Winter is a time when it feels natural to turn inward with our energies and attention. Even if we don’t literally hibernate the way some animals and plants do, nevertheless it’s part of our natural rhythms to slow down and become more introspective.

Looking inward is an indispensable component to personal transformation, and PTCI strives to provide support and inspiration to those who are seeking to understand themselves more deeply. The Resources section here on our website has guided meditations that you are welcome to stream and make use of for meditation periods. Our monthly Zoom gathering for community-building and group meditation practice provides you with a convenient way to be at home but also be part of a group of fellow seekers. Our newly formed Prayer Circle offers you the opportunity to support and lift the energy of others while maintaining your own winter retreat. You can learn more about and join our Prayer Circle initiative by clicking here .

The new year of 2023 promises to hold many challenges and opportunities for personal and collective growth and transformation. One of the greatest challenges in times of uncertainty and change is to stay connected to your Ideals and values. Turning inward for that connection can cultivate a commitment to have hope and trust in the work of individuals and groups who are focused on bringing more understanding, peace and unity into our communities and our world. Each of us is called to do this work in his or her own way.

In a few weeks – just when the days grow longer and springtime is in sight – we are conducting a one-day online retreat program. We already have people signing up for “Tune-In and Tune-up!” which will be offered on Sunday, March 5. It is a great way to marshal your energies, more deeply connect to what is important about you and to you, and prepare for the more outward-facing opportunities that the year ahead will hold. The program will include short teaching sessions with Mary Elizabeth and Mark, small group discussions, self-exploration exercises, and group meditations. Here’s more information about that online retreat.

Thank you for your continued inner work and the many ways you take your knowledge and wisdom into the world. Thank you for supporting PTCI through prayer, participation and financial support.

PTCI – Blog

Mindfulness is Social Action

On Sunday, June 7th, Mark and I went to Washington, D.C. to bear witness to the newly inaugurated Black Lives Matter Plaza. The Plaza is immediately adjacent to Layfette Square and spans and renames almost three blocks of 16th St., within sight of the White House. It was here, two weeks ago, that peaceful protesters were forcibly dispersed by police who used tear gas, flash grenades, and rubber bullets to disrupt … Read More

Spiritual Energy Principle 6

Non-Judgmental Awareness Itself Does the Healing Doing the work of spiritual transformation – what we might call “making the unconscious conscious” – includes connecting deeply with our wisdom, gifts and talents.  It also requires us to embrace the wounded parts of ourselves and welcome them into our awareness.  This process takes a lot of courage, but it also takes equal parts of self-compassion. Part of the reason … Read More

Spiritual Energy Principle 5

What Remains Hidden Has Power Over Us and Takes Away Our Real Power   The fifth Spiritual Energy Principle challenges us in a very specific way to explore our inner “Milky Way.”  It states that those parts of ourselves – including our thoughts, feelings and actions – that we hide from others and from ourselves – have power over us and rob us of our authentic power. We all have thoughts, emotions and behaviors of … Read More