Heart Wisdom: Spirit and Joy

How can we nourish our spirits and create moments of joy, especially during times of stress, difficulty, uncertainty, or change? Everyday acts of reflection and creativity can help us reconnect with our inner wisdom and bring more beauty and peace into our lives. No matter where you find yourself on the journey, this heartfelt author conversation offers an invitation to slow down, listen, and explore how meditation and creative expression can deepen our connection to ourselves and the sacred in everyday life. Our guest authors, Sue Patton Thoele, author of "The Woman’s Book of Spirit: Meditations to Awaken Our Inner Wisdom," and Maggie Oman Shannon, author of "A Year of Crafting Joy: Creating Beauty, Hope, and Magic Every Week of the Year," will share stories, insights, and practical wisdom about nourishing our souls, awakening our creativity, and cultivating joy through simple, meaningful practices. Brenda Knight, co-founder of Books That Save Lives, will also join the panel, offering perspective from her decades of publishing and community-building work. The conversation will be facilitated by Sherry Richert Belul, author of "The Love List of a Lifetime" and "Say It Now," known for her warm and heartfelt approach to connection, reflection, and meaningful living. Since March 2020, Brenda Knight and Sherry Richert Belul have hosted the Heart Wisdom Author Panels to offer insight, comfort, and connection during times of uncertainty. What began as a response to a challenging moment has grown into an ongoing space for thoughtful conversation. These are challenging and complicated times. We are here to support one another. —Author Bios— Sue Patton Thoele Sue Patton Thoele is a retired psychotherapist and hospice chaplain whose books offer gentle guidance for cultivating courage, self-acceptance, and spiritual connection. She is the author of "The Woman’s Book of Spirit: Meditations to Awaken Our Inner Wisdom," "The Woman’s Book of Courage," "The Woman’s Book of Confidence," and "The Courage to Be Yourself," among other books. Through personal stories, meditations, and reflections on everyday life, Sue invites readers to listen to their inner wisdom, nourish their souls, and become more loving friends to themselves. Maggie Oman Shannon The Reverend Maggie Oman Shannon, M.A., is an ordained Unity minister, artist, workshop and retreat facilitator, and author whose work explores creativity as a spiritual practice. Her books include "Crafting Calm," "Crafting Gratitude," "Crafting Love," and "A Year of Crafting Joy: Creating Beauty, Hope, and Magic Every Week of the Year." She served as senior minister of Unity Spiritual Center of San Francisco for twelve years and was named Minister Emeritus upon her retirement. Maggie believes that everyone is creative and offers encouragement and practical inspiration for bringing more beauty, hope, and meaning into everyday life. Brenda Knight Books That Save Lives co-founder, Brenda Knight, began her career at HarperCollins working with luminaries Paolo Coelho, Marianne Williamson and Huston Smith. Brenda served as Publisher/Editorial Director at Mango Publishing for nine years. She was awarded IndieFab’s "Publisher of the Year" in 2014 by the American Library Association and she previously served as president of the Women’s National Book Association, SF Chapter. She is the author of "Random Acts of Kindness," "Wild Women and Books," "The Book of Abundance," and many more. Sherry Richert Belul Sherry Richert Belul is the founder of Simply Celebrate and author of "The Love List of a Lifetime" and "Say It Now." She helps people discover creative, heartfelt ways to celebrate life, deepen connection, and express love—while also guiding people to plan for end-of-life in ways that bring meaning, ease, and even moments of joy. Whether she’s leading a workshop, hosting a kindness mission, or speaking at events, Sherry’s message is simple: love out loud, celebrate often, and make moments that matter.