Panel Discussion moderated by Sr. Diane Zerfas
Tuesday, September 10, 2024
6:00 pm–8:30 pm EST
Cost: $25, Students $10
“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”
Maya Angelou
It’s a phrase we use or hear regularly – living in ‘unprecedented’ or ‘uncertain’ times – but how often do we pause to consider how living with and acting out of anxious uncertainty affects our relationships, our communities, and ourselves? When we react quickly and reflexively, when we are triggered and become defensive, when we act out of fear, we risk causing harm both to ourselves and our neighbors.
Join us on Tuesday, September 10 from 6-8:30pm for dinner and a conversation on the spiritual toll and the tangible ramifications of existing in a constant state of ‘fight, flight, or freeze.’ Hear from community leaders as we explore the importance of remaining grounded in anxious times so that we can respond compassionately rather than react negatively to an uncertain world.
Co-hosted by Kaufman Interfaith Institute and Dominican Center Marywood.
Moderator and Panelists
Sr. Diane Zerfas, Moderator
Diane Zerfas, OP, is Dominican Center’s spirituality program coordinator. She is deeply involved in the center’s spiritual formation programs through the planning and teaching of Foundations in Spirituality and the Spiritual Direction Practicum. She holds bachelor’s degrees in math, chemistry, theology, and education from Aquinas College; master’s degrees in Arts in Religious Studies and in Pastoral Studies; a Specialized Certificate in Parish Life and Administration; and a Certificate in Spiritual Direction. Sister Diane has ministered in many ways, including teaching high school as well as serving as formation director for Grand Rapids Dominicans, initiation and evangelization director at St. Mary Magdalen in Kentwood, Diocesan director of RCIA for the Diocese of Grand Rapids, co-director of Pastoral Life at Marywood, and leadership team member for the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids.
John Robinson, Panelist
Leadership consultant and life coach John Robinson empowers individuals to Be the Spark and Lead the Change. His Shield Success System builds vision, focus, and self-care skills for personal and professional growth. Coach John’s philosophy—Follow Your Heart, Live Your Best Life, and Change the World—guides his approach to fostering resilient, compassionate leaders. Soon, his mastermind will relaunch as the Leaders Collective with a key concept: Resistance to change is futile. Engage! Connect with Coach John at LeaderSupportCircle.com.
Ven. Ai Su, Panelist
Ven. Ai Su (Kimberly Hillebrand), a Grand Rapids-based Buddhist teacher, began her spiritual journey after being drawn to a little book with a single yellow flower on its cover. Sitting on the floor of the Western Michigan University bookstore, she read the book “Peace is Every Step” by Thich Nhat Hanh cover to cover…and took her first steps on the Buddhist path.
Ven. Ai Su ordained as a Dharma Teacher in 2017 and a Teaching Monk in 2021, serving as the abbess of the Grand Rapids Buddhist Temple for two years. With formal training in both Zen and Dzogchen, Ven. Ai Su has experience teaching specifically within a Buddhist context and working collaboratively to build and foster common spiritual ground within diverse communities, including workplaces.
Ven. Ai Su’s meditation practice goes back almost 25 years. Her foundational practice is Metta, or loving-kindness, a practice that she has undertaken daily for the last twenty years. She is also currently studying with a teacher to learn and integrate another meditation form into her spiritual practice, Shamatha Vipassana.
