Monday, February 9, 2026
5:30 – 6:45 pm
Community Hub McCall
Western philosophy traditionally separates fields such as metaphysics, logic, aesthetics, and ethics. Eastern philosophy differs in that it integrates theory and practical applications. For instance in Yoga, physical disciplines are seen as ethical requirements to maintain harmony with self and others. The East also has a different direction of inquiry from the West to acquire knowledge and insight.
Join us to explore how Yoga philosophy is really about everyday living. We’ll look at the five ethical restraints that regulate relationships and the five observances or disciplines that help design our habits. We’ll see how Yoga offers a complete philosophic and practical system for regulating how we live with both ourselves and others. Go home with some useful approaches and perspectives to living everyday life. The evening will be a blend of slideshow presentation and discussion.
Part I in a Perennial Philosophy Series, brought to you by the McCall Arts and Humanities Council. Register here.
Please join me in attending and supporting—-
Christian Mysticism
With Mike McCoy
Monday February 16
5:30 – 6:45 pm
Community Hub McCall
Does mysticism actually exist in practice in Christianity today? YES. What does it look like? Where did it originate?
Not all of the saints who were mystics had mental health issues. Why do evangelical and pentecostal Christians fear mysticism?
Join us for an open conversation with Mike on this fascinating intersection of faith, mystery, quantum relationship, and philosophy.
Register here.
Mike McCoy is a retired clinical social worker and counselor. He is a Valley County native where his family has lived for over 150 years. One of the last of the United States citizens to be drafted into the military in 1972 towards the end of the Vietnam War. He served in the US Navy for four years. His book of poetry, A Lucid Voice has a release date planned for January 2026. He is a member of the Write Here writer’s group at the McCall Public Library and Elk River Writers Workshop Livingston MT. A Benedictine Oblate of the Center for Benedictine Life (Formerly The Monastery of St. Gertrude) Cottonwood, Idaho. He practices contemplative prayer as a form of meditation and awareness. Active in many areas of the community, he is still a volunteer chaplain with St. Luke’s Hospital.
The Four Qualities of the Heart in Buddhism
With Kasey Rose
Monday, February 23
5:30 – 6:45 pm
Community Hub McCall
It is said that the Buddha began every lesson by teaching about “spiritual generosity.” This is the sharing of our goodness, supporting those we interact with, and loving one another. The lesson is that within every heart are four qualities to be nourished: Lovingkindness, Compassion, Sympathetic Joy, and Equanimity.
Lovingkindness is a deep, boundless wish for the well-being and happiness of oneself and all others.
Compassion is the wish that all beings be free from suffering.
Sympathetic Joy is the feeling of joy and delight in the happiness and good fortune of others.
Equanimity is a state of mental balance which accepts all experiences – pleasure and pain, success and failure – with clarity and wisdom.
The understanding is that if we can access these qualities that are within us all, we will greatly increase the happiness and joy in our lives while decreasing the suffering.
Join us for a reminder of the goodness that is within you and all beings. The evening will be a combination of slide show presentation and discussion, along with an opportunity to cultivate the qualities within your own heart through simple, guided meditation.
Register Here.
We think that life is strong and love is fragile,
But really it’s the other way around;
Life hangs by a thread
And love holds the universe together.
In the end, all spiritual practice is just teaching us to love ourselves, each other, and the world.
Judith Lassiter, “Queen of Restorative Yoga”