The life of man is a self-evolving circle,
which, from a ring imperceptibly small,
rushes on all sides outwards to new and larger circles,
and that without end.
— Emerson
2025 theme: Concord and Community
Dimensions of Light
Forum: Saturday, October 18
2:00 – 4:00 pm (PDT) In-person at Concord Hall, 1407 Chapala Street, and Live on YouTube
Presenters: Russ & Gerry Lewin
The journey of light takes us to the depths of the Mariana Trench, deep space, Einstein rings, our Sun, quantum states, auroras, and rainbows. We will be assisted by the Parker Solar Probe, the James Webb Telescope, and the Vera C. Rubin Observatory. Scientific breakthroughs by Albert Einstein, Richard Feynman and Edwin Hubble and others will be
celebrated.
Enjoy light in the Gardens of Giverny and in Shelley’s poetry; honor Divali, the Festival of Lights, and learn from the illumination of the mystics. What might light symbolize in art?
How do poetry and literature illustrate light through language? How is light a symbol of illuminated experience in mysticism? We will highlight specific cultural examples of art, poetry & literature, and mystical visions to consider these questions. The forum will take place during the time when cultures around the world celebrate Divali, the Festival of Lights, a time which brings communities together.
Livestream begins @ 2:00 PM PDT. Click the following link to view the program:
www.,youtube.com/@iwcinsantabarbara/streams
A recording will be available after the program for future viewing at the above link
~ Click HERE for a printer-friendly flyer ~
OCTOBER STUDY CIRCLE
October 2 is the birth anniversary of M.K. Gandhi, so the focus for October 14 ; Oct. 28 will be on THE GANDHIAN BRIDGE, by Raghavan Iyer. No one has read more of Gandhi’s writings or probed as deep as Dr. Iyer. The Gandhian Bridge began in India as an inaugural Gandhi Memorial lecture to mark the fortieth anniversary of the martyrdom of M.K. Gandhi: “Mahatma Gandhi came amongst us to show the secret joy arising from the purity of svadharma in bridging our ideals and limitations, both in individual and social life. It is, therefore, fitting that we should seriously consider together the quintessential Gandhian message of non-violent socialism, global trusteeship and radical self-regeneration.”
If you would like to join the Study Circle via Zoom, please contact donna@worldculture.org for a link.
CLICK HERE for the October Study Circle Schedule
Openness is the New Mindfulness
The Monday Salon Series: Monday, October 27, 2025, 7:00-8:30 PM PDT
Live and Livestream (beginning at 7:00 PM) Concord Hall, 1407 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara
Forum with Jonathan Schooler
This lecture/discussion explores how cultivating the personality trait of openness could foster individual and community flourishing. Dr. Jonathan Schooler presents evidence that openness to experience – linked to creativity, intellectual humility, reduced prejudice, and concern for humanity’s future – can be systematically enhanced through targeted interventions. The presentation reveals how simple daily practices – asking meaningful questions, breaking routines, and engaging with art – cultivate the open-mindedness essential for reducing authoritarianism, enhancing cross-cultural understanding, and building thriving societies.
~Click HERE for printer-friendly flyer ~
Jonathan Schooler, PhD, is a Distinguished Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of California Santa Barbara, Director of UCSB’s Center for Mindfulness and Human Potential, and Acting Director of the Sage Center for the Study of the Mind. His research intersects philosophy and psychology, including the relationship between mindfulness and mind-wandering and theories of consciousness.
