Science of Mind Archives Roots of New Thought Tour

Arrive in Boston where your sacred journey begins. Together we’ll travel north through the beautiful New England countryside to Portland, Maine – gathering for our Welcome Dinner along the waterfront before continuing to the charming mountain town of Bethel.

Today we explore the formative years of Dr. Ernest Homes and discover how the landscapes, community, and spiritual influences of western Maine helped shape the visionary who would later found Religious Science – Science of Mind.

Ernest Holmes said; “Our time should be devoted to knowing the Truth that sets humanity free from the problem of ignorance; that Truth which alone can bring enlightenment to the world, that war should cease, that people should live together in harmony because they have recognized the Divinity within each other.”

Later, we enjoy a scenic drive through Maine’s spectacular fall foliage, including a stop at the iconic Sunday River Covered Bridge, built in 1872 and nicknamed Artist’s Covered Bridge because it is so often painted and photographed. We continue our drive and arrive on the shores of Penobscot Bay. We are staying at the Fireside Inn & Suites in Belfast, Maine – each room has a view of the bay.

Meal Included: Breakfast

Today’s focus turns to Phineas Parkhurst Quimby, widely regarded as the Father of New Thought. During our morning gathering, we’ll explore Quimby’s revolutionary understanding of consciousness, healing, belief, and the relationship between mind and experience. His insights became the foundation upon which many New Thought traditions—including Science of Mind—would later flourish. He was a nineteeth-centry mystic, healer, humanitarian, and scientist who initiated a contemporary philosophy and called it, “The Science of Health and Happiness.” His insights into the relationship between beliefs held in mind and the experience were well advanced for his time.

Meal Included: Breakfast

Building on Quimby’s teachings, today’s conversations invite us to examine the nature of reality, consciousness, and healing through the lens of Mental Science and the later teachings of Thomas Troward and Ernest Holmes.

Following our morning session, we’ll visit the beautiful, peaceful resting place of Quimby at Grove Cemetery. This is an ancient cemetery clothes in fall foliage this time of year which makes for a spectacular visit. Afterwards, you’ll get to choose a place to enjoy lunch in Belfast.

Meal Included: Breakfast

Today, we enter the intellectual and spiritual heart of American Transcendentalism. Our morning exploration introduces the philosophy of Ralph Waldo Emerson and the movement that profoundly influenced Ernest Holmes. Together, we’ll consider the ideas such as the Oversoul, self-reliance, and the Divine Presence within every person.

We’ll take our time walking Author’s Ridge at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery (grave sites of Thoreau, Hawthorne, Alcott, and Emerson). You’ll then be able to find the perfect lunch spot in downtown Concord.

After lunch, there’s an opportunity to stand at the Old North Bridge where American history and spiritual philosophy intersect in remarkable ways. The bridge is within the Minute Man National Historical Park and we’ll walk a bit of the Battle Trail between Concord & Lexington.

We end the afternoon experiencing Emerson’s historic home and museum, which is a National Historic Landmark. This is where he wrote his famous essays, “The American Scholar” and “Self-Reliance.” He also entertained a host of notable neighbors and visitors including Bronson and Louisa May Alcott and Margaret Fuller. 

Meal Included: Breakfast

Nature becomes our classroom today as we explore the enduring friendship and spiritual partnership between Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau.

Morning sacred conversations examine how nature became a pathway to awakening and how these ideas continue to shape modern spirituality and Science of Mind today.

Take the opportunity to explore quaint, downtown Concord some more and have lunch before our afternoon outside in nature.

Our afternoon is spent at Walden Pond – enjoy time for quiet reflection, walking the peaceful shoreline and visiting the site of Thoreau’s famous cabin before continuing to Gloucester along the beautiful Massachusetts coast.

Enjoy the ocean views and hear the sound of the waves at the Ocean House Hotel at Bass Rocks – perched on the rocky shores of Cape Ann, this is a historic landmark where each room has a gorgeous view of the ocean.

Meal Included: Breakfast

Our final full day explores two remarkable women whose influence helped shape modern New Thought and deeply impacted Ernest Holmes.

During our morning gathering, we’ll discover the enduring legacy of Mary Baker Eddy and Emma Curtis Hopkins, affectionately known as “The Teacher of Teachers.” Together we’ll explore how their emphasis on mysticism, direct spiritual experience, healing, and the indwelling Presence of God helped Ernest Holmes integrate both practical mental science and the mystical path into what would become Science of Mind. We’ll reflect on how these timeless teachings continue to invite us into a deeper experience of Truth in our own lives.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Relax along Gloucester’s picturesque waterfront and even take a walk along a beautiful sand beach, explore the galleries and shops of this historic fishing village, or choose an optional excursion to explore the art galleries and shops of historic Rockport nearby.

As the sun begins to set, we gather for a truly unforgettable finale to our pilgrimage. Step aboard the Thomas E. Lannon, Gloucester’s beautifully restored historic schooner, for a private Celebration Dinner Cruise along the spectacular coastline of Cape Ann. As the golden light fades into a breathtaking New England sunset, we’ll share stories, laughter, gratitude, and reflection while sailing the waters that have inspired generations. Surrounded by the beauty of the Atlantic and the friendships formed throughout the week, we’ll celebrate not only the remarkable history we’ve explored, but the deeper spiritual journey we’ve experienced together.

This magical evening provides the perfect conclusion to our sacred pilgrimage—a celebration of community, inspiration, and the living legacy of New Thought.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner