Kirkland's 2022-23 Spiritual Wellness Tutor: Kori Bersin
SpiritualiTea:
SpiritualiTea is a weekly discussion group that takes place over tea in Kirkland House. Taylor Stewart, the Spiritual Wellness Tutor, will host these discussions which are inclusive of all (non-)beliefs and practices, including all religious/spiritual traditions, atheists, humanists, and agnostics, as well as those who find affinity with queer, feminist, mujerista, Asian, latinx, black, womanist and liberation theologies, and also Nones and spiritually-inclined persons (and more!). Wondering what some of those terms are? Then you should join! ALL are welcome - from so-called traditionalists and so-called progressives of any religious affiliation, and everything in between! These discussions intend to provide space for us to discuss the ways we each find value, make meaning, and seek truth(s) and purpose in our daily lives, relationships, practices, and choice of studies and careers. What moves you? What principles, if any, guide you? What communities shape(d) you?
SpiritualiTea will be a space to discuss how religion forms your identity, and what it means to be "religious/spiritual” at Harvard, in the public domain, and in our modern climate and culture. These discussions will take place over a variety of delicious loose-leaf teas. The healing properties of each tea provided will be explained. Come join this discussion group if you want to share your own religious/spiritual ideas, upbringing, and/or passions, or if you are curious about the manifold ways in which people understand and express their personal faith. Topics may be circulated in advance.
Interfaith, Interreligious, and Chaplaincy Resources at Harvard:
Harvard College Interfaith Forum: The Harvard College Interfaith Forum (HCIF) is a student organization that encourages dialogue and collaboration between different religious communities and people of various backgrounds. We provide opportunities for the Harvard community to learn about different faiths and discuss topics of spiritual and religious relevance in a non-denominational, interfaith environment. During the year, HCIF holds weekly meetings and "Feasting on Faith" discussions, interfaith community service projects, and other interfaith-related events. All members of the undergraduate community from any religious (or non-religious!) background are welcome to join us!
Harvard Chaplains: The Harvard Chaplains are a professional community of more than thirty chaplains, representing many of the world’s religious, spiritual, and ethical traditions, who share a collective commitment to serving the spiritual needs of the students, faculty, and staff of Harvard University. (website)
Emergency and non-emergency 24/7 on-call Harvard Chaplain number is 617-879-8365
The Pluralism Project: The Pluralism Project is a two decade-long research project that engages students in studying the new religious diversity in the United States. We explore particularly the communities and religious traditions of Asia and the Middle East that have become woven into the religious fabric of the United States in the past twenty-five years. (website)
Center for the Study of World Religions at Harvard Divinity School (website). By its resources and programming the Center seeks to promote the study of the world's religions in their classical and historical forms, drawing on traditional and contemporary disciplines of learning; to promote understanding of the complex roles that religions play in today’s cultures, economies, and political structures; to convene conversations among scholars and practitioners across the global network that is the Center’s heritage and future.