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November - December, 2022
Make Me An Instrument Sacred Steps For Living An Inspired Life
St Francis and St Clare are two young revolutionaries who lived in Assisi, Italy during medieval times. Their timeless wisdom is more popular and relevant than ever. The tenacious spirits of these rouge mystics are inspiring a new generation of social and environmental activists.
In Make Me An Instrument, Nina and Robert present seven modules featuring a rich mix of multimedia offerings– including LIVE online classes, films from Assisi, interviews, meditations, and weekly assignments.
This soulful program elevates spiritual seekers from self-mastery to sacred service. It’s designed to help you develop the clarity and confidence you need to make a positive change in today’s world. Francis and Clare would tell you: that you, too are unstoppable– when you let love lead the way.
What You'll Learn
- Recognize what truly inspires you
- Commit to a purpose-led life
- Be open to love and receive help
- Distinguish between intuition and fear
- See new possibilities for your future
- Trust your innate wisdom
- Learn powerful prayers for the path
- Simplify your life and eliminate drama
- Play your part to change our world
- Forgive yourself & let go of the past
And you’ll do it all in a way that’s fully aligned with your values, integrity and personal spiritual path.
Who is it for?
- Spiritual seekers who want to connect with a like-minded community.
- Change-makers and activists who are passionate about equality and truth.
- Artists and creatives who want to explore alternative philosophies.
- Environmentalists who stand for the protection of our Mother Earth.
- Healers who need to rejuvenate their health and wellbeing.
- Contemplatives who want deeper self-understanding.
- Mystics yearning for new experiences of the divine.
- Teachers and game-changers dedicated to walking their talk.
This was the best possible use of my time. Merely writing about my experience doesn’t do it justice. The exuberance of these teachings has to be experienced because it can't be communicated with words! I was truly in the ‘now’. It was every bit as experiential as it is educational. The momentum catapults people to the mountain top of heightened awareness. There are no words to describe it except to say: it is powerful and life-changing and your soul will LOVE IT. After listening to unendingly positive comments from all participants, I realized we all felt the same way. Everyone has nuggets of wisdom to take home with them; Everyone was heightened; everyone was changed!
Marylin, CA, USA
Who is St Francis?
History likes to remember St Francis as a placid sage surrounded by gentle forest creatures. Nothing could be further from the truth! Francis and Clare traded “normal” for a higher purpose and followed their souls’ calling. They transformed personal struggle into compassionate activism.
Francis was a fierce activist, passionate lover of creation and arguably history’s most influential mystic since Christ. His soulmate, Clare was a visionary, miracle-worker and relentless reformer. Francis became an instrument for peace and Clare, a mirror for eternal love.
Francis and Clare are here in spirit to support you in developing the clarity and confidence you need to become a vessel of grace. If you’re called to help heal our hurting world, Make Me An Instrument is your guide to the internal freedom you need to respond.
I signed up not knowing a thing about St Francis or St Clare, but interested in learning about the Christian mystics after decades of studying eastern religions. What an intimate deep dive into the magical 13th century world of these two loving, game-changing radical saints. Nina and Robert enthusiastically shared their knowledge and personal connections with both St Francis and St Clare in a way that led to an intimate exploration into my inner landscape. Alchemy via century old themes of love, forgiveness, listening for divine guidance and gratitude. Taking time for this soul adventure with Nina and Robert gave me a chance to be present, go inward, reconnect and move forward from a place of joy, awe and divine love.
Gail, NC, USA
What's Included
Live Classes
Each week features a live interactive class hosted by Nina and Robert - full of inspiration, and fun!
Q&A Podcasts
Your top questions answered! Nina and Robert do a weekly round-up that addresses what’s coming up for you.
Weekly Assignments
Put your learning into action. Each week, you’ll receive a creative challenge to help live the teachings.
Franciscan Meditations
Learn the traditional meditation techniques of St Clare and the inspiring prayers of St Francis to invite a new level of inspiration.
A Supportive Community
Discuss assignments and join in themed conversation rooms on a private platform with fellow students.
Resource Vault
Access an extensive library of media recommendations on any topic to do with Franciscan spirituality.
Magnificent Tech Support
We’re standing by with friendly support, and we’ll help you fight off any technology gremlins.
All-Access Pass
The moment you join, you’re a student for life. Access the coursework anytime, forevermore.
Live Classes
If you are not able to attend the live class, you can access the recording. The dates for of the weekly Live Classes will be announced closer to registration.
I am deeply moved and have been touched by things that are far, far greater than myself. And it all feels so relevant to where I am in my life right now. I love that Francis and Clare dedicated themselves to a Great Love. I know that's the way. I want my thoughts, actions, being, words, expressions, every part of my life to be sourced from that Universal Love. This program inspires me to move forward in my life. It has made me feel more alive. Now I have clarity about what’s absolutely important and meaningful in my life. Does it get better than this?! I think not!
Randi, NJ, USA
Your Guides
Brought to you by Nina Hirlaender and Robert Holden
Nina Hirlaender, OFS is a spiritual director and the founder of Dancing Spirit Tours. She leads pilgrimages to sacred sites around the world including Assisi, Spain, France, Iceland, Cornwall and dozens more. Nina is currently being professed as a sister of the Franciscan Third Order, and is passionate about the spirituality of Francis and Clare as a source of wellbeing, purpose and inner peace. Her contagious enthusiasm for theology and captivating storytelling help students connect with what makes them feel most alive.
Robert Holden’s work on psychology and spirituality has been featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Good Morning America, the PBS special Shift Happens! and in two major BBC-TV documentaries. Robert is a New York Times Best Selling author of 14 books including Happiness NOW!, Authentic Success, Loveability, Life Loves You (co-written with Louise Hay), and his latest book, Finding Love Everywhere. He leads an annual program of workshops and retreats to sacred sites like Jerusalem, Galilee, Assisi, Montserrat, Glastonbury and Findhorn.
Together, Nina and Robert are a dynamo duo. Students rave about their depth of knowledge, care, and enthusiasm. They’re eager to introduce you to St Francis and St Clare.
I felt at times like I was on the journey with Francis and Clare. It was beautifully, divinely orchestrated! If you feel ANY inclination towards signing up with Nina, I would highly recommend you GO FOR IT! It's so rich, filled with beauty, insights and depth of understanding of what St Francis and St Clare are all about. You feel like you're on the journey with them, and it all ties in with our journeys as well since it's based on universal truths. Not to mention the brilliant way the course is put together. This is your sign, do it!
Cynthia, England
You're protected with our 100% Risk-Free Guarantee
This program has the power to transform your life and change the way you see the world. That’s not an exaggeration– it’s based on what students tell us. We’re confident you’ll love it, but if you’re not satisfied with our product we’ll issue a full refund within 14 days after the start day of the program, no questions asked. Read the full policy.
When does it start?
Make Me an Instrument opens for enrollment once a year– but once you’re in, you’re in for life. Enrollment usually opens in October each year. When you sign up, you can choose to go at your own pace, or you can participate in the live sessions for an optimal experience.
Missed enrollment and want to stay in the know?
The Investment
The investment for Make Me an Instrument is $499. We also offer a payment plan of six equal payments of $84.
Questions?
Who is this program for?
Make Me An Instrument is for purpose-driven spiritual seekers who want to live an inspired life. This program is designed to help you develop the leadership and creativity you need to make a positive change in today’s world.
It’s for mystics, healers, coaches, animal lovers, and people who are eager to contribute their gifts to making our world a better place. Our students span the globe. Being a diverse community is one of our assets.
This experience is designed to help you embrace the love in your heart and let it influence everything you do– your work, relationships, attitude, and beyond.
Do I have to be religious?
Goodness, no! The Franciscan Way offers perspective on themes such as humility, simplicity, inner peace, resilience, sincerity, self-love, and compassion. This program is a deep dive into the mystery of consciousness and love.
Students are Agnostic/Atheist, Christian, Pagan, Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, spiritual-but-not-religious, and more! This program is not affiliated with any religious institution.
You will never be asked to disclose your personal faith. This is a safe space for people of all backgrounds, religions, sexual orientations, genders, and ethnicities.
Who is this program not right for?
It’s not right for you if you aren’t willing to face your shadow. Make Me An Instrument encourages students to acknowledge, explore and integrate what they’re going through.
It’s not right for you if you’re looking for a quick fix. This is not a ‘feel amazing instantly’ program; it’s a ‘self-love is a life-long journey’ program.
This program isn’t right for you if you’re hoping to learn through osmosis. Make Me An Instrument is for people who understand that transformation is the result turning self-reflection into action.
Where does this program take place?
Everything is online– no travel required.
You have lifetime access to the training, so you can go through the material each week as it’s released, or you can slow it down and go at your own pace.
When does Make Me An Instrument take place?
Enrolment opens October, 2022. Get on the waitlist (see above) so we can send you an email the moment that doors open! The live program is 7 weeks and runs November to December 2022 with one bonus session in January 2023. If you have other commitments during the live program, that’s ok! All students receive lifetime access to the program.
How is Make Me An Instrument different from other online courses?
Make Me An Instrument is the most extensive, immersive learning experience about Franciscan spirituality on the internet. There’s nothing else like it!
This is the only authentically Franciscan online program in the world that is not affiliated with a religious institution. Our intention is for you to explore the original Franciscanism charism through the eyes of Franciscan brothers and sisters, without feeling constrained by doctrine.
This is personal. We nurture genuine connections with students. Living in the techno-age is hard enough, that’s why Make Me An Instrument is an immersive, tangible experience.
Here’s what some students have said about how Make Me An Instrument is unique:
“I was definitely skeptical about an online experience, but I stand corrected! It was wonderful. So much love, energy, and information” - Debbie, CO, USA
“St Francis and Clare are interwoven into the present day context. The universal nature of their teachings help me understand the paradoxes of the spiritual path.”
– Anne, NY, USA
“We were warmly welcomed from the other side of the world and everyone was made feel special.” - Carolyn and Laurie, Queensland, Australia
“I was truly in the ‘now’. It was every bit as experiential as it is educational.” - Marilyn, CA, USA
“I signed up not knowing a thing about St Francis or St Clare, but interested in learning about the Christian mystics after decades of studying eastern religions. What an intimate deep dive into the magical 13th century world of these two loving, game-changing radical saints.” - Gail, NC, USA
“It felt like St Francis and St Clare were coming to me, into my home, into my heart and my mind.” - Karen, Ecuador
“This program inspires me to move forward in my life. It has made me feel more alive. Now I have clarity about what’s absolutely important and meaningful in my life.” - Randi, NJ, USA
How much time do I need to commit?
If you plan to work through the program live, in real time, then we recommend you set aside 3-4 hours per week to watch the training, listen to the podcasts, complete your assignments, and if you like– connect with the community.
If you don’t have that much time, don’t worry! Most students go through the live program as best they can, and revisit the material at a later date. Most students are juggling a full life including family, work and travel obligations.
This experience is customizable to fit into your lifestyle.
What will I learn?
The entire curriculum, modules and lessons are outlined in ‘The Curriculum’ section above.
When is the next Make Me An Instrument program?
Enrolment opens October 2022. Get on the waitlist (see above) so we can send you an email the moment that doors open! The live program is 7 weeks and runs November to December 2022 with one bonus session on January 2023. If you have other commitments during the live program, that’s ok! All students receive lifetime access to the program.
Will this work if I’m outside North America?
Absolutely! Students are located around the world. The themes we’ll cover are universally applicable.
More importantly– the skills and habits you’ll form are transferable to any area of your life. As you grow, the themes of this program will continue to benefit you for a lifetime.
Do I need to be tech-savvy to take Make Me An Instrument?
This is a user-friendly learning program. Access to a computer and the internet is essential. You’ll be great! Students have access to our in-house tech support anytime during the live program.
Can my partner and I do this program together?
This is a single-sign up program. Meaning, one person per enrollment. If you’d like to experience Make Me An Instrument with a partner or friend, please enroll separately.
How much does it cost?
The tuition for Make Me An Instrument is $499, if you pay in full. Extended payment plans are available for six equal payments of $84. Plus, you get lifetime access to the program and all the future updates. Take advantage of the Early Bird Special for $399 if you can!
Do you offer a guarantee?
Yes, our programs are always backed by a guarantee. Make Me An Instrument has the power to transform your life and change the way you see the world. That’s not an exaggeration– it’s based on what students tell us.
We’re confident that you’ll love it, but if you’re not satisfied with our product we’ll issue a full refund within 14 days after the start date of the program, no questions asked. Read the full refund policy, which is located on this page, in the “100% Risk Free Guarantee” section.
What types of payments do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards including Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express. We also accept Paypal. We’re not currently set up to receive checks or invoices.
Will I speak with or get feedback directly from Nina and Robert?
Of course! You’ll have many opportunities to ask questions directly to Nina and Robert during the live sessions.
You’ll also get a feedback podcast each week where Nina and Robert dedicate the full hour to in-depth, thoughtful responses to students’ specific circumstances. One-on-one coaching sessions are not part of this program.
This is a group learning experience; meaning you have the benefit of a positive, supportive community of spiritual seekers by your side.
Will I get a certificate or official course credit?
Make Me An Instrument is intentionally unaccredited and unaffiliated with governing bodies because we do not teach doctrine or catechism. We want you to have the benefit of exploring spiritual themes without feeling constrained to dogma.
If you require official course credits for a university, this program is not for you.
You will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the course. This certificate is intended to mark your personal achievement. If you require a certificate of completion for professional development, please check with your governing body about whether this course is acceptable, as requirements vary.
I still have another question.
We’d be happy to hear from you. Write to us at [email protected]