I’m so happy to announce the next offering to deepen our shared journey into spiritual memoir… “The Ripening of Authentic Happiness”.
According to Positive Psychology, throughout cultures and religions both modern and ancient, all human beings embody the seeds of six core virtues. When these fundamental qualities are cultivated, they help us experience enhanced wellbeing, allow us to flourish during both calm and difficult times, and lead us to Authentic Happiness. They are:
Wisdom • Courage • Humanity • Justice • Temperance • Transcendence
In “The Ripening of Authentic Happiness” “we’ll explore how our lives offer us ample opportunities as we mature for deepening and ripening these virtues through actionable expressions called character strengths.
Research describing a “U-shaped” curve of happiness, tells us that life satisfaction generally declines from early adulthood, bottoms out in midlife (roughly ages 40-50), and then rises steadily through the 60s, 70s, and beyond. And while happiness in our later life is by no means guaranteed, these 6 core strengths and virtues significantly impact authentic happiness by providing a framework for resilience, purpose, satisfaction and strong relationships, some of the hallmarks of a happy later life.
It’s time to nurture the seeds of these core virtues into full bloom!
During our 6 sessions together we’ll cultivate spiritual optimism by using the best of what Positive Psychology has to offer, and by seeing our personal stories as opportunities for growing the six core virtues that make life worth living, create authentic happiness and transform us into our best selves.
We do this kind of deep work most gracefully in the company of good hearted, like minded others. Together, we will celebrate your wisdom, courage, and the depth of your extraordinary experiences here on planet earth!
Join me for “The Ripening of Authentic Happeness”– the newest installment of The Gifts of Spiritual Memoir. In this 7-week live, online interactive Zoom program, together we will find the extraordinary joy of self-discovery, in our stories of resilience, magic, faith, failure, drama, resurrection, purpose, humor and destiny, and the silver linings in challenges and grieved losses, forgiven, celebrated and woven into beautiful tapestries from the multicolored threads of our lives. Write to discover, transform and love your life –you don’t have to be a ‘writer’. Everyone is welcome!
“The Gifts of Spiritual Memoir” uses a process steeped in positive psychology, neuroscience and meditation to help you feel calm, safe and open. That’s when creativity happens!
Positive psychology teaches us to look for what is right with us (not wrong with us), and when we know upfront that we will be supporting each other in a safe and loving way, the frontal cortex can stop patrolling whether what we write will be good enough, the self-censorship stops, and rich memories and images can flow up from our subconscious.
Neuroscience shows that in order to truly awaken imagination and creativity we must turn down activity in the parts of the brain, associated with rumination, anxiety and self-censorship.
Even ten minutes in the Meditative state can increase creativity, verbal learning and memory… and of course, meditation makes us feel open and relaxed through physiological changes and increases in positive emotions.
Perhaps most wonderfully, “The Ripening of Authentic Happiness” is designed to be deeply evocative of memories and imagery you didn’t even know you forgot… so it’s a really rich and often fun process of self-discovery. You will find out how precious and fascinating your life really is.
How the Program Works
I’m delighted to continue this collaboration with my dear friend, Gilah. Each session is based on what we call the “Me-story & Mystery Process”. We begin with a short selection of music, carefully chosen to help us begin the creative process. Then, either Gilah or I will give a teaching that illuminates our theme for that day, followed by a meditation and a writing prompt. All of this will prime your writing pump. Then you will write a story from your life on that topic for 15 minutes without editing, judging or polishing. You may not complete a story, but you will write in a stream of consciousness that pours right from your heart! We will then share our stories and insights both as a whole group and in small pods so that everyone will have airtime.
This gentle process evokes soulful, heartfelt memories you didn’t even know you’d forgotten, and offers you a caring and creative framework in which to shape them. Using a sensitive “readback” process in groups of 3, you will get thoughtful, positive feedback that will make you feel heard and received. It’s all about witnessing and honoring each other, and I know you’ll find this process so healing.
One of the perks of doing the workshop over 7 weeks is that, if you like, you can continue writing at home between sessions.
Program Outline – “THE RIPENING OF AUTHENTIC HAPPINESS”
Session 1: The Ripening of Forgiveness
Session 2: The Ripening of Interdependence
Session 3: The Ripening of Kindness
Session 4: The Ripening of Authenticity
Session 5: The Ripening of Perspective
Session 6: The Ripening of Possibility
BONUS Session: May 26, 2026. Sharing more stories!
Happiness tends to increase with age for many people, largely due to a shift in perspective toward prioritizing meaningful relationships, savoring simple moments, and focusing on inner reflections rather than achievements. What an auspicious time to support each other on our journey inward to seek meaning, clarity, hope and authentic happiness!
This rich and intimate group, whether sharing your own work, or helping another participant process theirs, is a precious opportunity to harvest the wisdom of our lives in the company of like-hearted others. Your presence matters, so please plan to attend the sessions live.
JOIN ME!
Join me for this interactive guided journey by live Zoom video conferencing for $397.
The program starts Tuesday, April 14, 2026 and meets every week through May 26, 2026. Our live Zoom video classes will be 2 hours long, beginning at 1 pm ET / Noon CT / 11 am MT / 10 am PT.
REGISTRATION IS CLOSED
This is going to be amazing!
Love,
Joan & Gilah
Kudos for The Gifts of Spiritual Memoir:
These precious meetings each week have been so deep, true and meaningful. The phrase used in class: ‘holding the capacity and intention’ to deepen our connections as we witness, contribute and share moments in our lives that were and are transformational and so very authentic. A thousand thank yous. Sarah
“My need to commune with like-minded, heart-centered, spiritually aware beings was met in spades. Thank you all !!!” Kelly
“So heart opening. I have loved every second of this course. Thank you”. –Christina
“Thanks to Joan and Gilah for a flawless experience. And to all participants for showing up so fully and beautifully.” –Carolyn
“The best part of this experience was listening to the stories of others’ spiritual journeys and seeing how they reflect my own. I’m filled with encouragement and gratitude.” –Ron
“I am changed by this experience” –Ann
Questions? Contact gilah@joanborysenko.com
Refund Policy & Course Material Access
Refunds will not be offered after the course begins.
All sessions will be recorded.
Intimate breakout rooms will not be recorded.
All course materials are downloadable, and will also be available online for 4 weeks following the final class.
Note: We use PayPal to process your credit card payments (at no extra charge to you). You do not need to have a PayPal account. Payments will be received by PayPal through Four Worlds Wellness, LLC. Your credit card statement will reflect a charge from PAYPAL*BORYSENKO (JoanBorysenkoCourse).