The eye is the first circle; the horizon which it forms is the second; and throughout nature this primary figure is repeated without end. It is the highest emblem in the cipher of the world.

Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Circles”

The Wide World 


At Innermost House we seek a circle of common ground to unite a wide diversity of human nature. At the center of that circle we labor to raise a dwelling place for the individual Soul. Abroad in the wide world, there are many centers and many circles.

In the following pages, we suggest other circles that lie along open pathways of actual or virtual travel. Some are live events, mostly in Virginia’s Historic Triangle. Some are free online events with centers on the World Wide Web. Many are courses offered at no cost by some of the world’s most distinguished teachers. Each understands its purpose differently than the rest. All are united by an orientation toward the transcendental values of Truth, Beauty, and Goodness, Unity, Simplicity, and Oneness.

With these closing pages of direction to other places and occasions, we part with you for now. Thank you for visiting. Your welcome is assured whenever you return to Innermost House. With all friendly feeling, we wish you well in the Wide World.


LIVE EVENTS

These live, classroom and field-trip events are for the most part offered by Innermost House directly, drawing upon a wide variety of teaching resources. They include courses, lectures, presentations and experiences offered at the College of William & Mary and elsewhere. Most require pre-registration.


ONLINE EVENTS

These external events are all available online, and are offered mostly for free and without subscription by other institutions and individuals. They include full-length and short films, articles, documentaries, lectures, demonstrations, conversations, photographic exhibits, musical performances, and more.


ONLINE COURSES

These courses bring together a wide variety of university offerings that touch upon different aspects of the Innermost House mission. Most are offered by leading professors at Harvard University. They range from short, three-week classes to full-semester courses, available without charge or for credit at a modest fee.


 


Wherever snow falls, or water flows, or birds fly, wherever day and night meet in twilight, wherever the blue heaven is hung by clouds, or sown with stars, wherever are forms with transparent boundaries, wherever are outlets into celestial space, wherever is danger, and awe, and love, there is Beauty, plenteous as rain, shed for thee, and though thou shouldest walk the world over, thou shalt not be able to find a condition inopportune or ignoble.

Ralph Waldo Emerson, "The Poet"