Learn about the tradition of mysticism in community!

For the next installment of the Hedge Meadow book club (back from a long hiatus), we’ll be reading Mysticism by Simon Critchley. This primer on “experience in its most intense form” offers something for anyone interested in being more fully alive and connected to one another. From learning about Christian mystics such as Julian of Norwich and Meister Eckhart, to considering contemporary music by Nick Cave and literature by Annie Dillard, Critchley’s wide-ranging compendium strikes just the right balance of nerdy devotion and practical suggestions for getting outside of oneself.

Though this book is just shy of 300 pages, it’s written in straightforward prose with short chunks of text and has many photographs and illustrations. Please feel free to come even if you can only read a tiny bit or are just interested in the topic!

We’ll gather at Hedge Meadow on Tuesday, October 6 from 6:30-8 pm. During the meeting, we’ll read passages aloud with the group, talk through discussion questions, and brainstorm action rooted in the text.

Book club is free to attend but you must pre-register! Please email Hannah to register: hedgemeadowhannah@gmail.com.

About the Facilitator:

Hannah (they/she) is a lifelong student of literature and linguistics based in Spring Green. Over the last couple of years, this has expanded into a self-study of herbalism and the body through courses such as Tending the Hearth with Liz Migliorelli, a postpartum doula course through Birthing Advocacy Doula Trainings and a whole host of in-person classes at Hedge Meadow. This past winter, they started midwifery school and are now delving into the realm of birth work! Hannah has led book groups in the past and is so grateful to have the opportunity to do so in this space. 

Cost: Free! But you must pre-register to attend.

Location:

This 1.5-hour meeting will be held at Hedge Meadow Herbs located at 140 S Winsted St in Spring Green, Wisconsin.

What to Expect/Bring:

Herbal tea will be provided but please bring whatever else you need to take care of yourself. Please also bring your copy of the book, and a pen and paper if you’d like to take notes. Potluck style snacks are also encouraged!

This group is for you if... you want support and accountability in reading a text that might otherwise be difficult to carve out space for! We will challenge ourselves to read actively and engage with the book critically.

This group is not for you if... you expect to be hard on yourself or others for not completing the reading or understanding the text. We will all be vulnerable with where we are at during a given month/ meeting and have grace for anyone who has shown up. You will still get something out of each meeting even if you weren't able to complete the reading. So come anyway!

Accessibility:

We’ll be sitting on chairs during the duration of this event.

Covid/Illness Safety:

Masks are not required but always encouraged and appreciated. Please use common sense and do not attend class if you’re sick (day-of refunds available for illness only). You must wear a mask if someone in your household is sick, or if you know you’ve been exposed to an infectious pathogen. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding around this.

Cancellation/Refund Policy:

We reserve the right to cancel class at any point due to a lack of interest.