Join us this fall for an 8-week transformational journey through Mary O’Malley’s powerful book What’s in the Way Is the Way.
Registration Opens Summer 2026
Were not interruptions to your spiritual path?
What if they WERE the path?
You are invited into a season of gentle transformation, spiritual insight, honest reflection, and sacred community as we practice meeting life exactly as it is — and discovering the freedom hidden within it.
Adventures in Spirituality — Fall 2026
What's in the Way Is the Way
A Practical Guide for Waking Up to Life · Mary O'Malley
September & October 2026 · Following the Sunday Sermon Series
| Week & Date | Chapter(s) & Focus |
|---|---|
| Week 1 Starting Sunday, August 30, 2026 | Orientation Week for Each AIS Small Group |
| Week 2 Sunday, September 6, 2026 | Chapter 1: It's All Okay — It's Truly Okay |
| Week 3 Sunday, September 13, 2026 | Chapter 2: Getting to Know the Meadow |
| Week 4 Sunday, September 20, 2026 | Chapter 3: Fear — It's Nothing to Be Afraid Of |
| Week 5 Sunday, September 27, 2026 | Chapter 4: You Are Not Alone ✦ Appendix Activity |
| Week 6 Sunday, October 4, 2026 | Chapters 5 & 6:
|
| Week 7 Sunday, October 11, 2026 | Chapters 7 & 8:
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| Week 8 Sunday, October 18, 2026 | Chapter 9: Life Is for You |
| Week 9 Sunday, October 25, 2026 | Chapter 10: The Song of the Heart |
Step 1: Attend Sunday Services + Deep Dive
Each week's message explores themes from our featured AIS book and serves as the foundation for deeper conversation.
Attend:
- In-person at 10:30am CT on Sundays at Unity Village Chapel in the Atrium Chapel in Building 200, followed by the Sunday Deep Dive at 12:00pm CT In-person at the Fillmore Cafe at Unity Village
- Online at 10:30am CT on Sundays via livestream in our Virtual Sanctuary [Here], followed by the Sunday Deep Dive at 12:00pm CT on Zoom. Join the online conversation on Zoom: [Here]
- On-demand throughout the week: [Here]
Step 2: Download the Study Guide
We have a helpful participant guide and guidelines with a weekly agenda and what to expect. [Download the guide]
Step 3: Read Along
Participants read selected chapters from the annual AIS book between sessions.
Step 4: Join a Small Group
Choose an in-person or online group that fits your schedule.
Groups include around 12 people, plus the facilitator(s), meet weekly for approximately 90 minutes and include:
- Connection
- Meditation
- Reflection
- Discussion
- Spiritual practice
2026 Featured Book: "What's in the Way Is the Way"
By Mary O'Malley, author, counselor and leader in the field of awakening
Imagine for a moment that all the pressures in your life were off — no problems to fix, no deadlines to meet, no struggles to overcome. Do you feel that sense of spacious relief? It's not an illusion, teaches Mary O'Malley. It really is possible to live with that profound openness every moment, even while tending to our everyday tasks and obligations.
What's in the Way Is the Way is the new book from this highly regarded teacher, offering practical guidance for meeting all of our experience with an abiding sense of ease, trust, and peace of mind.
With each chapter, Mary invites you to come into the present and see yourself and your circumstances in a different way — with openness and curiosity, unclouded by struggle, judgment, and fear.
Discover why Eckhart Tolle calls Mary O'Malley's work:
"A treasure of practical wisdom and profound insights, all pointing to one essential Truth: how to awaken into present-moment awareness and live in acceptance of what is."
Groups typically meet for 8 or 9 weeks and are led by trained community facilitators.
Options may include:
- In-Person Groups
- Online Zoom Groups
- Daytime Groups
- Evening Groups
- Weekend Groups
Take a look at our offerings and register below.
2026 AIS Small Group Offerings
When: 2:00pm to 3:30pm CT, Sundays
Hosts: Jay Cross & Holly Hubert
Where: Zoom
Spots Available: 14
When: 5:30pm to 7:00pm CT, Mondays
Hosts: Rev. Brenda Ehret & Tina Hughes Wellman
Where: Zoom
Spots Available: 14
When: 5:30pm to 7:00pm CT, Tuesdays
Hosts: Tricia Keightley & Wes Cauveren
Where: In-person in the UVC CommUnity Space at Unity Village in Building 400, Room 228 (on the 2nd floor)
Spots Available: 14
When: 5:30pm to 7:00pm CT, Wednesdays
Hosts: Ayesha & Mark Livingston
Where: In-person in the UVC CommUnity Space at Unity Village in Building 400, Room 228 (on the 2nd floor)
Spots Available: 14
When: 6:00pm to 7:30pm CT, Wednesdays
Hosts: Rev. Brenda Ehret & Marie Beebe
Where: Zoom
Spots Available: 14
When: 6:00pm to 7:30pm CT, Thursdays
Hosts: Lorel Hoffmann
Where: In-person in the UVC CommUnity Space at Unity Village in Building 400, Room 228 (on the 2nd floor)
Spots Available: 13
When: 6:00pm to 7:30pm CT, Thursdays
Hosts: Marie Beebe & Kathy Myers
Where: Zoom
Spots Available: 14
Why Participate?
These compassionate teachings are awaiting you in this year's AIS:
Through discussion, reflection, meditation, and connection, participants explore spiritual themes together while building authentic relationships and practical tools for everyday living.
AIS combines:
✨ Weekly Sunday messages
📖 A featured spiritual book
🤝 Small-group conversations
🧘 Guided reflection and spiritual practice
🌎 Community connection
Whether you're new to Unity or a longtime participant, AIS offers an opportunity to grow alongside others on the spiritual path.
Questions & Answers
No. Everyone is welcome.
Yes. Most AIS experiences offer virtual participation options.
No. Participants engage at their own pace.
Participation is free. Purchasing the book is recommended. At the end of the AIS Experience, participants are given the opportunity to give a Generosity/Love Offering.
When space allows, late registration may be available during the first week.