In-person

Explore Mindfulness and Meditation in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh (Plum Village) and how they can help us deal with the challenges in our daily lives and in our world.

This will include how to stop, calm, rest, and heal before speaking or acting when upset - so that our actions can be more helpful in our struggling world.

We will listen to some of Thich Nhat Hanh's teachings and will explore ways to bring them into our daily lives, if that appeals to us.

4 sessions

Dates:

September 22, 29, 2026

October 20, 27, 2026

Time: 1 pm-2:30 pm

Location: Education Center, room 106

Martha (Marty) Soule discovered this practice in 1993 and brought it into her life. It helped support her as she raised her children, worked several jobs, and dealt with her mother's cancer, her father's Alzheimer's, and other challenges.

After Martha went to her first retreat with Thich Nhat Hanh in 2001, she began a community of practice (Peaceful Heart Sangha) which still meets every Monday evening and every Thursday morning. Martha was ordained as a member of the Order of Interbeing in 2009 and became a Dharma Teacher in 2022.

In-Person

Gut health is all about what goes in (food) and what gets eliminated... feeding the "good guys" and starving out the "bad guys." Your environment is vitally important also. We'll discuss what your microbiome is made up of and best practices for keeping it/you healthy and, of course, what foods and practices to avoid.

What leads to cravings? Who and what lives in and on my body?

Come get the scoop while enjoying a delicious plant-based recipe, prepared on the spot. A $5 fee, payable at the class, will cover the ingredients I provide. Please bring your own plate, bowl, and spoon.

Date: October 13, 2026

Time: 10:00 am-12:00 pm

Location: Education Center, 012 lower level

Beth Perera oozes health and energy wherever she goes. Lumps in one breast paired with painful arthritic conditions in her feet prompted her to change to a plant-based diet. Within three weeks, the cysts were gone, and within seven months, her feet were fine.

Beth read every book on the subject, watched every documentary, and became a walking, talking billboard for plant-based dietary lifestyles. She earned her Certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition through Cornell University in February 2012. She earned several other instructor certifications through top plant-based physicians and researchers.

She is excited to teach about superior nutrition and is overjoyed with each new person who leaves animal products behind for a healthier body and a healthier world.

In-person

It's time to tell your story. Many of us have verbal or written histories of our families. Our parents' generation put their stories on audio or video recordings.

This is an opportunity to tell your story on camera for ten to sixty minutes.  In the end, you'll have a copy to share with family. 

Recording options include you alone, or you with John or someone else of your choosing. John will work out the details with you before your session. 

Date: Mondays, October 26, 2026 through February 1, 2027

The participants will email or call John Henkel to arrange a time that is convenient for both parties.

Time: TBD

Location: TBD

John Henkel is the Gold LEAF curriculum chair, a board member, and a nurse.

In-person

This class introduces gentle stretches and easier yoga poses to relax the mind and body.  The class is designed to enhance flexibility, awareness, and peacefullness.

Each class includes a brief meditation, standing, sitting, and floor work stretches with an emphasis on breathing. Each class will culminate with a guided body relaxation and period of silence. 

Students are asked to bring a yoga mat and 2 towels.

3 Sessions

Dates: October 28, 2026             November 4, 11, 2026

Time: 11 am-12:30 pm

Location: Education Center, 006, lower level

Sharon (Shiri) Jones is experienced and certified by Indra Devi, a pioneer of bringing yoga to the USA. Sharon taught yoga at various locations, including Gold LEAF Institute. She lives a quiet life and continues her lifelong practices and studies.

Hybrid

We have had success with storytelling presentations as speakers have come through our network. Let's take it to the next level and create our own network for storytelling.

Once a month, we will come together to tell stories. We'll brainstorm a list of potential topics. The expectation is that everyone comes prepared with a ten-minute story to tell on a topic of choice. We'll keep it simple and have fun.

Dates: We meet the first Monday of each month

November 2, 2026

December 7, 2026

January 4, 2027

February 1, 2027

Time: Note: the time can be flexible.  Call or email to set up a time if more convenient than the time set. 

Location: Ed Ctr, 106

John Henkel is the GLI curriculum chair, a board member, and a nurse.

Online

Life is full of transitions. Some fall within our control, like retirement or a career change, while others arise unexpectedly through illness, loss, or circumstances we never saw coming.

Even positive changes can leave us questioning who we are now and where we go from here. In this interactive workshop, we’ll explore ways to navigate life’s transitions with greater self-compassion, confidence, and—most importantly—curiosity.

Together, we’ll look at how change can affect our sense of identity and explore tools that can help us find our footing when life suddenly feels uncertain. Whether you’re facing a major life change or simply feeling ready to write a new chapter, this class offers fresh perspectives and practical strategies to ease the transition.

Participants are invited to submit questions ahead of time, which can be addressed anonymously if desired.

Date: November 12, 2026

Time: 10 am-11:30 am

Mandi is also completing her End-of-Life Doula Certificate through the University of New England, deepening her commitment to supporting people through life’s many thresholds. She lives in Midcoast Maine, where she enjoys hiking, herbalism, genealogy, and caring for a historic homestead with her family.