Conscious Evolution Study Group
Universalist Unitarian Church of Farmington, 25301 Halsted Rd, Farmington Hills, MI 48335






4th Wednesdays of each month, from 7-9 pm
Serious seekers of Truth gather once a month to learn about various topics and try out new techniques -- ancient and modern -- from around the world. Past topics included dream analysis, psychic phenomena, Greek philosophy, mysticism, mediumship, the role of ethics, meditation, death and dying, reincarnation, mantra chanting, shamanism, soul evolution, altered states of consciousness, and the third eye.
We explore teachings from Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Confucianism, Taoism, and more, often inviting speakers from various traditions to lead a session. Spiritual seekers of all traditions are invited. Also, if you or someone you know would be interested in sharing spiritual knowledge, we are always looking for speakers to lead sessions.
The class is sponsored by Universalist Unitarian Church of Farmington, and is offered free of charge. No registration is necessary, so just arrive at the listed time and place. The only thing to bring with you is an open mind. For more information, contact us.
Upcoming Sessions:
March 26, 2025 -- Introduction to Jainism and Its Important Contributions to Interfaith Dialogue with Manish Shah
Manish Shah is an active member of the Jain Society of Greater Detroit. He has been part of the society’s education committee for the last ten years. He has been part of the volunteer team responsible for organizing the biweekly Sunday religious school for all children in the society, which has been both a fulfilling and a rewarding experience for him. He and his wife Bharti have always enjoyed interacting with the interfaith community by hosting temple visits and participating in interfaith events. Professionally, Manish is an automotive technical specialist at General Motors.
April 23, 2025 -- Mindfulness Practices and Sound Bath with Lisa Harthun
Lisa is the owner of Healing Balance Holistic Wellness Therapy and is certified as a RMT, VST, EM, CCH, CHT, Shamanic Practitioner and a Mystic. She will introduce mindfulness strategies meant to aid in feelings of anxiety, anger, and depression, stimulate healing responses in the body, as well as foster a greater sense of overall well-being. During the second part of the session, Lisa will share her heart centered Sound Bath programs. https://healingbalancellc.com/
May 28, 2025 -- Ayahuasca: A Sacred Path to Healing and Transformation with Katie Testa
Katie Testa is a healer and guide dedicated to deep personal transformation, conscious communication, and integrative healing. Drawing from Nonviolent Communication (NVC), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Intimacy from the Inside Out (IFIO), and developmental models like Integral Theory, Spiral Dynamics, and the Enneagram, she helps individuals navigate inner healing with compassion and clarity. She is trained in psychedelic preparation and integration, supporting those who seek expanded states of consciousness for growth and healing. In addition to her work with plant medicine, she is a trained birth doula and a volunteer with the No One Dies Alone program, holding space for life’s most profound transitions. As a mother of four, she brings a deeply nurturing presence to all she does.
For centuries, indigenous traditions of the Amazon have worked with Ayahuasca, a sacred plant medicine known for its profound ability to reveal, heal, and transform. Today, many seekers turn to Ayahuasca ceremonies for personal insight, emotional healing, and spiritual growth. In this talk, Katie will introduce the history and purpose of Ayahuasca, explore why individuals are drawn to plant medicine, and offer guidance on preparing for and integrating an Ayahuasca experience. Through personal stories and experiences she has witnessed, she will illuminate the healing potential of this sacred medicine while addressing common questions and concerns. Whether you are simply curious or considering this path for yourself, this discussion will provide a grounded and thoughtful perspective on working with Ayahuasca as a tool for deep transformation. A Q&A session will follow.
June 25, 2025 -- "Samadhi II" Film and Discussion
We will be watching the award-winning film "Samadhi II (It's Not What You Think)," which discusses our illusory material world and what we can do to awaken from it. Following the movie, we will share our thoughts on the contents. You are invited to bring a snack to share.