Abwoon Study Circle/Abwoon Resource Center
… towards peace through the wisdom of Native Middle Eastern traditions
Shalem Center works with Abwoon Study Circle to develop and sponsor various nonprofit programs and projects.
- These projects are related to the Aramaic and Native Middle Eastern translation and spiritual practice work of religious studies author and senior Sufi teacher Neil Douglas-Klotz, Ph.D.
- Such projects include events on various topics related to peacemaking, interspiritual collaborations, universalized views of world religions, embodied spiritual practice, body/mind healing, larger system healing, and other general topics related to mysticism and Sufism.
- Elizabeth Reed teaches workshops focused upon this work locally, nationally and internationally in Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, and Turkey. She has received grant support for outreach to the region of the USA Southeast.
- Visit the Abwoon Network online.
Dances of Universal Peace
Shalem Center supports the work of the International Network of the Dances of Universal Peace.
- Through the work of Executive Director, (Munira) Elizabeth A. Reed, the local Dances of Universal Peace circle is supported. Monthly Dances are offered the second Saturday evening of the month (see Calendar for details).
- As a certified dance leader, Munira (along with other local dance leaders) provides leadership in this form of sacred “body prayer” that is at the same time a global peace movement.
- Special seasonal activities are planned, such as the annual New Year’s Eve dances, including an offering of the Aramaic Lord’s Prayer Dance Cycle.
- Outside visiting leaders offer special dance events upon occasion.
- As a part of the Mentor Teacher’s Guild, Munira mentors other dance leaders towards official certification in the INDUP.
- See the Ongoing Programs page for current Dances of Universal Peace events.
Sufi Activities
Shalem Center supports various local Sufi activities and cosponsors events with the Columbus Zikr Circle.
- Munira Elizabeth Reed is a cheraga (ordained) within the Sufi Ruhaniat International and offers interfaith rituals as part of her ministry through Shalem Center. She leads a monthly class on the Divine Feminine.
- Aatoon Nina Massey teaches Gathas classes twice monthly at the Shalem Center offices (see Calendar) and offers there a monthly Healing Ritual of Hazrat Inayat Khan.
- Special and occasional activities include such things as the annual Summer Solstice Elemental Peace Ritual, special evenings of Sufi spiritual practices, and experiential presentations on universalist Western Sufism.
Download this flyer for information on current local Sufi Ruhaniat International events.
Kamae A. Miller Memorial Women’s Research Library
A special bequest from Senior Sufi teacher Murshida Kamae Miller (1944-2011) has initiated a new project, the Kamae A. Miller Women’s Research Library. The Board of Shalem Center is currently compiling information and will eventually make decisions to create projects or programs to fulfill the intention of this bequest.
Ways of the Heart
Supporting intentional community, spiritual process, purposeful living, peaceful service.
A Joint Program of Shalem Center and The Greater Perspective
- In 2006, Shalem Center began sponsoring Ways of the Heart, a new program that is a collaboration between Jan Bayshor, M.A of The Greater Perspective and Elizabeth A Reed of Shalem Center.
- This series has offered the opportunity to participate in intentional community, in sacred atmosphere, for spiritual deepening towards living purposeful lives of service.
- There have been three years of ongoing groups and occasional weekend retreats. Information will be posted when new events are planned.