Center for Spiritual Care

We also take time to pray during our weekly gathering.  We pray for our families, people we love and care about and we are often asked to pray for others. You will see us come with our lists and times we forget our list we know God remembers the persons we carry in our hearts to the group. This group blesses us as we come knit and pray and in turn blesses others.

Susan Johnson

Program:  Women’s Wellness Meditation

Originally hailing from S. Wales, Great Britain, I came to this country in 1964 to live in Baltimore Maryland. After a few months of au pair work, I was fortunate to work in Television. First job was a clerical position then I went on to a wonderful and creative job as a Production Assistant and then Associate Producer. We had the first audience participation talk show on the east coast. Together with the producer we provided 5 hours of live programming a week. We shared guests with Phil Donohue and it was a fun time.

The Wellness Meditation Group is very informal. Many of us have been together for quite some time. We gather each Tuesday morning in season. As most of the participants are snow birds our class is from November to May. Before we do a guided meditation we catch up with each other on the happenings of the past week. Generally we start after about 25 minutes of many animated conversations. The meditation is usually about 20 minutes in length. Afterwards our members describe their experiences. We thrive on the safety and acceptance of each member.

Paula Hardin

Program:  A Course of Love

What is a Course of Love? This Course is an experience. It is about the transformation from fear-based living to the assurance that Love is all there is. Love is a powerful force. Love transforms the mind and heart, unifying them, and taking you to the Truth of who you are.

Central to our time together is the book by Mari Perron, First Receiver:  A Course of Love.  “Call me God the Father, call me God the Mother, call me Creator or Great Spirit, Yahweh or Allah, but call me yours. For this I am. Call yourself daughter or son, co-creator or friend. But call yourself mine. For we belong to one another.”

Paula Payne Hardin, EdD, MPS, appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show when her first book: What areyou doing with the rest of your life? Choices in Midlife was published in 1992. A second edition was released (2018) in audio, digital, and print.  Highlights from A Course of Love was published in 2018. Hardin is also the author of Love after Love: Stages ofLoving (1996).

Bob Howlett

Program: Emmaus Retreat for Homeless Men in Recovery

This two day spiritual gathering is held at Our Lady of Florida Spiritual Center twice yearly for men in recovery who are residing in temporary housing shelters located both in the Vero Beach area and in the greater West Palm Beach area, and once yearly at the Pendle Hill Retreat Center for similar residents who are located in the greater Philadelphia area. The retreats focus on an ever deepening relationship with God, the importance of taking care of one's self, and a willingness to serve the greater community.

I am a retired U.S. Army LTC.  My spiritual journey began in teen years with the reading of “Autobiography of a Yogi”.  I transitioned from Christianity to Judaism in the 80’s and to Buddhism in the 2012.  Early in 2010, I attended a Buddhist Meditation Group at the Center for Spiritual Care and I was drawn to the teachers and the group.  I found my path at that time.  As far as my education goes I have 3 degrees - A.A., B.S., and M.A. 

              The Buddhist Meditation group takes place every Tuesday night from 6 to 7 p.m.  The hour is spent in guided meditation and dharma talks.  We are currently using the book, “Mindfulness”, by Joseph Goldstein as a discussion guide.  The talks embrace numerous paths to awakening with a focus on Buddhist teachings.  Other paths covered include:  Taoism, Hinduism, Christianity, Judaism, Islam and Native American Spiritualism.  All are welcome as we explore the nature of reality.  The only requirement is an open mind.

My name is Nancy Dudley. I offer free Introductory Talks on the Transcendental Meditation Program twice a month. Because of the extensive research, many want to learn TM for better health, brain clarity, and relief from stress.  When I started TM, as a young student over 45 years ago, I wanted invincible happiness and peace for our world family. 

That’s why I became a teacher of Transcendental Meditation in 1982.  I was personally trained by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, and have attended many advanced training programs.

I love to see TM students easily access their own inner peace. It’s a tangible experience.  Wellbeing grows daily, and becomes an anchor in these changing times.

When we practice TM, the inner coherence radiates to our environment.  This Maharishi Effect has been proven in over 50 studies to reduce crime rate and other negative tendencies in society. I’ve participated in World Peace Projects myself and am now grateful for the opportunity to join hands with others at the Center, as we ride the waves of change---which are undoubtedly bringing about a more beautiful, and heart-centered world.

The Transcendental Meditation technique is effortless.  It is evidence-based—over 480 studies have been published in major scientific journals the past 60 years.

During TM, one experiences a unique state of “restful alertness”.

The body gains profound rest, allowing deep stress to be dissolved. This explains the findings of improved health and reduced aging and doctor’s visits.  TM is the only meditation recommended by the AHA for reducing blood pressure.

As the body rests, the mind becomes more coherent and alert, as evidenced by EEG.  This explains why the TM program helps avert cognitive decline.  People with anxiety or PTSD can find relief.

Each of us has an infinite reservoir of inner peace, creativity, energy, and happness. All religions point to the value of accessing this stillness within.  TM does not involve any intellectual process or dogma---it’s a mechanical technique which helps the active mind settle to its own silent source.  This expansion of consciousness can make every part of our life meaningful and joyful.  I’ve taught hundreds of people this simple, effortless technique.  Once learned, you can practice it any time, any place---all the benefits are yours for the rest of your life.

During my time with Jim, we decided to create an additional meeting called Jung in Recovery. This meeting was started because attendees were interested in a more fulsome study of the teachings of psychologist, Dr. Carl Jung and his impact of introducing the concept of spirituality to Bill Wilson and the A. A. program. Jim was a student of Jung for more than 20 years and his knowledge of Jung was invaluable. When Jim died, the group directed our focus to Dr. James Hollis, a Jungian Analyst. His lectures and many books have been extremely helpful in synthesizing Jung’s work and enabling the group to understand the density of Jung’s writings.