Presence of Peace Circle
January Message: Connecting to Your Higher Self
January, 25, 2026
CENTRAL MESSAGE:
✧ Our central message for January is Connecting to Your Higher Self. We began the month by acknowledging that this connection exists on a spectrum—for some, the connection to their Higher Self is well established; for others, it is just beginning to form; and for some, it may feel more like a longing to connect. No matter where you are on this spectrum, you have the same access to your Higher Self as everyone else—an unencumbered spot of grace within that is innately peaceful, joyful, and full of love.
Our second January gathering invited us into a deep remembering of peace as an inner practice rather than a distant goal. The morning opened with a reflection on the Walk for Peace, a 120-day pilgrimage of Buddhist monks walking slowly from Texas to Washington, D.C., step by step and breath by breath. Their quiet steadiness serves as a living prayer, touching hearts across the country.
This walk resonates so deeply because it reflects something we long for in a world that constantly asks us to move faster and do more. When we witness peace embodied without force, our nervous systems soften, and our bodies remember an ancient truth: within each of us lives an original center of grace, untouched by fear. Healing, we were reminded, does not come from adding more, but from returning—to that peaceful place that has always been there.
We gathered to remember this spot of grace and to remember that peace is not a destination, but a practice—a prayer in action. We were invited to ask ourselves: In the name of peace, what will I do? In the name of peace, who will I choose to be in the world?
SPIRITUAL PRACTICE
✧ Peace begins first in our hearts - and then breathes into the world we live in. Our innate desire for peace has been expressed by humanity throughout our history in many forms, and through many wisdom traditions.
The gathering centered around our Presence of Peace Circle, where we entered into a collective field of shared presence and held an intention for peace in our hearts. Sitting together in shared intention, the group entered a collective field of presence where breath, heart rhythms, and awareness gently synchronized. We brought our collective awareness to an Interspiritual meditation that included wisdom about peace from 14 different traditions.
Through shared breathing, heart-centered visualization, and the Interspiritual Prayers for Peace meditation, participants were guided to soften the boundaries between self and other. What emerged was a felt sense of oneness—a “group hum” that made peace feel natural. In this shared stillness, we experienced peace not as an idea, but as a living, embodied reality.
✧ SPIRITUAL INVITATION FOR JANUARY
Begin or continue a daily practice of connecting with your Higher Self, whatever that means to you.
Find a practice that resonates with you. Here are several options:
Create a time of sacred stillness to deeply listen to your own inner voice through meditation or journaling.
Explore your own Human Design to learn about your unique energetic blueprint. See Angie’s website for your free chart.
Integrate tapping to support you in unblocking your connection to your Higher Self.
✧ QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
Where do I notice peace already living within me?
What helps me return to my inner center of grace when the world feels chaotic?
If peace is a practice, what does it ask of me in my daily life?
In the name of peace, what is being called forth through me right now?
✧ MUSICAL INSPIRATION
Music wove seamlessly through the morning, supporting both reflection and connection. The band offered space for us to raise our voices and sing “Lean On Me,” reminding us of the strength found in shared presence and mutual support.
✧ ANNOUNCEMENTS
Ancient Hearts Wellness Fair: Save the date for Saturday, March 14th, 9:00 am–12:45pm at Basics Cooperative. This free event is a gift to the Ancient Hearts community, and wellness providers are invited to donate time and services.
StoryStewards Committee: A new team is forming to help share the story of Ancient Hearts beyond the gathering space. Roles include photography/video, editing, social media design, and posting.
February Central Message: Brighter Days – A Message of Hope & Resilience
Indoor Gathering on February 8
Outdoor Gathering on February 22
Monthly Listening Circle: February 19 – sign-ups now open
Founding Members: We welcomed two new Founding Members into our Founding Circle this month so far. Join us in welcoming Debra Scott and Heidi Fahey. We are excited to welcome 30 visionary leaders in 2026 to help co-create and sustain our community.
✧ MONTHLY COMMUNITY EVENT: One Heart: Sacred Listening Circles
Date/Time: Thurs., 2/19, 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Location: Atria Hall | 14 W Fulton St., Edgerton
Register here: https://givebutter.com/1heart
Each of us has a unique story to tell, and we each long to tell our stories - to bring them out into the light to be seen and heard.
Yet, too often, we keep our stories inside, and we miss our chance to speak our truth and share our authentic selves. Not just because life moves quickly, but also because it's not easy to find others we feel comfortable sharing our story with.
💗 That's why we are forming One Heart: Sacred Listening Circles for Ancient Hearts Collective community members.
One Heart circles are a form of group spiritual companionship where we get to practice "walking each other home," as Ram Dass once shared. These monthly circles are an opportunity for deeper, authentic connection with others in the community and companionship on your spiritual path.
🪶 Facilitator: Jen Carew, Certified Interspiritual Mentor
🪶 Frequency: One Heart Circles will be offered once a month. Attend every month or when you can.
🪶 Open Seats: For our first meeting, our maximum registration is 18 people.
🪶To Register*: Please donate between $5 - 20 (sliding scale- pay what you can) to reserve your spot here: https://givebutter.com/1heart
Thanks to Karla at Atria Hall, 100% of your donation will support Ancient Hearts Collective.
* To ensure this experience is open to all AHC community members, no one will be turned away for lack of funds - simply send an email to contact@ancienthearts.org. to reserve your spot.
