Stepping Stones: Choosing the Path Forward

During the Renaissance and the Enlightenment periods (1500-1900 C.E.), people would gather in homes to discuss ideas, literature, poetry, and music. These gatherings were called “salons,” and initially were created as safe havens for people to express heretical ideas without being scrutinized by the Roman Catholic Church. Some of the most famous salons were hosted by women and offered women, who were not allowed formal schooling, an opportunity to educate themselves.

In addition to providing intellectual stimulation, salons also were an opportunity to form a community. Men and women alike were encouraged to have opinions (freedom of expression), to listen to each other (pluralism and mutuality), and to foster new ideas (innovation). Salons were instrumental in breaking down class barriers, evoking critical thinking, and promoting the arts.

In the spirit of the historic salons, Stepping Stones is an opportunity for people to gather, to discuss, and to share ideas. Occurring twice a month, Stepping Stones invites you to read, form an opinion, and engage in thoughtful conversation, including bringing in additional resources (poetry, articles, books, music, art) to share. Each month may have a different focus and material; however, the unifying theme for all Stepping Stone gatherings is:

How do we build the world that we want to live in?

Of course, food will be involved. Shakti in the Mountains will provide coffee, tea, and a little nibble. If you would like to contribute a brunch-type food item, then please do!

There is no cost to attend AND donations are greatly appreciated. (Every little bit helps.)

📢 Update

For the spring season, our book pick is The Secret Life of Plants by Peter Tompkins, Christopher Bird, and Peter Tomkins. During our meeting on April 3, we will look at the book and divide it into sections to be read over the course of the season. The majority of our April 3 gathering will be discussing the importance of hope and the ways that we both engage with and inspire hope. To support this discussion, you are invited to read an article written by Patti Digh entitled "Hope is a Verb."

📍 Event Details

Join us for one or all.

Thursdays, 4/3, 4/17, 5/1, 5/15 from 9 to 11 am

Co-ed, 18+

Registration required.

Free. Donations accepted at the door. Suggested donation $10.

IMPORTANT: If you are not able to attend an event for which you have registered please so that we may offer that space to someone on the wait list. Thank you.

Registration closes 24 hours prior to the event.

Parking Information

Shakti in the Mountains Website

✨ Melissa Curran is a licensed massage therapist and registered yoga teacher with years of teaching and training experience. As a life-long reading enthusiast, she weaves her love of learning and knowledge into her every day existence. She’s excited to settle into the new year with new reading endeavors, and sharing those deep dives with others on a similar path.

✨ Kim Bushore-Maki is a soul-driven entrepreneur who understands the undeniable urge to create a business and a life filled with meaning and purpose. Her vision of opening a center where people could heal and grow led her to open Shakti in the Mountains in Johnson City, Tennessee: a place where the creative, feminine energy is nurtured and valued.

Kim is a licensed professional counselor and a yoga teacher. She completed the Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy program as well as the Shake Your Soul Yoga Dance program. Kim is very interested in somatic expressive therapy, archetypal psychology, gardening, herbalism, astrology, wisdom traditions, and regenerative economics.

Kim continues to build and to support inclusive, vibrant communities. She spends most of her time mentoring leaders, guiding healing programs, and providing mental health counseling.

Event Venue

Shakti in the Mountains, 409 East Unaka Avenue, Johnson City, United States