Prosperous Living
Sunday Nights
6pm-8pm
1135 NW 23rd Ave. Suite F/2
Gainesville, FL 32609
(in Boulevard plaza, look for flower bed and bright red door)
*Complimentary Class Open to the Public
*For more information email balbks@yahoo.com
Our Mission
Prosperous Living is a community of like-minded truth-seekers studying, sharing and teaching multiple paths to prosperity in all aspects of life - wealth, relationships, health, personal missions, professions and spirituality. Our intention is to uphold each participant on actualizing their visions with a foundation of group-supported integrity.
Gainesville’s Center for Prosperous Living is now offering free classes, open to the public.
The Center recently moved to a new location, just off of NW 23rd and Main St, and is up and running, holding enriching classes for the community.
Walking into The Center for Prosperous Living (C.P.L.), you can expect to be greeted by the aromas of brewing coffee and fresh paint. The deep sage and dramatic burgundy walls create a space of comfort and warmth. Perhaps it’s the large sectional sofa and smiling faces that make it feel so inviting and homey. But what really attracts people here every week is more than complementary beverages.
The C.P.L. offers classes on different paths to self-improvement and personal growth, each week bringing a fresh topic with a new instructor. Thus far, topics have ranged from communication and finances to Kai Zen and healing the inner critic.
Long time member, Benito Vernon, 68, was surprised to find he enjoyed the variety of topics. “I never thought I’d be interested in these things, but now I look forward to them.”
Becky Gravely, 53, founder of the class, attended several prosperity workshops before she brought the idea of the class to co-founder Lacey Nagy, 27. Gravely said she wanted to create a “continuous experience that covered a wide range of subjects.” But there is something different about this class.
“We want to offer more than the status quo here. In addition to giving valuable information, we also want to provide group support for positive, personal change” said Nagy.
To accomplish this, Gravely and Nagy incorporated the idea of goal setting into the group. With an emphasis on personal integrity, everyone sets at least one goal for the coming week, and the group holds them accountable for it. If you don’t accomplish your goals, there is no room for excuses. You simply state that you did not fulfill the goal and then donate one dollar to the “bowl of truth.” The money is used to fund the complementary beverages.
“Sometimes the goals are related to the discussion and sometimes it’s just what you need to get done. The idea is to say what you mean, mean what you say, and take action to improve your life. It’s really powerful,” said Nagy.
Joshua Porter,21, agrees: “I love it! It keeps me on point, and then I get to share what I’ve accomplished. It’s really encouraging.”
For anyone who has attended an open forum class like this, it becomes clear that the people make or break the experience, and that’s why the class so successful. The group dynamic is engaging and inspiring; everyone is attentive,and no one hesitates to chime in with their thoughts or questions. This comes as no surprise when the founders greet the regulars with hugs. The members are diverse, ranging in age from 20 to almost 70 years old. It feels like gathering a family together during the holidays… sans the quarrels, feuds, and awkward sweaters.
Newcomer Monelle McKay, 43, appreciates this aspect of the class. “There’s a great sense of community, and there are so many avenues for growth. I’ll definitely be back next week!” she said.
Glancing around the room, it becomes obvious that this is not the only way the center contributes to the community. Paintings by local artists including Lyssa England adorn the walls, and the public calendar announces other gatherings such as poetry readings and events. The Prosperous Living class, marked in red, is every Sunday from 6:00p.m. to 8:00p.m.
Visitors and guests are always welcome. To join email list, contact Becky Gravely at balbks@yahoo.com.
Article by Elizabeth M. Farro