The hermitage messenger

WINTER 2015/ 2016 EXPANDED ELECTRONIC EDITION

Dear Friends:

We hope this winter edition finds you all in good health

and with deep expectation of wonderful things unfold-

ing in your life! This is our EXPANDED Electronic

Edition!

The year 2016 will provide many opportunities to live

more expansively and with happiness. Here at the Her-

mitage we continue to offer our most powerful programs: Success: FULL Living

and Silva Meditation series as well as Success: FULL Relating. And for those of

you with the “travel bug”, Fr. Justin will be leading an exciting and inspiration trip

to Assisi, Italy in the Autumn of 2016. (details inside)

We continue to grow!

The architect’s final drawings are in and we’re looking forward to adding additional

meeting and program space here in our building. Hopefully construction will begin

in the Spring with completion by early summer.

We want to stay in touch, but you have to act!

We want to maintain contact with you and keep you up to date on all our programs,

but printing and mailing costs are many thousands of dollars and we simply cannot

afford to continue to mail out almost 6,000 newsletters. We DO want to provide

you with regular communication and email delivery allows us to reach many more

for a fraction of the cost. If you have access to email, please send us an email to:

Lulugk@att.net and we’ll make sure to send you an electronic version of our com-

munication.

For those of you who still want to receive a “print copy” of this, we ask that you let

us know (by phone/ mail or email) and we would ask for a dona-

tion to help defray the costs. Please let us know no later than

March 30, 2016 to continue receiving a print version of this

newsletter.

So Many Things to Celebrate!

John Cannaday

The Hermitage

Board of Directors

John Cannaday, M.Div.

President

Friar Bertin Miller, OFM

Vice President &

Liaison with

Sacred Heart Prov-

ince

LuLu Kinnett

Secretary/Treasurer

Carla DeWitt, CPA Bookkeeper

Kathy Peters, CPA

Marketing & Busi-

ness

Friar Justin Belitz, OFM Program Develop-

ment

Susan Boatright, JD At Large

Volunteer Staff

Jennifer Gal- French Con-

sultant

Pat Flodman - Lincoln, NE

Karen Marx– Omaha, NB

Alison Kirkwood

Sheelagh Dixon Perth, Australia

Susan Rosenzweig

Jerry Strum

Website

Pat Kerlin - Katy, TX

SFL Lecturer

Marietta Kovacs

Geneva, Switzer-

land

Pat Pontis - Data Support

We Need your Continued Support!

Please consider including the Hermitage in your year-end giving plans!

We continually receive requests to provide our programs to many organizations who

desperately need our services but simply don’t have the financial resources. In the

past few months we have been asked to provide Success: Full Living to a group of

seniors at a community center, and a weekend retreat for High School youth.

With each class we offer here at the Hermitage we receive requests for

“scholarships” from people who are not able to afford to participate. We try not to

turn anyone away but we are close to being stretched beyond what we can afford to

provide. Please help us continue our work.

Any contribution is tax deductible and any amount would be deeply appreciated!

An 8-day trip to the birthplace of beloved Saint Francis with:

A focus on spirituality through retreat sessions and masses at the main basilicas.

A chance to explore the beautiful Umbria region of Italy in the company of fellow travellers.

Led by a noted Franciscan with special understanding and access to Franciscan culture

The Assisi Retreat package includes:

Accommodation at the Guesthouse of the Franciscan Sisters of the Atonement

Daily breakfast at the guesthouse and main noon meal at top local restaurants

Daily Mass with Fr. Justin at the basilicas in Assisi

Roundtrip assisted airport transfers from/to Rome airport

Tipping for meals, guesthouse staff, and transfer staff to and from Assisi

Donations to visited basilicas

Daily retreat sessions with Fr. Justin

*Price does not include airfare, evening meals, and personal expenses.

For Reservations - please contact Kollander World Travel toll free

KOLLANDER WORLD TRAVEL 761 East 200th Street / Euclid, Ohio 44119

(800) 800-5981 / (216) 692-1000 Ex: 7007 for Judy

Day to Day Program

DAY 1: 02 Nov., 2016, WEDNESDAY - Departure from your home airport

DAY 2: 03 Nov., 2016, THURSDAY - Arrival in Rome, transfer to Assisi, welcome meal

DAYS 3 through 7: 04 Nov., 2016. FRIDAY through 07 Nov. 2016 TUESDAY- Retreat in Assisi

Each day begins with a light breakfast at our guesthouse. After breakfast we depart by cab or foot for Mass

and morning reflections at one of the many beautiful basilicas in Assisi, followed by free time to explore. The

main meal (pranso) will be served at noted local restaurants at mid-day. Daily retreat sessions will be held.

Afternoon time for siesta or touring. Dinner on your own.

DAY 8: 09 Nov., 2016. WEDNESDAY – Usual retreat schedule, but main meal is departure dinner

DAY 9: 10 Nov., 2016 THURSDAY - Assisi to Rome, departure

Special Retreat to Assisi, Italy

Led by:

Friar Justin Belitz, O.F.M.

The Franciscan Hermitage, Indianapolis, IN, USA

November 2-10, 2016

Land Package Cost: $1299 per person, double occupancy; $1498, single occupancy. (airfare additional) $200 deposit by January 31, 2016. Full payment by September 1, 2016.

Page 3 THE HERMITAGE MESSENGER

Success:FULL Living, In TWO Formats!

Success: FULL Relating in time for Valentine’s Day

Do you want to enjoy all your relationships? Understand the principles which govern relationships? Use painful relationships to help

yourself? Relationships bring us great joy BUT relationships also bring us real pain and sorrow. This statement is true for us today as it

has been for centuries However, we all have free will. That means that we can choose to enjoy all of our relationships, whether they be

with ourselves, with others, with things, with life experiencers, or with God.

The key is: KNOWING how you relate and UNDERSTANDING 7 principles that govern all relationships.

Free Opening Lecture: Monday, February 1, 2016 at 7:00

Workshop: February 6&7 9:00 AM—5:00 PM

Program Fee: $150 in advance, $175 at the door. Call Lulu for sign up for more info! 317-545-0742 or Lulu@HermitageIndy.org

The purpose of this workshop is to introduce you to the “Life Mechanism”; a simple, yet effective way to identify and achieve the goals you seek for a happy, successful and satisfying life. This workshop utilizes tools of meditation, visualizations, affirmations and practical exercises to help you choose a life that brings you contentment and deep personal well-being. Incorporating the best insights of Neuroscience, Quantum theory, and Positive psychology Success: FULL Living is a program which gives you tools you can incorporate in your life the very first night. The program is specifically designed for those who are young or young at heart; and those who want to find their unique purpose. Beginning in January, 2015 we will be offering TWO formats of this exciting program. Both formats contain the same material. Contact: Lulu@HermitageIndy.org to register. Or call 317-545-0742

The Weekend experience:

Free Opening lecture, Monday, January 11th at 7:00 PM

Continuing on Sat/Sun, January 16th and 17th from 9-5

The Weekly experience: Beginning Tuesday,

March 1 7-9 PM for 6 weeks, ending Tuesday, April 5.

Program Fee for EITHER course: $150 in advance, $175 at the door.

Your mind is your greatest resource! Tapping into its unlimited potential can help you develop genius ability. The Silva Method of Med-itation has been validated scientifically and teaches skills of physical and mental relaxation, coupled with visualization. With these tools, you can create positive results in your life. Award-winning Silva instructor Justin Belitz, OFM and Kathy Peters will explain how this program can help you achieve goals, no matter how difficult they may seem. You can take control of your life by taking control of your mind! Silva graduates the world over have found that amazing things happen when the meditate regularly using the Silva Method. The Silva Life System Workshop and the Silva Intuition System Workshop will be held at the Hermitage,. The Silva Life System will be held Sat/Sun, April 2 and 3, 2016, with a free introductory lecture: Monday, March 28 at 7:00PM The Silva Intuition System will be held on Fri/Sat/Sun April 15,16 and 17. You must be a graduate of Silva Life System to take this course. Register now as this is a Hermitage favorite and sure to fill up fast! Call Lulu at 317-545-742 for more information or email: Lulu@HermitageIndy.org

Two Meditation Workshops Scheduled for This Spring!

NONPROFIT ORG

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Indianapolis, IN

Permit No. 6957

center for

spirituality and

growth

We’re on the

WEB!

HermitageIndy.org

Phone: 317-545-0742

Fax: 317-549-2619

E-mail:

Lulu@HermitageIndy.org

3650 E., 46th Street

Indianapolis, IN 46205

Meditation Classes Coming to Omaha and Sioux Falls in 2016!

Your mind is your greatest resource! Tapping into its unlimited potential can help you develop genius ability. The Silva Method of

Meditation has been validated scientifically and teaches skills of physical and mental relaxation, coupled with visualization. With

these tools, you can create positive results in your life.

Award-winning Silva instructor Justin Belitz, OFM will explain how this program can help you achieve goals, no matter how dif-

ficult they may seem. You can take control of your life by taking control of your mind! Silva graduates the world over have found

that amazing things happen when a person meditates regularly.

Sioux Falls, South Dakota Four day Intensive Workshop

March 31 to April 3 (Registration Deadline: March 1, 2016)

Contact: Tracy at 605-330-8242

Omaha, Nebraska Silva Life System

July 16 & 17, 2016

Contact: Karen Marx 402-672-2810

This could be your LAST Newsletter! Please contact us to remain on our mailing list. Email: Lulu@HermitageIndy.org or call 317-545-0742

The hermitage messenger

Electronic edition Extra

For many of us, the upcoming holidays present a set of challenges and stress that show up unlike any other

time of year. Even in the most loving and ideal families, tensions can sometimes run high. And like every-

one, there simply are a lot of tasks to accomplish, events to attend and connections with family and friends

that can wear down even the best of us. Here’s a list of some Holiday Stress Reducers which may help you

navigate the season.

Don’t make a list… not yet Lists are the result of what you’ve already decided you need to do. You’ve jumped the gun buds;

you’re not there yet. Put down the “to do“ list and step away from the table. I’ll let you know when

it’s safe to return to this wildly popular task.

Begin with the end in mind In our courses here at The Hermitage, we encourage people to reflect on the ideal; your ideal self, the

ideal outcome to a problem, an ideal resolution. The more you can vividly and completely picture

what it is you really want, the more likely your mind and subconscious will help outline a path to that

result.

So get relaxed, sip your favorite beverage, put on some Enya and wonder aloud to yourself. In Janu-

ary, after all this madness is over, when you’re reminiscing about these holidays, what do you hope

would have been the best possible moments that created a happy memory? Seriously, paint that pic-

ture in your head with as much detail as possible. Is it connecting with family? Hosting a holiday

event? Presenting a special gift? Whatever it is, not only get as much clarity in your head about how

well this went, but most importantly how you felt about it going so well.

Manage Expectations As a kid, after Santa Claus had delivered the goods, I can still recall comparing my bounty to the

wish list I’d scrupulously written just a few weeks’ prior. Despite being fairly pleased with my stash

of new toys, there were a number of hot items that Santa clearly didn’t produce. At best, he got a B+,

but to be honest, I’d hoped for more.

As an adult, I’m still carrying some of that baggage. As the “single uncle” in a large family bursting

with nieces and nephews, I used to keep a mental tally of the presents and the money I’d spent com-

pared with the stuff I put in my car to take home at the end of the day. And just like that rather enti-

tled child, I felt I got the short end of the stick. Great Christmas spirit, eh?

It finally dawned on me: “If I simply reset my expectations just to have a pleasant day, enjoy a day

off from my never ending diet, and have a couple of beers I bet I’d have a completely different kind

of reaction to the day” Lo and behold, my Christmas day with the family was completely trans-

formed.

Life is like a box of chocolates, or something.. In psychological research, one of the most compelling experiments recently conducted was how to

consistently and reliably enhance mood and reduce stress. It’s pretty simple really. Perform Random

Acts of Kindness; do something nice for somebody with no expectation of return. You’ve heard

about people in line at Starbucks paying for the next person in line? Try that. Here’s a couple of other

suggestions: buy a bag of Christmas candy. Keep it in the front seat of your car. Every time you go to

the drive-through or pay for your gas, give one to the cashier and wish them well. It will cost you less

than a dime. For me, I keep a couple of $5.00 McDonald gift cards in my wallet all the time. My goal

is to give one away every week in December. The amazing thing is, when I’ve done this in the past,

the universe typically provides me with the perfect opportunity. That whole “pay it forward” stuff

isn’t just a good movie title. It will change you.

Page 5

A Christmas Time Reflection….

The hermitage messenger

Electronic edition Extra

OK.. now go make that list Not to get too bossy, but create three columns on a sheet of paper. In the first column, write down

the things you have to accomplish for the Holidays. In the second column give it a stress score from

1 to 10; 10 being super stressed, 1 being super easy and low stress. Don’t write anything in column

three, yet.

Anything with a low number, wrench yourself away from Enya and go do it. Check it off the list.

You’ll feel better.

Now, take the list to the bathroom. Tape the list on the mirror. The next time you take a shower,

pick ONE of those high stress tasks and ask yourself the question, “If it were impossible to do this,

what would be a creative alternative that would produce the same effect?” Drop the towel and hop

in the shower. There’s this amazing bit of neuroscience that tells us; the lower the cycles per second

your brain whirls, the more access you have to creative problem solving areas of your brain. Your

brain absolutely abhors an unresolved problem and will work tirelessly to find a solution. Hitting it

“head on” (pardon the pun) is the least creative way to discover unique and potentially more satisfy-

ing solutions. But if you relax in a warm shower, presto, you relax, your brain slows down and ac-

cesses regions that are typically suppressed during stress and you get this insight you never thought

of before.

Smile at being the genius you are, jump out of the shower and write it in column three before you

forget. You’ll be amazed.

Invest in experiences, not stuff Yeah, kids want toys and things so go buy them that. Anybody over 18, try and buy an experience

instead. Maybe a “coupon” for a dinner with just you and them. Maybe a take a niece or nephew off

your sister’s hands for a night or a field trip to the zoo or the children’s museum. Use your imagina-

tion. If you get stuck, head back to the shower.

A couple of years ago, a friend and I were enjoying an early Christmas morning breakfast at Denny’s before

the chaos of the day unfolded. We noticed a police officer eating by herself, so we told our waitress we’d

pick up her tab, but not to let her know. After the officer left, the waitress came back and let us know this

woman had a son who was also a police officer. He had just recently been killed in the line of duty and this

was her first Christmas without him; so she decided to work so others could spend time with their families.

She was touched by a stranger’s kindness having bought her Christmas meal. To be honest, I don’t recall

anything from the rest of the day.

John Cannaday

Page 6

A Christmas Time Reflection.. Continued..