Anne Black, Ph.D. presents “The Grace of Efficient Living” Workshop
E. Dummerston, VT – Perspective is everything and though some people claim that one person’s junk is another person’s treasure, many people feel overwhelmed with balancing the amount of space and time that material possessions hold in our lives. Practiced workshop presenter Anne Black is presenting “The Grace of Efficient Living” in East Dummerston, Vermont on Sunday, February 10, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
This life-changing course is intended to help people manage their material life more efficiently so they have more time to focus on deepening their spiritual practice— whether that is being with children, family and friends—engaging in creative endeavors—volunteering—reading—playing—sitting with a cup of tea—or just dreaming—whatever one’s heart desires.
Dr. Black has presented workshops, trainings and seminars since 1985 and was on the adjunct faculty of Antioch College, The Union Institute and University, and Vermont College. Black holds a B.A. and M.Ed. in Education and a Ph.D. in Thanatology/Community Psychology. In addition, Black has been a Grief Counselor since 1992. It was from her work as Grief Counselor and while working towards her doctorate, that she became more fully aware of the need to focus spiritually in all areas of her life including her most sacred place….her home. Black offers, “The devotional process of being fully present with each area of my life, allowed me to let go of so much. The anxiety and discomfort that was triggered when I opened certain drawers or looked in areas of disarray began lessening as I clarified what was accurate for me to keep and what was not, which allowed me to let it go and which in turn, gave me so much freedom.” Black’s prolific career and background as co-director and co-founder of The Center for Creative Healing and The Heals Program have naturally led her to her current contributions. She also has numerous publications including the co-authorship with Penelope Simpson of the book The Art of Healing Childhood Grief: A School-based Expressive Arts Program.
Black states, “The most important principle to understand about bringing order into one’s life is that efficiency alone is a material quality and does not have any spiritually redeeming benefits unless you include the Presence of Grace with it. Staying awake and aware of our surroundings is not something we do seasonally, like spring house cleaning. Efficient living becomes such a part of our being that we pay attention to every detail in our life—for as long as we are alive. “
The course goal is to devotionally simplify every single space in which we keep material possessions—and to reflect our gratitude for being given every item in our life from safety pins to automobiles.
All are welcome to attend the workshop, which takes place in Anne's home for a whole day of diving into the devotional quality of efficient living where participants will be guided to discover what true personal care is as participants are invited to open their eyes (and hearts) to rigorously assess the accuracy of their possessions. All participants will leave with a concrete action plan to simplify and bring order into twelve specific areas of one’s life.
The fee is $110, which includes lunch, beverages, snacks, teachings and materials. There is a reduced price for reviewers ($70). Please call Penelope Simpson at 802-387-8548 to register or for more information.
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