National Poetry Month
April is National Poetry Month, a time dedicated to celebrating poets and their contributions. In honor of this occasion, Open Spirit has some exciting things planned for the month.
We invite you to participate in our “Poem in Your Pocket” project. Throughout April, visit Edwards Hall to select a poem from our curated collection. Carry it with you, share it with friends and family, and immerse yourself in the joy of poetry.
Special Events:
- Ketu Oladuwa’s Octogenarian Tour: Join us on April 6 as we host Indiana-based poet Ketu Oladuwa. Known for his powerful readings and community activism, Ketu will share his work and insights as part of his Octogenarian Tour.
- Poetry Writing Workshop: On April 28, participate in our monthly Poetry Writing Workshop led by Lisa Breger. This session offers an opportunity to explore your creativity and refine your poetic skills in a supportive environment.
- Embodying the Poetry of Hope: Gentle yoga on Tuesdays at 10 am will center on poetry written by Open Spirit workshop participants.
Throughout the month, we’ll be featuring poems crafted by Lisa Breger and her students on our Facebook page. These posts aim to inspire and showcase the diverse voices within our community. We encourage everyone to join us in these celebrations, embracing the transformative power of poetry this April.
Poet Ketu Oladuwa on his Octogenarian Tour!
Sunday, April 6 – 3 pm in Edwards Hall
Open Spirit is honored to host the distinguished poet and community activist, Kétu Oladuwa, as part of his Octogenarian Tour. Join us for an enriching afternoon of poetry, spoken word, and jazz. This event is free and open to all; free-will donations are appreciated.
Kétu Oladuwa’s journey is a testament to resilience and artistic expression. At 21, he began exploring his African identity while on Massachusetts death row, wrongfully convicted of a crime he did not commit. Liberated in 1971, Oladuwa has since flourished as a journalist, educator, community arts activist, and poet. Now at 80, he continues to inspire through his publishing endeavors with RootFolkz Poetz Press, public readings, mentoring young poets, teaching Afrikan drumming, and counseling activists. Notably, he
co-founded a traditional Afrikan drum and dance ensemble in 1999, leading youth in cultural immersion in West Africa. His ongoing efforts include addressing mass incarceration through the Death Row Shadows collective.
Event Highlights:
- Kétu Oladuwa: Experience the profound poetry of Oladuwa, reflecting his rich life experiences and cultural heritage.
- Special Guests:
- The Tinnitus Brothers: Enjoy the soulful sounds of this saxophone and bass duo, complementing the evening’s spoken performances.
- Reason: Local spoken word artist Reason will bring a dynamic performance that challenge and inspire.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to engage with powerful artistic expressions that resonate with themes of identity, resilience, and community.
RSVPs are appreciated. Please click here or visit openspiritcenter.org to let us know you’ll be attending.
For more details, please contact: Willie Sordillo williesordillo@gmail.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1SMWQo1lUo Click here learn more about Ketu’s story/
The Path to Awakening: Seven Points of Mind Training lead by Tsering Ngodup Yodsampa
Fridays through May 9 – 4-5:30 pm in Edwards Hall
Rooted in the ancient Eastern wisdom tradition, this series delves into profound practices, designed to cultivate deep compassion and mindfulness, through guided meditations, practical teachings, and community support. These workshops are offered on a sliding scale of $25-35 per session.
Registration is required for attendance, whether individual sessions or the whole series. Please click here to sign up or visit www.openspiritcenter.org.
Workshop Leader:
Tsering Ngodup Yodsampa, a Tibetan Buddhist teacher and interfaith chaplain, has decades of experience in meditation and compassionate care. Tsering is dedicated to blending ancient wisdom with modern mindfulness techniques to foster resilience and compassion.
Community Meditation with Joti Royster
April 12 – 10:30 am in Edwards Hall
Join Joti Royster for a community guided meditation, followed by reflections and sharing (for those who’d like to stay). It is an opportunity to sit in person, with practitioners and friends. This event is a sharing of truth, freely offered. Donations to support for Open Spirit programming are welcomed.
Joti Royster, formerly from Sacred Spaces in Southborough, is currently at Temple Forest Monastery in Temple, New Hampshire.
Monthly Poetry Writing Workshop – Spirituality & Poetry: Grounded in Awe with Lisa Breger
April 28 – 2 pm in Edwards Hall
What stirs in us when we reach for a poem, whether sitting down to write or read the work of a favorite poet? Why do poems stay with us and continue to inform our lives?
In this workshop, we’ll approach poetry as a vehicle for living more fully in the present and deepening our humanity. Each month we’ll focus on an element of craft in the context of a particular theme to generate new work.
This class is for anyone interested in poetry as a spiritual practice and no previous writing experience is required to enjoy the pleasures of creative expression. Come join us and be inspired!
RSVPs are appreciated so that we can plan for space and supplies. To RSVP, please click here or visit www.openspiritcenter.org.
Suggested donation of $20. More if you can, less if you can’t.
Save the Date! “When Thoughts and Threads Collided” – Presented by Valarie Poitier
April 27 – 4 pm in Edwards Hall
Open Spirit’s artist-in-residence, Valarie Poitier, will be speaking about how she used her love of craft to find a pathway to reclaim lost memories and how it all started with a pile of scraps. She will present art works and discuss how habits, colors, shapes, writings and sounds can be used to stir up and reclaim memories. The lecture will be followed by a walk-through of her studio and art. More information coming soon!