Lenten Exercises: Mind, Body, & Soul, Sistine Ceiling Edition

Enjoy a high-quality virtual visit to the treasures of the Western World.  Rather than traveling thousands of miles, across seas and oceans only to walk thousands of steps to visit the off-the-beaten-path wonders, now you can make that journey from the comfort of your home!  

Staying safe and staying home, you will enjoy a decade's worth of insights gleaned from leading pilgrims and patrons through the beauitful & compelling drama of sacred beauty. It is also a perfect opportunity to get some real *insider* information with a small group of online friends.

For Lent, we are doing something unique to appeal to all our followers, whether they are walking the religious path through faith, or just looking for integrated, holistic renewal.

These mid-afternoon visits take place during a traditional day of fasting and reflection in the period of Lent: Wednesdays. Sure, you might have known that Fridays were special Lenten days, but did you know that Wednesdays were also revered as days to practice aestically inspired exercises?

Therefore, taking Ancient Tradition and updating it for the new millennium, we propose to share 3 15-minute exercise segments with you to engage mind, body, and soul.

First, follow a brief virtual visit to a site or artwork or visual represenation of outstanding cultural beauty.  How can we exercise our minds when we encounter beauty?  What are key takeaways we can glean in 15minutes to inspire our day? our week?

Next, inspired by shapes and positions and ideals of beauty, we will challenge ourselves to a short, fast-paced 15min workout.  Let's get that heartrate up, people!  Whether it is through simple bodyweight exercises or basic yoga positions, we can connect our mindful reflections with our physical engagement.  Besides, the workout will not really require any equipment, and will be adapted with modifications for all levels.  Whether it is your first time exercising, or whether you are a gym hound, everyone can survive a 15min mini-workout!

Finally, as we catch our breath and cool down, we will explore Scriptural wisdom with a short insight & reflection by someone who walks the walk and talks the talk everyt single day as a front-line worker: head of chaplaincy (that is, spiritural counseling and guidance) in NYC hospitals.

In short, this is not a boring Zoom; this is a highly-interactive and highly-produced virtual cultural experience.

All the virtual walks will take place online, of course.  To participate you will need a computer with a good (fast) internet connection, and Zoom downloaded onto your computer or device. We recommend that you have water handy, and enough space to stretch out, but otherwise no requirements: just show up online!

Once you register, all the log-in details, instructions, and directions will be sent to you via email.

As a courtesy, if you plan to no longer participate in the virtual tour, we ask you to please provide us with a cancellation notice at least 24 hours before the event. We cannot guarantee refunds for cancellations made with less than 24 hours' notice, though we will endeavor to do our best !