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A Holistic Journal Celebrating & Supporting LIFE! u MODERN SHAMANIC LIVING ~ DANCING IN RELATIONSHIP
Inner
u FENG SHUI ~ ANTS, INSECTS & GEOPATHIC STRESS u ASTROLOGY ~ ASTROLOGICAL COMPATIBILITY uA BREATH OF HEALING ~ SMALL FRIENDS & CONSTRUCTIVE HABITS
Tapestry
u COOKING CONSCIOUSLY & EATING HEALTHY ~ COMFORT FOOD u THE WAY OF LIFE-ITSELF ~ HIDDEN INTERNAL RELATIONS
APRIL/MAY 2006
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FRIENDSHIPS & RELATIONSHIPS u
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u THE POWER OF CIRCLE WORK u RELATIONAL THINKING u THE TRUTH OF DESIRE u THE FIVE PILLARS OF LASTING HEALTH u DREAM: OUR MULTIDIMENSIONAL CONSCIOUSNESS u VERNAL EQUINOX ~ A TIME OF REBIRTH ~ A TIME OF RENEWAL u FEEDING THE DOG OR CAT IN YOUR LIFE
Volume 4, No . 6 Cyan Magenta Yellow Black
MAY 6TH ~ THE YARMOUTH WELLNESS FAIR (DETAILS INSIDE) MAY 26TH - 28TH ~ THE 10TH ANNUAL WILDGATHERING! (DETAILS INSIDE)
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aisie MMaisie Children’s Photography 207 626 0652 Photographing children in their world is my passion— whether it be in their home, in their backyard, or at their favorite park. I specialize in black & white and sepia tone images that celebrate the precious, fleeting
moments of childhood.
MaisieWormser Maisieworm@gwi.net
Trager ®
An Approach for Every Body www.trager-us.org Movement Education. Body/Mind Integration. Gentle. Effective. Life-changing.
"Creating peace in the world, one person at a time." Dr. Milton Trager
Certified Trager® Practitioners in Maine: Marlena O'Hagan-Buzzell Fryeburg, ME 207-212-7721 kbuzzell@megalink.net Lindsley Field Newcastle, ME 207-563-5889 www.pathtotheheart.net Carla Keene Portland & Bath, ME 207-653-8393 cskeene70@hotmail.com
Gail Edgerly Portland, ME 207-761-3765 gailedge@maine.rr.com Liz Berks Cornish, ME 207-625-2347 lizland@pivot.net Jane Biggio Bartlett, NH ® 603-374-6326 bamboomountain@ncia.net
Introductory Workshops to the Trager® Approach Ongoing In Portland, Bridgton and No. Conway, NH.
For more information, please contact Marlena O'Hagan Buzzell at 207-212-7721 or Email: kbuzzell@megalink.net
Inner Tapes try Jour nal: Enviro nm ent ally f r iendly p r inted wit h Org a nic I nks on Org a nic Pa per!
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NORTH YARMOUTH, ME 04097
Helen B. Warren, M.Ed. MFA Original Visionary Art Co-Creating with Your Soul • Retreats • Individual Journeys (207) 829-6876 Helen@creativespiral.net www.creativespiral.net
April/May 2006 Inner Tapestry 3
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Contents
Friendships & Relationships
A Holistic Journal Celebrating & Supporting Life
April/May 2006 June/July 2006: Organic Lifestyles Aug/Sept 2006: Healing Through Creativity Oct/Nov 2006: Eco-consciousness Dec/Jan 2006: Being Gratitude
Features The Power of Circle Work
Page 7
by Brooke Williams
Dream: Our Multidimensional Consciousness
Page 10
by Yishi Hooper
Feeding the Dog or Cat in Your Life
Page 12
by Dr. Ruth Dalto
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The Five Pillars of Lasting Health
Pages 16 & 17
by Michael Seymourr
Vernal Equinox ~ A Time of Rebirth ~ A Time of Renewal by Clair Wood
Relational Thinking
Pages 22 & 23
by Merry Hall, PhD. & Burl Hall, MA
The Truth of Desire by Megan Don
Page 17
Page 29
Departments
Astrology ~ As Above, So Below ~
QUALITY AND VALUE - ME, NH, CT-DISTRIBUTION - CONTINUALLY GROWING! FIVE WAYS TO ADVERTISE: Display ads, Directory of Resources, Yoga & T’ai
Chi Directory, Calendar of Events and the Classifieds. Each section has details on how to become an advertising presence with Inner Tapestry. Call or see Website for ad rates. CALL INNER TAPESTRY: (207) 781-9885 info@innertapestry.org www.innertapestry.org Inner Tapestry does not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements. Responsibility for the products and services of our advertisers rests solely with them. Articles are for information only and do not constitute medical advice. Please obtain written permission before reproducing any part of this publication. All rights reserved. ® 2006
Pages 8-9
$18.00/year, 6 issues A H olistic Journal Celebrating & Supporting LIFE!
Page 13
Cooking Consciously & Eating Healthy ~ Comfort Food
Page 14
Constructive Habits
by Anne Sheble
Herbal Healing ~ Rosemary
Page 15
by Gail Faith Edwards
Artists & Writers ~ Interviews ~ Dennis Grannis-Phoenix
Page 18
by Judith Perry
Feng Shui & Geopathology ~ Ants, Insects &
Geopathic Stress
Awareness and the Art of Seeing ~ Winter into Spring
Page 24 Page 25
by Jen Deraspe
Wisdom from a Pyschic, Intuitive by Jason Freidus
Modern Shamanic Living ~ Dancing in Relationship
Page 25 Page 26
by Evelyn C. Rysdyk
The Way of Life-Itself ~ Hidden Internal Relations... 4 Inner Tapestry April/May 2006
See y ou r a d ve rti s e m e nt i n Inne r T a p e s try
are available:
A Breath of Healing ~ Small Friends &
by Norm Hirst
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Page 27
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Exploring The World Religions ~
Pages 28 & 29
Seeing the Light Within You Through Jyoti Meditation by James Bean
Mixed Media ~ Book, Music and
Pages 38 & 39
Website Reviews
Directories
Directory of Resources Pages 30-35 Heart Visions, A listing of events, trainings & trips... Page 35 Calendar of Events Pages 36-38 Classifieds Page 38 Yoga, T'ai Chi & Meditation Directory Page 40
5 INNER WORKINGS New this issue: HAPPY SPRING EVERYONE! Welcome to the April/May
Friendships & Relationships issue of Inner Tapestry. This issue's topic became serendipitous with the journals expansion into Connecticut and New Hampshire. I personally have also experienced during the creation of this issue the loss of my mother and the support of Inner Tapestry's family, friends, columnists, distributors, advertisers and readers. I want to thank everyone for their cooperation, understanding, love and prayers, for without all of your help this issue would not be possible... So I would like to dedicate this issue to all of you. With my love and gratitude, Joan. Our last issue of Inner Tapestry found it's way to many new homes in Connecticut and New Hampshire with great excitement and was loved, as it is by it's readers in Maine. We would like to welcome our new Connecticut coordinators for advertising and distribution, Linda, Marie and Donna and to the new advertising supporters found on page 11 and throughout the journal. We have added two new sections in our Directory of Resources, life mastery and a real estate section (promoting house healing), as well as several new practitioners. The Whole Health Expo was a great success and we were fortunate to share the experience of meeting all of you and to have the opportunity to sample what our advertising practitioners offer to the community. It definitely was an exceptional experience. We will continue to keep you informed of up coming WHE events in neighbouring areas and will also continue to highlight other such activities such as the Yarmouth Wellness Fair on May 6th (page 19) and the 10th Annual Wildgathering in Athens May 26th - 28th (page 20). We hope to see and meet all of you there. We would also like to highlight our Heart Vision section as we have wonderful trips and training listed, as well as ad listings in the body of the journal relaying more detailed information for these events.
OUR EXPRESSION OF INTENTION is to continue providing a pathway of
;
Michael Watermann
Inner Tapestry's Friendships & Relationships issue welcomes one of Portland, Maine's best loved artist, Michael Waterman. Michael has been exhibiting paintings of his coastal Maine surroundings for over 40 years. Born in Portland, Michael began his art studies in his father's studio at the age of four. He has studied at the Pratt Institute and the Arts Students League in NY, returning to Portland making the city his home and his muse. Michael's approach to his paintings is organic and fluid often beginning with a shape or color which then suggests a narrative or subject. Many themes and forms often return to his canvases; the Portland skyline, mermaids, mythical beasts and his familiar spheres, commonly expressed as the earth. Our cover art for me depicted a wonderful representation of friendship and relationship to each other, our community and the world. A wonderful piece to share the welcoming in of the world, with the expansion of Inner Tapestry, to welcome in all of our new friends and reconnect with past ones as well. While talking with Michael, he helped to remind me of the wonderful lesson of letting go. Letting go of the knowing why. He expressed that he is drawn to sphere's and how he just allows himself to follow what he is drawn to without any need to know why or what they may represent for him. Simply just following what he is drawn to. In a past interview with Michael he stated that Manet, one of his artistic heroes, would force himself to forget all that he knew about painting, and start fresh each day: "It's like knowing how to drive a car, but pretending you can't, and just deciding to race." A wonderful way to embrace a lifetime. Michael's cover piece, With the Tide, is courtesy of the Aucocisco Gallery, 615A Congress Street, Portland Maine. Michael has been exhibiting and working with the Aucocisco Gallery since 1998. Aucocisco Gallery is a contemporary fine art gallery with a focus on Maine artists. For more information their web address is www.aucocisco.com or you can call 207-775-2222.
Silo Seven A Holistic & Metaphysical Shop
Open 7 Days • 10 AM – 6 PM NEW & USED BOOKS MUSIC MEDITATION & RHYTHM INSTRUMENTS TAROT DECKS JEWELRY CRYSTALS & GEMSTONES AROMATHERAPY FENG SHUI INCENSE & HERBS CANDLES PENDULUMS EVENTS
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explore with us: energetic & physical harmonizing spiritual guidance weekly gatherings consciousness playshops ron damico &
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Toll Free: 1-877-GoSilo7
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SANT MAT RADHASWAMI The Path to enlightenment and freedom called Sant Mat: the Path of the Masters, Inner Light and Sound Mediation (Surat Shabda and Bhakti Yoga).
Bangor, Waterville, & Portland areas. For a Satsang schedule, call: James, Sant Mat Society of North America
(207) 368-5866 or email: james@SpiritualAwakeningRadio.com WEBSITE: www.SpiritualAwakeningRadio.com
207-781-9887 Falmouth, ME 860-655-5500 Colchester, CT April/May 2006 Inner Tapestry 5
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support for all seeking the awareness of living a conscious life. As we weave from within, we begin the creation of the outward expression and celebration of our own unique tapestry. Through this exploration of holistic health, natural living, spiritual and life consciousness we create and support a network of connection within the holistic community and its practitioners. We will support the Inner Tapestry's community of readers and it's advertisers with the expansion of distribution. To our advertisers, columnists, feature writers/artists and distributors, our gratitude and appreciation for your support of community in making Inner Tapestry accessible to our many readers. To our readers, we would like to ask everyone to take the opportunity to email our columnists, feature writers, artists and advertisers with comments, suggestions and information inquiries. They all are extremely wonderful and dedicated individuals who look forward to hearing from you. We are also looking forward to your comments and suggestions as we all continue to evolve and grow together.
On The Cover
6 Empowerment Workshop
Create your life the way you want it! Dates: April 6th - 9th
May 18th - 21st June 15th - 18th
FMI (207) 865-0646 djbonney@suscom-maine.net (See calendar of events section for details.)
The Thirteenth Moon
Susan Bakaley Marshall ATR-BC, LCPC board certified art therapist, licensed clinical counselor shamanic practitioner
ART from the heART
Art Therapy & Shamanism Studio ~ a light filled circular sacred space surrounded by fields and trees ~
• shamanic journeys and healings • soul retrieval • Individuals • Groups • Classes (207) 589-3063 moonart@midcoast.com
Annie Sheble Cyan Magenta Yellow Black
Guide to Health using Whole Foods
Instruction in: Cooking techniques, kitchen set-up, and menu formulation for meals using whole foods for health. Three levels of Training in macrobiotics at the Kushi Institute in Becket, MA., completed in spring 2004.
(207) 948-3877 or asheble@hypernet.com
S ewall H ouse
Blessed Maine Herb Farm School of Herbal Medicine Herbal Medicine Correspondence Course
Retreat
with Gail Faith Edwards 2006
Experience history of an earlier time. . .
www.studyherbalmedicine.com (207) 654-2879
Where Theodore Roosevelt learned the healing attributes of nature. . .
Spring Session begins in May
6 Inner Tapestry April/May 2006
Sewall House Retreat offers yoga v meditation v massage and more. . . July 4 thru Columbus Day
(207) 463-3428
v
www.sewallhouse.com
Uplifting, Unusual and Beautiful Gifts! Classes that Inspire! Angels, Books, Music, Jewelry, Crystals, Pendulums, Crystal Singing Bowls and so much more!
Leapin' Lizards
56 Maine St., Brunswick 373-1777 449 Forest Ave., Portland 221-2363
www.leapinlizards.biz
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The Power of Circle Work
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“Show up. Pay attention. Speak your truth. Let go of the outcome.” This is the essence of circle work: listening, without judging, and sharing your own experiences without preaching or trying to manipulate the outcome. “When we do circle work, we are doing what women have always done for one another: offering a circle of friends in which one woman can have her turn−her time to work through her needs and concerns−in the context of focused, committed listening," explains Carpenter. On a spiritual level, circle work can help women find clarity when making life decisions involving relationships and careers or just make them aware that they are not alone in their problems or journey. Women who have done circle work share their experiences. "I do think it is a rare thing to be listened to. To have anyone, wholly, fully, allow you to have your voice and listen to you completely from a position of wanting the best for you and not being impacted by what you decide to do−that is a true gift." "You helped me think through my own thoughts and carry [them] a little bit further than I had been able to alone." "Without a male or female leader, guide, or expert, the simple process of women sitting and listening to each others' stories respectfully and with an ear to the shared strengths as well as the shared ordeals had some very powerful therapeutic effects," writes Miriam Greenspan in her book A New Approach to Women and Therapy. Circles have as much power to heal the human psyche as some forms of psychotherapy, concurs Engel. She cites Twelve Step programs as excellent examples of circles. Circle work is appealing to many therapists and
chaplains because it frees them from being regarded as the person that has all the “answers,” allowing them to listen in different ways than traditional counseling. “When I am engaged in circle work with other women, I can listen more intuitively than when I am working one-on-one,” says Alison Cheek, an Episcopal priest. Each woman in the circle not only hears differently, they each bring a richness and diversity to the circle. Just as there is no one expert in circle work, there is no one person who is healed, everyone in the circle is affected. In the circle, each participant plays a role of teaching and healing one another, says Carpenter. “In the circle we are all, individually and collectively, touched/moved/ changed/healed in some way by listening to other women’s stories.”
Each one of us can help create the tipping point for change to happen..... ...Bolen
Circle work addresses what Adrienne Rich was speaking about in her book On Lies, Secrets, and Silence: “Women have often felt insane when cleaving to the truth of our experience. Our future depends on the sanity of each of us, and we have a profound stake, beyond the personal, in the project of describing our reality as candidly and fully as we can to each other.” Sherry Ruth Anderson and Patricia Hopkins, the authors of The Feminine Face of God, also discovered this to be true through their interviews with women involved in spirituality all over the country. If there is one conviction that the women we spoke with expressed with great consistency, it is that the time for individual enlightenment has passed. “We are in a new cycle now,” one told us, “and we need each other in order to awaken.” “The task is too great, the need too pressing,” another said, “for individual messiahs.” Circle work reminds us that no one is separate, agrees Connie Chandler-Ward who practices circle work in Maine. “When you take the time to listen to someone’s story, you realize that in some dimension, you are listening to your own story because we are all connected,” says Chandler-Ward. “It’s pretentious to think we are not.” Angela Hassenpflug started doing circle work four years ago when she moved to Maine from Germany. “Whenever women come together there is an energy circulating,” she says. “What emerges out of that is magic.”
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Hassenpflug conveyed her excitement about circle work to her friends back in Germany who were inspired to start forming their own circles. This is exactly what needs to happen to create a tipping point, says Jean Shinoda Bolen, the author of The Millionth Circle: How to Change Ourselves and the World. Her book was inspired by The Hundredth Monkey, the famous anti nuclear book from the 1970s. “When a critical number of people change how they think and behave, the culture also does, and a new era begins. Once the principles are understood, the significance of women’s circles can be appreciated as a revolutionary-evolutionary movement that is hidden in plain sight,” writes Bolen. Small circles of women meeting together were the catalyst for the suffragette’s movement in the 1920s and the women’s movement in the 1970s. Now, says Bolen, women’s circles could be the way to change the balance of power and launch humanity into a post-patriarchal society. “A circle is nonhierarchical, this is what equality is like. This is how a culture behaves when it listens and learns from everyone in it,” writes Bolen. Each one of us can help create the tipping point for change to happen, says Bolen who offers the following advice on creating circles. 1. Create a sacred space. 2. Listen with compassion and for wisdom. 3. Speak from your heart and experience. Speak one at a time. 4. Invite silence and reflection when needed, in you and in the circle. 5. Take responsibility for your experience and impact on the circle. 6. Keep the confidence of the circle. 7. Take decisions, when needed, by consensus. Brooke Williams is a writer learning about circle work at Greenfire Women’s Retreat, a nonprofit organization founded in 1990 for all women who seek contemplation, community and spiritual growth. From staff meetings to consultations, every aspect of Greenfire’s organization is run using the circle model. Greenfire offers circle conversations, workshops, individual/group retreats, weekly community meditation groups and Sunday worship. Set on a tranquil woodland farm in Tenants Harbor, Greenfire provides sanctuary amidst a fast paced world. Guests can spend the day or week, enjoying delicious meals, comfortable accommodations and quiet. For more information contact 207-372-6442 or go to www.greenfireretreat.org
ENJOY READING THIS ISSUE OF INNER TAPESTRY April/May 2006 Inner Tapestry 7
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et more than three women in a room and they won’t stop talking. Did you ever think they could change the world? A growing movement of women, healers and therapists do. For thousands of years, women have been sitting together, forming small and large circles to find solidarity or answers to their questions. One of the oldest traditions of community building is circle work. It is being revived across the globe by women’s groups who see the primitive ritual as a powerful force for social, spiritual and political change. “Circle work can manifest healing, help people connect with the sacred, achieve consensus and create social change,” says Beverly Engel, the author of Women Circling the Earth: A Guide to Fostering Community, Healing and Empowerment. There is no leader or “guru” in circle work; instead everyone takes turns offering their individual wisdom and perspectives to the issue at hand. Teaching people how to communicate more honestly and openly, circle work fosters understanding and facilitates decision-making. Circling comes naturally to women who are already accustomed to functioning without a hierarchy, says Engel, which is why she believes women will be the catalysts to bring circle work into our homes, schools, workplace and government. "Women must be the ones to lead the way in making changes that will save humanity and Mother Earth," she writes. “This change will come one circle at a time.” Judith Carpenter, who practices circle work in Maine, says that she and her co-workers read these lines from Angeles Arrien’s The Four-Fold Way before beginning their meetings:
by Brooke Williams
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As Above, So Below . . . Feb/Mar 2006 by Maya White
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Astrological Compatibility- the ABC’s
omparing the astrological charts of two or more people to determine compatibility is both an art and a science. There are many ways to extract information but easiest and most obvious approach is to compare natal Sun signs- and it’s a great place to start! The Sun sign can be thought of as a lens through which the rest of one’s blueprint of life will be focused through. Understanding the foundation of any structure helps when adding depth and width. There is a completely logical order to the 12 signs, and a basic understanding of this makes it easier to approach compatibility. First, analyze the sign by element; fire, earth, air, or water. The fire signs are Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. Fire is an element of heart, spirit, and courage. Of these three traits, I would assign courage to Aries, heart to Leo, and spirit to Sagittarius. Earth signs like stability, predictability, and growth; a perfect fit for our earth trio of Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn. The air element is predominately mental and/or analytical. Gemini gathers information, Libra analyzes (or weighs) it, and Aquarius disseminates this elixir of knowledge. Next we meet the protective, passionate, and mystical water signs in respective order; Cancer Scorpio, and Pisces.
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After determining element, the signs are analyzed by one of three qualities; cardinal, fixed, or mutable. Starting with Aries, we have as our first in the line up a cardinal fire sign. Next comes Taurus; fixed earth. Gemini is mutable air. Returning to cardinal quality next comes Cancer as cardinal water. And, they continue following that form throughout all 12 signs of the zodiac. (I have included a complete chart at the bottom of this column.) Knowing just these two basic details about someone’s natal astrology can help you understand much more about their nature, and leaves less room for surprises. As a cardinal fire sign Aries is particularly good at initiating things. Others may expect though, that as a cardinal fire sign Aries might be able to work non stop. Not exactly. Just like any fire in nature, the fuel must be replenished or it burns out leaving a heap of coals and ash. Cancer- water dreamy moon ruled space shots, right? Wrong. Cancer is a water sign, yes, but the quality is cardinal, or action starting. As a cardinal element, Cancer has ambition and an emotional need to be active and productive. Libra is also a cardinal or action starting quality. Libra is often thought of as a sign of compromise and peace making. Yes, but they are driven to make it so, and these activities are a major part of their karmic lesson in life. It doesn’t always come easily, and there are many Libran lessons to be learned about separating the self from others. This cardinal air sign must carefully weigh information and make judgments regarding how to act. Last on the cardinal line up is Capricorn. First analyze by element; earth signs are materialistic and they like predictability. So, this cardinal earth sign will be the most driven of all to achieve both through a sustained push for achievement.
why your Virgo friends are so practical minded, always analyzing and dissecting. It is their nature to take things apart and put them back together again. Known for its wisdom and adventurous spirit is the mutable fire sign Sagittarius. They can be hard to pin down and always need fresh fuel. And last is the mutable sign Pisces. This water sign has great sensitivity, yet being mutable, can lack perseverance (fixed qualities) or initiative (cardinal quality). They will, however, always be your best friend in a time of need. Of course there are many details of astrological compatibility, but knowing the basics of the Sun signs places you ahead in the game. Start to observe these simple formulations, and you’ll be amazed. What’s your sign, or rather, your quality and element? Table of Quality and Element Cardinal Fixed Mutable Aries- Fire Taurus- Earth Gemini- Air Cancer- Water Leo- Fire Virgo- Earth Libra- Air Scorpio- Water Sagittarius- Fire Capricorn- Earth Aquarius- Air Pisces- Water
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April/May Forecast April 2006 Aries – (March 20 – April 19) A worthy opponent brings out the best in you, or the worst. There is simply no way around it now, Aries, and it reads like a boxing ring announcers’ dialogue. Mars in opposition to Pluto on the 8th highlights a situation which I suspect has been long brewing. You are ready to speak your truth by the 13th. And prepare for a counter attack on the 18th when Mercury squares Mars. Plan and execute your best offense before Mars enters Cancer on the 13th. Mars in Gemini can think on his feet, and is also very good with his hands. Taurus – (April 20 – May 20) It’s a good month to be a Taurus. Yes, things have been changing, which is not easy for any fixed earth sign. But the best strategy is to just let it be. Activate your powers of attraction which are at a peak right now. The Sun traveling thorough your house of endings says ‘clean up and clear out anything which no longer serves you’. The New Moon of April 27th in your sign pledges many better days to come if you release the past. Maintain your cool on the 30th when your ruling planet Venus activates the transformer Pluto; these two can become obsessed. Gemini – (May 21 – June 20) I see a promotion and a big raise in your stars this month, Gemini. You are aptly rewarded for all of the hard work you have been doing in the first quarter of 2006. With Mars in your corner recently fueling these efforts, it probably wasn’t even that hard. Some of you will have to ask for your remuneration, though. The parts of your life which offer rewards also ask that you first come to a place of confidence within yourself. Off balance aspects place you at risk for careless accidents - look before you leap. Cancer – (June 21 – July 21) You may be feeling a bit under the weather and not even understand why. The first quarter moon of April 5th in your sign is a call to action, yet other compelling forces this month yearn for introspection. Blame it on the nighttime sky. Now in Cancer, the asteroid goddess Vesta loves to be loved. But she misuses her crab claws; reaching out to protect and embrace, yet pinching and hurting instead. Make extra time for family meals and other activities - this is what feeds your soul now.
Fixed signs can indeed be stubborn and unmovable- for better or worse. How many people know a solid reliable Taurean? Leo is the fixed fire sign, the one and only. Now there is a worthy opponent; boundless enthusiasm is a positive trait of this Sun ruled planet. Scorpio reigns as the fixed water sign. As a sign that can encompass the highest highs and the lowest lows, Scorpio struggles occasionally with frozen emotions. The antidote is passion. As a fixed air sign, Aquarians are known for their tightly held opinions; keep that in mind when dealing with one.
Leo – (July 22 – August 22) You want and need more from your partner than you get this month. Why is it the thing that attracts you the most about this person is the thing that drives you crazy. Your changing taste in partnerships really reflects a transformation within yourself. It’s like getting acquainted all over again with that person who lives inside your body. Home is where you gain strength and the marketplace is where you roar. Your peak days this month are the 20th, 21st, and 22nd.
Mutable is just as the name implies- changeable. It’s a nice quality to have, especially in today’s fast paced world. Quick witted and nimble footed Gemini is mutable air. One cannot get much lighter than that. Earth gods and goddesses Virgos are next on the mutable lineup. Now perhaps you can understand
Virgo – (August 23 – September 22) Heed the astrological tenant “As above, so below” this month Virgo. Mercury square Pluto on the 13th announces that the depth of your introspection shall equal the height of your achievement, and the payoff comes in the form of gold. Make a mental note that not all of this gold is the elixir of alchemy- some of it is cold hard cash! Your next banner
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9 Astrology day, the 18th; expect the unexpected. Be prepared to act fast, and have fun but play safe. Libra – (September 23 – October 21) This month the Sun always travels through your sector of relationships, which are graced, by a fabulous Jupiter and Venus that peaks on the 20th. I suspect that some of these favorable business associations will blend into your personal life and become much more intimate. One day to note on your calendar – the 18th – any relationship consummated on this day will be grand, but it may not stand the test of time. Scorpio – (October 22 – November 21) Jupiter will be retrograde in your sign until July 5th, presenting a chance to consolidate recent gains and re-configure the ones that have not yet quite manifested. Just make sure you want what you ask for. A wish on the Full Moon of April 13th will bring quick results if you focus your desires. You are still ‘in the zone’- don’t forget it; you are one of the major recipients of a beatific Venus and Jupiter aspect on the 20th. Events will begin development earlier in the week when Venus meets unpredictable Uranus on the 18th. Sagittarius – (November 22– December 20) The stars deliver aspects that can change your life as Mercury, Pluto, and Mars engage in a T'ai-Chi square. Discovering the core of this flow is the challenge. At month’s end, the wise Sagi will examine what happened, and how it made you feel? What did you do about it? You may be challenged to defend your position. Hold firm- any changes provide the core of a fresh foundation which begins with New Moon on the 27th.
Aquarius – (January 20 – February 17) This is a great month for Aquarius! The presence of expansive Jupiter in your 10th house of public image should be adding positive growth to your career and reputation. The Full Moon of the 13th is in Libra, an air sign compatible with yours. And, Uranus and Venus tango on the 18th in a dance that should make you happy. Things are looking good; only day to watch is the 5th, when Saturn manifests up a stubborn delay. Pisces – (February 18 – March 19) Venus and Uranus make for capricious bedfellows on the 18th. For some of you, this brings a long yearned for release. It may come with a price to pay, though. Mythic Ouranos (or Uranus), who was both a child and lover of mother earth goddess Gaia is remembered as the father who swallowed his children. Hold on in whatever way works best for you on the 23rd and 24th. Favorable aspects to your planetary ruler Neptune promise that all events ultimately favor you.
May 2006 Aries – (March 20 – April 19) Kabbalah teaches that miracles occur every second because the Light gives us an opportunity to change our destiny at every point in time. And, you are one of the prime movers in the miracle department. The secret is to expand your tolerance and overcome the urges of the Arian inner child which wants it all, and preferably – NOW. Venus traveling through Aries from the 3rd until the 28th will give you lots of practice in learning to share. The 7th is an amazing day when Mars completes a stellar aspect between Jupiter and Uranus; your energies are high, and so are your spirits.
Gemini – (May 21 – June 20) Events begin on the 11th as Mercury opposite Jupiter boosts your confidence and gives you an ‘edge’- just be sure to pay attention to details. You have a great opportunity to resolve longstanding problems on the 12th as the planets open a door which helps you to see things in a new light. Then, on the 14th, Mercury sextile Mars puts you in the driver’s seat. Maintain your focus, and don’t get off track. Your energies are high, and you get the respect you deserve. Mercury enters Gemini on the 19th, which also lends a boost to both your vitality and mental acuity. Cancer – (June 21 – July 21) A professional friendship takes on a special shine now. Are you ready to change the dynamics of this relationship? Don’t think others are oblivious to this chemistry; this is one that you cannot hide even though it’s one you’d rather mull inside the corners of your mind. This one must prove its viability through a test of time. You have plenty of time to think about it next month. Peak day for this situation is the 23rd. If you are already happily attached, enjoy the spark of recommitment that is available to you now. Leo – (July 22 – August 22) Events shift into hyper speed for you now. Your calendar is filled, and your mind is on overload. The good news is that this month is going to be productive, to your long term benefit. On the 3rd, take some time out to be alone- there is an inner message which must come out and it will prepare you for the whirlwind ahead. You’re in a great position now to negotiate and get exactly what you want, but proceed with your feet firmly on the ground and your eyes and ears in high alert. Check for details and read the fine print on the 11th, the 15th, again, on the 22nd. You’ll be glad you did. Virgo – (August 23 – September 22) You just may well gauge the rest of you life as before and/or after May 7th as the stars present an all-powerful lineup, which may transform your future and commemorate the past. The Full Moon this month is in Scorpio, a sign with which you have much in common. Virgo virgins are not all work and no play; in fact, the early mythology of Virgo as a sheaf carrying goddess of the harvest allowed for both her fecundity and independence. Celebrate both on the 12th and 13th. Plan a special day for reflection on the 28th. It’s perfect for formulating your next strategic plan of action. Libra – (September 23 – October 21) You will be tested this month, and I know that you’ll emerge with freedom giving wings like those possessed by the wise goddess Isis. It’s the ultimate Libran issue. Other people have perceptions which may or may not be accurate. Do not buy into a story told by someone who appears to have your best interests at heart but whose actions don’t match their words. Aside from that, May is fabulous, fabulous for Librans. Peak days; the 7th and the 13th. Have it your way. Scorpio – (October 22 – November 21) May reads like an action packed novel. Since we are all authors of our own lives, take a moment and decide how you’d like yours to read. Last month was the prelude and now you begin the first chapter. A vision formed on the 28th will bear fruit. Be very clear and concise on the 15th when a small omission has potential to grow out of control. You are especially passionate and intense
on the 25th. The Scorpio heart is housed in a will of iron, but inside it is a most malleable and beautiful gold. Sagittarius – (November 22– December 20) A round of legal affairs ties up the time and attention of many archers this month. Key days: the 1st, 3rd and 4th, the 18th and 19th, and for sure the 22nd. Haphazard doesn’t cut it for May- think like a practical Capricorn and you come out a winner on all fronts. The Moon in your sign from late on the 14th comes with special revelation, but you need some quiet time to really understand all that it has to say. Find some time alone. Capricorn – (December 21 – January 19) The spiritual path of Capricorn is to walk a fine line between the physical and metaphysical world, and it is a mistake to become attached to only one and forget about the other. May is the perfect month for you to revel in earth, and once feeling secure and grounded, to explore those other realms. Part of this journey is really hearing what other people have to say. Someone is trying to reach you on the 18th, but you don’t seem to listen. They will call again on the 23rd; pay attention. Aquarius – (January 20 – February 17) May energies are much to your liking- organized and grounded yet with wiggle room to create magic. Try to lay low on the 10th as Sun squares Neptune; with Neptune in your sign now, you are vulnerable to this energy draining aspect. Avoid conflict on the 20th, when you receive a message which is not exactly to you liking; there is more to the story You have the real scoop by the 31st, but not sooner. Pisces – (February 18 – March 19) You may end up on the wrong end of the witch’s broom this month if not careful. Moon and Jupiter leave you optimistic and expecting the best; Sun and Mercury cloud your judgment. Be very clear on the 15th- what you say may get snarled in a communication crossfire. If there is any room for doubt get it in writing. With all that said and in place, this can also be a swimmingly lovely time. April 22 is Earth Day, get out and commune with Mother Nature because she is has something to tell you.
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© Maya White/White Star Astrology/ 2006 Maya White is a full-time professional astrologer who resides in Florida and Maine. Her primary focus in astrology is to identify soul issues and personal growth lessons. She is also certified in Astro*Carto*Graphy, a specialty that helps people identify their most prosperous and meaningful places on Earth. For consultations or classes contact Maya at 954-920-2373, maya@mayawhite,com. See www.WhiteStarAstrology.com.
Jason Freidus 5th Generation Intuitive = Psychic = Teacher = Healer 20 years experience
Lectures & Tarot Readings
Inquiries: 207.934.2180 jfreidus@maine.rr.com
INNER TAPESTRY JOURNAL 66 Foreside Road, Falmouth, ME 04105 (207) 781-9885 April/May 2006 Inner Tapestry 9
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Capricorn – (December 21 – January 19) Hold off on making major decisions the week of the 3rd as things may look differently by the 18th. The 19th is your peak day for April. Many Capricorn closets have been cleaned recently with Saturn retrograde; now you are ready for action. The good news is that you are preparing for a cycle of creativity and joy. Observe carefully and watch how healthy children engage in play. These angels are your mentors for the upcoming months.
Taurus – (April 20 – May 20) Frustrating delays test your perseverance, but it’s worth the aggravation. Do your best to stay on course and move ahead as swiftly as possible before Neptune returns to retrograde motion on the 22nd. Something magnificent comes your way on the 12th. An oracle message for you on the 13th; “a jewelry shop filled with the most magnificent jewels. Wow! Keep this close to your heart. You just may meet that Mr. or Ms. ‘right’ on the 25th, or renew your affection for the one already in your life.
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Dream: Our Multidimensional Consciousness by Yishi Hooper
For years, I have had dreams almost every night. Sometimes even during daytime naps, dreams happen to me. Somehow I have to come to the habit of recording them in journals. I remember that at the earlier stage of my awakening, there were times I just could not go back to sleep after certain dreams but if I wrote them down, boom, I would be sound asleep in five minutes or less. Often when I reread the recorded dreams I am stunned by the whole outlook of the multi-dimensional world. Through communication with my spiritual guides during my wake hours, I have learned that as an inseparable part of my learning process they like me to record my dreams. My spiritual growth can thus be well symbolized as the endless spiral of dreaming, recording and learning from my dreams. Please take this as another opinion, for the truth only comes from our inner knowing. It’s an honor to be of assistance. Sweet dreams.
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ream is defined, by the dictionary, as a series of events or images that happen in our mind when we are sleeping. It’s not difficult to find out all the vivid descriptions about how young children, gifted masters or selected saints tap into the spiritual world through dreams. In almost every culture on this planet, dreams are recounted as the mysterious part of life empowered by magic forces. Ever since the inception of this civilization, our exploration about dreams never ends. What do they mean? What purposes do they serve and what can be their relevance to physical reality? Such questions remain challenging for people from all paths of life. At night we lie down on the bed and close our eyes... all the tiredness, struggles can now go away... and the veils are removed... Dream is the window for our individualized souls to look into the vastness of our Spirit as we experience the game of separation and is also where we could tap into the field of interconnected consciousness and weave our inner tapestry into Heaven on Earth. Dreams (especially the ones we remember) are messages for us. It’s critical to develop a set of tools to download such information. Information can be communicated in many ways just like dreams speak to us in different languages. When we make it our intention to understand our dreams and grow with them, the translation tools will make themselves available. It’s always much easier for people to learn from their dreams when they keep records of them. All it takes is diligence and tenacity at times! It is advisable to have a dream dictionary of some kind handy. Dreams often come in symbols and what a little dream dictionary can do is to set up links for multi-dimensional information to be translated into our sometimes rather linear mind for scrutiny. What we would like to stress here is that a dream dictionary only serves as a reference. Our first key to unlock the mysteries of dreams is intuition. In other words, when we become more aware and pay attention to the many hints Spirit gives us, the puzzles often resolve themselves. One good question to ask about any given dream can be, “What is my first impression as I wake up from this dream?” First impression, not the programmed talks of the left-brain, often goes closer to 10 Inner Tapestry April/May 2006
the meanings of our dreams. In-tuition is what we get when we tune in our Spirit – the field of life force and All That Is. Very often we see symbols, glyphs, geometries and hear voices, music or tonal when we dream. It is okay, we don’t get the meanings immediately. When this happens, It’s advisable to ask for understanding. Keep on asking for it and the meanings do come. We can well be activated by our Spirit for more translation to come in. Remember, the dreams we have in the future can well explain what we dreamt of in the past. Dreams can be self-explanatory! This is one of the many benefits to record our dreams – to see how many seemingly independent pieces of the puzzle can be integrated and form the flow of information! Though many dreams can be symbolic, others can be rather straightforward such as seeing different kinds of food in different conditions. To give an example, I have been given priceless guidance about selection of food that will be in harmony with Spirit through dreams. In those dreams, I would either see/smell/feel fresh, beautiful or even ambrosia-like vegetables or fruits in a market, farm stand or garden , or sense rotten, dark and smelly meats in a road stand, darkroom or restaurant. So naturally the message would be it’s better to eat fresh vegetables and fruits and avoid meat of any kind. As I follow the guidance in my daily life, more comes, with more details such as the methods which food can be prepared, daily quantity of meals and related digestive eases. Over years I have observed heightened energy, psycho-sensory clarity, less illness and many other health benefits by eating an organic vegetarian diet. Sometimes in a dream state we witness future events happening. In such dreams we monitor ourselves creating our reality – imagine being the observer and observed at the same time! As the dreamer and dreamed, we are shown how upper-dimensional energies manifest themselves as our physical reality. People call it prediction of future when those energies reach the physical level in this three dimensional world you are sitting in. However, there are times what we see in our dream state does not come into physical manifestation or will project into the far future due to various reasons. Winding time backwards, a lot of us dream of lives in a totally different space, at a time far back. This is often how we work on lessons waiting for mastery from other parts of the time line. Sometimes it can feel like flipping back and forth among different realities. There is no need to be afraid if such ‘past life’ regression indicates negative energies. To live now, all we need to do is ask “what is the lesson I am not getting?’ We normally would see the same energies present themselves again in our waking hours – we are always given the opportunity to get the lessons. To give another example, I dreamt of living in a totally different space at a time far back. It’s so amazing that outlooks of the people around, smells of the flowers, tastes of the foods... all the details in such dreams felt so real that I could not believe one would be able to fabricate them without living it all! Now I look back at the various lifetimes Spirit retrieves from my soul memory for the purpose of learning the lessons involved with those experiences. I feel grateful for the precious opportunities so that I might not need to live those many lessons again in this lifetime by studying the
lessons in my wake state and living the wisdoms these lessons mean to teach me. One breath after another more and more I feel the truth of our being seamlessly connected to each other. Imagine this, all the souls I dreamt of interacting with in China, India, Japan, Middle Europe, France, Israel, Egypt, Persia, the American Continent... and being Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Egyptian, French, and all others. Once we experience Oneness, one way or another, it’s too hard to treat others not from Love. For those of us interested in a scientific view of dream information, it is not out of reach at this time. Scientists have come to terms with different brain waves at different stages of our activities. For example, dream and meditation are related to Alpha waves, and the logical mind has a lot to do with Beta waves. The interesting discovery of Zero Point Field by our quantum physicists resolves a lot of conflicts within multiple disciplines of science. Studies on memory and cognition have shown that communication among living organisms, in fact among all beings in the universe, is happening constantly at a subatomic level. Numerous archaeological and astronautic discoveries are confirming what spiritual masters have been telling for centuries. All the mysteries of existence are being brought into unity as Light shines on all aspects of our exploration for Self!
Live Heaven and dream!
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Yishi is a life-long dreamer. It's by recording her dreams she has come to appreciate the continuity and beauty of life. She wishes the information she brings into the physical realm will serve many on the journey. Yishi has a private teaching and healing practice and can be reached at www.raythelight.com.
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C O NN EC TI CU T A DVE RT I S E R S
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FEEDING THE DOG OR CAT IN YOUR LIFE! by Dr. Ruth Dalto
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any of us have dogs or cats in our lives. We enjoy their company, their beauty, their antics and intelligence. We ask them to fit into our human world. As a consequence, what they eat depends on what we offer them. We can do them great harm or good depending on the choices we make. Most people feed commercially prepared dry food to their dogs and cats. Dry food contains a fairly high percentage of grains and a low percentage of protein. The addition of grains (or a carbohydrate source) is necessary in the manufacturing process of kibble. Too much protein gums up the machines that make the kibble. Kibble and canned food are cooked, which results in a loss of natural enzymes (that aid digestion) and in a loss of micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants). Over time the body is impacted by this lack of sufficient, quality nutrients and ill-health or disease is the result. Cats and dogs are carnivores. Their systems are designed to eat raw meat, bones and innards of prey animals. In fact, dogs and cats ate raw or “real” food (carrion, peoples’ discards, hunted foods) for many more years than they have eaten commercially prepared dry foods. Dogs were domesticated about 14,000 years ago but have only eaten commercially prepared dry foods for less than 100 years. The same is true for cats. This switch to feeding high grain diets to our carnivore companions is not without negative consequences. Grains are often a source of allergies (skin allergies, itching, hot spots, some seizure disorders), and are implicated in exacerbating other inflammatory conditions like arthritis, cystitis and inflammatory bowel disease. The increased incidence of diabetes mellitus in cats and dogs can be blamed, in part, on a high grain diet. It is not unexpected that there would be negative consequences when we offer an animal that is designed to eat high protein, low carbohydrate raw food a diet of high carbohydrate, low protein, highly processed kibble. There is a wide range of quality when it comes to kibble and canned foods. Less expensive (grocery store brands) and even many mid-range price foods contain low quality ingredients, artificial preservatives and/or artificial colors. Feeding an animal one of these types of foods is like feeding your child fast foods or Kraft macaroni & cheese for every meal. High quality kibble and canned food contain high quality meats, veggies and carbohydrates, and are preserved naturally (with ascorbic acid or vitamin E). These foods provide better building blocks for the body but they are still a processed, cooked food. Many people worry that their dog or cat will get sick from raw food. What about all the bacteria on raw meat? Bacteria are everywhere. In one gram of soil there could be up to 500 million bacteria and 1 million fungi. Dogs and cats are constantly exposed to bacteria as they scavenge items to eat off the ground, chew on grass, and mouth any number of interesting items. Dogs and cats will eat dead animals that they find. Dead animals are full of bacteria. Dogs will bury meaty bones and then dig them up days to weeks later to chew on them. Even dry dog foods contain some bacteria. A study in 1995 found of 40 dry diets, 83% contained Bacillus cereus and 25 contained Enterococcus faecalis. Animals experience a high bacterial load even when we do not feed them raw food. Ingestion of these bacteria is rarely a problem for animals. A carnivore’s digestive system is geared toward eating raw meat. People on the other hand cannot consume raw or decaying meat with the same careless abandon that dogs and cats can. Food spends 4-8 hours in the stomach of a carnivore (up to 12 hours in a
cat) being digested in a strong acid environment. The acid environment of the stomach helps provide a barrier to bacteria escaping into the bloodstream of the animal. Food then passes into the intestines where nutrients are absorbed into the blood stream. Digested food passes quickly through the intestine of a carnivore, minimizing the chance that any bacteria that escape the stomach will colonize the intestines and create digestive problems. In people, food only spends 30 minutes or so in the stomach. There is less time for the acid environment of the stomach to kill bacteria. The transit time through the intestine is longer in people, increasing the chances that bacteria escaping the acid bath of the stomach can set up house in the intestines and cause digestive upset. There are natural antibiotics in the pancreatic secretions of all mammals to help protect them from bacterial overgrowth. Carnivores likely secrete more natural antibiotics in their pancreatic fluids which helps them to tolerate a raw meat diet and to tolerate the ingestion of scavenged food. Thinking in terms of evolutionary principles this makes a lot of sense. An animal (dog or cat) that will eat raw or decaying meat will need more defenses to protect them than an animal (human) that does not eat raw or decaying meat. Raw foods also have the advantage of providing better quality nutrition. Raw foods provide natural vitamins, minerals, micronutrients and natural enzymes (that aid digestion). Cooking destroys vitamins, minerals, micronutrients and enzymes. Dry and canned foods are cooked (meat meals are cooked twice) therefore they require the addition of artificial vitamins, minerals, etc. Natural vitamins, minerals, etc. that are found in whole foods are much more nutritious. Isolated nutrients often do not have the same beneficial effects as the whole food complex. Vitamins and micronutrients work best in synergy with each other. How can we expect to reproduce the proper vitamin/micronutrient complexes? We do not know all there is to know about the micronutrient content of food. How can we effectively replace them in a highly processed, cooked dry or canned food? Not too long ago processed cat foods were found to be deficient in the amino acid taurine and cats were developing heart disease because of this. These foods were labeled “complete and balanced”. Feeding a variety of raw food provides biologically active, nutritious whole food complexes, proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Raw, meat-based diets for animals consist of meat, bone, organ meat, vegetables and fish or fish oil. You can prepare the food on your own by purchasing the individual ingredients, grinding or finely chopping the veggies, grinding or feeding raw, meaty bones, etc. You should research the “Bones and Raw Food Diet” (or “BARF”) diet so that you know the proper proportions of foods to feed and the cautions with feeding non-ground raw, meaty bones. There are also commercially prepared raw food mixes for dogs and cats. So stop and think about what you are putting into your companion animal’s body. Stop and think about the benefit to your companion animal’s health if you provide them with high quality, biologically appropriate foods. Your companion animal will thank you and so will your wallet as you will need to spend less money on veterinary care for ill health.
Raw Foods also have the advantage of providing better quality nutrition...
• Dowsing • Energetic evaluation of a home or property • Space Clearing • Special attention to sleeping problems • Products that neutralize the effects of Geopathic stress and electro-magnetic fields of cellphones & computers
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Dr. Ruth Dalto is a holistic veterinarian in Yarmouth. She practices acupuncture, homeopathy and chiropractic. She advocates preventative health care including raw meat-based diets. For more information call 207-846-6634, or visit www.holistichealingforanimals.com.
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a b reath o f he alin g
S m a l l Fr i e n d s a n d C o n s t r u c t i v e H a b i t s by Donna Amrita Davidge
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provides for an assistant in the room, which the children and the teacher like! She found that children often preferred yoga to regular physical education classes. Children as young as three or four really loved yoga (as I can attest to when one of my six year old students had her precocious two and a half year old sister doing warrior with us! I also saw a year and a half year old boy fall in love with the Yogakids, www.yogakids.com, video a few years ago). Montessori already fosters the child’s individuality but yoga can enhance those characteristics of self-direction, self discipline and focus. In public schools the children don’t have the communication skills they learn in Montessori and so the yoga can truly make a difference. Children can learn anywhere in any school environment with a good yoga instructor like Lily. They can balance the over-activities of their life with peace, quiet and self reflection as options in life, to sit down, process and think (Lily called it subtle spirituality in the age of the computer generation).
Unlike the other two teachers that were interviewed for this article, my teaching practice is pretty much limited to adults, with the exception of a child joining a class with a parent. This class came out of the fact that I had taught the ringleader Lily’s mother yoga privately before she had Lily. Lily had done yoga at ballet camp, liked it and wanted to continue. Some of the girls have watched their parents practice, for others yoga is a new thing. And, as Lily Goodale, one of the teachers I interviewed told me, the age of the group makes a difference. She said at about nine they start to grasp the whole package better. One week we had a nine-year-old boy join us for his first yoga ever. He was definitely at a quieter more attentive level than the lively six and seven year olds. Yet the young regulars have quickly learned the names of the poses and have asked curious questions like; “ What is the name of this pose?”, “When are you bringing the lavender oil?” and make insightful points: “ No, I don’t like that pose-it hurts” and when I ask where it hurts of course right where the stretch is. And each week it gets a bit better.
While Lily combines Kundalini Yoga with Hatha, Jane’s training as a yoga teacher and children’s yoga teacher has been primarily influenced by Kundalini Yoga. It was interesting for me that both of them incorporated Kundalini. Jane often used the mantra work, as did Lily so children could learn chanting and moving with the music in dance or specific hand movements. Jane used the quote from Kundalini Yoga Master Yogi Bhajan that children are “big souls in little bodies”. She also said the children of this generation have one hundred times more pressures. Let’s face it, being a child in 2006 is not an easy task- information overload, overworked, over stressed and under attentive parents, who are overstressed themselves, (and possibly divorced), and the media, all these affect choices about lifestyle habits and direction. If children can be introduced to and respond to tools like breathing, stretching, strengthening in mind and body and concentration in a friendly fun loving atmosphere, who knows the benefits than can ensue; better sleep, a feeling of belonging, learning compassion and nonviolence (ahimsa in yoga). Jane noted how a 13 year old boy became compassionately protective of a younger girl who had some obvious issues. She was a constant talker and hypersensitive but he let her feel cared for and accepted as she was. Jane gave the students little glass hearts that they could give to other people, when they become friends in class. Jane says, “Just breathing a certain way can make you feel better!” And teaches the children this. Jane had a wonderful approach to the children with challenges. “Kids with learning disabilities benefit more,” some feel they were given the disabilities to bring them to yoga. One nine year old went up three reading groups. Another Indian girl who is quite young can do all the kriyas (yoga sets, meaning completed action). Maybe it is in her cells! Jane uses eye pillows and reminds them to release the tension by letting their mouths hang open. She teaches age four to sixteen and says the children become like brothers and sisters, learning tolerance of others and a “toolbox of living skills”. She teaches at www.shaktinj.com, privately, as well as to groups like Girl Scouts.
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Partner work is equally interesting as a way to impart some of yoga philosophy and work on the practice. Also asking questions like “How does slow deep breathing make you feel?” “Like going to sleep!” Or, “If you do it on one side you want to do it on the other side to create balance, concentrate, don’t rush.” When, at the conclusion of one session one girl asked which one is best, I let them know it is not a competition about which one is best.
Donna playing Yoga in a Swedish Classroom
Children love to learn... Let's keep them interested in learning!
Another way that yoga can help children is to treat diagnosed learning disabilities and other challenges. Jane, who has studied with Shakta Kaur Khalsa (www.childrensyoga.com), believes and has experienced the benefits of teaching yoga to impart life tools. Lily Goodale also strongly emphasizes this, though the two work in quite different environments with children and yoga. Shakta’s website is chock full of resources and links on yoga and children, as well as her own products, which are also sold on sites like www.yogatech.com. Jane believes that when the first opportunity for a joint, alcohol or cigarettes comes along, the child’s strength and self esteem gained from the breath and yoga helps them make wise choices. Lily Goodale also voiced this saying, “If we had only had these tools when we were younger, look what it might have done for our generation and our choices”. Lily’s sister also teaches yoga to children and learned from the Color Me Yoga people (www.yogaom.com/trainings.html). Their website says, “Teachers will see amazing results in other classes as children learn physical and mental flexibility, self-esteem and relaxation.” I have always said that our yoga is a metaphor for our life so with these tools this metaphor can hopefully be carried beyond the classroom, as both Jane and Lily thought it surely is. Lily teaches in Montessori schools as well as public schools in the Camden, Maine area. Her training with www.yogaed.com (Tart Gruber and Leah Kalish out of Los Angeles) enables her to create proposals and look for grants to also present yoga in public schools. It also
My student Lily, expresses to me how she rises early each morning to read, children are so eager to learn. When I was in my husband’s native land of Sweden, where the children are taught English in school, I had the opportunity to enter a classroom of 25 eleven year olds, push the school desks back, make a big circle and proceed into spine flexes, chanting and spotted headstands, ostensibly so they could practice their English. However, they seemed to have a lot of fun as well. When we got back to my sister-in-law's home her eleven year old immediately wanted to do more. Her little sister and mother joined us (ok, the youngest could do a handstand into back bend immediately from her gymnastic training and I still can’t do it. But, then, yoga is not a competition, right?) they were so enthused that they traveled across the ocean to learn more at Sewall House, our summer yoga retreat in Maine. Now almost thirteen year old Mimi wrote in our guest book, “The yoga has helped me to find the real Mimi”. Indeed, amazing souls in children’s bodies. Our future, so wise and radiant.
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• Photos Courtesy of Donna Davidge &
Sheena Gillespie, Namaste Institute for Holistic Studies
Donna Amrita Davidge has been teaching yoga since 1985 and owns and operates Sewall House Yoga Retreat with her husband Kent Bonham in northern Maine from June to October while teaching full time and continuing to study yoga the rest of the year in NY City. She has also produced several Kundalini Yoga products which are available on the website. www.sewallhouse.com, 888-235-2395
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WE HOPE THAT YOU ENJOY READING THIS ISSUE OF
INNER TAPESTRY April/May 2006 Inner Tapestry 13
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wenty million Americans are doing Yoga. Recently (December 4, 2005) the New York Times had an article “The Socialization of Yoga,” meaning that Yoga has become for some a social event. For one yoga group I teach yoga is a Saturday event at someone’s apartment where anywhere from two to six friends get together and do yoga for an hour. The reward is usually something like donuts. Though yoga is meant to teach concentration and being in the moment, the participants sometimes speak about anticipating the reward that will come at the end of class. The room is generally only quiet for mountain, corpse or easy pose (and maybe not even then!). During the rest of the time the energy level is high, not because it is power yoga or vinyasa practice, but because these friends are all six and seven years old. Despite all this the poses get practiced, learned and improved. Meanwhile, the mothers are in the kitchen having their croissants and coffee. Saturday morning has become a joyful challenge for me.
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Cooking Consciously & Eating Healthy by Anne Sheble Food is our common ground, a universal experience. —James A. Beard
Comfort Food
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One must eat to live, not live to eat. ---Moliere When did Americans start using the term “comfort food” and what does it refer to? Are comfort foods a modern way to self-medicate? Having long been in the habit of turning to baked goods and hot chocolate for comfort, I know how hard it can be to give them up. It helps to substitute another practice such as taking a walk or a sip of clear water. When we turn to party foods to enhance a celebratory feeling, the next day we might feel sluggish due to congestion and less cheery. Women look for ready-to-eat comfort foods whereas men want a hearty meal such as one that “mother used to make”. So, roast beast with potatoes will qualify as comfort food for most men since the kitchen will smell like his childhood home. Ice cream, chocolate, hot tea and cookies will be comfort food for a woman because she doesn’t have to be busy in the kitchen for long. My list of comfort foods happens to be long and it includes ketchup along with soft bread and butter. What you have on your comfort food list most likely evokes pleasant childhood memories. Relaxing or celebrating with particular foods is a way to return to that less stressful time. We transform ourselves to a calmer state with the simple act of serving oneself a pot of tea. This ritual is soothing to the psyche, along with the warmth taken inside. This truly is what comfort food is all about. It may not be the food that best nourishes your body when you are hungry from your labors, but it nourishes the soul and connects us once again to our forebears and to each other as we talk about our favorites whether it is chocolate or ketchup. If we pay attention to Moliere’s maxim, quoted above, we would do well to eat less. I know how hard that is. We would understand that too much of anything, even good healthy food, is detrimental to one’s quality of life. Have you ever noticed that the more you eat at lunchtime, the sleepier you feel around 2 pm? We feel more alive and energetic when we get up from the table before the stomach is full. It is often thought that women use food to medicate themselves during episodes of anxiety. I think men do this as well. Fixing a snack becomes a diversion and an activity that soon gratifies. Not only does running to the kitchen to make tea and toast immediately offer solace
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and warmth, it gives us something to do when there is a lull in the creative juices or we just don’t want to sit still. “Food is my best friend,” claimed my friend when I told her my topic. I guess I didn’t have to ask why, being a middle aged single woman, I pretty much agree that the same has been true for me. I do know some folks, not many, who are unattached to “comfort foods” and I admire them for that. This is an era of quick food, which gives instant gratification. When our days are too full to be in the kitchen long enough to assemble a good meal, we deny ourselves what could be “down time” in the kitchen around the stove. Remember the great gathering place in the home is the kitchen. The best and most creative work of the household is performed there. So bring yourself into your kitchen daily, for that meaningful act of fixing a meal and notice every step. The following recipes have several steps and will take time, but are well worth it!
Spinach Pie (Lebanese style) One of my family’s most popular comfort foods over the years since my children were small has been the hand held spinach pies made by Salim and Laya (a brother/ sister team) at the Lebanese Cuisine Cafe on Temple Street in downtown Waterville. These small pies gave me just enough mouth-watering sustenance for lunch and I never seriously considered looking for a recipe to make them myself until recently. The results were tasty but of course not the same and so their pies will be on my comfort food list probably for the rest of my life. And I won’t ask them for their secret to protect their business. Here is a basic recipe that yields 12 large hand-held pies. They will keep for a day or two at room temperature. Freeze them for longer storage.
Pastry dough 3 cups whole-wheat pastry flour or mix with unbleached
white. 1/2 tsp. Sea salt 1/2 tsp. Dry active yeast 3 Tbl. Warm water 1/2 tsp. Sweetener (to activate the yeast) 1 cup warm water • Dissolve yeast in 3 Tbl. Warm water with the sweetener. Allow to sit several minutes to activate. • Combine the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. • Add the cup of warm water to the activated yeast and mix into the flour. • Work the liquid into the flour with your hands then dump out onto a floured surface to knead or about 10 mins. (until the dough is rubbery to the touch) • Place in an oiled bowl in a warm place and cover with a wet dishcloth until it rises almost double in size. • Form into a ball. • Divide the dough into 12 balls for small pies. (Less if you want larger size) • Let sit on floured surface about half an hour while you prepare the filling.
Spinach Pie Filling 2 # fresh Spinach (2 cello packages). Wash and break off
the stems. 1 med. Onion, diced. 5 Tbl. Extra virgin Olive oil 5 Tbl. Lemon juice 1 tsp. Salt pinch of pepper (opt.) • Saute onion in 2 Tbl. Olive oil until golden. Put into mixing bowl. • Using a heavy bottomed pot with cover, heat wet spinach over medium flame, until it wilts or withers. • If extra water is needed add 2 Tbl. • Let cool and squeeze out the water into sink. I used my hands for this being careful of the hotter spinach underneath. • Add the squeezed spinach to the onions with salt, lemon juice, rest of Olive oil and mix well. If there are other spices you want to try, now is the time to add them. • Roll out dough balls each into a circle about 5-6” across and about 1/4 inch thick. • Place at least 2 Tbl of filling in center of dough for a plump pie. • Fold into half circle and using a fork or fingers, pinch the edges. • Pre-heat oven to 400. • Bake on greased sheet for 15 mins.
Variations for fillings:
Collards with onions: Cut out the leaf mid-rib, fold the large leaves in half lengthwise and cut into 1/2-inch strips. Steam until barely tender, then squeeze out excess water. Mix with sautéed onion, salt, lemon juice and olive oil in same proportions as above for spinach. This filling works out well and collards don’t contain oxalic acid like spinach. Unfortunately, oxalic acid binds with calcium making it not able to be absorbed by the body. It’s a sad fact about spinach. Grated Carrot with Lentil Sprouts and leeks: I use green lentil sprouts near the end of winter because they are so crunchy and I’m starved for fresh greens. They only take a few days to grow. Give a long soak to start, at least overnight, and rinse 1-2 times daily. They will stay alive and keep growing slowly in the refrigerator, and should be used within a week. I came up with this filling based on what we had available and love it’s simplicity. There is no need to cook this filling before assembling the pies. Just grate the carrot, slice the leek thinly and toss together with the sprouts, lemon juice, salt and olive oil as above.
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Annie has recently moved to Unity where she has built a simple studio on an old farmstead. She hopes to share her cooking skills in Unity while tending a small garden plot for the first time right out the dooryard. With help from Joel, Tom, and Bob of SolarTech, she is installing PV collectors and planning to live "off-grid."
(207) 948-3877, asheble@hypernet.com
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Joy of the Mountain, Dew of the Sea~ Herbs of My Ancestral Homeland ~ "Rosemary"
by Gail Faith Edwards
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A walk around the wild edges of the village, or up into the mountains, delivers another view of the timelessness of this place. Wild herbs grow abundantly everywhere, as they have for millennia. Every little square of untended earth delivers up a magnificent patch of nettles. The roadsides are matted with chickweed. Borage flowers from cracks and crevices, and everywhere, it seems, is a huge bush of rosemary, laden with dark green needle-like leaves and decorated profusely with delicate sea-blue flowers. Rosemary is a dearly loved culinary herb throughout the Mediterranean region and is deeply respected for it's medicinal and magical properties. One of the most often used spices in Italian cuisine, rosemary’s pungent flavor complements fatty meats particularly well, and many Italian recipes call for rosemary in marinades and as an accent for Mediterranean vegetables, breads, focaccia, soups and pasta. The Romans planted rosemary in hedges and the ancient Greeks wove it into crowns to adorn the heads of young women. Ancient legends say that it was a rosemary bush that sheltered the Blessed Mother Mary on her journey into Egypt. Hence it was called afterward, Rose of Mary, or rosemary. Old herbals refer to rosemary as a cure-all, and modern science tells us that it a supreme cardiac tonic, an energizer for the circulatory system, and will successfully lower blood pressure. My mother used 20 drops of rosemary tincture twice daily as a tonic for her heart. Rosemary is also highly regarded as an antidepressant, nervine, and a restorative tonic for the nervous system. Uplifting and revitalizing, rosemary is a well known brain tonic, clearing the mind and improving memory. It is widely used as an ally when dealing with fatigue, exhaustion and stress. Loaded with antioxidants, rosemary can also be called upon to help prevent cancer and to forestall the
Rosemary is also antispasmodic, carminative, and promotes the flow of bile, making it a great digestive tonic. Sipping a warm tea or infusion of rosemary eases stomach discomfort and helps relieve gas. Rosemary’s analgesic action, found in the infused oil or liniment, brings blood flow to an area, helps ease tense muscles and inflamed joints, and relieves arthritic/rheumatic conditions.
Rosemary is a dearly loved culinary herb throughout the Mediterranean region and is deeply respected for it's medicinal and magical properties. Fresh rosemary tinctured in rubbing alcohol is a stimulating liniment known as Queen of Hungary water. First made in the thirteenth century, this liniment cured the paralysis of Queen Elizabeth of Hungary. It is said that she used it continuously and her simple formula for making it is preserved in Vienna. Rubbed in vigorously, rosemary liniment is also effective for relieving gout in the hands and feet. Rosemary baths, compresses and poultices are similarly therapeutic. To make an invigorating treatment for hair and scalp, use infused oil of fresh rosemary. Rosemary oil promotes healthy hair follicles, brings renewed vitality, helps moisturize hair, prevents premature loss and keeps the scalp dandruff-free.
Rosemary flower essence is used to cultivate wisdom in love, and loyalty. Rosemary is a perennial plant and in warmer climates such as Southern Italy or Texas, grows as a five or six foot high shrubby bush loaded with blue flowers. Home in Maine we dig up our rosemary plants before winter and store them in the cellar, replanting them into the garden when the warm weather settles in spring. I love growing and gathering rosemary! It is so magical the way the plants emerge from the soil after being planted from seed, so teeny-tiny and then grow in its sandy, sunny, well-drained bed into a vibrant, resinous, aromatic pine-like shrub during just one season. And the smell! Cutting sprigs of rosemary for harvest is pure heaven, comparable only to lavender for the peaceful, contented spell it weaves. Rosemary can also be started from cuttings. It is such a hearty herb that it will continue to grow in humid, warm spots for up to thirty years. Gather rosemary any time the leaves are green and vibrant. Bundle some into smudge sticks and dry some loosely on screens for cooking, teas and infusions. Strip the dried leaves from the stems for culinary uses, or use the sprigs to scent a room, closet, or drawer. Tincture rosemary sprigs in 100 proof alcohol, and infuse some in olive oil, vinegar and honey. Pregnant women do well to steer clear of medicinal use of rosemary, and its essential oil. Studies done in Italy indicate rosemary may excite the uterus. In amounts usually used in cooking it poses no threat.
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Gail Faith Edwards is a practicing community herbalist with thirty years experience and the mother of four children born at home and raised on homegrown herbs and vegetables. She and her family run Blessed Maine Herb Farm, now in its fourteenth year, offering medicinal herb products of impeccable quality, safety and effectiveness, made with MOFGA certified organic herbs and flowers grown in their gardens or wild gathered from the pristine wild nearby. www.blessedmaineherbs.com, herblady@blessedmaineherbs.com A response is guaranteed. This article is for information only, for health matters and serious health concerns, please consult your local health care practitioner.
Italians aren’t the only people who love and use rosemary. The Chinese use it, often combined with ginger, to treat headache, indigestion and insomnia. Other Europeans traditionally used rosemary as a smoking herb, often combined with coltsfoot, to treat asthma, bronchial ailments and sore throat. Rosemary is known as an herb of protection. Burn a bit in the evening before bed to ward off bad dreams. Burned or carried, rosemary will enhance the sacredness of any occasion. In some parts of the world rosemary is carried during a funeral procession and thrown into the casket before burial as a blessing for the departed. A symbol of lover’s fidelity for thousands of years, rosemary is still placed into bridal bouquets and offered to wedding guests. Rosemary has always signified true friendship, and as Shakespeare’s Ophelia reminds Hamlet, “rosemary, that’s for remembrance.”
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igh up in the Apennine Mountains, at the foot of Mount Cervati, placed like a rose quartz jewel, sits the ancient village of Monte San Giacomo. Around it are 13 other villages, or communes, all of them ancient, all of them stretching up into the mountains around the Valley of Diana, a rich, fertile plain. The women here carry heavy loads on their heads. They run up the mountainsides herding goats well into their seventies, and lovingly tend their olive trees. Men shepherd flocks of sheep, lead horses through the narrow cobblestone passageways loaded with firewood, and congregate at the local café every afternoon at 3 o’clock. It often seems that time has stood still here, that the village is magically suspended in a timeless space. But then you notice that the kids all hold a cell phone to the side of their heads, and wear designer outfits of the latest fashions. The young men race their Alfa Romero’s up the road that winds into the village from the valley below and everyone is hip to the latest hip hop recording. It is a culture in perennial transition, the old residing comfortably with the new.
signs of ageing. It is also successfully used to help fight infections caused by bacteria and fungi. Rosemary inhibits food-spoiling organisms as efficiently as the commercial food preservatives BHA and BHT. In fact, before refrigeration, people would routinely rub rosemary into meat to retard spoilage.
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The Five Pillars of Lasting Health by Michael Seymour
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asting health is not a mystery. You don’t need a doctor. You don’t need drugs. You don’t even need health insurance. You need common sense and a little discipline. The following advice applies to all people of all ages. It is not based on a fad, it is age-old wisdom, it is not based on a religion, a specific culture or a creed, and it is simple truth. Your health is up to you. Your health is your responsibility. Make a decision to become healthy and commit to that decision. This is not an event, this is a gradual change, a process and a journey that you need to embark on before it is too late. It is time to stop making excuses.
Eat Well
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First of all, eat less, even if the restaurant brings enough food for three people, eat only what you are hungry for and stop before you are full. You can have leftovers at another time. If you chew your food more thoroughly, you will feel full after eating less and it will be easier for your body to digest. Eat more vegetables! Make sure some of them are raw; consider the many different types of sprouts available at the local supermarket: alfalfa, radish, clover, broccoli, onion and, sunflower are all highly concentrated nutrients. Eat less sugar, including the obvious ones like candy and soda as well as the high starchy foods like pastas and breads. Do not eat artificial sweeteners of any kind, ever. Do not eat meat three times a day; our bodies simply cannot digest that much meat. Once a day is enough and probably still too much. Periodically cleanse by not eating anything solid for at least 24 hours and up to 10 days. Do this by following a proven program or under the guidance of a natural health care practitioner. This gives the organs in the digestive system a break, a chance to rejuvenate and heal. Done effectively this can purge stagnant waste products that can accumulate in the folds of the colon walls. Drink lots of water, at least three quarts of high quality (distilled, well filtered, or spring) water every day. Avoid drinking large quantities of fluid with a heavy meal or immediately preceding a large meal. Anticipating food, the stomach will release digestive enzymes and fluids, which will be washed away with large quantities of water before a meal. As well, the stomach needs a good hour for those fluids and enzymes to break down the meal so wait until then to resume drinking larger quantities of water. Now this should go without saying, but coffee, tea, juice, soda, and alcohol are NOT water. Take dietary supplements. Even if you eat high quality food, our soils have been polluted and depleted of vital minerals and nutrients. Vegetables may look better than they used to because of chemical additives and genetic modifications but the nutritional quality has diminished. The following three things should be taken every day. Take a whole food based ionic colloidal multivitamin / mineral. If you do not know what ionic or colloidal means, it basically refers to the size of the nutrients; ionic colloidals are the smallest size available, which makes them the easiest to be absorbed through the cell wall. Read the labels or call the manufacturer. Many vitamin supplements are not digested at all and pass right through the body still in their original form! Take an all-natural, unsweetened green food powder, in capsules or as a drink, composed of grasses, sprouts, and leafy vegetables, preferably one without algae or fungus. Because there are no sweeteners, stimulants, diuretics, toxins, or chemicals of any kind, drinking a mixture like this does count as part of the three quarts of water. Take omega 3-6-9 supplements from cold-water fish and borage oils, these are known
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as EFA’s (essential fatty acids). They are required from diet because the body does not produce them but does require them. There are other more targeted supplements for specific needs like respiratory problems, achy joints, elimination problems, etc. These should be considered for shorter durations of time as needed. Eating well is not difficult and not expensive, decide and commit.
Each moment holds the gift of opportunity the opportunity of choice. Exercise Well
The medical establishment will tell you that walking is good enough exercise. The only reason they say that is because we are so lazy that walking is considered exercise. I will consent if you walk briskly, at least 5 miles every day, you will be all right. A leisurely stroll to the park and back will do very little for your exercise quota. You need to accelerate your heart rate at least a third above your resting rate, but do not exceed two thirds for any extended period. You need to place stress on the muscles and the bones, in other words load bearing exercise. You need to do this at least three times a week for at least an hour. Make sure that you have a very thorough plan that exercises all of the major muscle groups and irrigates and flexes / extends all of the major joints in the body. Bikram’s beginning yoga class is an excellent example of this. It is load bearing, resistance exercise, the heart rate is well accelerated, and the body works hard and so does the mind. Other yoga classes can be good as well, as long as they are vigorous and thorough. Certain aquatic exercise programs are well suited for health maintenance. Impact exercise such as running or jogging will cause long-term degradation of the joints and connective tissues. Cycling is good for the heart and lungs but also stressful for your back, neck, shoulders, and hips. If you do not have access to a Bikram studio in your area then consult with a licensed physical trainer to create a thorough workout regimen that fits your time, your needs, and your budget. Commitment and consistency are the real obstacles to exercising well. Exercising well is not difficult and not expensive, decide and commit!
Breathe Well
Unless you have been trained in the art of conscious breathing, you are oxygen deficient and carbon-dioxide toxic. Oxygen is burned in the cell’s chemical reactions that produce the energy that we live by. Carbon dioxide is the waste product. We inspire (breathe in) to bring oxygen and we expire (breathe out) to remove carbon dioxide. Energy is required for absolutely every process imaginable that the body does. This includes, among every other thing, taking care of waste, removing toxins, repairing damaged tissue, and thinking. Breathing is an automatic process, left to our unconscious devices the body will
breathe enough to live by but not enough maintain optimal health and longevity. This requires effort. Seek training from a qualified instructor if you want drastic differences in the way you feel. Otherwise, commit to spending two minutes every day, twice a day taking slow deep inhales through the nose, followed by slow deep exhales through the nose, six to eight seconds each way. This will reduce stress, strengthen your heart and lungs, and leave you feeling more alive and present. If you like the results of this process do it more often. The benefits come from enriching the body with increased supplies of oxygen to make the energy cycle more efficient and more abundant as well as purifying the blood by removing the buildup of carbon dioxide. Not only will you feel more energized but also your body will function better. Cells will be repaired more effectively, toxins will be removed more efficiently, your thoughts will seem more clear, your eyes will work better, your senses will become more aware and the list goes on. Breathing well is not difficult and not expensive, decide and commit.
Think Well
The mind is very powerful, more so than most of us ever consider. There are two requirements for thinking well. The first one is to pay attention. Become more aware of what you are thinking. The second one is to develop an awareness of choice about what we think. Here is a helpful analogy: the mind is like a television antenna picking up all different kinds of channels. Some of these channels we are not aware of, like the ones that keep our hearts beating or the ones that communicate with the stomach to let us know we are hungry. Other channels are more forceful in making themselves known; like that nagging feeling to pay your bills or the annoying song that you can’t get out of your head. With some practice we can learn to tune into or out of a particular thought. We have a choice as to which thoughts we let pervade in our minds and which thoughts to act upon. We cannot, so you should not expect to be able to, control which thoughts enter our minds. However once a thought makes itself known to us, or once the mind tunes in to that channel, we can let it stay there, or change the channel. Some thoughts are more harmful to our health than others. Thoughts that carry emotions such as fear, envy, jealousy, hate, and rage will cause perceivable chemical reactions in cells and organs that produce measurable accumulations of acidic toxins in the blood and interstitial fluids. When these thoughts arise, recognize them; acknowledge them, and then change the channel. Now just as we know, for example, that channel 9 is PBS, you need to create a repository of channels to switch to. These can be called mantras or affirmations. It is basically a phrase that you repeat to yourself continuously to train the mind. There are myriad examples of this and many are personal in nature. If you need examples you can look to any of the sacred texts, even if you do not believe in the divine or the particular religion that is based on the text. These writings offer a wellspring of useful phrases for this purpose. Also there are numerous books on positive thinking available at a library. For example, if you see someone that you have had a bad experience with and a thought arises to speak ill of them, recognize the thought, acknowledge the thought, and then replace it with something like everyone has a right to be who they are. This will diffuse your sense of criticism and judgment and liberate you from the toxic emotions of hate and envy.
17 You have a choice to think negatively about anything, or the same choice to think positively about anything, choose wisely. Thoughts are powerful. Consider someone who thinks that they are a failure at their job even though they perform just as well as their colleagues. When a job posting is announced for a supervisory promotion, do you think this individual will apply? What about their colleague, who performs measurably similar but who thinks that they are fantastic at their job. They seize the opportunity for advancement and are promoted. The only difference was the thought that occurred to them upon news of the job posting. This is a common and simple example to illustrate that thoughts do have a profound impact on the quality of our lives. Thinking well, becoming aware and making a choice, is not difficult and not expensive, decide and commit.
Love Well
Synergy
All five of these pillars work in concert to balance the mind, body, and the soul. Each of them deserves their own books, in fact volumes of them. I have presented an overview and I encourage you and can help you to learn more. We are beings that require love, we require nutrition, we require thoughts, we require air, and we require exercise. Without any one of these pillars, our health becomes unstable and various symptoms of various degrees begin to manifest. This is your life; choose to do with it what you will. If you are concerned about your health, then you must address these five pillars and work to build them all. You will notice the synergy of responsibility when you start to strengthen one pillar, your desire and motivation to strengthen the other pillars is increased. For example exercising well will encourage you to eat well. Breathing well will encourage you to think well, loving well will encourage you to care for all five of these pillars. This is a new millennium, a new era, a new year, a new day, but most importantly, a new moment. Each moment holds the gift of opportunity, the opportunity of choice. Choose to live a different way, choose the five pillars of lasting health. © 2006 Michael Seymour, Photo courtesy of Cathy Kostecki
A Time of Rebirth ~ A Time of Renewal
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by Clair Wood
n March 20, at approximately 1:30 in the afternoon, the vernal equinox will take place and spring will have arrived in the northern hemisphere. This is an event that played a huge role in the lives of the ancients, but what exactly is an equinox – or a solstice come to that? There are four events that mark the seasons, two solstices and two equinoxes, which come about as a result of the Earth’s 23.5 degrees tilt from the ecliptic or the path of the Earth about the Sun. The ancients saw this projected on to the celestial sphere as the Sun’s apparent motion about the Earth. At any rate, the tilt makes the Sun appear 23.5 degrees above the equator at the summer solstice and a like number of degrees below the equator at the winter solstice. The two points at which the Sun crosses the equator on its journey south and north are the autumnal and vernal equinox respectively. All four of these events played major roles in the lives of the ancients, but none more so than the vernal or spring equinox. The length of day and night are equal at the equinoxes but to the ancients it was the time when the Sun “returned” to the sky, a time of rebirth and renewal. Many cultures, ancient and recent, have built monuments to the “first day of spring”. The most celebrated is Stonehenge, the mysterious stone temple whose construction was begun by the Neolithic Windmill people around 3000 B.C. It has alignments for the solstices and equinoxes as well as other solar and lunar events. In the Americas, the temple of Chichen Itza in Yucatan, Mexico, built by the Mayans around 550 A.D., is designed so that at the vernal equinox a shadow shaped like a serpent appears to slither down the main staircase of the great pyramid. This was done with a series of intricate stepped terraces placed to cast the desired shadows emulating a moving snake on the day of the equinox. The Big Horn Medicine Wheel built about 1760 A.D. in Wyoming is a circle of stones 80 feet in diameter with a hub consisting of a cairn of rocks piled several feet high and 12 feet in diameter. Twenty-eight spokes extend from the hub to an outer ring of stones with various spokes lined up with the solstices and equinoxes. The medicine wheel was constructed so that the alignments appear to have been calibrated against the heliacal rising of the star Aldebaran that corresponded almost exactly with the summer solstice at the time it was built. Some question if the builders would have had that level of astronomical sophistication, but it is even less likely that all of the alignments are mere coincidence. One of the most intriguing of America’s astronomical sites is Mystery Hill in Salem, N.H. Nicknamed “America’s Stonehenge,” it is a maze of man-made chambers, walls, and monoliths of shaped stones that has been dated to 2000 B.C. by radiocarbon analysis of charcoal from a fire pit. Was it built by
Native Americans or migrant Europeans? No one knows, but graffiti in Ogham, a 4th century Irish writing system, and Iberian Punic has been identified by Dr. Barry Fell of Harvard University. Whoever built the site; they had a keen sense for the change of seasons for the Sun rises precisely over one monolith and sets over another on the day of the vernal equinox. In 1475, Paolo Toscanelli built the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, Italy so that on the vernal equinox a beam of sunlight entered a hole in the ceiling and illuminated the sanctuary. It has been called the most beautiful monument to astronomy in the world. The fact that the ancients associated the vernal equinox with rebirth was not lost on the early Christian church, which fixed Easter, the time of Christ’s resurrection, as the first Sunday following the first full Moon after the spring equinox. We have all heard that the world will soon enter the “Age of Aquarius” when peace will at last reign. This was a popular theme of the rock musical “Hair”. But what is an Age? Because the Earth wobbles on its axis as its spins, a phenomena known as precession, the vernal equinox does not take place in the same point in the sky each year, but moves ahead about one degree every 72 years. The point makes a complete circle, or 360 degrees, every 25,800 years. Since there are 12 houses in the zodiac, it switches houses roughly every 2100 years. An Age is given the name of the constellation in which the vernal equinox takes place. It moved from Taurus into Aries about 1875 B.C., from Aries into Pisces about 100 B.C. where it remains today, and will move into Aquarius about 2600 A.D. Thus the Age of Aquarius is still well in the future but think of this, the ancients were not only able to determine the point of the vernal equinox but predict when it would move from one house to another over a period of thousands of years! P.S. There is a myth that you can stand an egg on its end at the equinox and it will stay. True or False? You try!
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1. Heilbron, J.L., “The Sun in the Church: Cathedrals as Solar Observatories,” Cambridge University Press, 1999. 2. Fell, Barry, “America BC: ancient settlers in the New World,” New York Times Book Company, 1976. 3. Burl, Aubrey, “Great Stone Circles”, Yale University Press, 1999. 4. Cornell, James, “The First Stargazers: An introduction to the origins of astronomy,” Charles Scribners Sons, 1981. Clair G. Wood, Ed.D, taught chemistry, physics and introductory astronomy at the community college and university levels for many years. He has written a monthly astronomy column, Maine Shies, for the Bangor Daily News since 1976 and over this time has developed a fascination with, and deep respect for, the astronomical observations of the ancients. Sacred Monuments.
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Michael Seymour is a yoga instructor, a wellness consultant and author. He lives in Falmouth, Maine. You can reach him at vesicapisces@gmail.com
April/May 2006 Inner Tapestry 17
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First of all know that you are loved, even if you cannot think of any good examples of people that you know, know that you are loved. From that knowledge, love yourself; after all you are all that you have. Love is commonly thought of as a feeling but more importantly it is an action. Loving yourself means treating yourself with dignity, respect, and care. Taking care of your physical, mental, and spiritual health is an act of love. All other acts of love stem from loving you. This is not to be confused with being selfish or even narcissistic; it is instead the foundation of humanity. Developing a sense of love for you may take some time but remain devoted to that mission for as long as it takes. Learning to love yourself is a tremendous gift not only to yourself but to humanity as a whole, it is a gift to those that you love, a gift to those that you meet, a gift to those that look up to you, a gift to anyone that notices. Consequently, recognizing these gifts breeds gratitude, the humble acceptance of abundant love. As you develop gratitude and true love for yourself they become overflowing. A natural extension of this love is service, meaning service to something larger than yourself or someone other than yourself. Most commonly we experience this as service to members of our family. Service can be anything, small or large, it has no limits. Tiny acts of charity and gestures of kindness can have a significant impact on others. Much joy is derived from helping each other to learn, grow, and heal. As you serve others you are rewarded with joy in your heart and peace in your soul. You may even end up with more friends, a supportive community and abundant love all around you. Loving well is not difficult and not expensive, decide and commit.
Vernal Equinox
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Interviews D en ni s G r a nn i s- P h oe n i x b y J u d it h P e rry
Dennis Grannis-Phoenix is the founder of Turtle Journeys, an ecopsychological counseling practice designed to guide individuals to connect with nature in order to connect with Self. Dennis has a Masters of Arts degree in Ecopsychological Counseling from Prescott College, is a licensed social worker, registered Maine guide, and a mentor for teens and adults navigating life’s transitions. He offers personal counseling, group workshops, and sea kayaking wilderness trips designed to guide individuals longing for connections with nature and Self.
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For a long time now, I have had an interest in our relationship to nature. It is what I’ve been exploring in my paintings yet, after all this time it remains a bit of a mystery to me. As Dennis and I began discussing this topic it became clear that the simplest ideas can be complex. In reading Dennis’ story and other writings (his thesis entitled “An Organic Inquiry into Personal Transformation as a Result of a Nature-Based Experience”) he talked about 'returning’, how this work is an 'invitation’ to return to who we are and the importance of sharing our stories. Our conversation touched on these and many other ideas. Here is an excerpt of our ongoing conversation.
4 Nature-based counseling is a style of therapeutic intervention that incorporates ecology with psychology. It integrates nature into the therapeutic process. This involves a base recognition that humans are part of the circle or web of life, that we have no inherent dominion over nature and what we do to nature we do to our Self.
4 JP: How did you find your way to Turtle Journeys? DGP: The answer to this question has been the motivation for all my transitions since 1991. It was the first part of my Master’s Thesis. My own story of transformation became the impetus for me over the years to follow this path; upon knowing that nature based experiences had provided me with healing I once thought unimaginable. It is from this place of reconnection with nature and the emotional, psychical, and spiritual healing that occurs there that I became interested in ecopsychology, adventure therapy, ritual, ceremony, and rites of passage. As I studied these new forms of ancient knowledge I also learned to honor the exceptional human experiences and synchronicities that surround us. JP: Are there times when this type of work is particularly helpful? DGP: There are key times when this work can be most effective. These are “transition points” that every individual goes through as they live life. They include leaving home of origin (usually after high school or college), developing a relationship with a significant other (or ending that relationship), entering the workplace (career/ or leaving the same), birth or death of significant others, enrolling in school at middle age, retirement, children leaving home, etc. These events usually cause enough disequilibrium or discomfort 18 Inner Tapestry April/May 2006
that the individual is willing to try new behaviors to return to homeostasis or stability. It’s the opportunity to break out of the old molds that were given to us by parents, schools, etc., when we were very young and we continued to mold ourselves based on outside influences. With guidance and support of someone trained to walk down that path with the individual we can now identify and return to the basic components that feed our soul, our passions and return to our community with the message or gift of who we really are. And all of this is dependent upon our reconnecting with nature - both the other-than-human and our own human nature.
Ecopsychology proceeds from the assumption that at it's deepest level the psyche remains sympathetically bonded to the Earth that mothered us into existence. JP: Why in your view is a relationship to nature so important? DGP: This is a wonderful question that is full of complexities but I will try to give the simple answer. Nature is ambivalent about our participation AND simultaneously nature will embrace us when we make ourselves available. These seemingly opposing stances help to move us as individuals out of our ego-space and into a more humbling place of being a part of the circle. Nature makes no demands on us to be anything other than what we are at our essence. And the way we discover what that essence is, is by immersing ourselves in nature. We are not required to wear any masks nor pretend to be ANYTHING. The boundaries between us (individuals) and nature dissolve through our immersion in nature. It is here that we find our original Self. We are innately “part of nature” but we’ve learned to be “apart from nature”, which causes the dualistic thought patterns resulting in the destruction of the environment and the diminishment of the role human’s play. JP: Explain this idea that humans are a part of nature DGP: How we are a part of nature- I think it’s ironic that we even have to discuss and define this topic as a culture. I think it’s indicative how far we have moved from the essence of who we are as a species. This I believe is a theorem from which to work. It’s from Theodore Roszak, author of the ground-breaking book “Ecopsychology-Restoring the earth, healing the mind” “...ecopsychology proceeds from the assumption that at it's deepest level the psyche remains sympathetically bonded to the Earth that
mothered us into existence.” Another critical idea from this same book is, “if the self is expanded to include the natural world, behavior leading to destruction of this world will be experienced as self-destruction”. It was really with the advent of Freud that modern civilization began to look at the space within our skin as the boundary of self. And it was with the advent of Judeo-Christian doctrine and scientific objectivity that animism, paganism, and the sense of a soulful connection with nature was censored. JP: And how did we become ‘apart’ from nature? DGP: Unfortunately in our Western society we have lost sight of our Self. It is masked with consumerism and materialism and we get lost in our “havingness” so we don’t know what is the basis for our most personal decisions but rely on messages from others including the media to inform us. By resorting to nature, the natural environment, wildness and wilderness as the place to which we return for healing, we can drop those masks and return again to our most basic beliefs. How does this happen? By incorporating ritual and ceremony (of which there are many models for individuals new to this way of being until each person has learned to build his/her own ceremony) the person is able to break out of ordinary reality (consumer, materials based) and return to their natural reality where relationships with “other-than-humans” can be re-established. JP: Why do you feel it is important to share our experiences of returning’? DGP: It is the sharing of our transformational experiences in nature that especially excites me— when we are connected with nature, we are connected with ourselves and through these connections we can begin to understand who we are and what the meaning of our life is really about. I believe by sharing our experiences and telling our stories of transformation, we reshape our identities and show others different ways of reshaping their self image into one that is more aligned with their true self. Dennis Grannis-Phoenix lives in Mid Coast Maine and can be reached at 207-273-1390 or e-mail at turtlejourneys@tds.net.
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Judith Perry is an Artist and Writer living on the coast of Maine. Her landscape derived paintings reflect our connection to nature. To see some of her paintings go to www.judithperry.com.
Prayer Rock, Artisit unknown.
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Wildgathering Topics Meeting the Wild Medicine Plants Cooking with Wild Herbs Macular Degeneration and Herbs that Help Wild Edibles Food and First Aid Fermented Foods Resonance and the Healing Properties of Sacred Spaces Fun Felt Fabric with Fungi Medicinal Fungi of Maine and the World Making Fire with a Bow Drill Making Cordage wit Natural Fibers Brown As Basketry Blacksmithing Bead-Weaving Hands-On Photovoltaics Building a Solar Herb and Vegetable Dehydrator Transcendental Healing Connecting with Elementals Growing and Caring for Perennial Plants Making Moccasins Spiritual PhytoEssencing 20 Inner Tapestry April/May 2006
Psychic Healing Midwifery Ecological Parenting Computing Yoga in the Morning Sound Ideas Chakra Clearing Poetry from the Heart Plant Spirit Medicine Developing Sustainable Communities Creating Significant and Lasting Change in the World Creating a Better World Wine making with Wild Fruit Paper Making Paper Folding Milkweed Spinning Women's Mysteries and so much more... An abundance of wholesome and delicious cuisine is available all weekend at very fair prices in the kitchen below the Exhibition Hall. There will also be food, dessert and beverage vendors in the outside marketplace.
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Relational Thinking by Merry Hall, PhD. & Burl Hall, MA
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n order to create better relationships, an initial, crucial step must be to transform our current system of thought. Our seldom questioned belief in a dualistic, warring universe, with scarce resources over which one must maintain control, has gotten us into an adversarial framework that undermines all our relationships from the most personal to the most global. This mind-set of scarcity and a resultant need for domination creates inevitable conflicts. Our way out of these conflicts is a realization of a universe grounded in infinite potential. What we need is an explosion of radiant conscious energy which can reshape our entire perception of the universe and all our relationships within it. This transformative consciousness will set us free and into the arms of Love. Belief is paramount to change. If we believe Love, trust Love, and live Love, then Love will unfold. We propose, in this article, to explore how we can facilitate such a paradigm shift. We must hasten this change of our personal and cultural mindsets, for the hour is late if we are to avoid catastrophe in our psyches, homes, relationships, communities, politics, and ecology. Fortunately, such a paradigm shift is already underway among many of the leading thinkers in the fields of eco-psychology, physics, life sciences, anthropology, mythology, philosophy, deep ecology, and eco-feminism. Thought in these purportedly diverse fields is converging upon a relational paradigm of abundance in which all beings mirror, support, and amplify one another. We wish to highlight and celebrate this convergence, which we see as humankind’s greatest hope for ending interpersonal and intercultural warfare. The first stage in relating peaceably is to understand the belief system that we are spreading worldwide, which is shaping our perceptions and behavior. Riana Eisner (1988) identifies two primary ways of relating throughout history: the dominating model and the partnership model. These models are used to describe all relationships, be they between humanity and Nature, man and woman, friends and colleagues, nation and nation, one religion and another, or warring parts within ourselves. In order to cross over from the dominating model, current in so much western and globalized modern culture, to the partnership model, common to most ancient and indigenous cultures, we would have to see these relationships as complementary rather than adversarial. We need to redevelop the partnership mind-set in our relations to each other and to our Earth. David Bohm (2002) reveals why the partnership model is much more realistic, fitting the nature of all things in the universe more truly than does the dominating model. Bohm states the universe is akin to a holographic image where each part mirrors and contains the whole. A functional understanding of this principle may be behind the miracle Jesus works when He feeds the multitude from seven loaves and fishes (Matthew 15: 34-36). This idea is beautifully imaged in Deepak Chopra’s (1998) Ageless Body, Timeless Mind where readers are led on a guided journey into the world beyond their surface skin (p. 42). As we proceed through the journey, we soon find that the atoms in our body are contained in an emptiness as vast as intergalactic space. Going even further, we soon find ourselves with depths and potentialities that extend into infinity. The holographic universe theory of each part mirroring the whole further encompasses all our cognitions, such as thoughts, beliefs, and perceptions, which are systemic reflections of our cultural beliefs (Bohm, 1994). As we think and believe, so we
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act. A belief in scarcity, including its resultant need for dominance and control in order to survive, makes abuse the norm and sustainable loving relationship a difficult achievement. Our shared belief in scarcity that breeds rivalry evolved as part of the dominating mind-set over the past four or five thousand years with the advent of civilization and our “divorce” from Nature. According to the shared story of Judeo-Christian (and Muslim) culture, once we arrogantly decided to dominate Earth rather than co-operate as one among the creatures of the Garden of Eden, we were exiled into the harsh, competitive world where Cain killed his brother, Abel. Our deep, culturally shared belief that we are unwelcome in the garden and fear that we will die if we do not compete for scarce resources may be responsible for much of the neediness we actually experience. Our belief system is almost certainly seminal in what we manifest individually as poverty, relationally as abuse, and globally as starvation and resource depletion. We are looking here, at the deeper principle underlying what we call “self-fulfilling prophecy.” Once we believe in something deeply and clearly enough to fear it, we inseminate the potential monster we fear, bringing it to manifestation.
Only when we develop faith that we are holographic images of an all-providing, life-supporting universe, will we trust ourselves, one another and our earth to sustain us in peace and prosperity. Rather than working from this perspective of terror and competition for scarce resources, we must unfold a true partnership society upon this earth. To do so entails acknowledging, confronting, and transforming our current mind-set of dualism, individualism, and antagonism that discounts and minimizes relational thought. Only when we develop faith that we are holographic images of an all-providing, life-supporting universe, will we trust ourselves, one another, and our earth to sustain us in peace and prosperity. We cannot “consider the lilies of the field” as relevant to our condition unless we believe them to be our sisters, another holographic image of the same source from which we arise. Clearly, a paradigmatic transformation is a crucial forerunner of such a radical change. In dualistic thought, there is a basic separation of the person from all others and from the environment as a whole. Indeed, there are even basic intrapersonal divisions between the unconscious and the conscious minds, and between body, mind, and spirit in such a mind-set. In contrast, relational thinking is evidenced in tribal cultures that see the unity of body-mind-spirit,
acknowledge Nature as our primal Mother, embed the individual in the tribe, look to the ancestors for guidance, and consider the effects of our choices on our progeny unto the seventh generation. In other words, relational thinking is characterized by understanding how the individual relates to all events, things, and people past, present, and future. For example, if a spouse were tempted to have an affair and were thinking relationally, (s)he would immediately consider the impact on the partner, the children, and all the other lives entwined with his or hers. Even the ancestors and the progeny would be honored in the decision making. Much more would be taken into account than immediate personal gratification. In the paradigm shift integrating spirituality, philosophy, and science occurring today (Capra, 1999) there is a return to this more ancient relational way of understanding the universe. Interestingly, the term revolution means to come full circle. What is revolutionary, meaning breaking anew from the status quo, paradoxically proves also to be revolutionary, meaning cyclically returning to its beginnings. Hence, we seem to be returning to what we once knew through the language of myth and metaphor. If we are to internalize this holographic, relational mind-set, we must begin at the beginning, with our relationship to the Earth. Once we alienated ourselves from the soil whence we came and whither we return, we inevitably alienate ourselves from all our brothers and sisters, as the story of Cain and Abel reminds us. First, we must understand the term nature as meaning essence. Nature is our Soul, writ large. Nature is the essence of who we are, our true being. We dimly acknowledge this relationship when we speak of “human nature.” If we acknowledge that we are integral to nature and she is integral to us, it becomes our most pressing task to allow the soul to transform us to engage in a more connective relationship with the Earth and all her people. In that connection, we will begin to see our soul and the soul of the earth as united in harmonious love. Hence, the singular commandment, the Golden Rule, “Love thy neighbor as thyself,” will become our operational mind-set. Indeed, once we realize our infinity and holographic relationship to the universe and all it contains, we will understand that no two things, no two people exist side-by-side. That which appears separate is but a different hologram of the whole. Our neighbor is ourself, and how we treat him determines how we are treated in turn. Both women and nature are seen in globalized culture and many contemporary religions, including Judaism, Islam and Christianity, as fallen, inferior creatures. This hierarchical degradation has led to a denial of the feminine in the male psyche, which is often attacked using such terms as sissy and pussy. For many boys, to be equated to a girl is to suffer ultimate humiliation. Some of this may be a boy’s natural inclination to be weaned from the breasts of a woman and move into adult manhood, which should be done through puberty rites as in many “primitive” societies. Much of this attacking of the feminine reveals a fear of the deep feminine, the wild psyche that swallows and disintegrates, that lies unconsciously in both male and female minds (B. Hall, 2000). Indeed, going into this place could spell a loss of control and hence a death of sorts. Yet, as the metaphor of going into a cave reveals, it is there in those feminine depths that we find our deepest treasure. Tao Osho (2005) states that the feminine is the agent of all change, of evolution. Only in the indefinite, unfilled,
23 our so-called unconscious, which again is filled with infinite potential. The individualized consciousness is scared of not being in control and hence is scared of its death via the revolution of an ancient consciousness from an ocean of infinite possibilities. This fear of the loss of power is the heart of the fear of woman and true creativity and it is the suppression of Nature, which means more than birds, bees and coconut trees. It means our Essence, or Truth. Because King Herod was fearful of being overthrown, Mary and Joseph had to take the Child Jesus into Egypt for hiding. The King, the individualized consciousness locked into his ruling class, is fearful of his demise and hence sets out to destroy the Divine Child, the new consciousness that mirrors the old and takes it to a new level. The need for us to hide this Divine Child within ourselves is not peculiar to Christian mythology. It is evident throughout the world. The story of Moses being sent off in a basket to be raised by Pharaoh’s wife only to lead his people out of slavery is an example of the same repeating story. This same drama manifests through Zeus who is hidden by His Mother Rhea to keep Him from being eaten by His Father, Saturn. In the movie, Willow, Aluna must be hidden and protected from the witch, fearful of losing her power, and in Snow White, the dwarves hide the princess from her jealous stepmother. These stories reveal the same theme: the Divine Child, the revolutionary Soul, is a threat and must go into hiding. Yet, this Divine Child has already returned and walks among us. He is not a literal child, but a holistic movement given birth by our Soul. He is still small, and not yet well known by the status quo. He is still newly born, though He is ancient. He needs nurturing and love to grow. He grows in the wombs that are marrying spirituality and science. He walks in the new science that sees Gaia, the Earth, as a living being. He thrives in the recognition of the universe as an interrelated web. He plays with those who are true lovers of Peace, yet continues to hide from those who speak peace yet pit themselves up against a perceived enemy to conserve what they interpret to be the source of their wealth and power. The Divine Child is indeed the Child of Mary, the power of marriage or union, for He conjoins all opposites in honor of His Mother. He resolves the central paradox of diversity within unity by revealing all opposites and adversaries to be complements and mirror images of each other. Though He is revolutionary, in the sense that He comes full circle to complete the wisdom of the ancients; He is also revolutionary, in the alternative sense that He is the flower of the newly evolving humanity, never looking the same or as we expect from prior manifestations, for He is the Son of Infinity-Eternity wedded, by Love, to Earthly humanity. The way to peaceable, sustainable relationships upon the planet is to bring forth a newly born ancient consciousness of Love. We need to foster a relational consciousness. We can call it Christ Consciousness. We can call it Buddha Consciousness. We can call it Krishna Consciousness. We can call it eco-consciousness. We can call it anything we want, for all are part of one holographic universe. The Christ, the Buddha, Krishna, and so on all mirror one another at a very deep level, as do their Mothers (B. Hall, 1999). To bring forth this relational Consciousness, we have to understand that we need to monitor and change our own thinking habits. We cannot afford to deem as the enemy this consciousness in which we are historically embedded. Such an adversarial, hateful interpretation of our relationship to those who think differently from us will hinder the development and birth of the new consciousness. To call the old consciousness an enemy is to pit one consciousness against the other. Dueling paradigms will not advance our cause! Rather we must see, inseminate, and nurture the seed of yin that lies at the heart of yang, always realizing that we are complements, not adversaries, of those who hold onto the patriarchal paradigm. We are all in this fragile
Earthship together. Nobody gets thrown overboard or left to freeze in the cold sea without bringing death and destruction to the “survivors.” Hidden within every heart is the seed of mother-love, masked by terror of surrender to the inner feminine. All saber flashing hides a terrified little boy who can only be redeemed by Love. The major block to peaceful, sustainable relationships, then, is our dualistic thinking. Interestingly, one of the Devil’s names is Diabalos meaning, the Divider. When we take a look at how we are relating to the world in this day and age, we are definitely in the clutches of a dividing consciousness. Today, we have the battle of male against female, left against right, children against parents, red state against blue state, nation against nation, and humanity against Nature. This adversarial mind-set creates war within ourselves, for we pit our conscious against our unconscious mind. Hence, control and domination rule the planet. Yet, when we begin to see the world through holistic eyes, everyone and everything reappear as brothers and sisters. We realize, and therefore make real, the unity of all things, from the tiniest speck of dust to the greatest mountain. In that realization of our relatedness, we will find ourselves revealed or evolved as the Bridegroom, the one groomed for the Bride—Peace, Love, and Truth--Herself. When that evolutionary, revolutionary change happens, the gods will laugh, for the great joke will be revealed. We were inextricably married to Her all along!
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Bibliography Bateson, Gregory, Steps to an Ecology of Mind, (Chicago, Ill: The University of Chicago Press, 2000). Bohm, David, Wholeness and the Implicate Order, (New York, NY: Routledge Classics, 2002). Bohm, David, Thought as a System, (New York, NY: Routledge Classics, 1994). Campbell, Joseph, The Hero of a Thousand Faces, (Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 1968). Capra, Fritjof, The Tao of Physics: An Exploration of the Parallels between Modern Physics and Eastern Mysticism, (Boston, Mass: Shambhala Publications Inc., 1999). Chopra, Depak, Ageless Body, Timeless Mind, (New York, NY: Three Rivers Press, 1998). Eisler, Riane, The Chalice and the Blade: Our History, Our Future, (New York, NY: HarperCollins, 1988). Graves, Robert, The White Goddess: A Historical Grammar of Poetic Myth, (New York, NY: Noonday Press, 1948). Goethe, Johann Wolfgang (Tr.), Kaufmann, Walter, (New York, NY: Anchor Books, 1990). Hall, Burl B., Sophia’s Web: Understanding the Unity and Diversity of Religion, Science and Ourselves, (Fredericksburg, VA: Burl Hall Publishing, 1999). Hall, Burl B., “The Fear of Ego Dissolution and the Suppression of Feminine Power,” (Unpublished Manuscript presented at University of Texas, Arlington, 2000). Hall, Meredith, “Rape of Gaia,” (Unpublished Manuscript, 2006). Jung, Carl G., ed., Campbell, Joseph, The Portable Jung, (New York, NY: Penguin Books, 1978). Katzenback, Maria, “The Ecopsychology of Oedipus,” Gatherings: Online Journal of the International Community of Ecopsychology, (November, 2005). Osho, Tao: The History and Teachings, (East Sussex, UK: Ixos Press, 2005). Burl Hall, MA, and Merry Hall, PhD, are directors of Nature’s Wisdom, with a mission to develop community that fosters peaceful, sustainable lifestyles and promotes the unfolding of personal potential. Burl Hall is a counselor, and author of Sophia’s Web: Understanding the Unity and Diversity of Religion, Science and Ourselves, available at http://amazon.com and http://1stbooks.com. Merry Hall, certified as a priestess, with a PhD in education, is an experienced teacher and leader of rituals that reconnect us with our health. You may call us at 207-737-4376 or email us at natursewisdomme@yahoo.com
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feminine internal space within them do the walls constructed by the masculine external labor become a room or a home. Without the unmanifest no-thingness of the feminine principle, the universe collapses back upon itself and ceases to have life. All potential for new creation, evolution, or healing dwell in the feminine unmanifest. Furthermore, the anatomy of the human female reflects this evolutionary role that the feminine has in the universe. Indeed, a woman’s body is a major and dramatic change from the bodies of the rest of the female animals with whom we share this planet. Unlike other female animals, the human woman is able to engage in intercourse at any time and is not tied to times of heat during which she is most likely to become impregnated. Furthermore, her genitals are positioned more to the front, which allows for intercourse face-to-face. The primary effect of these changes is to allow greater intimacy and love. It would seem from this development in the bodies of women that our evolutionary purpose is to love. How, then, are we living up to that purpose? Isn’t such lived-out Love what Jesus tried to impart in His teachings? Isn’t the living out of the imperative to love what the new paradigm of a relational universe is trying to impart? Such love, whether expressed in interpersonal one - on-one relationships, through intrapersonal self-worth, between human and God, between creature and Earth, or among tribes, is made possible by the feminine principle within the universe. If we remain locked into patriarchy’s masculine dominance model of being a controlling power, be it corporate, governmental or religious, then the feminine is a threat. This threat is the death of the status quo, for the feminine impulse brings forth a change that means our transformation or death through the birth of a new paradigm. This transforming power of the feminine is reflected outright in the Bible’s “Book of Hagia Sophia,” alternatively titled “The Wisdom of Solomon,” where Wisdom (Sophia) is described as unchanging yet renewing the world. Solomon understood that Sophia dwelt at his very heart, as his very own soul. When we come to know ourselves from a holographic perspective and see ourselves in the light of Sophia’s wisdom, then we each are created male and female in God’s image, just as the original creation story asserts in Genesis 1:27. If I am a man, then every woman I see reflects my inner world. If I am a woman, then every man reflects my external consciousness that interacts by spreading his joy into the world. Each of us, then, is Adam and Eve! Just as the black and white halves of the yin-yang symbol enfold each other to form a unity and combine pure dots of the complementary part within the heart of their being; so, too, men and women marry to reunite as one and find themselves mirrored in each other’s heart. If we are grounded in Bohm’s Infinite Ocean of Energy, then we have at our disposal a plenitude of power. However, when we, like Orion become blinded by the sun, i.e., our surface consciousness, we have become deluded into believing that we live in a world of scarce resources, which then creates poverty for both rich and poor. The rich man thinks he lives in a limited world and has to hoard the scarce resources by whatever means possible, even killing. Yet, his mind is as impoverished as the poor man. Indeed, the poor man might be richer by realizing the universe is unlimited. Many a struggling artist works on because his love for what he does is unlimited. He sees his wealth in his art, which is infinite in its variability. To understand this idea metaphorically, consider how far you can see looking up into the sunlit daytime skies and how far you can see on a clear night. Why, on a clear night, you can see light years away into events that happened thousands of years ago! As the theory of the holographic universe would predict, myths play themselves out throughout each one of us. The part mirrors the whole. In my opinion, the myths live themselves out in the way we approach
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Feng Shui & Geopathology by Werner Brandmaier
Ants, Insects and Geopathic Stress: What do ants have to do with Geopathic Stress? A valid question. As Feng Shui describes energetic patterns outside and inside a home, nature relies on a multitude of structures, processes, and relations. When we hear about strong earth energy, we mainly think of positive energies, such as beautiful mountains, valleys with waterfalls, naturally occurring patterns in a landscape, vortexes, and ley lines connecting those power spots. Ancient cathedrals and temples were always built on sites of special uplifting energy, over centuries adding new structures on top of the old ones. Most every Hindu temple is built over a “swayambu“ an earthly manifestation of a spiritual force.
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However, there is another side of energies in nature which supports degrading and decay. Although this might appear to be of “negative“ quality, there is nothing like “positive“ and “negative“ in nature. Everything has its purpose. “Rotting“ plays a critical role in the life cycle of all beings. Dust becomes dust again, as we are already taught in the bible. Clean-ups in nature are organized on different levels. Wild animals, foxes, vultures do the rough part, insects, worms, beatles and ants take care of another layer, bacteria and microbes do the final work. It turns out that ants love degrading earth stress patterns. Why? Because they make their work easier. Ants take things apart, clean up and find help in specific energetic structures which we call geopathic stress.
planning a house they first staked the outline of the house, then looked for an anthill nearby and carefully brought part of the anthill over to the planned location of the bedroom and the bed. If the ants would stay and start a new nest, this was considered a bad spot, if they would move away to look for a better spot, this was a good sign. At the ASD Convention (American Society of Dowsers the annual week-long dowsers convention in Vermont) two years ago I met a lovely elderly couple from Pennsylvania. After a talk I gave there, they came forward and explained their problem with carpenter ants they’ve had since they moved into their present home. Nothing had worked so far. Both dowsers, they brought back new remedies and treatments each year from dowser gatherings, but nothing had been really successful until then. When they installed one of the German made energy shields against geopathic stress (“Feng Shui Power Disc“) the impossible happened: Within a week the ants had declined and after another week they were all gone. What had happened?
Geopathic stress describes zones, areas and grids where rotting (and aging) takes place faster than anywhere else. Not a good spot to spend a lot of time on, but essential for universal life cycles. When we deal with infestation of ants in a house we always find a major Geopathic energy grid running towards the house. An old German folk tradition describes a custom, that people in old times knew about the correlation and used it to their advantage. When 24 Inner Tapestry April/May 2006
Many farm animals such as horses or pigs are very energy sensitive, too, and get sick if they are locked in an unhealthy box and there is no way to escape a situation in a stable. Please remember: Areas with geopathic stress exposure are common and part of nature, but they drain our Qi, they enhance aging and rotting, and therefore are not healthy to be on. Learn as much as you can about them, begin reading
In order to permanently get rid of ants we need to follow a two way approach: 1. Neutralize incoming geopathic earth patterns in the house. 2. Catch the situation early in the season before young ants start to explore their space and establish new paths to food sources. Once this time window has passed it takes longer and might need several trials and even physical termination again to interrupt the memory.
Geopathic stress not only has an effect on ants:
Geopathic stress (Webster‘s: "geo" - of the earth, "pathology" - all the conditions, processes or results of a particular disease) is a negatively associated term for stress related issues caused by earth energies. Not everything which is created by mother earth is healthy for us humans.
Cats are attracted by geopathic stress, dogs try to avoid it. Whatever favorite spots they choose in the house give us hints about existing earth energy drains. Sometimes both love a bed, but a closer look with a dowsing instrument reveals: The cat lies on the grid, the dog not.
Unlike many tricks to put sweet bait outside the house, to use oils and herbs or even talk to the ant queen and offer them another source of food far away from the house, the neutralization of the main energy that ants strive on was what drove them to look outside the house for the energetic environment they were familiar with.
However, extermination alone, without neutralizing the energy pathways, offers only temporary relief. It is essential that the geopathic problem is taken care of at the same time, otherwise new colonies of ants will find their way back into the house along the grids lines and soon bother us again.
Large ant hill on an earth fault line. Tree next to it shows signs of misgrowth. Photo courtesy of Werner Brandmaier
some additional well known signs of geopathic stress detectors among mammals:
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Bees give up to 40 % more honey if their hives are located above underground water veins. Many bee-keepers know how to dowse for water and take advantage of that old knowledge.
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Wasps build their nests preferably where Geopathic lines cross. If wasps start nesting in a house wall, that is not a good sign. • Even ladybugs thrive with that type of energy. I did a consultation for a couple a while ago and the woman installed one of our house shields to neutralize three different geopathic grids in her house. For whatever reason she “forgot“ to inform her husband about any details because he might not have been too open-minded about her approach. One morning soon after while shaving in the bathroom, he noticed that their most recent swarm of ladybugs which gather in their bathroom each year in winter, was gone! Regular readers of this column might remember
Ants climbing straight up a tree, which stands on an earth fault line. Photo courtesy of Werner Brandmaier
the signs, watch misgrowth in trees, follow the ants, listen to your pets. In case you want to do more, take dowsing classes, join one of the many dowsing groups all over the country and come to one of their big conventions. The next ASD Annual Convention is from June 17th to 24th in Lyndonville, VT. I’ll be there, too. You’ll find information about this event together with books and dowsing tools on the website of the American Society of Dowsers at www.dowser.org.
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Werner Brandmaier Dipl.Ing., a medical engineer and a citizen of Austria, studied with prominent international Feng Shui masters and trained in Germany to practice dowsing and geopathology. Werner offers consultations for homes and businesses and teaches workshops and seminars. He is a member of the International Feng Shui Guild and the American Society of Dowsers. You may contact Werner (207) 772-7888, or werner@InstituteofFengShui.com. Visit his Website at: www.InstituteofFengShui.com.
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Awareness and the art of Seeing: contemplations on the environment and interconnection
by Jen Deraspe
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Winter into Spring
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Nurture Through Nat ure
Let Us Guide You Home... Pleasant Mountain, Denmark
Jen Deraspe is a licensed Maine Guide, holistic retreat facilitator, certified yoga instructor and adjunct faculty member with the University of Southern Maine's College of Nursing and Health Professionals. She owns Nurture Through Nature, providing holistic nature retreats for women. She lives off the grid on Pleasant Mountain in Denmark. www.ntnretreats.com (207) 452-2929.
By Jason FREIDUS
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s I travel through this time and space, what I like to refer to as my earth walk, I can’t help but realize that I am not alone. I begin to remember that through lifetimes I have cultivated both good and bad relationships. My parents told me that if you have as many true friends as you have fingers you are doing well. As I look at my life, I am happy to say that I have a number of true friends that I can count on one hand. I will say it has been a process to attain this. I consider these friends part of what I call ones Soul Group. A soul group is made up of beings which have agreed to support each other on this journey we call human life. These beings have had many incarnations together, each taking on different roles. There are many ways to recognize someone in your soul group. One may notice parallels, similar issues, struggles and/or experiences in relationship with someone, which goes beyond coincidence. You may also connect with someone who shares a unique understanding and acceptance of your spiritual process and development. I do believe however, to begin consciously meeting beings in your soul group; one must accept and be at peace with self first. If we have not begun to look at ourselves from a loving and accepting way how are we going to be able to see beyond our own selfish, self-centered needs to connect with anyone? A way to begin changing is by saying to yourself a positive affirmation such as, “I am my best friend”. Do this is in the mirror once a day or when you are driving. In making this commitment to self, you will begin to experience self-love. At this point, you will begin seeing yourself in others you meet with a greater level of unconditional love and acceptance. This will support movement in a direction that will attract connections with other like-minded souls. Just move onward saying, “I am ready to have the friendships and relationships I deserve”! Words are powerfully creative expressions, which tell the Universe what we are ready for. This creative force can be used to attract those who can support us on our journey of self-exploration and discovery. This journey can sometimes feel quite lonely. At times, it will feel like no one understands or is interested in what you are feeling. So, if you have been feeling alone try to remember you are never alone. Just walk in nature and you will begin to feel that even in the dead of winter, the refreshing cold air is a great opportunity to explore the life that is right in front of our eyes and to feel the love and support of ALL THAT IS. Sometimes the woods will bring solace that even a friend could not provide. A running stream or river always brings feelings of love and passion to the spirit. This can be a wonderful time to be with yourself and expand that most basic relationship that there is, the relationship with self. This relationship is the foundation on which all others are formed. When I see a person having a hard time with a new friendship in their life, I feel it’s because they have left a door open to the past. They are bringing in the unhealed wounds of the past into the present relationship. This can interfere with the new friendship/relationship if one is not open to using the current relationship to heal those of the past. The past is asking to be healed through present experiences. We attract relationships to support us in experiencing ourselves as whole beings. If we are not able or willing to see this, we keep going back for completion and in turn repeat the past. This is where loving of self comes into play. If we are loving and accepting of our experiences and ourselves, we create an opportunity to move forward and not replay the past. I feel by embracing ourselves and our lives we will begin drawing our soul group near, and we will all have a new wave of friends. You will find when you meet your soul group that they will have unmistakable energy, energy that you will feel you have known forever and you may feel drawn to explore these relationships/friendships. Whether you think it is chance or fate the connection is meant to be. How will we meet the connection? Will we do so openly, peacefully or will we resist? The choice is ours, but we will continue to meet ourselves until we are willing to embrace and accept ourselves fully in that experience. Remember, life is a journey of self-exploration and discovery. Take the opportunity to be aware of all that is happening around you because it is all giving you the chance to become closer to yourself and all other life. Remember, if you are feeling alone it may be serving to be alone because drawing into self and away from the external chaos many be a truly wonderful gift. Just follow the clues that spirit places before you, they are always serving and timely. Please feel free to write me, thank you for reading! Also, I want to say thanks to Inner Tapestry for getting us out there, I’ve had people write that I haven’t seen or spoken to in years!
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"I am happy to announce the opening of Touchstonebookstore and More located at 1832 Forest Ave. in Portland where I will be teaching and offering readings and I look forward to the opportunity to meet and connect with many more of you!" Jason Freidus lives in Southern Maine. His psychic, intuitive gift has been handed down in his family through many generations. He has been working for the public for more than 19 years, relying on many divinational tools, Tarot divination to name one, but most importantly with his inherited psychic gift. Jason takes appointments for classes, readings, and healings. jfreidus@maine.rr.com April/May 2006 Inner Tapestry 25
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he rain-frozen, crusty snow revealed a curious pattern. A lone deer had traveled up the mountain path, the trail fading in the horizon for as far as I could see. In each hoof print rests a cluster of old, rusty-colored, curled beech leaves highlighting the way. Fall found its way into winter. The dark leaves captured by the bright snow made clear the path onward and upward, to the clearing, to the sun. The fading snow was giving way to spring’s calling. With the changing light cycling, lengthening, the rising sun and plants consider coming back again. Faith tells me they will. Meanwhile, the lone deer trail led forward into the abyss of timelessness, of cycles and rhythms that shed truth, unstoppable truth. One sunset closes in on the next until my bone’s chill releases the heat in my marrow. A chance to begin anew waits in spring’s whispers, once again, declared for each being and life form. The beech tree leaves cling to their home, even with winter’s death. Rattling in the wind, they finally shake free to surrender, gracefully floating and tumbling down the mountainside, lonely figures finding rest in the final hold the footsteps left behind. When the warmth releases their last sanctuary, the beech leaf will fully and finally release to itself to the earth. Sister and brother tree beings receive again what was given away in food from decaying leaf, life blood offered to new buds sprouting forth toward the sun in all their perfection and glory. I wonder what the new season will reveal, and what I will bring to it. Here is another opportunity to start anew, to plant seeds, to manifest dreams recalled from winter’s dark night. There is some kind of wild surge I feel in spring, the Aries in me building the flicker to a flame that I can barely contain. Like a wild one rising up out of its burrow beneath the earth’s crust, squinting eyes to the bright light of day, I vow to follow the path to the flame of my essence, to my truth, for this new beginning once again.
WISDOM FROM a Psychic, Intuitive
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mod er n s ham an i c l i v i n g
Dancing in Relationship by Evelyn C. Rysdyk
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rcheological evidence suggests that prior to the Neolithic Era (approximately twelve thousand years ago) with its subsequent development of agriculture, all human beings practiced a hunter/gatherer lifestyle. In this, our earliest form of social organization, all members of a “tribal” group participate in the ultimate survival of the whole. Recent anthropological research has revealed that women, children and even the elderly operated as full participants--not only in gathering food and shelter materials, but would also “set snares, lay spring traps, sight game and participate in animal drives and surrounds.” (1) In other words, every member of the group shared responsibility for the overall group’s wellbeing. Observations of contemporary hunter/gatherer peoples reveal that they also view the world from an animist perspective--that is the belief that every thing that surrounds us is alive. Whether it be the plants, animals and birds or the landscape features such as rivers and mountains or forces such as the wind and the rain--animists believe that each part of the environment has a vital essence or spirit. To survive as a hunter/gatherer, you must depend upon not only on the others in your “tribe” but on the many other “beings” that surround you. Being in relationship with these “others” becomes an essential part of life. The shaman’s role in a society is to act as a facilitator between the human realm and that of the other spirits that inhabit the environment. Through shamans’ interactions with these beings, they understand that it is the intrinsic interdependency among all of them, which sustains Life. In addition, since we, in the shamans’ eyes, are so interconnected we are in a constant dance of mutual impact upon each other. Since shamanism is a global phenomenon and these understandings about relationship and interdependency are part of that way of being, we can certainly extrapolate that this way of perceiving the world is a part of our collective human history. The many spirit beings that are available for relationship are also potential sources of power for the shaman. This is essential as a shaman’s ability to heal is based upon the power-filled relationships they forge with the spirits. Since their abilities as effective healers are dependent upon these affiliations, shamans’ understand the fundamental necessity for keeping these alliances healthy and strong. An attitude of harmonious give-and-take becomes the guiding principle in exchanges within those associations. This, again, reflects the hunter/gatherer understanding of mutual interdependence and the necessity to work cooperatively. The Quechua-speaking pacos or shamanhealers of the high Andes refer to this idea of mutual, respectful interaction as ayni, which is, translated as sacred reciprocity. They believe that this state of being-which must be always monitored and lovingly attended to--is the basis for health and well-being. By referring to this mutually beneficial interchange as sacred, it helps us to understand that there is a kind of holiness to being in right relationship. In other words, the implication is that, when we interact in this manner, we are somehow more in alignment with the fundamental framework of existence. The World Health Organization states, “Environmental health comprises those aspects of human health, including 26 Inner Tapestry April/May 2006
quality of life, that are determined by physical, chemical, biological, social, and psychosocial factors in the environment.” We can therefore see that disruptions or disturbances in any of these physical, chemical, biological, social, and psychosocial areas may adversely impact our physical health. Since shamans have successfully worked within the conceptual framework of sacred reciprocity for many thousands of centuries, it may indeed be useful for us to pay attention to this perceptual model. Especially since our subsequently developed hierarchical, anthropocentric cultural model has apparently contributed to disruptions in the human community and in the environment as a whole. Looking at the actual word “culture”, itself provides a clue to our process in solving this challenge. The word culture comes to us from the Latin cultura, which may be translated as a kind of reverent relationship--cult, with the Earth --ur. (2) With this understanding, we can view culture itself as an evolving and dynamic relationship between a group of people and their environment. In other words, since this relationship is dynamic and reciprocal, what is put into the system is also reflected outward.
Maybe instead of learning something new, we only have to remember that we are already a part of some beautifully elaborate dance.. If we desire to reshape our current human culture into it’s more ecologically sound potential we can begin by using the concept of Reverent Participatory Relationship as a guiding principle of all of our interactions. The word “reverent” implies feeling and expressing a profound respect or veneration as well as a willingness to show consideration or appreciation. “Participatory” means that we engage in participation which the Merriam-Webster Dictionary of Law defines as, "the action or state of taking part in something: as in association with others in a relationship or an enterprise usually on a formal basis with specified rights and obligations". In our context, the obligation may be seen, at least partially, as remaining considerate and respectful while taking part in any interaction. Maintaining a reverent attitude in all interactions is, in and of itself, a challenge when we consider our current societal context. With the exclusion of those that follow a more holistic, or shamanic world view we, as a society, do not generally respect one another’s opinions and perspectives nor do we seem to perceive the fundamental interdependencies with Nature and with each other,
upon which we depend for our survival. And yet, we cannot deny that we are engaged in this complex dance of relationship, simply by being alive! Our most cutting edge science reinforces this truth as “quantum field theory creates an image of a universe criss-crossed by a network of interactions that weave the cosmos into a unity.” (3) So we have a choice to either remain unconscious of these interrelationships or awaken to a more conscious and reverent view. An experience last August in British Columbia leads me to believe that we may actually be hard-wired for thoughtfulness toward another. During that trip, I found myself sitting watching a mother grizzly bear and her two cubs making their way along the wooded bank of the Atnarko River during the salmon run. Mother bear, in the lead was moving briskly along through the vegetation with her cubs straggling behind. The cubs were taking time to sniff everything along the way and the siblings were separated from each other by several yards. At the bend in the river, the mother bear made her way out of the vegetation and moved further down the graveled shore. A few moments later, the first cub, arrived at that same bend in the river. In that moment I witnessed an act of conscious choice. The first cub looked down the river at his/her retreating mother and then back toward his/her sibling who was still in the thicket. The first cub looked back and forth several times and then did something remarkable. While one can imagine that biologically it would have been more advantageous to run along and be the “only” cub for mom to feed and care for--instead, the first bear cub simply sat down and waited! When his/her sibling finally caught up, they together scampered down the bank after their mother. So, while we may delude ourselves into thinking that considering another is some sort of highly evolved, altruistic and uniquely human behavior--perhaps it’s more intrinsically a part of our animal nature! Maybe instead of learning something new, we only have to remember that we are already a part of some beautifully elaborate dance. And all any of us needs to do--whether we are human, dragonfly, salmon, or bear -- is to simply “honor your partners!”
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1. Heather Pringle, “New Women of the Ice Age,” in Discover Magazine, Vol 19, Number 4, April 1998 pps 62-69 2. From the Latin cultus-to worship for the past participle colere-to cultivate 3. Paul Davies and John Gribbin, The Matter Myth, Simon & Schuster, New York, 1992, p. 235. © 2006 Evelyn C. Rysdyk
Allie
&
Evelyn
Evelyn C. Rysdyk, author of the book, Modern Shamanic Living, is a Teacher of Shamanism, healer & artist in joint practice with C. Allie Knowlton, LCSW, DCSW as Spirit Passages. Since 1991, they have offered workshops across the US and Canada. They also offer a private shamanic healing practice at
True North in Falmouth, Maine. Featured in the book, Traveling Between the Worlds, interviews with 24 of the world’s most influential writers and teachers of shamanism, they may be contacted at: www.spiritpassages.com
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t he w ay o f lif e - itse l f
Hidden Internal Relations: The Unknown Ingredient of Relationships by Norm Hirst “Report on the Twentieth World Congress of Philosophy began with the question, “What have we learned from philosophy in the 20th century"? The answer turned out to be “nothing”. To quote from the report, “The failure of philosophy in this century has not been the lack of fecundity – witness the great diversity among forty-some branches represented at this Congress, but its inability to link Knowledge, Action and Valuation."
In Hartman’s axiology (value theory) values are not external ideals to strive for. Values are internal and are creating our experience. They are embedded in and shape experience. Ideals are systemic values, the lowest form of values. The highest form of value is intrinsic values; they involve all forms of love and aesthetics. A middle range is extrinsic values. These are values of classification and conceptual fulfillment. If people lacked an internal value sense, the test would produce random scores, i.e., the test scores would not be meaningful. The scores are not meaningless except, sometimes, in a person known to be mentally ill. Otherwise, in various societies and cultures around the world the test produces meaningful results. Each one of us will have a different and unique profile. There are no comparisons with averages, though different societies/cultures show different characteristics. On this basis I say values are real and operative in our lives whether we know it or not. How do they operate as laws need further clarity? It doesn’t tell you what to value, but given the values you have, the laws can guide you to effective action in valuation. In the physical world there is the law of gravity. In values there is a law of hierarchy. In value conflicts, intrinsic takes precedence. Next comes extrinsic. Lastly comes systemic. However in today’s dominant social practice, the hierarchy is inverted. In the name of justice, a systemic value, there is the death penalty, an intrinsic dis-value. Sometimes the result of our value decisions may not show up for years and when they do we will have long since forgotten the decision. That’s why people don’t often think there are such operative laws. Internal relations are largely value relations. They inform our value senses of how to relate to others. They inform others as to how to relate to us. This communication is constantly going on. If the related parties are sufficiently enlightened they may use their value sense to elevate the relation to higher levels. Hartman told me that he had once met a woman to whom he was instantly powerfully attracted as in love at first sight. Wondering what happened he looked at the woman’s value profile. It was almost identical to his own. In our experience we see a great deal of evidence that the dynamic of social relations depends on the embedded value profiles. Given our internal relations and how values work, we can begin to know how to choose to act from the higher values of loving, knowing that indeed, feeling loving (internal relations) can make the world a better place, immediately.
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Norm and Skye Hirst are co-founders of Life-itself Institute, a research and education non profit organization discovering the ways of Life-itself, its self-creating forces and functions revealing wholistic intelligence. Norm is now putting forth 27 hypotheses about the functioning of living organisms culminating from his 45 years of investigation and recent discoveries Skye & Norm over the past 10 years. Skye has 30 years experience as a human dynamics coach, is a Jin Shin Jyutsu practitioner, educator, lecturer and author. Skye helps make this emerging knowledge accessible to all. For more information skyeh@midcoast.com or (207) 236-6331. April/May 2006 Inner Tapestry 27
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I am not surprised because the dominant “substance” metaphysics in philosophy only allows for focus on inert material and ideals. It excludes awareness of the inherent, invisible processes of life-itself where we can now begin to see that values are operative and impact knowledge and action. Values function only in living contexts. And there is virtually no understanding of the living contexts within Western culture metaphysics that believes our bodies are material entities functioning in machine like ways, being like solid objects to move around and control by force. Recent discoveries in biophysics reveal how that is completely not true. We are each living societies of cells formed to be the focus of coherent acts. There is a lot of space between the atoms. We are far more energy flows than material solids. All this is constituted in us as many internal relations where knowledge, action and valuation are linked. So let’s explore these hidden internal relations and the value laws that are operative within us. Values work by internal relationships within us and we experience them as a “felt sense.” From this “felt sense” we relate to one another. The felt sense supplies us information to act on. We choose our action from the “felt sense” and our perception of the value laws whether or not we are aware of it. There are two kinds of relations, external and internal. “External” relations are a fact of observation. They do nothing yet; it’s how we usually think about relations and relationships. For example, John is taller than Mary. It has no effect on John or Mary. They need not know this fact, nor to have ever even met. Consider how thinking of people as “inert material” may impact how we grow our personal relationships. The relations I wish to focus on here are “internal” relations. An example of internal relations would be the love that John feels for Mary. The love (internal relations) will change John and the change in John may change Mary. This explains why internal relations are so important and a fundamental condition. Internal relations can only occur within living entities and living contexts. At least one side of the coupling must be alive, i.e. Mary loves a book. The book can change Mary’s internal relations, but Mary cannot change the internal relations of the book. Since not much is known about internal relations, they often occur without much awareness. All we may know is that we have an intense focus on some other. Usually the some other is alive. It could be another person, pet or a whole group of people such as a society. The relation can be positive, as in love, or negative as in hate. A surprising result in value theory is that it is easier to make a friend of someone who hates you than someone who is indifferent. We might well look upon enemies as an opportunity for friendship.
Consider what Lincoln had in mind when asked why he did not annihilate his enemies. In reply he asked, “Don’t I annihilate my enemies when I make them friends?” Not knowing about how internal relations work, one has no way to know that enemies can be turned into friends. With nothing but external relations, threatening enemies require material force. The belief (metaphysics) is they can only be physically or forcefully controlled or physically annihilated. The shame and tragedy of human history is that physical force and external relations is all that we have known. George W. Bush would have us believe that he is protecting us by fighting a war on terror. There are many that believe, to the contrary, his policies are creating terrorism. Given the logic of internal relations I agree with the latter. Love begets love and hate begets hate. I have read that at the time of 911 over 70% of the Arab Muslim people had favorable opinions of the United States. Today the favorable percentage is single digits. The choices we make in our lives come often from a sense we receive about what someone else is valuing. We feel safe, or not around someone. We like them, or not and may or may not like to be in their presence. How do we get this knowledge? Evidence of internal relations and their impact can be better believed with evidence of the psychic transfer of knowledge. The 1970s was a period of paradigm-smashing experiments giving evidence of psychic transfer. In 1970 two physicists, Russell Targ and Harold Puthoff of the Stanford Research Institute gave evidence in an experiment of transference of knowledge in ways we’ve never understood. It is known that exposure to flashing lights cause certain characteristic brain waves. The experiment was done with two subjects, one as receiver and the other as sender. The receiver was placed in a sealed, opaque and electrically shielded chamber. The sender was placed in another room and was subjected to bright flashes of light at regular intervals. The sender’s brain waves would exhibit the flashing light characteristics, and then so would the receiver’s. In another experiment, investigators in California were working on remote viewing. In remote viewing the sender is sent to some location from which they try to send, by mental telepathy, what they see. Then the receiver describes it and may even draw a picture of it. A suspicious and hostile sheriff visited. He wanted to know what kind of nonsense they were up to and whether or not there was anything illegal about it. They explained what they were doing. Then they had him sit down as the receiver. He turned out to be absolutely their best receiver. As you can see, there is a mental telepathy going on between people, a deep communication of “inner” relations that most are not aware of. The next question is what evidence is there of value laws? Such laws are indicated by The Hartman Value Profile (HVP). Robert Hartman was a world renowned value philosopher. I met him when he was a visiting professor at MIT. He became my friend and mentor for many years. The HVP is a test of value perception, of embedded value profiles. It doesn’t reveal what one values. It is a test of perception. Analogous to vision, one’s focus can be tested without, in any way, disclosing what you see. Focus is simply a test of how well one’s eyes are working. The HVP is simply a test of how well one’s value sense is working.
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ex p lori ng the wo r l d r el i g i o n s
Seeing the Light Within You Through Jyoti (Inner Light) Meditation by James Bean Noticing the Light-motif There is a very clear Light-motif in the world scriptures, including Western holy books such as the Hebrew Bible, Ethiopian Bible, Dead Sea Scrolls, Zohar, Books of Enoch, New Testament, Nag Hammadi Library, Gnostic Gospels, Pitstis Sophia, Corpus Hermeticum, Mandaean and Manichaean texts, as well as in countless writings of Kabbalahist, Syrian, Coptic, Orthodox, Catholic, and other mystics.
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“I entered even into my inward self. Thou being my Guide and able as I was: for Thou were become my helper. And I entered and beheld with the eye of my soul (such as it was), above the same eye of my soul above my mind, the Light Unchangeable. Not this ordinary light which all flesh may look upon, nor as it were a greater of the same kind, as though the brightness of this should be manifold brighter, and with its greatness take up all space. Not such was the light but other, yea, far other from all these.... He that knows the Truth, knows what that Light is and he that knows It, knows Eternity.” (Augustine) “Do not cease seeking day or night ... until you have found all the Mysteries of the Kingdom of Light, which will purify you and make you into Pure Light and lead you into the Kingdom of Light.... And the soul which receives the Mystery of the Ineffable will ascend to the Hight, being a great outpouring of Light.” (Yeshua in, “Pistis Sophia”) “If one is whole, one will be filled with Light, but if one is divided, one will be filled with darkness... there is light within a Person of Light, and it illuminates the entire cosmos.” (Gospel of Thomas) “If your eye be Single, your whole body shall be full of Light. (New Testament) “From the Fount of His Knowledge has my Light shot forth. Upon His wonders has my eye gazed.”...”Your Holy Spirit illuminates the dark places of the heart of your servant with Light like the sun.” (Dead Sea Scrolls) “The light of one soul is equal to that of sixteen suns.” (Kabir) “His Light illuminates and His radiance irradiates all the worlds, and the divine beings who stand before Him and shine in their radiance and in the radiance of the Great Light, which rests upon them.” (Mandaean Scriptures of Iraq) “The drop of my soul rises to merge in the Ocean of Pure Light, leaving behind the illusory creation.” “ When your eye, turning inward into your brain, pierces the sky within and your Spirit leaving your body, flies upward, you will sight the heaven which is the location of the Thousand-Petalled Lotus”. (Sar Bachan of Swami Ji Maharaj, Agra, India) It’s fascinating to research the Light-motif in world scriptures and find the eye-witness accounts of mystics, the “Children of the Light”. Some of these, dating back two thousand years, resemble modern-day Near-DeathExperiences, and the experiences of some advanced Shabd Yoga practitioners.
Black Holes and the Unseen God The Unseen Supreme Being can be seen indirectly via the inner “divine Light within everyone” (Guru Nanak). I like using the analogy of black holes. Black holes are invisible, as the gravity of a black hole is so intense that even light particles cannot escape it. Yet astronomers can indirectly observe black holes. There is a stage as you approach a black hole when the atoms of matter being sucked into the immense gravity-well of the black hole are smashing together giving off incredibly bright gamma light radiation. Black holes often have this halo 28 Inner Tapestry April/May 2006
of luminosity around them. This is the “donut” of light surrounding the donut-hole or black hole at the center. This is the energy of matter being released before it forever disappears out of sight “down the drain” of the black hole, slipping out of ordinary space-time reality. As the Sufi mystics say, “Allah is veiled by his own Light”. “By the Light of Allah, I see Allah.”
"At first there will only be darkness but eventually Light will appear in the form of either small flashes or small star-like points" To See Or Not To See However, after many centuries, on this side of the Atlantic, and so very far removed from the Middle-eastern roots and context of the old Schools of Spirituality, we post-moderns of the Protestant West tend to filter ancient teachings through the cultural and theological bias we have inherited. For instance, the saying attributed to Jesus: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God”, in mystic and Gnostic traditions is understood quite literally to mean, when one attains a certain degree of inner and outer purity, their consciousness will become receptive enough to actually see the Light of God as a visionary experience. Think of the astronomer carefully bringing the light of a distant star into a clear focus. Mysticism and astronomy have much in common. However, in some religious circles, that saying is pushed into the next world, limited to the next life only, at the “end of the world”, or into an after-death state. This reflects a belief-system that there is NO OPPORTUNITY for living human beings to “see God” now at all, period. Only after a “seven year end-times tribulation” and after certain external political goings-on in the world come to pass, will there be such an opportunity for some to “see”. In that outlook, the meaning is understood to be the exact opposite -- the saying is made into a statement that, during this life there is no potential to reach a degree inner focus and that it is impossible to see with the Eye of the soul at this time. That particular saying has been transformed inaccurately into, “Be good, then after you die you will see God”. Some have perhaps even been taught that it is “wrong” to make such an attempt to mystically see. No seeing or visionary experience is allowed or held out as a possibility during this life, is the message. In some traditions most are “not worthy to see, except for a few larger-than-life saints who lived centuries ago, and we can never remotely hope to reach their level nowadays”. This is a gospel of non-seeing, if you will. “We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid
of the Light.” (Plato) Western theology has not only manufactured thick intellectual “concrete” or opaque walls between humanity and nature, but also between heaven and earth, body and soul, this life and the next, between our current existence and the spiritual Domain. In that sort of paradigm, heaven is made to be far far away, available only in an abstract dimension called “the future”, completely unavailable to us in the present moment. But the great Sufi mystic Rumi once said, “Relying upon the promise of ‘tomorrow’, many people have wandered around that door, but that tomorrow never comes”. (“The Bounty of Allah”, Aneela Khalid Arshed) I also like how that same passage from Rumi’s Mathnawi is translated by Shaikh Kabir Helminski in his book, “Rumi Daylight”: “Some persons, relying on the promise of ‘tomorrow’, have wandered for years around that door, but ‘tomorrow’ never comes... My friend, the Sufi is the child of the present moment: to say ‘tomorrow’ is not our way.” In the Gospel of Thomas found in Egypt, Jesus very much like Rumi, when replying to someone’s question about “end-times” prophecies, said: “You examine the face of heaven and earth, but you have not come to know the One who is in your presence, and you do not know how to examine the present moment.” Our human institutions have failed us miserably by trying to limit our vision of the Possibilities of God. It is only when we return to the soul’s nakedness, humility and simplicity that our vision can become open to the spiritual Domain and to whatever gifts God wants to give us.
The Light -- Real Light Seen Another example of cultural or theological blinders is the understanding of references in world scriptures to seeing divine Light. Statements about God being Light, and souls seeing this Light get metaphor-ed to death and reinterpreted as always meaning: “I see the Light” as in, “I intellectually understand” something. However, mystics who seek a present-moment Kingdom of Heaven yearn to see inner divine Light via a contemplative meditation practice. The Light is a Loving-Light. Once the soul basks in the Light, it wants to return to this experience again and again. In the East this process of Light-mysticism is called Theosis as well as Divinization, a mystical marriage between the soul and God in the “bridal chamber” of contemplative silence by beholding his Light. We need not wait for the “world of tomorrow”. This is something we can experience right now and has nothing whatsoever to do with calendars, earth-changes or endless prophecy speculation. This is based on the spiritual principal that “we become what we see” (Bhagavad Gita). If we were to contemplate the Light of God... We Become That. Whatever man thinketh, that he obtaineth. If he were to dwell on the Absolute, he would become immortal”. (Namdev) We are “the observer”. Mystics have universally taught, East and West, that “the Light of God is within everyone” (George Fox, founder of the Quakers). If we can transcend cultural blinders that imply it is impossible for us to see spiritually, mystically or inwardly with the Single eye, there is indeed hope to reunite with the divine Light, right here, right now, in the present moment, and discover that “darkness is not really dark". Once we are open to the possibility, then there is the potential of adopting a contemplative meditation practice that leads to the experience of the inner Light. There is hope
29 we might be able to temporarily transcend the world of the five senses and begin exploring the “New World” of Inner Space, the “Kingdom of the Heavens” that are within us, the Kingdom of the Light. If the energy of our attention is scattered and dissipated into the world of the five senses, when we close our eyes we naturally see darkness, but if our attention or awareness returns to the Single eye -- the seat of the soul -- Light will appear. As we become focused in meditation, mentally repeating our sacred word or words and gazing into the darkness, we may discover the appearance of inner Light. We may see the same sparks of light that look something like the “fireflies” or “sparks” which are described by yogis in the Hindu Upanishads, see shimmering light, stars, lights of various colors, or other visions of Light. “At first there will be only darkness but eventually Light will appear in the form of either small flashes or small star-like points.” (Yogani Mata Ji)
An Account of Jyoti (Inner Light) Meditation As Taught By Master Kirpal Singh “Meditation is the process of withdrawing the attention from the world outside, and focusing it at the seat of the soul in the body, behind and between the eyebrows. This point is known as the inner eye, third eye, the single eye, shiv netra, tisra til, or the divya Chakshu. In order to withdraw our attention and focus it on this point, mind must be controlled and stilled." “Sit in one pose, and move not your head, limbs or eyes. Sit straight but relaxed with no tension in the body below. Sit still, please. To be still does not mean moving!”
His arms sweep inward, hands contracting to the point between his eyes. “Close your eyes as in sleep, and look sweetly, lovingly, intently into the middle of the darkness lying in front of you. You will see a dark veil. That which sees the dark veil within, without the help of your physical eyes, is the inner eye. Do not put any strain on your physical eyes, nor turn them upwards, for that will result in headache or heat. Pay no attention to the breathing process... let it go on naturally."
“Those who are initiated, repeat the Five Charged Words**, one by one, very slowly, mentally, internally, at intervals, so that your inner eye is not disturbed. Those who have not been initiated, just sit in sweet remembrance of God... repeating with the tongue of thought any name of God or Saint which you hold dear.” (Ram, HU {pronounced “HOOOOO”}, AUM {pronounced “OOOMMM”}, Allah, Yeshua, Radhaswami {Ra-da-SwaMMM-EEEE}, or some other sacred name) “As you look within, you will see a sky, or blue sky: If you look minutely into it, you will find it studded with stars, or you may see pinpoints of Light. If so, try to locate the big star out of them, and fix your whole attention on that. Then you may see the inner sun or moon. If so, focus all your attention into the middle, it will break into pieces, and you will cross it. Beyond you will see the radiant form of the Master or his Master... “ He continues with the esoteric instructions, until everyone is absorbed. “Become the eye itself. Go on looking constantly without a break... Any effort on your part stands in the way; let yours be an effortless effort, and you will find that your soul will be withdrawn from the body...” (Kirpal Singh quoted in the book, Journey to the Luminous, by Arran Stephens) [**NOTE: The Five Charged Words given at the time of formal Initiation into Surat Shabd Yoga meditation by a Living Teacher] “Those who enshrine the Beloved in their hearts have both worlds at their command. Lovers remain completely intoxicated in the ecstasy of their love for the Beloved. They offer their souls to the Beloved while still living, and thus immortalize themselves in this life and in the hereafter.” (Hazrat Sultan Bahu) For countless ages, souls have described their experience of God’s Light. I’ll conclude by sharing a quote from the medieval German mystic Mechthild of Magdeburg on the wonders of contemplation and spiritual perception. “A Light of utmost splendor glows on the eyes of my soul. Therein have I seen the inexpressible ordering of all things, and recognized God’s unspeakable glory -- that incomprehensible wonder – the tender caress between God and the soul... the unmingled joy of union, the living love of eternity as it now is and evermore shall be.” (Mechthild of Magdeburg, “Flowing Light of the Godhead")
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James Bean reviews books and music for the Wisdom Radio Network and other stations via a syndicated radio program called Spiritual Awakening, and teaches Sant Mat Meditation and Surat Shabda Yoga in the Bangor, Waterville, & Portland areas. Address questions or comments to PO Box 7, Newport, Maine 04953, or email: james@spiritualawakeningradio.com
by Megan Don
“Recognize your own anger as unfulfilled desire, and lift your thoughts to higher planes” Psalm 37, from Psalms for Praying, Nan C. Merrill The origin for the word desire comes from desiderate, or the Latin derivative of desiderat (us), which means, “to long for”. This longing has been defined as “An intense wish, generally repeated or enduring, for something that is at the moment beyond reach but may be attainable at some future time. Desire, on the other hand, has been defined as “A strong feeling, worthy or unworthy, that impels to the attainment or possession of something which is (in reality or imagination) within reach” (The Random House Dictionary of the English Language). Longing speaks to me of an internal and eternal state of being that propels us forward to know the truth of our nature. It is a creative state where our souls are constantly being re-made and re-fashioned into the beauty that we are. If we did not have this longing we would happily remain in the state of ignorance and separation from our inner Beloved. In having the longing it allows for it to be fulfilled. As Jesus said, “Knock and it will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7). Longing differs from seeking, in that many seekers mistakenly run here and there looking towards an external person, usually in the form of a lover or a teacher/guru. The seeker unconsciously projects their longing for the divine connection onto the other, and forgets to reclaim this projection back into their own self. Disillusionment and rejection occurs when the longing is not fulfilled, and unfortunately the relationship usually ends in a non-harmonious way. Perhaps we witness Jesus’ early understanding of this behavior, as he appears to admonish his mother Mary when he says, “Why do you seek me?” (Luke 2:49). The feeling of seeking also differs from that of longing. Seeking comes from a place of need and sometimes despair. There is a quest to quench the true longing, but it manifests through a spiritual insecurity, that is, the desire to know that everything is going to be all right and that we are not isolated or alone. There is an internal shakiness or acute fragility to the quality of this feeling. Longing, on the other hand, has a greater depth of origin. It comes forth from a place that is steady and constant (even though it is very often experienced as a sweet painfulness), but it also recognizes an expansive quality that brings one to meet, again and again, the vitality of creation, both within and without. It is an entering into eternity. Desire has become the shadow of longing, separating us from the truth of what it means to long for our selves. Desire has a more temporary quality; it has an immediate sense of gratification attached to it, and is related to the neediness of being rather than the eternal sacredness. The Book of Thomas recounts; “Some people have wings but run after what they can see, what is far from the truth. For the fire that leads them will give an illusion of truth, and will shine on them with transitory beauty”. Desire also seeks to use others for its own benefit, as opposed to honoring others for who they are. This is clearly the “unworthy” nature of desire. But when does a desire become worthy? (As given in the definition above.) I think this is when we fall more deeply into the truth of desire, that is, when we begin to approach the true longing. An effective exercise to discern whether we are in desire or longing is to allow a desire to come forward; then ask what is beneath that desire, and then what is beneath that desire. For instance, a woman I worked with had the initial desire for a companion; her next level of desire was to have companionship with herself, and the next was to enter into companionship with God. She understood that this final level was in fact her true longing. She also came to understand that by entering into this true longing she would have her other desires fulfilled in due course. We begin with the surface level desires and work our way deeper into our being and the truth of the real longing. Unfortunately, in our society, we too often stay only at the surface level of our desires and do not reach the fulfillment of our being. We continue to seek and desire, creating a not very merry-go-round of frustration and unfulfilled wishes. Anger is a clear indication of such frustration; it can arise when something is not being fulfilled according to our desire. The question we need to ask is, “is this a surface desire or a true longing?”. Then try to discern the real root of the desire. We then need to question what is holding us back from having this longing fulfilled. Whenever we ask this question and if we are honest, we will come to the same answer, “it is me who is not allowing this”. Somewhere, somehow, a belief has crept in that you are not worthy of receiving this fulfillment. But again, simply “Ask, and it will be given to you” (Matthew 7.7). Ask that the belief no longer have a hold over you, and then ‘lift your thoughts to higher planes’ and allow yourself to enter into the eternal creation of your self. We are all eternal beings with the authentic human longing to return home to our true nature; it is a movement of returning, and yet one of ever moving towards. As Nan Merrill so beautifully writes in her re-working of the Psalms, “You, who are Love, gave me leeway to choose, to wander far from home. O my Beloved, be gracious unto me, welcome me back into new life” (Psalm 60, Psalms for Praying). And may we welcome those who we come into ‘new life’ or relationship with – whether as teacher, lover, or friend – and enter into the original embrace of sacred relating.
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MEGAN DON is the author of Falling Into the Arms of God: Meditations with Teresa of Avila. She leads retreats at Kripalu and Omega Institute, and is a frequent speaker at Unity, Unitarian, and Episcopal Churches. Her work blends Eastern and Western mysticism, contemplative meditation, and movement and sound. She will be giving a talk and workshop in Portland on May 5th and 6th. See www.mysticpeace.com for details.
April/May 2006 Inner Tapestry 29
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“There are two currents working in the body; one of motor-currents or prana or the vital-airs, and the other of Surat, or attention, which gives us the sense of feeling. The Saints do not touch the prana currents, which govern breathing, circulation of blood, growing of hair and nails. The pranic system of breath-control is the way of yogis and not that of the Saints. The Saints’ way is to concentrate Surat or attention at the Single or third eye while mentally repeating the mantra of five charged names, which act as an 'open sesame' to the higher planes.
The Truth of Desire
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Inner Tapestry DIRECTORY OF RESOURCES (pages 30–35) Maine’s Holistic practitioners, products & resources at your fingertips! Reaching over 30,000 readers ( TAKE A LOOK AND SEE WHAT’S NEW! ( (New listings added each issue) For information on how to add your listing, see page 35
: Astrology .................................................................page 30 : Body Essences .......................................................page 30 ; Counseling & Therapy ............................................page 30 ; Creative Art Therapies ............................................page 30 ; Dance/Movement ....................................................page 31 ; Healing: Combined Modalities ........................ pages 31-32 ; Herbs, Gardens & Herbal Products ........................page 32 : Hypnotherapy ..........................................................page 32 ; Life Mastery .............................................................page 32 : Meditation.................................................................page 32 ; Metaphysical & More ..............................................page 33 ; Psychic & Spiritual Mediumship .............................page 33 : Real Estate Services...............................................page 33 ; Reflexology & Healing Massage ............................page 33 ; Retreats .............................................................page 33-34 ; Sacred Space .........................................................page 34 ; Salons, Spas & Retreats ........................................page 34 ; Shamanic Healing .............................................page 34-35 : Spiritual Centers .....................................................page 35
astrology White Star Astrology
Maya White is a professional astrologer who divides her time between Maine and Florida. She offers personal and professional
astrological counseling for individuals as well as businesses, and brings her knowledge of spirituality and metaphysics to every consultation. Maya is one of a select group of astrologers world wide who are certified in Astro*Carto*Graphy, an astrological technique which helps people identify places on the earth to promote their own personal growth and prosperity. Her monthly horoscope, which is read around the world, is also published by the India Times online newspaper in New Delhi as well as the Korat Post in Thailand. For ongoing educational articles and/or more information visit her website: www.WhiteStarAstrology.com or call her at (954) 920-2373.
Maya White
Body Essences Are you looking for a home-based business that could change your life? Arbonne International has the answer!
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Arbonne was developed in Switzerland more than 25 years ago and our product line has since grown to include both inner and outer health and beauty products that are unparalleled in quality and results. Do you know what you are putting in and on your body every day? Our Siiri Gott, products are pure, safe and beneficial to your body. Our best product of all, The Business Opportunity! The Arbonne family is made up of Independent many independent consultants working to make their dreams come true. Feel free to contact me anytime to learn more. District Mgr. siiri@maine.rr.com, (207) 839-3596. Arbonne website: www.arbonne.com.
counseling & therapy Health problems, relationships dilemmas and dreams can be your connections to nature, the spirit of the future, and new unknown aspects of yourself and community. Process Work, also known as Dreambody Work, gives you innovative but simple ways to unfold and
Carol Zahner Process Work
understand what your body, relationships and life are communicating. Individual sessions, ongoing groups, classes and phone sessions. Introduction session free. Carol Zahner MS, Dipl. Process Work Center of Portland in Oregon. In Maine: Portland and Walpole (near Damariscotta). Call (207) 522-3600, cz@processworkne.com.
The Couples Center
Supporting the heart’s desire for intimacy, meaning, and connection. Conscious relationship is the art and science of using the
inevitable challenges of relationship to evolve into more present, loving, and compassionate beings. Ron, Deb, and Michele bring a unique blend of expertise, support, and challenge to couples who are ready to open their hearts, transform shadow into light, and heal ancient wounds in the context of relationship. We offer a variety of formats for this work: Husband/wife co-therapy team, couples’ intensives, Integrated Marital and Sexual Therapy, weekend workshops, and shamanic healing. Call for information: (207) 878-3141. Ron Feintech, PhD, Licensed Psychologist, Sex Therapy Diplomate, AASECT; rfeintech@conversent.net; Deb Feintech, RC, Certified Shamanic Practitioner; Michele Keef, LMFT. 222 Auburn St. Portland, ME 04103.
creative art therapies Art Therapy & Shamanism Art therapy is a dynamic combination—powerful artistic creation with the insight of psychotherapy. Art therapy and shamanic counselling will help you cultivate your strengths like a gardener tending plants. Together we can use imagination to design the garden.
We can learn to tell flowers from weeds when your spirit is overgrown. Then we can plant seeds, nurture and water them and reap a new harvest. Everyone has an artist within. Our spirit and soul speak through the artwork. The art never lies; it gently reflects back those areas of life that need our attention, promoting positive change and healing on all levels. The best way to walk into our future is to create it! Board Certified Art Therapist, Licensed Clinical Counselor, Shamanic Practitioner with over thirty years experience. The Thirteenth Moon Center, "Art from the HeART", (207) 589-3063. moonart@midcoast.com
Susan Bakaley Marshall ATR-BC, LCP
Dance/Movement Therapy Dance/Movement Therapy is a body-centered psychotherapy that promotes emotional, spiritual and mental health. Caroline uses a
therapeutic process which combines words and movement, integrating the usual flow of words with expressions of the body and it's wealth of information and wisdom. Caroline offers individual therapy sessions as well as consultation for professionals. She also teaches groups in Contemplative Dance and T'ai Chi Ch'uan at her studio in New Gloucester and in Portland. For more information: Call (207) 780-6090 or e-mail cmloupe@maine.rr.com.
Caroline Loupe ADTR, LCPC 30 Inner Tapestry April/May 2006
Inner Tapestry Directory of Resources Ad Listings can also be advertised Online, see: www.innertapestry.org
dance/movement Movement as Healer Free movement is directly related to our health physically, emotionally and spiritually. When we experience the possibilities of our own movement, no matter how restricted we are, release happens, and our movement becomes more free. I offer two approaches using
Gail Edgerly, RN, CTP
movement to assist you on your healing journey. I work directly on the body as a Certified Trager® Practitioner, using touch and rhythmic movement to communicate the feeling of freer movement. In the 5Rhythms™ Movement Practice, based on the work of Gabrielle Roth, I coach and witness your improvisational, self-expressive movement journey through a rhythm wave. I offer private sessions and classes in Portland and Kennebunk. FMI: call (207) 761-3765, or Email gailedge@maine.rr.com
healing: combined modalities PATHWAYS TO CONSCIOUSNESS Pathways to Consciousness was created to support the process of human evolution. Through harmonizing all aspects of our being,
Ron & Joan
each person will be supported within their own unique journey of self-discovery and expression. Energetic & physical harmonizing will be guided with loving intuition and divine guidance supporting awakening to ones own innate wisdom. If you are looking to change your life, the place to begin is within. The journey to self is as unique as each of us, and through this process you will experience opportunities to re-connect to and deepen an awareness and love of self that we all long to feel. Support is offered for individuals, couples and families through private sessions, open gatherings and residential and experiential playshops. This is an opportunity to become a conscious participant in your life. As we change so does our world. Falmouth, Me. (207) 781-9887, website www.pathways2u.com, e-mail info@pathways2u.com.
Empathic Healing Channel Anju Myodo, opened healing abilities through intensive Zen meditation. In 1988, after five years of monastic
“Everyone is born with the right to be healthy and live with happiness, and the path of Reiki helps to fulfill that right” – Roberta Barnes, Gendai Reikiho and Komyo Reiki Shihan (master/teacher), & Herbalist. Nestled in the trees you are encased
in harmonizing relaxation while the universal vibrations of love and harmony named Reiki restores balance where needed. Reiki promotes and speeds healing at all levels and enhances all areas of life. Among the Reiki teachers Roberta Barnes studied under are renowned Japanese Reiki Shihans Hiroshi Doi and Rev. Hyakuten Inamoto. She offers Reiki healing sessions and personalized herb reports. She teaches six levels of Japanese Reiki, courses in Peace through Meditation, and raising awareness through Connecting with Nature. Call (207) 445-5671 today or visit www.naturalhealinglearning.com.
Roberta Barnes Reiki Shihan & Herbalist
AvantiHealingArts “Discover the Spirit of Healing Within” Experience Reiki with Gianna Settin, PhD, International Center for Reiki Training Licensed Teacher. Pre-approved NCBTMB and AHNA CE’s, teaching all levels of Usui-Tibetan and Karuna Reiki®. Dr. Settin’s 25 years
of holistic treatment expertise merges with her professional clinical psychology and dance background to create an eclectic blend of spiritual energy work for releasing blockages and healing the shadow self in Reiki Healing sessions. Brewer, Phone (207) 989-9009. www.avantihealingarts.com
Gianna Settin PhD.
Path to the Heart
"Housekeeping for your body, mind and spirit." Drawing from a broad range of healing methods, as well as my gift as an intuitive and channel, each client receives an individually tailored session appropriate to their needs and symptoms in the moment. People feel easier and more comfortable in their bodies, relaxed, balanced and revitalized, often expressing how “light” they feel. Treatment provides support during life changes and challenges, as well as relief with chronic pain, stress, depression and anxiety. Clients often choose to receive regularly as part of their self-care, to maintain their health and sense of well-being. It is truly an honor and my joy to act as a facilitator and teacher for others. www.pathtotheheart.net (207) 563-5889, Newcastle, Maine.
Lindsley Field, RMT, CTP
SpiritWings
CompassionateHealing Kevin Laughing Hawk Vickie Little Bird
Kevin Laughing Hawk Pennell, Usui Reiki Master Teacher/Shamanic Practitioner and Vickie Little Bird Cummings, Massage Therapist/Usui & Karuna® Reiki Practitioner: Massage Therapy, Hypnotherapy, Reiki, Past Life Regression, Shamanic Healing and Readings.
We consult with each client to identify the appropriate modalities to achieve self-healing and overall well-being. We also offer Reiki classes and other workshops. Visit SpiritWings for a cross cultural variety of enchanting gifts, supplies and accessories to aid your spiritual journey including an exquisite selection of healing crystals. SpiritWings is conveniently located at 57 Main Street in Bethel, Maine. Sessions by appointment. Store hours Tuesday through Saturday 10 - 5. Telephone (207) 824-2204 or visit their website www.SpiritWings.biz
To place your listing in the Directory of Resources, please call: (207) 781-9885. For rates see page 35, or www.innertapestry.org.
April/May 2006 Inner Tapestry 31
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study, she returned to the world to serve people of all faiths. Healing Sessions begin with Anju listening to the client’s concerns. Anju tunes in using clairsentient abilities, to determine where blocks are in the client’s energy. She then channels healing energy wherever needed. Clients often enter an altered state, as their energy is boosted and begins to return to balance. Because of Anju’s religious vows, sessions are offered on a donation basis. These are held at a lovely country setting in Livermore Falls, where lodging is available for those coming from a distance. (207) 897-4378. www.ibinn.net/ohs
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healing: combined modalities continued A neck or back doesn't walk into the office, a whole person does and all their history as well. What we do not choose to express
emotionally will then show itself in our bodies through pain, illness or dis-ease. Joe invites his clients to welcome and feel, in order to transition, the walls that keep each of us from expressing our authentic selves in the world. Everything you need for what you really desire in your life is right in front of you. All you have to do is surrender to feel what is there. Joe chooses to support people physically, emotionally and energetically through osteopathy (cranial, muscle energy, functional technique) and heart. Marlborough, CT (860) 295-0572, or e-mail Joe at joeb.pt@snet.net
Belanger Physical Therapy
herbs, gardens & herbal products Bl e s s e d M ai ne He rb Farm
Blessed Maine Herb Farm offers Medicinal Herb Products of Impeccable Quality, made with Certified Organic and Wildgathered Herbs,
hand cultivated on our farm or gathered respectfully from the blessed earth around us. A Family owned and run business since 1989, we at Blessed Maine Herb Farm are dedicated to offering the very best of what is offered to us all by our Bountiful Mother Earth. Our product line includes nourishing and delicious Herb Tea Blends, Tinctures in Organic Alcohol, Compound Formulas, including our world famous 13 Sisters Restorative Elixir, Syrups, Infused Oils, Salves, Beauty Care, Incense and Smudge Sticks. Opening Our Wild Hearts to the Healing Herbs and Traversing the Wild Terrain of Menopause; Herbal Allies for Men and Women, by Gail Faith Edwards. Visit us online where you can peruse our offerings, read about the many uses of medicinal herbs, ask a question of the Herblady, or place an order. www.blessedmaineherbs.com
hypnotherapy Harness the power of the mind-body connection. As a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, I have the tools and skills you need.
ELISSA GARDE-JOIA
Hypnotherapy eliminates fear and stress and creates a blueprint for health and healing that your mind can read and follow. Medical experts acknowledge that Hypnotherapy compliments all medical procedures, maximizing their effectiveness and minimizing negative side effects. Pre/post surgical patients experience reduced anxiety, blood loss, anesthesia need and rapid healing. Hypnotherapy is extremely effective in treating many physical challenges such as chronic pain and disorders of the stomach and digestive system. Hypnosis for Childbirth removes the fear and pain of childbirth. Hypnotherapy played a major role in my own successful battle with breast cancer. After 16 years of private practice in New York, I am now privileged to serve my neighbors here in Mid-coast Maine. Please take advantage of a FREE phone consultation to discuss your questions and concerns. Contact: Elissa Garde-Joia at 207-338-1669. Home visits available.
life mastery Norm & Skye Hirst, PhD. Co-founders of The Center for Life-Itself (CLII); revealing new insights about what life is and how it functions.
Mainstream science from Western Culture foundations has produced a machine-like view of life and what is living. In the past decade, new knowledge from biophysics reveals revolutionary insights that invalidate that view and almost everything that has been believed about life. 21st century understanding of life will be as different from 20th century thinking as quantum physics is different from Newton’s physics. To find our way, CLII provides an environment of research/inquiry/discovery, inspiration and personal development. For Classes, 2006 Summer Conference Program, Lecture/Discourses, Individual Sessions, Consulting, Monthly Helpful Hints, Inquiry Circle Projects (ICP now forming), Wholistic Health and Healing, and inviting health care providers to explore emerging knowledge contact: skyeh@midcoast.com or 207-236-6331
The Center for Life-Itself Rosicrucians have a unique learning process that teaches essential facets of ancient and modern esoteric wisdom including specific, time-tested, mystical exercises. There is more to you than meets the eye. Do you know that you have the ability to speed up
the natural healing process of your body? Or that you can attract people, places, and events into your life? Do you know that you can strengthen your intuition and even call inspiration at will? All these things and more are possible once you learn how to tap into the source of all knowledge and creativity that lies within you. The process is called mysticism, and for centuries Rosicrucians have been a leading proponent of mystical study throughout the world. To learn more about how we can help you develop your untapped abilities, request a free copy of the Mastery of Life today. It is the first step to discovering just how extraordinary you really are. Visit our website at: www.rosicrucian.org or telephone 1-866-4SEEKER (1-866-473-3537).
meditation PATH OF THE MASTERS (SANT MAT)
The focus of the Maine Satsang is on Inner Light and Sound Meditation (Surat Shabd Yoga) and the Science of Spirituality.
These are founded on the rich heritage of the classic Sant Mat tradition of India. Experience Words of Light and Love for the spiritual journey from a Living School of Spirituality. Develop your own meditation practice. All events are free. All spiritual seekers are welcome. Bangor, Waterville & Portland areas. To find out more and to join the mailing list, call: (207) 368-5866, or email: james@SpiritualAwakeningRadio.com
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(New listings added each issue) For information on how to Advertise your Directory listing, see page 35
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metaphysical & more Resource for Body, Mind & Spirit, Healing Pathways offers various workshops, Reiki, Angel & Tarot Card readings. Our merchandise
consists of jewerly, angel & tarot cards, magazines, incense, crystals, tumbled stones, CD’s, books, angels, fairies, candles, essential oils, massage & body oils, feng shui items & much more! Come in and enjoy the serine atmosphere while you shop, sit in our chair by the fountain and look through our selection of books or just chat with us and share your experiences. You won’t want to leave. Located at 36B Main Street, Kennebunk, Maine 04043, call (207) 985-7870 or e-mail us at www.healingpathways.info
Healing Pathways
psychic & spiritual mediumship PsychicMediumship, Hypnotherapy
Bonnie Lee is a professional Psychic Medium, Hypnotherapist, Registered Counselor, Reiki Master, healer, teacher and lecturer with thirty years experience. She resides in Fairfield and Northport Maine. Her first experience with Spirit was at the age of four. She has
connected many people with loved ones who have crossed over, as well as their angels and spirit guides. Bonnie Lee communicates with pets, both here and on the spirit side. She gives spirit readings all over the world by telephone and travels in the US and Canada. Services include: Hypnotherapy, Psychic Mediumship Readings, Gallery Readings, Workshops, Classes and Lectures, Reading Circles and Private Groups in the comfort of your home. Call (207) 453-6133, cell (207) 649-7089, spirit@bonnielee.net, www.bonnielee.net, and
BonnieLeeGibson
Making Spiritual Connections
www.hypno.us
Making Spiritual Connections. Spiritualists believe that there is life after death, and that we can communicate with the energy forces of
For more information call: (207) 582-8110. Email: raven321@netzero.net
real estate services Healing for Buildings, People and Businesses. Quantum Physics and Mysticism agree that ‘everything is energy’. Buildings, like people, are affected by emotional drama and trauma. And, like people can be cleared and healed of their past. Clients tell us that often, after this work, homes for sale sell quickly, neighbor or tenant problems clear, businesses flourish and homes feel more cozy and safe. David clears the energetic structure of buildings using a proprietary technique called Quantum Grid Restructuring, as well as Shamanic skills and Angelic intervention. His basic approach is Everything is Energy, Everything is Connected and Everything is interactive. David Franklin Farkas, M.S.Ed. is an Intuitive, Spiritual Healer and Technician of the Sacred (that which is 'secret' or normally hidden from view) He works remotely on buildings, people and businesses. Call: Remote Realty Services from Rubicon Partnerships at (413) 825-9163 Or on the web: www.HouseHealing.com
David Franklin Farkas
reflexology & healing massage Treat Your Feet
School of Reflexology
A Very Rewarding Career ~ Nurturing your physical Nervous System through reflex points found within your feet & hands.
Learn about a specific touch technique of applying pressure, using your thumb and fingers, to reflex points of the feet and hands that relate to other parts of the body. Reflexology is credited with improving circulation and reducing body stress, which removes blockages along the nerve pathways what we call Zones. A 250-hour certification course for $3,300 to learn Reflexology and its Application. Cost includes two Reflexology chairs, all required reading books, foot/hand charts, footbath items & much more. For more info, call Board Certified Foot & Hand Reflexologist Myra Achorn, Augusta (207) 626-FEET classes start in Feb. May & Sept. www.treatyourfeet.com Licensed by the State of Maine Department of Education.
retreats Greenfire is... a women’s retreat house dedicated to reflection, renewal, exploration, and quiet. Set in a two hundred-year old farmhouse
Greenfire Retreat
in the midst of meadows and woods on the St. George’s peninsula, Greenfire offers space to all women who want to rest and explore their spirituality, regardless of their tradition, age, or race. Women throughout history have gathered in circles and found wisdom in their own stories; in this tradition, guests may schedule conversations with staff to explore their own questions. Greenfire offers sanctuary, healthy and delicious food, and calm in the midst of a fast-paced culture. For more information, call 207-372-6442, email us at: greenfir@midcoast.com, or visit us on the web at www.greenfireretreat.org April/May 2006 Inner Tapestry 33
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spirit guides, teachers, loved ones, and higher entities. Gary W. Mascher, an experienced medium, provides spiritual readings and conducts workshops with individuals and groups in his garden space in Litchfield or in a space of your choice. He helps you to step along the path of spirit communication as a witness to life after death. He works to help you learn to awaken and connect with the God energy to heal yourself and others. He assists you in learning daily practice for spiritual fulfillment and peace in your life long journey.
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retreats continued Nurture Through N at ure
Women’s Holistic Canoe Trips, Wellness Retreats and Customized Circles~ We create a safe and enriching haven and layers of
opportunities to find deep peace and growth. Our circles provide a balance of depth and lightness, group and solo space, movement and stillness. Connect with the contemplative and healing power found in nature. Find camaraderie with other women on an artfully led retreat through guided meditation, gentle yoga, Reiki, and mindfulness practices. Fill your cup on a canoe~kayak wilderness retreat, in nature's rhythm and beauty in Maine's back country. Gather your own circle of friends, family and colleagues, for a custom retreat. Let Us Guide You Home...
Located on Pleasant Mountain, Denmark, Maine, just 40 miles west of Portland. FMI: (207) 452-2929, or www.ntnretreats.com
Pleasant Mountain, Denmark
sacred space Earthrest provides indoor and outside gathering space for retreats, workshops, spiritual questing, ceremony and celebration.
Come, surround yourself with beauty! Immerse yourself in a country setting of open fields, woods, rocks and water where the land is still a little wild and the animals remember their true names. We are just 35 miles from Portland on 350 beautiful acres of land, nestled in the foothills of the white mountains. Large (1500 square feet) and more intimate (545 square feet) indoor gathering spaces, both with fireplaces. Outside walk the land, the labyrinth and hiking trails. Many options available. FMI call Pat at (207) 625-4179 or email earthrest@psouth.net
The knowledgeable and experienced practitioners at The Wellness Center offer a full spectrum of holistic, traditional and alternative techniques. Enjoy engaging seminars that will flex your intellect. Join a movement class to tone your heart and spirit. Experience
the skillful touch of artists sensitive to the subtle thread of muscle and mind. Freshen your outward glow from head to toe. For more information about ongoing programs, upcoming seminars and suite availability, please call (207) 465-4490 or visit us on the Wellness page at VillageSoup.com. The Wellness Center, 69 & 71 Elm Street, Camden, ME 04843.
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Raven’s Crossing Appleton, Maine
Ravens’ Crossing — Come find some rural comfort and relaxation in our wood-fired sauna and/or therapeutic hot tub. Deep tissue, swedish, and
myofascial-release massage available by licensed massage therapist. Rustic retreat cabin can sleep four. Available by appointment in private setting. Trails to walk, ride horses, or X-country ski. Space for small gatherings. Please call Lori Cressler at (207) 845-2304 or visit www.ravens-crossing.com
Offering holistic facials using the organic and biodynamic botanical products of Dr. Hauschka Skin Care. These earth-friendly, holistic
preparations restore and maintain the skin's vitality. Also offering Swedish massage, full body exfoliation, expert eyebrow shaping, and thereapeutic hair and scalp treatments. Retailers of fine holistic grooming supplies for the whole family. nordstrom skin care studio,
389 Main Street, Rockland, Maine 04841. (207) 594-5077. www.nordstromskincare.com
Flourish
holistic face, body & nail
Flourish is a place of quiet and relaxation. Charlotte Van Joolen offers a unique type of facial treatment — Facial Rejuvenation,
a hands-on sculpting of the face combined with the ageless healing arts of head reflexology and nerve regeneration that awakens your beauty and renews your inner self. You enter a deep state of relaxation uniting body and spirit — renewing physical vitality and inner beauty. Combined with the use of Jurlique organic skin care products you meet the world with a radiant face, a refreshed body and a relaxed sense of self. Charlotte also offers basic facial care and manicures and pedicures for natural nails. Gift Certificates available. By Appointment Monday through Saturday. (207) 774-0585. 260 Western Avenue South Portland, ME 04106. www.flourishfacials.com
Charlotte Van Joolen
shamanic healing D O R Y C OTE
Shamanic Healer
…Follow the Path to Your Own True Essence. At the core of my shamanic healing practice is the belief that we have the capacity to be
whole, stable, and functioning at our highest potential. Soul retrieval, divination, extractions, shamanic energy healing, and communication with those who have passed on, can all help us fulfill this potential. My training with the Foundation for Shamanic Studies, including completion of the Three Year Program in Advanced Shamanism and Shamanic Healing with Sandra Ingerman, author of Soul Retrieval, provide a solid footing for my work with adults, children and animals. Call me for information about workshops or appointments for shamanic healing sessions at (207) 841-1215 or Email me at dory@dorycote.com. www.dorycote.com
Transform your body, heal your soul and change the way you live and die with the ancient healing techniques of the South American Medicine people. The core of healing occurs in the energetic or Luminous Energy Field; this is the blueprint for the physical body, and an
archive of our physical and emotional strengths and wounding. Illuminating this field transforms these wounds into sources of knowledge and power. The loss, pain and sorrow may remain as a memory but it no longer defines who we are; we realize that we are not our stories. The Illumination Process is powerful, efficient, effective transformation. In training with Alberto Villoldo, Ph.d. Appointments in Brunswick (207) 729-7270, deb@midgette.org 34 Inner Tapestry April/May 2006
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shamanic healing c ont inue d Spirit Passages As Spirit Passages; C. Allie Knowlton, MSW, DCSW, and Evelyn C. Rysdyk (author of Modern Shamanic Living) has facilitated shamanic healings and taught shamanic workshops across the U.S. and Canada since 1991. Graduates of the Foundation for
Shamanic Studies 3-Year Program in Advanced Shamanism and Shamanic Healing, they have also been fortunate to study with indigenous shamans from Peru, Ecuador, Tuva and Siberia. Working heart-to-heart with Spirit, they offer all traditional forms of shamanic healings at True North (207) 781-4488 ~ a unique, multidisciplinary medical center that they helped to found. They may also be reached at: www.spiritpassages.com. Allie & Evelyn
spiritual centers THE MAINE BEACON embraces all people providing a safe harbor of healing love and joy. Through teaching and living the Science of Mind principles, we support all people in their own spiritual evolution. The Maine Beacon is a Teaching Center for The Science of Mind. Sunday Morning Celebration Services are held at 10:30 AM Camp Ketcha, 336 Black Point Road, Scarborough, ME Children's Program now available. For more information, call Rev. Linda E. Holmes at (207) 767-3515 or (207) 409-2515 www.themainebeacon.org
Advertise in the Inner Ta p estr y ~ D i r ector y o f R e s o u r c e s ~ $250 for 1 yr (6 issues) or $300 to include the Online version: www.innertapestry.org Directory of Resources listings are easy to compose. Write as though you are speaking to others about the work you do and the services you offer. Logo included. Limit 115 words, ($1 per word thereafter.) For more info call: (207) 781-9885.
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Heart Visions
A listing of future events requiring a greater level of commitment to time or finance. SPRING 2006 April 21st-27th, UTAH New Moon Dreaming Canoe Retreat for Women Stillwater Canyon, Green River, UTAH $1,330 www.ntnretreats.com, (207) 452-2929
April 28th-30th, Karuna Reiki (R) Master Class May 5th-6th, Usui - Tibetan Level 1 & 2 Grand Manan Island, New Brunswick Canada, (see ad on page 21) On ocean cove with private sandy beach, awaken your creativity surrounded by perfect conditions to increase high vibration, relax with the ebb and flow of the tides, be attuned to the sound of the surf. Register online at avantihealingarts.com or by phone Gianna Settin (207) 989-9009
April 30th-May 6th Yoga & Walking Melora Gregory, Tuscany, Italy. www.spannocchia.org May 21st- June 11th Painting Trip in China Workshops with 5 master artists. Travel in beauty and history. Questions call (207) 348-2782 or visit www.fredericamarshall.com
Summer 2006 June 3rd-4th DTA Center for Learning and Growing Presents: International Healing the Healers Conference in Bar Harbor, ME. Keynote: Harry Oldfield, pioneer in Kirlian photography and electrocrystal therapy. Other speakers from science to art of healing. FMI: (207)- 667-6783, dtaus@hotmail.com. Come connect and revitalize.
June 11th-16th A BODY STORY workshop at The Omega Institute for Holistic Studies, offered by Maine author/artist Arla Patch. See the work on arlapatch.com. Register at: eomega.com
July 2nd-8th, 9th-15th, 16th-22nd Adult Watercolor or Ceramic Workshops, Camden, Maine. Wheelwork, handbuilding, majolica decoration or daily plein air excursions. $960 watercolor week, or $1,120 pottery week, includes room and healthy food with delightful instruction in clay or painting. All levels are welcome, maximum 12 participants per week. Please call ARTS ALIVE, Ellen Berry (207)-236-8000
Fall 2006 September 23rd-30th Women’s Annual Provence Retreat Join us in Biot, France for touring, reflection and gourmet delights. $2450 includes lodging, retreat program, meals, excludes flight to Nice. More info: www.barbarababkirk.com
October 30th-November 4th Sikkim, India, Master Usui-Tibetan Reiki Training (Karuna® or ART/Master) with Gianna Settin, PhD of Avanti Healing Arts, licensed teacher, International center for Reiki Trainings. Join a majestic trek to the majestic Himalayan sacred mountain sites. (207) 989-9009 Contact www.avantihealingarts.com.
Now accepting applications: Spirit Passages’ SEVENTH Two-Year Apprenticeship Program Evelyn Rysdyk (author: Modern Shamanic Living) & C. Allie Knowlton, MSW, DCSW Experience advanced shamanic methods and develop a deep relationship with Spirit in a shamanic context while integrating these practices into everyday life. Training includes many classic-healing methods such as extraction, power animal retrieval, soul retrieval, word/sound doctoring, deposession, psychopomp and absentee healing. Strong emphasis on ethical responsibility, clear diagnostic work and following the guidance of Spirit. Initiatory experiences, group rituals also included. Brochure and application form: (207) 846-6829• passages@maine.rr.com www.spiritpassages.com
Now accepting applications: Spirit Passages’ THIRD Graduate Program in Shamanism Evelyn Rysdyk (author: Modern Shamanic Living) & C. Allie Knowlton, MSW, DCSW for graduates of the Spirit Passages 2-year Apprenticeship Program, FSS Three-Year and Sandra Ingerman’s Teachers of Shamanism Training. This is the only training of this kind available to advanced students of core shamanism. Brochure and application form: (207) 846-6829
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Ap r il 2006 April 1st, 10:00am-1:00pm, begins a 3 week course "Refresh mind and body through meditation". Offered by Roberta Barnes, Reiki Shihan & Herbalist. Pre-registration is required Call (207) 445-5671 or visit www.naturalhealinglearning.com
April 2nd, (Bangor) or April 16th, (Falmouth) The Miraculous Power of Your Imagination.
"The creative imagination is vital in that it gives people a way to help bring the greatest spiritual blessings into their lives." -Harold Klemp, Those Wonderful ECK Masters; Bangor ECK Center, (across from the Maine Discovery Museum), Coe Building, 15 Cross St., Room 61, (207) 947-7083 Southern Maine services held at Falmouth Memorial Library, 5 Lunt St., (off Depot Rd.), (207) 771-0281. All visitors to our ECK Worship Services will receive a free copy of our new "HU - A Love Song To God" audio CD.
April 5th, Saturday 1:00pm-3:00pm Free Healing Sessions!
Mr. Paperback, 855 Lisbon Street, Lewiston, ME 04240 Sessions are being offered by Andrea Beaudoin of Red Earth Intuitive Bodywork and Yvonne Treeslimb Raphael of EarthTree Holistic Services. Techniques include Ryse, Polarity, Reiki and Shamanic healing. A raffle for free private healing sessions will be held. Come relax and enjoy all the comfy chairs and the great books! FMI: call (207) 729-7115 or (207) 743-8467.
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April 6th–9th, May 18th-21st, June 15th-18th Empowerment Workshop The format of the Empowerment Workshop is to support you in creating your life the way you want it. This training is based on the premise that our thoughts and beliefs create the conditions of our life. If we want to bring about changes in our life we need to change our beliefs. The workshop focuses on seven areas of your life – Relationships, Sexuality, Money, Work, Body, Emotions and Spirituality. FMI: Call David @ (207) 865-0646 or e-mail at djbonney@suscom-maine.net.
April 7th-30th Women of UMA The Harlow Gallery, Kennebec Valley Art Association, 160 Water St., Hallowell, ME (207) 622-3813 www.harlowgallery.org, kvaa@harlowgallery.org
April 7th-9th Iyengar Yoga Workshop
Gabriel Halpren, www.PortlndYoga.com
April 8th-9th Whole Health Expo, Northampton, MA.
Over 100 lectures + exhibits, 2 hour live radio broadcast, feature film and other entertainment. 50% off new age books. www.WholeHealthExpo.com or (877) 943-3976 (WHE-EXPO)
April 14th Opening Spring Show of Art Frank Brockman Gallery, 68 Maine St., 3rd floor, Brunswick, (207) 729-5389
April 15th, 10:00am-3:00pm Cure Your Cabin Fever Healing Day Monica's...Naturally, 93 Main St., Unity Reflexology, Massage, more. Samples from Creative Cooking Contest winners. All Free. (207) 948-2935; e-mail monicasnaturally@uninets.net.
April 19th, 5:00pm-8:30pm, begins 4 week course in Shoden, Level I of Gendai Reiki-ho
April 21st-27th Women’s New Moon Dreaming Retreat with
May 5th, 7:00pm-9:00pm Falling into the Arms of God:
Nurture Through Nature, Canoe Stillwater Canyon, Green River, Utah, FMI: www.ntnretreats.com, (207) 452-2929
The Mystical Grace of Surrender. Lecture and discussion with Megan Don, with Teresa of Avila and other mystics, we can learn to unfold into the deeper desires waiting to be born within us. $10, Williston-West Church, Portland, FMI call ChIME: (207) 347-6740.
April 22nd 11:00am-4:00pm Psychic Fair-Portland Leapin' Lizards Fabulous psychics, aura photography, chair massage, cranial sacral, giveaways and lots of fun! 449 Forest Ave, Portland, (207) 221-2363, www.leapinlizards.biz
April 22nd-23rd Carving the Native American Flute Workshop Featuring Tim Spotted Wolf, Master Flute Carver and Eve Abreu, Wood Artisan www.ancientforestmusic.com, (207) 754-5447 or www.mainerustic.com, (207) 647-2082.
April 25th, Tuesdays, 6:30pm-8:00pm (6 weeks) Hypnosis Workshop for Weight Loss At Auburn Adult Education, Edward Little High School. Come relax and learn the three-step method of self-hypnosis to allow your subconscious mind to work with you to lose weight gently and safely. $60 (207) 784-9220 www.auburnschl.edu
April 26th, Wednesdays, 6:00pm-8:00pm (2 weeks) Past Life Regression At Maranacook Adult Education, Readfield, ME. Using hypnotic techniques, participants are guided on a journey across space and time. Is it real? Only you can determine the authenticity of your experience. $50 (207) 685-4923, ext. 303, Tanya B. Quarterman, Certified Hypnotherapist.
April 27th-30th Beginning and Advanced Enneagram Workshops Greenfire Women’s Retreat, Tenants Harbor Learn how this ancient tool of self-discovery helps you understand your basic energy and improve relationships. (207) 372-6442/www.greenfireretreat.org
April 28th-30th Karuna Reiki® Master (includes Level I & II) on beautiful Grand Manan Island, N.B., Canada. Gianna Settin, PhD. (207) 989-9009, www.avantihealingarts.com (See display ad page 21)
April 28th-30th Weekend of Self Exploration A Residential Playshop which supports a process of wholebeing harmonizing through conscious awakening & energetic support. Friday 6:00pm to Sunday noon in Falmouth. For more information, questions & to register (207) 781-9887, www.pathways2u.com. Self assessed sliding scale $325 - $425.
April 29th, Saturday 10:30am-4:00pm A Day of Windhorse Touchstone Bookstore, 1832 Forest Ave., Portland ME 04103 (207) 878-3866. Windhorse is a Siberian concept which teaches personal balance and empowerment. Yvonne Treeslimb Raphael of EarthTree Holistic Services will be instructing on this concept as well as adding her own Sufi, Buddhist and Wiccan inspired techniques for purification, inspiring joy and creating spiritual protection. $65 Bring a Journal and lunch FMI: earthtree@megalink.net
April 30th, 11:00am-4:00pm Total Wellness Expo, Presented by New Edge Events Reiki, Massage, Nutrition, Intuitives, Environmental Products Psychic Sue Yarmey. Double Tree Hotel, Congress St., Portland. FMI: (207) 286-1427 Admission $3
(Modern Reiki method for healing). To enhance the whole you. This is Japanese Usui Reiki Ryoho, offered by Roberta Barnes, Reiki Shihan & Herbalist. Call today for information and pre-registration. (207) 445-5671 or visit www.naturalhealinglearning.com
May 2006 May 5th-28th Art2006
FOR THE ADVERTISERS WHO BRING THIS JOURNAL TO YOU PLEASE SUPPORT THEM & LET THEM KNOW YOU SAW THEM HERE!
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The Harlow Gallery, Kennebec Valley Art Association, 160 Water St., Hallowell, ME (207) 622-3813 www.harlowgallery.org, kvaa@harlowgallery.org
ENJOY READING THIS ISSUE OF INNER TAPESTRY~
May 5th-7th Zen and the Art of Carpentry ~
Building a Thoreau cabin in the Maine Woods. Women's carpentry workshop with Nurture Through Nature. www.ntnretreats.com, (207) 452-2929.
May 5th & 6th Karuna Reiki® Levels I & II on beautiful Grand Manan Island, N.B., Canada. Gianna Settin, PhD. (207) 989-9009, www.avantihealingarts.com (See display ad page 21)
May 6th, 9:00am–4:00pm Creating Peace through the Mystic Pathway Workshop with Megan Don. At this critical juncture, humankind can continue its destructive behavior or, following the mystic’s pathway, create a society based on compassion. Using the practices of a variety of traditions, this workshop will help us explore the depths of our interior being—where real peace begins. Glickman Library 4th floor, USM Portland, $60 advance, $70 at door. FMI call ChIME: (207) 347-6740.
May 6th, 10:00am-3:00pm 1st ANNUAL YARMOUTH WELLNESS FAIR Featuring a diverse array of holistic and integrative healthcare businesses. Exhibitors, demonstrations and presentations. All ages welcome. Free admission. Healthy snacks and lunches for purchase. Yarmouth High School, Yarmouth ME. FMI: www.yarmouthmaine.org, or call (207) 846-3984.
May 6th, 10:00am-2:00pm, begins a 4 week course in Okuden, Level II of Gendai Reiki-ho. Offered by Roberta Barnes, Gendai Reikiho Shihan & Herbalist. Pre-registration is required Call (207) 445-5671 or visit www.naturalhealinglearning.com
May 7th (Bangor) or May 21st (Falmouth) The Importance of Dreams. "Dreams are a spiritual tool of the Holy Spirit to help you find your way to God." -Harold Klemp, The Living Word, Book 2, Bangor ECK Center, (across from the Maine Discovery Museum), Coe Building, 15 Cross St., Room 61, (207) 947-7083. Southern Maine services held at Falmouth Memorial Library, 5 Lunt St., (off Depot Rd.), (207) 771-0281. All visitors to our ECK Worship Services will receive a free copy of our new "HU A Love Song To God" audio CD.
May 10th, Wednesdays, 6:00pm-8:30pm (2weeks) Essential Reiki I At Maranacook Adult Education, Readfield, ME. First degree, non-traditional Reiki. $40 (207) 685-4923, ext. 303
May 13th & June 3rd, 10:30am-11:30am Free Monthly Introduction to Aikido Workshop Aikido of Maine, Portland. Stretching, breathing, footwork, falling safely, basics of making a connection with a partner. Register at www.Aikidoofmaine.com or (207) 879-9207.
May 20th Meditation Retreat for Care Givers (.7 CEU's for counselors, social workers & nurses through USM), www.ntnretreats.com, (207) 452-2929.
May 25th-30th, Falmouth Maine PachaWorks Presents: Soul Retrieval Taught by Karen Duncun senior staff member of Alberto Villoldo’s Light Body School. Contact: Eva Rose Goetz (207) 756-0488, eva@pachaworks.com. Class will count towards Four Winds certification.
May 26th-28th Weekend of Self Exploration A Residential Playshop which supports a process of wholebeing harmonizing through conscious awakening & energetic support. Friday 6:00pm to Sunday noon in Falmouth. For more information, questions & to register (207) 781-9887, www.pathways2u.com. Self assessed sliding scale $325 - $425.
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Upcoming June 2nd-4th Zen and the Art of Pack Basket Making Women's workshop with Nurture Through Nature, www.ntnretreats.com, (207) 452-2929
June 16th & 17th Resonance Arts Presents: Creating Magical Relationships
Aikido of Maine Portland Aikido for Women classes, Wednesday and Friday am classes. Daily beginner’s classes and youth programs. www.aikidoofmaine.com (207) 879-9207
WholeHeart Yoga Center, Portland Full schedule of weekly classes for all levels with experienced, Kripalu-certified instructors. Workshops and Kirtans (chanting) offered regularly. Call (207) 871-8274 or visit www.wholeheartyoga.com for more details.
with Ariel & Shya Kane. Whether you are searching for someone or already have found the person of your dreams, this workshop will empower you to have nurturing and fulfilling relationships in all areas of your life. Married for more than 20 years, and relationship coaches for nearly two decades, the Kanes are expert guides who can help you relate with clarity and brilliance. 7:00pm-9:30pm Friday evening, 10:00am-6:00pm Saturday; The Riley School, Glen Cove. $175 early registration by May 22nd, $200 thereafter. To register, contact Steve Donoso at 207-230-0232 or stevedonoso@yahoo.com. For more info. visit www.ask-inc.com.
Ongoing Yoga Classes
June 18th, Sunday, 1:00pm-4:00pm "Life as a Full Body Experience"
Yoga Classes starting March 6th
An ongoing experiential forum for all medical professionals wanting to make their work more intuitive and spiritual, Topsham, ME. RAY REITZE, teacher/guide/author, REGINA STRONGHEART, teacher/healer (207) 776-3152, regina@numbum.net, $30
June 11th-16th A BODY STORY workshop at The Omega Institute for Holistic Studies, offered by Maine author/artist Arla Patch. See the work on arlapatch.com. Register at: eomega.com
June 23rd-25th Weekend of Self Exploration
July 28th-30th Weekend of Self Exploration A Residential Playshop which supports a process of wholebeing harmonizing through conscious awakening & energetic support. Friday 6:00pm to Sunday noon in Falmouth. For more information, questions & to register (207) 781-9887, www.pathways2u.com. Self assessed sliding scale $325 - $425.
O n going Dragonfly Taijiquan, Larry Ira Landau Group & Private Instruction in T’ai Chi Ch’aun (taijiquan) & Chi Kung (qigong) for beginners & experienced students. Studios in Portland and Kennebunkport. On going classes, workshops & retreats. FMI: (207) 761-2142 or (207) 967-4070.
Holistic Pathways Yoga & Healing Center, Gorham. On-going classes offered in Kripalu Yoga, Pilates, Pregnancy and Mommy & Me Yoga. All ages and abilities. Call (207) 839-7192 or visit www.holisticpathways.com for more information on upcoming sessions.
SpiritWings-Workshops, Reiki Classes & Events in Bethel Maine. Social Drumming Circle first Friday of every month. Reiki Shares second Tuesday of every month. Reiki Classes and other Workshops scheduled every month. Call for schedule (207) 824-2204 or visit website www.spiritwings.biz for details.
A Gathering of People Exploring Conscious Living Join us Wednesdays. 6:30pm-8:30pm at 66 Foreside Rd. (Rt. 88) Falmouth. Fee $15. For more info call (207) 781-9887, or visit www.pathways2u.com.
Student Massage Therapy Clinics at Namaste' Institute for Holistic Studies Ongoing Student Massage Therapy Clinics at Namaste' Institute in Rockport Maine. Please call for more information on how to become a recipient of Student Massage Therapy Clinics & Student Massage Therapy Session Studies! Call (207) 236-2744 or visit www.namasteinstitute.com
Doula tea, meet with doulas in person. Learn how doulas help families during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. We meet Sundays at the Ballard House, 131 Spring St. Portland from 10:30am-11:30am. There is no fee, pre-registration is required. Call Rebecca Goodwin at (207) 318-8272.
Yoga classes and individual instruction that start from where you are and expand your life. Experience the Journey. Rising Moon Healing Arts, Kimberly Allen. (207) 590-0082, www.rising-moon.org
Soundings - Energy Therapy Woven In Sound An intuitive blend of Reiki, IET, Quantum-Touch, crystals and sound. Usui Tibetan Reiki, IET and Crystal Bowl Meditation classes. Brenda (207) 557-2664, soundsqwazi2@verizon.net, www.gentlerhythms.com in Kennebunk Monday evenings, Saco Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and Scarborough Thursday evenings First Yoga class free for newcomers! Dance, Chant & Meditate in Portland, Fridays, 6:30pm-9:00pm, March 10th, April 14th and May 12th FMI: call Jeanette Schmid Lakari (207) 282-5528.
Second Mondays, 7:00pm-9:00pm, Healing Drum Ceremony Yvonne Treeslimb Raphael Dancing Trees Lodge 17 Cotton Lane, Oxford ME. $10 donation to benefit Dancing Trees non-profit retreat center. You need do nothing during the ceremony, but relax and receive. After the ceremony we do shamanic journeying. (207) 743-8467.
One 30 Word Event is Free! Email: events@innertapestry.org • Please follow the format of the Calendar— please do not send unformatted Listings such as press releases. •Email typed text indicating under which heading you want your event to appear: (Month, Upcoming or Ongoing). •If your Event is longer than 30 words, please send .75¢ per word thereafter— (Email & Website addresses count as 2 words.) Ongoing Calendar Events under 30 words may be posted up to six months, or until requested to be removed.
Events & Classified ads are also posted on the Inner Tapestry Website! www.innertapestry.org
How to advertise in Inner Tapestry’s Classifieds Keeping with the themes of natural living, alternative health & well-being, Classifed ads are $20 for 30 words, $1 per word thereafter. Times, dates and telephone numbers count as one word (like “August 6”. Email and Web addresses count as 2 words. Payments must be sent with the listing.
The deadline for the June/July 2006 issue is May 10th. Email your listings: events@innertapestry.org.
Third Saturdays, 9:00am-4:00pm, Sample Shamanic and Reiki Healing Sessions Yvonne Treeslimb Raphael, LightWorker’s Psychic Holistic Fair, 17 Dunn Street, Westbrook ME $1 entrance fee, sessions are $1 a minute.
Yoga For Kids:
Yvonne Treeslimb Raphael, Touchstone Bookstore, 1832 Forest Ave, Portland ME (207) 878-3866, Sessions are $1 a minute.
A way for children to strengthen emotional stability through self exploration. Seven Week sessions following school calendar. Ages 5-9 Belfast The Belfast Dance Studio Wednesdays 4:00pm-5:30pm Camden Open Door Yoga Thursdays 3:45pm-5:00pm For more information call Lily at (207) 236-6001
USM Center for Continuing Education.
Holistic Pathways Yoga & Healing Center, Gorham.
Thursdays, Sample and Full length Shamanic and Reiki healing Sessions
Ongoing classes in Complementary Therapies, (Traditional Chinese Medicine, Aromatherapy, Reiki, etc.) Visit www.usm.maine.edu/cce for course and registration information or call (207) 780-5900 for catalog.
Energy Vibrational Healing Therapies including Polarity and Energy Interference Patterning of DNA. Ongoing Reiki & Therapeutic Touch classes. FMI: (207)-839-7192, www.holisticpathways.com.
Planetary Activation Organization in Maine
Dynamic Facilitated Group Breathwork Sessions
Is actively looking for people to join this group, for info: Visit paoweb.com. If interested, call (207) 743-2613, E-mail bobham@adelphia.net, or write Maria Ham, 51 BumpTown Rd, South Paris, ME 04281
Free one-hour Holistic Health Counseling consultations-
Combining breath and intuitive healing - held monthly in Falmouth, Harrison & Oxford. Offering breath workshops, classes and personal sessions & all levels of Reiki training. FMI: Call Breathe In & Beyond Paula & Christopher Easton (207) 583-6603.
Focusing on your personal health concerns, health history, diet, relationship with food, and other issues that influence your life and food choices. FMI contact Shannen, (207) 837-4878 at The Healing Path, Holistic Health Counseling, Reiki, 615 Congress St., Suite 313, Portland. www.pathofhealing.com
Free Reiki Exchange, Hosted by Gianna Settin
Inner Light Spiritualist Church
Artists Support Group, Inner Balance, Belfast, ME
Invites You to Weekly Services, Sundays 10:00am-12:00pm, with Reverend Gloria Nye. Healing, Songs, Sermon, Mediumship, Governor King Masonic Lodge, Route 1, Dunstan Corner, Scarborough, Me.
On 156 High Street. Third Tuesday of the month from 7:00pm-8:30pm. Call Elliot Benjamin at (207) 338-4576
Women’s Workshops Designed exclusively for you to address your unique problems online & in-person. Henderson, NV. $75 per workshop Fridays 6:00pm-10:00pm, FMI: (702) 408-1783 workshops_for_women@yahoo.co.uk
Children’s Aikido Kokikai Class Schedules: Josiah Bartlett Elementary School in Bartlett NH Wednesdays 3:30pm-4:30pm grades 2-5 ($35/month) Wednesdays 4:45pm-5:45pm grades 6-8 ($35/month) Fridays 3:30pm-4:30pm grades K-1 ($30/month) The Ballroom in Harrison Maine Sundays 5:00pm-6:00pm grades K-6 ($30/month) Water and Stone Yoga Studio in Conway, NH Mondays 4:00pm-5:00pm grades 2-5 ($40/month) Mondays 5:15pm-6:15pm grades 6-8 ($40/month) Mondays 6:30pm-7:30pm adults and teens ($40/month) Contact Jane Biggio for more information at (603) 374-6326 or email at bamboomountain@ncia.net
3rd Tuesday of month, 6:00pm-8:30pm Avanti Healing Arts Reiki Center in Brewer. All levels of practitioners and teachers welcome. (207) 989-9009. www.avantihealingarts.com.
Crescent Moon Herbals Ongoing classes and events, psychic readings and energy workers. 76 Center Road, Lebanon, Maine. (207) 457-1114, e-mail: crescentmoonherbals@excite.com Web site: www.crescentmoonherbals.com
Mindful Meditation™ Mondays 5:30pm-7:00pm All are welcome, no experience necessary. $15 or 4 classes for $50. Mind/Body Therapy at Meadow Wind, 100 Gray Road, West Falmouth, Maine (207) 650-3964 FMI www.mbtherapy.org.
The Awakening Process Learn about a simple path that will eliminate depression and anxiety, leading eventually to peace and enlightenment. First and third Tuesday 7:00pm-9:00pm. Call (207) 286-8060 for directions.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 38 April/May 2006 Inner Tapestry 37
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A Residential Playshop which supports a process of wholebeing harmonizing through conscious awakening & energetic support. Friday 6:00pm to Sunday noon in Falmouth. For more information, questions & to register (207) 781-9887, www.pathways2u.com. Self assessed sliding scale $325 - $425.
Place your Event in Inner Tapestry’s Calendar
⇠ 38 Book Review
Oriental Brush Painting Classes and Workshops Frederica Marshall, an artist who lived 28 years in Japan, teaches sumi-e in her Deer Isle Studio. Basic to advanced levels. (207) 348-2782. www.fredericamarshall.com.
by Scott Croneweth
The Rose Cottage
What the Bleep Do We Know!?
Teaching Reiki Master, Transformational Breath, Crystal Healing, Hypnotherapy, and Hypnobirthing. Private sessions by appointment. Gift certificates. Ongoing classes. Contact Vicki Kupferman 14 Weed Rd., Knox, Maine. (207) 568-3782.
Discovering he Endless Possibilities for Altering your Everyday Reality.
By William Arntz, Betsy Chasse and Mark Vicente ISBN:0-7573-0334-X http://www,whathebleep.com
Kripalu “DansKinetics” The body, mind, spirit workout blending yoga and dance. No experience necessary. Free trial class. Days Meadow Farm, 889 Alewive Rd. Kennebunk. (207) 985-6896 or: daysmeadowfarm@prexar.com.
“Authentic Movement” with “The Wave” Two Saturdays per month at Bath Dance Works, Classes: February 4th & 18th, March 4th & 18th 72 Front St., Bath. 10:00am-1:00pm; $12 .00 donation. Kay Mann (207) 725-9997 or dancingfewl@pobox.com.
Sacred Circle Dance Dances from a multi-cultural folk dance tradition. Steps taught at all sessions. No experience/partner needed. Fourth Friday of every month, 7:00pm-8:30pm, Portsmouth, NH. FMI: amyla44@juno.com, (603) 750-7506.
Ongoing Usui Reiki Classes in all levels, private sessions and free clinics,Gift certificates available. Please contact Judy Fisher, Reiki Master Teacher in Camden, Maine at (207) 236-0359.
Spiritual Readings ~ Psychic Development Classes Learn to Meditate; contact your spirit guides and clients' guides; raise your vibration level and more. Psychic-Spiritual Readings, private sessions and parties of 4 or more by appointment. FMI contact Marilyn at (207) 602-4006 or romntclibra@gwi.net.
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Dancing Xigong: Twelve movements to music Every Thursday mornings, 8:30am-9:00am Summer at Merryspring Park, Winter at Quarry Hill, in Camden. FMI call (207) 236-8732.
Experience the healing of Love without condtions. Ongoing classes. Learn the freedom of healing without limitations. Shamballa 1-4 and 13D Certification. Contact Elizabeth, Center of Momentum, (207) 873-3514, or centerofmomentum@hotmail.com.
Short-term Solution-oriented Couples & Family Work. Guiding Couples & Families from conflict to communication, from disengaged to connected, from hurting to resolution. Group and private sessions. Call Maureen McCarthy-Darling at (207) 691-0023.
Energize! and RYSE® sessions (Realizing Your Spiritual Energies) Sessions for artists, actors and performers. Expand your creative potential, rejuvenate, rebalance after performance. $65/$55 Holistic Pathways. Gorham. (207) 839-9819. www.starlightacting.org
Wise Women Daughters of the Moon Ceremonial Wisdom Circle honoring our Inner & Outer Seasons & Cycles. Sliding Scale, FMI: www.spiritualrenaissance.com, www.templeoftheheart.com or call Deborah, spiritual guide, healer & ordained priestess: (207) 883-1081.
What the Bleep Do We Know!? By William Arntz, Betsy Chasse and Mark Vicente, with Jack Forem and Ellen Erwin. Health Communications, Inc., Deerfield Beach, FL, 2005. Like the now spectacularly famous and controversial film by the same name, What the Bleep Do We Know!? (Subtitled “Discovering the Endless Possibilities for Altering Your Everyday Reality) this is about exploring open questions, not espousing answers. Simultaneously pointing towards the outer limits and the inner depths, it is ultimately not about science, spirituality or self-help, though it interweaves elements of each. It is, like the movie it unself-consciously parallels, a light-hearted romp through a pile of ideas ancient and innovative that are coalescing into a new paradigm for what it means to be human. On the surface this is a glitzy, hi-graphics piece with a coffee table book feel that laughs at itself continuously and blithely blows off any attempt to be definitive, rational or even (at times) halfway coherent. From the same publishers that brought us the “Chicken Soup” series, don’t doubt for a heartbeat that “Bleep, the Book” is a transparent attempt to capitalize on the financial windfall from the movie. So what? It never pretends to be anything but. Besides, the type’s big enough that you probably won’t need your Wal-mart reading glasses. The book covers pretty much the same ground as the movie, and rarely goes appreciably deeper. Its prose is accessible to the point of feeling like it was authored by the Doublemint Twins. (Do you bridle at seeing the word “gazillion” in print?) Its value for fans of the movie is that it provides more background. And simply because it’s words on a page instead of images zooming by, you can assimilate the content at your own pace. My favorite part of Bleep the Book is the questions, from deep to daffy, posed at the end of each chapter. They invite contemplation – and chaos! And they make this an ideal book club book.
Whatever your impressions of the writing, format or content, this book will shake your tree – even if you’ve seen the movie – unless you’re already deeply steeped in the latest thinking in physics, neurophysiology, spirituality and holistic healing. The many scientists and metaphysicians quoted herein seem to be clear only that we are exploring new possibilities, and we don’t know what it all means, but it’s important and powerful enough to alter the trajectory of human consciousness and civilization. If you haven’t seen Bleep the Movie, consider renting the video before you buy the book. You’ll either like them both, or not. Just want some support for working with the ideas from the film? Check out the free Bleep Study Guide, downloadable at http:// www.noetic.org/research/files/Bleeep_Study_Guide.pdf. This whole Bleep phenomenon is fundamentally about our own relationship to reality as it exists in this moment. If you want to play with shifting your perspective, Bleep the Book supports it even better than the film. If you want more reasons to hunker down in the foxhole of your existing conceptual framework, the book supports that even better than the movie, too. Want to get hung up on all the authors and many people connected with the Bleep phenomenon being devotees of Ramtha, who depending on who you talk to is a either a 35,000-year-old master or a 50-ish fraud? For me it’s about the messages, not the messengers. Why not, as Bleep the Book recommends, “Enjoy the chaos and embrace the unknown.”? We need to ask and answer these questions for ourselves. They are intensely personal and vastly trans personal at the same time. So… how far down the rabbit hole do you want to go?
Scott Cronenweth is a freelance Shamanic Buddhist Naturalist Bird Guide Personal Dog Servant writer in idyllic South Portland, ME. Connect with Scott at skyhorse@maine.rr.com
Belfast Yoga Studio. Iyengar style Hatha Yoga All levels including, Beginner, Level I, Level II, Gentle & Private classes & workshops. For more info and schedule see www.belfastyoga.com or call (207) 338-3930/338-4256.
Creative Spiral Studio Gallery exhibits Original Visionary Art by Helen Warren, MSed.,MFA Open by appointment or chance. Co-Creating with Your Soul retreats and individual journeys. FMI: (207) 829-6876 or helen@creativespiral.net; www.creativespiral.net
Aaminah School Of Middle Eastern Dance All levels of belly dance classes taught by experienced and caring instructors. Bangor and Waterville classes. Visit our Website: www.aaminahdance.com or jeason@pivot.net.
NDE Support/Discussion Group FOI (Friends of the International Association for Near-Death Studies), meetings - held by teleconference once a month. FMI, please go to http://neardeathexp.meetup.com/1/about/ or contact Rev. Juliet Nightingale at (615) 292-2217. You may also visit www.TowardTheLight.org.
Calendar of Events & Classified Ad Info, Page 37 38 Inner Tapestry April/May 2006
Circle of Roses Healing Circle
SACRED RENTAL SPACE
Energy healing every third Saturday, monthly at The Wellness Center, 69 Elm Street, Camden, ME. 9:00am-12:00pm. FMI contact Cheryl: (207) 273-2490.
A Place In The Heart
The New England School of Feng Shui Basic through advanced workshops. World-renown faculty. Professional certification program available. For complete brochure: (203) 268-9483 or visit www.neschoolfengshui.com.
“The Path Of The Masters In Maine” Inner Light & Sound Meditation. Surat Shabd Yoga. Science of Spirituality. For a Bangor, Waterville, & Portland Satsang schedule, call James at: (207) 368-5866 or james@spiritualawakeningradio.com
Classifieds SACRED SPACES Space Available for Gatherings, Ceremonies, Presentations. At Earthrest, Cornish, ME. Call (207) 625-4179.
Energetically clear beautiful spaces for classes, workshops, celebrations, and ceremony. Outdoor ceremonial space available. Located in Falmouth. Reasonable rates. FMI call The Vywamus Foundation (207) 797-6106.
Two Beautiful Rooms for Rent in Alternative Healthcare Clinic in Freeport Village, prefer holistic health care professionals who wish to collaborate. $450 and $350 includes parking and utilities. Call: (207) 865-1203.
FOR SALE
One pair shorthorn/holstein steers, 4 years old, 3,200-3,600 lbs. well trained, gentle, loved, would make a great farm team. $2,700 or best offer (860) 614-5066 (Austin) Lebanon, Ct.
Email your Events to: events@innertapestry.org Calendar Events & Classified ads are also posted on the Inner Tapestry Website! www.innertapestry.org
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mi xed m e dia
Movie Review
CD Review
by James Bean
by J a m e s B ean The Beginner's Guide to the Kabbalah Unlock the Secrets of the Sacred texts of Judaism
By Rabbi David Cooper Sounds True: http://www.soundstrue.com The Sounds True label not only specializes in music but also spokenword teaching CDs exploring spirituality, meditation practice, and the wisdom of the great world religions.
Book Review
b y J a m e s Be an The Gospel of Jesus In Search of His Original Teachings
By John Davidson http://www.clearpress.co.uk ISBN: 10904555-14-4 John Davidson’s book, “The Gospel of Jesus -- In Search of His Original Teachings”, is in a class by itself, unmatched, an encyclopedia of knowledge about the Gnostic gospels, along with many other categories of Western scripture and wisdom literature from antiquity. If you’re curious as to which writings contain passages referring to reincarnation, the after-life, etc..., this would be the book to consult. This “gospel according to John Davidson” represents a delightful combination of quotes, history, and spirituality, containing a handy index of key words. This resource, over a
thousand pages in length, has a vast arsenal of footnotes, and an exhaustive bibliography listing over four hundred scholarly works, including English translations. Davidson has taken the study of Western scriptures to a whole new level, presenting a more holistic view. For Davidson, these “other” holy books are equally inspiring and as legitimate as the recognized bibles of the major world religions, are to be seen on their own terms, not simply to be viewed through the “lens” of Orthodox heresyhunters living in the Roman Empire of the Fourth Century.
Recently I had the privilege of watching an early review DVD copy of the sequel to: "What the Bleep Do We Know!?", the new movie called: "What the Bleep!? Down the Rabbit Hole". I also had a phone conversation with Will Arntz, the primary filmmaker behind both Bleep films. The new "Bleep II" is currently being shown in theatres around the US and Canada. Later on this year, there will also be a new DVD box set featuring many additional hours of Bleep material. "What the Bleep!? Down the Rabbit Hole" is around two and a half hours long and represents a new version, with some of the same sights and sounds from the first Bleep movie but with additional material added, some new computer-generated special effects, also some scientists and thinkers not included in the first Bleep movie. I think it is a more finely tuned, well-honed presentation. Since so many people enjoyed watching the first movie over and over again, I think most will find the second Bleep worth viewing. I enjoyed it more than the first. It contains around an hour and a half of new interviews, and there is some new animated footage, including: "the Double Slit Experiment", and, "Dr. Quantum Visits Flatland", a moving story of what it would be like for a two-dimensional being living in
a flat universe to encounter someone from the third dimension. This has implications for us beings who believe we dwell in a three-dimensional universe seeking to understand and perhaps even interact with other dimensions. In this segment, Dr. Quantum brings (liberates) a twodimensional being into the threedimensional universe. This reminds me of the Near-Death Experience and the experiences of those who have reported mystically traveling to other realms, entering into new worlds. The unique specialty of both What the Bleep films is illustrating so very well upon the screen some amazing, mind-blowing, abstract concepts of quantum physics and metaphysics, making them tangible, understandable, and even FUN. We are all in this movie called life, existing in a holographic universe/multiverse. Each one of us is "The Observer" beholding our reality and effecting it. Hopefully those who view this movie will come away with a greater desire to be the conscious observer and co-creator with improved skills of observation, seeking to behold the highest good, focusing on that, creating their day in the highest possible way. The universe is always bigger and more astonishing than we realize.
James Bean reviews books and music for the Wisdom Radio Network and other stations via a syndicated radio program called Spiritual Awakening. Address questions or comments to: P O Box 7, Newport, ME 04953, or Email:james@spiritualawakeningradio.com
April/May 2006 Inner Tapestry 39
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Rabbi David Cooper, of the Center for Contemplative Judaism, has been called “one of today’s leading teachers of Jewish meditation”. He has authored many books, including: “The Heart of Stillness”; “Silence, Simplicity, and Solitude”; and, “God Is A Verb: Kabbalah and the Practice of Mystical Judaism”. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to his introductory talk on the mystical branch of Judaism known as Kabbalah, a term, which according to Cooper means: “To receive”. Spirituality is about being receptive to the esoteric wisdom that has been communicated from Master to student for countless centuries. He says, “…Perhaps you feel that having an intimate relationship with the Divine is beyond you, reserved for others or another lifetime. This is
not so. It is part of our heritage; it is yours and mine to have ... Each breath we draw is connected with the Breath of the universe; and that lover, Beloved, and the essence of love itself all are reflections of exactly the same thing. In each of these moments we 'know' the presence of the Divine, and there is no separation…” (“God Is A Verb”, Riverhead Books) On this recording, Rabbi Cooper discusses the Kabbalah’s most essential teachings and their “potential to un-code the secrets of the universe” and our place in it, the thirty two paths of wisdom, the Tree of Life, worlds within worlds, the Five Levels of the Soul, the Five Worlds or Levels of Reality, the Timeless Realm of Ein Sof: the eternal NOW, non-dual Oneness that provided the Initial Light of Creation, as well as meditation practice according to Kabbalah. The disc contains some practical spiritual exercises one can try out at home. I highly recommend this Sounds True CD to anyone seeking to learn about the Kabbalah.
What the Bleep!? Down the Rabbit Hole http:whatthebleep.com Spiritual Awakening Radio Streaming Audio Link to the Will Arntz. What the Bleep Interview: http://tinyurl.com/jv4z8
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YOGA, T’AI CHI AIKIDO & MEDITATION Practitioners Directory BELFAST, ME Diamond Light Yoga Studio Offering Kundalini Yoga and Meditation classes. Taught by Devbir Kaur (Lisa Whiting) CKYI, RMT, ATP®. Private sessions and Reiki appointments also available. Call for class times or appointments. (207) 322-5633. 108 Main Street, 2nd floor, Belfast. Belfast Yoga Studio Iyengar Yoga, Relax&Renew® (restorative) Yoga, Yamuna Body Rolling®; classes, workshops, individual sessions. Marianna Moll (Iyengar, Relax&Renew®, Yamuna® certified) and Belinda Pendleton (Iyengar style, Gentle Yoga). (207) 338-3930. www.belfastyoga.com info@belfastyoga.com
BOOTHBAY HARBOR, ME
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The Yoga Firm Studio Join our ongoing movement inspired Beginning and Flow Yoga Classes to restore the supple nature of your body and mind. Also offering Shiatsu/ Acupressure bodywork. For schedule and info please contact Romee May, (207) 380-6975; 115 Townsend Ave. www.yogafirmstudio.com
CAMDEN, ME Open Door Yoga Center Offering a wide variety of Yoga classes, 5 Rhythm Ecstatic Dance, Feldenkrais Movement, Mindfulness Meditation, Shamanic drumming, T'ai Chi and Tantra Workshops. Morning, evening and weekend classes for all ages and levels. Conveniently located less than 3 miles from the center of Camden. Call for brochure or info: (207) 236-8971.
FALMOUTH, ME Meadow Wind Center for Holistic Arts Kripalu Yoga Classes for people of all ages and abilities taught by Rebecca LaWind, LMT, KYT. We offer beginner/continuing classes focusing on meditation, postures, breathing, relaxation. 100 Gray Road, (207) 749-4150
FARMINGDALE, ME Gentle Rhythms Yoga & Therapy Center Yoga Spirits Certified, Iyengar based (proper alignment). Chakra Balancing Yoga. Yoga for focus, flex-ability balance & relaxation. Yoga for MS, Parkinsons, Fibromyalgia, Autism, etc. Carleen Bevans, (207) 588-2023 ext 1, 308 Maine Avenue, Farmingdale, ME. 04344. www.gentlerhythms.com
GORHAM, ME Holistic Pathways Yoga & Healing Center Kripalu Yoga: all abilities/ages. Beginner, Continuing, Intermediate, Toning & Sculpting, Pregnancy Yoga, Mommy & Me, Pilates. Private Sessions available. Classes include postures, breathwork, guided imagery, meditation, relaxation. (207) 839-7192. www.holisticpathways.com.
PORTLAND, ME
Full Circle Synergy School of T'ai Chi Ch'uan We offer classes morning, noon and night. Cultivating stress reduction, balance, internal energy, and meditation while celebrating the joy of movement spectrum from self-healing through athletic efficiency and power to self-defense. All abilities welcome! (207) 780-9581. www.fullcirclesynergy.com
PORTLAND, ME CONTINUED Kundalini Community Yoga Full class schedule including beginners and children. Workshops. Groups. Private sessions. Certified Instructors. Class includes Kriya (set of specified exercises), breath, mantra, meditation, relaxation. Try Kundalini Yoga-the yoga of Awareness. 52 Pine St., (207) 615-5405. Portland Yoga Studio Highly trained instructors, Iyengar certified, Anusara influenced. Prenatal, Teen, LifeLong, Restorative, Ashtanga (flow), & Yin Yoga classes! Weekend workshops! Belly Dance! Beautiful studio! 616 Congress Street, (207) 799-0054, www.PortlandYoga.com, email info@portlandyoga.com Aikido of Maine Aikido: "The Art of Peace"' a martial art for self-defense and spiritual development. Connecting movement, breath and energy through partner practice. Seeking harmony from conflict. Creating an Alert mind, calm body and enhance health and awareness. Daily classes: beginners, adults & children, Flexible schedules, (207) 879-9207, 226 Anderson St., Portland, www.aikidoofmaine.com WholeHeart Yoga Center Portland's Kripalu affiliated studio offers classes for all levels which include postures, relaxation, breathwork and meditation. Our teachers are highly trained & Kripalu-certified. We also offer private classes, workshops, Partner Yoga and regular Kirtans (chanting). 150 St. John St., Portland. (207) 871-8274, www.wholeheartyoga.com Touchstone Bookstore and More Offering guided and open meditation. During open meditation times, we will light a candle and set the intention for peace. Just come in, grab a seat and breathe! Weekly morning and evening Kripalu yoga classes. Call or visit us at 1832 Forest Ave., Portland, ME, (207) 878-3866, www.touchstonebookstore.com
SCARBOROUGH, ME Rising Moon Healing Arts and Maine Massage and Yoga Yoga classes and private instruction designed for all levels. Awareness through movement, breath, and meditation. Reiki, Massage, and Mindful Living Consults available. Kimberly Allen, (207) 590-0082, www.rising-moon.org and Emily Eastbrook, (207) 415-3123, 153 US Route 1, Scarborough.
YARMOUTH, ME Sanctuary Holistic Health & Yoga Center Professional instruction in Kripalu & Hatha Yoga and guided meditation located in a peaceful and beautiful newly built studio. Gentle, moderate and vigorous classes for all ages & levels of experience. Private classes available. Certified directors Marilee Marrinan & Erinn Cayehal. (207) 846-1162, www.sanctuaryhhyc.com
Calling all Maine-wide Yoga, T’ai Chi, Qi Gong and Meditation Practitioners. Place your listing here! An excellent resource for getting the word out for your classes and workshops! \
If you and your group or school hold classes and workshops and would like to be listed in this Directory, please call: (207) 781-9885 or Email: info@innertapestry.org. Please include in listings Yoga, Meditation, T’ai Chi and Qi Gong related classes
See what’s new in this issue! Articles, New Calendar Events, New Directory of Resources Listings and much more... Thanks for reading!