(Image by @lelalelolai)
Rooting in the Sacred
A Journey of Reverence & Reimagining
March 2026 - Feb 2027
Practice & Spirituality for our Time
“Our generation must walk the spiritual path that is available to us only in this time, with its own unique combination of wisdom and creation.” -adrienne maree brown
“Worlds are cracking open. It's time to make new gods.” -Bayo Akomolafe
In a time of profound disruption and transformation, spirituality holds the power to anchor us, inspire meaning, and foster connection and belonging—with ourselves, others and our world. Rooting in the Sacred: A Journey of Reverence & Reimagining is a yearlong course designed to guide seekers, dreamers, and changemakers on a deeply personal and collective journey into the emerging future of spirituality. Together, we will explore how wisdom traditions, contemporary practices, and our unique connection to the sacred can transform our lives and inspire positive social change.
Guided by a wide-ranging and eclectic constellation of teachings from indigenous cosmologies, mystical pathways, ecological wisdom, and modern philosophies, we will discover the threads that unite us across cultures and generations, craft practices and rituals that honor our histories, and give life to radically inclusive futures.
This course invites participants to engage in spirituality as a living, breathing force for personal and societal transformation. Through a curated blend of reflection, practice, ritual-making, storytelling, and beloved community building, we will journey through timeless wisdom, embrace the dynamic creativity of contemporary practices, and weave a tapestry of meaning that meets the complexities of our lives and realities of our times.
Rooting in the Sacred is not merely a return to the sacred—it’s an evolution; a path of contemporary spiritual formation; a portal to transformative futures; a process of awakening and living fully with presence, groundedness, and reverence in our everyday lives.
Whether you are a lifelong seeker, an agnostic who is spiritually curious, or someone simply yearning to cultivate more meaning and connection in our ever-fractured world, this course offers a profound opportunity to root yourself deeply in the sacred.
We especially welcome & support the participation of BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, Young Adults, Elders and folks with disabilities. We work to create supportive spaces deeply based in anti-racist, decolonizing, class-aware, and anti-ableist ethics.
“Belonging is where people co-create the future together.”
-john a. powell
BAY AREA COHORT DETAILS
BAY AREA COHORT DETAILS
For folks living in the San Francisco Bay Area, we are offering the opportunity to participate in a hybrid version of Rooting in the Sacred that will include the following:
A two-day non-residential in-person Opening Retreat on Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22 , 2026 (9am - 5pm) at a location in the East Bay (to be in announced).
A monthly two-hour in-person Practice Session in the East Bay every third Sunday from 4pm - 6pm (April 2026 - January 2027) at a location in the East Bay (to be in announced).
A one-day in-person Closing Retreat on Sunday, February 21 , 2027 (9am - 5pm) at a location in the East Bay (to be in announced).
As an organization based in Oakland, we know the power of building in-person relationships, engaging in shared learning & practice, offering our gifts & receiving mutual care, and exploring how we can collaborate and build with others. We’re excited to support a diverse, multigenerational cohort of 25 - 40 people who will deepen on this yearlong journey together.
SACRED: A DEFINITION & WHY IT MATTERS
We define sacred as that which is worthy of reverence, awe and spiritual respect; as something that holds meaning and significance in ways that inspire our deepest care, dedication and devotion.
We also use the word Sacred to signify the fundamental nature and interconnectedness of Life that people varyingly refer to as Oneness, God, Nature, Spirit, the Universe, Ground of Being or Ultimate Reality. We do so in ways that honor the wide range of spiritual and secular approaches to meaning-making in the twenty-first century.
By rooting our lives in the sacred, we unleash our inner power, transforming our daily lives, the quality of our relationships, and our capacity to be a positive force for change.
In a time when religions and traditions are waning, steeped in a modern consumer culture that is lacking life-affirming values and meaning, our world is calling for us to reimagine spiritual life in ways that are relevant for today and generations to come.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: WHAT AWAITS YOU
A Sacred Understanding and Approach to Life: Clarify your own spiritual understanding and develop approaches for living with reverence and a sense of the sacred in your everyday life.
Wisdom from Diverse Traditions & Perspectives: Engage with teachings and inspiration from our world’s wisdom traditions, spiritual paths and contemporary culture.
Personalized Spiritual Practice: Develop meaningful practices and rituals for connecting with the sacred and grounding your life in awareness, joy, and reverence.
Values-Based Living: Align your daily decisions with core values and spiritual principles that support an authentic, congruent, and connected life.
Emotional and Spiritual Well-Being: Cultivate emotional and spiritual well-being through practices that bring about healing and wholeness.
A Deeper Connection to Nature: Deepen your relationship with the natural world, acting responsibly and with gratitude.
Empathy and Inclusive Understanding: Expand your capacity to bridge and connect across differences, fostering greater understanding and compassion.
A Modern Spiritual Path: Create a dynamic spiritual path that expresses the fullness of your style and energizes every part of your life.
Community and Connection: Develop skills for deepening and transforming the relationships in your life and for building beloved community.
A Network of Practitioners and Innovators: Join a network of practitioners, dreamers, changemakers and innovators reimagining the future of spirituality in meaningful ways for these times.
Purpose and Inspiration for Positive Change: Find inspiration to be a positive force of change in ways that are spiritually-grounded and rooted in your purpose.
COURSE MODULES
Module 1 - Starting the Journey: Creating a Foundation for Contemporary Spiritual Practice
Beginning our journey and creating our personal and collective practice container.
Defining key concepts, introducing core practices, and understanding today’s changing religious & spiritual landscape.
Module 2 - Reimagining Spirituality: Honoring Traditions and Shaping New Futures
Examining how we bridge tradition and innovation, finding our right relationship, cultivating a decolonizing mindset, honoring the world’s wisdom and welcoming in the future.
Discovering emerging and hybrid forms of spiritual understanding, life, community and practice.
Module 3 - Rooted in Reverence: Awakening to the Sacred in Daily Life
Exploring our relationship with reverence and identifying our personal sources and styles of the sacred.
Engaging with a variety of sacred practices and rooting our everyday lives in reverence and devotion.
Module 4 - Sacred Embodiment: Deepening Spiritual Connection Through the Body
Exploring the body as a temple and how physical practices can deepen our spiritual connection, healing and grounding.
Engaging in somatic practices including body awareness, yoga, breathwork, and mindful movement.
Module 5 - Sacred Relationships: Transforming Connection Through Reverence and Presence
Exploring relationships as a field for spiritual growth, practice and communion.
Developing practices for deeper connection including relational reverence, presence, sacred listening, nonviolent communication, and empathy.
Module 6 - Ancient Wisdom for Modern Life: Lessons from Indigenous and Mystical Traditions
Learning from indigenous wisdom and how it can imbue our lives with practices for resilience, gratitude, and interconnectedness.
Discovering how mysticism and contemplative practices can serve as tools for self-discovery and opening to the mystery and wonder of life.
Module 7 - Healing and Wholeness: Integrating Spirituality and Inner Growth
Understanding the nature of spiritual bypassing and the essential role of shadow work, self-awareness, and emotional & psychological healing.
Applying spirituality to support our individual healing, integrating our parts, and embracing our wholeness.
Module 8 - Earth as Sacred: Spiritual Ecology for Connection and Action
Exploring the interdependence of life on earth, in the universe, and how sacred ecology can inspire personal and collective action to care for the natural world.
Examining the intersection of spirituality and science—how modern cosmology, quantum physics, and an evolutionary worldview can inspire awe and reverence.
Module 9 - Sacred Action: Compassion and Justice for a Healing World
Learning how spiritually-grounded action and service creates positive social change and sustains our environmental and justice work.
Deepening into our personal sense of purpose and meaningful contributions to the healing of our world.
Module 10 - Rituals of Renewal: Honoring Life’s Seasons and Transitions
Exploring how rituals, both personal and communal, can honor life's transitions and seasons.
Designing meaningful rituals to deepen our connection with the sacred individually and in community.
Module 11 - Sacred Creativity: Expressing Spirit Through Art, Music & Poetry
Connecting with the power of art, music, and poetry as vital sources of sacred experience and expression.
Creating art, music, and poetry as expressions of our unique being in the world.
Module 12 - Integrating the Sacred: Honoring our Wisdom & Crafting Our Path Forward
Harvesting all that we have learned and integrating our expanded wisdom and practice into our daily lives.
Honoring our journey, identifying ways to stay connected, and clarifying our path forward.
YOUR COMMITMENT
This course requires time, energy, heart and dedication to receive its full benefit. While we expect that many participants miss an occasional session, your tracking and participation in all of the course activities will be essential. This includes:
Engaging in daily spiritual practice (15mins or more)
Weekly reading, reflecting, research and journaling (2 hours)
Attending a virtual monthly teaching & practice session (2.5 hours) and an in-person (East Bay) monthly practice session (2 hours)
Participating in a spiritual retreat of your choice or design during our yearlong journey
Meeting monthly with a small group triad to deepen in practice and connection (1 hour)
GUEST TEACHERS
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Patty Krawec
Indigenous Activist & Author of “Becoming Kin”
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Bayo Akomolafe
Philosopher, Writer & Activist
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Terry Tempest Williams
Author & Writer-in-Residence at Harvard Divinity School
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Yuria Celidwen
Author & Indigenous Contemplative Wisdom Scholar
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Lama Rod Owens
Author, Teacher, Spiritual Abolitionist
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Mirabai Starr
Interspiritual Teacher, Author & Speaker
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Omid Safi
Teacher & Scholar of Islamic Mysticism
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Liza Rankow
Author of “Soul Medicine for a Fractured World”
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Kazu Haga
Author & Kingian Nonviolence Trainer
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More Guest Teachers!
Additional guest teachers will be announced soon.
COURSE CO-FACILITATORS
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Bethsaida Ruiz
Bethsaida Sulochana Ruiz Natal, a proud Boricua lesbian Buddhist warrior rooted in the rich cultural tapestry of NYC’s Lower East Side and now residing between Oakland, CA, and Puerto Rico, exemplifies a profound dedication to social justice and transformative leadership. With a multifaceted career spanning over two decades, Bethsaida has served as a social worker, manager, consultant, facilitator, trainer, and certified professional life coach, cultivating spaces of equity, liberation, and healing. Their work is a testament to empowering individuals and communities to uncover their purpose, embrace their inherent resilience, and co-create inclusive spaces grounded in justice and self-determination.
As a core leader in the Thrive Network’s Stewardship Council, Bethsaida bridges the personal and collective, fostering transformation at the intersections of spirituality, activism, and social change. They collaborate with an array of organizations, including Spirit in Action, Resilience Network, UCSF Benioff Houselessness and Housing Initiative, and First 5 San Mateo County, while supporting private coaching clients and advancing equity as part of working groups like Oakland’s Equity Working Group, PG&E’s Community Vulnerability Project, and the BIPOC Leadership Transition Project.
Fluent in both Spanish and English, Bethsaida integrates trauma-informed methodologies, professional coaching expertise, and embodied social justice frameworks to guide individuals and communities through healing and growth. Their practice is deeply informed by cultural wisdom, holistic approaches, and an unwavering commitment to collective well-being. Guided by reverence, humility, and grace, Bethsaida’s work is a call to action—to imagine and build a compassionate, equitable, and interconnected world where all can thrive. -
Joshua Gorman
Joshua Gorman is a writer, changemaker, spiritual innovator and community builder who grew up in the Washington, D.C. area and is now based in Northern California. In his twenties, he founded an organization called Generation Waking Up to empower young changemakers and he continues to work passionately to inspire young people to play a leading role in creating a thriving, just, and sustainable world. Joshua self-designed a major titled 'Global Youth and Social Change' at George Mason University and has supported youth-led projects and movements internationally. He helped initiate Youth Passageways, a network of individuals and organizations working in the fields of youth and community development, contemporary rites of passage, intergenerational collaboration, and cultural renewal.
Joshua is a student of human development, transpersonal psychology cultural evolution, and transformational leadership. He specializes in the experiences, knowledge and skills that individuals and communities need to thrive in the twenty-first century. His multifaceted background has led him to consult with a wide range of organizations in designing curriculum, leadership programs, transformational retreats and large-scale events.
Currently, Joshua is working on a number of projects relating to the future of religion, spirituality, and secular culture, with a focus on the religiously unaffiliated called 'the Nones'. As a researcher and writer, he is actively working on a book about the emerging spirituality of our time and innovations in spiritual understanding, practice and community building. Joshua serves on the Thrive Network leadership team and Stewardship Council, based in Oakland. CA, where he helps bring people together at the intersections of meaning, belonging, music, the arts, and social change. As a devoted parent and partner, his life is deeply rooted in healing, practice and love.
WHAT IS THE COST?
We are committed to Rooting in the Sacred being affordable and also to being able to cover the costs that it takes to bring forth such an offering. We use two different sliding scales intended to honor a wide range of financial circumstances and the historical disparities that continue to exist in our lives and culture. All “options” of both sliding scale tiers have access to the same activities and resources. For those who have been more advantaged and have greater access to financial means, contributing at the higher end of the sliding scale is one meaningful way to support repair and redistribution, along with the healing and thriving of us all.
Every individual contribution makes this Journey possible. Your funds help compensate our small part-time team, cover our in-person venue costs, and allow us to financially compensate our guest teachers who do such valuable work in the world. This Journey is a gift that has been created by a deep labor of love and commitment. We appreciate your reciprocity by contributing as fully as you are able to so that we can continue to build a world where we all belong and thrive.
PRICING LEVELS
For people with medium to high access to wealth (generally those who can afford to eat out regularly, travel, are middle class, upper/owning class, anyone with an inheritance, investments, and/or some degree of retirement savings, those who have been systematically advantaged). By contributing more, you also support the ability of others with less financial resources to participate.
Option One: three payments of $563 or one payment of $1595 USD (a discount of $94)
Option Two: three payments of $633 or one payment of $1795 USD (a discount of $104)
Option Three: three payments of $733 or one payment $1995 USD (a discount of $204)
For people with lower access to wealth (generally those who cannot afford to eat out regularly or travel frequently, are working class, people without savings, and those who’ve been systematically disadvantaged especially BIPOC, youth, and folx with disabilities).
Option One: three payments of $356 or one payment of $995 USD (a discount of $73)
Option Two: three payments of $425 or one payment of $1195 USD (a discount of $80)
Option Three: three payments of $499 or one payment of $1395 USD (a discount of $102)
If you choose a three payments plan, your first payment will be processed when you submit your registration, your second payment will be processed three months after you register, and your final payment will be processed six months after your register.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
We have limited financial assistance available to support those in need. If you would like to apply for financial assistance, please fill out this application form.
YOUNG ADULT SCHOLARSHIPS
To support the participation of students and young adults (ages 18 - 25), we are offering a number of partial and full scholarships. BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ and/or disabled young adults are prioritized. Please fill out this application form.
REFUNDS
Requests for a partial refund must be made before March 31, 2026. After this date, refunds will not be possible including for participants registered on a three payments plan.
REGISTER HERE
Registration is now open. Please fill out the registration form and a member of our team will follow up with you.
“A reverence for life needs to be developed, in which all things are sacred.”
-Frederick Lindemann
COURSE SCHEDULE
An Overview of our Monthly Teaching & Practice and In-Person Sessions
Month 1 Orientation Session (virtual) | Saturday, March 14, 2026 from 8am - 10:30am PST - Starting our Journey: Creating a Foundation for Contemporary Spiritual Practice
Month 1 Opening In-Person Retreat | Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22 , 2026 (9am - 5pm PST) - An opening in-person retreat at a location TBD in the East Bay.
Month 2 Teaching & Practice Session (virtual) | Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 8am - 10:30am PST - Reimagining Spirituality: Honoring Traditions and Shaping New Futures
Month 2 In-Person Practice Session | Sunday, April 19, 2026 from 4pm - 6pm PST - Reimagining Spirituality: Honoring Traditions and Shaping New Futures
Month 3 Teaching & Practice Session (virtual) | Saturday, May 9, 2026 from 8am - 10:30am PST - Rooted in Reverence: Awakening to the Sacred in Daily Life
Month 3 In-Person Practice Session | Sunday, May 17, 2026 from 4pm - 6pm PST - Rooted in Reverence: Awakening to the Sacred in Daily Life
Month 4 Teaching & Practice Session (virtual) | Saturday, June 13, 2026 from 8am - 10:30am PST - Sacred Embodiment: Deepening Spiritual Connection Through the Body
Month 4 In-Person Practice Session | Sunday, June 21, 2026 from 4pm - 6pm PST - Sacred Embodiment: Deepening Spiritual Connection Through the Body
Month 5 Teaching & Practice Session (virtual) | Saturday, July 11, 2026 from 8am - 10:30am PST - Sacred Relationships: Transforming Connection Through Reverence and Presence
Month 5 In-Person Practice Session | Sunday, July 19, 2026 from 4pm - 6pm PST - Sacred Relationships: Transforming Connection Through Reverence and Presence
Month 6 Teaching & Practice Session (virtual) | Saturday, August 8, 2026 half-day from 8am - 11:30am PST - Ancient Wisdom for Modern Life: Lessons from Indigenous and Mystical Traditions
Month 6 In-Person Practice Session | Sunday, August 16, 2026 from 4pm - 6pm PST - Ancient Wisdom for Modern Life: Lessons from Indigenous and Mystical Traditions
Month 7 Teaching & Practice Session (virtual) | Saturday, September 12, 2026 from 8am - 10:30am PST - Healing and Wholeness: Integrating Spirituality and Inner Growth
Month 7 In-Person Practice Session | Sunday, September 20, 2026 from 4pm - 6pm PST - Healing and Wholeness: Integrating Spirituality and Inner Growth
Month 8 Teaching & Practice Session (virtual) | Saturday, October 10, 2026 from 8am - 10:30am PST - Earth as Sacred: Spiritual Ecology for Connection and Action
Month 8 In-Person Practice Session | Sunday, October 18, 2026 from 4pm - 6pm PST - Earth as Sacred: Spiritual Ecology for Connection and Action
Month 9 Teaching & Practice Session (virtual) | Saturday, November 14, 2026 from 8am - 10:30am PST - Sacred Action: Compassion and Justice for a Healing World
Month 9 In-Person Practice Session | Sunday, November 22, 2026 from 4pm - 6pm PST - Sacred Action: Compassion and Justice for a Healing World
Month 10 Teaching & Practice Session (virtual) | Saturday, December 12, 2026 from 8am - 10:30am PST - Rituals of Renewal: Honoring Life’s Seasons and Transitions
Month 10 In-Person Practice Session | Sunday, December 20, 2026 from 4pm - 6pm PST - Rituals of Renewal: Honoring Life’s Seasons and Transitions
Month 11 Teaching & Practice Session (virtual) | Saturday, January 9, 2027 from 8am - 10:30am PST - Sacred Creativity: Expressing Spirit Through Art, Music & Poetry
Month 11 In-Person Practice Session | Sunday, January 17, 2027 from 4pm - 6pm PST - Sacred Creativity: Expressing Spirit Through Art, Music & Poetry
Month 12 Teaching & Practice Session | Saturday, February 13, 2027 half-day from 8am - 11:30am PST - Integrating the Sacred: Honoring our Wisdom and Crafting our Path Forward
Month 12 Closing In-Person Retreat | Sunday, February 21 , 2027 (9am - 5pm PST) - A closing in-person retreat at a location TBD in the East Bay.
FAQs
What if I can’t attend every single session?
You are encouraged to attend every session, but we understand that you may need to miss a session occasionally. The teaching parts of each virtual session will be recorded and shared with participants, so you will be able to access of recording of each session that you can watch at another time.
How can groups participate in the Rooting in the Sacred together?
Groups of people from the same organization, school, etc. can sign up to participate together. With each month, there will be core “conversation questions” & “practices” exploring the monthly theme and sub-themes, and some groups will meet on their own to engage these together. Some groups will also create their own private chat thread to share questions, ideas and reflections throughout the journey. If a person or organization would like to register multiple people at once, please contact our team at: team@thrivenetwork.org.
What will the in-person sessions include?
For folks participating in the Bay Area Cohort, we will gather in the East Bay for an Opening Retreat, monthly in-person practice sessions, and a Closing Retreat. These will be facilitated opportunities to build relationships, engage in shared learning and practice, offer our gifts and mutual care, and to collaborate together.
How will the Triads work?
As an essential part of Rooting in the Sacred, we’ll be supporting participants in forming Triads (groups of 3 people) that will meet to build community and deepen in practice around each monthly theme. Our team will support the formation of these triads. If you are joining this course with a group of people, you will be able to form a triad with members of your group. Triad members will decide together their regular meeting time and date (once a month for 60 - 90 minutes), engage in shared leadership, rotating facilitation, and will be provided with meeting agendas each month that can be adapted.
Is there a religious or spiritual tradition behind this course? Who are the people putting this on?
There is no religious group or spiritual tradition behind this course. Rooting in the Sacred is an offering of the Thrive Network, a nonprofit based in Oakland, CA. We bring people together at the intersections of meaning, belonging, music, the arts and social change. We are a multigenerational, multiracial team of activists, healers, educators, artists, practitioners and community organizers. We are led by a passionate and dedicated team of volunteers and we warmly welcome your financial support to help us continue to grow and serve.
ABOUT THRIVE
Thrive is a community, network and movement building Beloved Community for these times. We bring people together at the intersections of meaning, belonging, music, the arts and social change. Started in Oakland, CA as Thrive East Bay, we have also grown into the Thrive Network as we work to build a world of love and belonging where everyone thrives.
(Image by @lelalelolai)