MyLU Insider

Karen Brennan

Author: Karen Brennan

Warming Up to Connection and Belonging

Even when life feels challenging, each encounter and challenge is a chance to grow spiritually. Check out the Spiritual and Religious Life landing page for a new video series hosted by Kathy Privatt. At the intersection of Alexander Technique and Christian faith is an opportunity to consider Belonging through a poem by David Whyte. The series of 5 reflections is waiting for you via Youtube on our website.

The Sustainable Spirituality Workbook guides you through the process of identifying your spiritual style and creating a personal and sustainable plan for spiritual growth.

Prayer Wall – closing the term

In times of anxiety, stress, or fear – a natural response is to close; close our hearts, our emotions, and our relationships. As we prepare to close this term, you are invited instead to be open with yourself and the community.

The Diversity and Intercultural Center, International House, and the Center for Spiritual and Religious Life will all be host to a space that allows you to be open by placing your intentions, wishes, hopes, thanksgiving, fears, confessions, questions, or prayers into the “wall” regardless of background or beliefs. (A remote option will be available through the Spiritual and Religious Life webpage.)

Spiritual and Religious Life understands prayer to be many different things for the members of our community. In all times and traditions, it is a way of being in the moment, being present, and opening your heart, soul, and mind to connection.

At the end of term we will dismantle the wall and collect the prayers. They will be released, unopened, to the universe through burning.

Private Concerts – Music for One

Several musicians are ready to create a concert for one with unique listeners, and each listener can select a musical form that suits their preference. When we connect a performer to an appreciator, we embody the spiritual link of community.

As the audience, you can choose to bring a +1, and choose the musical style that will lift you up. Concerts are 30 minutes long, and will happen February 28th and March 7th.

Right now we are looking for audience members who would be interested in signing up for this opportunity.  When you connect via the link, you will select the musical format of your preference and be connected with a performer who matches your request. Space is limited, so don’t wait.

| Uplifting | Calm | Healing | Remembrance | Meditation |
| Dance | Rest | Energy | Love | Connection | Playful |

Music for One - A unique program pairing a live musician with an audience member for the purpose of spiritual uplift. ARE YOU M ISSING LIVE MUSIC AND PERFORMANCE?

Fourth Friday Lunch Conversation

The format is virtual, but the conversations are true and real.
Enjoying a meal with friends and colleagues is salve for the soul.

Bring your lunch and join Linda Morgan-Clement and other staff and faculty for conversations that connect each of us together. Sometimes topical, sometimes whimsical, always connective. Open to staff and faculty.

Friday, February 26th at noon.
https://lawrence.zoom.us/j/6073829087

Music For One – Call for Audience

Music For One is a is a unique program pairing a live musician with an audience member, for the purpose of spiritual uplift. 

Several musicians are ready to create a concert for one with unique listeners, and each listener can select a musical form that suits their preference. When we connect a performer to an appreciator, we embody the spiritual link of community.

As many of us are missing the uplifting feeling of being both a performer and an audience member; this forum offers a way to participate and share safely together in these current times.

Right now we are looking for audience members who would be interested in signing up for this opportunity.  When you connect via the link, you will select the musical format of your preference and be connected with a performer who matches your request.

Music For One – Call for Performers

Music For One is a joint Lawrence University venture between the Center of Spiritual and Religious Life and the Conservatory. It is a unique program pairing a live musician with an audience member, for the purpose of spiritual uplift.  The audience member asks for music for their spiritual needs, and is paired with a performer who creates a short concert based upon those requests.

As many of us are missing the uplifting feeling of being both a performer and an audience member at concerts, this forum offers a way to participate and share safely together in these current times. The venue may be in person and distanced or virtual.

Right now we are looking for performers who would be interested in signing up for this opportunity.  

Please fill out this musician form if you wish to be a performer. 

First Generation Students – Mixer Opportunity

If no one in your family has been to college before you – if you’re the first, then this mixer is for you. Thursday, January 28 at 4:30pm.

Connect with fellow staff, faculty and alumni who were once in the same situation. Connect, as well, with each other. No matter if you’re a first year or an upperclassperson, virtual or on campus, connection and information can help you wherever you are.

Topics being discussed include:

  • The Importance of Building Relationships, Networks, and Teams
  • Beyond LU: Graduate School, Doctoral degrees, and Academics as a Career
  • “Why Liberal Arts?” and other Questions Your Family Might be Asking You
  • “Do I belong here?” and other Questions You Might be Asking Yourself
  • The Hidden Curriculum of College Life: Office Hours, Your Advisor, Studying, etc.
  • The Gifts and Insights You Bring to LU

Register by January 22 and select the topic that you find most interesting.
bit.ly/LUFirstGenMixer


If you have a question beforehand, connect with Rose Wasielewski, Matthew Baumler, or Karen Brennan. We’d love to hear from you.

Patricia Powell, 1942-2021

A Celebration of Life for Pat will be held a later date, but grieving staff, faculty, and students are invited to learn more about Pat and reflect on her life. Messages, photos, and condolences may also be left via Post Crescent’s online guestbook.

Pat was s treasured and long time member of the Bon Appetit staff and served Lawrentians with care. The death of a person, an ideal, or a way of life is painful precisely because we have cared, have loved, and have developed deep attachment.  Grief, with all its complex emotions, is a part of our impulse to love.

We will share details of memorial opportunities for Pat when they become available.