Friday Five-Personal Flotation Device

Kathrykzj posted this lifesaving FF:

In honor of BE Three" I thought I'd offer up a Friday Five of lifesavers. I'm going on our cruise (are you?) because I am excited about meeting up with my blogging buddies again, I am interested in the speaker and because when I went on the first one my life was saved (okay, that may be a little over-dramatized but if you saw me getting on the boat and then the difference when getting off the boat you would know of what I speak).

I don't expect - or need - another life saving moment but I want to support the conference.

Of course lifesavers can come in all sizes and with far less drama. I would readily admit that I have considered a person (children's sermon substitute), the location of a bathroom, and a beverage (the last diet coke in the back of the fridge - score!) all to be lifesavers at one point or another.

And so today I ask you - dramatic or fairly common - what have been/are your lifesavers:"

1) Your lifesaving food/beverage.

It all goes better with a Coke, but Water fills the tiny refrigerator in my office
2) Your lifesaving article of clothing.

Since I missed the shoes chapter of FF, after my back surgery and subsequent disability, Rockport's and Teva's. The most comfortable shoes and sandals, and for Rockports, the ones that stay on, since my feet cannot grip anymore,
3) Your lifesaving movie/book/tv show/music.

As a youngish person, the books of Jane Rule who told me who I was and that it was quite all right. ( and who I later met.0
4) Your lifesaving friend.

Well, not quite a friend, but my therapist, who in two installments over 20 years has saved my sorry ass.
5) Your lifesaving moment.

So many

Women & Spirituality Event in NYC

Women and Spirituality


A Soulful Journey Among Ourselves

Four events
Dates: Nov 11, 13, 14, 15 Check below for details
Several locations in Manhattan

Co-Convenors:
Westina Matthews, PhD
Mark D’Alessio

With guest speakers:
Suzan D. Johnson Cook (Dr. Sujay), Rev. Barbara Cawthorne Crafton,
Amy Julia Becker, Rev. Katharine R. Henderson, Kathleen Kelley, Sumaiya Malik,
The Rev. Canon Anne Mallonee, Rev. Jeanne Person, and Rev. Beth Waltemath.

The profound experience of women’s spiritual quests are explored in a four part series presented by the Psychotherapy & Spirituality Institute in association with Auburn Seminary, General Theological Seminary and Trinity Church Wall Street.

Join us to explore how a broader spirituality can emerge from our deepest values. This will be a unique opportunity to learn and renew in a loving and supportive environment; and, you will leave with resources and suggested practices for supporting your faith walk.


Part 1 begins at Auburn Seminary and examines how the sense of connectedness that is uniquely feminine supports social practices essential for a just society.

Wednesday, Nov 11 6:30pm-8:00pm Auburn Seminary
3041 Broadway at 121st Street The Stewart Room

Guest Presenter: Rev. Suzan D. Johnson Cook (Dr. Sujay), (author of Too Blessed to be Stressed, TV producer and host, and Founder & Senior Pastor of the Bronx Christian Fellowship Church)


Part 2 moves to Trinity Wall Street/St. Paul’s Chapel and turns to the spiritual leadership of our invited guest panelists, reflecting on the inspiration they’ve gleaned from women prophets and saints (alongside the significance of “goddesses” and the Divine Feminine).

Friday, Nov 13 6:30pm-8:00pm St. Paul's Chapel
Broadway at Fulton Street

Guest Panelists: Amy Julia Becker (author of Penelope Ayers), Jeanne Person (Director of the Center for Christian Spirituality), Kathleen Kelley (Spiritual Care Director at the Hazelden Foundation), and Sumaiya Malik (founder of Good News Gazette)


Part 3 is a retreat day in the city at General Theological Seminary and is part of the Center for Christian Spirituality’s “Quiet Day” series – a time to come together and create a time apart that invites you to slow down, reflect, be still.

Saturday, Nov 14 10:00am-3:00pm General Theological Seminary Entrance on W. 21st Street bet. Ninth & Tenth Avenues

Faciliator: Westina Matthews, PhD
Guest Presenter: Rev. Julia Kristeller (Director of PSI’s Muslim-Arab Women’s Project & Interfaith Minister)

Part 4 closes our series and returns to Trinity Wall Street where we will share experiences on how women everywhere are seeking a broader, life-affirming spirituality in response to the needs and opportunities of the age.

Sunday, Nov 15 1:00pm-2:30pm Trinity Wall Street
74 Trinity Place 2nd Floor

Guest Presenter: Barbara Cawthorne Crafton (author of Jesus Wept and the celebrated Almost Daily eMos from the Geranium Farm)

Come to one part of the series, or come to all.
Our speakers will have their books available for purchase and signing.

$45 for full series
If purchased separately, Parts 1, 2, 4: $12 each,
Part 3 Quiet Day: $20 (includes lunch)
No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
CEU credits available.

For reservations or other information,
please contact Mark D’Alessio at 212-285-0043 x11
or mark@psi-mindspirit.org