Across millennia and continents, these Five Elements have shaped humanity’s understanding of the spiritual and natural world. By learning to work intentionally with these raw materials of life, we can each discover the deeper truth of who we are, and where we fit in the grand tapestry of creation.

In this class, we’ll take a fascinating tour through these elements on the Periodic Table of Spirituality. We’ll practice using them more fluently in our own lives. And we’ll find new, exciting ways to observe Earth Day, and Nature in general, this year and for years to come.

In Session 1 we’ll focus on Fire and Water. In Session 2 we’ll focus on Earth and Air. And we’ll weave in the Beyond throughout. We’ll delve into such questions as:

• What roles do these elements play in your life? We’ll look at both the obvious and subtle!
• What resources can help you connect more deeply with the elements? We’ll look at supportive spiritual practices and texts that have stood the test of time, as well as ones that are more outside-the-box!
• How can these help not just in your individual life, but in the larger picture of environmentalism?
• Why do people from various religious and spiritual backgrounds so readily resonate with these elements? How does modern science enrich our ancient understanding of them? 
• What exactly is this “Beyond”?

Nature lights us up, brings us into flow, grounds us, puts wind in our sails. And it calls us toward something greater than we can even imagine. This class will too – we hope to see you there!

Brian Bard lives out his own calling as a spiritual guide trained in the Anam Cara tradition through the Celtic Center of Seattle. He’s facilitated workshops, ceremonies, and retreats in many different settings: churches/ spiritual communities, community organizing/activism, funerals/grief support groups, theatre, and universities. He loves writing, basking in Nature, working for Scott and Melanie McRae at Sojourner’s Institute, volunteering with the compassionate men of Illuman, and being a husband to his wonderful wife, Devin.