The Compass of Grace Workshops
Introducing the Compass of Grace
Go There by Dana Kelly Sweet
In the beginning, there was a garden where all creation communed in harmony and peace. Remembering this, most of us long to inhabit “states of grace” such as peace, joy, and love. But we may find them difficult to attain or maintain in daily life. Our human operating systems are in a bind and need an upgrade.
Are you feeling a little split between your higher potential and your personality limitations?
We have learned through observation, practice, and theological reflection that the “fall from grace” into a world of struggle and duality is a choice. Therefore, it is possible to choose again.
The Compass of Grace is a practice that the Christ the Healer Community has developed and refined which offers a map to locate where we are standing in our life and relationships and a means to reorient ourselves to a state of grace here and now, whatever we are involved in.
At any moment of our life, we can notice whether we are standing in one of three places: Grace, Getting Along, or Self-Protection. [Jesus called them heaven, “this world,” and hell.] We call them the Triple Compass. [insert color graphic]
We teach self observation to become aware of one’s habitual stances, and demonstrate how they are reflected in physiological ways such as posture, muscle tension, and breathing. Distortions which can lead to physical limitation and illness, as over time, our bodies out-picture our emotional states.
Yet our bodies also respond with feelings of well being, expansion, relief, and joy when remembering “states of grace .”
In order to re-access these graceful body memories, we have named 8 states of grace as points on the Compass of Grace: Acceptance, Gratitude, Joy, Inspiration, Awe, Peace, Presence, and Love. Workshop participants are treated to a vivid group experience of how these states feel when physically present.
Heartburst by Dana Kelly Sweet
Longer workshops employ music, visual art, writing, Reiki, and other spiritual exercises to enter and experience embodied states of grace for extended periods of time. We also teach strategies for shifting to a state of grace from a state of self protection or dysfunctional getting along.
Multi-day retreats allow time to discover and explore one’s personality dynamics in terms of the Compass of Getting Along and Compass of Self Protection—each also with 8 named compass points. We show how an understanding of these two compasses illuminates the struggles of culture, family, politics, and religion, and why the vision of Shalom, Oneness, Grace, or the kin-dom of heaven is “the only way that works.”
For more information, or to schedule a Compass of Grace lecture or workshop for your group, contact Gabrielle Chavez gabrielle@cthgathering.org or Thomas C. Chavez thomas@cthgathering.org
What participants are saying:
“I had no idea why sometimes I would be completely ONE and sometimes not. . . Truly this has been an amazing revelation. I’d heard of the kingdom all my life but never has it been more relevant!”
“The Triple Compass Map has illuminated our group dynamics and we are practicing the new skills of choosing grace.”
“I use the Compass of Grace everyday. It’s quite simple, but my whole life has changed. I feel empowered in difficult relationships with others (and myself).”
“… as effective a practice as non violent communication and more profound.”
One by Dana Kelly Sweet