Change in Plans

Thursday, November 12th

Dear Fellow ‘Gatherers’ ~ As we continue to read and listen to our Governor’s suggestions and pleas to really cut back on all types of social interaction with others not in our “bubble”, and as we personally learn of local folks closer and closer to our ‘circle of friends’ testing positive for the virus, we’ve come to the difficult decision to suspend our backyard in-person gatherings till further notice. We probably didn’t have too many possible ones left due to falling temps, and it feels like the right and responsible thing to do in this moment, as we would never want to put our friends’ and families’ physical health in jeopardy. We realize this decision may affect some people’s mental and spiritual health (ours, too – we love hanging out with you!), so we plan to stay in touch through regular newsletters as well as discuss options for online gatherings going forward. We’d love your feedback about whether an online platform would be of interest to you. As you know, we weren’t crazy about the idea this past spring, but maybe we’ve gotten comfortable enough with Zoom and the like over these many months to entertain giving it a shot if there is enough interest! We deeply appreciate your continued financial support of Paths of Heart during this time and also want you to know we COMPLETELY understand if folks desire to pull back on that for the time being. This change of plans has us feeling a bit like the scorched trees in our beloved forests, but we know that growth and renewal will eventually follow.  Holding you in our hearts,
Colleen and Mark
info@pathsofheart.org
www.pathsofheart.org
970-484-9600

Firmly Grounded in The Moment

Sunday, November 8th

Holy Moly! Anyone else reeling from the suspense of “What will happen next…?!” Truth is, we can never really know the future and being anywhere but in the present moment (especially in times of uncertainty) is bound to cause anxiety, frustration, fear, you name the emotion and you might be feeling it! However, being grounded in the present moment within your immediate surroundings can often bring an inner knowing of peace, serenity, and calm. We invite all of you to live in each moment and nowhere else as we navigate these murky waters of our lives. Let’s help one another through! See you in the Paths of Heart backyard (117 Evans Dr., Fort Collins, CO 80524) this Sunday AFTERNOON @ 1PM (we’ve decided this will be our start time till further notice!) and remember to RSVP ( see the “Looking Ahead” section below for details). The weather looks like it will hold but bring layers and check your email for any last minute cancellations! Love you all,
Colleen and Mark

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

THIS Sunday, November 8th, 1 pm (note time change – this is what we decided as a group going forward, to allow for more warm up!) – Our next Paths of Heart Gathering in the backyard at 117 Evans Dr. in Fort Collins. We will be limiting the number of people on any one Sunday, so reservations (and masks!) will be required. Enter through the back gate. Once everyone is seated and our meeting begins, we’ll have the opportunity to remove our masks if everyone present is comfortable with that. We will be seated at least 6 ft. apart. Reply to this email or call 970-484-9600 to RSVP.

We are planning on scheduling a gathering every Sunday through at least November, knowing that cancellations due to weather will be very possible.

You Matter Marathon – We participate in this international movement throughout the month of November every year. For more details go to: https://youmattermarathon.com/

“Paths of Heart” Labyrinth – What a joy it was to envision and oversee the creation of our labyrinth and Zen Garden this spring/summer! This was intentioned to be a community space, so know that you are always welcome to drop by and walk or sit – you do not need to let us know in advance. Do note that we have experienced the outer “halo” of glass blocks to be slippery when wet, so it’s best to come on a dry day!

Gratitudes

We are grateful for all those who are supporting Paths of Heart financially during these challenging times. Expenses still exist, even when we can’t meet in our regular way these days. Several have chosen automatic monthly donations through Paypal, which is a big help.  Let us know if you’d like more information on this option.
https://www.pathsofheart.org/donate/

What are you grateful for today?

“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

“When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears.” ~ Anthony Robbins

“If the only prayer you said was thank you, that would be enough.” ~ Meister Eckhart

Letting Go…Again!

Sunday, November 1st

Well, our October 18th gathering was cancelled due to cold and windy weather. We thought we’d see if it could be rescheduled for this Sunday, the 25th, but TRULY frigid temps and the prediction of a foot of snow put the kibosh on that idea! SO, we’re looking forward to November 1st, when (so far) the temps look tolerable. We’ll keep our theme of letting go – an annual fall topic coinciding with the falling leaves. It’s always a great reminder and perhaps more so this year, as there seems to be such a plethora of things to let go of! We’ll also celebrate Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and the start of the You Matter Marathon https://youmattermarathon.com/ which Paths of Heart participates in every year. We are changing our meeting time to 11:30 a.m. on November 1st to allow for a bit more warming up. It’s also the end of Daylight Saving Time so we’ll get an extra hour of sleep (and maybe more warming up?) when we set our clocks BACK one hour on Saturday night. See you in the Paths of Heart backyard (117 Evans Dr., Fort Collins, CO 80524) and remember to RSVP ( see the “Looking Ahead” section below for details).
Enjoy the colors while they last!
Colleen and Mark

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

NEXT Sunday, November 1st, 11:30 a.m. (note time change to one hour later and also remember to set your clocks back on Saturday night!) – Our next Paths of Heart Gathering in our backyard at 117 Evans Dr. in Fort Collins. We will be limiting the number of people on any one Sunday, so reservations (and masks) will be required. Enter through the back gate. Once everyone is seated and our meeting begins, we’ll have the opportunity to remove our masks if everyone present is comfortable with that. We will be seated at least 6 ft. apart. Reply to this email or call 970-484-9600 to RSVP.

We are thinking of scheduling a gathering every Sunday through November, knowing that cancellations due to weather will be very possible. We’d like to change the meeting time to 1 or 2 pm just so it’ll have a chance to warm up some! Your thoughts on this are appreciated.

“Paths of Heart Labyrinth” Service Opportunity! – We are still looking for volunteers who might want to drop by occasionally (or on a regular basis) and help with clearing the labyrinth of debris and weeds. With our frequent high winds, there is a constant need to pick up twigs and limbs that fall from the trees onto the path, and we are finding that even though we put down professional grade weed barrier, our persistent bindweed is finding its way through! You can be as meticulous as you’d like (Colleen has a different word for her particular fastidiousness!), and any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

Know that you are always welcome to drop by and walk the Paths of Heart labyrinth – you do not need to let us know in advance. Do note that we have experienced the outer “halo” of glass blocks to be slippery when wet, so it’s best to come on a dry day!

Gratitudes

We are grateful for all those who are supporting Paths of Heart financially during these challenging times. Expenses still exist, even when we can’t meet in our regular way these days. Several have chosen automatic monthly donations through Paypal, which is a big help.  Let us know if you’d like more information on this option.
https://www.pathsofheart.org/donate/

What are you grateful for today?

“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

“When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears.” ~ Anthony Robbins

“If the only prayer you said was thank you, that would be enough.” ~ Meister Eckhart

Letting Go

Sunday, October 18th

You knew we’d get around to this annual fall topic as the leaves start to drop, right? It’s always a great reminder and perhaps more so this year, as there seems to be such a plethora of things to let go of! (side note: sometimes the leaves come gracefully swirling and dancing down, and other times big parts of trees come crashing down, like in our recent windstorm. T-I-M-B-E-R!! Either way, we have to let go. We hope to have it mostly cleaned up in time for our gathering. Sigh…) Come join the conversation this Sunday, October 18th, at 10:30 a.m. in the Paths of Heart backyard (117 Evans Dr., Fort Collins, CO 80524). Please RSVP ( see the “Looking Ahead” section below for details).
Enjoy the colors while they last!
Colleen and Mark

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

THIS Sunday, October 18th, 10:30 a.m. -Our next Paths of Heart Gathering in our backyard at 117 Evans Dr. in Fort Collins. We will be limiting the number of people on any one Sunday, so reservations (and masks) will be required.  Enter through the back gate. Once everyone is seated and our meeting begins, we’ll have the opportunity to remove our masks if everyone present is comfortable with that. We will be seated at least 6 ft. apart. Reply to this email or call 970-484-9600 to RSVP. 

You may also RSVP for our other gathering planned at this point: November 1st (weather permitting).

“Paths of Heart Labyrinth” Service Opportunity! – We are still looking for volunteers who might want to drop by occasionally (or on a regular basis) and help with clearing the labyrinth of debris and weeds. With our frequent high winds, there is a constant need to pick up twigs and limbs that fall from the trees onto the path, and we are finding that even though we put down professional grade weed barrier, our persistent bindweed is finding its way through!  You can be as meticulous as you’d like (Colleen has a different word for her particular fastidiousness!), and any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

Know that you are always welcome to drop by and walk the Paths of Heart labyrinth – you do not need to let us know in advance. Do note that we have experienced the outer “halo” of glass blocks to be slippery when wet, so it’s best to come on a dry day!

Gratitudes

We are grateful for all those who are supporting Paths of Heart financially during these challenging times. Expenses still exist, even when we can’t meet in our regular way these days. Several have chosen automatic monthly donations through Paypal, which is a big help.  Let us know if you’d like more information on this option.
https://www.pathsofheart.org/donate/

What are you grateful for today?

“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

“When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears.” ~ Anthony Robbins

“If the only prayer you said was thank you, that would be enough.” ~ Meister Eckhart

Decisiveness

Sunday, October 4th

With so much in life beyond our control (even more so these days, eh?!), it’s easy to become numb and feel “paralyzed” in our decision making, thinking that we can’t make a difference. Yet all it takes is that first step, that choice to begin, to take action on even the smallest thing. Being decisive empowers us and it feels good, too! Come join the conversation this Sunday, October 4th, at 10:30 a.m. in the Paths of Heart backyard (117 Evans Dr., Fort Collins, CO 80524). Please RSVP ( see the “Looking Ahead” section below for details).
Love and Light,
Colleen and Mark

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

THIS Sunday, October 4th, 10:30 a.m. -Our next Paths of Heart Gathering in our backyard at 117 Evans Dr. in Fort Collins. We will be limiting the number of people on any one Sunday, so reservations (and masks) will be required.  Once everyone is seated and our meeting begins, we’ll have the opportunity to remove our masks if everyone present is comfortable with that.  We will be seated at least 6 ft. apart. Reply to this email or call 970-484-9600 to RSVP. 

You may also RSVP for our next 2  gatherings planned at this point: October 18th, and November 1st (weather permitting).

“Paths of Heart Labyrinth” Service Opportunity! – We are still looking for volunteers who might want to drop by occasionally (or on a regular basis) and help with clearing the labyrinth of debris and weeds. With our frequent high winds, there is a constant need to pick up twigs and limbs that fall from the trees onto the path, and we are finding that even though we put down professional grade weed barrier, our persistent bindweed is finding its way through!  You can be as meticulous as you’d like (Colleen has a different word for her particular fastidiousness!), and any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

Know that you are always welcome to drop by and walk the Paths of Heart labyrinth – you do not need to let us know in advance. Do note that we have experienced the outer “halo” of glass blocks to be slippery when wet, so it’s best to come on a dry day!

Gratitudes

We are grateful for all those who are supporting Paths of Heart financially during these challenging times. Expenses still exist, even when we can’t meet in our regular way these days. Several have chosen automatic monthly donations through Paypal, which is a big help.  Let us know if you’d like more information on this option.
https://www.pathsofheart.org/donate/

What are you grateful for today?

“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

“When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears.” ~ Anthony Robbins

“If the only prayer you said was thank you, that would be enough.” ~ Meister Eckhart

The Rituals of Autumn

We can feel it in the cool evening air and see it in the small patches of yellow appearing in the trees – autumn is nearly upon us!  The changing of the seasons is a perfect time for ritual and for contemplating the lessons nature can provide us. Starting this Sunday, September 20th, we’ll meet every 2 weeks at 10:30 a.m. in the Paths of Heart backyard (117 Evans Dr., Fort Collins, CO 80524) until the weather “turns”, as we don’t know what the future holds for having our gatherings indoors.  Gotta make hay while the sun shines!  Please RSVP and let us know you’ll be coming.

We know folks have been missing our potlucks, so we thought we’d try a picnic style lunch after this Sunday’s gathering.  It’ll be BYOE (bring your own everything!) – food, drink, plates, utensils, cups.  We have several sitting areas with tables and even though we’ll be distanced, it will be nice to break bread together!

Hope to see you this Sunday,
Colleen and Mark

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

THIS Sunday, September 20th, 10:30 a.m. -Our next Paths of Heart Gathering in our backyard at 117 Evans Dr. in Fort Collins. We will be limiting the number of people on any one Sunday, so reservations (and masks) will be required.  Once everyone is seated and our meeting begins, we’ll have the opportunity to remove our masks if everyone present is comfortable with that.  We will be seated at least 6 ft. apart. Reply to this email or call 970-484-9600 to RSVP. 

You may also RSVP for any of our other gatherings planned at this point: October 4th and 18th, and November 1st (weather permitting).

“Paths of Heart Labyrinth” Service Opportunity! – We are still looking for volunteers who might want to drop by occasionally (or on a regular basis) and help with clearing the labyrinth of debris and weeds. With our frequent high winds, there is a constant need to pick up twigs and limbs that fall from the trees onto the path, and we are finding that even though we put down professional grade weed barrier, our persistent bindweed is finding its way through!  You can be as meticulous as you’d like (Colleen has a different word for her particular fastidiousness!), and any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

Know that you are always welcome to drop by and walk the Paths of Heart labyrinth – you do not need to let us know in advance. Do note that we have experienced the outer “halo” of glass blocks to be slippery when wet, so it’s best to come on a dry day!

Gratitudes

As wildfires continue to rage in Colorado and on the west coast, we are extremely grateful for all the firefightfighters and other folks on the front lines helping those in need. We are also grateful for the rain and snow here that has helped to slow our current fires.

What are you grateful for today?

“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

“When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears.” ~ Anthony Robbins

“If the only prayer you said was thank you, that would be enough.” ~ Meister Eckhart

Staying Heart-Centered in an Unpredictable World

Of course most of us have known for years that the only thing we can control in our lives is ourselves, and how we respond to outside circumstances and events.  But, geez, who knew we’d get so many opportunities to challenge our abilities in this arena!  Life throws us enough curveballs without adding a global pandemic to the game, and just managing our day to day lives (like finding the time to get this newsletter out!) can feel overwhelming and anxiety producing.  Let’s gather together this Sunday, September 6th at 10:30 a.m. in the Paths of Heart backyard (117 Evans Dr., Fort Collins, CO 80524) and explore the strategies and activities we’re employing to stay even-keeled and heart-centered in these unprecedented times.
Love and Light to all, Colleen and Mark

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

THIS Sunday, September 6th, 10:30 a.m. -Our next Paths of Heart Gathering in our backyard at 117 Evans Dr. in Fort Collins. We will be limiting the number of people at our gatherings, so reservations (and masks) will be required.  Once everyone is seated and our meeting begins, we’ll have the opportunity to remove our masks if everyone present is comfortable with that. We will be seated at least 6 ft. apart. Reply to this email or call 970-484-9600 to RSVP. How often we continue to meet outdoors remains fluid. It will most likely be once or twice a month, as we continue to monitor state and local guidelines for gatherings, and the changing weather.

“Paths of Heart Labyrinth” Service Opportunity! – We are looking for volunteers who might want to drop by occasionally (or on a regular basis) and help with clearing the labyrinth of debris and weeds. With our frequent high winds, there is a constant need to pick up twigs and limbs that fall from the trees onto the path, and we are finding that even though we put down professional grade weed barrier, our persistent bindweed is finding its way through!  You can be as meticulous as you’d like (Colleen has a different word for her particular fastidiousness!), and any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

Know that you are always welcome to drop by and walk the Paths of Heart labyrinth – you do not need to let us know in advance. Do note that we have experienced the outer “halo” of glass blocks to be slippery when wet, so it’s best to come on a dry day!

Gratitudes

We are so incredibly grateful for the overwhelming response we had for our family house concerts this past weekend!  We ended up doing 3 consecutive nights with around 40 people each night.  What a gift to lift our spirits!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!

What are you grateful for today?

“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

“When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears.” ~ Anthony Robbins

“If the only prayer you said was thank you, that would be enough.” ~ Meister Eckhart

This Week’s Inspiration

As we continue to experience cancellations of plans and events (with their subsequent disappointments), not from the pandemic this time, but from our raging wildfires across Colorado, we’ve been contemplating “The Bigger Picture”.  Even though we can’t know what the future holds, we take comfort in trusting that everything happens for a reason in the “grand scheme” of things.  It’s tempting to want to know how it’s all going to pan out in any number of situations, but if we did know all those details, chances are we’d be overwhelmed by it all and would lose the ability to act in the moment. And that present moment is where all the magic is!  It’s where we learn and grow and face the challenges that make us ultimately stronger and wiser, and hopefully more kind and loving human beings.  Stay safe and well out there, do what you can to help others, and we’ll see you in a few weeks (details below).
Colleen and Mark

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

Friday, Aug. 28th and Sunday, Aug. 30th, 6-8 p.m. – Crosson/Sloniker Family House Concert in the backyard!  Please join Mark, Colleen, Myles, and Emma for a special send-off concert before Myles returns to NYC after his 3 month stay in CO.  Details here: https://mailchi.mp/86f6ca60c8fc/crossonsloniker-family-house-concert?fbclid=IwAR07tROlzlWfZbn7NmJaJnxGugAleYZN_5rnUGmz2P2WyfKw1oy0yu-bq3U
RSVP and pre-payment required – tickets are already going fast! UPDATE – while writing this newsletter, rsvps were flying in so fast that Sunday sold out, so we added the Friday date. It is close to selling out as well!  We will be creating a waiting list if both end up full. We are capping attendance at 35 people each night. Rest assured that we will be spacing seating at least 6 feet apart and masks will be required till everyone is seated and the concert begins. Masks will again be required at intermission when folks are milling about. We care about your safety!

Sunday, September 6th, 10:30 a.m. – Our next Paths of Heart Gathering in our backyard at 117 Evans Dr. in Fort Collins. We will be limiting the number of people on any one Sunday, so reservations (and masks) will be required.  We will probably allow a greater number of folks this time (20-25?) and will change the seating arrangement back to rows, as our circle was getting a little too big to space the chairs efficiently, and it was harder to hear folks as they were speaking. Reply to this email or call 970-484-9600 to RSVP. How often we continue to meet outdoors remains fluid. It will most likely be once or twice a month, as we continue to monitor state and local guidelines for gatherings.

“Paths of Heart Labyrinth” Service Opportunity! – We are looking for volunteers who might want to drop by occasionally (or on a regular basis) and help with clearing the labyrinth of debris and weeds. With our frequent high winds, there is a constant need to pick up twigs and limbs that fall from the trees onto the path, and we are finding that even though we put down professional grade weed barrier, our persistent bindweed is finding its way through!  You can be as meticulous as you’d like (Colleen has a different word for her particular fastidiousness!), and any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

Know that you are always welcome to drop by and walk the Paths of Heart labyrinth – you do not need to let us know in advance. Do note that we have experienced the outer “halo” of glass blocks to be slippery when wet, so it’s best to come on a dry day!

Gratitudes

We are grateful for everyone who sends us unique and lovely pictures of hearts in Nature!  Here’s one from Colleen’s sister!

What are you grateful for today?

“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

“When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears.” ~ Anthony Robbins

“If the only prayer you said was thank you, that would be enough.” ~ Meister Eckhart

Hello Dear Ones!  As noted in last week’s newsletter, we’ll meet again in the backyard for an in-person Paths of Heart Gathering THIS Sunday, August 9th at 10:30 a.m.  Our topic is Spiritual Alchemy.  As the effects of the Corona Virus pandemic continue to influence us, we can also continue to find ways to spread joy, gratitude, and positivity in our lives and the lives of those in our spheres. We can transmute our old, ingrained, leaden thoughts and ideas into golden treasures of body, mind, and spirit!
We’ll have chairs appropriately distanced, and masks will be required upon entering. Please RSVP as we will continue with a small number (no more than 15 participants) for the foreseeable future. There are still a few seats available!

“So many people turn to spiritual thinking only when they experience difficulties, hoping that the sorrow or pain will just miraculously disappear. Usually, they find that the place of suffering — the place where we are broken in spirit, when accepted and embraced, is also a place of peace and possibility. Our sufferings do not magically end; instead we are able to wisely alchemically recycle them. They become the abundant waste that we use to make new growth possible.” ~ bell hooks

“The secrets of alchemy exist to transform mortals from a state of suffering and ignorance to a state of enlightenment and bliss.” ~ Deepak Chopra

We so look forward to seeing you again! Much love and gratitude, Colleen and Mark
117 Evans Dr., FC, CO 80524
970-484-9600

Sunday, August 9th
(our next in-person gathering)

Spiritual Alchemy

This week we came across an article about BJ Fogg’s concept of “Pearl Habits”, involving prompts that start out as an irritant, but end up creating something beautiful. It reminded us of the concept we call spiritual alchemy, where a perceived “negative” emotion or circumstance can be transmuted or transformed into positive, flowing energy.  This will be our topic for NEXT Sunday’s in-person gathering of Paths of Heart on August 9th. As the effects of the Corona Virus pandemic continue to influence us, we can also continue to find ways to spread joy, gratitude, and positivity in our lives and the lives of those in our spheres. We can transmute our old, ingrained, leaden thoughts and ideas into golden treasures of body, mind, and spirit!
We’ll again be in the backyard, appropriately distanced, and masks will be required upon entering. Please RSVP, as we will continue with a small number (no more than 15 participants) for the foreseeable future. 

We so look forward to seeing you again!  Colleen and Mark

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

August 9th -Our next Paths of Heart Gathering in our backyard at 117 Evans Dr. in Fort Collins. We will be limiting the number of people on any one Sunday, so reservations (and masks) will be required. Reply to this email or call 970-484-9600 to RSVP. How often we will meet remains fluid. It will most likely be once or twice a month, as we continue to monitor state and local guidelines for gatherings.

Know that you are always welcome to drop by and walk the Paths of Heart labyrinth – you do not need to let us know in advance. Do note that we have experienced the outer “halo” of glass blocks to be slippery when wet, so it’s best to come on a dry day!

Gratitudes

We are grateful for family and friends, helping us weather the storm in fun and unique ways!

What are you grateful for today?

“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

“When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears.” ~ Anthony Robbins

“If the only prayer you said was thank you, that would be enough.” ~ Meister Eckhart