When we consider the idea of boundaries, perhaps we think of borders, laws, confidentiality, or personal space. Such things as taboos, beliefs, opinions, blame, sin, and self-definition also apply. We dance around boundaries from the moment we are conceived until the day we die. What purpose do they serve in a heart-centered life? Are they meant to change over time? And can we allow them to change?

Words themselves offer boundaries for our thoughts as they confine parts of our consciousness within their walls of meaning. Yet growth—physical, psychological, or spiritual—requires a venturing beyond the known definition of the moment to a new experience of the yet unknown. And whenever we engage the realm of Mystery for transformation, healing or enlightenment, boundaries seem to disappear.

As these processes beckon us for growth, the dark side of abuse, confusion, and delusion lurk in the shadows, threatening to derail our intentions as we let old boundaries go. Ultimately, we are left to ask: What is our relationship to the boundaries in our life? When do they protect us? When do they stifle us? Do we have the courage to stretch beyond them? What will guide us? Are we willing to take the risks?

This eight-week series will address these questions by examining the necessity for boundaries as well as their evolution across the human life span, their impact on relationships of the heart, their use in psychotherapy, religion and spirituality, empathic experience, one’s self-identity, and one’s experience of the boundary-less realms. We will integrate science, energy medicine, spirituality, psychology and mythology along the way. References and relevant handouts will be provided throughout the series.