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A Holistic Journal Celebrating & Supporting LIFE! April/May 2008
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HEART STORIES
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Volume 6, No . 6
Inner
Tapestry u Bus Enlightenment u Flying Mountains
u The Essence of Healing
u Choices in Childbearing ~ The Birth Center Option u Loving Earth ~ Loving Earth
u Modern Shamanic Living ~ Path Of The Heart
u Exploring The World Religions ~ The Way of the Lover and the Beloved
u Feng Shui & Geopathology ~ 6 Core Principles for Health & Wellness
then the stories begin ...to tell themselves between us
u Destination Healing New England ~ Northern ~ Living From the Heart Southern ~ Honoring The Call of the Heart
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u Serenity
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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 Maine Certified Trager® Practitioners Marlena O'Hagan-Buzzell Fryeburg, ME 207-212-7721 kmbuzzell@roadrunner.com
Gail Edgerly Portland, ME 207-761-3765 www.movementashealer.com
Virginia Reidy Islesboro, ME Kissimmee, FL 207-734-8132 904-874-4896
Liz Berks Cornish & Portland, ME 207-637-2074 207-653-8148 lizland@fairpoint.net
Carla Keene Portland & Bath, ME 207-653-8393 cskeene70@hotmail.com
Lew McGregor Hope, ME 207-763-3129
THE TRAGER® APPROACH
Introductory Workshop~Exploration in Effortless Movement Sunday April 20th 9:30am-5:30pm Saco Valley Medical Center, Fryeburg, ME Cyan Magenta Yellow Black
FMI: please contact Marlena O'Hagan-Buzzell at 207-647-3521 or Email: kmbuzzell@roadrunner.com
2 Inner Tapestry April/May 2008
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Inner T APESTRY Contents
This Issue's Theme Celebration, Feature Artist Melanie Weidner
Heart Stories
Ju ne/July 2008: Th e Ar t o f Si m p l i c i t y Aug us t/S ep tem b er 2008: L i ght ' n U p
A Holistic Journal Celebrating & Supporting LIFE!
Features
April/May 2008
Serenity
Page 6
by Dr. Kevin Ross Emery
O c tober/Novem b er 2008: B ei n g Yo u r se l f
The Essence of Healing
December/Januar y 2008: Prayers of Peace
by Rita Lang
Page 12
Bus Enlightenment
Page 16
by Anton Rick-Ossen
Flying Mountains
Page 17
by Eva Goetz
Choices in Childbearing ~ The Birth Center Option
Page 20
by AnnMarie Rian-Wanzeck, CPM
The Trager Approach to Relieving Stress
Page 21
Kashonic Body Stress Release
Page 21
by Angela Williams Duea
by Christopher Basah, RN and Certified Fitness Trainer
Modern Shamanic Living ~ Path of the Heart
Page 7
A Breath of Healing ~ Right View
Page 8
Awareness and the Art of Seeing ~ Water To The Stone
Page 9
Feng Shui & Geopathology ~ 6 Core Principles
Page 14
Loving Earth ~ Loving Earth
Page 15
Destination Healing NNE ~ Living From The Heart
Page 18
by Evelyn C. Rysdyk
by Donna Amrita Davidge by Jen Deraspe
by Werner Brandmaier
for Health & Wellness
by Pat Foley
by Kevin Pennell
Destination Healing SNE ~ Honoring the Call of the Heart Page 19 by Karen Rider
The Way of Life-Itself ~ The Heart, Shoulds and Overcoming Page 23 by Norm and Skye Hirst
The Trap of Scientific Materialism
The 21st Century Bohemian ~ The Healing and Transformative
Page 26
Cooking Consciously & Eating Healthy ~ Recipes for
Page 28
Welcome Home ~ Ask Asrianna
Page 29
by Teresa Piccari
Power of Art
Maximum Healing
by Meg Wolff
by Asrianna Dameron
Exploring The World Religions ~ The Way of the Lover by James Bean
and the Beloved: Bhakti Yoga
Mixed Media ~ Book, Website & Music Reviews
Directories
Yoga, T'ai Chi, Aikido & Meditation Directory Directory of Resources Heart Visions, Calendar of Events, Classifieds
Page 30
Pages 44 & 45
Page 31 Pages 32-38 Pages 40-43
April/May 2008 Inner Tapestry 3
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Departments
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Welcome to Inner Tapestry OUR EXPRESSION OF INTENTION: As we weave from within, we begin the
creation of the outward expression and celebration of our own unique tapestry. Our intention is to provide a pathway of support for all seeking the awareness of living a conscious life by creating and supporting a network of connection within the holistic community and its practitioners. The journal is advertiser supported and can be found in businesses and services that promote complementary healing, wellness, and wholeness and who support cultural, environmental and educational needs, where ideas of conscious living and integrative wholeness are welcomed and nourished. In our sixth year as a Holistic Journal celebrating and supporting the exploration of life, we have become a leading voice for people in their discovery of holistic health, natural living and spiritual wisdom and insight.
AVAILABLE IN MORE THAN 500 LOCATIONS Distributed bimonthly (six times a year) this free publication is filled with carefully selected inspiring and informative articles promoting conscious life choices that lead to a higher quality of life, unity within one's self and community and a greater experience of spirit! Our distribution area spans throughout Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Massachusetts with over 500 locations. If you would like copies placed at your business or location please contact us. Inner Tapestry is a great resource for your family, friends, clients and customers.
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Throughout Inner Tapestry's pages are the Display Ads. Towards the back of the journal you will find the Directory of Resources, a comprehensive listing of practitioners and descriptions of their services. Immediately following you will find our Calendar of Events (the first 30 words per submitter are free) and the Classified section. The fifth method is the Yoga, T'ai Chi, Aikido, & Meditation Practitioners Directory, with a listing of styles and forms available for study. Our online web site is the sixth way to advertise, with an online Directory Ad. Directory Ads can be placed just online or in conjunction with an ad in print. For those who need ad design, we offer a service to create a distinct way for you to present your business. 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 also look forward to receiving your comments and suggestions as we all continue to evolve and grow together. 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. ÂŽ 2008.
5 INNER WORKINGS New this Issue: HAPPY SPRING Everyone! With the vibrant green shades of spring returning, being reborn, re-created into new manifestations of life, I am reminded of the heart chakra color, green. We hear time and time again that fear and love cannot coexist, what does that mean? If I am afraid can I not Love? Is life an either/or proposition? In this issue "Heart Stories" we will delve into the concepts of these questions, hopefully stirring new heart energy to allow us to find "our" meanings of what life and living of the heart is. Spring has brought new growth to the journal, we have expanded the journal another eight pages and have some new writers joining us. Rita Lang and Aaron Hoopes will be writing for us on a regular basis. This issue features an article "The Essence of Healing" from Rita, and their new column will begin next issue.
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Karen Rider who has contributed feature articles in the past has agreed to be our Southern New England counterpart in destination healing, joining Kevin Pennell who will be continuing to cover Northern New England. We are all really excited that we will have the opportunity to connect to more destinations of healing. With our new growth we are welcoming Helen Warren to our Inner Tapestry family as someone who will be adding her many talents to the creation of the journal, and her help with our many advertisers. Spring brings the Whole Health Expo to the Portland and Portsmouth areas during the month of April. We are able to bring you a partial list of the vendors who will be at the shows and hope that you will take the time to connect with those who are offering presentations, services and products at the events. We will be hosting the showing of the movie The Moses Code, by James Twyman as well as the World Wide Peace Vigil the weekend of April 4th-6th. (see page 25) April will also kick off Dr. Kevin Ross Emery's Serenity Tour and information on the tour is on the inside back cover, thank you Circles of Wisdom, Andover, MA, Silo Seven in Bangor, ME and Leapin' Lizards in Freeport, ME for hosting this tour. May 17th is bringing the Midcoast Maine Women's Health Conference to Belfast and information can be found on the back cover. They are featuring Ianna who are always a pleasure and a must to hear any time you can. July 11th is also the date for the New England Holistic Practitioners & Energy Healers Convention 2008, with a day of great speakers, seminars, practitioner connections, dinners and then a holistic fair on Sunday for the public. More information will be on page 22. Thanks to everyone who continues to bring new opportunities for everyone to meet the practitioners in our area.
ON THE COVER
Between Us Welcome to spring and this issue of Inner Tapestry, "Heart Stories." With the arrival of spring we once again find ourselves allowing the stirring of the energy of the winter months to find its way to the creation of rebirth and new self-growth in our lives. We spend many hours within, in the winter months deep in reflection and feeling to bring forth change in our lives and new revitalized energy for the upcoming spring, summer and fall months. This inward winter time is what sustains the ability to bring ourselves forth in new and different ways. The magic happens when what we have connected to is shared from the heart with each other to bring us to a greater level of love, compassion and understanding first of self then of others. The cover art for this issue was found on a wonderful website called Listen for Joy which features the artwork of Melanie Weidner, from Portland, Oregon. I could not imagine finding a more profound depiction of Heart Stories, as these two wonderful women and what it is that they are sharing, creating the magic of life, intertwined in connection with each other. Melanie has asked to share the following with our readers: "The 'Between Us' image rose from my experiences of deep, nourishing conversations with a dearest friend. In those and other heart exchanges, we would find ourselves saying more than we knew that we knew! We were discovering ourselves as the stories unfolded. Our connection of listening, love, and deep respect brought forth our best, so our wisdom started
to tell itself between us. What a miracle to give this kind of healing attention to each other! Now I also use this image and its layers of meaning to represent my work as an Artist and a Spiritual Director, offering this depth of nourishing listening that draws out the inner wisdom or direction a person wants to follow. The art images and the stories often raise more questions than answers, as the Spirit or smoke in the image indicates. I pray we can hold both our deep truths and our questions in the reverence of compassion, trusting them to lead us on healing paths. I invite you to explore other spiritual, healing, and questing images on my website at www.ListenForJoy.com. Consider inviting a painting or print into your home space, healing space, prayer space, or work space, to remind you of your intentions for love and healing. Blessings to your heart." As well as Melanie's inspiring artwork you can also find the "Passion of the Earth Project" in DVD and also as Art and Text. This is a project of collaboration with the Benedictine Women's Monastery of St. Gertrude in Cottonwood, Idaho. The Passion of the Earth Project is described as a cross between the traditional Catholic Stations of the Cross and the contemporary "Cosmic Walk." It is a story of the origin and development of our universe, told in words and art in a vibrant and refreshing way. It is designed to be a spiritual exercise that enables people to see the earth and the cosmos not only as God's creation, but as the most basic expression of God's very self. Number 3: Laughter "And God let forth a laugh that shook the cosmos for it was wonderful and very, very good." A great DVD to check out and it can be ordered through Melanie's website, as well as her artwork at www.ListenForJoy.com.
www.circleofwisdom.com April/May 2008 Inner Tapestry 5
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S e re n i t y by Dr. Kevin Ross Emery
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However, when I hear that, I think of a statement one of my channels, who comes through me when I trance channel, Simon Peter (St. Peter) made through me: “Sometimes you turn the other cheek and sometimes you stomp down on their foot so that they don’t do it again.”
He looked at me with great surprise; I am still not sure if the surprise was his own or a reflection of the surprise he saw on my face. When he asked me why I would choose this subject, I told him that I had used the Serenity Prayer for almost 20 years in my spiritual coaching and counseling practice to help my clients.
Acceptance is about clearly seeing and being in the reality of any situation; not just thinking about how you would like for it to be or fear it might be. It also means dealing with the situation from that place of acceptance. We can accept something and still have unhappy emotions or thoughts about it. Frustration, anger or sadness don’t change our acceptance of a situation, they just are, and they make us feel a certain way, which we in turn also accept.
everal months ago, a friend approached me with a question. If I were to get up in front of a large audience and speak about something I thought would make their lives better, what would that subject be? For the last several years of my teaching and speaking career, my first response would have been to say, “Empowerment.” This time however, I looked at my friend and without missing a beat said, “The Serenity Prayer.”
In this article, I would like to explore the Serenity aspect of the prayer. As often times is the case, when I begin to talk or write about something, I like to see what Webster’s Dictionary has to say about it.
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One definition I found for the word “serenity” was, “A place of calmness and tranquility.” The question that brought up for me was, “Is Serenity a place where we go or a state that we live within?” Rather than answering this question on my own, I decided to see what other people had to say. Many of the people I asked said that Serenity is associated with acceptance, as in The Serenity Prayer: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change.” However when asked where they found the calmness and tranquility that defines serenity, some replied that when they did find it, it was when they meditated or chanted; or did yoga or T'ai Chi. For others, it came by listening to certain kinds of music. Some said that playing or singing music could also create that state of serenity. And then there are those that find serenity while cooking, knitting, or even shooting hoops. Did you notice that all these things required the effort of setting aside a period of time and doing something? It was a place they went to or an activity they participated in. It was clearly not a state of being they experienced in their ordinary day-to-day activities.
Living in serenity isn’t about having no emotions, no stress, or no thoughts but light and fluffy ones. It is all about acceptance. In the Serenity Prayer, we ask God to grant us the serenity to accept the things that we cannot change. Yet isn’t it the ability to accept that which you cannot change that leads to serenity? The acceptance of what you are not willing to change, but know that you could change which can also bring serenity. It is possible to realize that we can change something, and at the same time decide that now is not the best time to change it. But sometimes, we tell ourselves that it is okay to leave things as they are, and then proceed to beat ourselves up over the choice. If we cannot be in peace about living with something for the moment, then perhaps, we really can’t wait in serenity. Realizing this is the difference between timing and avoidance. If it is truly just timing, then you actually can be at peace with the choice, if you can’t than it is probably avoidance. In other words, one does not find serenity without acceptance, and acceptance brings serenity. One of the great spiritual paradoxes! Acceptance in all forms is what brings one to live in the place of serenity. Some might even call it radical acceptance, and this is what makes it possible to not only “find” Serenity in certain activities, but to live in serenity.
Another definition I found for serenity referred to being free from stress or emotion; the absence of mental stress and anxiety. Again, a question arose in my mind. “Does that mean that serenity is only achievable when we are empty of emotions and thoughts?”
So serenity is not about living without, or in emptiness, but it is about living fully within all that life brings you, fully embracing all of your emotions and each situation as it appears, so that at the end of the day, you can joyfully accept that you are just are as you are, living in each moment.
Even the possibility of eliminating emotions and thoughts made no sense to me. So I did what I do best and allowed my soul to take me to where the answer might lie, at least where it might lie for me. As often happens when I go into my intuitive self for guidance, I flashed on to something from my own past that guided me to an answer.
We began by discussing how some people can find moments of serenity for themselves, but the most important question is how to bridge the gap between moments of serenity to a life of Serenity? The answer to this question involves four steps:
For close to twenty years when people ask me what I do for work, I tell them that I don’t do work I do joy. I do joy because about 90% of the time, I am in joy, and part of that joy comes from what I do that some may call work. I can tell them this because I realized that joy, in of itself, is not an emotion, but how fully you live, learn, and move through the emotions that you have at the time that you are having them. Now why would I bring up joy when I am speaking about serenity? Simple – because to be in joy is all about acceptance; accepting exactly where you are, and doing so fully and without judgment. This is the first thing that one prays for in the Serenity Prayer. Serenity is clearly tied to acceptance. So what then is acceptance? Often, we associate acceptance with giving up on something, turning the other cheek.
The Thirteenth Moon
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Doing the things we know bring us serenity as often as possible. Daily spiritual practices. Getting out of fear and staying out of fear. Living in the now.
It is as simple and easy as that, which is neither “simple” nor “easy,” but can be accomplished. Can we really live in Serenity? Better yet, can we live in Serenity when we are living in a world that is fearful, judgmental and full of unknowns? Absolutely, in fact it is the only way we can live fully in this world.
Author, teacher, psychic, coach, counselor, consultant, and medical intuitive; for the last 30 years, Dr. Kevin has done it all! He travels all over the world empowering individuals and businesses. 603-433-5784 www.kevinrossemery.com. Dr Kevin will be doing his first of many touring “Serenity” events in Lawrence, MA this May 10; check it out at www.serenitytour.com.
S ewall H ouse
Susan Bakaley Marshall ATR-BC, LCPC
board certified art therapist, licensed clinical counselor, shamanic practitioner
Yoga Retreat
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 moonarts@gmail.com
6 Inner Tapestry April/May 2008
Experience history of an earlier time. . . Sewall House Retreat offers yoga v meditation v massage and more. . . July 4 thru Columbus Day
Where Theodore Roosevelt learned the healing attributes of nature. (207) 463-3428
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www.sewallhouse.com
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m od ern s ham an ic l i v i n g
Path of the Heart by Evelyn C. Rysdyk
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experiences I had as a very young child. The first one was a critical part of my very early artistic training and it occurred when I was only three years old. I was sitting with my mother as she drank her coffee and I was drawing with my crayons. As a gift, I drew my Mom a picture. In this case, her cup as it sat on the table. As most children do, I drew something that looked like this:
"Honey,
can you see the coffee from where you are sitting?" My mother offered me praise and then said something that I’ll never forget. ”Honey, can you see the coffee from where you are sitting?” That set my little mind turning! I knew that there was coffee in the cup yet when my mother set it on the table I could no longer see inside. She added, “Draw another one and try just drawing it as you see it.” This flipped a switch in my mind! Her comment allowed me to really see what was there on the table in front of me. When I truly observed the cup, the lip which I understood was a circle, appeared to be elliptical. I no longer simply accepted the shorthand symbol my brain had filed under the legend “cup.” I started to see the uniqueness of individual cups and the way they appeared to change from different perspectives. In essence, I had learned to not simply look at an object, but to see it. Another moment happened around the same time. I was doing something else that I loved. I was walking on a sidewalk, which was lined with trees. I was enjoying the way they made spots of shade and sunlight on the concrete and how their roots ramped the walkway into little hills. I also loved the way they dropped their funny seedpods, which my Mom called “polly noses.” Someone, I think it was my grandfather, told me that the tree I was lingering with was a maple. I must have asked him, “How do you know?” He held a leaf and showed me it’s shape then took me over to another tree to show me its leaves. Once again, my mind was expanded. All trees weren’t the same! There were different kinds, which you could tell apart from their leaf shapes. This knowledge made my green friends along the walk even more precious to me. They had names—just like me! While on occasion my family would drive to the ocean or to more rural areas than where I lived—the “nature” to which I was primarily exposed consisted of
fairly tamed patches of woods or empty lots. Yet even in this landscape, my heart found it easy to connect to the Earth. Having inherited an insatiable curiosity from my Mother and a love of nature and animals from my Father, who was an avid outdoors man, I spent many hours rambling through my little patches of nature. I would examine stones, look at different plants and leaves, notice lichens on trees and enjoy the animals and birds that crossed my path. It was in these early years of my life that I developed a habit of collecting stones, shells, and other bits of this and that, that caught my eye. Once collected, those treasures were laid out on my dresser in the room I shared with my two sisters. These small objects added a kind of earthy groundedness to my “civilized” suburban world. The objects provided me a way to feel connected to places in nature during the times I was unable to actually be there. In winter, when I rubbed a surf-polished bit of purple clamshell with my thumb, I was transported back to my favorite summer beach. An acorn in my pocket had the power to return me to the wooded lot next to my home. These objects connected me to the feelings of being a part of something very big and wonderful, which I experienced when I was outside in the “wild.” When in nature, I felt some how more complete, or plugged in. It’s what I’ve come to define in my adult language as feeling connected. My adult spiritual explorations always seem to be an extension of that early time. Rather than just learning to see instead of look, I was being invited through spirit to perceive the very nature of reality differently. Through the shamanic journey process, I learned to recognize that everything is not only living, but that each living
Continued on page 43
April/May 2008 Inner Tapestry 7
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ere in the heart of the Springtime, I’m reminded that Calos Castaneda’s Yaqui shaman, Don Juan referred to the shamanic path as “Paths of the Heart.” In my experience, it is the heartcentered path that draws the most from Life. It also brings the best out of those of us which travel it. And when our hearts are in alignment with the needs and workings of the planet, we can transform the nature of our world. I believe that the core of the shaman’s path is to be in right relationship with the Earth and all of her “children.” Now that we know the “inconvenient truth” about our biosphere, it’s time to refresh hope and renew our energy. We need to move out of the paralysis of fear into inspired action. No more “raging planet” or “savage seas.” The Earth isn’t our enemy; she’s our treasured and remarkable Home! The minerals of her body create our physicality. Her waters are reflected in our tears and blood. All breaths, which have been and will ever be drawn, originate from her own respiration. We are inseparably intertwined with Nature and yet, we often feel ourselves so separate from it. It seems as though shamans were the first to practice what we now think of as “eco-spirituality”—that is holding a spiritual perspective on our interdependent relationship with the Earth and the Universe as a whole. Relationship itself implies that some form of reciprocity—the energy of give and take—is an inherent part of the belief. The process begins when one has an experience surpassing ordinary comprehension of the Earth and the Universe. This can occur through something as simple and everyday as an experience of Beauty. We may be stopped in our tracks by an animal sighting, have our breath stolen away by a sunset over the ocean or feel our smallness under the starry expanse of a clear night sky. These kinds of experiences bring us “back to our senses through our senses.” We suddenly remember the supernatural aspect of reality—the non-ordinary or spiritual that always lies within the ordinary. Our next step is what makes all the difference! We can either choose to file the experience away or we can “take it to heart” and allow it to become a springboard to action. In other words, bringing the experience into life to letting it unfold through everyday life and daily actions. When we allow this, we are changed. Our awareness shifts and it becomes effortless to live more intentionally in harmony and with respect for Life in all its many manifestations. We don’t have to wait for a special moment in nature to ignite this either. There are many ways to discover the intricate web of interconnections of which we are a part. Indeed, meditation can offer us the deeper experience of ourselves as well as nature—as can the shaman’s journey. Entering into the shamanic state of consciousness supports us to begin looking at our world through fresh eyes. For instance, when we connect with a tree—whether through a shamanic a journey or by using another method, we can no longer objectify that tree. It is no longer just some thing we pass by on our travels. It becomes instead, a fellow traveler with us on the adventure. We, in essence, shift our abstract idea of trees toward a relationship with individual trees. This shifting of perspective is similar to two
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a b rea th o f he ali n g
Right View by Donna Amrita Davidge
"Become determined! Until every single being in the world is free from suffering, I will not give up my practice."
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This saying comes from a pack of Buddhist cards that one of our retreat guests gifted us. A favorite theme of mine in yoga classes is the heart, connecting from and healing it. In the evening class at Sewall House a few days past Valentine’s Day I had yet to come up with what to write about the heart (with a February 24th deadline). I was feeling tired in this class. My mind was drawn back to another class in 2002 at the retreat where I had also been feeling tired. I had decided to relax on my back after covering the students with blankets and eye pillows. Without making a sound someone placed an eye pillow over my eyes and covered me with a blanket. It was like an angel had descended. Later I figured out it had been our cook, an Australian woman who had the true heart of service. She made fabulous food to nurture out guests. Like many people she had things weighing heavily on her heart, which is likely why she was eager to come to the retreat environment, yet she barely made us aware of them, instead serving, never complaining, going the extra mile, also finding the time to go off-site and sort through these problems in her heart. As my mind wandered back to that class six years ago, I then picked out the card with the quote that started this article. We all suffer and are not put here to make more suffering for each other. The very next morning I received an email from a recent retreat guest about the inhumane treatment of animals, once again meat was being recalled. This meat was a result of these horrific treatments to these innocent animals. Not only are the animals treated with cruelty, their lives are then sacrificed and their meat cannot even be used. As a vegetarian I have problems with the ideas of violence toward animals. Certainly causing animals suffering would come under the Buddhist belief that we continue mindfulness practice until all beings, not just human beings, are free from suffering. Yoga practice is not a Buddhist practice though things do overlap. Ahimsa is the principal of nonviolence in yoga. I have seen yoga practitioners who claim to be Buddhist yet are mean spirited. A pure heart is a loving heart. To develop this many yogis and Buddhists must continue their practice until they can truly live it. This same week in February at Sewall House more heart stories revealed themselves unsuspectingly. One of the guests, a nurse practitioner from California, was speaking a few words in African at the dinner table! When I asked what language it was and where she had learned it she explained that she had lived in Africa in 1985 working in her field there. When I remarked that it must have had its challenges she responded by saying simply that she had received much more than she had given. At the same
meal another guest told how twenty years ago she had started answering letters from children at Christmas by gifting them what they asked for. At that time she delivered them in person but the drive had ballooned so much in twenty years that they still found all the presents but were not able to deliver them in person anymore. The next story that I will share was that same week. We all thought this took the prize. A student had left a medallion in the studio and called to ask about it. I said I had vacuumed and it might have been sucked up. At that very moment the massage therapist walked out from the room and said she had found a medallion on the floor behind the massage table. The student was relieved and said she would explain why when she came to class. That night she shared her story and said I could share it too. Four years ago she had been stalked. It was a frightening situation as you can imagine. Her husband, who had served in Vietnam in Intelligence but had told her little else of this experience, took out a medallion at this time. He told her it had been given to him by an old man in a village in Vietnam when he felt his life was in danger. Though he did not share the details, she knew this had been a very personal and precious piece that he felt had worked for him. The old man told him never to wash it and to wear one side close to his heart. On that day four years ago when she feared for her life, her husband took it out and gave it to her at this time of need. She was still wearing it to this day. The stalker still existed, but had been ordered to stay away from her. This, she said, was the depth of her husband’s love for her. The last story I will share in this article is about a woman who came to our yoga retreat but not to do yoga. She had lived in Island Falls almost 75 years ago and when she left as a young girl had promised some people she would return to their graves. She was now 87. She was a little disappointed the town had changed, though what that means I am not sure except that times have changed as Island Falls is still no metropolis! One of the many wonderful stories she shared was most poignant. The railroad went through town when she was a little girl so she would go to the station and with wonder watch the machine arrive. Soon enough the lead engineer, I guess you would call him the conductor, caught on to her daily presence there and greeted her. This grew into a ritual where he would bring her candy and she would bring him fresh donuts. Their friendly ritual was established, until one day he was not there to step down and share with her. Nor the next. Nor the next. So one day when the other engineer had a moment the small girl asked where the original man was. Perhaps she was given one of her first heart’s lessons, about the frailty of life, when the man explained that the other man had unexpectedly dropped dead, no explanation. One day he was working, smiling, loving and the next day he did not appear. These are those heart lessons that most impact us in life, we can be sure, as we hear this story above others in a life lived 87 years. If we listen in our everyday lives heart stories abound. May we continue to be inspired by them and create them in our own lives in whatever way or cause we can, big or small. May we learn from the challenges and trials how to reveal our own hearts “until all sentient beings are free from suffering."
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Donna Amrita Davidge runs Sewall House Yoga retreat in her great grandfather William Sewall’s historic homestead from June trough October and other specially arranged times of the year. She has been teaching yoga full time since 1985. www.sewallhouse.com for more information or 888-235-2395.
I will shelter you, I will nourish you, Iwillsupportyourlife'sbreathe...
8 Inner Tapestry April/May 2008
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AwarenessandtheArtofSeeing:
Contemplations on the environment and interconnection by Jen Deraspe
COME AND VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE !
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Water to the Stone “Everything is equal. There is no this soul or that soul. There is only one. And that’s the last story. There is only one. And not even that. It doesn’t matter how you attempt to be disconnected, it’s not a possibility. Any thought you believe is an attempt to break the connection. But it’s only an attempt. It can’t be done. That’s why it feels so uncomfortable.”
Byron Katie on Self-Realization
Someone said we are the clay and God is the sculptor. If I am the rock and Source is the stream, this stone gives herself to the water. As the winter snow melts and fills these mountain streams, I pause on my afternoon walk at each and listen. Like the sound of the bell calling me to breath and smile, I stand still at the water’s crossing, feel the sun on the bare skin of neck and face, the moist air rising up out of the snow and ice all around. The earth beneath my feet supports me, holding me up. I was taught through osmosis that rough edges, hardness and porcupine quills bring power, respect and safety in the world of perceived predators. This deeply ingrained teaching isn’t working for me these days. Even the jagged rock in the stream is softened and made smooth by the gentle and steady nudge of passing water. The way of water, the flow of happenings in life; relationships, perceptions, the stories held up and undone shape me, soften the opening mind. Einstein dedicated his life to answering one question, “Is the universe friendly?” More and more I am experiencing that it is. This friendly universe in its infinite kindness shapes me and builds me, whether I am on my knees or exalting up towards the sun. Can I sit with the friend, who will not forgive me for my failings, my brother who prefers whiskey to water and allow myself to be the clay shaped by the Master Sculptor who sits in front of me? Allowing who and what is, trusting the way of it, I slowly unlock my mind from the grip of old beliefs and stories, meeting a friend, the one in front of me, for the first time, without a motive or agenda. That’s freedom. And, if I find that I am unable to sit with this one or that one without stress, I will look closer to home, the one I wake up with each morning and take on walks, and discover what’s left of my beliefs unquestioned and begin again. Again and again I begin by walking in the simple truth that everything happens for me, not to me. Nurture Through Nat u re
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Jen Deraspe, owner of Nurture Through Nature, is a holistic retreat facilitator and practitioner of The Work of Byron Katie. She lives off the grid on Pleasant Mountain in Denmark, Maine. www.ntnreats.com, (207) 452-2929.
Pleasant Mountain, Denmark, ME April/May 2008 Inner Tapestry 9
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Crossi ng The Li n e b y Do u g Re i g h l e y
H
ow do we, the practitioners, persuade you, the uninitiated, to shed the reservations and begin receiving? And just what will you be receiving from massage and energy therapists, acupuncturists, chiropractors, nutritionists, counselors and coaches, and from whatever else we call ourselves? Of course, I am one of the “we” and I have been receiving and giving massage for over forty years, so I asked some of our newer receivers to share why they crossed the line. I hope their words will move you to explore your benefits of receiving alternative care sessions. I asked, based on the premise that there appears to be reservations in receiving alternative health care, how our respondents started receiving “non traditional” treatments and how they have benefited. The following is a compilation of their answers to three questions: What alternative method did you select and when?
DD – Two years ago I started noticing that I no longer had feeling in my feet
How would you recommend or suggest a friend approach finding a practice and practitioner?
KL – I recommend my practitioner to everyone I know. KI – As years went by, I learned that finding a therapist through word of mouth was key. Comfort comes along with practice when it comes to massage. Finding the right therapist is key, as he or she is the one that set the comfort level just as much as the receiver.
DD – I have referred innumerable people to these practitioners so that they may receive the same kind of benefits. There are many ways to find an alternative health caregiver. In addition to a personal referral, there are websites on the Internet that can identify practitioners in any area of the United States. TH – I would suggest going to a massage therapist on a monthly basis to keep your body in good health. When trying someone new, give them a chance to prove themselves to you by going back for at least two more tries. This will either build trust between you and the practitioner or establish that someone else is right for you. Just as the examples of people who have crossed the line, you are invited to cross the line and explore the alternative healthcare options available to you. When the opportunity to experience alternative care arises at a health fair, open house, or a practitioner demonstration, please take the time to attend. We are proud of what we do and we want to show you how our expertise can help you live a happier, healthy life. Douglas A. Reighley, LMT, RPP
KI – My first massage was gifted to me, so I didn’t have a choice of therapists. Judging from the name “David” I had to assume he was a he. Hmmmm. Not only was I not sure about being touched almost all over, but also I was worried about the toucher being a strange man (a strange woman would have been only a little more comfortable). Needless to say, I wasn’t going to let a free massage go by, but I remained partially clothed and I think I might have been more tense when I finished than when I started. I wonder does everyone go through that progression in terms of comfort being massaged? TH – At one point I considered going to massage school for a career in massage therapy. Then I realized that I enjoyed receiving massages more than giving them. Not soon after that I was asked to critique massage from a student going through a local massage school. This involved weekly massages with the student and a written critique of the work done. Years have passed and the student has gone on to learn a large variety of techniques in Swedish massage, polarity, and ortho-bionomy in the US and Europe. BT – In 1995 I went from a healthy, vibrant, energetic wife, mother, and working professional to a bed-ridden struggling patient. Over the last 12 years I have been diagnosed with mono, Lyme’s Disease, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, IBS, migraine headaches, hypothyroidism, adrenal gland failure, fibromyalgia, and so on… I was told my condition was untreatable. I had to learn and accept to manage my pain and fatigue. Through the Internet my husband discovered Chiropractic care. What changes, as a result of working with alternative health caregivers, have you noticed in yourself? TH – What I have gained from years of monthly massage is simply stress relief, as well as periodic treatment of inflamed areas due to ski strains or pulled muscles.
KI – Therapists who were very clear on making sure I was comfortable were helpful. A friend then told me her favorite part of the massage was the butt muscle. Of course, as long as I wore underwear, it was tough for the therapist to do it justice. When I established a comfortable relationship by the same therapist steadily, it seemed natural to enjoy receiving a massage clothes-less. And my friend was right; the butt muscle does more work than one might think. BT – I have been amazed and overjoyed with the progress of my health over the past few months. I have increased energy, stamina, and strength, less irritability, moodiness, and pain. For the first time in years, my family and I have hope for a healthier tomorrow and a pain free future. DD – The changes have been remarkable!!! For the neuropathy condition that had no solution in modern medicine or podiatry, I now have feeling back in my feet and lower legs. After starting acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine along with weekly massage therapy, I have seen even greater relief for these symptoms. As for my shoulder pain, it has been alleviated through massage and polarity therapy. My
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and from below my knees. After consulting with my podiatrist, I was sent to a neurologist. There I was diagnosed with a mild form of neuropathy, but was given no solution to this problem… Soon after, I began to have serious pain in my right shoulder. It was so painful that I had to sleep on a heating pad to get some type of relief. My osteopathic physician sent me for an MRI to ascertain the structural cause for the pain; however, none was discovered… After leaving his office with no answers, I called him back and asked if perhaps massage therapy might be the answer. He said that it could be, but he could not make a referral, as he did not know anyone in the field. Amazingly enough I had run into a friend of mine a year before this that had started a massage therapy and polarity practice. I miraculously still had his card in my wallet so I gave him a call and made an appointment. I began polarity and later massage therapy, which I have continued on a weekly basis over the past two years.
entire body and mind feel better as a direct result of seeking alternative health care. I handle stress at my job in a much healthier way and find that I am much more relaxed in my daily activities.
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The Essence of Healing by Rita Lang
HEALING
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What defines “healing”? Webster would say to make healthy, whole, or sound. But, what are the determining factors for this? Is there a perfect picture of health we must strive for and anything less than that needs to be “healed”? Is it a life without any sense of physical pain, or mental, emotional anguish? We could probably all agree that without discomfort we wouldn’t know comfort. So, how do we know what needs to be “fixed,” who does the fixing, and when? If you are looking to be healed by a “healer,” are you actually relinquishing your personal power over your own state of well being? An important introspective question to ask yourself would be whether or not you are anticipating the healer to know what defines health for you above and beyond your own self-knowledge. Perhaps if signs and symptoms of disease present themselves in an overwhelming manner it could shake your self-confidence enough to lose faith in your own understanding of the healing process. At that time, it may indeed make good sense to illicit the help of another, but with a clear sense of partnership in the relationship. As we begin this exploration on the concept of healing, let us first recognize that we cannot think of health in terms of what works for the masses. Health is an individual state of being. What is healthy for me may not be healthy for you. It is a personal formula for balance, which most times looks more like a solo dance as we respond to our own physical, intellectual, and spiritual needs. However, there are those times when dancing with another, a healer, can help us work through aspects which may have thrown us out of balance. They can assist us once again or perhaps for the first time, to attune with one’s own beat, that which moves each of us in our own unique manner.
WHAT IS A HEALER??
A healer is a helper, a facilitator, someone who holds the door wide after it has been cracked open by the individual in need. Only someone seeking assistance is open to facilitation. It cannot be forced. Once this step has been taken it is up to the healer to create an environment of support in which the individual feels comfortable enough to open up, not only to the healer, but more importantly to themselves. The healer, in a sense, becomes a reflective mirror enabling the person to see herself more clearly and without judgment. This unique atmosphere can only take place if the healer has avoided the tendency towards a preconceived notion of the individual’s state of being. We are trained to trust our intuition, and indeed we must in order to be an effective facilitator for each client, however, we must never forget the privilege of meeting each individual where they are, allowing them to reveal themselves in their own time, and in their own way. We cannot want more for our clients than they want for themselves. There are some individuals who talk non-stop on the Massage or Reiki table, or make side comments during a Yoga class about their own “performance” or lack thereof. As a professional practitioner we may feel they would benefit so much more if they would only quiet down. This is probably true, but if the time is not right the person would feel very uncomfortable if they were forced to focus on being quiet, when they are feeling the need to be vocal. When we allow the individual to be 12 Inner Tapestry April/May 2008
who they are in that moment it creates an environment of acceptance which then opens up the possibility for a shift in awareness. Perhaps at that point a level of comfort can be reached which allows the individual to be led into a change of focus from uneasy chatter to noticing their breath. With the attention on breathing, the person is drawn deeper into their own true state of peaceful existence. Space has been created giving way to a clearer view of the self. This is the first step to understanding the clues, or symptoms provided by the mind and body. This begins the process in which individual health can be achieved. The process itself is as individual as the person himself. It terms of time it may happen as quickly as turning on a light switch, or as long as a lifetime, with the majority obviously falling somewhere in-between.
Health is an individual state of being
GOOD HEALER,
~ BAD HEALER
So, are there good and bad healers? We’ve all heard talk that sounds something like this, “Go to her, she heals everyone she touches,” or “Don’t go to him, I’ve been to him and I didn’t feel anything!” or, “She charges a lot, she must be good.” These statements reveal an assumption that all power of healing rests with the individual known as the healer, leaving no responsibility with the patient, client, or student. This is a mistake in definition between the term “to heal” and “to cure.” Healing is what the patient or client does for herself to bring about homeostasis of the body, mind and spirit. It is an organic process with an integration of all elements of the individual. Curing refers to something done to the individual and usually only relieves the symptoms of the problem, a temporary fix, leaving the underlying cause unresolved. A patient may feel cured of their shoulder pain with a cortisone shot, but will have no understanding of what that shoulder pain was trying to reveal to them. The cause of the pain is not yet known, only hidden deeper. But, not to worry, the body can be quite relentless in getting its message across, the pain will return and another opportunity for growth and understanding will be provided. Setting aside the detour route of curing and returning to the discussion of healing, there is a need to stress the dual relationship involved in healing. Healing can certainly be accomplished alone, but from time to time we all get stuck in our own way and need another to hold the light while we look deeper within ourselves.
Yes, it would seem that there are some individuals who are more capable of holding the light a little steadier and perhaps a little higher than others, thus facilitating our introspection with greater ease. And of course knowledge, wisdom and experience all play a very important role in one’s ability to understand what is happening. Those who appear to be best qualified for this endeavor all seem to have three common traits.
THREE REQUIREMENTS FOR “SUCCESS” The most basic, yet important requirement in the life of a healer is love of oneself. Love, forgiveness, acceptance, and understanding, usually occurring in reverse order, are mandatory. With the energy we bring to the experience, we create the playing field for our client, patient, or student’s exploration. If we are unloving towards ourselves, we provide a muddied field. The individual in need may not be able to pinpoint what the problem is, they usually are rightfully busy with their own situation, but something will feel “off ” to them, uncomfortable and unsafe.
HEALING IS LOVE
In fact, it is unconditional love. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross has said “I’m not okay, you’re not okay, but that’s okay.” This will most probably always be true. As we each clear up one difficult issue in our lives another one surfaces. It’s what we do. We are busy removing the hooks as they catch us. How we go about that process is up to us. If it seems just too difficult on any given day to love oneself freely, then perhaps to get started it would help to realize that it is our responsibility, our duty as healers, to do our homework, otherwise what we offer is a façade. There is an unspoken language between all living creatures. Humans are the only ones that have ever believed that they can vocalize one thing and live another. We must love ourselves and forgive ourselves on a daily basis so that others will learn to do the same. It is by our example of self love that we teach others how to love themselves. This may never reach the point of conversation, yet it is powerfully conveyed. It is the strongest trait of a gifted facilitator. It is the fertile groundwork for the greater growth. The underlying power of self-love is subtly transmitted as permission for the other to love herself, to accept himself, to forgive themselves. This permission leads the individual to self discovery, the opportunity to see oneself with honesty and clarity, which leads to loving oneself, and ultimately to healing. The second requirement for successful healing relationships is love of others, the ability to step back and realize that we are all made of the same “stuff.” There is no thought, word, or deed that could not be executed by each and every one of us, if circumstances made way for it. We may not feel in agreement with all whom we meet, and that’s okay. But, the acknowledgement that in some way each person is just like me, with the same need of love and acceptance, is a powerful, yet humbling, necessary realization. It’s easy to love those we quickly look over and deem lovable, just because they are appealing to the eye. If we
Continued on Page 43
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Feng Shui & Geopathology by Werner Brandmaier
6 Core Principles for Health & Wellness Part 1
In my practice of Feng Shui, I have found there to be a number of major principles necessary for health and wellness. There are six core principles that need to be considered if we truly want to experience balance in our homes, our bodies and the universe. These core principles are: • • • • • •
The recognition that everything is energy. The harmony of Yin and Yang. The understanding of the seven layers of the universe. The enhancement of Chi within and around us. The protection from energetic drains. The balance of acidity and alkalinity.
1. Everything is energy:
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A few years ago a statement like this would have caused some protest. Today it is more and more accepted and becoming common knowledge: There is practically no matter involved in the physical form of solid appearing objects. As soon as we switch over to micro-cosmic dimensions we only see frequencies, vibration and all dense form disappears. Even the particles within an atom dissolve into more subtle energetic patterns, chaotic dust in a state between light and matter or just quantum particles. One of my favorites examples is still the mind-blowing proportions within an atom: Although most people remember the basic appearance of an atom, few are aware of the incredible dimensions within. For the purpose of analogy, if we increase the nucleus of an atom to the size of a basketball, the electrons which swirl around at nearly light speed, would still only be the size of grains of sand. The distance, however, between those grains of sand and the basketball would measure about 15 miles. And all the space in between is nothing but emptiness, complete and total emptiness. Isn’t that amazing?
Chronic stress is a drain on our resources to the point where exhaustion exceeds “normal” levels and lasts longer than it takes to recover. Thresholds for stress are individual and subjective. If surpassed they leave permanent damage like a spring which has been stretched beyond its point of return. Once a threatening situation is over, the body goes through a countermovement. If the tension was too much, it now swings back and might exceed the limits for a healthy balance again, only this time in a state of recovery. It might manifest as a cold or flu-like situation or in the form of an overall breakdown. The body goes into deep sleep until it gains enough strength to be able to recover properly. Hospitals will sometimes keep a patient in a coma in order to give the body time to recover from a major trauma or accident. I remember when I was in middle school, long class trips were always followed with being home sick with a fever for a few days. After a week of all the excitement my body was so exhausted that it needed a few days of additional rest. Unfortunately we don’t often allow ourselves to rest properly. We try to suppress the fever or take antibiotics and steal away the body’s natural time out and opportunity to heal.
3. The seven layers of the Universe: Religion, philosophy and metaphysics describe worlds beyond the physical form. Western science seems to ignore this knowledge and still only acknowledges the physical world. At our institute we use a model of seven layers, from very subtle spiritual vibration to more and more dense appearances. The three levels of spiritual quality are followed by one of mental thought forms, one of emotional feelings and one of purely energetic manifestations, until form is so dense that it finally appears physically. In many cases, illness is ignored for a long time when it appeared first as negative thoughts, as a unpleasant emotion which did not leave, as discomfort in daily life until finally, after all, it breaks out as illness. John Weltheim, the founder of BodyTalk, said in a recent lecture, “If you wake up in the morning and you don’t feel joy, you’re sick.”
If we look even further into the nucleus of an atom, it starts to fade away in front of our eyes. Again, smaller and smaller forms finally turn into just vibration.
2. The harmony of Yin and Yang:
As much as I do not believe serious illness should be treated on any of those levels alone (not even just the physical one), it is essential in my experience and opinion to include all those other realms in a holistic approach. We can cut out a tumor, but if we don’t address the cause of the imbalance at the same time, we only temporarily fix a symptom.
Thousands of years ago, Asian philosophy introduced us to the world of Yin and Yang, two opposites emerging from duality, but ultimately connected. Hot and cold, light and dark, male and female, none can exist without the other. The Yin/Yang symbol below shows how at the farthest extreme of one quality, the other is still present. There is harmony and balance in everything in nature. If imbalance occurs over an extended period of time, species start to suffer and sickness occurs. Our body goes through phases of tension and relaxation all the time. It uses two systems of regulation, the sympathetic and the parasympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic system controls our muscle tones and initiates the fight and flight response. It signals the production of adrenalin in times of danger to keep us alert and on the move. The parasympathetic system is in charge of unconscious mechanisms in the body, such as breathing, heartbeat and all automatic functions. It also is in charge of relaxation which allows healing. It is important to understand that these two processes and relaxation cannot happen at the same time. If somebody is constantly stressed, healing cannot take place!
Next issue will continue with the remaining principles to keep one well-integrated, balanced and healthy.
I’d like to mention an upcoming workshop on April 12th in Falmouth, Maine. We will have the time for a more in depth discussion and exercises in dowsing and Kinesiology to determine the state of house energies, geopathic stress, and lifestyle factors. We would love to have you and your friends there. For more information or to register, please contact us soon as the release of this issue is close to our workshop date. 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 at (207) 772-7888 or office@InstituteofFengShui.com.
I AM THAT, I AM
James Tywman Presents a Peace Weeknd April 4th-6th
The release for viewing, the movie The Moses Code, Sunday a World Wide Peace Vigil at Noon
Visit: www.themosescode.com 14 Inner Tapestry April/May 2008
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lov ing e ar th
Loving Earth “If the Earth were a few feet in diameter, floating a few feet above a field somewhere, people would come from everywhere to marvel at it. People would walk around it marveling as its big pools of water, its little pools and the water flowing between. People would marvel at the bumps on it and the holes in it. They would marvel at the very thin layer of gas surrounding it and the water suspended in the gas. The people would marvel at all the creatures walking around on the surface of the ball, and at the creatures in the water. The people would declare it as sacred because it was the only one, and they would protect it so that it would not be hurt…” Joe Miller
THIS IS UNSETTLING. What offers some hope is the growing number of NGOs, groups, individuals, organized indigenous peoples, businesses and even small countries working cooperatively for positive change. In many of these
So Our Planetary situation is serious. What can we do? WHAT’S NEXT? So our planetary situation is serious. What can we do? Gandhi advised us to “be the change we wish to see in the world” and encouraged us that it is possible for individuals to live the way of life of the future, saying that “No one need wait for anyone else to adopt a humane and enlightened course of action.” We believe there are certain over-arching patterns governing our global situation and its resolution, and within those patterns, countless “mini-solutions.” We can acknowledge the impact of the industrial nations (and more importantly, of our own behavior) on our climate, our natural resources and on less industrialized people. We can change the way we live, eliminate our use of pollutants and non-renewable resources, rethink our position as not separate from, but imbedded within, the planetary ecology. As we do this, we believe that the ways we each actually go about changing will display astonishing variation. And that is where the heart stories emerge. We will probably not rush out to do what we “should” or what we are told is “right.” Instead, as we each come into fuller understanding of our very serious global situation, we will move toward protecting what we love and care about. In the course of our own explorations, we have found that when asked to describe their ideas of what a
“perfect community” might be like, people talk about intangibles. They mention love, respect, caring, laughter, generosity of spirit, sharing what works with each other, interactive and inter-generational learning, hope and acceptance. We can honestly say we have never heard anyone mention the fancy material things advertising would have us believe we need. This is in interesting correlation with studies which indicate that after people rise above a certain level of extreme poverty, contrary to our expectations, increasing our material well-being does not increase either happiness or satisfaction with life. WHAT IF… What would happen if we turned away from the incessant advertising that tells us all the countless material things we need to be “good enough," “sexy enough” or “successful enough” and looked past those contrived outward symbols into our own hearts? What would we find there? And finding it, what if we honored and encouraged it and cared for it? Doing this, could we collectively create a different world? If we celebrate and nurture and are respectful of what we each love, might our hearts then open a bit more to begin to include the things other people we care about love and cherish? Could we extend that caring to a whole planet? And if we did, how might our lives be different? How might the world be different? Copyright Pat Foley, 2008 Pat Foley attempts to live a green/sustainable life just outside of Cornish, Maine. She is the owner of Earthrest, a retreat center offering space for groups and individuals. The underlying focus of Earthrest is following Gandhi’s advice to be the change we wish to see in the world. You may cantact Pat at earthrest@psouth.net or (207) 625-4179.
SPRING ~ is here once again. In this issue you'll find many opportunities for rebirth and new self-growth. April/May 2008 Inner Tapestry 15
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AN OUTRAGEOUSLY SIMPLISTIC SUMMARY OF WHERE WE ARE NOW We are living in interesting times. Much is uncertain as our world changes with increasing rapidity. Wars rage around the globe, either fought by soldiers from the United States or fueled in part by weapons exported from the United States. Meanwhile we talk about terrorism and aggression as if both were foreign to our own natures. We of the industrialized world, in particular the United States, have pushed planetary ecosystems beyond sustainable limits. Because of this, three grave issues are converging; climate change, peak oil and global resource depletion. According to the International Forum on Globalization (www.ifg.org), all three demand the same actions of us. These include eliminating carbon based energy systems and replacing them with renewables; consuming fewer resources, materials and products; and replacing our relentless thrust toward globalization with local actions. We need to “power down” all our economic activity, as corporations, as smaller businesses, as groups and as individuals. If we do not, the consequences will be dire. There is another issue, the rapidly expanding human population. Because of political, ethnic and religious sensitivities, this problem is mentioned less often, but it drives the other issues. Although beyond the scope of this article to address, the population explosion must be considered because, very simply, at the rate we humans are increasing the planet cannot support us all. According to both ancient wisdom and to more recent “systems theory”, all these issues are interconnected. They are increasing in seriousness, not in a linear way, but geometrically. If we do nothing, or do too little too late, there will come a point when the planetary system, made up as it is of many inter-locking smaller systems, will reach its tipping point. That is, it will go beyond a point at which it can be repaired. If that happens, it then will be too late for us to rally round and make last minute corrections. To understand this, think of a fire in a building as it approaches flash point. The fire spreads slowly from room to room, the temperature rises. When the flash point temperature is reached, the entire building is hot enough to burn and suddenly, within seconds, it ignites and everything is in flames.
groups, whether we are communicating with each other or not, certain similar themes seem to be emerging, as if our global situation is engendering certain responses from us. We hear coming back to us many of the same ideas, even variations of some of the same solutions, we’ve considered in our own discussion circles even though we have never talked directly to these other people about what our thinking is. We hear descriptions of hopes, dreams and ideas coming from people all around the planet and their hopes are so close to being the same as our own we feel in loving, supportive relationship with them. In a metaphysical sense, we believe this supports the idea of “mind” or “intelligence” as an evolving non-local field existing beyond the physical confines of the brain. It appears that this field is both aware of and in relationship with our more physical surroundings.
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Bus Enlightenment by Anton Rick-Ossen
Mother by Richard Hooper
Dear Editor, I have enjoyed your paper and its simple advice for some time. It is nice to read about others and their paths to enlightenment and happier living. By hearing about others’ attempts it offers the strength to find our own path. This is why I would like to submit the following piece about my path to a happier state of mind. It is about my commute, the bus and a slower pace. Please enjoy. Anton Rick-Ossen, Hartford, Connecticut You can hear people’s advice over and over again and still not listen. Slow down. Take it easy. Breathe. Great advice, and it sounds so simple, but sometimes it is easier said than done. Even when I tell myself to slow down, take it easy and breathe, I can find myself struggling to do so. There were countless evenings in the past, when I’d come in the front door from work, anxious, tired and agitated. I would search for a quick bite of food, hoping that would calm me down. I would run around while my cat meowed at me, also telling me to slow down, relax and more importantly, feed him. No matter what, coming in the front door, I felt too much anxiety to slow down and relax. An hour would pass before I could sit calmly and enjoy a nice meal. Then without intention, I was forced to slow down. It was a cold winter day when I found myself sharing a car with my wife. She had been taking the bus for some time and it became obvious that it just wasn’t fair for her to take the bus all of the time if I could take the bus some of the time, in her stead. So I did. One divergent morning, I left my house early and embarked upon what would be a slower physical and metaphysical path. What was once a fifteen minute car ride over the bridge became a forty-five minute bus ride through the city, with a transfer downtown.
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While the physical change of pace came quickly, the spiritual pace and my circling emotions took their time to unwind. For several weeks I still felt that anxiety I felt when commuting by car. I would find myself on the bus asking, "Why isn’t this bus moving faster? Why are so many people getting on and off of the bus? Why are we stopping so often?" After years of speeding along the highway, my anxiety had developed a firm grip and wouldn’t let go so easily. Despite the nagging nerves, I made a commitment to my wife, so I continued taking the bus. I began bringing the newspaper. Some days I brought a book and other days my iPod. All of a sudden, I realized that I was enjoying myself. My commute had become an event to which I looked forward. There I would be, in the middle of a good book, excited to get back on the bus to see how the story would unfold. Or I would be into to a new album and looking forward to a good listen without interruption. Even on days when my wife didn’t need the car, I found myself on the bus. It was there that I finally found a place to relax. I wasn’t on the highway, looking over my shoulder, changing lanes and speeding along. I wasn’t racing to intersections trying to beat red lights. I wasn’t stuck in traffic, getting cut off by drivers on their cell phones. There was no one there to answer to but myself and it was sublime. I could read, mingle with my music, follow my thoughts or just enjoy the sights. Now my wife and I own a second car and it is a great help on days when we both need to go somewhere that isn’t on the bus line. But days when I can take the bus, I always do. And when I return home, I come in the front door, relaxed, happy, smiling and ready for whatever my cat or my wife has on their mind, especially if it's dinner.
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This little boy looked To his mother Why mom why
The bent old man Took one more step to The top of the mountain
She replied I don’t know Son that is just the way It is now go out and play
After a while he cried out Into a star lit sky I know why mom
As he turned and took That first step The search began
A warm breeze caressed His cheek and whispered So do I son... So do I...
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Flying Mountains by Eva Goetz
I
wall throughout the evening. A sweet musky smell enters with the Apus. A smell mixed with fire and wind, and lightning and rain, and unwashed earth; a smell that heralds in something that has not been smelled before. Then sounds of larger wings come. The benefactor Apu of our shaman’s mesa is now here. This Being noisily plops on the altar. We hear him breathing as he greats us with a breathy, come from a-far voice. The Spirits greet the shamans in charge with respect. Each time a spirit enters Jose Luis asks them whom they are and from where have they come. Imposter spirits have entered ceremonies before. Now all who come from the spirit realm are screened at the altar. Each Apu has a distinct voice. The Benefactor Apu who has entered will be ushering in different Apu spirits this evening. They fly in, one after the other, and gift us with simple messages of greetings. Some Apus receive the offerings before they speak; popping bottle caps and guzzling sounds echo in the room. Santa Tierra or the feminine earth spirits also grace us. They enter thru the ground. Their voices are high and squeaky. Wings flutter from underneath my chair. I jump. Many messages are voiced during this ceremony. I wish I could remember, word-for-word , their wisdoms. Jose Luis is quickly translating Old Quechuah into English for us, and into Spanish for others who sit in this ceremony. His language skills are remarkable. Tonight the Apus are happy with our prayers and study. They would like the energy connections (cekes) of the mountains to be strengthened around the world. They would like us to make and place prayer bundles (despatios) on these Apus to feed and in some cases "waken" the Apu. The mountains are working as emissaries for personal and world healing in the way they know. The Apu benefactor enters the small room one last time, his job as master of ceremonies complete for this evening. He offers good nights, and blessings and exits through time. The ceremony ends. The smell of Apus lingers awhile in the air. We are grateful for their coming. How do I "grow corn" from the experience? Three years have passed since my visit with the Apus. I have begun hiking the mountains in Maine and New Hampshire. Sometimes I go simply to explore, feeling their rugged backs under my hiking boots. And sometimes I go in prayer with bundles and songs lovingly prepared. I always go in wonder. My relationship with the mountains and mother earth (Pacha Mama) grows. My body and spirit are better for the hike. It is with gratitude to the Apus I now re-tell the story. For I realize as I pray and honor the mountains, I am honored by the grace of connection. Eva Rose Goetz lives in Falmouth Maine. She is a teacher, healer, and artist. Eva is the founder of Pacha Works: A shamanic energy center in Falmouth Maine that has brought internationally known medicine folks to the Portland community. Pacha Works offers classes, and individual and group sessions. Eva is a graduate of Alberto Villoldo's Healing the Light Body School, and of Evelyn Rysdyk's and Allie Knowlton's Core Shamanism program. Presently Eva is collaborating with polarity therapist Gina Mastroluca. They will be offering a weekend workshop called Medicine from the Heart spring of 2008. More information about Eva, her classes or apprenticeship program, may be found at www.pachaworks.com or 207-756-0488.
April/May 2008 Inner Tapestry 17
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n the summer or 2005 I was invited by Jose Luis Herrera to travel into the high Andes of Peru with a select group of people to sit in Ceremony with the mountain spirits (Apus). I had heard tales about Q’ero Medicine People who were able to summon Apus into rooms. The Apus would manifest as Winged Beings, and would travel great distances, flying through walls. The beings would come for the purpose of delivering messages of healing and well-being. The medicine people who have a relationship with mountains and sit in ceremony with Apus are called Altomesayoks. To be asked to travel with a small group into the Andes with Jose Luis was an honor. This would be the first Mountain Research Mission into Peru with the intent of recording and learning more about the work of the Alto Mesayokes. The Apus’ caretakers are the Q’ero. Wikapedia defines the Q’ero as: "The ones who believe they are descended from the Inca and consider themselves the last descendants. According to tradition, their ancestors defended themselves from invading Spanish conquistadores with the aid of local mountain deities (Apu)." "The religion of the Q’ero is syncretic, consisting of a mixture of European Christianity with elements of the traditional religion of the Andes. Shamans of different levels (Altomesayoq, Pampamesayoq) still have a high reputation. They worship Mother Nature (Pachamama) as well as other mountain (spirits) like Apu Ausangate and other regional gods." Lore: Mountains (Apu) will fly into darkened rooms when called by ones who hold the power in their medicine bundles (mesas). These winged beings (Apu) come in service and will speak to those present. Shamanism is a practical affair in Peru. The question always asked: "How can one grow corn with the information given?" I wondered how I might grow corn from witnessing the sensational embodiment of mountains. I also wondered if attending these ceremonies would deepen my service as a shamanic energy worker. Would the coming of mountains further my understanding of nature, and the world? I was curious about the Apu spirits themselves (their sound of voice); why were they choosing to manifest at this time and what messages have the Winged ones come to impart. APU CEREMONY: It is nighttime. We are winding our way thru narrow streets and alleys. Children play here. It is late, and on this night small dogs greet and skirt us as we walk. We enter a thick walled concrete house and are greeted by a small smiling faced woman and sleeping chickens. Several guinea pigs dart by as we cross the threshold; this is not an uncommon occurrence in Peru. Families raise guinea pigs for food. The woman leads us to a room located at the back of the house. A heavy wooden door opens. From the other side of the room, a man with crooked teeth grins and waves us quickly into this small candlelit room. Six metal folding chairs are lined tightly touching each other in a row facing an intricately carved wooden altar. And on one side of the room another six chairs are tightly spaced. There are no windows in this room and only one way in or out. Jose Luis, our mentor and leader on this spirit journey, guides us into the room and asks us to sit. The door is shut. The youngest and most adept Altomaysayok we have been working and studying with will be in charge this evening. He will lead the ceremony where the mountains will come to his mesa. The altar heavy with offerings is centrally located. The Apus' favorite offerings are bottles of pop and beer. All the bottles are firmly capped and lined neatly in one long row. There are many pictures of newer representation of Apus placed on the walls surrounding the altar. These Apus' pictures resemble Jesus Christo. Despatios or (prayer bundles) have already been offered to the mountains we will be calling. The protocols for the evening are spoken. Hold prayer. Hold gratitude. Hold grace. Pray. Keep your hands in your lap, your feet close to your chairs, and your eyes closed. The door is locked. I feel like I’m in the middle of a National Geographic article. I have witnessed several mountain ceremonies and every time the feelings of anticipation, hesitation, wonder, fear and gratitude mix around me like the palo santo smoke that lingers in the room. The candles are extinguished and we begin. Prayer. Our master shaman squats in the corner praying; calling the names of mountains. He prays half voiced and in whispered tones. Apu’s names, a whispered litany, mantras summoning divine representations of the feminine and masculine in the form of Apus. Apu Asungate. Apu Salkuntay. Apu Sachiswayman. Apu Walke Wilke… on and on. There are many mountains and many names that cross his lips. Apu Jesu Christo.. he prays in Quechuah and in Spanish. And we wait in the pregnant dark and pray… about 15 minutes into the ceremony one by one flapping sounds enter the room from the wall to my right. The bigger spirits will arrive from between time through this same
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destinatio n h e al i n g ~ n o r t h e r n n ew en g l a n d
Living From The Heart by Kevin Pennell Bethel, Maine
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I was introduced to the book, Freeze Frame, a few years ago by our Naturopath. I assured her, I would read it. I just didn’t say when. Thankfully I took the time to read it. Since reading it I’ve incorporated several techniques into my own life. The techniques focus on a system of living from the heart. While searching for a suitable Destination Healing practice for this issue, I found Jasmina Agrillo has a practice titled Heartful Living in Westbrook, Maine where she utilizes HeartMath® techniques. I arranged to interview Jasmina and found she works from her heart, possessing a warm and sharing soul, gentle spirit, and compassionate heart helping guide many travelers along life’s paths. She’s been involved in work that embraces body, mind, and spirit most of her life including visits to energetic sites in India and the Himalayas, one her favorite places. She also has an extensive background in working with sound and mantras. Jasmina has practiced many years and views spiritual evolution as endless. Leading up to her current practice, she’s had a sense of living in the moment for years. This sense encompassed her life. “I wanted my own practice to be more immediate, in the moment. I was having a sense that the energetic heart and the physical heart actually were connected.” Around 1995, she wondered if anyone else used this connection scientifically and three years later, in 1998, she met Joseph Chilton Pierce who gave a lecture at the University of Maine about the Role of the Heart. He focussed the lecture on the development of the brain and the heart’s relationship to that development. Pierce spoke about the heart and the work HeartMath® was doing in California where people were using heart based techniques based on positive emotions. “They were relieving stress and feeling good, but also effecting the health.” According to Jasmina, she had an “ah hah moment” realizing she could do this work, but she talked herself out of it because of life obligations at the time. In 2001, Jasmina was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Following her surgery for the tumor, she recognized that her spirit and mind were very active while her body recovered from the surgery. She didn’t feel finished and asked Spirit to heal her fully from the brain surgery. Feeling her oneness with Spirit, “I knew I would do this work and it did involve the heart. Whoever those people were that were doing this work, I was going to find them or they would come to me.” Now, like the name of her practice implies, Heartful Living, Jasmina works with the heart. “The connection to the heart is the now which balances the whole human system – the mind, body, spirit.” She recognizes that most physical dis-eases begin as an emotion experienced through the heart adding that medical research shows “90% of all illness is stress related.” “The amazing thing about the HeartMath® techniques is they are easy to practice in the moment. They aren’t complicated, and they work really fast... less than sixty seconds actually. You actually transform a stressful emotion such as worry or anxiety in that moment giving you the opportunity to start developing what I call pragmatic intuition. ‘What do I do in this moment to make this situation less stressful and better for me’. The 18 Inner Tapestry April/May 2008
techniques are really designed to practice right there in the moment with whatever is happening.” Jasmina explained that the techniques work, in the home, at work, personal life, anywhere... anytime. HeartMath® helps develop a neutral state of being or mindful awareness. “You develop the ability to look outside yourself with loving detachment in any circumstance that you are experiencing at that moment.” This awareness opens the door to developing the connection to your higher self. Jasmina guides clients through a series of steps to overcome stress or difficult times in their life utilizing methods she has learned through the Institute of Heart Math. By embracing HeartMath techniques, they are empowered to take control of their natural state of being. The individual takes a loving active role in their own healing process. They partner with techniques to achieve wellness. “You want to empower yourself. It’s self-empowering and that not only empowers you, but your life and anyone around you.”
I knew I would do this work and it did involve the heart She explained that we also influence others by our responses in given situations. If a potential stressful situation arises and we respond to it through stressful actions, the other person may respond in a like manner. The inverse is also true. However, if we “freeze” the moment, recognize the potential for a stressful response and instead of reacting with stress you act, approaching the matter in real time with a loving detachment, positive emotion, and remain neutral. That response not only helps you, but those around you too. To ignore such a moment is what HeartMath® refers to as repression. After freezing the moment, we ask ourselves how to respond better in the circumstances before us. One response could be compassion, or appreciation might work instead. Now we are experiencing our mind’s resistance to becoming stressed and deciding on the most suitable response for my benefit and those around me. Through HeartMath® techniques, Jasmina helps clients create coherent environments where balance and loving compassion diffuse potentially stressful arenas. Connecting with positive emotions creates the coherence. When a potential client approaches her, Jasmina likes to make an appointment for a consult. They can do this by phone or meet with her in person. During the initial consult she determines their interest, purpose, and
goals. She demonstrates the HeartMath® emWave PC® software program which reveals their heart rhythm in real time and em–Wave Personal Stress Reliever® which aids in the control of stress and improves health to a better life. The stress reliever reveals the nervous system from the heart’s perspective; what your heart is doing, its stress level and when you come into balance. Jasmina typically uses the software in the first visit to show people how “their own heart rhythm pattern and how their feelings and thoughts really affect the heart rhythm.” At the first session, she likes to do an “intake” including background, a little health history, and not much detail (just enough to identify their needs), so she can get to know her client. She’ll “go for it” by bringing out the workbook in their first meeting to get them involved. “I want them to start feeling good right away” through working with workbook, introducing them to the connection with their body and nervous system. This, she believes, is a good way to start because “if I don’t they’re getting it conceptually not in their body." This takes about an hour and a half. “When I work with folks I use workbooks. The techniques are so practical and using a workbook grounds the practice.” The techniques are best learned when the client takes part in their own journey to relieving stress. They hear, see, and write the technique, which grafts them into the person, so they can, in essence, rewire the ways they react to potential stress. The workbooks become more than books. They become tools that the client can use during the sessions and later throughout their life. The workbooks are “very effective when people use it.” She recommends four sessions although some come in for two sessions, and she views those sessions as opportunities to plant seeds. She flows with the needs of her clients. She has long term clients, but many people come in, learn to empower themselves, and move on to maintain their own care “And that’s really good!” according to Jasmina. “I love working with people.” She encourages clients to integrate themselves into their sessions at a pace comfortable for them. Jasmina also uses music researched by HeartMath® as part of her practice. It helps “sustain the positive emotion.” She may give assignments to read a portion of a book before the next session, but she really leaves it up to the client how much they want to do. She treats each person individually and leaves room for adjustments. However, she recommends scheduling the first couple sessions a week apart, then the client can space them out, like two weeks apart. On average, the sessions could be spaced over four to six weeks. After about thirty days, on average, people should notice a difference in the way they work with stress in their lives. “You’re rewiring your brain and it takes repetition and practice. Our brains are not computers, and they learn through repetition and practice. I like to see people stay with the four sessions, ideally.” If someone wishes to work with her for just a couple sessions, that’s fine as well. She works with many people, but specializes in brain
Continued on page 46
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d estinat io n he alin g ~ s ou t h e r n ew e ng l a n d
Griswold, Connecticut
Honoring the Call of the Heart
Welcome to Destination Healing: Connecticut and Southern New England! To bring this column to life for Inner Tapestry readers is an honor and a blessing that truly energizes me. From Connecticut to Western Massachusetts to Rhode Island, you will meet unique people whose life stories will inspire you to follow your passion and create a joyful, meaningful life. You will discover a variety of places, programs and services that have the potential to enhance your quality of life at home, at work and at play. From time to time, you may also enjoy musings on an array of topics from the practical to the metaphysical. Whether offering you an interview, profile, review or commentary, my intention always is to inform, educate and enlighten! Feel free to share your thoughts, comments and ideas with me as well as Joan, via e-mail: riderkm@cox.net and joan@innertapestry.org. I may not be able to respond to each message personally but I will read each one.
On the outskirts of the central Connecticut valley, in the sleepy town of Tariffville, you will find The Purple Rose Healing Center, a metaphysical gathering space owned by Laura Rose and co-operated with business partner, Annie Kelleher. At first encounter, these two gifted psychic healers evoke shadow and light—sisters of the soul, not the blood. Laura’s hair and eyes are dark, and her complexion peachy. Annie is fair skinned with golden hair fading into wisps of white that curl around her face. The power of their intuitive gifts is potent, immediately felt, as if the energies of the sun and moon come together in their connection to one another and the healing services they offer at The Center.
*Childhood Psychic Experiences* The ability to communicate with spirit guides is a gift each woman possessed since early childhood. Sadly, both also learned that giving voice to their gifts was not acceptable to the adults or other children in their lives. Ultimately, damage caused by abuse—sexual, physical and emotional—that haunted each woman at different points in her life, led to total suppression of her psychic potential. For a psychically sensitive child like Laura, the ability to connect to the energy of other people left her vulnerable to their fear and anger. It was much safer for her to block her intuitive gifts so that she did not have to experience the dark emotions that plagued those who hurt her.
It was not until many years later—well into adulthood—that Laura learned how to open to her gifts in a safe way. As a young girl, Annie remembers her bedroom filling with light as she fell asleep. Growing up in the Roman Catholic faith, she learned that the angels were watching over her so the glow in her room did not seem worthy of attention. Annie was not aware that other adults or children did not have angelic visions.
in an attempt to control and manipulate Annie’s life. “I now know that some monsters are real,” she shared, “they lurk in the very places you least expect them.” In 1990, Annie started writing her first novel, Daughter of Prophecy, while she was raising her children and working full-time as executive director for a non-profit agency. Daughter of Prophecy sold in 1993 and published in 1995. “The very pursuit of my heart’s desire forced me to realize that the person I was with was getting in the way of my dreams, not supporting me the way I had supported him.” It was clear to Annie if she did not get away from him, something “very integral” to her soul was going to die. The same month that Warner Books published Daughter of Prophecy, Annie filed for divorce. For the next ten years, the abuse intensified. Annie was more than convinced she had done the right thing. “I became determined to live the absolute best life I could and make the best life possible for my children.”
Both Laura and Annie possess a natural compassion that is immediately evident to clients. Not until she tried explaining a vision to a six year old friend. Annie had been very ill and out of school for several days. A classmate was bringing homework to her. Annie’s memory of the incident is quite vivid, “She asked when I would return to school. I told her that my angels said I would be well enough to go back to school on Thursday. By the look on her face, I knew that my friend did not experience angels the way that I did.” Even though Annie did return to school on the appointed day, she never voiced any other metaphysical experiences to anyone else until much later in life.
*Traditional Careers and Life Choices* Not having anyone with whom they could share and make sense of their esoteric experiences led both women to focus on academics and traditional life paths. Laura earned high honors throughout high school and college. Upon graduating from law school, she worked many years in private firms before becoming a prosecutor with the Assistant State’s Attorney Office in Hartford. Laura also served as an advocate for victims of sexual assault and abuse. Today, along with her husband, Rich, Laura is raising two stepsons, both in their late teens. Laura does not interact with her family of origin. Annie graduated from John Hopkins University with a degree in medieval literature. She explored a broad field of careers including federal investigator, interior designer, and daycare provider before she found her true calling: Annie is a successful novelist with 11 science fiction-fantasy books to her credit. Over a period of 14 years, she confronted emotional and physical abuse unleashed at the hands of her exhusband, an attorney, who used every angle of the law
Post-divorce, Annie often felt as if she had fallen into an abyss. In 1996, she relocated the children from New Jersey to Connecticut and entered the master’s program in English at University of Connecticut. She thought teaching would compliment the pursuit of a writing career. Despite publishing two more novels by 1997, she still needed consistent income and benefits for her family, things that graduate funding did not provide. Annie left school for a career in corporate marketing communications. This was not the divinely intended path for Annie, either. She was laid off twice, but each time managed to find a new job. When she found herself facing a third layoff in the fall of 2002, Annie finally realized that her life was meant to take another direction. Little did Annie know that giving into blind faith would lift her out of darkness into the light of day: The week her severance ran out, Harlequin offered a three-book deal. Abandoning the pursuit of a traditional career and following her heart’s call to write led Annie out of her first marriage, down a new spiritual path and into a new life in Connecticut where she met her current husband Don, expanding her family to six children between the ages of 14 and 27.
*Honoring and Developing Psychic Gifts* The intense focus required of a career in law allowed Laura to block her intuitive gifts. Meanwhile, her mother was operating a metaphysical store called The Golden Hawk in Plainville, CT. “I loved going into her store... it felt like ‘home;’ but I was too busy with my career to participate in that business.” The angels and guides she had put on hold for so long eventually started “nudging” Laura. When subtly failed to get her attention, the messages became so strong they were impossible to ignore. “The spirit guides made it clear that the negative energy surrounding me at work every day was too much for
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Heart stories reach into the depths of our being and draw into awareness emotions and ways of thinking previously untapped by our conscious minds. They move us out of the monotony of our daily existence, evoking a sense of awe and wonder that leads us to ask ourselves, “What if I...” These stories inspire us to listen to our heart’s calling and perhaps, take an unconventional path toward living our passion. Heart stories show us our humanity, our power and vulnerability by exposing shared fears and bringing to light the potential each of us has to lead a spiritcentered and conscious life.
“I was able to communicate with angels, guides and deceased loved ones [but] my family of origin was so abusive, I reached a point where I could not distinguish between the loving messages of my angels and the fear [that infused] my physical condition [at that time.]” Laura shared.
by Karen Rider
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Choices in Childbearing The Birth Center Option by AnnMarie Rian-Wanzeck, CPM
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omen have been giving birth for thousands of years. The processes of labor and birth have remained the same, but the ways women give birth have changed dramatically over the past 100 years (just ask your mother and grandmother). Fortunately, women giving birth today have more choices in childbearing than ever before. One option growing in popularity is the freestanding birth center. If you chose to work with a freestanding birth center, you would have your prenatal visits in the office at the birth center, you would see your care provider on the same schedule as you would if attending any other clinic, you would have the option for the same prenatal screenings and tests as you would in another clinic setting. You would go to the birth center when you are in labor, just as you would go to the hospital. So what makes a freestanding birth center different? One benefit is that freestanding birth centers are independently run, which means that your care provider is able to make decisions about how to manage your birth based on you and your baby’s health and safety. In the hospital setting, care providers’ decisions are often affected by policies determined by insurance companies and administrators who are disconnected from birth, but make policies based on profit and liability, over health. Care providers working in those settings must follow the policies, even if they lead to unnecessary interventions. Secondly, freestanding birth centers are usually run by midwives, either direct-entry midwives (often certified professional midwives (CPMs) or licensed midwives (LMs)), or certified nurse midwives (CNMs). While there are differences between types of midwives, all are trained within the midwifery model of care, which promotes the childbearing year as a normal life event, and birth as a normal, healthy process*. Midwives work with healthy women having healthy pregnancies (which are most women). They do not see pregnancy as a disease, and treat their clients like the healthy women they are. They believe in the power and strength of women’s bodies, and the brilliantly designed process of birthing as nature intended. Another benefit of birth centers is in the continuity of care. You would work with the same midwife throughout your pregnancy. Your prenatal visits would often last forty-five minutes to an hour; you and your midwife would get to know each other very well over the course of your pregnancy. She would expect you to be an active participant in your prenatal care and your birth. You
would be presented with options in your care, rather than being told what to do. You would learn a lot, and gain confidence in your body and knowledge. Your midwife would provide the majority of your prenatal care, and would be on call for your birth; there is no rotating call schedule where you get whoever is working the night you go into labor. In addition, she would stay with you throughout your labor, and for several hours after the birth of your baby. After the birth, you would have two or more home visits, as well as an additional office visit before the final six-week visit. The number and type of interventions you might encounter at a freestanding birth center are much lower than in the hospital. First consider the setting. It’s like being at someone’s home. Where do you stay if you are healthy? Home! Hospitals are mostly for sick people, and going to a hospital often evokes the feeling of illness and helplessness. Pregnant women are not sick. At the birth center, you would eat your own food. You would wear your own clothing, not a drafty gown. Your partner and family are welcomed into your care and encouraged to participate and support you. Your birth would be entirely private – the only people participating would be your birth team, and those you have invited. You may not have considered these interventions in the past, but they can subtly shift your perception of yourself and your well-being. In addition, there is no routine use of IVs. No medications are used for induction or augmentation of labor. Your midwives use a hand-held Doppler to listen to the baby several times each hour, rather than strapping an external fetal monitor to your belly. You can be free to walk, to move, to dance. The midwives are skilled in comfort measures for labor and birth, and would help you to find natural pain relief and ways of moving your labor along. Narcotics and epidurals are not available to numb you to your birth. Waterbirth is truly available; no one else would be in the tub, nor would it be missing or broken, and you generally would not need to get out to give birth. There is no use of routine episiotomy. You would receive your baby immediately after birth, and may even catch her yourself! Breastfeeding is highly encouraged and assistance readily available. Most mothers and babies nurse in the first hour after birth. But what about safety? Out-of-hospital birth is safe for women with healthy pregnancies! Birth in birth centers or at home has been studied extensively and shown to be as safe as a
similar low-risk population in the hospital setting. The real difference has been found in the higher rates of intervention (induction, vacuum extraction, episiotomy) and cesarean section rates in the hospital group. A 2003 study in the American Journal of Public Health comparing women birthing in birth centers to similar women birthing in hospitals found that birth centers had a 10.7% rate of cesarean sections, while the hospital rate was 19.1%. In 2005, the British Medical Journal published the largest controlled study comparing out-of-hospital birth to hospital birth, which found cesarean rates of 3.7% at home or at a birth center, compared to 33% in the hospital. And if a complication should arise? If you should need medications or treatments that the midwives do not perform, your midwives would accompany you to the hospital and stay with you throughout, acting as your labor support and advocate. Remember that true emergencies in birth are rare, and that your midwives are trained to prevent complications by promoting a healthy pregnancy, recognizing early signs of developing complications, and perform emergency measures when complications arise unforeseen. If you desire a natural birth, freestanding birth centers are a great option. The nature of your care at a birth center supports you and promotes the natural birth process more than in almost any other setting. Do some exploration and determine what your wants and needs are, where your comfort zone is, and what you can do in order to have an optimal pregnancy and birth. Remember: you are healthy. Your baby is healthy. Live and birth in good health. * The major difference between these types of midwives is the type of training. Direct-entry midwives are trained in the midwifery model of pregnancy care. They are not nurses, but learn the nursing skills necessary for their best practice, like phlebotomy, giving injections, setting IVs, and suturing. They generally complete their training in home birth practices or in free-standing birth centers, and do not work in hospitals. CNMs are trained first as nurses in the medical model, and then complete their midwifery training in the midwifery model. They generally complete the majority of their training in hospitals, and most CNMs work in hospitals. In addition, they often do much more work in women’s health outside the childbearing year. AnnMarie can be reached at the Birth House, 28 South High Street, Bridgton, ME 04009 (207) 647-5919, www.birthhouseme.com.
FMI: Visit www.ronandjoan.com 20 Inner Tapestry April/May 2008
21 The Trager® Approach to Relieving Stress
Koshonic Body Stress Release
by Angela Williams Duea
by Christopher Bashaw, RN and Certified Fitness Trainer
W
hen stress takes over your body, your muscles tighten, your teeth clench, and your heart pounds. Adrenalin floods through your tissues, sending your body the fight-or-flight signal. Long-term exposure to stressors causes a constant state of body tension and emotional exhaustion, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Without a release, your body can react with headaches, chronic fatigue, ulcers, high blood pressure, insomnia, and a host of other health problems. Stress is a fact of life, and is all-pervasive in our society. Surveys by Northwestern National Life found that one-fourth of employees view their jobs as the number one stressor in their lives. Everyday events such as a misbehaving child or rush hour traffic add to chronic stressors such as job troubles, economic worries, family problems, or health issues. Learning how to deal with stress in ways that leave us pain-free and relaxed will increase our satisfaction with life and comfort in the way our bodies feel. The Trager® Approach can help relieve the symptoms of stress as well as training the body and mind to work in new, freer patterns.
A typical Trager session lasts for an hour to an hour and a half. You rest fully-clothed on a padded table while the practitioner gently touches soft tissue and moves your joints and limbs. These movements are slow and rhythmic, and do not push past any resistance in your muscles and joints. A client, Joan Jones, says, “Trager sessions are not at all painful or rigorous. They involve a gentle rocking of the body which must be something like what one feels in the womb.” These new patterns are reinforced by a series of simple movements called Mentastics® that you practice between sessions. Mentastics movements promote even greater relaxation and freedom of movement. Stress is a fact of life, but stress-related pain and tension doesn’t have to be. Participating in Trager sessions can retrain your mind and body to release stiffness and reset muscles to a neutral, relaxed state. By teaching your mind a new approach to stress, and learning new ways of movement, you help your body find wholeness, and experience a new level of serenity. “Before Trager I was willing to accept an increasing amount of pain as part of aging, stress, and nature,” Diana Ellis states. “Now I see each day as an opportunity to feel better and grow stronger.” To locate a practitioner, go to the Trager® website www.trager-us.org or call the United States Trager® Association at (440) 834-0308.
THE TRAGER® APPROACH:~ Explorations in Effortless Movement --A One-day Introductory Workshop Sunday, April 20, 2007, 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (or Sun, April 27) Saco Valley Medical Clinic Fryeburg, ME
a massage table or massage chair, and usually lasts about one hour, though 30 minute treatments are also acceptable. The client is positioned for comfort and the practitioner generally will do hands-on energy therapy along the spine from the sacrum to neck, followed by a gentle rocking motion to the torso and legs. During this process the practitioner may also include a variety of shamanic and energy techniques as applicable. Then a gentle rubbing of the back and torso, possibly including the extremities is done, with a concentration of gentle tapping to key areas along the meridian system, which may include the base of the skull and head. Gentle rubbing continues along the head similar to a scalp massage. This is followed by light percussion along the torso, buttocks and possibly legs and arms. Cupping of energy then follows. The auric field is then feathered with the practitioner's hands and the treatment is completed. The practitioner may use discretion in which steps are suitable for each client, and may or may not follow them in sequential order, with time restraints and the extent of trauma being factors. Clients tend to first notice intense relaxation during and after the treatment, which has been affectionately called the "drool factor." Pratitioners have been limited to an obscure but wholistic martial art, Kosho Hoho Yooga, that is up until recently. Kosho Hoho Yooga can trace its lineage to the temples of Japan, to the sohei or Japanese Warrior monks. A monk named Eizon is credited for founding a martial art called Kosho Ryu Kempo in 1235 AD, which Kosho Hoho Yooga is derived. These monks were not only warriors, but renowned mystics and healers. Kosho Hoho Yooga practitioners study the internal aspects of martial arts which include but are not limited to energy strikes and energy cultivation, but also are renowned healers focusing on energy medicine, herbal medicine, massage, shiatsu, and shamanic therapy. It is the study of these modalities and Koshonic healing which produces a more well rounded martial artist; a more spiritual martial artist; a better healer and warrior. Kosho Ryu Kempo has been growing throughout the world since James Mitose first introduced kempo during WW2. Kosho Hoho Yooga is a smaller, lesser known branch of the same tree with only a handful of teachers in the US which deals more with the esoteric aspects of the martial arts than those identified in many commercial martial arts schools. For more on Kosho Hoho Yooga information on ranking and history as well as instructors can be found on its website at http://www.freewebs.com/ kosho_hoho_yooga or at its main hombu site http:// www.freewebs.com/mizu_tama_dojo . Information on training in Koshonic Body Stress Release© can also be found on these sites as well. Christopher Bashaw, RN and Certified Natural Fitness Trainer, and the liscenced family head of this healing and martial system has now made training open to the public and is making this wholistic healing art available to the public. http://www.freewebs.com/mizu_tama_dojo Bashaw is available to come and speak at your organization on Kosho Hoho Yooga and the modalities he teaches such as Reiki, Tai Chi, Chi Kung, Herbology, Shugendo Yoga, and Nutrition. To book a treatment contact Pinewood Healing Arts, 255 route 108 in Somersworth, NH (603) 692-1816.
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“My body holds stress in my neck and shoulders,” says Janet Kohler, a recent Trager client. “Trager is really helpful in relieving the tension and that helps me deal with the actual causes of the stress. I am not battling pain and life stresses at once.” The Trager approach is a gentle alternative to massage that teaches the mind and body new patterns of movement. Trager helps recipients to become more aware of their bodies, to move in more balanced, pain-free ways, and to learn relaxation skills. “Trager work helped me find a mental and physical calm,” says another client, Bob Kaul. “This gave me the ability to be a sponge that absorbs with excitement the multitude of stuff that surrounds us.” Trager practitioners help to increase body awareness which encourages the client to change their patterns of tension, response to stress, and movement. Practitioners actively move the client's joints and limbs which provide positive, pleasant feelings in the passive recipient, triggering a new message for the central nervous system. This new way of feeling in the body often stimulates a new way of thinking as well. Patterns of restrictive movement are often released through this mind/body connection. Many times these changes are permanent.
K
oshonic Body Stress Release© or a Koshonic treatment as it is otherwise known is a method of complementary and alternative/ integrative medicine used by trained and certified allied health professionals who manually apply a subtle movement of the chi or "life force energy" about the body in an attempt to bring the body, mind, and spirit into harmony. The Koshonic treatment combines deeply relaxing techniques with energy balancing and remedial bodywork. While working on an emotional level, after a treatment the receiver often experiences freedom from worry, anxiety, fear and other negative thought patterns. The true purpose of a Koshonic treatment is to bring balance and sense of well being of body, mind and spirit. A Koshonic Body Stress Release© treatment not only feels great but provides immediate and long lasting health benefits. It releases stored stress in the body and stimulates endorphin production, which improves emotional well-being. It aids the lymphatic system in removing and detoxifying the body of waste products, clearing toxins from not only the cellular level, but also of the emotional and spiritual bodies as well. Koshonic treatments improve muscle function, releasing knots and muscle tension. And unlike deep tissue massage it is virtually pain free and the results of treatments increase range of motion and dexterity. Because energy work is combined with light bodywork as well as ancient shamanic practices to healing the response is a restored vigor, giving a youthful, healthy glow. A program of regular Koshonic treatments greatly improves quality of life. These are so gentle in comparison to massage that many fibromyalgia and touch sensitive patients find that regular treatment is tolerable and healing. Koshonic Body Stress Release© builds on the belief the individual is a whole organism: that everything is connected and related and that the symptoms presented are only that… symptoms. Koshonic goes to the source of the problem and treats it accordingly. The energetic body as well as the physical body should be considered concurrently. Koshonic treatments use different and varied healing techniques in combination to tailor a treatment unique to each individual. New discoveries in quantum physics and biology reveal remarkable insight regarding the ability of people to heal. They have shown how modalities such as bodywork, shamanic healing, and energy work, and healing practices, some dating to thousands of years ago, influence healing. This emerging Epigenetic Medicine provides a greater awareness to understand the connectedness of ourselves and our natural state of being. Koshonic Body Stress Release© blends conscious body attentiveness with energy awareness, creating a healing, relaxing and renewing freedom. Practitioners use Koshonic Body Stress Release© to adjunct therapies of both allopathic and complementary medicine treating asthma, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis, osteoarthritis, neck and back pain, hip and joint pain, autoimmune disorders, stress reduction as well as emotional and psychological traumas; but it is not limited to this list. Though typically Koshonic treatments are just one spoke in the healing treatment plan wheel, it can also be done independently of any other modality with good effect. A typical Koshonic treatment is performed with the client fully-clothed, in a prone position either on
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APRIL 5th & 6th ~ Here is a sampling of the Portland Expo Vendors! All-Satr Hula Hoops Hooping is an easy, fun way to exercise. Twenty minutes is considered a good daily workout. It's guaranteed to make you smile and your day a bit more happier. www.myspace. com/allstarhulahoops. Aromatantra - by F.M’s Aromatherapy offers aromatherapy skin, hair & wellness formulations and aroma-vedic chakra anointments, chakra wands and chakra crystals. Also chakra assessments by Dr. Ratan www.fmaromatherapy.com, aromatantra@yahoo.com. Artful Touch Music Original, healing CDs created by a massage therapist. Perfect music for Reiki, bodywork and yoga practices Free MP3s at www.artfultouch.org Aura Imaging Photography by Bennu Includes photo, 2 page printout and personal reading by Bennu. $30. Dancing Angels Inc Spiritual Healings using Archangels and vibrational tools for Body Energy Balancing. Strengthening the immune system, promoting healing, releasing emotional blocks and purifying the energy body. dancingangels@dancingangels.us, www.dancingangels.us/dancingangels. Do your dreams hold the keys to a better, happier, more successful life? ECKANKAR: Free “Art of Spiritual Dreaming” Workshop, Sunday, April 6th, 4:00pm at the Whole Health Expo. Gardens Of Atlantis Healing Arts Center Offering massage and energy work. Meet us; learn about our classes & events! (207) 929-5088 www.gardensofatlantis.org Health Options ~ Detoxification and cellular health. Ionic footbaths with Rife frequency and Schumann wave technology. Far infrared saunas, glyconutrition, air and water technology. 207-233-2473 healthoptions4u@hotmail.com.
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INNER TAPESTRY ~ Your holistic Journal, creating community by bringing people together. Available: article guidelines, advertising rates, current and past issues. 207-799-7995, www.innertapestry.org.
Red Sky Healing Visit Michael Redsky a proud son of the Cherokee people and obtain a reading to speak with your Ancestors or pets that have crossed. 866-594-2685 or www.redskymedicine.com.
Meadow Wind Center for Holistic Arts is a beautiful place for people to gather, learn, teach and to be a part of community. Andrea Ferrante, Personal, Professional & Spiritual Healing Counseling, 207-939-1124, www.meadowwind.org.
Ron and Joan We offer individual, couple, family, and pet sessions as well as phone sessions, playshops , Bio-Cleanse Detox Footbaths and Bravo Raw Pet Food 207-799-7998, www.ronandjoan.com. Join us in changing the world!
Nikken® Total Wellness Company Body - Mind - Family - Society – Finances. Air, Water, Sleep Systems, Nutrition, Fitness, Cooking, Weight Loss, Magnetic & Far-Infrared, & more. Gary Domurad, ICWC, 603-289-1535 intlwellness@comcast.net, www.nikken.com/internationalwellness.
Samosaman Natural Foods strives to produce the highest quality Organic Natural Products that help to sustain a healthy Person and a healthy Planet. Enjoy, Be Well! 802-233-7793 www.samosaman.net.
NuSkin Enterprises is a global leader in the nutrition and anti-aging industry, which offers outstanding scientific technologies and an unsurpassed business opportunity. Contact Laura Fallon @ 631-470-0462 or go to http://2livehealthy. mypharmanex.com. Optimal Health has the foundation for your preventative health program – the world’s best alkalized water and marine phytoplankton – hydrate, detoxify, alkalize and nutrify! (888) 888-5579 Hevalenta@optimalhealth.Cc Portland Chiropractic Neurology: A functional approach to improving the health of your brain and nervous system, without the use of drugs or surgery. www.portchiro.com, portlandchiro@aol.com Psychic Readings by Helen tarot cards, dream interpretation, aura readings, crystal readings, palm readings, psychic readings, pet readings, love readings, crossing over & past life 978-512-1514. Reliv ~ Nutrition is an important component to whole body wellness. Reliv has the balance you need. caryn@maine.rr.com, www.reliv.com (see me in the “Resource Directory” section)
ShivaShakti School of Yoga Yoga that moves you! Weekly classes for all levels, workshops and Yoga Alliance registered 200-hour yoga teacher trainings. (207) 785-5003, www.ShivaShaktiYogaSchool.com SPIRITUAL RENAISSANCE CENTER: A Counseling,
Healing & Astrological Center Dedicated to the Transformation of Consciousness & Awakening of the Soul. Quarterly Publication. www. spiritualrenaissance.com, (207) 883-1081.
TarotWorks Tarot Goods and Readings Hand-made Tarot bags, gift wrap, books by local authors $5 Numerology readings $20 Tarot readings. Jeanne Fiorini/Kelly Purinton www.tarotworks.com Visible by Design ~ A presentation on the energetic vibration and health benefits of raw food for animals and people. Also visit my booth for more information and classes. Judy Garbow, www.judygarbow.com. XanGo® Juice, Roxanne Smead, XanGo Independent Distributor “Created from an exclusive puree of the complete mangosteen fruit, XanGo® Juice is a concentrated source of xanthones, a family of vigorous phytonutrients.” www.mangosteeninmaine.com, sjsmargo@yahoo.com 207-229-7469 or 207-985-7473.
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t he w ay o f lif e - itse l f
The Heart, Shoulds and
Overcoming the Trap of Scientific Materialism by Norm and Skye Hirst, Ph.D. Meriden, CT Daffodil Festival
Philosopher author of “Process and Reality” - Alfred North Whitehead said. There persists … the fixed scientific cosmology which presupposes the ultimate fact of an irreducible brute matter, or material, spread throughout space in a flux of configurations. In itself such a material is senseless, valueless and purposeless. It just does what it does do, following a fixed routine imposed by external relations which do not spring from the nature of its being. That is scientific materialism. Materialism is the belief that we exist as material beings in a material world, all of whose phenomena are the consequences of material relations among material entities.
We are in the midst of choosing again. So to facilitate the evolution in consciousness, to grow a new mind with new assumptions in thinking, feeling and knowing about what it means to be alive, Norm and I want to change the focus of our articles for IT. In recent articles, Norm and I have been talking to you about new findings in the realm of life-itself. We hope to engage you now in a process you can use to grow your own recognition of life changing shifts occurring around you, among you, and within you and to grow your own Life-Centric living and thinking awareness. Our series will focus on different challenges of daily living as the break with scientific materialism that we began to discuss in earlier articles widens. We’ll try to illuminate your sense of being alive with insights into the metaphysics, the philosophy, and experiences that show the new science of life indeed evolving. •
•
We will attempt to bring into focus the old assumptions that keep us blind. That is, we know lots of things aren't working, but we can't seem to get at why or what, exactly. Then we'll introduce foundations for new choices now possible to you, individually and collectively to navigate the "Great Shift" that is occurring.
The theme for this month’s Inner Tapestry issue is the heart. What an opportunity for us to begin there! Since materialism has created a major disconnect between the heart and mind in so many ways, we need new language and tools, even perhaps a new mind to bring them back together. As we go into this series of articles, we hope you will discover your heart way of knowing and in so doing, grow a new mind that can help us all better navigate as we create our lives together. The dominance of the Should-World Much of the suffering in the world can be traced directly to the ignorance of how elegantly life has provided us with the capacity for living in harmony. Through no fault of anyone in particular, an
The ethics and moral codes that have been generated in an attempt to control the human being don’t work, however much we wish they would. We keep creating more and more rules for ourselves in hopes that we can become the people we think we “should” be. We “should on” one another and ourselves only to be further frustrated and feeling lacking.
are. And amazingly, all this adds up to a “felt sense” you recognize as your place in the oneness, the cosmos, life-itself. Pretty handy, this heart. The heart knows the way. The brain is connected to the heart. In fact, the whole of our body and mind is a unified field nested in other unified fields such as various societies, Gaia and the cosmos. Isn’t it nice that we have a heart to guide us? Unfortunately a major interrupt of this ability is severed at birth, for many. To grasp how this has and is happening all too often, let’s take a pause from the heart story to explain a bit about the connection to scientific materialism. A Primer On The Metaphysics that Forms Our Reality
Ironically, as humans, it seems we have much to learn about what it means to be alive because a majority of effort by humanity has gone into learning more about things, technology and matter not life-itself. Many centuries of materialism metaphysics dominance has produced clusters of beliefs that we are things that must be controlled through morality codes, ethics of behavior derived by an elite and spiritually elevated few. It has been believed, to control the bestiality of man, these codes must be passed down to the "less than holy" human being to help him/her find his/her way in living together. Such is the stuff of “constraining, controlling shoulds” accompanied by punishments of a physical and psychological nature to keep us under control, an “outside>in” method of crowd control. You can follow the sad implications and results of such attempts – Children who are taught to be afraid of their parents’ disapproving hands and words. People who grow up with guilt for not being that person they were told they “should” be and are not. A corporal punishment justice system that believes the ultimate form of control should be the right to take away life.
Remember from our earlier articles that in life itself (organismic reality), there are no isolated stand-alone facts. Every alleged fact is in a context from which it takes meaning. Every living organism provides a unique context. The world, the cosmos, you and me, and events are not static things but instead are living organisms in a continuum of becoming. Yet in the old paradigm of scientific materialism is the belief that we exist as material beings in a material world, all of whose phenomena are the consequences of material relations among material entities. Metaphysics of material is the current worldview and thinking that is quickly coming into question with the shift in consciousness. Many people today believe that materialism has been validated by science. It has not. It is not a scientific requirement. It is a metaphysical assumption. I suspect that most people would rather not know about metaphysics. But, like it or not, by the time we learn a language and grow up in a given culture, we are committed to a metaphysics or set of fundamental assumptions about what reality is. If we are committed to a metaphysics of materialism, such assumptions will cause us to be caught in a life destroying trap. From that perspective, as we explore the arena we live in and try to make sense of it, all we can assume is matter is senseless, valueless and purposeless.
Continued on Page 39
The Heart-Should We’re discovering a “heart-should.” This is quite different from constraining shoulds. The heart-should is one that emerges from awareness of inner relations between the heart and the whole of who you are. As you connect to these inner relations, you become aware of value dynamics at work. It’s a “field effect.” And this kind of focus can guide you with awareness of all you are; the unique identity nature you were born with, your purpose of being, plus the unity of your experience, knowledge, and learning. It’s like coming home to yourself and feeling the safety there you can trust. It’s an inner direction that feels freeing and liberating because it feels coherent with all you
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Ironically, as humans, it seems we have much to learn about what it means to be alive because a majority of effort by humanity has gone into learning more about things, technology and matter, not lifeitself. Scientific materialism has dominated every fabric of our existence so much so that few people today even know that it was a philosophical, metaphysical choice so many years ago (at least 2500 years) that took science in the direction it has.
interwoven system of overlapping belief clusters (religious, science etc.) have continuously “should on us.” Inherent abilities to be, both, self-determining AND connected to the oneness have been overpowered by what has been considered the “facts of reality” stemming from materialism.
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SANKOFA Providing Neuromuscular Therapy, including but not limited to: Myofascial Release, Soft Tissue Mobilization, Sports Massage, Trigger Point & Deep Tissue Massage
Member AMTA
Caring therapeutic touch to honor and nurture the total being
Helen G. Caddie-Larcenia Licensed Massage Therapist
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207 845-2707
Washington, ME 04574
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t he 2 1 s t c e ntu ry b oh em i a n
The Healing and Transformative Power of Art by Teresa Piccari “And those who had seen it told how he who had been possessed with demons was healed.” – Luke 8:36
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When was the last time it happened to you? Hearing a new or favorite song whose words seemed to ease just what’s troubling you, a melody that restored your breath to a natural, relaxed rhythm. Reading a book whose main character was challenged by life in a way that rang true for you – providing a road map to resolution. Viewing a painting whose image stopped you in your tracks – sending out a thrill from the central nervous system. Watching a troupe of graceful dancers performing superhuman feats and leaps that left you reeling. Entering a movie theater as an average person and through some passive abracadabra orchestrated under the cover of darkness, you emerged a super-hero. We have all experienced it – the healing and transformative power of art. When a song, movie or book grabs holds of you, makes off with your heart, soul, spirit – and deposits you back on earth, changed, sometimes in the span of moments.
Issuing Calm from Chaos
The fact is, each of us, not just celluloid heroines or professional, accomplished artists, has the power to harness art to serve our personal needs for healing and transformation as we evolve and progress along our individual journey. In writing workshops it is my job to provide a safe and supportive environment to give everyday people with something to say, the space to do so. In the past year, I have watched a grandmother agonize over the loss of a granddaughter in a horrific campus shooting, rise, determined that her spirited life be celebrated in words and not just mourned. Stood in quiet awe as a too young widow, still reeling from her loss, dug down to a place deep within her being, allowing her muse to unlock a treasure of stunning fiction. Witnessed a scientist with that rare ability to educate and simultaneously weave a good tale, conceive several chapters toward a book. Comforted an 85-year-old still mourning the loss of her mother when she was just a child of five. And mourned myself as one of my students came to the end of her own earth walk, with such grace and dignity and a generous spirit intact that allowed her to inspire and comfort others up to the end of her life. Each of these women had a deep knowing that writing could lead them through anger, pain, angst, loss and even their own mortality. That by opening their hearts and letting their heart wrenching and at times heart rejoicing stories flow, they would be delivered to a place where they could begin to heal and transform their lives. In Falling Through Space, a compilation of journal entries, Ellen Gilchrist writes, “The mind is trying very hard to tell us things when we write books. The first impulse is as good as the second or the third – any thread if followed long enough will lead out of the labyrinth and into the light. So I believe or choose to believe. The work of a writer is to create order out of chaos. Always, the chaos keeps slipping back in. Underneath the created order the fantastic diversity and madness of life goes on, expanding and changing and insisting upon itself. Still, each piece contains the whole. Tell one good story truly and with clarity and you have done all anyone is required to do.” 26 Inner Tapestry April/May 2008
Moving Beyond Our Confines
In the February 2008 issue of Oprah Magazine, novelist Wally Lamb writes about the writing workshops he has conducted in a women’s high-security prison in Connecticut for the past eight years. “Writing fiction invites me to move beyond the limitations of my own experience and better understand the un-me, the other. I am similarly invited to do so each time I go to jail,” writes Lamb. “But a person need not go to prison to access the therapeutic value of autobiographical writing. Which of us has not put walls and razor wire around our concealed sadness and past regrets? Who among us was raised by a perfect family? Who does not have hilarious, lifeaffirming stories to share and debilitating secrets to dispel? Which of us is so self-aware that we could not reveal ourselves more deeply by reflecting on our lives with fingertips on the keyboard – and then sharing our discoveries with other writers and bearing witness to theirs? In doing so, we discover that 'the other' and we are more alike than different, variations on a theme of humanity and circumstance.”
Once we set our stories in motion they take on a life of their own, demanding their own way. Referring to the famous Michelangelo quote about how he “saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free” Lamb says “My inmate students, you, and I are damaged angels-in-waiting who have the potential to sculpt our best selves with the aid of paper and pen. The rehabilitative power of our words invites us to test our still-wet wings tentatively at first and then with greater and greater assurance."
Fits and Starts
Once we set our stories in motion they take on a life of their own, demanding their own way. They will take us over rough terrain where we might choose a smooth road instead. Sometimes they will spill out of us like an obsessive fever, other times we will have to prime the pump over and over to keep the flow in motion. At first, what comes to light may be steeped in anger, fear, guilt, blame or regret. It is good to capture the raw and painful. Healthy even, to vent it onto paper, releasing it from our bodies. Sometimes, time needs to pass, allowing for artistic distance, before we are able to apply clarity and see beyond negative experience and emotions. Before we can find the silver lining in the cloud that will allow us to move forward. Eventually, we are able to move into a phase where we can use art to inspire instead of intimidate, to energize instead of drain, to engage instead of alienate and to move out of frustration into a sense of productivity. It is then we can harness the power of art to heal what
needs healing in our lives and transform ourselves, to move forward with strength, wisdom, understanding and humility.
Send in the Symphony
Also in Falling Through Space, Ellen Gilchrist wrote, “It is impossible to be stupid while listening to Bach. There is something about the art of fugue that soothes the brain. I used to make a joke about this and tell my friends they could stop suffering love if they would stop listening to love songs and listen to Bach instead.” She goes on to relate how once during a fretful afternoon, following her own advice, she “found a Bach recording, put it on the stereo and by the third musical phrase the tangles in my mind were unwound and I knew what to do next.” As this paper goes to press, supporters and critics alike have their eyes on North Korea, where 130 members of the New York Philharmonic are set to perform in the Pyongyang capital. Invited by the North Koreans, the trip has the blessing of the State Department although it is privately financed. The orchestra visit will mark the largest contingent of Americans in the isolated communist and anti-U.S. country since the Korean War. It comes at a time when tensions between our countries are high over civil rights transgressions as well as North Korea’s nuclear weapons program. The concert is expected to feature Antonin Dvorak’s “New World Symphony,” George Gershwin’s “An American in Paris,” and the Prelude to Act III of Richard Wagner’s “Lohengrin.” Members of the orchestra also plan on giving master classes to North Korean musicians before departing. It won’t be the first time the United States has sent a symphony to smooth foreign affairs feathers. In the Cold War 50s, the Boston Symphony visited the Soviet Union and in the 70s, the Philadelphia Orchestra made a groundbreaking trip to China. Who knows what diplomatic impact the concert may have? Perhaps we should be quiet and wait. Send the music in on little cat feet and let it work its magic, strings and bows and keys and brass, translating the universal healing language of the heart. Humans connecting eye-to-eye, across a concert hall, armed only with instruments. © 2008 Teresa Piccari Teresa Piccari is a writer and teacher living in coastal Maine. She is the proprietor of The Village Scribe, a professional writing service meeting personal and business needs. She teaches writing workshops including creative writing, memoir and journaling. She also performs house blessings and is an Usui Reiki Master/Teacher and practitioner. Her business and practice are located at The Wellness Center, 71 Elm St., in Camden. Contact Teresa at TheVillageScribe@hotmail.com or (207) 344-7070.
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28 1 teaspoon fresh or dried dill 4 tablespoons “Follow Your Heart” Vegenaise “mayonnaise” Wash and drain millet. Bring water to a boil and add millet. Lower heat, cover pot with flame deflector underneath the pot, and simmer for 40 minutes. (Remember that soaking overnight reduces the cooking time of grains by 50 percent.) While millet cooks, dice onion and pickle, mix with remaining ingredients, and set aside. Spread hot, cooked millet in a rectangular pan and refrigerate. When thoroughly cooled, cut into squares. Place squares into mixing bowl with rest of ingredients and mix gently. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
SAUTEED LEAFY GREENS
RECIPES FOR MAXIMUM HEALING In February before Valentine’s Day, I was thinking about writing a post for my blog about heart health. I thought of a particular book I had read about healing the heart through diet – Maximum Healing: Improve your Immune System and Optimize Your Natural Ability to Heal – by Dr. H. Robert Silverstein. Dr. Silverstein is a board-certified cardiologist and internist and director of Preventative Medicine Center in Hartford, Ct. For 30 years, he’s been helping patients with allergies, asthma, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cancer, chronic fatigue, headaches, heart disease, joint pain, skin disorders & rheumatoid arthritis – through conventional Western medicine as well as natural healing methods. He “very often finds that natural healing methods along are sufficient to restore health even when people are suffering from a long history of illness or have used conventional medical treatments unsuccessfully.”
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He calls his approach CAIM – Complimentary – Alternative – Integrative – Medicine. Diet and lifestyle are an important part of this approach. Dr. Silverstein writes, “diabetes, arthritis and heart disease are but three examples of disorders that are affecting young people as never before. These are inflammatory diseases, in large part, that stem from overstressed and weakened immune systems. Other immune-related problems are on the rise: asthma, allergies, inflammatory bowel disorders (including Crohn’s disease and colitis), eczema, dermatitis, and rosacea. Very often, these diseases may be harbingers of more severe illnesses, including cancers of the breast, colon, and prostate, as well as coronary heart disease. “The remarkable truth is that most of these diseases are preventable, even curable, if patients are willing to make a few modifications to diet and lifestyle. The addition of certain foods, supplements, herbs and immune boosting behaviors can dramatically strengthen your immune defenses and virtually overcome many illnesses.” With the permission of Dr. Silverstein, I’m sharing some of his healing recipes from Maximum Healing. The recipes fall within these categories: • Soup • Whole Grains: He suggests substituting millet, quinoa, amaranth and brown rice where wheat is listed in his recipes if you like, as he notes wheat and rye can make you hungry. • Vegetable Dishes • Beans • Sea Vegetable Dishes • Fish • Sauces & Dressing • Desserts. I chose one of each to share with you:
RED-LENTIL CORN CHOWDER 2 teaspoons sesame or organic extra virgin olive or macadamia nut oil 1 medium onion, diced 1 clove garlic, minced 3 carrots, diced 2 ears corn cut off the cob 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1 teaspoon each fresh thyme, basil, sage and rosemary, or 1/2 teaspoon each dried 6 cups vegetable stock or water 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (optional) 1 cup red lentils 1/4 cup shoyu soy sauce (some may need less shoyu/soy sauce as these are very salty)
WHOLE GRAINS Grains generally cook “2:1” (two cups water for one cup grain) 1 cup brown rice or barley (the food of gladiators) 2 cups water 2 pinches sea salt (such as Celtic Sea Salt or Sal del Mar Sea Salt). Wash rice several times, until water runs clear. Drain. Add water and salt, cover, and bring to a rolling boil on high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 45 to 60 minutes or longer. Soaking overnight reduces cooking time by half (of all the above grains). Turn off heat, allow to cool, and remove the rice. Serves two to three.
MILLET “POTATO SALAD” 1 cup millet 3 3/4 cups water 1 onion, diced 1 large dill pickle, diced 1/2 teaspoon celery seed 28 Inner Tapestry April/May 2008
1 bunch leafy greens 2-3 tablespoons olive or macadamia nut oil A few drops of tamari soy sauce Wash greens and cut them in half lengthwise along the side stem, stack them on top of each other, and cut again lengthwise. Turn them sideways and cut into 1/2inch pieces. Heat oil and add greens, stirring gently until they begin to change color. Cover and simmer for two minutes. Add soy sauce and a little water, if necessary, to complete cooking. Variation: sauté any combination of vegetables. Serves four.
CARROT AND RAISIN SALAD Carrot, grated Raisins Sea salt Mix grated carrots, raisins and salt together and press for at least 30 minutes to an hour. To do this, put vegetables in a large bowl, cover with a plate. Add to the top of the plate a heavy weight, such as a jug of water or a heavy rock. When done pressing, rinse well and drain. You can serve plain or with the following vinaigrette dressing.
with GINGERED VINAIGRETTE DRESSING 1 tablespoon brown rice vinegar 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger juice Teaspoon sea salt Mix together ingredients in a small pot. Bring to a simmer for 1 to 2 minutes. Mix with carrots and serve.
BLACK BEANS WITH ONIONS CARROTS & PEPPERS 2 cups black beans (simplify by using canned, organic, low-sodium beans (such as by Eden brand) 1 large onion, cubed 1 large carrot, cubed 1 green bell pepper, cubed Miso to taste Pick over the beans to remove stones, etc., wash them several times, and drain. Soak overnight, if you have the presence of mind, or boil for five minutes and soak for two hours. Place beans in a pot and bring to boil with a stick of kombu seaweed. Turn flame down, cover, and simmer for two hours, or until beans are soft. Once soft, add the vegetables, and simmer another 20 minutes. Add miso during last few minutes of cooking. Serves four.
BROILED FISH 1 pound white firm-flesh fish 1/2 cup water 1/4 teaspoon soy sauce (organic tamari or shoyu) 1/2 teaspoon ginger juice Wash fish under cold water. Combine remaining ingredients and soak the fish in the marinade for one hour. Place fish on an oiled baking sheet under the broiler, and broil on each side for about five to eight minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the fish.
ARAME WITH LEMON AND SESAME SEEDS 1 package arame seaweed Water 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind 1/2 cup ground roasted sesame seeds Rinse arame in a strainer under running water. Place arame in a pot with enough water to cover and let sit for three to five minutes. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove the lid, add the soy sauce, and boil until all the liquid has evaporated. Add the lemon rind and sesame seeds and mix well. Serve with lemon wedges and garnish with fresh sliced scallions.
AMASAKE FRUIT SMOOTHIES 1 quart amasake (a sweet organic rice beverage) Strawberries, blueberries, or fresh fruit of your choice Place amasake into a blender with fresh fruit to taste. Blend as is or add a few ice cubes and blend. Garnish with a mint sprig and serve cool with a straw. Enjoy the refreshing all natural, dairy-less milkshake. (Rice syrup can be added for more sweetness.)
Meg Wolf is a breast cancer survivor. Her memoir, Becoming Whole: The Story of my Complete Recovery from Breast Cancer, includes recipes and menu plans. Meg's new release photography book, Breast Cancer Exposed, The Connection Between Food and Survival is now available at local bookstores and both books can be found on her website at www.megwolff.com.
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ask asrianna Questions and Answers on Relationships, Spirituality and Conscious Living other day he confessed that he’d told his dad he hadn’t felt well enough to go outside because he hadn’t wanted to disappoint him by just admitting he hadn’t wanted to go. How can I handle this with diplomacy and tact so that no one gets hurt? Signed, Concerned Dear Concerned, This is a situation that needs to be worked out between your husband and son without you making either of them feel you’re taking sides. You’re not talking about an unloving father, but about one who wants to be involved in his son’s life in the way he’s most comfortable with. In addition, having a balance for your son between indoor, creative activities and outdoor activities that challenge his physical capacity is a beneficial thing, not something to be avoided. What you can try to do is to help both of them see the positive in each other rather than in focusing on their different likes and dislikes. Encourage your husband to honor what gives your son pleasure rather than diminishing them by calling them boring. Perhaps he can even try to engage his son in some activities that the son really enjoys first. He might encourage your boy to draw a horse then they can both go outside to see the horses together, even going on a ride if that’s what they both want. You can also help your son see the benefit in both being honest with his father as well as being willing to try some additional, fun things. When you encourage, even indirectly, lying, you’re setting up a very damaging dynamic between your son and your husband. It will add to your son’s guilt and make him see his father as someone to be further avoided. It also puts you in the unfortunate position of being mediator between two adversaries rather than as a loving wife and mother helping two much loved individuals understand and value each other more. Many blessings, Asrianna Asrianna Dameron is a Psychic, a Spiritual Medium, and Certified Hypnotherapist in private practice. She offers individual and group sessions as well as seminars and speaking engagements on the topics of Psychic Development, Mediumship, Hypnosis and Shamanic healing. Asrianna can be reached at asrianna@shamansheart.com, by visiting her websites at www.shamansheart.com or www.nhshamanandpsychicmedium.com , or by calling 603-892-1268.
6 Kristin Lane, Raymond, ME 04071
207-799-7995 info@innertapestry.org www.innertapestry.org
April/May 2008 Inner Tapestry 29
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Dear Asrianna, What do you do if you just know you’re not very smart? It seems that everyone around me is intelligent, and understands things faster. I know it keeps me from good positions because I was just passed over for a recent promotion. Even my mom tells me I’m not as smart as my sister. Is there something I can do to improve? Signed, Not Smart Dear Smart, It’s my firm belief that intelligence is far more complex—and varied—than just how much information we know. I’ve met people who didn’t get past grade school who were wise in the ways of the world and human nature. And I’ve met people who’ve graduated from universities who were clueless about many things the uneducated individuals found easy and simple. We’re all blessed with certain gifts and abilities. Comparing yourself to anyone else is counterproductive and harmful. I’m sorry your mother uses such hurtful comparisons. Please don’t let it keep you from seeing the light and beauty within you. We can certainly suffer from lessthan-perfect parenting, but it doesn’t mean we have to continually accept as true something painful and unfair. If you see yourself as lacking in intelligence, you’ll behave in ways that confirm that belief. For instance, you mention being passed over for a promotion at work because you’re not smart enough. Are you positive that’s the reason? Did they actually tell you that? My guess is that you’ve assumed you didn’t get the position because you’re not smart and now you’re acting from that assumption. It then reinforces your negative opinion of yourself My suggestion would be to ask for a meeting with your supervisor. Thank him or her for the opportunity of applying for the recent opening and let them know you’re still interested in higher positions. To that end, you’d appreciate knowing what you could do in order to better your chances for getting the next promotion. Ask what skills and abilities they’d suggest you work on. It lets them know that you’re serious about your work and that you’re willing to do what’s necessary to succeed. More importantly, it gives you something tangible, a goal. When you put every perceived failure as due to your not being smart, you cast yourself in the role of a victim and you successfully block any chance of moving beyond that by saying, “Well I’m just not very smart.” It becomes both a label and a self-fulfilling prophecy. Just as with everything else in the world, there will be some people you’ll perceive as somehow smarter than you, and there will no doubt be people you’ll see yourself as smarter than. Neither viewpoint gets you anywhere. Instead why not work on seeing your gifts and talents? If there are areas you feel weak in, then take a class or read up on the subject. Ask someone you trust for tutoring in an area you’d like to improve in. Having a curious, questioning attitude keeps learning alive and fun, and the more you enjoy the process, the less focus you’ll have on the end results. Many blessings, Asrianna
Dear Asrianna, My sister and I are very close but there’s something I’m really worried about. She has two daughters, one is eleven and the other is fourteen. My parents raised them for several years but now they’re with my sister and the father is long gone. I’m glad she’s taking being a mother seriously, but she lets them get away with everything. I know she’s trying to make up for the past, but these girls are calling all the shots. There are no bedtimes or rules, and they’re rude to my sister as well as other adults. This isn’t healthy for the girls or her. Should I say something? Signed, Troubled Aunt Dear Troubled, Commenting on someone’s parenting skills is never easy, especially if you go about it by touching on the bad behavior of their children first. That being said, you did mention that you and your sister are very close. Have you spoken in the past about the issue of her children? Is this a taboo subject? Or is this something that you can approach via conversations you’ve already had? For instance, if in the past you’ve talked about her wanting to raise the kids herself, you might be able to find a time to praise her for taking on the role of single parent. Let her know you realize how difficult it can be and how you’d like to help. Pay attention to how she reacts to your overture. If she’s receptive you can then gently mention that you notice the girls don’t have some simple rules that could make their life—not to mention her own—easier. Be aware of how she’s responding to your comments and let the conversation move from there. Of course there’s always the chance that she’ll feel defensive about your suggestions. If that’s the case you’ll have to bite your tongue. That being said, don’t overlook the wonderful position you have as an aunt in being a positive influence in your nieces lives. Instead be willing to do what you can in your role as an aunt to love and guide them. You can, in subtle ways that aren’t preachy, help give them boundaries when they’re with you. If they stay the night at your house you can have something fun arranged for after dinner that precedes bedtime. Perhaps you can institute a reading or sharing time. Maybe you watch a movie you’ll all enjoy while letting them know that afterwards it will be time for bed. They may balk but be firm and loving. It’s a reality that children not only need, but at some level want, boundaries. It makes them feel secure and protected. Some of the most influential loved ones in my life have been those wonderful aunts who gifted me with their time. You have the honor of being a role-model for your young nieces. Many blessings, Asrianna Dear Asrianna, I have a wonderful marriage to a great man. We have two children, a boy and a girl that we both adore. The problem is that my son and husband don’t seem to share many interests. My seven-year-old son is a very creative, artistic child who loves reading, drawing, and using his imagination while playing with whatever toy strikes his fancy. His father, on the other hand, is a very active, sports-minded person. I can see how much my husband wants our son to be more like him and I understand that to a degree, yet his constant urging of our son to go out with him to play ball or to ride one of our horses instead of, “reading a boring book,” is making our son avoid his dad. The
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ex p lori ng the wo r l d r el i g i o n s
The Way of the Lover and the Beloved: Bhakti Yoga by James Bean
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Bhakti Yoga according to the Dictionary of Mysticism is “the yoga of love, the quest of union with the Divine Spirit through Bhakti-marga (the path of love and devotion).” (Frank Gaynor, Philosophical Library) Bhakti is a Sanskrit word for love and devotion, and love is the quintessential truth of all religion, spirituality and mysticism. In the New Testament Saint Paul said that “love is the most excellent way.” The Bhagavad Gita and the other world scriptures say the same thing. The mystic-lovers of history have taught that “God is an infinite Ocean of Love and each soul is a drop from that Ocean.” By approaching simran/ zikhr (a spiritual exercise of repeating God’s Name or Names), prayer, the singing of hymns or meditation with an attitude of love and devotion (prem and bhakti), we elevate our consciousness; the practice of love brings us into harmony with the Supreme Being, our own true nature, and with everyone else. “Even as the sun shines and fills all space with light, so shines the Lord of Love and fills the hearts of all created beings.” (The Upanishads, Eknath Easwaran) I very much suspect people are drawn to the poetry of Rumi because he may be for some a connection to this rare and lesser-known Eastern approach of divine romance, the Way of the Lover and the Beloved! Bhakti is an Indian term for the religion of love; it is heart-centered, focused on the cultivation of love between the soul and the Oversoul, between lover and the Beloved. India’s Nirguna Bhakti Saints and devotees (bhaktas) are madly in love with God; their relationship with the Supreme Being is that of divine romance! The 16th century mystic Mira Bai said: To the Lord’s abode I will go, for He alone is my true love. I’ll gaze upon His charming face and ever remain enthralled. In the calm of the night I will arise and go to him, and return at dawn. PRACTICES OF LOVE AND DEVOTION (BHAKTI) FOR THE SUPREME BEING According to Saint Tulsi Das there are several modes of Bhakti practice. One major practice is called Satsang -- the society of realized Saints. Satsang means “association with Eternal Truth” as well as “association with God,” and is to some extent comparable to “church” or “temple,” but not in any institutional sense. A saying of Jesus in the New Testament provides a great definition of Satsang: “Where two or three are gathered in My Name, I am there in their midst.” When devotees or initiates of a Saint sit together for worship and meditation, the Masters teach that there’s a great spiritual energy present, a stronger manifestation of the loving Presence of God and a kind of "communion of Saints," past and present. Satsang is also an experience of spiritual community, an opportunity to be uplifted by the collective energy of our brothers and sisters on the Path, for we’re influenced by the company we keep! Devotees make this a time and place of spiritual Remembrance, and this helps to keep us on the Path. Mira Bai said:
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In minutes, Satsang will lead to Jiva-Mukti [the salvation or liberation of the soul]. The format of Satsang meetings can include: a spiritual discourse, instruction on putting the Path into practice, a video of a Master giving a talk, readings from the writings of various Masters or Mystics, the reciting or singing of banis, bhajans or kirtans (hymns of worship composed by Saints), and silent group meditation. It’s considered the greatest of blessings if it is a Master who conducts the Satsang in person. The effect of Satsang is that of divine remembrance, thus, with such a spiritual boost, encouragement and support for the spiritual journey, those who go to Satsang are much more likely to stay on the Path and put effort into their own daily spiritual practice at home. Thus will the life of the Bhakta (lover, devotee, disciple) become more and more God-intoxicated by imbibing the spiritual wine, the nectar of divine love. THE POWER OF GOD’S NAME Repeating a Name (or Names) of God with love and devotion, called in the east “Simran” or “Zikhr,” is one of the key spiritual exercises used to cultivate love for God and to invoke the Positive Power in our daily lives, making it possible to live a life of love. This is usually done mentally, as a mental repetition of a Name of God done during meditation, this practice is done during available moments throughout the day and night as a way to remember God all the time. Says Tukarama: Such is God’s Name that it heals the disease of the world. Whosoever repeats the Lord’s Name while engaged in earthly duties, remains ever in a blissful state of divine communion. One absorbed in the Lord’s Name, O Tuka, has truly attained liberation while living. This spiritual exercise of repeating God’s Name helps to uplift our day, to bring some of the heaven and bliss of meditation into our down-to-earth daily experience, and is a way to remember in a world of forgetfulness, to remain awake in a world of spiritual slumber, to abide in Truth, no longer dominated by the forces of illusion. Be who you really are wherever you go! Most of the great Saints and Mystics of history have also been poets or composers of hymns, psalms, odes, banis, bhajans --- mystic songs of love and devotion. Closely related to the chanting of divine names (mantra, manas jappa, simran or zikhr) is the practice of reciting or singing kirtanas, shabds and banis (hymns). India’s Saints of Love for thousands of years now have composed their own devotional hymns and poems. India’s Mystics have left behind an immense treasure of devotional literature, the scriptures of the Saints and Masters of the East. If Westerners aren’t able to sing these hymns in their original languages, reading translations of them is in itself a spiritual exercise of great benefit, for these beautiful words carry a loving spiritual charge that helps to keep one mindful of the spiritual Path, as well as it helps to prepare one for daily meditation practice. Babuji Maharaj of Agra used to advise his followers to recite several hymns a day, prescribing certain hymns of Swami Ji Maharaj and Rai Saligram (his spiritual Master) “to be chanted in the morning, before meals, and before going to bed at night.” To be sure, it is
indeed extremely helpful to read a couple of hymns or poems of the Saints each day. Traditionally in India the Saints and Masters have also used hymns and mystical poetry as a way to communicate their teachings to the people by communicating the truths of the Saints directly to the hearts of those who listen. “Govinda [God] says, ‘I go wherever devotees sing my praise.’” (Garab Das) That quote from Garab Das very much reminds me of a passage from the Hebrew Book of Psalms: “God inhabits the praises of His people.” This is a translation of a hymn (shabd) by the 19th century Mystic Tulsi Sahib of Hathras, India titled, “Shabd surat jin ki mili.” Whose soul is attached to the Word, revels ever in cosmic flight; Revels ever in cosmic flight, and realizing the Lord, plays with Him. The mystery of the Inaccessible and the secret of the scriptures he unravels: He reaches his Home within and its Essence he comes to know; In the lotus feet of the Beloved he sees his true destination. The happily married woman rejoices with her Spouse every moment, O Tulsi, For her soul is attached to the Word, and revels ever in cosmic flight. The compositions of Tulsi Sahib are bhakti (devotional) in tone, and at the same time allude to the mystical experiences of the soul achieving cosmic flight by becoming attached to the Word – hearing the Celestial Music of the Spheres during meditation. Through the divine Word the mystery of the Inaccessible Plane (called by some Mystics “Agam Lok”) is made accessible. Shri Tulsi described his experience of the Beloved Lord as a marriage consummated in mystical union. This merger of lover and Beloved is the final destination of lovers. Dadu, a Master in the Kabir lineage said of this oneness: The lover is converted into the Beloved. That indeed is called true love. Forgetting his own ego, he remains absorbed in the One. In their hymns, the Masters and Mystics sing of the power that the Spirit of Love has to transport souls back to the original Home of all souls – the Ocean of Love and Compassion. By approaching spiritual practice with love, we will be elevated in spirit to places beyond our wildest dreams! And for those who are skeptical of their own ability to experience the Way of the Saints, Swami Ji Maharaj said in one of his hymns: It does not matter if your bhakti is imperfect. Perform bhakti! Radhasoami [the Lord of the Soul] graciously declares that you should perform bhakti in whichever way you can. Fear not. He will grant you the Treasure of Love. You will be a recipient of the Gift of Love. (Sar Bachan Poetry, Vol. II) I’ll leave you with a poem by the 16th century Mystic
Continued on page 39
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Yoga, T'ai Chi, Aikido & Meditation Practitioners Directory
GLASTONBURY, CT Sacred Rivers Yoga Offers Yoga for Every Body, therapeutic massage and bodywork modalities, acupuncture, nutritional and herbal therapies. We are also a Yoga Alliance 200 and 500 hour registered yoga teacher training school. www.sacredriversyoga.com.
BANGOR, ME The Fountain Yoga Studio & Therapeutics All levels Welcome. Ongoing classes include: Gentle, Flow, Privates, Yoga for Pregnancy and Yoga for Heart Health. For schedule and more information contact: Teri at (207) 323-2024 or Laura at (207) 542-4103, 38 Fountain St. Bangor, www.fountainyoga.com.
BELFAST, ME
BOOTHBAY HARBOR, ME 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, 137 Townsend Ave., www.yogafirmstudio.com.
BRUNSWICK, ME Wild Lotus Yoga Offers Anusara-inspired yoga for all levels. Classes are inspiring, transformative and fun! Also offering Yoga, Nidra, both in classes and private sessions. Anne Dellenbaugh, RYT, instructor. (207) 721-9229, www.wildlotusyoga.us.
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.
DAMARISCOTTA, ME Heartfeather Yoga Center Hatha Yoga Classes, all levels. Ongoing classes, retreats, women's yoga insight group, children's classes. Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy Individual sessions. Sanctuary in Yarmouth and Damariscotta. Mary Snow M.Ed.,RYT,PRYT. (207) 319-8024. www.heartfeatheryoga.com.
Meadow Wind Center for Holistic Arts Offering several styles and levels of yoga from beginner to power yoga. Call (207) 878-3899 for class schedule or go to www.meadowwind.org for more information. 100 Gray Road, Falmouth, ME.
GORHAM, ME Holistic Pathways Yoga & Healing Center All abilities/ages. Beginner, Continuing, Intermediate, Toning & Sculpting, Pregnancy Yoga, Couples Pregnancy Yoga, Mommy & Me (infants), Yoga for Tots. Private sessions available. Postures, breathwork, meditation, relaxation. (207) 839-7192. www.holisticpathways.com.
NORTH YARMOUTH, ME Turning Light Yoga & Meditation Center Classes in Hatha Yoga, Meditation and Psychological & Spiritual Development. Free Monthly Satsang. Personal, group and corporate programs available. Director Darcy Cunningham certified by Institute of the Himalayan Tradition and Yoga Alliance. (207) 829-2700, www.TurningLight.org.
PORTLAND, ME Kundalini Community Yoga Kundalini, Hatha, Yo-gung, Beginners, Intermediate, Family Yoga, Workshops. Groups. Private. Sat Nam Rasayan Healing, Kundalini class includes Kriya, breath, mantra, meditation, relaxation. Creative pricing. Try Kundalini Yoga–the Yoga of Awareness. 52 Pine St., (207) 615-5405, www.kcyoga.net. Aikido of Maine Aikido: "The Art of Peace" a martial art for selfdefense and spiritual development. Connecting movement, breath and energy through partner practice. Seeking harmony from conflict. Creating an alert mind, calm body and enhanced health and awareness. Daily classes: beginners, adults & children. Flexible schedules, (207) 879-9207, 226 Anderson St., Portland, www.aikidoofmaine.com. Dragonfly Taijiquan ~ Larry Landau Taijiquan, Qigong, Authentic Breathing, Meditation. Cultivating enhanced awareness of physical alignment, relaxation, groundedness, and breath. Creating effortless fluidity in motion & stillness. Offering group & private instruction for over 30 years. Studios in Portland & Kennebunkport, (207) 761-2142. WholeHeart Yoga Center Portland's Kripalu-affiliated studio offers a full schedule of weekly classes for all levels. Our instructors are all Kripalu-certified and highly trained. We also offer weekend workshops, private instruction, and Kirtans (chanting events). 150 St. John St., Portland. (207) 871-8274, www.wholeheartyoga.com or email info@wholeheartyoga.com.
PORTLAND, ME cont. The Yoga Center Quality instruction for 25 years. 30 weekly classes all levels, restorative, therapeutic, power, prenatal. Master teacher workshops and Yoga vacations in Mexico & Maine. Two lovely studios & supply store. Directors Vickie Labbe and Jennifer Cooper, (207) 774-YOGA (774-9642). Portland T'ai Chi School Traditional Yang Style T'ai Chi classes at the Portland New Church Wednesdays 6:00pm-7:00pm. White Crane Qi Gong is taught to develop internal energy. The focus is on developing a healthy body and emotional being. (207) 272-8286, www.portlandtaichi.org.
ROCKLAND, ME ShivaShakti School of Yoga Yoga classes from gentle to vigorous. All ages and abilities. A Yoga Alliance registered school offering workshops and 200-hour yoga teacher trainings. Massage and bodywork available. (207) 785-5003, www.ShivaShaktiYogaSchool.com.
SEACOAST REGION ChildLight Yoga® Yoga Programs for Children and the Adults Who Love Them. Sharing the amazing gifts of yoga with babies, toddlers, children, families and classroom teachers in Southern ME, NH, and MA. Also offering the ChildLight Yoga Teacher Training, Summer Camps, Birthday Parties, Y.E.S (Yoga Education in Schools) Residency Programs, Tools for Teachers Workshops, and more. Please visit: www.childlightyoga.com or (603)-781-3323.
YARMOUTH, ME Sanctuary Holistic Health & Yoga Center Spacious & beautiful newly built studio. Professional instruction in KRIPALU & HATHA YOGA and MEDITATION. Now also PILATES and QI GONG! Group & private classes, all levels: youth, teens, adults. See website for schedule. (207) 846-1162, www.sanctuaryhhyc.com.
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The Inner Tapestry Yoga, T'ai Chi, Aikido & Meditation Directory is an excellent resource for getting the word out for your classes & workshops!
If you and your group or school hold classes and workshops and would like to be listed in this Directory, please call: (207) 799-7995 or Email: info@innertapestry.org.
Six issues in print costs $160 for 35 words Online placement in the Directory of Resources with a direct link to your website is an additional $75. April/May 2008 Inner Tapestry 31
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Belfast Yoga Studio Iyengar Yoga, Relax&Renew® (restorative) Yoga, Yamuna Body Rolling®, Yamuna Body Logic®; classes, workshops, individual sessions. Marianna Moll (Iyengar, Relax&Renew®, Yamuna® certified) and Belinda Pendleton (Iyengar style, Gentle Yoga, Yoga for Cardiac Wellness). (207) 338-3930. www.belfastyoga.com info@belfastyoga.com.
FALMOUTH, ME
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INNER TAPESTRY's Directory of Resources Holistic Practitioners, Products and Resources Each category contains practitioners from various states. co u n s e l i ng & t h e rapy Maine
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I am a clinical counselor and practitioner of Somatic Experiencing© with a private psychotherapy practice in Portland, Maine. My work integrates traditional talk therapy, somatic therapy and mindfulness in work with individual clients. The emphasis is on helping people learn to access the innate healing ability of the human body. The end goal is to heal trauma, stress, compulsions Douglas Smith and other challenges in order to enjoy an open, embodied flow of experience. I also teach workshops in somatics and sensory awareness for clinicians and others interested in mind-body integration. Most insurance accepted. For an appointment or more information please call, email or visit me on the web at www.mindmeetsbody.com. Douglas Smith, LCPC, SEP. 205 Ocean Avenue, Portland, ME 04103, (207) 773-7993 x19. smith@mindmeetsbody.com
Counseling & Therapy ........................................ page 32 Creative Healing Arts ..................................... pages 32-33 Evolutionary Consciousness ............................... page 33 Holistic Healing Centers ..................................... page 33 Hypnotherapy ......................................................... page 33 Integrative Healing ........................................ pages 34-35 Life Mastery ............................................................ page 35 Living Spaces ......................................................... page 36 Meditation ............................................................. page 36 Nurturing Foods ................................................... page 36 Psychic & Spiritual Mediumship .......................... page 36 Reflexology & Healing Massage ......................... page 36 Retreats ................................................................ page 37 Sacred Space ...................................................... page 37 Salons & Spas ...................................................... page 37 Schools & Trainings ................................................ page 38 Shamanic Healing ................................................ page 38
creative healing arts Connecticut Zen Yoga is a journey of spiritual deepening that begins with the breath. Zen Yoga begins
with deep breathing to gather energy and then introduces soft, flowing movement and stretches to facilitate the smooth flow of that energy throughout the body. Based on the fundamental principles of yoga, tai chi and qigong, Zen Yoga is like nothing you have tried before. Prepare to feel wonderful! Our instructors create programs specifically designed to meet the needs of your group. We are available to teach workshops and stress relief programs throughout New England. We hold special retreats in the mountains of Vermont in September. Our Online Correspondence Course is a 12-week email program that provides tools to assist you on your journey of self-discovery. For more information: Phone: (860) 805-6551, Email: breathe@artofzenyoga.com, Website: www.artofzenyoga.com.
Maine Psychotherapy with a conscious intention, can help us shift our focus from seeing life’s challenges as problems, to opportunities for spiritual growth. Exploring the dynamics of our
relationships can help us understand ourselves better, increase our capacity for intimacy and co-create fuller, more balanced lives. Mindful relationships, in this way, become spiritual life LCSW, LADC alchemy, transforming old wounds into inner gold. Together, we create a sacred space to find your inner wisdom where you can honor the truth of your authentic self. I specialize in group therapy for both men and women, as well as individual and couples work, for Spiritually–psychologically–oriented adults. A free monthly electronic wellness newsletter, "The Heart of The Matter," can be found by visiting www.davidwardlcsw.com. For more information call (207) 846-3422, or,
David Ward
e-mail david@davidwardlcsw.com, 261 Main Street, Yarmouth, ME, 04096.
Art Therapy & Shamanism
Susan Bakaley Marshall, ATR-BC, LCPC 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 your 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. moonarts@gmail.com.
Surry Music Therapy Center: Alan Wittenberg M.A., CMT
Certified Music Therapist, (AMTA) American Music Therapy Association Music therapy opens new channels of communication and contact through the creative and interactive use of music towards self-expression and self-discovery. It goes beyond
words and emotionally, physically, and intellectually touches those with psychological issues and special needs. Music Therapy is a dynamic clinical, educational, developmental, and rehabilitative treatment approach. Alan specializes in autism spectrum disorders, emotional and behavioral issues, speech and sensory integrative delays; as well as work with the elderly and Alzheimer’s.The Surry Music Therapy Center is a unique facility in Maine offering individual and small group sessions, seminars, conferences, in-service training, and workshop programs throughout Maine. Contact Alan Wittenberg at (207) 667-1308, alan@surrymusictherapy.com, visit the website at www.surrymusictherapy.com for seminar and conference information.
32 Inner Tapestry April/May 2008
33 creative healing arts–cont.
hypnotherapy Maine
Movement as Healer
Gail Edgerly, RN, CTP
Movement as Healer is rooted in the premise that movement is the expression of life, and movement on all levels is fundamental to health.
When we experience the possibilities of our own unique and authentic movement, we release into freer movement, deepening our awareness, sense of connection, and state of well-being. The offerings of Movement as Healer are specific and collaborative. The Trager® Approach to movement involves a one-on-one practitioner/client relationship using touch and rhythm to assist in the experience of fluid, free and pleasurable movement. The 5Rhythms™ Movement Practice (developed by Gabrielle Roth) is an improvisational and expressive exploration of our uniquely personal movement following a map of rhythms inherent in every body and in everyday life. Sessions can be one-onone, with a couple or in a class/workshop setting. The 5Rhythms™ can also be used in collaboration with the work of other teachers and facilitators, to expand and support the embodiment of the program's intention. I offer private sessions and classes in Portland and Kennebunk. FMI call (207) 761-3765 or visit www.movementashealer.com. For further information: www.gabrielleroth.com and www.Trager.com.
evolutionary consciousness Maine The Autognomics Institute since 1992 Norm and Skye Hirst co-founders
"wholistic" perspective for social and individual change, TAI offers in-depth examination of old problems with new possibilities as we draw on emerging discoveries about how the energy of life-itself works. Bring your inquiry and find effective action for yourself or your organization. Call for consultation to
Harness the power of the mind-body connection. As a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, I have the tools
and skills you need. 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 complements all medical procedures, maximizing their effectiveness and minimizing negative side effects. Pre/post surgical patients experience reduced anxiety, blood loss, and 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, egardejoia1@verizon.net. Home visits available.
Hypno-Health ~ Hugh Sadlier, M.Ed., C.H. As a practicing certified Hypnotherapist since 1991 in Blue Hill and Portland, I have helped hundreds of people improve their lives. Together we have resolved over 120
different issues, ranging from abuse, anxiety, dejection and insomnia to smoking, sports performance, sexual dysfunction, weight concerns—and much more. As I guide people, they bring forward from their subconscious mind an awareness and understanding of “the roots of their problem.” They are then empowered to disconnect those roots and create a new, positive thought pattern, which becomes their permanent reality through repetition. I feel Hypnotherapy is a comfortable, gentle, genuine and powerful way to learn the techniques to heal one’s self. Hypnotherapy could be the answer for you. Call (207) 374-2344 (Blue Hill) or (207) 773-5200 (Portland), sadlier@hypno-health.net, www.hypno-health.net.
explore how we can help you during this consciousness shift. www.autognomics.blogspot.com or call (207) 236-6331.
holistic healing centers
M a i ne Gardens of Atlantis Healing Arts Center Can you smell the deference in the air? Spring is coming! And with it, lots of great
classes and workshops with some pretty incredible folks. Jane Fecteau ~ Intuitive Healing and Advanced Hand Scanning Training for Practitioners, Georgi Nelson ~ Intuitive & DNA Healing, Pam Loffredo ~ Opening the Akashic Records & Reiki training, Annie Stillwater Gray ~ Your Spirit Guides and Beginners Astrology, Joseph Carringer ~ Exploring Your Qi for Your Mind & Body and Didgeridoo Meditation Experience, Michael Red Sky ~ Six Month Intensive Crystal Therapy Training, Spirit Readings, Drumming Circles. Yoga with Jeanette Schmid Lakari ~ Join in anytime! Our community is ever growing and we are here for you. Come explore your inner world out in the country! (207) 929-5088 www.gardensofatlantis.org.
D i re ctor y of R es ou r c e s $375 for 1 year Print & Online Listing with An Active Link to your website! Includes 2.8 inch ad space, (approximately 130 words) Initial set-up fee $20
HypnoWave Hypnosis Training Cener Ernest VanDenBossche, BCH, CI - Director Is it time for a change? Let hypnosis work for you in so
many ways. Become a Consulting Hypnotist. Training with Ernest VanDenBossche, Board Certified Hypnotherapist and Certified Instructor with the National Guild of Hypnotists (ngh.net), President Maine Guild of Hypnotists. Take the NGH “Consulting Hypnotist” Certification Training, 100-hour course. Be a Certified Hypnotist. Learn – What is Hypnosis, Trance Depth Testing, Hypnotizability and Suggestibility, Rapid Inductions, Mind/Body Relaxation, Self-Hypnosis, Goal Development, Smoking Cessation, Weight Management, Stress Management, Pain Management, Age Regression, Reframing Trauma, Ethics for Professional Hypnotists, create customized scripts, CD's for your clients. You get: NGH Manuals, One Year NGH Membership, Local and International support by other professional hypnotists, supervised in-class practice time to master your techniques quickly, informational Hypnosis CD ROM, CDs and DVDs for your business. Call: (207) 453-6133, www.hypnotraining.us. Private consulting and other trainings available.
TAKE A LOOK AND SEE WHAT'S NEW! Online listing (without print copy) with an active link to your website. $100 plus an Initial set-up fee $20 Call 207-799-7995 or email: info@innertapestry.org April/May 2008 Inner Tapestry 33
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TAI provides basic Research, Consulting and Education on the emerging new paradigm of living processes and the organizing principles within the energy of life-itself. Using a
ELISSAGARDE-JOIA
34 integrative healing Connecticut
Belanger Physical Therapy 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 show itself in our bodies through tension, pain, illness and/ 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 manual therapy (cranial, muscle energy, functional technique, myofascial release), a deep belief in osteopathic philosophy, and heart. Marlborough, CT (860) 295-0572, or e-mail Joe at joeb.pt@snet.net.
Maine Roberta Barnes Reiki Shihan & Herbalist “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, CHT, Gendai Reiki-ho
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& Komyo Reiki Shihan (teacher), and Herbalist. Roberta's teaching and healing space, is nestled in a wildlife habitat, is the perfect environment in which to receive a safe healing experience. Encased in harmonizing relaxation, begin your journey to return to your natural state of well-being by... learning Japanese styles of Usui Reiki Ryoho > experiencing one or more healing sessions > scheduling a personalized herb report > journeying into your past for healing or discovery > learning meditation you can do any place/any time > learning to connect with nature. Roberta's Usui Reiki Ryoho lineage has only three Reiki Shihans between Mikao Usui, the founder, and her. Visit http://www.naturalhealinglearning.com or call
integrative healing–cont.
Ron & Joan
...a pathway to you!
Beyond the logic and labels of healing modalities lives the heart-work that each of us is innately drawn to experience, to feel and to express the core truth of who we are. Within that ever-changing, ever-expanding
field of love and acceptance is where we play. This is a journey of limitlessness; every step is the possibility of change, growth and healing. You decide the next step, it’s your journey, your choice. Our choice is to support you within and through those choices as we are guided, and to help you explore ideas, options and possibilities. We offer individual, couple, family, and pet sessions as well as phone sessions, playshops and gatherings to support you on your journey. As WE change so does OUR world. Please feel free to contact us with any questions. (207) 799-7998, www.ronandjoan.com, info@ronandjoan.com. Raymond, ME.
Janet Gleeson
Energy Therapy, EFT-ADV & TAT EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) is one of the most powerful tools for regaining emotional and physical health. Simply stated, EFT is psychological acupressure. By
tapping key acupressure points located on the face and torso while tuning into the problem, unresolved negative emotions, traumas and beliefs are gently and easily released, causing the mind and body to relax into a natural healing state of well-being. Research now proves that our unresolved negative emotions are major contributors to most physical pain and disease. EFT is a simple, inexpensive and clinically proven healing technique that usually works, often when nothing else does. Even if you have doubts, EFT can still change your life. I work on all issues, but specialize in releasing anger, fear, stress, anxiety, PTSD, phobias, grief, guilt and traumatic memories. Call Janet at 207-236-0269, or email janetgleeson@verizon.net. Camden, ME.
today (207) 445-5671.
Kevin Pennell, Usui and Karuna® Reiki Master Teacher/Certified Hypnotherapist/Shamanic Practitioner and Vickie Cummings, Licensed and Nationally Certified Massage Therapist/Cranio Sacral Therapist/
SpiritWings CompassionateHealing
Usui & Karuna® Reiki Practitioner: Massage – Including Therapeutic Massage
– Seated Massage – Couples Massage and Outcalls available, Craniosacral 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 offer Reiki and Karuna® Reiki Classes plus other workshops to guide you on your spiritual journey. 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 and quartz crystal singing bowls. SpiritWings is conveniently located at 14 Main Street in Bethel, Maine. Sessions by appointment. Store hours Tuesday through Saturday 10 - 5. Telephone (207) 824-2204 or visit us on the web at www.SpiritWingsBethel.com. Credit Cards accepted.
Kim Egberts Holistic & Cranial Sacral Therapist Transforming the stress in your life.
Professionally trained for the last ten years by the Upledger Institute. Work has included advanced
study in CranioSacral therapy including pediatrics and Somato-Emotional Release. Related course work has included advanced brain work. Offering Craniosacral Therapy, Lymph Drainage, and Neurological reorganization with intuitive healing and therapy from the heart. Integrative use of various techniques assists with a wide range of conditions, including: Migraines and headaches, chronic neck and back pain, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, learning disabilities, autism, cerebral palsy, central nervous system disorders, infantile disorders, feeding disorders and anxiety. For more information or for an appointment, please call 207-653-8263. Yarmouth ME. 34 Inner Tapestry April/May 2008
Marie Laverriere-Boucher, DMin,
MSW, MA
Our lives are so full of busy-ness that we sometimes find ourselves out of balance and in need of healing of mind, body and soul. I invite you to come and experience
the deep soothing effects of a variety of healing modalities that are offered at the Center. I offer hands-on energy healing, energy psychology, spiritual guidance and help in creating a sustainable spiritual practice. I would consider it a privilege to work with you. For more information or
an appointment call (207) 590-3884 or (207) 282-9722. For information and Reiki training schedule see web site www.marielb.net. The center is located at 69 Foss Street, Biddeford, Maine. Hours by appointment. Visa/MasterCard accepted.
Dr. Adi Philpott
Osteopathic P hysician Acupuncture Practitioner, Certified Hypnotherapist, EF T-Adv For those seeking gentle, safe, alternative methods to improve health and performance Dr. Philpott offers a multidisciplinary approach.
Used alone or in combination, osteopathy, auriculotherapy (ear acupuncture), hypnotherapy, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), and Quantum Touch Technique® modalities are highly effective in treating medical conditions and physical/emotional concerns. These treatments offer excellent results in areas such as pain, stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, phobias, weight loss, and smoking cessation. Dr. Philpott also offers assistance to athletes, performing artists, public speakers and others seeking to excel in achieving their personal performance goals. Free initial consultation. For more information or an appointment call (207) 846-0728. Conveniently located at 26 School Street in Yarmouth, ME. Now accepting insurance, www.DrPhilpott.com.
35 integrative healing–cont. Are you where you want to be? Are you ready to clear
patterns, beliefs & behaviors without emotional drama? Are you clear about who you are at your core? Are you ready to live from that Jill Leigh place? Once we understand that our physical experiences are the manifestation of what’s activated in our energy field, we can become creative, rapid change agents! Jill Leigh uses her clairvoyant abilities to view clients’ patterns, beliefs, and energetic constructs that inform their life experience. Clients receive tools, skills and hands-on clearing support to release, refine & reframe their energy field (chakras & auras). Shifting your energy will evolve your life. (207) 247-2442, www.transformativeenergetics.com.
FERN DYER - Reiki Master/IET Practitioner Reiki with Crystals, Stones, Integrated Energy Therapy, Reading, Write-up. Our intuition guides us to the stones and
appointment/ more information.Visa/ MC accepted. Jewelry, Nature Photos.
Accepted & honored for whom you are, just as you are, today. Encouraged
& supported to be who you are in your Highest Potential. You are invited to experience a new horizon of well-being with an energetic bodywork session custom tailored to support you on your journey Carney Brewer through life. Drawing on a therapeutic background that includes Reiki Master status, massage & polarity therapies, classical music training, core shamanic practices & Young Living Essential Oils, I create a multi-sensory experience intentionally designed to induce a state of blissful relaxation. In this space of deep relaxation your body will naturally begin to re-align itself with its perfect state. Allow yourself to experience the wonders of feeling even better than you do today. Call (207) 450-8587 to schedule a free initial consultation.
your brain with eegmaine. Bridgeside Counseling Train A parent’s quote, “When our and Neurofeedback daughter was 16 we discovered
neurofeedback. She had 14 sessions before end of the year exams and she Elizabeth Millett, NCC, LCPC managed to pass her exams, which was a confidence booster for her.” Neurofeedback can be used for many issues, including attention issues, anxiety, depression, autistic spectrum, brain injury, peak performance and much more. Neurofeedback addresses the problems of brain regulation by allowing the brain to function better. It is training in self-regulation. Neurofeedback is the direct training of the brain, increasing its function, creating greater control and stability. By using computers and electrodes, brain waves can be observed moment to moment on a computer screen. Rewards and inhibits are set to optimize brain functioning, the brain is then rewarded for changing its own activity to more appropriate patterns. This is a gradual learning process, which can be applied to any aspect of brain function that can be measured. I have seen excellent results with neurofeedback. Visit my website, www.eegmaine.com, for other services that are available and complimentary to training your brain, such as proshi, HEG and individual counseling. Call or email for a free
Maine Ocean of Possibilities Life Coaching Deborah Bergeron, CPCC, Certified Life Coach, Prosperity Guide
Create an intentional life… Consider what it would be like to live life fully and authentically, experiencing love, prosperity, ease, freedom, and
fun. In our work together, you will learn to break through limiting paradigms
and create a dynamic vision for your life – a vision that can pave the way to living your greatest potential and sharing your gifts with the world. By weaving in successful coaching principals and the Law of Attraction, you will be guided to access your inner wisdom, to get clear on what you want in your life and learn the tools that will support you in having it. Every journey truly starts with a single step. When you are ready to embark on your mission of life, I would be honored to walk with you. For a complimentary coaching session or schedule of workshops call (207) 797-9007 or email debcoaches@aol.com. Phone sessions available. www.oceanofpossibilities.com.
Jasmina J Agrillo, Licensed HeartMath® Provider ENGAGE THE POWER OF YOUR HEART... Special Coaching Sessions with Licensed HeartMath® Provider, Jasmina J. Agrillo; learn the HeartMath System: Practical & Easy-to-Use Tools & Technology for Heart Intelligent Living in the 21st Century.
Research and case studies are showing many folks the world over are able to transform stress upon impact, improve health & spiritual well-being, relieve depression & anxiety, improve heart rate & brain function, enhance intuition & performance, experience more appreciation, joy, and peace in the moment for yourself and your relationships. “I bring to my coaching practice a love and dedication to help empower the hearts of others for transformation, healing of the body-mind, and positive, practical change in one’s life. After experiencing the success that the HeartMath System played in my own healing as a brain tumor survivor, I now dedicate my life’s purpose to helping others apply these tools of the Heart in their own life-journeys.” To schedule a free initial consultation, call: (207) 856-6042 § email: jagrillo@hotmail.com § visit www.heartfulliving.org § (HeartMath is a registered trademark of the Institute of HeartMath.)
TAROTWORKS Jeanne Fiorini The Tarot is an ancient system of symbols with relevant application to our everyday lives. A
Tarot reading can be an avenue by which to have an authentic conversation about your life, your goals, your heartfelt desires and how to achieve them. The study of Tarot is an unending path of deepened understanding of the life process, the movement of the spirit within the physical plane, and the larger patterns of universal development. A Tarot group can be a place of self-understanding, renewed perspectives, and support within community. TarotWorks offers numerous ways to experience the wisdom and beauty of this ancient system, through individual and group readings, classes from beginner's level to "Readers in Training," ongoing monthly groups and special events. TarotWorks also offers unique, made-in-Maine Tarot goods! For more information on readings, classes, Tarot goods and the Tarot Circle newsletter, check out the website www.tarotworks.com or call Jeanne at 207-799-8648.
consultation (207) 767-0117 or emillet2@gmail.com.
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crystals necessary for our development. Reiki is introduced to balance the body, mind and spirit so your innate healing ability can be bolstered. If you choose, Integrated Energy Therapy is added. IET provides a simple and gentle way to open the flow of vital life force within the human body and energy field by integrating suppressed feelings from cellular memory and clearing their associated energy blockages. Your messages are discussed. A writeup (detailing the meanings of the stones, the meanings of the flowers, animals etc. that I saw/heard/felt during the session and any other messages received) is then sent to you. Call (207) 415-8638 or e-mail fdyer@maine.rr.com for an
life mastery
36 living spaces
nurturing foods
Connecticut
Carole Rothschild Personal Shopper
As an experienced image consultant and professional organizer, Carole Rothschild offers her expertise in image consulting, wardrobe consulting, home organizing, staging, paper management, time management, budget management and organizational skills teaching. What makes her company, Carole Rothschild
Personal Shopper, so distinctive is the individual approach. Carole provides consulting and organizing services for adults and students. Using understanding, encouragement and teaching techniques, Carole helps her clients reduce stress and organize their home, wardrobe or business. She is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO), the Connecticut NAPO chapter and the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce. To start living your life to the fullest, call (860) 523-0447, email carole@carolerothschild.com or visit www.carolerothschild.com.
meditation Maine
Sant Mat Radhaswami, The Path of the Masters The Maine Sant Mat Society presents the Enlightenment Experience as taught by Sant Sevi Ji Maharaj of Bihir, India,
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a series of free lectures, meditations and satsangs around Maine facilitated by James Bean, a local representative of the Sant Mat tradition of Inner Light & Sound Meditation known as Surat Shabada Yoga, in the lineage of Tulsi Sahib. For More Information call (207) 368-5866, or email: James@ SpiritualAwakeningRadio.com, Website: www.Myspace.com/Santmat_Mystic.
Learn Primordial Sound Meditation Learn the timeless practice of Primordial Sound Meditation, an easily learned mantra based meditation technique taught by Chopra Center certified instructor Brent Krizo. The Primordial
Sound Meditation program was developed by world renowned doctors and authors Deepak Chopra, MD and David Simon, MD based upon the ancient wisdom traditions of India. Learn how meditation can reduce the stress in your life and help you to live a happier, healthier and more meaningful life. Brent also hosts group meditations for meditators of all practices, beginners welcomed! Brent can come to you or you can come to Belgrade on the shores of Great Pond. Conscious based Life Coaching is also available. Call Brent at (207) 512-5844 to find out about the next FREE introduction class into meditation, or visit www.centeredself.net for more information.
Maine
CarynTreister~NutritionMadeSimple Independent Reliv Distributor, AEA, certified fitness instructor with a nutrition background
Do you want to feel better? Are you confused about
vitamins and how much to take? With Reliv Nutritional Supplements the formulas have been scientifically formulated for you. It’s easy, you don’t need to play chemist! My goal is to help you be successful in reaching the wellness level you want. I’ve been assisting people with Reliv for seven years and helping people with “fitness wellness” for almost twenty years. They go hand in hand… so nutrition became a real interest to me. I quickly learned most people were not getting enough nutrients in their food and was thrilled when I found Reliv. The Reliv products taste good, and are readily absorbed by the body for improved efficacy. The synergistic blend of nutrients in each Reliv shake provides maximum benefit by ensuring that each nutrient works to its full potential. The best part is that they are so simple to take; and you will receive my personal support to make sure you get results! I would be privileged to help you on your quest to better health…. why not change your life today? Please call (207) 767-3085, email caryn@maine.rr.com, www.reliv.com.
psychic & spiritual mediumship Maine PsychicMediumship, Hypnotherapy
Bonnie Lee Gibson is a professional Psychic Medium, Hypnotherapist, Registered Counselor, Reiki Master, healer, teacher and lecturer with thirty years of 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 www.hypno.us.
reflexology & healing massage Maine Hands on Feet ~ Lynn Danforth, Certified Reflexologist Reflexology is an amazing stress-relieving technique. Relaxation is a skill that most Americans do not practice often. Stress builds
and builds until it becomes a lifestyle. Lynn Marie Danforth has been practicing Reflexology for over 5 years. Lynn specializes in therapeutic Reflexology. Her greatest success is with tendonitis, plantar fasciitis and relief of tension. Lynn’s Reflexology sessions are quick, effective and could be the answer to your body’s cry for relief. Lynn has been able to show clients that change for the better is possible, that improved health is truly in your hands... and feet. To contact Lynn call (207) 767-5776 or 207-318-0129, or visit www.handsonfeet.net.
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. For more information call: (207) 799-7995 or email info@innertapestry.org 36 Inner Tapestry April/May 2008
37 retreats
sacred space-cont. Maine For 9 years, Nurture Through Nature has been offering transformative women's holistic retreats through weekend workshops and holistic canoe trips. We weave
Nurture Through Nat ure
mind~body~spirit experiences through guided meditation circles, gentle yoga, mindfulness practices and The Work of Byron Katie. Our Pleasant Mountain, Denmark unique offerings and reflective space together with professionally guided outdoor pursuits deepens connections to the living earth and our inner selves. Jen Deraspe, owner, is a Registered Maine Guide, Certified Yoga Instructor, Facilitator of The Work of Byron Katie and Community Faculty member of True North, Maine's Center for Functional Medicine and the Healing Arts. Our solar-powered green retreat is located on Let Us Guide You Home...
Pleasant Mountain, in the heart of Maine's western mountains, just over an hour from Portland, Freeport and Lewiston, Maine. (207) 452-2929, or www.ntnretreats.com, ntnretreat@yahoo.com. Contact for your custom
Mahoosuc Mountain Lodge and Husky Farm are nestled on 60 acres in the beautiful Bear River Valley of Newry in western Maine.
The lodge is a traditional New England timberframe featuring hand cut mortise and tenon joinery. It is the home base of Mahoosuc Guide Service and their working sled dogs (www.mahoosuc.com). In addition to the Lodge the original 3 bedroom farmhouse built in 1903 has been renovated and is being operated as a Bed and Breakfast. Our views are dominated by the 3500-4000’ peaks of the Mahoosuc Range. We are: 1 mile to Grafton Notch State Park, 4.7 miles to the Appalachian Trail, 14 miles to Umbagog Lake National Wildlife Refuge, 2 miles to the Grafton Loop Trail. Mahoosuc Mountain Lodge is a great facility to host a retreat, meetings, family reunions, dances/concerts, wedding or an outdoor activity. Please call Polly or Kevin at: (207) 824-2073 for more information or visit: www.mahoosucmountainlodge.com.
salons & spas
getaway, eco-cabin rental or to join a scheduled retreat.
The knowledgeable and experienced practitioners at The Wellness Center offer a full spectrum of holistic, traditional and alternative techniques.
Ravens’ Crossing — Come find some Raven’s Crossing Appleton, Maine
rural comfort and relaxation in our woodfired 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.
VillageSoup.com. The Wellness Center, 69 & 71 Elm Street, Camden, ME 04843.
Sewall House Yoga Retreat Enjoy yoga twice daily, meditation, massage, sauna and healthy home-cooked vegetarian cuisine. Near pristine lakes
and Baxter State Park, hike, bike, swim, canoe, kayak or simply porch sit! Five days suggested, weekends, shorter and longer stays arranged. Step back into time in the comfort of this bed and breakfast style retreat listed in the National Registry of Historic Places. Nature guide William Sewall shared the healing attributes of nature with a young Theodore Roosevelt, who restored his health from life threatening asthma here. The tradition continues since 1997 with William Sewall's great granddaughter, yoga instructor Donna Davidge, with over 25 years experience in the healing arts, and her Swedish husband, musician and chef Kent Bonham. Experience the friendly hospitality Sewall House has always offered. Sewall House Yoga Retreat Island Falls, Maine www.sewallhouse.com. (888) 235-2395 July 3 – Columbus Day.
Stephanie is honored to bring her artistry and 25 years of experience to Meadow Wind. She has traveled the world motivated
by multi-cultural curiosity to explore the many truths, in all their aspects, that make our world beautiful. She happily cultivates this curiosity by assisting people to recognize the innate beauty that resides within each-and-every one. By creating beauty, Stephanie encourages people to take care of themselves, the environment in which they live, and of the things they love. Her belief is that beauty is harmony and she gracefully communicates the inseparable unity between exterior and interior beauty. The intention that resides in her heart is soulfully communicated through her hands. Providing a nurturing environment Stephanie assists her clients in the decision making process regarding the expression and enhancement of their own beauty. Call to schedule a consultation or appointment, and you will understand why Stephanie has been embraced by Meadow Wind Center for Holistic Arts. Stephanie’s custom designed jewelry and organic products are some of the many treasures at Roots! Hours By Appointment (207) 838-9535, 100 Gray Rd., Falmouth, Me.
sacred space Maine Earthrest offers indoor and outside gathering space for retreats, workshops, spiritual questing, ceremony and celebration. Come,
surround yourself with natural beauty in a country setting of organic gardens, open fields, woods 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 acres of very special land, nestled in the foothills of the White Mountains. Inside enjoy the large 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.
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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
Maine
38 schools & trainings
shamanic healing Maine
Maine
Spirit Passages Allie Knowlton, MSW, DCSW & Evelyn Rysdyk As Spirit Passages, C. Allie Knowlton, MSW, DCSW and Evelyn C. Rysdyk (author of Modern Shamanic Living) have facilitated shamanic healings and taught shamanic workshops across the U.S. and Canada since 1991. Graduates of the
Westbrook, ME: Learn to be a successful Massage, Polarity or Aesthetics professional in 6 to 12 months. Spa Tech Institute is the exclusive provider
of the Polarity Realization Institute programs, a pioneer in the field of transformational education. Advanced energy-based teaching concepts contribute to accelerated learning. With over 30 years of experience training adult learners for the bodywork and spa professions, our profound understanding of what it takes to be successful is at the core of your education. The school is accredited by NACCAS and programs are approved for state licensing exams and national registration/exams. Financial Aid is available for those who qualify. Call (207) 591-4141, 100 Larrabee Rd., Westbrook, ME.
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.
Yokids
is a non-profit, tax-deductible organization. We teach yoga to elementary school children and their homeroom teachers. We can come to your school and teach
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formal yoga classes or we can come to your classroom and help you to initiate a yoga program you can use on a daily basis in your class. We also offer Tools for Teachers, an in-house workshop, which teaches teachers to use four basic yoga tools in their daily teaching. These tools will allow teachers to help children with relaxation, breathing, and stress reduction which will complement their overall learning and create a harmonious learning environment. Workshops can be scheduled as in-house workdays for teachers in public and private schools. These workshops are individually tailored, and price varies according to the length. Please contact Lily Goodale at ngoodale@aol.com or (207) 236-6001.
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 they no longer define 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.
Workshops can be given from Portland to Bar Harbor and are certified and part of the Yoga Ed foundation of yoga for children. www.yogaed.com.
D O R Y C OTE
Treat Your Feet
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 School of Reflexology $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 information, call Board Certified Foot & Hand Reflexologist Myra Achorn, Augusta (207) 626-FEET. Classes start in February, May & September, www.treatyourfeet.com. Licensed by the State of Maine Department of Education.
…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. My healing space is safe, quiet and nourishing. I regularly perform soul retrievals, communicate with the spirits of deceased loved ones and facilitate healing the numerous wounds of life in the 21st century. I have completed a ThreeThe Center for Year Program in Advanced Shamanism and Shamanic Earth Light Healing Healing with the Foundation for Shamanic Studies and other intensive trainings, including experiences with indigenous shamans from around the world. I graduated from a Two-Year Teacher Training Program with world-renown shaman, Sandra Ingerman, and this authorizes me to teach beginner and advanced shamanic healing methods. Please see my workshop schedule or make an appointment at www.earthlighthealing.com, email me at dory@dorycote.com, or call (207) 841-1215.
Pacha Works
Holding New Possibilities. Working with traditional shamanistic practices for healing.
Chaplaincy Institute of Maine
Interfaith Spiritual Growth and Ordination World Religions, Art as Meditation, Creation Spirituality, Interfaith Worship
First Year: The Way of Contemplation • Second Year: The Way of Action The next two-year program begins September 2008
ChIME offers a two-year program for Interfaith Spiritual growth and possible ordination as an Interfaith Minister. Students commit to attending class one evening a week and one weekend a month September through May. Two weekend retreats are also built into the schedule. Some weekend workshops are open to the general public. Tuition for the two years is $5,400. Information and applications: ChIME Admissions, P.O. Box 3833, Portland, Maine 04104 (207) 347-6740 • chimeadmin@gmail.com 38 Inner Tapestry April/May 2008
Eva Rose Goetz, director
"Healing is a collaboration. I love working with people privately or with groups. By working together we remove energies that may be in the way of our coming into wholeness and balance." Eva Rose Goetz: BFA University of Texas at Austin, MS Ed.
Bank Street College NYC, Medicine Wheel Training with Alberto Villoldo, Ph.D. and Lisa Summerlott. Certified In Light Body Medicine with Alberto Villoldo, Ph.D. Core Shamanism with Evelyn Rysdyk and Allie Knowlton. Eva gratefully continues her studies with indigenous medicine people in Peru, New Mexico, Canada, Africa and Mexico. Eva hosts workshops, leads ceremonies and has a private Shamanic Energy Practice in Falmouth, Maine. A new 16-month course in beginning Shamanism begins April 2008. More information about classes, private sessions, or ceremonies can be found at www.pachaworks.com or contact Eva directly at (207) 756-0488. "By
working with intentions of great love and spirit it is believed energy can move. A door opens and there is possibility of something new."
39 Continued from page 23 the way of life itself... The Heart, Shoulds and... To move into understanding life, we need a new metaphysics of organism. Metaphysics – Living organisms learn by acts of inquiry. Acts of inquiry are based on what reason provides. When we reason, there are necessary starting assumptions that drive how we inquire. They are metaphysical assumptions. Metaphysics of organism. Now new discoveries are revealing the arena we live in to be a living organism. Indeed it appears the cosmos is a living organism. In structure, an organism may appear to have many parts, but in process and function organism consists of societies of actors, acting on the basis of communication and coordination with all that organism’s societies and actors. Thus organisms function as a single holism.
drives the seeking and creates rules and shoulds, codes of ethics, none of which work to satisfy the longing, nor provide the coherence that comes from listening from within to those inner relations. The heart connection is one of the amazing ways life-itself provides for its own future. It is a source of great intelligence. We all live in the “field” effect from the damage we see here that scientific materialism has produced. To overcome the damage, the real job for us all now is to grow our conscious awareness of both the impact of scientific materialism and reconnect to the importance of being heart knowing. It is possible. Those who use meditation, Gendlin’s Focusing Techniques, or such quieting processes are on their way to connecting to wisdom of self-knowing. Let’s re-grow a life-centric future together. So we’ve come to the conclusion of our first in a series of looking at life from a new lens. Visit our blog www.autognomcs.blogspot.com to share you’re comments, questions and learning about the ways of life-itself. And stay tuned for our series on life itself evolving!
Steeped in materialism, such a thought will appear to be utter nonsense. And yet, events are happening in laboratories that materialism cannot explain. A metaphysics of organisms can explain them. Furthermore, we believe, based on relational quantum theory, the reality-underlying quantum theory is a living organism. That is why quantum theory is so difficult to interpret.
That heart fields interact and entrain is a precise, measurable, scientific fact… Each phase of the heartbeat creates its own part of the field affect that surrounds the body. The first is very short, close to the heart. The next radiates outward at least three feet and is very powerful. The third field extends twelve to fifteen feet from the body. It is easy to see that one person’s field will often overlap another’s. When two fields overlap they interact. This resonant field affect is present in every relationship, but is particularly important for mothers and infants. The meaning of the fields shared by mother and infant contain a great deal of critical information for both. The amplitude and the Hertz value of the two heart frequencies become coherent, creating a state of harmony, wholeness and health. When the infant’s heart and the mother’s heart are entrained, their brain structures also become synchronized. We refer to this balanced state as bonding between mother and infant. …Studies at Harvard show that the nature of our early bonds is reflected throughout life, both in one’s health and ability to interact socially. Allan Schore describes how the first eighteen months determine the subsequent moves of the intelligence. Why? Because the emotional experience the child is given during the first eighteen months determines the nature and quality of the neural structures that develop in that period. Emotional nurturing translates directly into the field affect, shared or not shared, with the immediate environment. During those first eighteen months that environment is mother, father, and other primary caregivers.
Skye & Norm
Continued from page 30 exploring the world religions... The Way of The Lover... Dadu Dayal who outlined his vision of the spiritual life to be pursued during our time here on planet Earth: Recognize the Path to your Beloved, O travelers and take the route of the anguished lover in separation. Keep the Master’s grace in your thoughts, and reflect on his pure teachings. Develop love and devotion with endearment, and keep the thought of the Creator always before you. Try to merge yourself into God like water in water. Fix your mind within by following the Path of the Sound Current. A yearning will arise; make then an intense and anguished call. Repeat the Name of your Beloved, day and night, again and again. With care in thought, word and deed, you will cross to the other shore.
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.
The Heart Is The Master Coordinator Based on scientific materialism doctors have historically created birthing protocols that directly interfere with this necessary child/mother bonding as well as many other organic processes life-itself provides. The materialism worldview, a world of things that are isolated and separate, cannot fathom the immeasurable value of the bonding process. We can choose again to find another way? The heart is the master coordinator. A heart intelligence guides the coordination between the body and the brain. The hearts of child and mother synchronizing as one during those first eighteen months is perhaps one of the most fundamental anchors for life. Absent that initial sense of safety, pleasure and primal information exchange that comes from this essential bonding process, the child begins life lost, not knowing coherent action for herself, lacking something, but not able to find what that missing something is. Such children and then adults are lost to find their way except through “second guessing” what is right action for themselves from outside>in. It is this incoherent metaphysics (set of assumptions about reality) that
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There are new discoveries about the heart that contradict scientific materialism. Many of you may remember the books of Joseph Chilton Pearce Magical Child Matures in 1985 and his latest Biology of Transcendence. Pearce gives a long list of adult characteristics of such “unbonded" children in Magical Child Matures in his chapter on "Bonding and Attachment." Many connecting elements of our society in trouble today can be attributed to the ever, spiraling effects of people who begin life in an “unsafe” heart-separated reality that results from separation at birth from the mother. Recent research helps explain how bonding is more than a mere metaphor but instead essential to our biology and psyche for living coherent lives. From Pearce’s work and Touch the Future publications (www.ttfuture.org), we quote a summary of recent research about the heart functions: From new research on the intelligence of the heart: Up to 65 percent of the cells of the heart are neurons just like those found in the brain. There is a direct unmediated neuro-connection, a direct pipeline, between the heart and the brain. The brain informs the heart of its general emotional state and the heart encourages the brain to make an intelligent response… (see www.Heartmath.org).
Norm began this work at MIT as a physicist, mathematician and process philosopher seeking meaning and functioning of the role of values in today's science. Co-founder of The Autognomics Institute (TAI) in 1992, Hirst's research reveals the essential need for a fundamental paradigm shift in science and provides new understanding of what life is, its functions, and its processes. TAI is initiating a new science of organisms and life-itself. To subscribe to Norm's Newsletter contact him at hirst@autognomics.org or call 207-236-6331 or visit TAI blog at www.autognomics.blogspot.com.
40
H eart V isions
April 4th-6th 2008 Building a Medicine Body:
6 month apprenticeship in beginning shamanism; see description at www. pachaworks.com. Contact Eva @ (207) 756-0488 for more information.
May 17th-18th 2008 Knowing the Medicine Heart With Eva Rose Goetz and Gina Mastroluca, www. pachaworks.com for description. Contact Eva @ (207) 756-0488 for more info.
June 20th-22nd 2008 Coming Into the Light~Women’s Summer Solstice Retreat with Nurture Through Nature and Claudia Ragonesi, Demark, ME. www.ntnretreats.com, (207) 452-2929. July 19th Healing Arts Festival ~ Camp Etna Readings, Healing Practitioners and vendors of all things Spiritual! FMI: www.campetna.com or call (207) 269-2094.
August 1st-4th, Healers Gathering Vermont
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Attend an informal long-weekend with your colleagues this summer. Tents in the woods and meadow or limited indoor sleeping. A minimal per person fee for the gathering, propane and food $25. Families and friends are welcome, group activities and events, or come for the day, free. Bald Mountain Retreat is idyllic… come see. Or arrange your own time to visit as my guest (802) 659-4347. Peace, Dr. Dave
August 6th – August 13th 48th Annual American Society of Dowsers Convention Learn basic dowsing, presentations on water and map dowsing, earth energies, sacred sites, sacred geometry, crystal healing, and much more. Large vendor area. Keynote speaker: David Wilcock, Killington Grand Resort and Conference Center, Vermont www.dowsers.org (802) 684-3417.
October 26th-31st 2008 Assisi Pilgrimage - Journeying Into Love Join award-winning author Megan Don on this sacred pilgrimage. See www.mysticpeace.com for more details or email: clarepilgrimage@yahoo.com.
March 8th-15th, 2009 Holistic Yoga and Meditation Eco-Retreat ~ U.S. Virgin Island’s Renowned eco-resort Maho Bay, St. John, includes eco-tent accommodations, daily Hatha Yoga, meditation circles, sailing, snorkeling, two group walks. Programs in am and pm to allow free time. $1,110 double, $978 triple. FMI: Jen Deraspe, www.ntnretreats.ccom or (207) 452-2929.
April ~ Connecticut April 6th, Sunday Reiki Level I Training $150, $50 deposit required Unwind...Body & Mind, 269 Church St./Route 85, Hebron, CT. Contact: Carleen Wells, RMT at (860) 884-3125.
April~Maine April 3rd, 6:00pm-8:00pm New Moon Ceremony
April 5th, 2:00pm Wiccan Author Christopher Penczak
Leapin’ Lizards, 123 Main Street, Freeport $18 Fee. Celebrate the New Moon through chanting, teachings and spiritual practices from a variety of spiritual traditions. Learn about the qualities of this moon cycle, set your intentions, and receive a blessing for the month. Facilitator: Dr. Mindy Ruth Novick, Ph.D. Life Path Counseling and Career Consulting; mrnovick@earthlink.net. Registration: (207) 865-0900.
will be at Luna Gallery, Main Street, North Conway, NH for a book signing, followed by a workshop on the Magickal Qabalah. Fee for workshop is $20.00 per person. Call (603) 3565862 to register.
April 4th-6th Whole Writer Weekend Workshop Led by Joan Lee Hunter at Fifth House Lodge, Bridgton www.fifthhouselodge.net/calendar.cfm or (207) 647-3506.
April 5th , Saturday, 10am-1pm Healing Relationships Through Love With Buddhist Teacher Alexis Salaman $20. We often search for happiness and fulfillment in our relationships with others, but without improving our ability to love, the harmony and joy we so often seek remain elusive. Learn special methods to nurture and enhance the love we already have and help us to spread its healing influence throughout our whole life. Everyone is welcome! Contact: Karen Luse (207) 775-3597 kiluse@verizon.net.
April 5th, 7:00pm-9:00pm Yoga Trance Dance Free your spirit with an evening of spontaneity, fun and exploration as we combine yoga and dance. ShivaShakti School of Yoga, Rockland (207) 785-5003, www.ShivaShaktiYogaSchool.com.
April 9th-13th The 1st Comic Arts Laugh Festival of Belfast Maine Admission $8 adults, $5 children under 16 that listen like adults. FMI: www.comicartsfest.com.
April 10th Introduction to Qigong At True North Health Center, Falmouth. Taught by Betsey Foster, MPH. 5:30pm-7:00pm $25. To register: (207) 781-4488 or www.truenorthealthcenter.org
April 12th, 19th & May 3rd, 10th, 17th Clear Mind, Happy Mind ~ Odiyana Meditation Center
$200, $50 deposit required Unwind...Body & Mind, 269 Church St./Route 85, Hebron, CT. Contact: Carleen Wells, RMT at (860) 884-3125.
May~Maine May 1st, Thursday 7:00pm-9:00pm Didgeridoo Master, Joseph Carringer at Gardens of Atlantis. Exploring Your Qi for Mind & Body (207) 929-5088, www.gardensofatlantis.org.
May 3rd First class Shoden For Couples Complete the first level in Gendai Reiki-ho (Japanese Usui Reiki) together. Learning with someone that has a special place in your heart is good for both "Heart Spirits." This empowerment (attunement), can amplify your love bond. Taught by Roberta R. Barnes, Gendai Reiki-ho & Komyo Shihan, Windsor, ME. call (207) 445-5671 or visit www.naturalhealinglearning.com.
May 3rd, Saturday & May 31st, Saturday Developing Your Intuitive Self- 9:00am-4:00pm A 2-day experiential workshop to help you define your own unique intuitive radar. Instructor, Elizabeth Thorson is an intuitive Consultant certified by Caroline Myss, Ph.D. Camden, $300 ET@elizabeththorson.com (207) 712-9495.
May 10th or 17th Welcoming & Accepting Wellness Means...
April 12th, Saturday 10:00am-5:00pm 6 Core Principles for Health & Wellness
May 15th-18th Zero Balancing I
European Feng Shui, Geomancy, Dowsing exercises and testing for Geopathic Stress. Full day workshop with the Institute of Feng Shui & Geopathology. Costs: $120. Location: Sanctuary, Falmouth. To register call 207-772-7888 www.InstituteofFengShui.com
Advanced Studies for Healthcare Professionals Summit Spring Holistic Health Center is sponsoring this unique healing bodywork integrating Eastern and Western concepts. Join us as we learn leading edge body/mind/spirit therapy that has transformational power. Contact (207) 998-2437 for further information or email summitspringhhc@aol.com or unisoul@ prexar.com.
April 13th, Sunday, 2:00pm-4:00pm A C.A.L.F. MOOSE herd to be heard,
The Colonial Theatre in Belfast, ME sponsored by The 1st Comic Arts Laugh Festival of Belfast Maine and Golden Raven Storytelling Circle of Union, Maine. An afternoon of funny stories for adults and children. Members of the Maine Organization of Storytelling Enthusiasts will be performing. FMI: www.thegoldenraven.org.
Explore ways of moving with less tension using the Alexander Technique. Sara and Eric Miller, M.AmSAT, www.millerAT.com, (860) 656-6177, to register, West Hartford.
teaching a day of Astrological interpretation tools for understanding your chart. Bring your chart or call Ananur and she will do it for you, for the class. 10:00am-4:00pm bag lunch. Will include some meditation and planetary spiritual walks and element breaths. Location: Healing Path 252 Main St. Rockland (above Rock City Roasters next to Hollydach's Pet Store) Contact: Ananur Forma (207) 594-2565 to register. $88.
40 Inner Tapestry April/May 2008
May 10th, Saturday Reiki Level II Training
Welcoming & Accepting Love 8-hour workshop. Withholding happiness/withholding love withholds Lifeforce. Identify & release need to withhold love. Uncover barriers to happiness. Kathy Dowling (207) 337-5533.
April 19th, Saturday "Healing Path" of Rockland, Maine presents Ananur
www.innertapestry.org
May~Connecticut
Is offering a new series 3:00pm-4:00pm. $10 a class FMI (207) 329-7098, www.meditationinmaine.org, meditationinmaine@yahoo.com.
April 12nd or May 10th ~ 10:00am-11:00am Move Better, Feel Better
ALL EVENTS ARE LISTED ONLINE AT
April~NewHampshire
Send all listings to info@innertapestry.org
May 16th-17th May is all about Mothers and Grandmothers and Daughters! In "The Gateway Ceremony Workshop,” we celebrate! Williston West Church, Portland, Maine, Friday, 7:00pm-9:00pm, Saturday, 9:30am-4:30pm. $80 single, $60 groups. Call (207) 828-1200, or see www.VeronicaInstitute.org/Workshops.
May 17th, 10:00am-4:00pm Taking Root & Bearing Fruit~Women’s Holistic Retreat Day, SASE: $75-$125, Nurture Through Nature, www.ntnretreats.com, (207) 452.2929.
May 17th Do your dreams hold the keys to a better, happier, more successful life? ECKANKAR: free "Art of Spiritual Dreaming" Workshop, Women's Health Expo, Goodall Hospital, Sanford, ME.
May 17th, 9:00am-5:00pm Whole Writer One-Day Workshop Led by Joan Lee Hunter at Fifth House Lodge, Bridgton www.fifthhouselodge.net/calendar.cfm or (207) 647-3506.
41 May 17th &18th Your Second Half of Life: A Unique Retreat for 6 Couples to create lives of intention. $800/couple, Danforth Inn, Portland, ME. Facilitators: Barbara and Doug Babkirk; (207) 846-0644 or www.yoursecondhalfoflife.com.
May 17th & 18th Shamanic Art The Center for Earth Light Healing, Dory Cote, Shamanic Healer & Patsea Cobb, Artist & Art Teacher, The Barn, Topsham, Maine. Create images that come from non-ordinary reality. Work with watercolors and other art media to explore other dimensions that inform your daily life. This is both an educational and healing experience. Pre-requisite: Shamanic journey experience. www.earthlighthealing.com; dory@dorycote. com (207) 841-1215.
Upcoming~Connecticut
Have you experienced sexual assault or incest?
Personalized Writing Retreats
We are Survivors of Incest Anonymous. We meet every Monday evening in Hartford, CT. Call Mae at (860) 236-1770 or email HartfordCT@sianyc.org.
Work privately with writing coach and workshop leader Joan Lee Hunter. Your own room with bath at Fifth House Lodge in Bridgton, ME. FMI www.fifthhouselodge.net or call Joan at (207) 647-3506.
SunDo Mountain Taoism Classes in Taoist breathwork, meditation and postures for all fitness levels. SunDo Taoist practice enhances the body's qi-energy flow, which promotes health and higher consciousness. (860) 523-5260, www.sundo.org.
ECKANKAR Temple of CT -- a place for all who love God. ECKANKAR, the religion of the Light and Sound of God. Worship services are the second Sunday of every month 10:00am with fellowship and refreshments afterwards. The Temple is located at the corner of Rte. 66 and Harvestwood Rd. Middlefield, CT. For information call (860) 346-2226; website: www.ct-eckankar.org
Ongo i ng~ M aine
Spiritual Horizons Maine Meets every other Tuesday at 7:00pm, 75 State Street, Portland. Alternate weeks group on “A Course of Miracles.” Contact: Tom Peterson (207) 310-0030 or John Moulton (207) 874-7602, www.spiritualhorizonsmaine.org.
Sharon Elaina would like you to know… that women's groups have begun in her new space at 925 Sawyer St., So. Portland. Tuesdays 6:00pm and Thursdays 12:00pm. Groups are limited to 8. Please call (207) 247-2650 for more information.
Tarot Readings - Third Thursday each Month Gallery-style Tarot readings for all those in attendance. South Portland location 6:30pm-9:30pm. $25. Group size limited; register early! FMI/Register Jeanne Fiorini (207) 799-8648.
Belfast: Free Adult Reiki Clinics
Raja Yoga
1361 Main Street, Glastonbury, CT. Have a joyful relationship with your pets and provide a long, happy, healthy life for them. Demonstrations and information on cats, dogs, birds and, horses. Discounts from many South Glastonbury merchants and restaurants, with food ranging from hot dogs to gourmet. FMI: visit www.CTaudubon.org/visit/Glastonbury/htm or call (860) 633-8402.
Last Wednesday of month (February – June) from 3:00pm5:00pm WCGH, 118 Northport Avenue, Room 205, Belfast. FMI call Cindy Swan, M.Ed., LMT at (207) 930-2549.
Ottercreek Hall, Bar Harbor, ME, Wednesdays 10:00am. All Ages, (207) 288-0974, ask for Liz.
Portland T'ai Chi School
MOOSE Open Microphone-Spoken Word The Maine Organization Of Storytelling Enthusiasts serving the Storytelling Community of Maine meets monthly on the second Wed from 7-9 pm at the North Star Cafe in Portland. http://mooseevent.bravehost.com.
Traditional Yang Style T'ai Chi classes at the Portland New Church. Wednesdays 6:00pm-7:00pm. White Crane QiGong is taught to develop internal energy. The focus is on developing a healthy body and emotional being. (207) 272-8286, www.portlandtaichi.org.
Earthrest Discussion Series
Mondays – Sound Therapy and performances
Earthrest is offering a series of weekly discussion groups using workbooks developed by Northwest Earth Institute: Sustainable Living, Deep Ecology, Global Warming. FMI: (207) 625-4179 or earthrest@psouth.net.
by Kalee Coombs. With Crystal Singing Bowls & Voice at Leapin’ Lizards, Portland & Freeport FMI: www.kaleecoombs.com, www.leapinlizards.biz.
Energize! A holistic approach to performance
Sundays: Meditations for Peace
Energy balancing sessions for artists, actors, and performers, recover your highest creative self. Post-performance rebalancing. $70 ($55 students) Holistic Pathways, Gorham, (207) 839-9819 www.starlightacting.org.
Upcoming~Maine June 20th-22nd Summer Solstice Holistic Retreat for Women Move into your True Light & Honor a New Season in Your Life: $350, Nurture Through Nature, www.ntnretreats.com, (207) 452-2929.
June 20th-22nd A Shamanic Journey with Armand DeGrenier A residential gathering for journeyers at Fifth House Lodge, Bridgton www.fifthhouselodge.net/calendar.cfm or (207) 647-3506.
July 13th-19th Women’s Wilderness Retreat on the Allagash River. Yoga, canoeing, silence and laughter and great company! www.herwildsong.com; journeys@herwildsong.com; (207) 721-9229.
July 19th, July 30th-Sept 1st Summer Season at Etna Spiritualist Association “Camp Etna” Founded in 1877 and located on 27 beautiful wooded acres. Mediums Day/Healing Arts Festival starts the summer season on July 19th. Readings, Healing practitioners and vendors of all things Spiritual! Workshops throughout the month of August, “Messages from Spirit” Wed. evenings. Visit our website at: www.campetna.com or call for a brochure: (207) 269-2094.
August 8th-10th New Beginnings~ Holistic Retreat for Women living with life-altering illness or injury: $395, Nurture Through Nature, www.ntnretreats.com, (207) 452-2929.
Ongoing~Connecticut Ongoing Monthly Group Reiki Sessions Come learn about Reiki and receive hands-on work from two Masters for only $20. Locations: Unwind… Body & Mind in Hebron, CT and Salon Naturell in Lebanon, CT. Contact Carleen at (860) 642-7410 for more information or to register. Reiki shares and classes forming.
Holistic Wellness Support Group Monthly meetings include discussions on holistic therapies such as: Nutrition, Digestion, Detoxification, Lifestyle Changes, Proper pH, Positive Attitude, Weight Loss, Supplements, Herbs and much more. Contact Cheryl O’Donnell N.C. in Bolton, Connecticut at (860) 268-6916.
Alternative Cancer Therapies Group
Without inner peace, outer peace is impossible. Start the week off right by learning to increase and maintain a happy, positive mind. Everyone is welcome to join us for an inspirational talk, special prayers, and meditation guiding us to compassion and wisdom. 10:00am–11:15am $10/class or free for members. FMI: Karen Luse (207) 775-3597, kiluse@verizon.net.
Rustic Retreat in a Solar-Powered, wood-fired cabin. Experience deep quiet and nature's beauty while supporting an Environmental Leader in lodging recognized by the state and the EPA. $59/night for two. Denmark, Maine. www.ntnretreats.com, (207) 452-2929. Harrison D. Barrett Spiritualist Church, 514 Broadway, Bangor, beside Coldwell Banker Realty, Sunday Services, 10:00 am; Gallery Readings 2nd Friday of every month at 7:00 pm $10, Medium's Day 2nd Saturday of every month 10:00 am to 2:00 pm $15 for 15-minute reading. FMI visit www.hdbspiritualistchurch.org or call (207) 848-2273 or (207) 989-7266.
The Nia Technique Find joy in your body! Barefoot movement blending martial arts, dance and yoga. South Portland Community Center. Monday/Wednesday 6:00pm and Saturday 10:00am. Drop-ins welcome. Maggie Bokor, www.nianow.com, (207) 899-5939.
ShivaShakti School of Yoga, Rockland
Give yourself the gift of Yoga! Ongoing weekly classes morning and evening for all levels. Call (207) 785-5003 or visit www. ShivaShaktiYogaSchool.com
The Healing Bridge Therapeutic/ Relaxation/ Chi Energy Massage, Holistic Spa Services (Spa Pedis/Facials Etc) Very Flexible Appointments, 41 Depot St., Bridgton, Me, O4009, (207) 647-3553, www.healingbridge.net.
Kripalu Yoga Class in Windham Class is held at the Masonic Hall Chapel on River Road on Wednesdays, 5:30pm-6:45 p.m. Drop-ins are welcome. Please contact Rebecca at (207) 749-4150 FMI.
A Course in Miracles First and Third Monday of each month, 6:00pm-7:30pm. Unity Church, 54 River Rd., Windham. FMI call Jane at (207) 232-2773.
Join like-minded people who wish to learn more about the many alternative therapies available for cancer. These methods may be used in conjunction with conventional treatment or as a primary therapy. Contact Cheryl O’Donnell N.C. in Bolton, Connecticut at (860) 268-6916.
Authentic Movement Dance at Bath Dance Works
Holistic Moms Network
Inner Peace Retreat Weekends:
A non-profit support and discussion network for moms with an interest in natural, holistic and alternative health and parenting. Contact Heather LeFoll (860) 665-9766 or www.holisticmoms.org.
Revitalize, Renew, Restore balance and inner peace to your Body ~ Mind ~ Spirit. Belfast: Every third weekend of each month. www.myenergyinmotion.com, (207) 338-5168.
First and third Saturdays of the month, January 5th and 9th, February 2nd & 16th, March 1st & 15th, 10:00am-1:00pm, suggested donation $10, no experience is necessary. FMI: call (207) 725-9997 or email dancingfewl@pobox.com.
The Womanly Art of Self Defense and Empowerment Ongoing course for women, awareness & prevention skills, verbal self-defense & empowerment, basic self-defense techniques. (207) 266-4902, Trenton Family Karate, Trenton/Ellsworth area.
Beautiful Mountain views in glass studio. Classes ongoing, Monday-Thursday, mornings/evenings, many styles taught. Iyengar, vinyasa, restorative, seniors (chair), yogilates, nidra and meditation. Yoga Alliance Certified FMI: Leslee (207) 625-4756.
Massage, Yoga, Reiki, Labyrinth Walks Inner Harmony in Portland’s West End serves body, mind and spirit to assist you on your path of wellness. www. FindInnerHarmony.com (207) 772-1509.
New Moon Ceremony with Chief Oscar Mokeme a monthly celebration with teachings, blessings and an African spirit mask coming to life. Go to www.forestcircles.com for more information.
Hatha Yoga, Meditation, Satsang Classes in Psychological & Spiritual Development & more. Based in the Tradition of the Himalayan Sages. North Yarmouth. For full listing, see website. www.TurningLight.org (207) 829-2700.
Call For All Artists ~ Visual, Musical, Dance, Storytellers Who live, have roots in Casco Bay Islands, please contact Maggie Carle, artsprits@verizon.net or www.maggiecarle.com regarding creation of a cooperative/association/organization to support & promote arts by Islanders. No commitments, 1st step a list.
Avanti Healing Arts® Restore wholeness to body, mind and spirit with Dr. Gianna Settin, psychologist, dancer, licensed Reiki Teacher. Discover the sacred nature of inner healing! (207) 735-3900, www.AvantiHealingArts.com.
Friday Gallery Readings ~ Fourth Friday each month Join us at the Portland Spiritualist Church, 719 Main St., Westbrook for an evening of messages from the spirit, 7:00pm, $10.00 event. FMI call (207) 655-6673.
Weekly Psychic Development and Awareness Classes Fridays, at the Portland Spiritualist Church, 719 Main St., Westbrook, Classes start at 7:30pm FMI: call (207) 655-6673.
Continued on page 42
April/May 2008 Inner Tapestry 41
Cyan Magenta Yellow Black
June 14th, 10:00am to 3:30pm Animal Health Expo ~ Connecticut Audubon Society
42 The Path of Celtic Buddhism
Dragonfly Taijiquan, Larry Ira Landau
Kripalu “DansKinetics”
Celtic Buddist meditation in Rockland, ME. Group practice on Sunday mornings at 9:00am. Please call for information (207) 701-5022, heartln@sover.net, www.celticbuddhism.org.
Group & Private Instruction in T’ai Chi Ch’aun (taijiquan) & Chi Kung (qigong) for beginners & experienced students. Studios in Portland and Kennebunkport. Ongoing classes, workshops & retreats. FMI: (207) 761-2142 or (207) 967-4070.
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.
SpiritWings–Workshops, Reiki Classes in Bethel ME
Sacred Circle Dance
Alternative Therapy Workshops For businesses, organizations, groups, schools. Educational and entertaining. Cost and length varies per subject. For brochure call Kate Boyer: (207) 858-5899 or email: kate@snigglebeach.com. Last Sunday of every month 1:00pm at Hartland Library. SOS is under the leadership of Sant Rajinder Singh Jyoti meditation. Free www.sos.org, www.newengsos.org (207) 938-3928.
Reiki Share second Tuesday of every month. Well-Being and Healing Classes Regularly. Offering Tibetan/Usui and Karuna® Reiki-Meditation Classes and Ancestral Healing, which examines various methods of healing employed by our ancestors. For further information call (207) 824-2204 or visit website www.spiritwingsbethel.com.
Ongoing Psychotherapy Groups, Yarmouth, ME
Doula tea, meet with doulas in person
Science Of Spirituality is sponsoring a satsang.
Openings available in weekly men's & mixed psychotherapy groups. Intentionally build your relationship skills, communication, personal and spiritual growth. David Ward, LCSW, LADC, (207) 846-3422, www.davidwardlcsw.com/group.html.
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.
"Yokids" Yoga Ed Tools for Teachers Workshops
Aikido of Maine Portland
Yokids instructors Lily Goodale and Lynnette Moore will come to your school and train homeroom teachers to use simple yoga based mind, body integration techniques to enhance their teaching and support a harmonious teaching environment. Please contact Lily Goodale, ngoodale@aol.com, (207) 236-6001.
Thank God It's Grace: Women in God, Women in Good Please join Women In God each Thursday, 4:30pm-5:30pm at Meadow Wind 100 Gray Road, Falmouth, for an hour of peace, grace and spiritually-based conversation. Women in God is a non-denominational spiritual support group that welcomes all women on a path of love, hope and inspiration. For more information call (207) 233-7658, or visit www.womeningod.com.
The Birth House Bridgton's new freestanding birth center hosts monthly tours on the first Thursday, 6:30pm-7:00pm. Stay for free informational sessions. December topic: infant massage. www.birthhouseme.com or (207) 647-5919.
Reiki: Healing Hands
Cyan Magenta Yellow Black
Offers classes, Reiki Therapy sessions, and Monthly Clinic every 2nd Sunday of the month at United Methodist Church, West Kennebunk. FMI call Pauline Wilson, BA, CRM (207) 985-3575.
Breathwork/Intuitive Healing In Maine Dynamic Facilitated Group Sessions $20, 6:00pm-8:00pm, Falmouth, 1st & 3rd Tuesdays – The Vywamus Foundation, Oxford, 2nd Thursday - formerly Dancing Trees Lodge, Auburn, 2nd Friday – Yoga Center of Maine, Harrison, 4th Friday – The BALLROOM. Pre-registration required. Breathe In & Beyond (207) 583-6603.
Thirteen Moons, Millinocket, FREE Wednesdays, 6:00pm: Live & Learn introductory discussions, topics change weekly. Thursdays, 6:00pm, Coffeehouse: local talent, Penobscot Avenue, (207) 723-5313, thirteen.moons@beeline-online.net, www.thirteenmoons.net.
Wavelengths Hypnotherapy ongoing classes: Self-Hypnosis, Weight Management, Smoking Cessation, Relaxation Guided Imagery Classes, Bonnie Lee Gibson, CH and Ernie VanDenBossche, BCH, CI; www.hypnowave.com (207) 4536133, (207) 649-9655, Waterville, ME.
Real-ize Your Integral Potentials Real-ize your multidimensional self! Integral Energy Healing ~ Explorations in Consciousness ~ Leadership in Consciousness ~ Life Transformations. We offer sessions, classes, circles and workshops. Elizabeth@IntegralPotentials.com (207) 873-3514.
Kittery, ME: Rawfood Potlucks Third Saturday of each month, with guest speakers from the rawfood community. Support, learn, share, and build a local rawfood community. Call Aimee, (207) 409-0899.
Inner Light Spiritualist Church, Rev. Gloria Nye Location: Governor King Lodge 649, U.S. Route 1, Scarborough, ME, Sunday Services: 10:00am Healing Chairs, 10:30am Service, Healing Meditation, Inspirational Talk, Messages from Spirit, 12:00pm Fellowship Hour – Refreshments.
Ayurvedic Massage Experience Abhyanga, Garshana and Shirodhara, the ancient healing bodywork techniques of India. Ruthanne Harrison, LMT. Located in Richmond, ME (207) 737-8593.
Reiki Works offers all levels of Reiki Classes, sessions and free clinics. For schedule please contact Andrea Smith, B.S. Rehabilitation at reikiworks@beeline-online. net (207) 474-9962.
Together we can create miracles ! 42 Inner Tapestry April/May 2008
Aikido for Women classes, Wednesday and Friday a.m. 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. Private classes, workshops and regular Kirtans (chanting). Call Pam Jackson (207) 871-8274 or visit www.wholeheartyoga.com.
Ongoing Yoga Classes, Vacations & Retreats Kennebunk Monday evenings, Saco Tuesday and Thursday evenings Waterboro Tuesday mornings, Dayton Wednesday mornings. FMI: call Jeanette Schmid Lakari (207) 282-5528.
USM Center for Continuing Education. Ongoing classes in Complementary Therapies, (Traditional Chinese Medicine, Aromatherapy, Reiki, etc.) Visit www.usm.maine.edu/cce for course & registration information or call (207) 780-5900 for catalog.
Planetary Activation Organization in Maine Is actively looking for people to join this group, for info: Visit www.paoweb.com. If interested, call (207) 743-2613, E-mail bobham@adelphia.net, or write Maria Ham, 51 BumpTown Rd, South Paris, ME 04281.
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. email: workshops_for_women@yahoo.co.uk.
Children’s Aikido Kokikai Class Josiah Bartlett Elementary School in Bartlett NH, The Ballroom in Harrison Maine, Water and Stone Yoga Studio in Conway, NH, Contact Jane Biggio for more information at (603) 374-6326 or email at bamboomountain@ncia.net.
Holistic Pathways Yoga & Healing Center, Gorham. Energy Vibrational Healing Therapies including Polarity and Energy Interference Patterning of DNA. Ongoing Reiki & Therapeutic Touch classes. FMI: (207)-839-7192, www.holisticpathways.com.
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.
Dancing Xigong: Twelve movements to music Every Thursday morning, 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 conditions 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.
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.
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.
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 & Interest Group Light on the Water NDE Support & Interest Group holds monthly meetings in New England via teleconference. FMI, visit www.TowardTheLight.org or contact Rev. Juliet Nightingale at (615) 292-2217 (mobile).
“SANT MAT RADHASWAMI SATSANG” Inner Light & Sound Meditation. Surat Shabd Yoga. For a Bangor, Waterville, & Portland meeting schedule, call James at: (207) 368-5866 or James@SpiritualAwakeningRadio.com.
Ongoing~NewHampshire NESHHA Educational Presentation
On 156 High Street. Third Tuesday of the month from 7:00pm-8:30pm. Call Elliot Benjamin at (207) 338-4576.
The New England Seacoast Holistic Health Association (an organization of Healthcare Professionals), has meetings monthly, third Thursday, Potluck 6:30pm, Networking 7:00pm at the Herbal Path, 839 Central Ave., Dover, NH. www.NESHHA.org.
Crescent Moon Herbals
Eaton Satsang
Artists Support Group, Inner Balance, Belfast, ME
Ongoing classes and events, psychic readings and energy workers. 76 Center Road, Lebanon, Maine. (207) 457-1114, email: crescentmoonherbals@excite.com, Website: 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.
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.
The Rose Cottage 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.
An informal gathering to discover and welcome the truth of one's inner nature. Eaton, NH is near the Maine/NH border. Most Wednesday evenings. www.eatonsatsang.com or (603) 447-5401.
C l a s s i fi ed s HELP WANTED
Retreat Cook Wanted~Nurture Through Nature Experienced whole-foods cook for group(s) up to 14. Partial trade for opportunity to participate in holistic nature retreats. Send indoor/outdoor experience to ntnretreat@yahoo.com, www.ntnretreats.com, (207) 452-2929.
HEALING PLACES
The Sea Witch Classes, readings, items of happiness and healing for your heart and soul. Including: SpiritEagle Dreamcatchers, Shields, and Medicine Bags. Route 1, Belfast, ME just over the bridge. (207) 512-2840.
"I want you to be everything that's you, deep at the center of your being"
Confucius
43 HYPNOTHERAPY CERTIFICATION TRAINING
Continued from page 12... The Essence of Healing
Phenomenal, weekend trainings. Learn from award-winning, hypnotherapy instructor, Julie Griffin, BCH, 16 years' clinical experience. Call (800) 497-1807. Free brochure and hypnosis CD. Or visit www.hypnosistoday.com for instant hypnosis downloads. Free retakes and telephone support!
SACRED RENTAL SPACE
Well-established acupuncture/herbal clinic
seeks therapists to rent a welcoming, furnished treatment room on Route 1 in Freeport. Can be rented by half or full days. Great amenities, super rate! Please call (207) 865-1203 FMI.
DRAGONFLY TAIJIQUAN Spacious studio to share in Portland. Natural light, high ceilings. Free off-street parking, handicap accessible. Ideal for movement & meditative arts & therapies. FMI call Larry Landau (207) 761-2142
Space Available for Gatherings, Ceremonies, Presentations. At Earthrest, Cornish, ME. Call (207) 625-4179.
A Place In The Heart 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.
SACRED SPACE FOR SALE
WWW.BESTMAINEWATERFRONT.COM Two unique sunset lakefront offerings. Privacy with accessibility to both Bangor and Bar Harbor. FMI see website or call Alison Cote (207) 632-3662.
SPACE HEALING
House or Business Have You Feeling BLUE?
Geopathic and other energetic related stress factors may be impacting your body, energy, and/or spirit. The New England Dowsing Center can help heal this stress: www.newenglanddowsing.com or (207) 846-6524.
Calendar Listings The first 30 words submitted per issue are free! (Not per listing) 75 cents a word thereafter.
Classifieds $20 for 30 words / $1 a word thereafter. Submission Deadline is May for the June/July issue
5th
For More Information: Visit www.innertapestry.org
WHO IS THE HEALER?
There are those of us who have studied and dedicated our lives to the art of healing. We make appointments with our clients and receive payment for our services. And for the most part, I believe we each partake in this exchange with the knowledge and humbleness required to fulfill such an agreement with another. However, the fact is, we are all healers, and sometimes we are in need of healing. These roles are interchangeable throughout our lifetime and it’s important to recognize when we are living each role, and not seek healing when called upon to be the healer. There is a time and a place for both, sometimes even within the same day! Recognize that healers are in all walks of life. They may not label themselves as such, but they are out there. Did you ever experience walking into a grocery store in a grumpy mood and the cashier greets you with sincere words of kindness and you feel your heart soften? At that moment a healing occurred! Your grumpy demeanor was overlooked and met with unconditional kindness, and your heart expressed its desire to soften. Have you ever been healed by the love of an animal? No matter what mood you are in your best buddy, Spot, is at the door to greet you, or the softness of your fickle, yet dedicated, feline rubbing up against your face? That also is a partnership in healing, they are experts at giving unconditional love, and we can allow that to soften our “bad” day. As we conclude our exploration into the Art of Healing it would also be appropriate to mention the element of time. We live in a hurry-up society, and frequently it is difficult to accept nature’s timetable in the process of healing. There are some things in life we can control, but it would be wise to remember that we cannot control nature. In fact, maybe nature’s schedule is actually a gift to us, a reminder to slow down and be one with the elements which matter the most. Whether we are feeling in need of healing or we are playing an active role in another’s process, it is helpful, with respect and sensitivity, to give the space and time necessary for individual health to be realized. Rita Lang teaches Zen Yoga and is the Director of Instructor Programs for new Zen Yoga teachers. She is also a licensed massage therapist whose work includes Thai massage as well as teaching partner Thai massage. She has over 25 years studying and practicing yoga and related disciplines. Website: www.artofzenyoga.com Contact Rita: rita@artofzenyoga.com.
Continued from page 7 modern shamanic living... Path of the Heart being has a consciousness. In addition, when one learns ways to communicate with these other sentient beings and step into relationship with them, the world suddenly becomes populated with many more companions. Like the toddler on the sidewalk, we can suddenly recognize the friends that are all around us! While some of us know we need to feel more connected to the Earth, we don’t always know how to go about it. Due to their remarkable diversity and complexity, a thorough study our planet’s many ecosystems is a very involving and lifelong quest. As such, the thought of beginning to learn about Nature could feel rather daunting. So, we need a simpler way to approach the natural world to begin our sacred relationship. One method that I’ve found useful is creating a dedicated space in your yard or on your land. This smaller plot of land can function like a portal for you into the greater whole while remaining manageable in scale. The goal is to excite your curiosity and ignite your heart without leaving you feeling in any way overwhelmed. This space will in essence, become a sacred space for you—a tiny sanctuary in a busy world. It’s nice to define the boundaries of the space in some way. It can be as simple as dowels and twine, upturned flowerpots at each of the cardinal points or as elaborate as a circle of prayer ties. Do what feels right. Once you identify a part of your landscape as “sacred space,” spend time being with it. If meditation is your path, you may choose to do your daily “sit” in or next to your sacred space. If you are a person who uses the shamanic journey process, take time to journey to meet with the beings that live in your space.
Getting to know the “ordinary” plants and creatures in your yard can be a heartexpanding experience. They are emissaries of a larger world that beckons to us from all around. As we step into relationship with each of them in turn we grow into a deeper relationship with the Earth as a whole. For instance, we can’t be in relationship with a tree without noticing the effect of the seasons on its leaves or the squirrel in its branches. Once we love even a tiny part of the whole, we more easily fall in love with its Entirety. As we gain spiritual insight and experience growth, we also sacrifice illusionary control. That is, the more we learn about the nature of reality, our mind’s knowledge becomes insignificant as our heart’s understandings gain deeper relevance. We begin a shift from a personality-dominated viewpoint to a spirit/heart-led perspective. In speaking about the world around us, in essence we move our perspective from the EGO to the ECO! © 2008 Evelyn C. Rysdyk Evelyn C. Rysdyk, author of the book, Modern Shamanic Living, is a nationally recognized 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. In addition, they have worked with hundreds of people in their private shamanic healing practice at True North in Falmouth. 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.spiritpassges.com. April/May 2008 Inner Tapestry 43
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find ourselves challenged to hold open the door, and keep the light shinning high for certain individuals, that’s okay, too. We can recognize that thought, that feeling, and then we make a choice. For every time we are able to remember that all life deserves the right to experience loving kindness, without our passing judgment, we grow stronger in our understanding of love. And when we forget, we need to forgive ourselves and grow a little wiser in our knowledge of forgiveness. Growth is constant. The third trait of the successful healer is remembering who you are. You are the same as the person who is coming to you seeking help; however, you are in a different place at that moment. It is with humbleness and gratitude that we offer our services to facilitate another’s work. And then we get out of the way. We allow the energy which is created through the intention of the experience to creatively do its thing. The power of the patient, client, or student’s desire for change unites with our willingness to bring our openness and unconditional love to support them in their heart’s desire. Whatever change, transition, or healing that does or does not take place in that time of coming together is not meant to define either party. It is initiated with the best of intention for the highest good of the client and must be ended with the knowledge and faith that we do not know, nor are we meant to know, all the workings of the universe. Pain, discomfort, sickness, frequently weakens our fighting attitude. We become more pliable. We surrender. What if the lesson to be learned can only be understood from being in such a place? I do not believe that we must only learn through pain, but I do know from personal experience that there are times when it has taught me something I would never have seen otherwise due to my own arrogance. It is not our job to declare success or failure of any given experience. Our success rests in our ability to love ourselves, offer loving kindness to others, and accept that outcome is not part of our job description. We provide the best possible breeding ground for health to surface, and then we step back with gratitude and allow the individual’s life to continue to unfold at their own pace.
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Vegan Food Review
by James Bean
VeggieBrothers Mark and Michael Balducci
www.VeggieBrothers.com A SAMPLING
Wikipedia defines veganism as, “A philosophy and lifestyle that seeks to exclude the use of animals for food, clothing, or any other purpose. Vegans do not use or consume animal products of any kind.
APPETIZERS Hot & Spicy Soy Chicken Buffalo Wings
MIXED M E D IA Cyan Magenta Yellow Black
BO O K
S
WE B SITES
Southern Fried Drumstix
SOUPS Low Sodium Vegetable Barely
Soy Chicken Noodle
SIDES Organic Brown Gravy
Quinoa
M US I C
ENTREES Meatballs in Marinara
DV D s S I E O V M AND F OO D
REVIEWS and more
44 Inner Tapestry April/May 2008
Mississippi Maverick
Also Offering Bulk Ordering ~ Catering ~ Specials D'Jour
The most common reasons for becoming a vegan are ethical commitment or moral convictions concerning animal rights, the environment, human health, and spiritual or religious concerns.” Dr. Michio Kaku, one of the world’s leading physicists, once called the worldwide web “the communication system of a Type One Civilization.” Type One – that’s really good, a bit further along the evolutionary track. There are a few hopeful signs. There seems to be a new “green revolution” happening these days, and the web is playing a central role, now making it possible for alternative vegan food companies such as VeggieBrothers to connect with potential customers all over the US and Canada. Online ordering via a company website also has serious advantages. Instead of being forced or limited to purchasing what happens to be on local store shelves, one has the entire inventory of a company at one’s disposal. If you’re tired of eating the same-oldsame-old products over and over again because that’s all you can find locally, now all-ofa-sudden you have total access to scores of interesting items. You order, and a couple of days later a very large, frozen insulated box of vegan food is delivered right to your front door! Not long ago I ordered from Veggie Brothers and absolutely enjoyed every single item, finding everything to be very wonderful: extremely tasty, quite nutritious, also providing good energy levels as most everything was high in quality protein. Not long ago during a phone conversation with Michael Balducci, president and cofounder of VeggieBrothers, he described his philosophy to me as being about introducing more and more people to vegan food in order to effect positive change, “sharing these healthy dishes that taste so good with the rest of the world.” This is a taste-buds strategy of “vegan cuisine for the mainstream.” He says, “When you have a substitute cuisine that is far healthier than what you are currently eating, but tastes virtually identical to what you are currently eating and someone else is making it for you, then you have the paradox of changing your diet without changing your diet.” I also like this quote from him: “When do we make an effort to understand who we are spiritually, where did we come from, what’s our true purpose in life, where do we go when we die, and what preparations do we need to make now for the next journey ahead? When we are on our deathbed? When do we as a people start understanding the relationship between our diet, our health, our economics, our relationship with nature and with our Creator, and the perils of Global Warming? Most of the good health you can expect to experience within your lifetime is under your own control. Eating a vegan diet, rich in organic super nutrients not only improves and maintains health, but the positive effect of these personal choices reverberate through our world in so many good ways. The world economy is powered by a simple force: that of supply and demand. If you demand better things, the force will supply them. You are being directed, on a daily basis, to want supplies that are currently in popular demand, by the companies that sell them. You can change the world! Just open your mind and do the right thing. Enjoy a life of health and happiness. Go Vegan!” (Michael Balducci, of VeggieBrothers)
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.
CD Review
by Joan Emmons
Guided Meditations ~ with Jen Deraspe Nuture Through Nature www.ntnreats.com There is a special place, found in Denmark, Maine where people can go to just "be" with self and nature. A remarkable woman and her ever growing relationship with self and nature, has created this space, where mountain brooks flow to experience the journey to the ocean. These waters create the flowing sounds that form the foundation and backbone to
these guided meditations. Jen's calming voice will lead the listener to a stillness and peace that can be found even in the movement and flow of life. The listener will find that this CD has been inspired by The Work of Byron Katie, Carrie Sewell and Ray Reitze, amazing teachers and healers whom influenced and deepened Jen's relationship with life. "Water Reflecting, Water Flowing" asks one key question. "What do you see when you look deeply into your own eyes?" In my words, can you see your true essence through the self-limiting beliefs that we have adopted as who we "think" we are? This CD invites us to see beyond what we know, to create a life from a place that is real, lasting and filled with love. Thank you Jen!
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Book Review b y H o l l y H o w l e y The Moon Balloon ~ A Journey of Hope and Discovery for Children and Families By: Joan Drescher www.themoonballoonproject.org
Caregiver to Dreams Twelve years ago while reading the Sunday paper in my 500 square foot studio apartment, an article caught my eye. I was twenty-three, working my first job in advertising and overwhelmed by things like health insurance co-pays, the fate of my life-long dreams and finding my future husband. My constant struggle with the future and finding meaning in bad dates and car repairs seems silly looking back. Probably in the same way worrying about potty training my three-year-old will look to me ten years from now. The article was about a woman who had written a book for children who were sick. The book helped kids to use positive imagery and their imagination to take back some of the control that is lost while dealing with a major illness. The woman in the article believed that a patient’s environment played an important role along with treatments and traditional medicine in helping kids heal. Her message and work struck an immediate cord in me. And so when I reached the end of the article and realized—the author, artist, and illustrator—lived in the town next to me, I immediately wrote a note congratulating her on her work and offering my marketing background. I popped it in the mailbox on the way to work the next morning, a little embarrassed by what I was sure could be categorized as naïve grandeur that an accomplished artist would reach out to a twenty-something cable advertising producer. Her life I imagined was exciting and profound as I drove my compact car toward the office park on the hill where I worked.
Joan is a swirl of internal energy. Eternally optimistic, tirelessly willing to do whatever it takes to get something done. She doesn’t take “no” for an answer, she simply rephrases the question. From day one of our friendship I found myself able to connect with her thoughts and ideas, helping to give them form and shape. As she would talk, sometimes my head would spin but my mind would inevitably expand beyond the present project. Watching her work with kids, juggle projects, write stories, create artwork—life felt and looked bigger. Big enough to stop worrying about “it all” and instead dig in and trust in the natural momentum of things. Joan’s presence helped me to navigate in ways she probably never knew. When I met and married my husband, as a new mother battling feelings of isolation, as I built a freelance business from home, and even as we made choices about where to live—I would think of Joan. It was never as simple as wondering what advice she would give or what she’d do in her own life. It was almost as if, all those years ago, I’d made a pact with myself through her. A creed that went something like: Holding on to your own identity and hopes is not a pipe dream, but something you owe yourself and the people you love. That the awkwardness of taking a chance is not nearly as scary as not pursuing something you believe in. That intuition is far more powerful than the most compelling logic. And, most things are possible when you let go and try. The other night I gave Joan a call to check in, it had been months since we’d talked. At some point not far into the conversation, after we’d covered catch-up kind of topics on family and work, I asked her a rather out-of-the-blue question. “How did you do it, Joan, when your kids were little?” Not surprisingly she knew exactly what I meant. She told me about when her kids were very young and she lived in Long Island. Her mother would come to be with her children one day a week while she went into New York City, portfolio in hand to “pound the pavement.” “Then,” she said with a half laugh, “when we moved to Massachusetts and they were a little older, I’d pay neighborhood kids to walk them around the block while I painted.” Joan has worked with children at Mass General Hospital for Children for the last eight years, as their artist-in-residence. She is the author of The Moon Balloon: A Journey of Hope and Discovery for Children and Families—a beautifully illustrated, interactive book to help families express the emotions of coping with illness and loss. She gives Moon Balloon workshops and trains caregivers on how to use the book. She’s written over 25 children’s books and created murals and artwork for hospitals and homes around the country and world. She is also an incredible friend. A sort of caregiver to dreams. A constant reminder for me about the power of moving toward something you believe in. And of the importance of environment, the physical and emotional space, where we all grow and heal. For more information on Joan Drescher’s work and The Moon Balloon Project, visit her web site at www.themoonballoonproject.org.
b y S c o tt Cro we nwe th Weather Shamanism ~ Harmonizing Our Connection with the Elements By: Nan Moss and David Corbin ISBN: 13:978-59143-074-2 Publisher: Inner Traditions, Bear and Company, Rochester, VT. These days everyone seems to have an anxious eye on the weather. With good reason, many of us are increasingly concerned about our weather’s growing unpredictability and intensity -- the most undeniable manifestations of accelerating climate change. We wonder what, if anything, we can do to help ourselves and the planet. But beyond reducing our “carbon footprint” there seem to be few choices we have the power to make. Weather Shamanism is a wakeup call that tells us exactly where our power lies and how to use it. It explores and explains how humans and weather relate to one another in ways far more intimate and relevant than what kind of car we drive. This extraordinary and courageous book -- the culmination of many years of shamanic work by authors Nan Moss and David Corbin and their colleagues -- present guidance from the weather spirits themselves, as well as from anthropological research and direct experience, on how it is possible to support Earth’s return to balance and harmony through our relationship with weather. The key idea that Weather Shamanism illuminates is this: intentionally or unintentionally, humans affect the weather not only through our actions and choices, but also through our emotions and thought forms. Our “modern”/conventional relationship to the weather is to complain and fret about it. We largely fail to recognize that weather is a creative, balancing and healing spiritual force that not only can inspire gratitude and reverence -- but which literally appreciates it and resonates harmoniously with it. By creating a working partnership with the weather spirits we can help restore well-being not only to Nature, but also to our own lives. This book explains a wide range of techniques (many of which do not explicitly require a shamanic journey process) for working with the spiritual energy of weather in a compassionate, ethical and heart-centered manner. In particular, the section on Weather Dancing supports shamanic practitioners to build their own relationships with “weather teachers” and begin their own journeys into reciprocal connection with weather. Reading these chapters on an evening flight home to Maine from the west coast I was never more grateful for a window seat as I began then-and-there integrating this impeccable guidance into my own shamanic practice and connecting with the weather spirits while sharing their perspective, so to speak. I believe many shamanic practitioners will have a similar reaction -- you’ll be reaching for a drum or rattle and running outside in the middle of a chapter because the call to this work is so inspiring and compelling. The greater your experience with “medicine for the earth” type practices the more readily you will likely appreciate the power and potential of Weather Dancing. In print and in practice, Weather Shamanism is about transformation -- of ourselves, and so our world. It guides us to an expanded worldview that honors and dares to reach out to fearsome, natural forces in order to reciprocally restore harmony to All That Is. I urge everyone who is even remotely drawn to do so to connect to this material and work with the shifts it opens up for you. Our collective efforts will surely be of great benefit! You can purchase Weather Shamanism (did I mention it’s beautifully written and a pleasure to read cover-to-cover?) from Amazon.com at: http://www.amazon.com/Weather-Shamanism-Harmonizing-ConnectionElements/dp/1591430747 Or from the publisher, Bear & Company/Inner Traditions, at: http://www.innertraditions.com/Product.jmdx?action=displayDetail&id=35 64&searchString=1591430747 Authors Nan Moss and David Corbin have been faculty members of Michael Harner’s Foundation for Shamanic Studies (FSS) since 1995 and teach widely from their base in Port Clyde, ME. For more information visit their website “Down to Earth -- the Shamans Circle” at http://www.shamanscircle.com/.
Scott Cronenweth is a freelance Shamanic Buddhist Naturalist Bird Guide Personal Dog Servant writer is idyllic South Portland, Maine. Connect with Scott at www.naturalpathwalks.com.
Holly Howley is a writer living in Glastonbury, CT with her husband and two young sons. She can be reached at hollyhowley@cox.net. April/May 2008 Inner Tapestry 45
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Two days later my phone rang. It was Joan Drescher thanking me for the note, wanting to plan a time to meet. That week we met for dinner and have been friends, collaborators ever since.
Book Review
46 Continued from page 19 destination healing SNE... Honoring the Call... a sensitive woman. If I didn’t leave the legal profession, I would suffer a health condition that would force me to leave. Undeniably, I needed to follow a different path.” Laura had no idea what career path would be next for her. To open herself to possibility, she went on her first vacation in many years, spending every morning in meditation. On the last day of her five-day retreat, she had a vision of her mother from the other side. Laura’s mother encouraged her to open a metaphysical store similar to The Golden Hawk. She had absolutely no idea how to proceed since she paid so little attention to her mother’s business operations but she did give Laura a clue. “Mother showed me a wallet size chakra card, depicting the energy centers of the body.” Later that evening, Laura shared the vision with a close friend. Startled, her friend, a massage therapy student, pulled out from her purse the very same chakra card that Laura’s mother revealed in the vision. “She had bought it from my mother many years before and carried it with her ever since!” For Laura, this was a sign pointing her toward her new career path. A few months later, she resigned from the prosecutor’s office and opened her own metaphysical retail store, The Purple Rose— a symbol of new beginnings and strong spiritual healing energy. Laura developed her psychic potential by studying with many well-known psychics and metaphysical teachers including, James Van Praag, Doreen Virtue, Ph.D. and Ted Andrews, and herbalist and Reiki Master Rosemari Roast. Annie’s intuitive gifts manifested through a series of life events that occurred during a three-year period. For Annie, the most significant occurred in December 2002, as she was facing her third corporate lay-off. Additionally, she had not sold a book in over three years. Annie and was seriously questioning her life’s purpose. Disillusioned, Annie prayed for a sign.
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“It came to me in a clear and powerful way: In exactly the same moment that I had sat down to begin rewriting the novel, I received an email from my agent requesting a new proposal to submit to a new publisher.” There was no promise of a sale, but Annie had a feeling; she committed herself to writing full-time from that moment on.
powerful messages.” Laura expressed with a warm smile, “We can better focus on the client’s issue, and ‘hear’ the deceased loved one or receive the guidance being offered from the other side.” Annie added, “We honor each other’s gifts in an equal relationship focused on being of service to the client.” Laura and Annie believe that part of their life’s purpose is to teach others how to come together to help heal each other and the Earth. In addition to readings, they accomplish their intention by offering workshops designed to help others awaken and honor their intuitive gifts and develop their psychic potential. Laura whole-heartedly agrees with Annie, who commented, “Though the process will be different for each person, everyone is psychically or intuitively gifted and it is possible for everyone to access and develop their gift.”
Karen M. Rider, M.A. writes articles, stories, reviews, and promotional copy that educates, enlightens and entertains the reader. Karen is guided by three muses—clarity, integrity and creativity—in all endeavors. She holds a degree in health psychology. Karen resides in central Connecticut where she shares life’s adventures with her daughter and husband. She is working on her first novel. Contact: riderkm@cox.net.
Continued from page 18 destination healing NNE... Living From the Heart injury cases; from injury through recovery. Jasmina works through referrals from with other practitioners and offers presentations to groups as well. Jasmina reveals she lives from her heart. “We have this power that’s inside our hearts to really bring loving care, healing care, and compassion to ourselves. We each have the ability encoded in our very own hearts to create our life anew, to heal our body, mind, and spirit. My desire is to help others discover the power of their own heart.” If you would like to meet with Jasmina Agrillo, she can be reached through her practice, Heartful Living, by phoning 207-856-6042 or at jagrillo@hotmail.com. HeartMath® and Freeze Frame® are registered trademarks of the Institute of HeartMath. Kevin Pennell, an author from Bethel , Maine, wrote Two Feathers - Spiritual Seed Planter and has written for other periodicals and media. Kevin is an Usui and Karuna Reiki® Master Teacher, Certified Hypnotherapist, Shamanic Practitioner, and Psychic Empath. He conducts Reiki workshops and other workshops that assist spiritual and personal development. Kevin, with his wife, Vickie Cummings, operate Spirit Wings, their Compassionate Healing Center and Therapeutic Store located in Bethel, Maine.
“The day I got laid off for a third time was the day I chose to write a new proposal for a book I just could not get off the ground for several years. I should’ve been rewriting my resume!” she laughs. “It was insane by most normal standards. I was not married. Two children were in college. My ex- owed me thousands in child support, and I chose to devote myself full-time to writing.” As she opened to her creative potential through writing, her intuitive gifts blossomed, “I realized that I was co-creator with Something Else. My life was evolving into all things esoteric. Writing allowed me to access my real gift, which is helping others communicate with a dimension most people believe to be inaccessible.” Over the years, Annie immersed herself in a variety of spiritual traditions, from Buddhist to Christian to Pagan. She studied with many metaphysical teachers including, energy healers Ruth Labbe and Rosemari Roast, Nora Jamieson, and Native American healer, Bern Richard as well as Vicki Noble, creator of the Motherpeace Tarot.
*Soul Sisters* Six years ago, Annie walked into The Purple Rose and became a regular customer. It did not take long for her and Laura to develop a genuine friendship. Just as Laura and Annie’s lives, their psychic potential and friendship have evolved, so has The Purple Rose. In October 2007, Laura’s spirit guides communicated that it was time to change the retail business so that she could engage in her true passions: readings, healing sessions and teaching workshops. Fast forward to January 2008, Laura and Annie collaborated in a new venture: The Purple Rose Healing Center. The Center is an inviting space—safe, cozy, and filled with loving energy. Folks of all backgrounds and spiritual traditions come to explore and to deepen their connection to Spirit. “Individually Gifted, Powerful in Union” Both Laura and Annie possess a natural compassion that is immediately evident to clients. Each woman consults a variety of tools such as angel, Tarot or animal medicine cards to focus her psychic connection. Laura accesses the energy of Spirit to bring forth messages of love and light from angels, spirit guides and deceased loved ones. Annie can focus on metaphysical energies—human, animal, and spiritual—not easily processed through the five basic senses. Both women convey highly accurate spiritual messages and guidance with clarity, love, and light. While each is individually gifted, to sit with Annie and Laura, together, as they communicate with the Other Side is a powerful experience. “We are able to raise each others energy to new heights and bring forth really 46 Inner Tapestry April/May 2008
The Elder One by Roberta R. Barnes
In the middle of a field he stands alone No supports No visible comforts None of his own kind within voices reach Awaiting the unsure seasons I walk closer my eyes fixed on the lone form A disregarded part of him cracks under my weight My heart bleeds Tears fall The winds blow warm and words fall upon my ears. Friend dry your tears Look closer I have found my place Rooted deep within the earth Basking in the moon’s shimmer In the sun’s life giving rays I have had snow surround me glistening brighter than man’s gems I am cradled in the caressing breezes
I am enriched by vibrations from the earth, moon and sun I stand against the wind’s fury Many seek me out Finding shelter within me Teaching their young the freedom of the skies Letting me shield them from the elements Lives grow around me Touching me I have none to cage my growth cut off my hands that reach to the sky nor force me to take within what I do not choose. I stand alone yet am not lonely I am at peace yet surrounded by energy I am Free
Roberta R. Barnes is a Gendai Reiki-ho & Komyo Reiki Shihan (teacher) and Herbalist. She can be reached at (207) 448-5671 or visit www.naturalhealinglearning.com
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