It has been a week since we wrapped up our annual retreat (held in partnership with the Takoma Metaphysical Chapel) in Shepherdstown, WV. And I still can't stop thinking about what a transformative and fun weekend it was! I knew I had a vision for how the entire weekend would unfold, but the vision that was manifest was even MORE wonderful than I expected. 

Sure, I assumed that our brightly-colored, comic book superhero theme would be a fun way to dive into some significant spiritual insights that perfectly parallel the archetypal superhero "origin" story of a superhero. But I never imagined just how far we would be willing dive into those insights about ourselves. About each other. Or that our creative component of the experience -- like reflecting on our SuperSelf name and creating our SuperSelf "logos" and masks, would reveal such awesome imagination, inspiration and innovation of our participants. Or, that from the first moment of the the first session until the last moment of our final session,  everyone would be so on board, so "all in" with the entire journey. 

And when I say "they," I mean ME too! With weeks of planning and preparation, I certainly thought I had my SuperSelf identity all figured out. But I wanted to honor the process that we had developed for the group, so I embarked on the journey, too. And surprise! I learned I had not figured it out one bit. I was yanked back to the very beginning, and boy was I glad that I was. I not only had the opportunity to go even more deeply than I had imagined and expected, but I had the honor or witnessing the same process happen with so many enthusiastic participants. 

We discovered the Powerful Person that lives within each and every one of us. We threw open the doors to our creativity, compassion and courage, revealing an even deeper knowledge and awareness about who WE are, and who OTHERS are. We claimed our SuperSelf and proclaimed our SuperSelf name. We pledged to use our Power and be our SuperSelf whenever and however we are summoned to do so. Oh, and we had a blast doing all of it! Check out the ISD-DC Facebook Page to see the retreat photos and videos. 

This embracing and honing of our Power, as we discovered, is an ongoing process for those who choose to grow and evolve. As we learned from watching the fabulously synchronous superhero movie, "Doctor Strange," we may be powerful, but we'll always have lots more to learn. 

And isn't it wonderful that ISD can be our SuperSelf "headquarters?" Our Services. Classes. Workshops. Fellowship. All of which help us to discover, accept, embrace and fine tune our SuperSelves. So many activities to choose from, why not try them all? 

This month, we have Rev. James De Biasio leading TWO courses at the same time. This is a rare and wonderful opportunity to share in the wealth of knowledge and insight of our Founder and Spiritual Advisor -- our very own "Professor Xavier!" And if you haven't seen the X-Men movies, Professor Xavier, played by English actor Patrick Stewart, is the wise and strong leader of the group of heroes. That sounds like our own Rev. Jim, doesn't it?

Jim leads the course on The Bhagavad Gita Tuesdays, June  6 and 13 at 7:30 p.m. His love of and passion for this ancient Hindu spiritual text is infectious! 

Jim, along with Lyriel Claire, will also lead the third two-part course of an ongoing Psychic Development Master Class Series, Thursdays, June 8 and 15. Designed for both experienced and evolving psychics and intuitives, this course series offers the opportunity to practice, sharpen, and cultivate psychic and intuitive talents and skills. You have to "use it" if you don't want to "lose it!"

This Wednesday is the first Wednesday of the month, which means it is the night for our Evening Meditation! Don't miss the chance to experience some stillness while you bask in the glow of a candlelit sanctuary.

Our ever-popular Message Circle takes place this Saturday, June 10, at 7:30 p.m. Great message-bearers, wonderful energy, and a fabulous format for the bi-monthly event makes this one of our most popular events. 

And mark your calendars for the Summer Solstice Service on Wednesday, June 21;  the monthly meeting of the ISDivas on Sunday, June 25; and the Message Lottery on Wednesday, June 28. 

With all of these events and activities, how can we NOT become more powerful? 

Up, Up and Away we go! 

Rev. Rob Banaszak

Pastor, Institute for Spiritual Development, Washington, D.C.