good and compassionate nature. You are part of the universe; you are made of stars. When you look at your loved one, you see that he is also made of stars and carries eternity inside. Looking in this way, we naturally feel reverence. True love cannot be without trust and respect for oneself and for the other person.” –Excerpt from “How To Love”, a book by Thich Nhat Hanh

Program:

-Music with Kendyl and Pavana
-Welcome and blessing with Lori
-Heart opening tea with Merci
-Partner yoga with Ananda
-Heartbeat meditation
-Ayurvedic self care with Cory

Vital Living Gathering and Services

January 15th, 2023, 10:30am-12:30pm

“Intention”

New year, new you! This gathering was about setting intentions for the new year. We created vision boards, wrote down a list of the things that hold us back and no longer serve us and burned them in the fire! Then rewarded our bodies with an incredible potluck!

Program:

-Music with Kendyl
-Welcome and blessing with Lori
-10 minute silent meditation
-Create a vital vision with clear intentions for 2023 with Lori and Nicole
-Story sharing and potluck!

Vital Living Gathering and Services

December 18th, 2022, 4:30-6:30pm

“Reciprocity”

For our 3rd Sunday December gathering we had an informal reflection time and story sharing. We talked story then sat in meditation for 20 minutes. We sincerely appreciate your presence at our past gatherings and look forward to seeing you in 2023! 

We did not live stream this gathering, but please enjoy the livestream of the Vital Living Concert the night before! On Saturday December 17th we were honored to host Jamarek (West African fusion band) and drumming magic by Sekou and drum and dance ensemble Sewa Fare!

Vital Living Gathering and Services

November 20th, 2022, 4:30-6:30pm

“Gratitude”

In this gathering we will discover how to find a way to come back to a place of gratitude in our moments of frustration, anger, or self-pity, and be able to focus on the simple things that we take for granted. Let’s tackle the disturbing factors that take us away from feeling grateful and restore sincere MAHALO for all that is life!

Program:

-Music with Kendyl Beschen and Terry Brown
-Opening Prayer and Welcome with Lori
-Somatic Gratitude with Carrie
-Creating Heart-Centered Vibration with Breath and Sound: SuperNova Sarah
-Gratitude Art Lei Making with Lori
-Mahalo Circle

Vital Living Gathering and Services

October 16th, 2022, 4:30-6:30pm

“Fear”

Fear exists because pain is real and we experience fear when we face pain or the possibility of pain. Let’s explore openly talking about our fears, and finding ways to face them, learn from them, and allow them to teach us and heal us. 

Program:

-Music with Kendyl Beschen
-Opening Prayer and Welcome with Lori
-Breathing through Fear and Anxiety with Carrie
-Movement and Sound, resetting the nervous system with the VT Ambassadors
-Death Meditation with CJ
-Bonfire to Release Fears
-Birthday Celebration for Cory!

Vital Living Gathering and Services

September 18th, 2022, 4:30-6:30pm

“Discipline”

Knowing that we all have a choice, and we can choose to be disciplined to get us where we need to be for mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health! The power is ours! 

Program:

-Music with Kendyl Beschen
-Opening Prayer, Welcome and Discipline Exploration with Lori
-Road Mapping for Vitality: Goal Setting with Nicole & Garrett
-The Tao of Belly Breathing: Breathwork with CJ
-Discipline of Dance with Ananda
-Dinachara: Daily Intention to Live a Healthy Life with Cory
-Discipline Through Music: Playing your part with Dr. Lori

Vital Living Gathering and Services

August 21st, 2022, 4:30-6:30pm

“Expression”

Learning how to be more comfortable with expressing our true selves will allow us to move our vital energy, emerge from the tunnel and prevent illness and disharmony in mind/body/soul and heart!

Program:

– Music with Marley
-Opening Prayer
-Welcome and Expression exercise with Dr. Lori
-Elements of Expression with Cory
-Group Expression with Kendyl

Vital Living Gathering and Services

July 17th, 2022, 4:30-6:30pm

“Service”

Program:

– Music with Pavana
-Opening Prayer
-Welcome and exercise with Dr. Lori
-Exploring Service with CJ
-Dig in the dirt and farm service

Vital Living Gathering and Services

June 19th, 2022, 4-6pm

“Flow”

Program:

– Music with Kendyl
-Opening Prayer
-Welcome words with Dr. Lori
-Pitta Flow acceptance with Cory
-Poem Reading with Marcia
-Movement and Music
-Yoga and Ecstatic Dance
-Hydration Potluck

Vital Living Gathering and Services
April 17th, 2022, 4-6pm

“Cleanse”

Program:

– Music with Kendyl
-Opening Prayer
-Welcome words with Dr. Lori
-Energetic Spring Cleaning,
Breath and Mindfulness with Carrie and Sarah
-Love Your Liver with Dr. Lori
-What’s Your Poop Telling You with Dr. Merci
-Magical Marma with Cory
-Egg Hunt with Dr. Merci

Vital Living Gathering and Services
March 20, 2022, 4-6pm

“Nourish”

Program:
-Music with Pavana
-Opening Prayer
-Welcome words with Dr. Lori Kimata
-Planting Seeds of Nourishment – Creative Playshop with CJ Macias
-The Taste Experience with Dr. Lori
-Soul Nourishment experience with Nicole McNamara
-Nourish the Mind and Mood through Elemental Connections with Cory Tixier
-Spring Equinox Closing Ceremony with Cassie Mitchell

Vital Living Gathering and Services
February 20, 2022, 5-7pm

“Balance”

Program:
-Music and opening prayer with Kendyl and Marley 
-Welcome words with Nicole and Garrett McNamara
-Balancing Breathwork exercise with Carrie Alford
-Ayurvedic dosha balancing with Cory Tixier
-Balance through movement with Dr. Merci and Ananda
-Drumming with Dr. Lori Kimata