Shalem Society Annual Gathering
October 10-13, 2025
4PM ET October 10- 4PM ET October 13, 2025
The Shalem Community gathers, surrounded by Spirit, as Lerita Coleman Brown invites us to build the capacity of our “inner sanctuaries” as we navigate the challenges of our times.
What sweet relief descends upon us during a bumpy flight when the pilots steer the airplane above the turbulence. In these chaotic and unpredictable times, how can we bask in a sense of calm despite unstable conditions? One portal may be through an extended pause—taking intentional time to sink deep into our inner sanctuaries and examine our relationship with God. In the Shalem community, we speak of “areas of unfreedom.” Howard Thurman asks, “Are you a freed spirit?”—free from the societal prescriptions and proscriptions linked to economic status, race, gender, ethnicity, and other social or cultural labels. What prevents us from surrendering to Spirit, from fully embracing the call to walk the Path to God? How can we, like birds soar above the turmoil?
Throughout this annual gathering of the Shalem Society, we will focus on birds who seemingly survive and thrive and greet each morning with a song independent of the circumstances. What can birds teach us about spirituality, about being still as storms and danger pass, about resilience and trust in the Presence for everything? What scriptures, sacred texts, songs, meditations, poems, stories or parables about birds guide us to “the Peace that passeth understanding?”
Saturday Morning:
We will use The Conference of the Birds to center our personal and group reflections on the morning of October 11th. This Sufi classic (trans. by Shóleh Wolpë)* written by Fattar, Sufi mystic, poet, teacher and mentor of Rumi is a collection of allegorical poems, parables and wisdom packed. The birds who represent the spectrum of human character and spiritual shortcomings muse about their personal excuses (e.g. insecurity, weakness), idols (pursuit of recognition, power, wealth) and curious ignorance that hinder their pursuit of God.
As you read, please ponder the following questions:
- Are there specific birds that highlight your current or past struggles on the spiritual path?
- Which parables speak to you? What is Spirit conveying to you in the stories that captivate your attention?
- Have you moved through any of the Seven Valleys (e.g., Valley of Quest, Knowledge, Wonderment) or are you stuck in one or two particular ones?
- Honestly, do you believe it is possible to rise above the current tumult or is your ego receiving some secondary gain from the melodrama?
*I highly recommend the translation by Iranian-American poet, Shóleh Wolpë which includes the poems and parables. There are many translations some more accessible than others so beware. The Penguin Classic version, for example, is in iambic pentameter and a challenge to decipher.
Lerita Coleman Brown
Lerita Coleman Brown, PhD, is a spiritual director/companion, author, Distinguished Professor of Psychology Emerita and past director of the Science Center for Women at Agnes Scott College. She also is a graduate of Shalem’s Nurturing the Call: Spiritual Guidance Program and speaks and writes about contemplative spirituality in everyday life. Her new book, What Makes You Come Alive: A Spiritual Walk with Howard Thurman, was recently released by Broadleaf Press. This book is an excellent companion to Shalem’s Howard Thurman online retreat days that Lerita leads.
Attendees
As one of the components of the Society for Contemplative Leadership, the Annual Gathering is open to all people who have completed the final residency of one of Shalem’s long-term programs: Going Deeper: Clergy Spiritual Life and Leadership Program, Facilitating Group Spiritual Direction Program, Transforming Community: Leading Contemplative Spiritual Groups & Retreats Program, Living in God: Personal Spiritual Deepening Program, Nurturing the Call: Spiritual Guidance Program, Soul of the Executive Program, YALLI: Young Adult Life and Leadership Initiative, Crossing the Threshold: Contemplative Foundations for Emerging Leaders, the Soul of Leadership Program, and Heart Longings: An Invitation to the Contemplative Path.
Please note: if you are a graduate of one of Shalem’s long-term programs and are considering membership in the Society, you are welcome to come to the Gathering to discern if the Society is right for you at this time.
GATHERING LOCATION
The Society Gathering will be held at on Zoom.
COST & REGISTRATION
The Gathering goes from 4PM ET October 10 and ends at 4PM ET October 13, 2025.
Early Bird Price (through 9/9/25): $135.23 (including $10.23 Eventbrite Fee)
Regular Price (9/10/25 through 10/2/25): $161.90 (including $11.90 Eventbrite Fee)
Some scholarship funds are available. The scholarship deadline is September 15. If you are interested in scholarship support, email Janet Salbert by September 15 at janetsalbert@gmail.com.
Cancellation policy: half of registration cost will be refunded until September 30, 2025. No refunds after September 30, 2025.
Amy Duncan is the registrar for the Society Gathering. You can contact Amy at duncan744@verizon.net.