A threshold, whether physical or emotional, is a place of great vitality and exchange, where new greets old, where outside meets inside, where stranger crosses over to become friend. This guided writing series invites you to explore the thresholds in your own life. Led by Literary Minister Karen Hering, Open Page writing sessions are invitations to the creative spirit, opportunities to correspond with “the still, small voice within.” No writing experience is required; only an empty page and an open heart and mind. Prompted by poetry, stories, teachings from world religions, visual images and physical objects, participants will reflect on the meaning of your own lives and the story of your longings, discoveries and personal experiences.

Then and Now (April 13) A threshold is a place of heightened awareness, physically, emotionally and imaginatively. Behind you, as Rilke says, “all is known to you,” and before you, the vast unknown of the future opens up. Like Janus, the ancient god of gates and entrances whose two faces looked forward and backward at the same time, we will look at our lives in different directions, exploring the dynamic possibilities of our own thresholds. Tipping Points (April 20) What are some of the formative moments in your own life when you took a turn in a new direction? Perhaps a mistake opened up a new opportunity. Perhaps a new understanding about yourself changed the way you saw the world. With stories, poetry and writing prompts, we’ll consider these moments and the thresholds they create in our lives.    Inner and Outer Identity (April 27) Each of us has hidden facets of identity that we carry within and others that we more freely present to the world. Who we are includes both. In this session, we will explore the meeting place between our inner and outer selves and the act of holy relationship that occurs when both identities are seen and known by another.   Being and Becoming (May 4) The thresholds of our lives can carry both thrill and threat. The dynamics of change in our lives can be exhilarating or frightening. How can we better navigate the currents of change, and what are the rudders that might help us? We’ll consider how poetry and other tools of expression can help guide us.

FACILITATOR: Karen Hering, MDiv, serves as consulting literary minister at Unity Church-Unitarian, where she leads guided writing sessions and develops opportunities for engaging writing as a spiritual practice and a tool for social action. She is a published writer and an ordained minister with 30 years experience in professional writing and communications. For more information, visit www.unityunitarian.org/WritingMinistry. WHEN: Tuesday, April 13, 6:30-9pm   Tuesday, April 20, 6:30-9pm    Tuesday, April 27, 6:30-9pm  Tuesday, May 4, 6:30-9pm COST:  $30 per class