Lama Foundation Intensive
DAZZLING DARKNESS: John of the Cross and the Blessing of Unknowing

In this two-day workshop, we will integrate sacred study with contemplative practice.  Mirabai will read from her fresh, contemporary translation of the spiritual classic, DARK NIGHT OF THE SOUL, by the sixteenth century Spanish mystic, John of the Cross, and offer her reflections on the paradox of the darkness that is radiance, and the gift of holy bewilderment.  Between readings, she will lead the group in short periods of silent prayer, and end each day with a contemplative writing exercise.

March 25, 2008

Spirituality and Religion: An evening with Mirabai Starr
Taos Jewish Center, 7:00pm. Suggested donation $10 ($7 members)

Writer, translator, speaker and teacher; we are blessed that Mirabai Starr is a member of our community. Join Mirabai for an hour and half of brainstorming and discussion as we explore spirituality in our daily lives. After a presentation by Mirabai the group will be open to explore such questions as:

What is the relationship between religion and spirituality?

What religious traditions did I inherit?

How do I use the tools my religion offers?

Coffee, tea, and cookies will be served.

Reading and book signing, "Devotions, Prayers, and Living Wisdom"
Santa Cruz, CA, Gateways Books

Mirabai, Starr will lead an evening of contemplative readings from her new series of devotional books on six great mystics: Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Michael the Archangel, Francis of Assisi, Hildegard of Bingen, and Our Lady of Guadalupe. Using lyrical language and moments of silence, Mirabai will weave compiled devotional writings with her own prose-poems on each wisdom figure. Mirabai will reserve ample time to address questions, followed by a book signing.

April 10, 2008

Taos Institute of Noetic Sciences: "Teresa of Avila and The Prayer of Quiet"
Taos Public Library, Thursday, 7-9 p.m.

This talk will focus on the fruits of contemplative practice, a state of inner peace Teresa of Avila calls "the Prayer of Quiet."  Mirabai will read short passages from her new translations of THE INTERIOR CASTLE and THE BOOK OF MY LIFE, in which Teresa describes the place on the spiritual path where the seeker stops trying to figure it out with the mind and finally drops into the heart.  She will share her personal experience and offer reflections on these teachings, helping make them more accessible and relevant to the contemporary seeker.

Mirabai's books will be available, and she will be happy to sign copies.

Talk, "The Passover Metaphor: Freeing Ourselves From Inner Bondage"
Unity Church, Taos NM

Book Launch, "Devotions, Prayers, and Living Wisdom," from Sounds True
Taos NM, Cafe Loka on Ledoux Street, Sunday, 3-5 p.m. , Tickets: $15

Breath of the Sacred, Fundraiser, Performance, and Celebration

Join esteemed artists Mirabai Starr, Jenny Bird, and Nancy Laupheimer in a magical evening of contemplative reading and music. Long time friends, these 3 voices weave together like silk threads of the same heart.

This is a Benefit Performance for Golden Willow Retreat, a non-profit emotional sanctuary for healing grief in all its stages. GWR works with families, individuals and communities experiencing death, divorce, health issues, or any other life transition. GWR offers free weekly grief support groups.

This is also a Celebratory Performance in honor of Mirabai’s most recent literary publication (Sounds True Publishers). Devotions, Prayers and Living Wisdom is a six book series, each book a gem of inspiration from six Christian mystical saints.

Jenny Bird has been called "the most passionate performer in the new folk/rock genre." The stage is her second home where she's been presenting her original songs since the age of ten. She continues to tour across Europe, Canada, & the United States.Mirabai Starr
Author of critically acclaimed new translations of the Spanish mystics, and an adjunct professor of Philosophy and World Religions, Mirabai speaks and teaches nationally and internationally on the teachings of the mystics and contemplative practice.

Nancy Laupheimer - Award winning composer and flutist as well as Director of the Taos Chamber Music Group, Nancy is a community treasure.

May 18, 2008

"Sacred Poetry and Contemplative Reading"
followed by a book signing for "Devotions, Prayers & Living Wisdom"
Unitarian Congregation of Taos, 11:00 a.m.

Reading and Book Signing: "Devotions, Prayers & Living Wisdom
The Ark Bookstore, Santa Fe, Sunday, 2-4 p.m.

Workshop: “The Silkworm: Teresa of Avila and Metamorphosis”
Lake Street Church, Evanston, IL, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

In this workshop, author and translator, Mirabai Starr, introduces the great Spanish mystic, Teresa of Avila, as a guide for spiritual renewal.  Weaving Teresa’s teachings with periods of silent meditation, writing exercises, and discussion, Mirabai hopes to help participants access increased vitality and deeper peace.

The morning begins with some simple instructions on mindfulness meditation, followed by a ten-minute silent sit.  Participants identify themselves in an opening writing exercise, accompanied by a short discussion.  Then Mirabai reads passages from Teresa of Avila, offering reflections on how we can harness the power of life’s challenges for transformation.

After lunch, we sit in silence for ten minutes, followed by another reading from Teresa of Avila.  Participants do a twenty-minute writing exercise, which they share aloud.  The workshop ends with an ample discussion period.

Reading and book signing, "Devotions, Prayers, and Living Wisdom,"
Transitions Book Place, Chicago IL
See April 3, for details.

May 30, 2008

Mirabai will be the guest speaker for
"Entering the Castle" with Caroline Myss
"Teresa of Avila and Hildegard of Bingen: Spiritual Revolutionaries"
Doubletree Hotel, Oakbrook, IL

June 12, 2008

Reading and book signing, "Devotions, Prayers, and Living Wisdom,"
East West Books, New York City, NY, Thursday, 6:00 p.m.
See April 3, for details. Web Site

Reading and book signing, "Devotions, Prayers, and Living Wisdom,"
New York Open Center, New York NY
See April 3, for details. Web Site

June 14, 2008

Two half-day workshops: "Kiss of Fire" and "The Beautiful Wound"
New York Open Center, New York NY

The Beautiful Wound: Contemplative Reading

Acclaimed translator, Mirabai Starr, uses the teachings of the Spanish mystics, Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross, to help people harness the power of deep sorrow and loss for spiritual transformation.  Combining Teresa’s insight about the beautiful wound of spiritual longing with John’s brilliant guidance through the dark night of the soul, Mirabai weaves readings from the mystics with periods of silent meditation, writing exercises, and discussion.

The workshop opens with some simple instructions on mindfulness meditation and centering prayer, followed by a ten-minute silent sit.  Then Mirabai reads short passages from each mystic, offering reflections on how these teachings can help us transform our shattering into increased aliveness, and alternating these readings with five minutes of silent sitting.  During the last hour, participants do a ten-minute free-write, which they read aloud.  The workshop ends with an ample discussion period.

This workshop is appropriate for students of all levels and backgrounds.  Because Mirabai is a certified grief counselor, she is capable of handling issues of loss and the associated emotions that may arise from deep exploration of personal sorrow.

Kiss of Fire: Contemplative Reading

Acclaimed translator, Mirabai Starr, offers a contemplative approach to reading the mystics.  In this workshop,we weave readings that focus on love - from Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Francis of Assisi, and Hildegard of Bingen - with periods of silent meditation, writing exercises, and discussion.  We will focus on the power of longing as a transformational tool, balancing the passion of spiritual love poetry with deep quiet.

The workshop opens with some simple instructions on mindfulness meditation and centering prayer, followed by a ten-minute silent sit.  Then Mirabai reads short passages from each mystic, offering and brief reflections that seek to uncover the contemporary relevance of these perennial wisdom teachings, and alternating these readings with five minutes of silent sitting.  During the last hour of the workshop, participants do a ten-minute free-write, which they read aloud.  The workshop ends with an ample discussion period.

This workshop is appropriate for students of all levels and backgrounds.  Because Mirabai is a certified grief counselor, she is capable of handling issues of loss and the associated emotions that may arise from deep exploration of spiritual longing.

Class on "Death and Transformation"
Lancaster Theological Seminary, Lancaster PA
Click for complete details

August 28, 2008

Reading and book signing, "Devotions, Prayers, and Living Wisdom,"
Boulder Bookstore, Boulder, CO, Thursday, 7:30 p.m.
See April 3, for details.

January 8-15
2009

Women's Gathering
Rancho Encantado
in the Yucatan, Mexico
2008 Women's Gathering
More information coming soon!

Awakening into the Sacred:
Yoga, meditation & the mystical teachings of St John of the Cross
Sarahjoy Marsh with Mirabai Starr
Breitenbush Hot Springs, OR

Dec 17

New Renaissance Bookshop, Portland OR

Dec 18

Amrita Sanctuary, Portland OR

Women's Gathering in the Yucatan

Book Launch and signing
at Mabel Dodge Luhan House, Taos NM
Benefit for SOMOS
download the booklaunch flyer (PDF)

Oasis in Albuquerque NM

Ark Books in Santa Fe NM

Boulder Bookstore, Boulder CO

Transitions Bookstore, Chicago IL

Open Secret, San Rafael CA

Gateways, Santa Cruz CA

Copperfield's in Sebastopol CA

Copperfield's in Calistoga CA

New York Open Center, New York City

Servant Leadership School, Washington DC

Lancaster Theological Seminary, Lancaster PA

Narrative Art Center, Carson NM

Oasis, Albuquerque NM

Granada, Spain
An Esoteric Quest for The Golden Age of Andalusia
click for an email sent to friends after the trip

"Dark Night of the Soul and the Loss of a Partner"
Golden Willow Retreat, Arroyo Hondo NM

"Writers of Taos" University of New Mexico-Taos

Unity Church, Santa Fe NM

Taos Noetic Sciences Community, Taos NM