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A Holistic Journal Celebrating & Supporting LIFE! Aug/Sept 2010
u Awakening u Human Potential
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Volume 9, No. 2
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Tapestry Lost Summer
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Beat The Heat
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Resonating With The Elements
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A Breath of Healing ~ My Friend Terri
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Destination Healing SNE ~ Watercolor Creations
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Destination Healing NNE ~ Chant To Be Happy
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Modern Shamanic Living ~ Sleeping Giants Awaken!
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Feng Shui & Geopathology ~ When Babies Don't Sleep
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21st Century Bohemian ~ Applying Wisdom of the Past to an Emerging Future... Part Two
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Inner TAPESTRY Contents
This Issue's Theme
UP COMING THEMES O c tober/November 2010
What Moves You? Aug/Sept 2010
Awakening Human Potential
D ecember/J anuar y 2010/2011
It's A Wonderful Life!
Features
Tales For The Journey ~ Connecting With Nature
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by Kevin Pennell
Making The Most Of Our Lives
Februar y/M arch 2011
C h angi ng Yo ur M ind
Page 15
Apr i l/M ay 2011
by Tara Worbel
Lost Summer
Page 16
Em ergence
Page 20
J une/J uly 2011
Page 26
Su p er Co nsc i o usness
by Holly Howley
Resonating With The Elements by Silla Von Faulk Trueworthy, CRTh, RMT, LMT
Re-Creating Perfection by Elfeya Hoopes
Beat The Heat ~ Learn How To Help Your Pet Avoid Heatstroke!
Page 30
by Donald and Sara Hassler
10 Good Reasons to Use Meditation...
Page 32
by Lisa V. Blake
Constellating The Soul: Untangling Our Lives Part One
Page 45
Departments
A Breath of Healing ~ My Friend Terri
Page 5
by Donna Amrita Davidge
Loving Earth ~ Small Actions
Articles – August 25th Display Ads & Directory of Resources To Reserve Space – September 1st For Ad Copy & Graphics – September 5th Calendar & Classified Ads –September 5th
Page 6
by Pat Foley
Wandering Sage Wisdom ~ The Foundation of Human Potential
Page 8
by Aaron Hoopes
Awareness and the Art of Seeing ~ Recycling Waters
Page 9
by Jen Deraspe
Modern Shamanic Living ~ Sleeping Giants Awaken!
Page 10
by Evelyn C. Rysdyk
Destination Healing NNE ~Chant To Be Happy
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by Guest Writer Colleen Myers
21st Century Bohemian ~ Applying Wisdom of the Past by Teresa Piccari
Page 18
to an Emerging Future... Part Two
Destination Healing SNE ~ Watercolor Creations
Page 22
by Karen M. Rider
The Way of Life-Itself ~ Inner Landscape, Integrity and by Skye Hirst, Ph.D.
Page 23
Wow What A Reality?
Welcome Home ~ Ask Asrianna
Page 28
Directories
Directory of Resources Yoga, T'ai Chi, & Meditation Directory Heart Visions, Calendar of Events, Classifieds
Joan Emmons Ron Damico Betty Close
Advertising & Distribution (207) 799-7995 (203) 779-0345
info@innertapestry.org
(207) 799-7995 ~ (203) 779-0345
Page 31
Subscriptions ~ $20.00/year, 6 issues
by James Bean
Mixed Media ~ Book, Website & Music Reviews
Publishers
Page 29
by Werner Brandmaier
Exploring the World Religions ~ Seeing Heaven As A Real Place
Tapestry
Email: info@innertapestry.org Or Visit: www.innertapestry.org
by Asrianna Dameron
Feng Shui & Geopathology ~ When Babies Don't Sleep
Inner
Pages 46 & 47
Pages 33-40 Page 41 Pages 42-44
Inner Tapestry can be found in over 500 locations, but to insure you don’t miss an issue, subscriptions are available.
Payments and Correspondence To: P O Box 122, East Hampton, CT 06424 Aug/Sept 2010 Inner Tapestry 3
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by Darcy Cunningham
Submission Dates October/November 2010
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INNER WORKINGS New this issue: "Awakening Human Potential," something that has been happening in our world since the beginning of time... So what's new? This isn't a new concept, or is it? Maybe we are what is new within it. We are all in a place within humanity that is in question. What question you might ask? Just in the energy of question. We are for the most part asking for answers, from our government leaders, big businesses, our spiritual leaders, healers, practitioners, our family and ourselves. If we really settle into it all, we can feel that there are no definitive answers. We are walking into a world that we are told will change in 2012. Right now, we are feeling the energetic finger print of our world changing. What is it that we as a collective are really looking for? Is it a sense that someone out there has the answer—so that we are safe? Do we feel that God/Universe/Source (my loving nickname GUS) even has the answer? What is the inherent flaw in the last two questions that I feel is so true to so many that I connect with? I was recently at a workshop where the facilitator expressed that the age of enlightenment—what we "think" enlightenment is—is coming to its end. We jumped in with the intellectual safety that brought us to open the door to the next step of going beyond what we know, we no longer have the wiggle room to intellectualize the age of enlightenment. We soon will have to leave behind what we know and embody what is and what is to come. To fully embrace ourselves, all of us, and put to rest the constant contradictions that we live in—within ourselves.
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These core contradictions are becoming apparent, sometimes painfully apparent. During this time of integration and transition it is important to live and walk what we now know and stay open to the slight possibility that we really don't know. We've read the books, we've taken the trainings, but are we are ready for the next step? Most people "think so," but where has this thinking gotten us? This next step is one that is energetically changing our world faster than most are willing to keep up with, challenging us within every moment to live to our highest human potential. I have been told that Mother Earth supports us, she matches our energetic finger print as a collective, and reflects back to us ourselves. Let's continue to see who we are within her and be the path to bring the age of enlightenment to its next evolutionary phase. Our next issue is "What Moves You?" I hope that everyone will contemplate their truest meaning to this question and find what moves us closer and closer to reach the human potential that this issue speaks of. We have a full journal this issue, welcome back to everyone and I'm happy that everyone is able to participate this issue. And a special thank you to Judy for her love of frogs. I hope that everyone enjoys their visit in this issue. Curtis has found a new full-time position and we wish him all of the love and excitement that a new journey in life holds. For now please send all advertisement questions to info@innertapestry.org or call us at (207) 799-7995 or (203) 779-0345. Betty or I will get back to you as soon as possible. Thanks to Evelyn Rysdyk our Modern Shamanic Living columnist, for her artwork featured on the cover of this issue. She is an exceptionally gifted artist and healer and with her digitally created work, I knew that this was exactly the expression of awakening human potential. Please enjoy her column on page 10 and her offerings in the Spirit Passages ads found on page 24 and 40.
On To The Changes In Our Futures!
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a b rea th o f he ali n g
My Friend Terri by Donna Amrita Davidge
Patabhis Jois, the father of Ashtanga Yoga, said "our life is like a lightning bolt." Helen Keller said "life is a daring adventure or nothing at all." Some of us are given short lives, some long. Some suffer much, some suffer little.
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Recently a beloved friend of mine, whom I met through Kundalini Yoga nearly 20 years ago, died at age fifty-one. Years ago she gifted me the Deepak Chopra book The Seven Spiritual Laws for Success. Though Terri’s life was shortened by a long illness that wreaked havoc with her physical body system, draining her of her life force (some said it was advanced Lyme disease though no one seemed to really know), the photo that was posted of her the day before she died in her sleep showed a smile so full of spirit that it radiated beyond her physical skin and bones. Though she could no longer keep up a physical yoga practice, she had moved into a yoga community in Virginia when she could no longer function in her job for World Bank, which had entailed, among other things, travel. At the yoga community she found the support and solace needed for the several years before she passed from her physical body. In yoga practice we reach toward our physical potential, often next our mental potential and then on to spiritual potential. These are all parts of our human potential. As Yogi Bhajan put it “ We are spiritual beings having a human experience.” So what does it mean to awaken our human potential? Why do some people seem to do this more effortlessly than others? Or at least it seems their efforts are rewarded. I am constantly reminded that being human is complicated. Last Fall, Terri, who was so weak that she could barely speak on the phone, sent me two beautiful necklaces with matching earrings with a short note explaining that she was making jewelry now. Knowing that she was not working, and assuming that she might benefit from some income, I asked if she might want me to sell some of her jewelry for her. She was hurt and responded by saying that she had made those especially for me. I don’t think I realized until this moment how much effort went into her gesture. As I think about Terri’s life, I feel she may have reached a potential that few of us can reach because we are too busy chasing things we think are helping us to awaken to our potential as humans—achievements etc. But can these things actually stilt it? I don’t know what inner struggles she actually had her past few years. I know she had a failed short-lived marriage that left her saddened and disappointed, yet I can imagine that she was led to some inner places than many of us, chasing this and that yoga guru, book or seminar, will never find from outside sources. So what does Terri’s story have to do with any of us awakening to our human potential? I am not sure I know. In our confusing times; where more is associated with better, yet many are dealing with less, where nature gives us large lessons and we in our human frailty, make mistakes that jeopardize nature’s whole balance, my guess would be that our yoga practice is meant to take us closer to compassion, closer to contentment and closer to acceptance. These are all things I saw reflected in my dear friend Terri’s face in that photo taken on the last day of her life.
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Donna Amrita Davidge has been teaching yoga/conscious living since the mid-80’s and owns and operates Sewall House Yoga Retreat in Island Falls, Maine with her husband Kent Bonham in her great grandfather’s historic home; workshops and teacher trainings are offered at specific times, ongoing retreats May through October. All retreats are small and personalized. www.sewallhouse.com 888-235-2395
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Small Actions by Pat Foley
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et again, we are listening to chainsaws. The Power Company is having the trees around our power lines trimmed. As the men work their way up our road; they saw, they chip and they grind. The noise is definitely reaching into that loudness zone determined by studies to cause human distress. Nonetheless these noisy folks are doing a good job, trimming selectively rather than cutting down whole trees. We don’t like the noise, but we understand that the power company wishes to keep the lines open. Because the trimming crew is doing a good job, we don’t think it necessary to talk to them about being respectful of our particular trees and keeping their cutting along our road frontage to a minimum. We cover our ears and try to think of other things.
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This turns out to be a mistake. Something changes in the mind-set of the work crew and a maple tree on our property that has withstood the trimmers blades for more than forty years is cut down. Not trimmed, eliminated. This mature tree was fourteen feet from the utility pole and had a trunk about twenty inches in diameter, as well as a few dead branches. It easily could have been trimmed. If it had been treated like the other trees along our road, it would still be standing, minus a few branches. It would still be providing shade and sequestering carbon, slowing the winter winds and providing habitat for birds and other creatures. But it is not. We are upset and call the power company to discuss what has happened, knowing the tree cannot be replaced, but wanting to express our concern about this unwarranted action. We think it is important to advocate for appropriate trimming. We think often something weird happens to us humans when we get power tools in our hands. We’ve felt it ourselves. VVVVvvrrrr, we rev the motor. It’s loud. We feel powerful. We feel a desire to go into scorched earth mode and hack down everything in sight. At the present moment however, as we consider our fallen tree, we want to offer some balance to this power tool affliction. If we, who care so much about preserving vegetation, remain silent, then who do we think is going to come forward on behalf of the green and growing ones? As always the people at the power company are polite. We make an appointment to have their arborist come and view our downed maple. He arrives on the scene and agrees the tree might better have been trimmed, that we should have been consulted before the crew cut it down. We come to agreement that he will speak to the crew and, at the arborist’s suggestion, the same crew will come back and prune another maple on our land, one growing close to the road. This tree is old and dying from the top down. It has several rotting limbs at its center. Pruning will extend its life, possibly by quite a few years. Although we would have preferred the first tree were still standing, there is a symmetry to this we like. One tree is killed before its time, another has its life extended, at least for a while. It turns out there are bees and a flying squirrel living in one of the dead branches, so we elect to leave it on the tree. The pruning is compromised, but it definitely seems the right thing to do and we are particularly happy to know about the bees. CMP in Maine has a registry for property owners who would like to have advance notice of when trimming work is scheduled in their neighborhoods. To be listed, a person may call the power company and ask for customer service. Ultimately the call will be referred to the arborist responsible for their area. This person will eventually return their call and begin the listing process. It’s that easy. Check with your local power company for their specific policies. Forewarned of possible impending tree-doom, we can then request reasonable moderation of the trimmers when they do arrive, before something irreversible is done. Beyond shade and basic aesthetics, why all the fuss? It’s the carbon thing. Trees, in particular older trees, sequester carbon. Many in the forestry industry believe that young and rapidly growing trees capture carbon more efficiently than older 6 Inner Tapestry Aug/Sept 2010
trees. However recently developed measurement technology, commonly referred to as eddy flux measurement, is proving this assumption to be incorrect. Re-sprouting clear cuts often emit carbon for as long as 20 years, despite the rapid rate of the new tree growth. In part, this is because microbes in the soil, which release carbon dioxide as they break down dead branches and roots, work more quickly after an area is logged, thus countering the young trees’ sequestering capacity. In addition, most ecological models indicate temperate forests stop their net carbon uptake after about fifty years of growth. Eddy flux measurement data has shown this assumption is simply not true. Steven Wofsy of Harvard University began the world’s first long term eddy flux study at Harvard Forest in 1989. At the beginning of the study, when the trees were about 50 years old, the forest was absorbing .8 tons of carbon per acre yearly. After 15 years, the carbon uptake had not diminished as had been expected. Instead it had doubled, proving the models to be inaccurate.
...there is a symmetry to this we like. One Tree is killed before its time , another has its life extended...
This forest related ecological ageism is unscientific. Mature trees, mature stands of trees and the soil beneath them act as carbon sinks and regulate the atmosphere of our world. They are an indispensable part of the planetary ecology and need to be treated as such. For more information on eddy flux measurement: check Ameri Flux on line. For compact information on trees and carbon uptake: NRDC’s magazine On Earth, Spring 2008 or www.onearth.org © Pat Foley, 2010
Pat Foley is the owner of Earthrest, a retreat center operating on solar power, which offers gathering space for groups and individuals. The underlying focus of Earthrest is on following Gandhi’s advice to be the change we wish to see in the world. You may contact Pat at earthrest@psouth or (207) 625-4179.
He who plants a tree... Plants a hope. ~Lucy Larcom, "Plant a Tree"
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TalesForTheJourney ConnectingWithNature by Kevin Pennell
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Kevin Pennell, an author from Bethel, Maine wrote Two Feathers-Spiritual Seed Planter and has written for other periodicals and media. He is a Herbalist, Usui and Karuna® Reiki Master/Teacher, Certified Hypnotherapist, Shamanic Practitioner, and Intuitive Medium. He conducts Reiki and other workshops that assist spiritual and personal development. Kevin and wife Vickie Cummings own and operate SpiritWings their Compassionate Healing Center and Apothecary in Bethel, Maine. FMI: (207) 824-2204, www.spiritwingsbethel.com.
Traveling Through The Chakras With Sound Join us as we take a journey thru the Chakras to explore what we have been told they represent, how we can hold our history in them and how this affects our lives in the present. As we focus on each chakra we will take time to use sound created thru gongs, crystal bowls and vocal toning to create an environment of healing and awakening. This will be an interactive, intense and purpose-filled two days. Come willing to bring to rest your past and awaken to your present. This is a wonderful way of using journey skills, but journey experience is not required.
October 30th & 31st 10 AM - 5 PM Exchange: $195 / Class Limited to 20 Register at Leapin' Lizards Freeport 207-865-0900 FMI: Ron and Joan 207-799-7998 Aug/Sept 2010 Inner Tapestry 7
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e connect with spirit in many ways. Art expresses your inner self while music may transport you to realms of new insights and self-discovery. Observing nature also opens horizons of new perspectives and reasons for living this particular life, whisking you on to the very core of your spirit and soul. Connecting with nature in the summer or anytime of the year provides countless opportunities to learn, grow, gain new wisdom, receive guidance, and resolve difficult situations. Observations of nature become more active and less passive when you integrate, partner yourself with nature instead of being apart from nature. For example, you may pause in a garden. Simply letting the cares and concerns of the day slip by, you may find yourself visited by a butterfly, bird, or small woodland resident like a chipmunk or squirrel. Stay a while longer, sit on the grass among the flowers, pick out one personal concern in as concise a manner as possible then put it out to the universe. “What can I do to improve my life”? Then, let the thought go, and return to simply watching and observing the butterflies, birds, and chipmunks. Nature becomes your partner as you observe the inhabitants, not only the eyes of an observer, but also the eyes of a participant. Watch closely, seeing if any of them or anything new presents itself, particularly if they do something unusual. Then ask yourself and the universe how this may or may not relate to your question. A dear friend of mine often said, “Remember to look to the little things”. Maybe the butterfly lands on your nose followed with the thought, “The answer is as plain as the nose on your face”. So, you move on to the next level, by seeking further insights. Suddenly a crow comes up and starts “cawing” interrupting your solitude... but is he? He comes back a few more times. Nothing else happens, so you leave the garden and attend to the day’s activities. For some reason, you begin to think about that old crow interrupting your wonderfilled moments of solitude by coming back time after time cawing and cawing, sometimes close enough to slap. Curiosity causes you to study crows. Your study leads to a book that moves beyond their physical characteristics and on to their spiritual qualities. You discover crows depict personal truth. The answer rings clear, all the pieces come together as the answer to your question reveals itself. “What can I do to begin improving my life?” Begin by being true to yourself or walking in your own truth instead of someone else’s. Learning to look beyond the academics of species and genders opens up our hearts and spirits to infinite lessons and practical teachings, transforming us into better people. Several avenues transport us into the environments providing opportunities to get away from the ruts of life and back to nature. A hike in the woods nearby, caring for the small garden in an urban setting, or weekend volunteer ventures that benefit nature. Take your choice, but begin by walking slowly and enjoying simple truths taught through nature. We desire to learn how to become better people or better souls. These desires can be met through connecting with nature. The cliché “getting back to nature” suggests something has been left behind or ignored from life. Perhaps we should reclaim the wealth of knowledge available to us through taking time to re-connect with nature.
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wa nder ing s age w i s d o m
The Foundation of Human Potential Aya Itagaki
by Aaron Hoopes
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Holistic traditions address all the aspects of ourselves as a complete being: body, mind, heart, soul, and spirit. Each of these aspects of our self plays a vital role in making up who we are. Working to bring them all into alignment provides us with a framework to awaken to our full human potential. Holistic arts, by definition, are practices that assist with bringing these together and awakening the potential that lies deep within us all. Each of these aspects makes up part of the whole. However, it is necessary to understand that the body and mind are the foundation of our human potential. Like anything we build, the foundation must be firm and strong in order to support what it holds up. The body and mind must be balanced and aligned in order for us to fully access and entrain with the other aspects of our being, or we will find ourselves wobbling back and forth, unsure of who we are and what we are doing. The body is our physical form. It is our connection to the physical world and allows us to interact with the world through our senses. Our body is the temple in which the rest of our being resides. The better care we take of the body, the longer it survives and the deeper we are able to explore the other aspects of our self. If we are eating healthy food, regularly moving the joints and muscles, and breathing properly, the body grows strong and resilient, providing us with more energy and the ability to do more. If we eat poorly, don’t exercise and maintain shallow breathing habits, the body will grow weak and fragile, unable to meet our needs. This is basic common sense. Continuing regular practice allows us to remain strong as we grow older. I remember living in Japan, training karate for four hours every day, and frequently meeting older Japanese men who, upon hearing of my training, would immediately launch into a discourse of their prowess in one or another martial art. Invariably these men were out of shape and unhealthy, having stopped training once they finished their university studies and entered the work force. They seemed to think that the fitness level they achieved in their younger days remained with them, even though they did no physical exercise at all in the present. I have found that this is a common mind-set.
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The changes that take place in the body due to poor diet and lack of exercise are gradual. The body has a way of going numb so that we don’t recognize we have gotten out of shape. The longer we go without caring for the body, the harder it is to get back to a state of good health. The truth is that it really doesn’t take that much effort to reverse this process. Daily gentle breathing and movement practice will get the energy flowing through the body. A regular routine can soon make the body your ally, in whatever you seek to do, instead of a limitation. The same goes for the mind. The mind is our thought process. It is that part of us that carries on the continuous inner dialogue throughout our waking lives. It is also that part of us that analyzes problems and creates solutions to solve them. When the mind is calm and centered, we are able to think clearly and adapt to whatever situation arises. If our thoughts are scattered or we are stressed out about events in our life, then the mind becomes preoccupied and is unable to deal with the problems that arise. Calming the mind is a challenge because the only method for doing it is to sit quietly and allow the thoughts to settle. If the mind is calm and centered, we are able think clearly and reason objectively. However, the modern world is full of distractions that have been designed to capture our attention. We need to cultivate a calm mind in order to navigate the challenges that appear before us. Practicing daily sitting meditation is a simple way to gain a measure of control over hectic thoughts. Once the body is healthy and the mind is clear, we are more fully able to embrace our heart, soul and spirit. Perhaps it helps to imagine the body and mind as a garden bed. If we care for the body and calm the mind, we create the fertile soil for the seeds of our heart, soul and spirit to grow and develop. By cultivating this rich soil, our heart will open, our soul will be revealed, and our spirit will expand. It all begins with the body and mind. The true awakening of the human potential within us is like slipping into a groove that was always there. It is as if we were bumping along off kilter until that moment when things suddenly click into position and we start to recognize our place in the universe. We begin to go with the flow, and the flow begins going with us. When such a thing truly happens there is a feeling of completeness that pervades our being. It is a wonderful experience that continues to unfold as we continue generating the energy that fuels our potential. In a world full of distractions and stress this can be a daunting undertaking. It means finding the strength within from which to begin the process. It takes courage and self-awareness in order to travel the path, and there are many roadblocks and detours along the way. Building a strong foundation of body and mind gives us a place to begin. More Wandering Sage Wisdom at: http://wanderingsagewisdom.blogspot.com. Aaron Hoopes has spent 28 years studying and teaching martial arts, tai chi, yoga and meditation. He is the founder of Zen Yoga and the author of five books. He teaches an Online Personal Development Course for Spiritual Deepening and holds retreats at the Ledge End Retreat and Healing Center in the mountains of Vermont. His bestselling Zen Yoga Daily Warm-Up DVD is a simple method for integrating breath and movement into daily life. Please feel free to contact Aaron: breathe@artofzenyoga.com. Visit the Zen Yoga Website: www.artofzenyoga.com
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Awareness and the Art of Seeing: Contemplations on the environment and interconnection by Jen Deraspe
Recycling Waters T
he land I caretake borders a mountain spring brook on Pleasant Mountain, a local gem. One hot summer day I rock hopped up the brook to its source. Two and a half hours later, I came upon its humble origin—a still, clear bottomless pool. It’s strange to contemplate where all this water comes from. From this quiet beginning, the water tumbles and spills down mountainside, over granite sleuths, past bright green moss and ferns, and around glacial boulders left behind from an earlier time.
I gulp down cool, pure water from a glass jug—water sourced from the depths of this place I dwell. It brings me life. It brings all life. Today I paddled on Kezar Pond, suspended, held by the surface tension that appeared to be nothing less than a mirror. Reflections of swamp maple, alder, paddler, painted turtles and a young bald eagle perched on a dead limb. I notice water’s path, always clear, smooth, powerful, and steady. In the pools and ponds, it is also reflective. If I look closely, I see myself in it.
Deep beneath earth’s surface lie fissures in the bedrock, creating water veins pouring up and out to the surfaces. Most amazing. And where does it originate from there?? Rain clouds, I suppose, recycling storms past that find their way back to the water table.
The native peoples of these lands used the waterways much like we use the Maine Turnpike or Route 117 to travel from one place to another for gatherings, sharing, exchanging ideas and goods. The paddling routes connected all the Abenaki peoples to those in distant lands of Western New York, Quebec and beyond.
All of us receiving water as it gives over and over in all of its generosity. As I write, I can hear the mountain brook flowing down towards the distant pond, refilling her banks as she carries on to the ocean again and again; cycling from cloud to rain to spring to garden to trees to plants to flowers to the water coursing through my veins; the same water that courses through yours. Most amazing…
Jen Deraspe, is the founder of Nurture Through Nature, an eco-retreat center in Denmark, Maine. Jen is a certified yoga instructor, a licensed Maine guide, and a certified coach and facilitator of The Work of Byron Katie. She has been leading holistic nature retreats since 1999. www.ntnretreats.com, (207) 452-2929.
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I watch as the water spills out of the spring, gathering momentum and strength as it flows down the mountain to the lower elevations, through wetlands, around beaver dams, through fields, descending all the way down to Kezar Pond. From here it slowly finds its way to the ocean at the mouth of the Saco River, traversing through 20 Maine towns along the way. Astonishing—the sea connected to the mountain by a quiet mountain brook. I fathom what is connected to the sea.
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Sleeping Giants—Awaken! by Evelyn C. Rysdyk
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he myths and stories of our ancestors speak of powerful beings that once inhabited the Cosmos in the Time Before Time. These primordial beings may be found in the tales told for many hundreds of generations by people across Europe, Asia and the Americas. They also figure centrally in many creation stories. The following Norse version is an example that also preserves an earlier shamanic understanding of the Cosmos as made up of multilayered realms. “In the beginning, there was an endless chasm of empty space called Ginnungagap. It was a space of great nothingness and also great potential. This enormous void of Chaos held at one of its far corners the elemental plane of numbing cold and darkness known as Niflheim. At another far corner of this void of Chaos was the elemental plane of blistering heat known as Muspelheim.
The elves were beautiful beings who were as light as air, and to them were given a place of their own called Ljossalheim. It was higher somewhat than Midgard, but lower than the place that the place the brothers planned to make their own home. The dwarfs were dark and strong. To them they gave Svartalfheim, which was slightly below Midgard. The gods chose from among them the strongest four and gave them the work of bearing up Ymir’s skull so that it might not press too heavily upon the earth. It is for this reason, Nordi, Sudri, Austri and Vestri stand at the four corners of the earth and hold up the four corners of the sky. Into that great bowl of sky, the brothers tossed the sparks from the fire realm, Muspelheim, which became the sun, the moon and the stars.
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In the pulsing waves of Chaos, these two corners of the void grew closer to each other. The cold and heat met creating mists, water and ice. It was from this primordial water that the first living being -- the primeval giant Ymir – was born. Nothing physical existed before Ymir and all things that exist are either directly or indirectly born from his creation.
Later, the brothers found some trees that had become driftwood on the shore of the sea. They took the weathered ash tree and created the first man, Ask. And from the elm tree they fashioned the first woman, Embla. Odin breathed life into them. Vili gave them intelligence and emotion, and Ve gave them the ability to see and hear and speak.” So according to the Norse myths, all of the world, we human beings, the between worlds spirits from the Earth and the gods themselves – all owe our existence to that most ancient of ancestors, the giant, Ymir. While this example reveals the patriarchal overlay of the cultures that told and retold the story, it is still see possible to see the core of the tale. We collectively preserved these stories to help us remember something very important. In the Before Time, beings we perceive as more powerful than ourselves existed that had the awesome ability to dream places and beings into physicality from Nothing/Chaos.
As Ymir slept and dreamed, a son and a daughter were born from his body. These were known as the first of the Frost Giants who were also progenitors of an entire race of giants or jötun. It was also said that Ymir had a gigantic cow that had been born of the melting frost. Her milk fed Ymir and she licked at the ice for her own nourishment. It is said that as she licked the ice, a form was eventually revealed. This was the giant Buri. As Ymir accomplished before him, Buri had a magical child rise from his dreaming body that was his son Bor.
Indeed, stories of primordial giants exist across the globe. They are tied to many cultures’ creation stories. While the Bible doesn’t credit creation to a Beautiful Ymir, digital painting by the author. giant, it still suggests that giants were present in the world before humans and were likely progenitors to the human race. The Nephilim described in Genesis, It is said that Odin, Vili and Ve—the sons of the were the descendants of angels in physical form. iceman’s son and Frost Giant—grew very strong They were a race of giants. Even the Anakim or and also jealous of the one they knew would always Cainites – who are children of Cain, a son of Adam be more powerful. Together the great-grandson and Eve – are described as giants. These giants giants of Ymir slew the First Being. The great gush lived in an underworld kingdom as did the Tuatha de Danaan – a race of Celtic of blood from Ymir’s wound flooded First Creation. Ymir’s blood drowned all but progenitor deities who dwelled in hollow mountains. These beings aren’t usually two of his frost children who were swept to the far eastern corner of creation. There described as giants but their predecessors the Formorians are often described they continued the race of Frost Giants in their realm Jötunheim. as such and the great Celtic mythic warrior heroes, Fionn mac Cumhaill and Odin, Vili, and Ve then used Ymir’s carcass to create the Middle World or Cúchulainn are also described in this way. Midgard. They used Ymir’s flesh to create the Earth, they shaped his bones into In the stories told by the ancient Greeks, the primordial beings born out of hills and mountain, his teeth were used to make the rocks, and his hair was rooted Khaos were Gaia, the Earth Goddess, Tartarus, ruler of the Underworld, Eros the to create the trees and greenery. From his blood they made the lakes and the sea, embodiment of Love, Erebus the being of Shadow, Nyx who ruled the Night and which encircled it all. The brothers were well pleased with their handiwork but Eurynome the Wanderer. It is only Gaia that is a creator being. From her body, she grew concerned that their cousins the Frost Giants would seek revenge and destroy brings forth Ouranus/Uranus the Sky God, Pontus the ruler of the Sea and Ourea their handiwork. So they took the eyebrows and eyelashes of the great Ymir and the deity of the Mountains. fashioned a high fence around their new world. Mating with her son Ouranus, Gaia gives birth to the Cyclopes, the three Next, they polished Ymir’s skull and set it as an arching sky above the earth they Hecatonchires (terrible creatures with 50 heads and 100 arms) and The Twelve Titans tossed Ymir’s brains aloft to become the heavy clouds. who are the ancestors to the Olympian gods. These are, Oceanus & Tethys, Hyperion So the task was done and the new world completed, but still the giant brothers & Theia, Coeus & Phoebe, Cronus & Rhea, Mnemosyne, Themis, Crius, Iapetus. were not content. Some other life was needed in the world beside their own. Ouranus hated those of his children who were not beautiful like the Titans. He Perhaps they were not secure in their power and so needed beings to obey them buried them in the Underworld--an action that tormented Gaia. So she enlisted her and to do their will. Perhaps they were simply lonely or bored. Whatever the reason, Titan son, Cronus to stop Ouranus’ suppression/imprisonment of the Cyclopes they noticed many worms were burrowing deep in the newly formed Earth. The and Hecatonchires. Like Ymir, Ouranus is dismembered (in this case castrated) in gods summoned forth these earthly creatures from the darkness and of them the his case by his son. From the blood, which spilled from Ouranus onto the Earth, brothers made dwarfs and elves. Bor married Bestia who was the daughter of a Frost Giant and therefore, also a descendant of Ymir. This primeval couple had three sons who were the first gods – Odin, Vili and Ve.
10 Inner Tapestry Aug/Sept 2010
In The Beginning, there was an endless chasm of empty space call Ginnungagap.
11 came forth the Gigantes, the three avenging Furies, representing regeneration and the potency of creation, which both consumes and empowers and the Nymphs, Middle world nature spirits. For many cultures, giants and giantesses are considered to be our most ancient spiritual ancestors. When humans spread across the Earth, the giants seemingly retreated to worlds below and beyond to wait and watch their human descendants. Wherever they have been, they seem to be making a strong reappearance in the human consciousness. In this time of Great Change, many more people are coming across giant spirits on and in the land, in their shamanic journeys and also in their dreams. While preserving the idea it is possible to bring something into reality from Nothing/Chaos is an important key in the stories of giants, perhaps there is something even more crucial for our own time that has been kept safe for us in these stories. They were a way to remind us, that we descended from these larger-than-life creators. It is a part of our awakening. We are not only remembering that we were woven of the same “stuff” that made the world, we are also uncovering what has been buried in our consciousness—the memory of our ancestral capacity for Creation. For generations this knowledge was held safe in our stories to be remembered at this time. Like sleeping giants, we are beginning to rouse ourselves from our slumber and remember that we are dreaming things and events into being. Like Ymir, we continually shape the form of reality with our dreaming and our feelings. And we are finally ready to not only claim our gigantic birthright, but to create in a more conscious and heart-centered way.
It is important to note that in both the Norse and the Greek stories, the world is both changed and diminished by the destruction/repression of the primordial predecessors. The deities who follow them are weaker and more human-like in their actions. So, we are also reminded in these stories that we must not try and cast away what we fear or find ugly about our ourselves or our efforts. Instead of imprisoning them or trying to metaphorically kill them off, we can use our creative capacity to transform their energies and reshape them into something new. It is clear that we have heroic work to do to remedy the chaotic world we’ve created on the planet. As shamans, maybe it’s time for us to get reacquainted with these spirits from the Time Before Time who are masters of manifestation. They know how to transform disarray, create from nothing and can therefore help us to become better creators. By learning to work with our own feelings and stepping into partnership with the giants as well as those beings from the between worlds, we can make the needed changes inside of ourselves and on the Earth. © 2010 Evelyn C. Rysdyk
Nationally recognized shaman teacher/healer, speaker, and author of Modern Shamanic Living: New Explorations of an Ancient Path, Evelyn C. Rysdyk delights in supporting people to remember their sacred place in All That Is. Whether though face-to-face contact with individual patients, workshop groups and conference participants, or through the printed word—Evelyn uses her loving humor and passion to open people’s hearts and inspire them to live more joyful, fulfilling and purposeful lives. In joint practice with Allie Knowlton as Spirit Passages, her web site is www.spiritpassages.com.
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The Thirteenth Moon
Susan Bakaley Marshall ATR-BC, LCPC board-certified art therapist, licensed clinical counselor, Shamanic practitioner
ART from the heART
Art Therapy & Shamanism Studio ~ a light-filled circular sacred space surrounded by fields and trees ~
• Shamanic journeys and healings • Soul retrieval • Individuals • Groups • Classes (207) 589-3063 moonarts@gmail.com
Aug/Sept 2010 Inner Tapestry 11
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Healer or Practitioner Is There A Difference?
This interactive event may surprise you! It is open to anyone who is interested in exploring what these two words mean and how they can help guide you in your choice of caregivers. If you are a practitioner which one are you? Come explore and gain a clear and/or new understanding of who you are and where you might be going and how to get there. Date: September 11th ~ Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Location: The Gathering 338 Town Street, Haddam, CT 06423 Registration: 860-873-3339
Exchange: NESHA members $15 / Non-members $20
This exploration will be presented by Ron & Joan
Sponsored by The Gathering, NESHA, and Inner Tapestry
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No Place Like... OM Discussion and Vibrational Sound Meditation
12 Inner Tapestry Aug/Sept 2010
with Ron and Joan Wednesday $20 7:00pm - 9:00pm The Goff House 2 Barton Hill Rd. East Hampton, CT
www.ronandjoan.com ~Reservations & Information Call
860-655-5500
Space is limited so call first and come as often as you choose!
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You're not alone... Gongs and Crystal Bowls create a "holisitic" resonance that vibrates through each cell of the body. When in their resonance, the normal resistance of the ego-identity no longer exists as a dis-ease factor within the body. This allows the holistic tones of our body, emotions, mind and spirit to produce an harmonious resonance within and without creating life as abundant joy. Wear comfortable clothing. Bring plenty of water, a pillow and something soft to lie on.
Join us Fridays at 7:00 PM ~ August 20th September 24th ~ October 22nd at the Goff House, 2 Barton Hill Road East Hampton, CT $20
for an evening of sound healing with crystal bowls, gongs and other vibrational instruments.
Reservations & Information
203-779-0345 Aug/Sept 2010 Inner Tapestry 13
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HaveYouEverWonderedwhat Vibrational Sound healing and gong baths are?
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d estina tio n h e al i n g ~ n o r t h e r n n ew en g l a n d
Chant To Be Happy An interview with Ashok Nalamalapu and Shubalananda Saraswati by Colleen Myers
Just as fire has the natural property of burning things, so also the Name of God has the power of burning sins and desires. Practice of Japa and Kirtan removes impurities of mind, destroys sins and brings the devotee face to face with God. – Swami Sivananda When I was growing up my mother was always singing love songs and gospel songs, and now I find myself humming and mouthing snatches of those same songs. They seem to arise out of my unconscious and just are, like so many things we learn as children. First the tunes, then the words arise, bringing comfort and inspiration.
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As an adult I have sought out spiritual practices like asana and meditation, which integrate body, mind and spirit in a satisfying way. Some of these practices replaced the role that Mother’s love songs and church hymn-songs used to provide, but I still missed the music and the emotional tuning that occurs between people singing together. Imagine my pleasure, then, to belatedly discover the practice of Kirtan within the yogic community, and to have it explained as “the gospel music of India,” by Shubalananda. What began as a conversation about the benefits of chanting with Ashok Nalamalapu led to an exploration with Shubal of the role of the chanting leader in the development of spiritual community. Both Shubal and Ashok agree that the principle product of chanting is happiness for the individual and spiritual community within a group. Ashok Nalamalapu is the founder of Sadhana, a new center for meditation in South Portland, Maine. A native of Andhra Pradesh in India, Mr. Nalamalapu is heir to a great tradition. He was born to Hindu parents, and believes in unity among religions. Ashok has brought his passion for meditation and chanting to the Southern Maine community in 2010, and is forging connections with chant leaders all over New England and beyond. CM: Ashok, why are you so passionate about sponsoring chanting sessions in Maine? AN: Chanting sacred words and mantras is an ancient practice. Chanting creates mysterious power within. It improves our concentration. Words such as “Om” create vibrations inside and out. As we resonate with the universal sound we are united with the whole universe. Chanting makes us happy. CM: Does it matter whether a chanting practitioner understands the words being sung? AN: One does not have to understand the words. They are simple words. Some leaders call these words while the participants respond by repeating. Other leaders prefer to sing along with the participants. One does not have to be a trained singer to say these words. CM: What then are the benefits of chanting Sanskrit words? AN: It has been said that chanting is one of the paths to realize God through Bhakti yoga, the yoga of devotion. Calling the names of the incarnations awakens the divinity within us. CM: How do the benefits of chanting compare to the benefits of meditation? AN: Chanting is a form of meditation. When we chant with concentration and love we feel blissful. When we finish a chant, we sit in silence and the energy of common intention is palpable. There is a beautiful interplay between the sound and the silence. CM: What effect does chanting have beyond the individual’s enjoyment of it? AN: At Sadhana we chant as a group. This experience creates peace and unity among people of different faiths. As we happily chant we feel the divineness. It has been said that some peace in the world is created by the vibrations of these chants. CM: Shubal, I have sat with you and Ashley Flagg in kirtan, and it seems to be a performance art. Both of you are accomplished musicians, plus you are a story-teller. 14 Inner Tapestry Aug/Sept 2010
SA: Thank you, but leading kirtan is not a performance, and not an art, leading kirtan is a sadhana. There are some standards required for leading kirtan, but for the chorus participants, all that is needed is the heart! But, in order to lead kirtan, the first requirement is consistent sadhana. CM: What do you mean by sadhana? SA: Sadhana is spiritual practice, and it includes all forms of yoga and tantric, meditation, Hatha Yoga (the yoga of poses or asanas), Japa (reciting God’s names), Kirtan, Puja (ceremonial offerings), reading holy books and the words of holy persons as well as other more secret practices. The first goal of sadhana is to develop concentration. CM: What is an example of a mundane practice becoming a sadhana? SA: Ram Dass tells the story of a lecture he was presenting. While he was speaking of the most far out planes of consciousness, this old woman was sitting in the front row, following his every word, seeming to understand exactly what he was saying. After the lecture, he went over to her and said, “I noticed you understood when I talked of the higher planes, what type of sadhana do you do? The old woman replied “I knit.” CM: What does it take to be an effective leader of a chanting community? SA: In order to truly express the fullest possibilities in the kirtan experience, the leader must be a person to whom all that matters is love. The leader must be doing regular sadhana. The leader must have had an initiation with a guru and be practicing bhakti yoga (the yoga of love). The leader must have a lovely, pleasing voice, and she must be a master of a musical instrument. CM: So are you saying that leading kirtan is very different from being a performance musician? SA: Oh yes. The kirtan leader performs a vital role for society. It is a great sacrifice in kirtan to keep track of the rag and tal (melody and rhythm), to keep the words straight, to balance the energy of the room, so many thoughts must a kirtan wallah keep in his head. Meanwhile, the chanters are free to rise above these concerns, to fly… nothing holds them back. CM: How did you learn to be a kirtan wallah? SA: I began making music when I was 7 years old. My parents bought me a ukulele and I would wander through the streets of my suburban village singing Steven Foster songs with great abandon. Then I heard Muddy Waters and Little Walter, and I spent the next 20 years becoming the second best blues guitarist in Boston. CM: When did you “cross over” from blues into kirtan? SA: When I first met Ram Dass and Neem Karoli Baba in 1984. I began to study bhajan and kirtan, buying the tapes, learning to play them on the guitar. I figured out a special tuning which offers the “Indian” scales and sounds. A few years later began my intensive training. I joined the Boston community of Sathya Sai Baba, 300 Indians and me just about the only western face. Kirtan and Bhajan was the mainstay of their practice, and they needed a guitar player, so they trained me for 6 years. CM: So now it’s been 25 years since you started down the kirtan path. What have you been doing all these years? SA: I studied with some great Bhajan singers from India, I learned the rags, I learned to follow those who’s leading left some musical needs unmet, I learned that humility and power are not mutually exclusive, I learned my role was to support others’ bhava (spiritual emotion), and I learned how to pronounce sanskrit, and how to sit straight on the cushion (sort of ). CM: All this happened in the Boston area? SA: In Boston in those days we would gather 3 or 4 nights a week and sing
15 and sing and sing. I learned hundreds of Bhajans, and I played with many great musicians from India who all had their suggestions, recommendations and commandments. They accused me of singing “hard rock” kirtan, they put their fingers in their children’s’ ears when I sang, but we loved each other completely, and they relentlessly carved the tradition of Sanatana dharma and kirtan into my head. CM: So you have studied with many teachers, practiced kirtan in so many venues, traveled across the planet, done a bit of sadhana, have you found happiness? SA: Yes, I studied with many teachers: Sathya Sai Baba, Karunamayi who told me my job was to sing to the Divine Mother. And then Shree Maa who told me that if I could be like I was when I sing all the time, I would be happy. And now my life has become a prayer, with dedication to all the great teachers I have known, Sadguru Neem Karoli Baba, Ram Dass, Sai Baba, Karunamayi, Shree Maa, Shiva Rudra Bala Yogi, Baba Harihar Ram-ji, Shivabalananda, Ammachee, and
my kirtan guru, the great Ma Chetan Jyoti. So now all I do is sing God’s names with Ashley and our community, love myself and those around me, and…what a surprise… I AM happy! Shubalananda Saraswati (Larry Kopp) has been leading kirtan and singing bhajan for the past 25 years. He is a sadhu, living on the dakshina (contributions) of the New England kirtan community. Hear Shubal and Ashley Flagg at Sadhana in South Portland on August 13th at 7:00 pm. For more information and schedule see www.shubalananda.com. Ashok Nalamalapu is the founder of Sadhana, a meditation center in South Portland, Maine. For more information on Sadhana’s mission and upcoming programs call (207) 772-6898 or visit www.sadhaname.com Collen Myers is the Executive Director of Sadhana Meditation Center is South Portland, Maine. She can be reached at (207) 772-6898 or visit www.sadhaname.com.
Making The Most Of Our Lives by Tara Wrobel
Perhaps it is because we are not taught a very essential part of happiness—that to feel good on the inside requires we succeed at being what makes us uniquely who we are. Instead, we are told from the very start that what we are in the external world is all that really matters. We’re told what human beings are like in our society and in our families and what paths they should follow. We’re taught how to be successful in school, business, marriage, homemaking, parenting, and at every hobby there is, as if the sum of all these things equals success as a human being, as a unique entity upon the earth. It’s not to say there’s anything wrong with being good at things in the material world, but if all we do with our lives is follow the steps, repeat the patterns, and duplicate the feats of all the generations before us, we accomplish nothing more than prove ourselves to be good students, capable of doing what’s already been done countless times before. We spend our lives doing nothing more than demonstrating that the system works. If we go entirely by the book of what others teach us we are, we will lose sight of the fact that we’re new expressions of life in need of self-tending and self-development. Without that kind of inward attention, we can never truly feel at peace, and we run the risk of never discovering for ourselves what our true potential is as human beings.
and they yielded new insights, inventions, ways of doing things, and solutions? Wouldn’t that be more satisfying than a trek up the well-trodden trail? Or, what if “all” it yielded was great adventure, new scenery, a few laughs at the times we lost our way, but all in all, a great way to have spent our time here? Even if it meant failing according to the norm, how could we regret it? Considering all the traits and talents we have been given, the driving question in our lives should be “What are we capable of?” and not, “How do we measure up to the set standard?” The set standard is low. We are all capable of much more than we normally ever attempt or think we are, and it is certainly more than we’re ever told we have within us. We should not stop wondering what more we can do, be, and experience. We cannot afford to sacrifice our good fortune of being alive as this abundantly skilled and powerful type of being for the safety of staying on the map. If we re-connect with the true essence of what we are, our enthusiasm will naturally fuel our journeys in uncharted, exciting directions. We are not so far from our roots. We may be used to thinking we are the costumes we wear and the parts we play, but we are not limited to the lines and stage directions that have been written for us to follow. Underneath these personal identities lies a reserve of great potential. If we could spend some time alone, blocking out external signals as to what we are to do with our lives, we could hear the sound of our inner navigator. If we could trade the routine of our day every once in a while for an unmapped adventure, we’d be inspired and entertained by our lives in a whole new way. If we could resist judging ourselves for a short time, we’d learn all kinds of things about how we really feel inside about whom we are and how we are living our lives. If we could look in the mirror from time to time and see the astounding nature and genius of the creature being reflected back at us, we’d grow in strength and confidence. Little by little, we can trade the certainty of our lives within the wellestablished boundaries for glimpses and moments of our true capabilities. Little by little, we can begin to see that the only reason the mountains appeared stationary is because it never occurred to us to look at them any other way. Once we open to the dormant potential within ourselves, we begin to see the possibilities in all things. And we can then move those mountains that once frustrated, frightened, and impeded us—anywhere we want them.
We may be used to thinking we are the costumes we wear and the parts we play...
It’s practically impossible not to get caught up in the struggle to succeed in areas and at things we’re told matter. Day after day can easily be spent in pursuit of a very particular version of wealth, companionship, and accomplishment. Since we are often so busy fulfilling other people’s visions of happy lives, and since the temporary highs that accompany our occasional victories never seem to be enough, it’s not surprising so many of us periodically question if this is all there is. Well, what if there is a whole lot more, but no one we know can tell us what it is because they haven’t experienced it yet? What if we mounted our own expeditions
© 2010 Tara Wrobel.
Tara Wrobel is an artist from West Newbury, Massachusetts. She works mainly in photography, but also likes to experiment with poetry, 3-dimensional structure, and song. She publishes Temporary Truths, a free journal of ideas and imagery. For more information, please visit www.TaraWrobel.com or contact: info@TaraWrobel.com. Aug/Sept 2010 Inner Tapestry 15
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e came from somewhere to live for a while as this particular kind of being. We arrived on a golden ticket as thinking, feeling, communicating, imaginative entities that are high on the food chain and able to survive and thrive nearly everywhere on earth. Given an outer world of abundance to experience and an inner well of riches to plumb, life as a human being is a fortune to be found and enjoyed. Yet it doesn’t always feel that way. Too often, it feels like our bounty is out of reach. The potential we know we have—to do great things, yes, but also, to feel great things (such as lasting peace and happiness, freedom from worry and fear, true love)—too often eludes us. What is the source of the inner obstacle that prevents us from tapping into our greatest possibilities? Why do we dutifully climb well-marked uphill trails as part of the accepted struggle of our existence when, with a little daring, we could move the mountains clear out of our way instead?
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Lost Summer I
THE Season
by Holly Howley
Could this year be different, I wondered? Was it possible to lose the running todo list of summer and get back to the sentiment of the season? A time to re-group, try something new, renew. Was it possible for summer as an adult to feel at all like summer as a kid? As a child summer was long, at times interminable. But as an adult every season, especially summer, was crazy quick. And now I knew those trips to see family and friends, lazy afternoons spent by the pool, even the day camp that I attended at my elementary school—all of it required planning and packing and a lot of laundry. I could feel myself making excuses. Wanting something different but afraid of change. And then I remembered the morning and how good it felt. And vowed that this was the summer. The lost summer.
t was an early summer morning. Sun brightly shining, bursts of color poking through the earth and the feeling that everything was new. A gentle cool breeze was the only reminder that summer was still a few weeks away. I’d just left the little coffee shop where I’d been working on a project, when I realized I’d misjudged the time. There was still a half hour before I needed to pick my little one up at preschool. Not quite enough time to run an errand but too much time to waste sitting in the parking lot counting the minutes. Why not enjoy the remnants of my coffee and take a little drive? Past the bustling farm stands, past the new houses being built, past the large field that would, in a few short months, be filled with plump pumpkins. I kept driving until What Now I decided to make a quick right down a road I’d never been on before. Almost immediately I came upon a golf course overlooking a beautiful hilly landscape Determined but vulnerable in my convictions, the very next Friday, I made a second and I realized I was in the next town over. At the top of the next hill, there was a small run for it. As my five year old Will and I left my oldest son’s elementary school after boxy structure, a breakfast place. I imagined locals driving for miles to visit the little working a shift at the school book fair, he asked, as he always does, “What now place on Saturday mornings. Or maybe they avoided it since they stopped making Momma, shops?” The post office, the grocery store, the toy store, the dry cleaner, the homemade bread two years ago. coffee shop, shop, shop, shop. Life is one big errand when you’re five and tag around with Mom all day. I thought about how much I loved discovering new places. With no way to fill in all the little details, a “We’re actually going to get lost” I said bluntly, suburban explorer is left with two choices. Stop and immediately wishing I’d framed our plans in a more find out more or keep driving and create the scenarios positive light. in your head. Of course the reality rarely matches the “Lost?! Let’s go home.” He said and for a second I grandeur of what the mind makes up but sometimes it was right there with him. Was it really worth getting blows it away. into the hot car to drive who knows where? It was without a doubt time to get back and pick But instead, we buckled ourselves in, and I turned up my son. I would be one of the last parents in on the radio. I sang loudly hoping that the spirit of line if there was a line at all. As I came to the next fun and spontaneity would settle in. Looking like a intersection, a sign indicated that somewhere over little sweet angel in his gym shorts and Red Sox t-shirt, the last five minutes I had crossed into yet another Will was fast asleep in minutes. We were on our way. town, one that was not too familiar. I kept driving Route 17 to Route 2 to 91 south, it wasn’t until I and at the next intersection, there was a posting for reached Route 9 that I had a decision to make. Where a town that I knew, next left, two miles away. For was I heading? “When in doubt, head toward the some reason back tracking never crossed my mind. water,” I thought and so I did. If I could get to that town I knew fairly well, I could There are several towns along Route 9 that I have find where I needed to go. So I made the left turn gotten to know pretty well over the last seven years of and hoped something recognizable would appear. living in Connecticut. But I wanted to find somewhere I could feel myself making excuses. I was starting to panic (what was I thinking heading new. I decided on Exit 7, Haddam. Off the exit I went off with just thirty minutes to spare?); still there were Wanting something different north on Route 154 and kept driving. It’s hard to know rich discoveries all around. A big old Victorian house exactly what you’re looking for when the goal is to get but afraid of change. selling lawn furniture and antiques, a flag store and a lost. But about ten minutes into windy country roads a beautiful picnic spot overlooking a pond. What I had sign for Haddam Meadows State Park caught my eye. happened on was not exactly a destination but worth The path into the park was barely paved and at discovering nonetheless. first I thought we were the only ones there. It was after all mid-day on a Friday. But Sure enough, at the next intersection, I saw a familiar strip mall. I knew right where as I made my way around a grassy loop, I quickly came upon three school buses and I was, hopped on the highway and quickly (perhaps a little too quickly!) made my way scores of middle school aged kids having lunch. I drove past the buses until I saw a to my son’s preschool. I was seven minutes late. But somehow, there was still someone picturesque spot overlooking the Connecticut River with two picnic tables. I pulled in, in line. Phew! Made it. shut off the car and rolled down the windows. Will was sleeping so peacefully it didn’t As we made our way home, I couldn’t help but think of my little adventure and seem fair to wake him up. But within minutes he was stirring. about the approaching summer. “Are we lost, Momma?” he asked as though lost was a destination. What If “Yes” I answered “We’re in Haddam by the Connecticut River. Want to go for a walk?” He unbuckled, not saying a word and followed me toward the bank and sat down on I’ve always preferred the hopeful nature of spring and the melancholy turn of fall to one of the table benches. “It’s pretty here” he said. I thought about how lucky I was to the intensity of winter and the pressure of summer. Every year when tulips retreat and be on this silly adventure with my five year old, who despite his initial reluctance, now sporadic sunny days turn to five day forecasts full of heat indexes and top ten ratings, seemed up for the ride. I get the sudden urge to climb the apple trees of my youth, hoping to hideaway, if only for a few minutes to escape the expectation of the budding season. Not far from the table where we sat, there was a trail opening. I paused for a second. I am not always at ease in nature. And I have never really understood why, especially Family and friends call to make plans for cookouts and weekends away. The since I grew up in Upstate NY, surrounded by lakes and trees. neighborhood pool club bustles with eager members preparing the stage for swim meets and long afternoons spent chasing toddlers in the kiddy pool. And the clock “Why don’t we check out some of the wildflowers on that trail” I said, camera in begins. Tick, tick, tick. hand. Will followed and almost immediately said “Look at those, I’ll take a picture of them.” He crouched down squinting in his photographer pose and snapped a picture Are all the beds weeded and mulched? Are the kids finally learning to really of a clump of white sprawling daisy-like flowers. We both admired the picture, as he swim? Are they spending enough time outside? Have they spent more time reading grinned from ear to ear. than watching TV? Have we made all the plans to see family and friends before the back-to-school catalogs arrive? Are we enjoying our (big pause) summer?
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16 Inner Tapestry Aug/Sept 2010
17 We continued walking. It was nothing short of glorious, my little adventurer and me walking along the bank of the Connecticut River. On the edge of summer.
Thankful
Holly Howley is a freelance writer who lives in Glastonbury, Connecticut. She writes on a variety of topics including work-life balance issues and the adventures of being mom. She also leads the Idea Workshop, a workshop for people interested in exploring their creative process and ideas. For more information, Holly can be reached at hollyhowley@cox.net.
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After some time passed, I decided it was time to get back in the car and find the next destination. I was thinking maybe ice cream. Determined to cover new ground, I turned right out of the park entrance, away from the way we’d come. We passed one serene sight after another. It was as if we were in the opening scene of a movie about a tucked away New England town. As each intersection came upon us, I had stopped questioning which way to go, the car drove as if on auto-pilot and except for an occasional glance at the clock, I was oblivious and loving it. I even took special care not to turn on the news, as I always do, while driving. Silence seemed the appropriate score. “Of course,” I thought as a large white historic looking gazebo appeared in the middle of a fork in the road. This intersection was a little trickier than recent others. I could feel us getting deeper and deeper into a residential section of town. And then I saw it. A sign that read “Thankful Arnold House Museum.” I followed the sign’s cues, compelled by the curious nature of the name. As we made our way through one country twist after another, I realized that somewhere I’d gone wrong. For a second I thought my mind had concocted the marker. A possible mirage of sorts given my adventurous state of mind. As I turned the car around trying to figure which way next, there it was. A long petite colonial mustard colored house that looked like it once was in the heart of something. A square sign with black writing blew in the breeze, noting the storied significance of the structure. I pulled into the little driveway and parked next to a perfectly tended garden with a wooden trellis. We walked through the garden path to the back door and opened it slowly. The room was dark but inviting. Small displays were set up on tables. “Hello” the greeter said rising from a basement staircase, seeming surprised to have a visitor. “Hi, we saw your sign and decided to come in” I said almost defensively. “What kind of tour would you like, the quick one or the full?” Our host asked. At first I thought the question was kind of funny, since the Museum appeared quite small. But then she gave Will a smile and handed him a basket of olden day toys and I realized she probably didn’t have a lot of five year old patrons. Still, he was curious and she was very gracious as we made our way through the rooms. We learned of Thankful Arnold, a widow with twelve children who took in boarders after her husband died to pay off his debts. The house was turned into a Museum in 1965, by descendants of Thankful as a tribute to her everyday triumphs and to the historic nature of the house. The rooms were set up as they would have been in 1825. Will was particularly mesmerized by where the boys in the family slept—in the attic on straw. I could see his level of appreciation for his own accommodations rise tenfold as he leaned on the bed in disbelief. As we finished our tour, I casually asked, “The name Thankful, was that a nickname?” “No, in those days girls were named after traits their parents hoped they would possess.” She pointed to a list of other common names of the day sitting on a desk to my left. Submit, Obedience, Relief, Mindwell, Consider, Freelove, and Silence were all on the list. I shuddered at the thought of having a single desired trait thrust upon a person for their whole life in the form of a name, especially one like Submit or Obedience. And then I looked at my Will. The meaning of his name was a big part of its appeal as my husband and I had wrestled with baby name possibilities. We hoped our little man would have a strong and determined will, and he did. Thankful. That’s what I was feeling as we said goodbye to our tour guide and headed back to the car through the garden. It was time to get home. It would be hard to describe our lost day at dinner. Walking in a meadow by the Connecticut River. Happening on a quirky little museum paying tribute to a mother of twelve who took in boarders to pay the rent. Finding the will to get in the car in the first place. After all, there was still laundry and dinner and errands to run. But as we wound our way back through the now familiar country roads, I could feel summer. And it was the beginning. We had a whole season in front of us to get lost. I could hardly wait to see what we might find.
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t he 2 1 s t c e n tur y b oh em i a n
Applying Wisdom of the Past to an Emerging Future: A Conversation with Angeles Arrien – Part Two by Teresa Piccari
“So maybe the three golden keys of our time – the development of compassion, hope and truth – is what will break the polarity between the evolutionary and the de-evolutionary forces at this time.” ...Cultural Anthropologist Angeles Arrien Welcome to part two of my interview with author and cultural anthropologist, Angeles Arrien, Ph.D. To read part one, please visit www.InnerTapestry.org. We left off talking about what we as a culture can learn from the shadows currently being revealed in the extreme and how we can effect positive change. TP: How about the role and work of artists, writers and other creatives?
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AA: I think art, just the definition of art, is bringing many different pieces together to create a greater whole. I think we’re in a time also, where we need to bring many different things together to create a greater whole. We cannot stay factionalized. It’s an exciting time because there’s a lot of opportunity and possibility available. Somebody asked former Czech President Vaclav Havel, ‘Are you an optimist or a pessimist about our times?’ and he said, ‘Well I’m really not an optimist because I don’t believe everything is going to totally work out positively. And I’m really not a pessimist because I don’t believe everything is going to be awful. I do spend a lot of time cultivating hope in my heart. It’s the only antidote against cynicism, fear, apathy and malaise.’ And that’s also one of the keys left at the bottom of Pandora’s box. Compassion, hope and truth, or honesty. If I’m a person who’s highly critical and judgmental, I have compassion work to do. If I’m highly cynical and have apathy and fear – I have work to do around the cultivation of hope. If I’m a person who is constantly comparing or competing – I have a lot of work to do around reclaiming the authentic self. TP: What do you think about the ideas of the new physics, that we’re nearing zero-point, a time of co-creation? AA: We are. I think it’s exciting. If we can harness all the energy that goes to chronic complaining and evaluation and criticality – and instead become solution-oriented. After 9/11 I had so many people come to my website upset about what had happened. I printed out one thousand pages and went through them to see if there were any creative solutions. People were reactive and complaining.Out of a thousand pages, there were thirteen pages of creative solutions or possibilities of what we could do. And I think that’s the energy that we are aiming to harness right now. Asking how can we be a creative unifying force in the world, rather than constantly pointing out what’s not working but not bringing forward solutions. TP: There’s a rich tradition of looking to the Eastern cultures for spiritual leadership. You often look to another place. AA: Not really. I love the East, West. As comparisons, I also love the North, South. The great cradle of all the great religious traditions of the world, or spiritual traditions of the world, have come out of the East and have spread around the world. Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Taoism, Confucianism, have all come out of the East. And three of the great traditions have come out of the Middle East – Christianity, Judaism and Islam. And then there’s what are considered the perennial wisdoms or indigenous wisdoms that come out of all the spiritual traditions. Those are the ones that have captured my imagination. Each of the deep spiritual traditions of the world carry a neat, mystical root. TP: The ones you call perennial indigenous are? AA: Well perennial wisdom is not only found in indigenous but also in the religious, spiritual traditions. Perennial wisdoms have long sustainability, those that have sustained themselves over 2,000 years. Really the heart of my work has been taking 18 Inner Tapestry Aug/Sept 2010
a look at what are the universals we share as a human species? And that involves perennial wisdoms. What are the human values that sustain, that come through the spiritual traditions and the indigenous wisdoms? And where are the points of unity regardless of family tradition or cultural imprint? So, I’ve looked in both of those two great rivers. I’ve specialized in indigenous wisdoms but I’ve also specialized in comparative religions. And where they connect, through the perennial wisdoms, is valuing love and forgiveness, a high respect for life and the Earth and all living things. TP: When we look at our Western culture, what are some of the gifts or wisdom we don’t naturally embrace as they do in other cultures - that maybe we’re missing? AA: We happen to be the youngest culture in the world. With the grandparent cultures of China, India, the Indian indigenous wisdom, and the Middle East. And the parents are Europe and Russia and we’re the youngest culture in the world. We’re barely 200 years old. And we’re the only culture in the world that has that horrific honor of having the highest suicide rate between our teens and our elders. We are an ageist culture and we don’t have inter-generational bridging. Where every other culture of the world honors their youth and their elders. They don’t put their elders away in waiting stations and they involve their youth so their youth don’t have to initiate themselves into gangs in order to feel like they have value and that they can make some kind of contribution in a negative way. So we have a lot of work to do. And yet, at the same time, we are the most diverse culture and we are the most creative culture in the world. And in many ways, considered the wealthiest culture in the world even though one out of eight of our children here are starving, which is amoral. TP: So being the most diverse, creative and wealthiest, are the up sides of our culture. How are we the most creative? AA: Well, we have more freedom. We’re the most creative in that we have more disciplines available. We have more professions available. We have more job opportunities available. Our creativity and mythos are based on self-sufficiency, independence and freedom. And so that allows for a lot of creativity. And the greatest experiment that is going on in our culture is around diversity. How do we handle diversity? We have more of it than anywhere else. A diverse group - whether it’s a community, an organization or a team - is going to have more creativity come out of it because there are more creative solutions or different ways of seeing possibilities, different ways of approaching things. TP: How can we apply myth to understand what is going on in the world? AA: I think it’s very interesting to take a look at what is universal in all the myths. Every culture in the world has what I call the salvation myths, of the second coming of the Messiah. And every culture has the apocalyptic myth of the end of the world or destruction. But every culture also has what are called the creation myths. There’s not a culture in the world that doesn’t have a creation myth of how they came to be. How they created new possibilities or new worlds and how people could live and be together. It would be good for people to take a look at those creation myths. And every culture of the world has the Pandora Myth and Pandora can be man or a creature. All the gods and goddesses of the world got together and decided to create a creature that had both divine and very human qualities. Then they decided this creature could bring their gifts of leadership, love, the hearth and home, into the world while staying connected to their divine nature. But they wanted to give them a task. And something they were not permitted to do, and in each case they were given a vase or a treasure box, was to open it. But when a creature has divine qualities and is also intelligent, the temptation of curiosity becomes overwhelming. So eventually, the box or the vase is opened and out come all the troubles, ills and evils of the world. In each case something is overlooked at the bottom of the box or jar.
19 And I think this is the myth that we’re currently working with at this time. All our talents and gifts have been released into the world. But so have all the evils, ills and temptations. The devil and the de-evolutionary forces are neck and neck at this time in history. And what’s been overlooked at the bottom of the jar in the East is compassion. In the West what’s overlooked is hope. Our indigenous or island peoples of the world have overlooked truth. So maybe the three golden keys of our time – the development of compassion, hope and truth – is what will break the polarity between the evolutionary and the de-evolutionary forces at this time.
AA: I think when he says follow your bliss – it’s another way of saying follow what has heart and meaning. If we really follow what has heart and meaning for us, it will not fail us.
That’s an example of a myth being timely and how it can be of use to an individual or collective. So it’s interesting at the same time there’s a real juxtaposition in our culture and in the world around all the evils and ills appearing. The consequences of greed, the economic downturn, and the consequences of so much being revealed about the unhealthy masculine and the unhealthy feminine who feel that they are above the law. The material and physical addictions.
AA: I’m very excited about the possibilities. I’m really in that place of hopefulness. I think there’s a great opportunity and aperture or opening for enormous creativity. The great vision I hope to see manifest in my lifetime, and I am certainly going to do everything I can to plant a seed for it, is that every person in the world has shelter and food, and access to medicine and education.
TP: If we look at this period from the perspective of a Hero’s or Heroine’s Journey, where are we? AA: There are really five stages of the Hero’s Journey – the Call, there’s the Search, the Struggle, there’s the Breakthrough and there’s a Return. And I think that we’re on the cusp between the Struggle and the Breakthrough. TP: What about Joseph Campbell’s work and his thoughts on following our bliss. Is that something you think we should strive for?
TP: You believe that? AA: I do. What makes me happy, you know? Why should I tolerate being unhappy? TP: What word would you use to describe your state of mind about this particular time?
Visit Angeles Arrien online at www.AngelesArrien.com. © 2010 Teresa Piccari
Teresa Piccari is a writer and teacher living in coastal Maine. She is the proprietor of The Village Scribe, a professional writing and editing business, at The Wellness Center in Camden, Maine at 71 Elm St. She teaches writing workshops, including Memoir, Creative Writing and Mythic Structure, and leads the monthly Ducktrap Writers’ Round Table on third Sundays at the Camden Public Library. Contact Teresa at The21sCenturyBohemian@hotmail.com or (207) 344-7070.
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Resonating with the Elements By Silla Von Faulk Trueworthy CRTh, RMT, LMT
In the context of the modalities that I practice the five elements are known as Earth, Fire, Water, Wind and Storm.
appreciate the “middle of the road” and learns to avoid the drama of extremes. It is when one is “out of balance” that one becomes ungrounded and life’s ups and downs can throw one for a loop. Why would one want to resonate with the Elements? Each Element is empirically said to govern or influence various aspects of life. When one feels out of balance or weakened, resonating with (or attuning to) the various elemental energies may help one to feel more grounded, calmed, focused, enlivened, energized or stabilized. Resonating with the Elements may help to shift one’s perspective and allow one to move beyond one’s blind spots. We can all use a change in perspective every now and again! The following is an abbreviated introduction to the areas of Elemental governance.
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Metaphysically speaking, resonance is the means by which information is transmitted and received from the physical to non-physical realms. It is the “cosmic communication system” by which the transmission of data, energy frequencies, and other information, between fundamental particles and non-physical energies, is communicated. It is also the means by which all vibrational healing is accomplished and psychic information is acquired. There are probably as many ways as there are people on the planet to connect with the Elements and each of us is equally empowered to do so. Moving into conscious resonance with The Earth Element governs all things that the Elements is as simple as one chooses it to support one’s physicality and survival. The Earth be. Certainly ritual has its place but it is most Element’s influence can be felt in one’s family important to honor the Elements in a way that one structure; home environment; relationships with feels is authentic. one’s immediate and extended family members I love gardening and digging in the dirt and I find and friends; one’s work environment and one’s it a comforting and grounding way to resonate with relationships with co-workers, as well as, one’s the Earth Element but I also use various meditations place or standing in one’s community at large. and tools such as crystals and stones, power objects One’s general health and physical wellness (diet and totems to connect with or “call in” the energy of and exercise etc.) also falls under the governance the various Elements. of the Earth Element. In the physical body the Who doesn’t love a sunny day? Some like to bask denser tissues and the skeletal system represent in the sun working on their tan while others sit the Earth Element. back and relax in the shade with a cool drink and The Fire Element governs “energy dynamics” a good book. Either way the sun’s warmth has a including one’s vitality and the flow of energy relaxing effect on both the muscles and the mind throughout the physical and energetic bodies; one’s and soaking up some rays is a good way to connect will and one’s personal ability to take appropriate with the Fire Element. Watching a crackling fire Watching a crackling fire action (response-ability); one’s manifestation while one’s imagination forms images from the while one's imagination forms images capabilities (how one uses one’s energy to take flames as they leap and spark is another effective action to manifest in the worldly plane); the from the flames as they leap and spark way to resonate with, and experience the influence integration of the emotions of fear and anger; one’s of the Fire Element. is another effective way to resonate with and reproductive, digestive and endocrine systems; and As I write, it is raining softly. Going for a short experience the influence of the Fire Element. one’s creativity or artistic tendencies. The polarity walk in the rain is not only a great way to fit in a aspect of the Fire Element is expressed as creation and destruction. little exercise but it is also an opportunity to resonate with the Water Element. One can also look forward to the added benefit of being exposed to the natural lithium The Water Element governs one’s emotions; intuition and empathy; ability that rain water contains. A walk along the beach in the surf has a similar but different to clearly communicate one’s feelings and personal truth; one’s ability to set effect. appropriate emotional boundaries, and one’s intimate, love relationships. On the A fresh spring breeze foretells of milder weather to come especially after winter has physical level the Water Element governs the body’s fluid systems (i.e. blood & had its way and of course “dogs love trucks” and the wind in their whiskers. Some may lymph). prefer connecting with the Wind Element in the form of sailing while others find their The Wind Element governs one’s mental acuity and ability to clearly communicate connection in the rush of wind on their face on the back of a Harley. Meditating on one’s thoughts and ideas; one’s psychic abilities (visions and telepathic experiences); one’s breath is an ancient practice and it is a prime example of resonating with the and one’s spiritual connection and ability to communicate with one’s Higher Self and Wind Element’s spiritual aspects. Wind is also the element through which we gain Spirit Guides. On the physical level the Wind Element governs the body’s respiratory psychic information. One of my favorite ways to bring the Wind Element more into system and gaseous processes. focus is by cloud watching while imagining shapes of things within the clouds. To The Storm Element isn’t actually an element at all. It is the embodiment of the me cloud watching is somewhat like scrying as it may afford one insight to what lies moment of balance between creation and destruction. Storm existed as a primordial beneath the surface of one’s mind. force before Earth, Fire, Water, and Wind separated and became individual elements. I just love the crash, bang, and boom of a good old fashioned thunder storm! I love Storm is not only the result of the synergy of all of the other four elements it is also to watch the lightening slash across the sky brightening up the skyscape (and, yes, I the source from which these elements have sprung. Storm is more of “an event in am a big fan of the Weather Channel’s “Storm Stories”). Have you ever noticed the time” when all of the other elements are at the apex of their power simultaneously prominence of negative ions in the air after a storm? The air seems so much cleaner which creates the needed synergy for massive movement, dynamic balancing, and the and crisper after a good, hard rain! resulting major changes and shifts in perspective that are needed to bring about radical When one is experiencing being “on their game”; “on top of the world”; or “in transformation and harmonious balance. It is through resonance with Storm that their element” (pun intended!) one could be said to be in resonance with the Storm one is afforded an opportunity to radically transform any aspect of one’s life. Storm’s Element and its aspects of dynamic balance. To me there is no better feeling than influence is extremely cathartic and purifying. Every system of the body falls under the simply experiencing balance in my daily life. When one’s daily life is in balance one is influence of Storm but the connective tissue and the nervous system are particularly better able to cope with all of the unexpected challenges that life sometimes throws resonates with this element. one’s way. The calm center at the “eye of the storm” (yet another pun) can indeed be an empowering place! It is from this place of higher perspective that one learns to 20 Inner Tapestry Aug/Sept 2010
21 The various elements also influence one another. •
Some elemental forces are supportive of each other and manifest as either stabilizing (calming = Magnetic) or energizing (stimulating = Frequency) energies. Other elemental forces are known as polarities because they are on the opposite ends of the energetic spectrum and they directly counter (balance) each other’s energy and define a spectrum of energy. Note: Earth stabilizes/calms all of the other elements and Wind energizes/ stimulates all of the other elements.
For example the application of “Earth to Water” is excellent when one is experiencing feeling emotionally overwhelmed. Earth is calming and stabilizing to Water. This combination is effective for grounding any excessive emotional energy (Water imbalance). If one regularly practices consciously attuning to the various Elements one will undoubtedly become aware of changes related to the corresponding aspects of one’s life. The Elemental forces of Nature are reflected in the wide range of frequencies that are available to us through the crystal and mineral kingdom. Crystals and stones make excellent tools to use for assistance with attuning to their associated elements because crystals and stones carry electromagnetic frequencies that vibrate in resonance with the Earth’s electromagnetic field. These frequencies may be used to attempt to restore balance to the human system via resonance. The crystal and mineral kingdom carries 109 different chemical frequencies ranging from very low to very high. Our human bodies are made up of these same chemical frequencies. Some of these frequencies are more specific to the physical (low) aspects of being while others are keyed to the emotional, mental, energetic or spiritual aspects (high).
vibrations via resonance with the stones. Once the stones are removed from the human energy field, their effect is no longer felt. However the chemical changes that have been initiated by their presence will continue the chain reaction of attempting to bring the body back into balance. Crystals and stones can also be placed on one’s altar to represent an element, held during element specific meditations, used in elemental grids, applied in arrays during on the body layouts, worn in jewelry, carried in a pocket or placed in a medicine bag and carried on one’s person. When placed under one’s pillow with conscious intent they can also assist one with resonance during the dream state, astral travel or other inter-dimensional journeying. Silla is a graduate of Naisha Ahsian’s Crystalis Institute and is certified as a Crystal Resonance Therapist (CRTh) and an Elemental Shaman. She maintains a private therapeutic massage and energy based bodywork practice, BodyKneads & Energetics, in Scarborough, Maine. Silla is also the creator of “Elemental Adornments,” jewelry with a purpose. Contact Silla at (207) 883-1440 or silla@wiseone.zzn.com for more information.
References: The Book of Stones (Who They Are & What They Teach) co-authored by Robert Simmons & Naisha Ahsian with contributions by Hazel Raven ©2005, 2007 & The Crystal Ally Cards (The Crystal Path to Self Knowledge) by Naisha Ahsian © 1995 This information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. The author does not advocate the use of stones as a substitute for medical or psychological care. Appropriate use of the following information is the express responsibility of the reader.
The following list offers a brief introduction to a few of my favorite* stones and some of their elemental traits. (*Of course they are ALL my favorites!) Earth Element stones: black tourmaline, jet, golden sheen obsidian, hematite, petrified wood and smoky quartz. These Earth stones may be applied for their calming; nurturing; protective; purifying; and grounding qualities. Earth stones have a tendency to be more resonant with the Earth’s magnetic energies.
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Fire Element stones: citrine, malachite, fire agate, carnelian, orange calcite, and opaque pink calcite. Many Fire stones are associated with the qualities of self confidence; creativity/manifestation; will power; self control; vitality; sexuality/fertility/life force energy; balanced metabolic function; and “response-ability.” Fire stones have a tendency to be more resonant with the frequency end of the electromagnetic energy spectrum and will activate like frequencies in the body.
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Water Element stones: aquamarine (and blue beryl), rose quartz, blue lace agate, lemon chrysoprase and pink kunzite. Some of the traits associated with Water stones include calming; soothing; cleansing; balancing; enhanced emotional expression; setting emotional boundaries; grief processing; countering depression and fears; heightened intuition; and attracting love.
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Wind Element stones: amethyst, celestite, labradorite, apatite, moonstone, and fluorites. Wind stones are all about connecting to and communicating with one’s Higher Self and connecting with the more spiritual aspects on one’s nature. They are stimulating to the higher mind and are said to be psychoactive. They increase one’s mental focus and acuity; one’s ability to clearly express one’s thoughts and ideas; and one’s psychic and visionary capabilities.
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Storm Element stones: clear quartz, kyanite, covellite, Shiva lingam, herderite, and moldavite. Key words for Storm Element stones are transformation and transmutation. These stones can help to initiate dynamic balance and shifts in perspective allowing one to see the heretofore unseen. They cause massive movement in areas of blockage and can assist one in moving beyond one’s self-limiting beliefs and any old programming that no longer serves one’s highest good!
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Once the vibrations of the stones have been introduced to the human energy field through proximity then a shift begins to occur. Thus begins the feedback loop that allows the body to attempt to correct any perceived imbalances. This shift is actualized through the body’s natural biochemical responses to the electromagnetic stimuli from the stones. When the electromagnetic signatures of the stones travel to the brain via the nervous system, the information transferred causes the brain to react in a way as if actual chemical compounds from the stones have been physically introduced to the body. This causes the brain to believe that it has the “working materials” to attempt to self-correct any related imbalances by drawing the needed
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Enjoy reading this issue of Inner Tapestry! Aug/Sept 2010 Inner Tapestry 21
22
d estina tio n h e al i n g ~ s ou t h e r n n ew en g l a n d
by Karen M. Rider “I’m not so interested in selling art as I am in creating it and awakening artistic potential in others. I enjoy observing how people unfold from within through art.”
...Shannon Peterson
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When Shannon Peterson described her work to me in this way, I knew our paths had crossed for a reason. Art, in particular illustration and watercolor painting, has always intrigued me. I’m in awe of the creative power a person can yield with a pen or a brush. From my earliest attempts in childhood to the occasional Adult Ed class, I’ve never been able to draw or paint (or even copy) without it looking like a bad caricature. Maybe it was the instruction. Maybe my expectations were too high. Maybe I was too serious. Maybe I just wasn’t an artist! It’s been years since I have attempted to create anything other than stories. In fact, I cringe when my four-year old daughter asks me to draw anything, be it flowers or fairies. You can guess my surprise when I saw “learn to paint with watercolor” on the most recent version of my Awaken Your Potential Life List — a.k.a. The Bucket List. A few days later, as if on cue, I parked my car right in front of Watercolor Creations, LLC, located on Main Street in my new hometown of Cromwell, Connecticut.Interesting, I thought to myself. The sign flashed ‘closed;’ a flyer in the window described classes and up-coming events. Flash forward a few months and I am sitting in Shannon Peterson’s studio for a workshop called, “The Properties of Watercolor Paint.” Every one of the nine women in the workshop tell me that painting with Shannon is “wonderful therapy.” Some of the women are here to brush off stress from work or to cope with a traumatic loss or illness. They all describe her as patient, kind, and committed to the individual student. “She doesn’t rush you. She’s always in tune with you, your needs and your experience. She never makes teaching about her or her own paintings,” stated Italia Giacco, a former librarian of twenty-one years, “and that’s rare for an artist as amazing as Shannon.” Italia has been painting with Shannon for four years. Her paintings remind me of the work of Thomas Kincaid. Early Inspiration Shannon’s quaint art studio is located in the historic section of Cromwell, Connecticut, where she grew-up. As a child, Shannon had a passion for all art. She still has drawings and paintings she created during early school-age years. By age ten, under the tutelage of a friend’s mother, Shannon was taking watercolor classes on a regular basis. “This woman was a wonderful watercolorist. I went to her house once a week, where she gave me private lessons for a number of years. I remember looking forward to this time so much!” Even though she’s been painting for twenty-five years, it is remarkable she has never undertaken formal study of the arts or even painting. “Painting has always been a part of me. I never saw painting as anything other than an expression of who I am. I suppose my learning of the master works happened vicariously, through time spent at museums, reading and taking classes with various instructors throughout the state of Connecticut.” She has taken classes from various instructors including John Ashton, Tom Lynch, and Linda Kemp. “I really enjoyed Tom Lynch’s instruction. He’s internationally known. His work has been shown across the country. He has a very loose, vibrant style that inspired me to go brighter with my own work.” Shannon admits to a love of Monet, VanGoh and Renoir. She has the greatest respect for Georgia O’Keefe’s ability to capture light and contrasting shadows against vibrant color and detail, a technique reflected in Shannon’s floral and landscape paintings. 22 Inner Tapestry Aug/Sept 2010
I wondered, how does one so creatively gifted choose to not pursue a career as a professional artist? A Painter Becomes an Accountant?! “I made the decision to go to college for business rather than art, and graduated from Bryant College in Rhode Island with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting in 1998. I went on to get my MBA in business from the University of Massachusetts in 2003.” For ten years, Shannon worked full time as an Accounting Supervisor at Pratt and Whitney. “I was fortunate to be skilled at math as well as art. It was a safe route—accounting virtually guaranteed I’d be gainfully employed. Studying only art could not provide that. Even though Shannon loved math and numbers—and even enjoyed accounting—the job brought a lot of stress into her life. For several years, she had little time and less energy to do any painting. The voice of regret kept sneaking into her head.
“I missed being able to express my creative side, and felt I would regret not doing something with my talent and my love for art,” she admits. Regret and frustration about the lack of watercolor instruction available in her local communities, Shannon decided to shift her career back toward painting. In January 2005, I decided I couldn’t deny my love for painting and especially watercolor, any longer. It was like denying a part of my Self.” A True Talent Can Not be Denied Flash forward a few months and Shannon opens the doors to Watercolor Creations. How did she manifest her dream? “I discussed a plan with my spouse. He was supportive. I didn’t completely leave the accounting job. I cut back my hours, gradually. I still work at Pratt part time, putting in twenty-one hours per week. “I experience so much joy being able to share my passion for watercolors with students. I could not be happier with the decision to follow my dream.” Step into Watercolor Creations Now, Shannon spends most of her time teaching classes out of the Cromwell studio. She teaches both adult and children (age seven and up). There are several unique aspects to painting at Shannon’s studio. First, there is no long-term commitment for classes. Students pay weekly, can stop and start as their schedule permits. Shannon believes in working with students according to their skill, needs and interests—including time. “Most people tend to come weekly anyway, for two hour sessions. A few will come twice a week. When they need to take a break—whatever the reason—students don’t have to worry about make-up classes or refunds.” At the workshop I attended, I was in the company of ten women with varying levels of experience in art, let
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t h e w ay o f lif e - its e l f Inner Landscape, Integrity And Wow What A Reality? by Skye Hirst, Ph.D.
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here’s a realm of wonder, mystery, energy, infinites of infinite creative possibilities. It’s a inner landscape where value processes are constantly forming and mixing, changing as we navigate our uniquely creative way through life. We each are unique and within each of us is an inner landscape, an inner tapestry formed of our identity, our experience and our particular value lens that combines to give us what I call our value intelligence, our VIQ. It guides us as we act, finds effective actions for ourselves in different contexts as we live and find our way. What I’ve been learning over the years is just how unique we each are at this inner landscape level. Norm has helped me discover through life as creative organisms philosophy (www.autognomics.org/What-is-Life-Part-I.html ) that a reality exists unlike anything we collectively talk about, yet we create it moment by moment. It’s our own very private world-view and intelligence from which we feel our way.
Being a living organism comes with its own laws for functioning as we are finding out. Acting in ways that get our needs met may be learned from those around us for a while, but most likely it comes from our own inner trial and error working from this inner landscape of “felt senses.” It’s like a soup of value resonances that get mixed and combined until we “feel” it’s right and then we act from that sense however right or wrong it may be for someone else. Where does this process come from? Philosopher, Robert S. Hartman discovered it in the 1950s when he asked the question, what does good mean and developed the Hartman Value Profile to help each individual access their inner landscape of what good means to them at any given moment. In 1978 Eugene Gendlin introduced us to the concept of a “felt sense” in his book. Focusing is a way we could access our inner landscape. A psycho-therapist named David Grove, worked with this inner reality of children suffering from post traumatic stress. He discovered a whole world of rich detailed images coming out of trapped “felt senses” in that landscape that could be accessed and freed without the need to relive the horror of the trauma.
It is my belief that each individual is so individual we cannot even imagine it. We are changing and evolving creatures. We create ourselves (www. autognomics.org/Beyond-The-Thing-World-Is-LivingWe are creatures born to create Reality-and-Meaning.html) and out of this creative and create and originate process we contribute what is ours uniquely to our living process... contribute. Consider psychiatry today being faced with all this complexity they cannot even fathom except to In living processes within each of us human organism is a call on categories generated by pharmacies in which they must find a niche reality beyond words, beyond things, outside what we share in common conversation. and then medicate accordingly. Think of educators who are force-feeding It’s more like energy, chi energy and it obeys its own set of living process laws. children “facts” to memorize to be tested on -facts, that in and of themselves, I like what Pema Chodron says in her book When Things Fall Apart... ”We don’t provide the individual nothing but passive data, no meaning. Then what of our know anything. We call something bad; we call it good. But really we just don’t business models of planning strategies that never can be utilized because life know.” We bring meaning to what happens in our lives, but our integrity comes unfolds quite unexpectedly unlike anything previously experienced. when we have acted from this inner landscape awareness of what we’ve experienced We are creatures born to create and create and originate our living process as needed for the situations and conditions we find ourselves. We are not fixed. There is nothing fixed in nature and yet today’s world is bound up in materialistic notions of reality that lock us up and take away from the awareness of this glorious freedom of life creating anew through each of us. Institutions of religion, business, education, health-care and so on, all too often beat our originality out of us. I recently heard of a business that told their workers they could not go to the bathroom on company time. They had to do it on their breaks or lunch-time. So let’s go slow for a moment and “feel” our way on this topic. Inner landscape—yours. You may not know of this realm because you haven’t had any way of accessing it consciously. But consider, how did you learn to walk, talk? Did anyone get inside you or outside you to make all your bones, muscles and will come together to take that first step? Perhaps there was encouragement yes, but there was a realm from which we “sensed” within that we were ready to take that step. Ok, consider that you are thirsty. You reach for something to drink. It satisfies something in you that says, “that was an effective action.” You move on to other activities. How did you know you were thirsty? How do you know you are no longer thirsty? You see, there is a reference point within us that we’ve developed against which we know what we know as right action for us. Yes, there are many reference points and sometimes they conflict when we are trying to make a decision about what action to take. As children we taste, smell, feel everything that comes into our reach ability, and we grow our experience with the world in which we are living at the time. Mom comes along and gives a name for these “felt senses.” Early on, we have preferences and proclivities that seem to be active from birth.
as good or bad, what led us to know something no one else knows because it is truly our experience alone. That we share many common “felt senses” like what the one-year-old babies know about bad and good behavior is perhaps a good place to begin recognizing just how amazing we organisms are. How we each pull together the infinite of infinite inner relational felt senses seems perhaps more like a miracle at this time since we are only first beginning to recognize and work with this inner landscape of what I call a value intelligence, a VIQ. What is this potential that lies within each of us human beings? It’s the meaning we give to what’s happening or not happening, meaning formed from infinite of infinite inner felt sense relationships. We cannot know these in an isolated way. It’s that intersection of value processes where we create the meaning and experience integrity (to be continued in next article). Norm was sitting watching me play a game of gin rummy with a friend and when I kept losing, he said, intend the cards you need and see what happens. Well I won the next three hands. What happened? Did I just become more focused and attentive or did my holding the space for the intention bring about a magic shift in the cards so the very card I needed would appear? You may call this all kinds of things, but there is a reality revealing herself that just may knock our socks off. OOOh, where did that expression come from?
Skye Hirst, Ph.D. provides executive and personal coaching and writes a blog on www.autognomics.org. Skye’s blog on life with Norm, her husband and partner, lessons and challenges of learning about living and loving together. Norm and Skye are co-founders of The Autognomics Institute and continue together to do research on life as creative organisms, bringing their insights on creative processes to audiences and new leaders for the emerging shifting living consciousness. skyeh@autognomics.org Aug/Sept 2010 Inner Tapestry 23
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Due to the last 20 to 30 years of emergent insights about living processes, organisms and organismic laws, it is my belief that something is being discovered unlike anything we’ve thought or known about how we human beings function, form world-views and find effective action. It is not merely a brain process so much as an infinite multitude of events forming and un-forming, making up a whole organism event. And we each can know these events by using our “felt sense” integrity.
There was recently an article in The New York Times Magazine on "The Moral Life of Babies." Can they really tell right from wrong? There we learn that children as young a 1 year old have a “feeling” about what I call the value realm. “Well I feel this way, but I think that way,” we’ll say. How do we resolve these many differences within us? It appears that we draw from all our experience of what we have found was “good” to us, what we “felt” was good for us. However, here comes the kicker. Who says this or that is good for us? Some people take their guides from what others have told them for a while, but eventually they will try to find the meaning for themselves or become very cranky.
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Re-Creating Perfection by Elfeya Hoopes
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here’s a song by Aussie band Axiom called “Little Ray of Sunshine.” The song was released around the same time I was born and I’ll never forget my parents telling me how I came into their life just like the song says... a little ray of sunshine. We all come into this world shining our unique ray of raw untapped potential blissing out our parents with our newborn innocence and purity. If only we could take that ray and shine it out in a halo of encircling light, creating bliss and joy in all those around us. Well, I have news for you... We can! We arrived in this world perfect and we continue to exist in a state of perfection. In short, we never stop being perfect. Part of our perfection is in our constant evolution, we are always changing, growing, discovering, we are never static. We hold within us the awesome power of manifestation, that power is available to us all and gives us the ability to re-create ourselves. To fully understand this power we need to be aware of this fact. You can re-create yourself any way you like, but you will never be more perfect than you are right now. It’s easy to forget our perfection as we grow into adults. Life presents us with so many challenges, for you, for me and for every being born into this world. Every stage of our personal evolution has it’s own unique set of challenges. These challenges leave their impression, sculpt and shape us into new form. Bringing forth the idea that we are divine artists, creating and crafting an ever changing scintillating tapestry of interwoven rainbow hues and textures, complete with knots, slubs and loose threads out of a big beautiful, constantly expanding and evolving universe of possibilities. We have arrived in this place to give form to our ultimate creative expression. Our Self. Existing in this now moment is the golden opportunity to re-create yourself exactly as you want to be. All you need to do is expand the space that your mind inhabits and envision your dream. Envision yourself exactly as you want to be, living where and how you want to live. Take a moment to check-in to this dream. Is it really what you want? Is this the true calling of your Heart? Is it possible to achieve in this lifetime? Next, quiet your mind and gently seek out your authentic voice for the answer. You’ll need to get beyond the constant stream of attention-grabbing voices that endlessly swirl around your head. With so many distracting thoughts racing around our mind, it’s no wonder we have difficulty following our heart under certain circumstances. When we focus our attention on all the other voices, the voice of our heart becomes muffled. That’s when we feel confused, depressed, spaced out, stressed out, cranky and unable to make right decisions. Getting out in nature and practicing quietism, a Zen Yoga art of quieting the mind is one way to re-connect with our intuitive self and from there, effectively redirect ourselves back on track again. For whatever reason we loose our self-control, we can always return to a state of grace in any situation by tuning into our authentic voice. What is our authentic voice? It is the voice of your heart, your sovereign self. By sovereign I mean self-governing; highest; paramount; supreme; monarch and absolute ruler. In short, divine self. It is through your own divine guidance that you reach your highest potential. Trust this voice and believe that you are the creator of your reality. Everything that comes into your life is attracted to you by virtue of the images you hold in your mind. You are who, what and where you are now because of what has been placed in your mind. Your health, happiness, appearance, relationships, occupation, home, is all thought-form manifestations. By consciously
choosing your thoughts you can manifest the creative potential in you and thus create your own reality. Remember, we create and become whatever we think of the most, so if we worry excessively about our health, we’ll make ourselves sick in the process; if we focus our thoughts on painful memories or global catastrophes, naturally we’ll become depressed. I’m not suggesting we can avoid feelings of real sadness at times. Feeling sadness or grief is natural when we have lost a loved one or are suffering for a valid reason. Sometimes, we can use these experiences to drive us to take the necessary steps towards a better future. These are some of the challenges I mentioned earlier and we can scarcely avoid them in any lifetime. What we need to do is nurture ourselves with love, compassion and forgiveness, nourish ourselves with breath, movement and as much purity as possible from what we put into our mind and body. This will enable us to heal deep emotional wounding which has embedded itself as dis-ease and disturbance within our emotional and physical bodies, preventing us from owning our power. We need to be conscious of our thoughts and actions at all times to prevent ourselves from developing or following negative habits which create dis-harmony in our lives. We must learn to either close the door on negative thinking or constructively give it a fresh perspective by counting our blessings and appreciating what we have in this moment of precious life. It has a humbling effect that usually puts a different spin on negative behavior. Try it, it works, but don’t be surprised to find you need to practice, really practice for optimum results. When we practice re-focusing our thoughts this way, instead of succumbing to them, we constructively channel our power in its purest form. Shifting to our heart frequency, we shine out that bright ray of sunshine, reflecting and refracting our light in a dazzling array colors and directions, like a Dragonfly’s multifaceted wings darting across a sparkling pond on a Summer's day. I adore Dragonflies, I love their radiant iridescent bodies and the ways their crystal like wings refract the light as they maneuver around things from every angle. They inspire me to shift my perception to see things in a different way, to be open to new possibilities and create positive changes in my life. Be inspired to see your own reality in a new light, realize the potential that exists within you and expand your consciousness into higher frequencies of grace, light and love. Know without a doubt the divine inhabits you and that you your self are divine.
We need to be conscious of our thoughts and actions at all times to prevent ourselves fromdevelopingorfollowingnegative habits which create dis-harmony in our lives.
Elfeya is an Australian born spiritual life-coach whose work mainly involves healing through nature. Her intimate connection with the natural world and the animal kingdom gives her a special insight into the interconnected relationship animals and nature spirits play in our lives. She is a Zen Yoga instructor and has spent years studying and practicing various healing arts including Shamanism in Celtic, Fairy-lore tradition. Elfeya resides between the Gold Coast Hinterland in Australia and the beautiful Green Mountains of Vermont, she and her husband Aaron Hoopes operate a holistic Wellness Centre. A place of serene beauty, offering retreats and classes that bring peace, balance and well-being through the teachings and healing modalities of Zen Yoga, meditation, nature healing, bodywork, tai chi and qigong. For more information visit the Zen Yoga website: www.artofzenyoga.com..
“The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself.” ...Ana Quindlen 26 Inner Tapestry Aug/Sept 2010
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welcom e h o me
ask asrianna Questions and Answers on Relationships, Spirituality and Conscious Living
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Dear Asrianna, I’m in a relationship for the first time in several years after a really painful marriage and divorce. I feel like I’ve spent a long time healing and learning about my spirituality and what I want in a relationship. I really love my boyfriend, but I’m worried because after over a year it’s clear that my goals and his aren’t the same at all. It’s confusing to me because during the time I was alone, I worked really hard to feel good about myself. I’m trying not to regret anything I had to go through in order to be where I am now. I try to see myself as perfect just the way I am, but if I see myself that way, how can I judge what my boyfriend does? And if I unconditionally love him, how can I reconcile the fact that I want marriage and faithfulness and commitment when it seems like he doesn’t want those things? How do I put this all together? Signed, Unconditionally perfect Dear Perfect, We speak about the subjectivity of experience. Part of that subjectivity is due to the many definitions we each give a single word, expression, action or feeling. And there’s no clearer example of this than the thoughtful questioning in your letter. So let us start, first, with the idea of spirituality and, more specifically, your idea of spirituality. You see, I can practically guarantee that if you ask any ten people about their religious background at least one of them will say that they’re “spiritual, but not religious.” Typically that statement means that while they might acknowledge a belief in the numinous, while allowing for an unknowable presence of something larger than themselves, they prefer not to adhere to a particular church doctrine or specific institutional teaching. Quite a few people do so because of personal issues with the idea of judgment, or the feeling that certain laws and requirements are limiting or unjust. There’s absolutely nothing untoward or wrong with being spiritual or religious, and, frankly, the lines between those two labels are typically blurred. What can be problematic is when we call ourselves spiritual and pretend—or overlook—that there are indeed very human needs and feelings that are not only okay, but are healthy. They might be church boundaries and laws about how we treat ourselves and our neighbors, or they might be your own requirements gleaned from personal exploration and spiritual seeking. The truth is that it’s healthy to look out for your needs. Being spiritual does not mean that you present the other cheek on a constant basis even as you know you’ll be slapped over and over again. It doesn’t mean becoming so evolved that you benignly experience unacceptable, hurtful and avoidable behaviors and treatment from loved ones or others. So ask yourself what it means for you to be spiritual? While it may be true that we’re spiritual beings having a human experience, we are, nonetheless, human. This isn’t a minus because being human is truly a spectacular opportunity. There are pleasures and joys, depths of learning and sensing only available to us here, while we’re in these tangible, dense bodies. With all of the challenges and tasks of being upon Mother Earth, at the very deepest level it’s a divine blessing. We’re not asked to overcome our human selves, but to honor them and live a life that includes the sacred within our humanity. And it’s all sacred. Perhaps what you mean when you say you’ve worked on healing and on your spirituality, is that you understand what you need in order to be happy and fulfilled. If so, fantastic! There’s nothing more important to the world than a person who lives a truly fulfilled, passionate, curious, happy, and loving life. And we don’t get there by constantly sacrificing our dreams and hopes on the pyres of other people’s demands and requirements. Being spiritual means, in part, that you pay attention to the very breath of your soul’s longing, that you dig deep to find the jewel at the core of your being, what it is that you are meant to do. As part of your healing and spiritual seeking—at the center of all our spiritual seeking—is the question, “what is my soul’s highest joy?” When
we live from a place of self-love and tenderness, we radiate that very self-same love outward, living a life of grace and service toward ourselves, our unique soul’s path, and toward the true benefit of others. This is where we come to the idea of perfection, to yet another definition. You see, it’s all perfect. Right now. In this moment. Yes, in this moment you are indeed perfect. The Vietnamese Zen master, Thich Nat Hanh, teaches about seeing a beautiful flower in full bloom. He speaks of how when we see that perfect flower we are seeing within it everything. We see the seed before it is planted, how when that perfect seed is within the damp earth it splits and cracks. We might be tempted to say, ah, that is now an imperfect seed! It is no longer whole and unmarred. But from that open seed the sprout appears, pushes through the earth and eventually turns from a perfect seed and tender shoot into the perfection of a flower at the zenith of its growth. Then, eventually, the flower droops, petals fall, the stem bows and it becomes—if you’ve gathered it as a centerpiece on your table—refuse, garbage as Thich Nat Hanh gently says. When we see that rotting bit of plant life, do we see in the complete cycle its perfection? And yet, it’s no less perfect when it becomes compost to nourish the growth of other seeds than when it was at the height of its resplendent glory! We are perfect. We come from the perfection of the Great All in All, God, Goddess, the Great Spirit, whatever the name you choose to give the ineffable life force that created all there is within and without the Universe. Just as an orange grows from the branch of an orange tree and we do not expect an apple to appear upon an olive branch, so from perfection comes perfection. Yet if your definition of perfection is stasis then it will be hard for you to accept or believe in your inherent, perfect nature. You see because we seek perfection as an end goal, we’re unable to ever reach that unattainable pot of gold. We think, I cannot be perfect! I’m not thin enough, wealthy enough, good enough, young enough, or, conversely, mature and wise enough yet! And spoken or unspoken is the thought that if this is perfection, you are consigned to be right where you are now, which for many people is a place of dissatisfaction and unhappiness. Change is unavoidable and constant. Every passing second is new, we’ve never experienced it before, and we’ll never again breathe through the same moment. Understanding your true perfection means realizing the foundation of what you do next is built upon the sturdiness of self-love and self-kindness. You’re not the person you were five years ago, five months ago, five weeks ago, or even five minutes ago. Everything you are now is the sum total of all you’ve experienced and learned. From this moment’s place of perfection you move forward into continued perfection, more fully realized and actualized. When you understand the beauty of your spirit and being, you cannot allow it to be abused or compromised. You cherish it, you protect it and at least part of this nourishment arises from something many think of as quite unspiritual. The idea of conditional love. We can love others unconditionally. This means that at a soul level we honor the spirit and perfection inherent in another. We work to be loving, fair, and kind in our thoughts and actions toward those around us. What it doesn’t mean, however, is allowing ourselves to be mistreated, or to accept a lesser dream because we don’t want to offend or alienate another. You can love your romantic partner, you can honor his perfection and right to unfold as he chooses even as you affirm your needs, your goals, and what it is that a fulfilling, loving, joyful relationship means to you. Indeed, we can fully, unconditionally love someone even as we make a decision to live a separate life from them because their treatment of us is unacceptable.
Being Spiritual means, in part, that
you pay attention
to the very breath of your soul's longing...
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f e ng shui & ge o pa t h ol o g y
When Babies Don't Sleep by Werner Brandmaier
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Later, the family shared some feedback with me. The morning after my consult, which was a Sunday, my client met with the neighboring dad from the other side of the multi-unit, on the front doorstep while collecting their morning papers. The neighbor, who had not known of my visit the day before and had only moved in two or three months earlier, was obviously very pleased about something. When my client inquired, the neighbor reported that their 8-month-old baby had slept through the night for the first time since they had moved in. When I was brought back to investigate the second part of the house, I found that the same earth grid line which ran through the first family’s bedroom we had looked at before, also went through the bedroom of the neighbor family, directly under the baby’s crib. The crib was positioned in such a way that the line ran lengthwise through the crib leaving no possibility for the baby to avoid the discomfort of the Geopathic energies. The energetic shield we installed harmonizes a whole building and does not distinguish between units within, therefore allowed the baby for the first time to sleep restfully. Typical reactions of children sleeping on Geopathic structures: • Restless sleep; tossing, turning, and kicking off blankets • Always ending up on one side of the crib or bed, falling out of bed • Nightmares and night terrors • Running into the parents' bed in the middle of the night, often multiple times a night • Hyperactivity during the day • Lack of concentration at school and with homework • ADD and similar described behaviors • Bedwetting • Frequent colds, coughs and ear infections • General weakening of the immune system, possible increase of allergies and many other chronic issues If you are not sure if Geopathic Stress is the cause for your baby‘s restlessness, try changing where they sleep for a few nights. Usually it takes a few days for a small child to adapt and detox from the energetic charge of Geopathic Stress. The metabolism is even quicker with small babies and you should see improvements within a day or two, whereas, an adult might take several weeks or even months to rid themselves of the energetic charge. Please, also, reduce electronic equipment in your bedrooms as much as possible. Electro-magnetic pollution is a newer challenge falling under the field of Geopathology. Keep clock radio’s, TVs, telephones, charging stations, cell phones, and all wireless devices out of sleeping areas. We also recommend turning off your wireless router at night. If you are interested in more information on Geopathic Stress, please see our previous articles on the Inner Tapestry website www.innertapestry.org and also visit our additional new website: www.Geopathology.com. 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.
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Call 207-799-7995 or visit www.Innertapestry.Org Aug/Sept 2010 Inner Tapestry 29
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he only thing worse than the utter exhaustion of having been up all night with your baby is the frustration of not knowing what is wrong; not knowing why your baby can’t sleep. There are only a handful of reasons that make babies cry: hunger, a dirty diaper, or some unidentified pain, which is, of course, the worst. However, there actually is another possibility, one that is much better known about in European countries, a form of distress caused by subtle, yet disturbing energies in the environment called Geopathic Stress. Geopathic Stress zones are areas in our living space where harmful energies are emitted from the earth. European studies document the affects these zones have on our health, ability to sleep, and capacity to heal. Babies are very sensitive to subtle energies and very much aligned with the natural rhythms of the earth. If your baby sleeps in a room of your house where Geopathic Stress is present, sleeping will be very difficult. Geopathic Stress is one of the reasons children have nightmares, fall out of bed or want to come into their parents’ bed. It keeps them in a state of subtle permanent stress, therefore preventing them from relaxing and from falling into a deep sleep. How familiar are you with the scene where you put your baby to bed nicely in the middle of their crib, tuck them in, only to come back an hour later and find your baby has either moved to one side or the other, is scrunched up at the head of the crib or lying across the bottom. And no matter how many times you tuck that baby back in the middle, he or she will squirm around until they get themselves off the disturbing energy path and are finally able to rest. Unfortunately, babies can often do very little to change their predicament, except cry. In the 1970’s an Austrian dowser, Kaethe Bachler, published an extensive study with than 3000 school children who had trouble with their sleep and/or school performance. She documented numerous cases, which quickly improved as soon as the children's bed positions were changed. I have mentioned Kaethe Bachler’s work in other articles, and recently discovered a reprint of her work in English at the Dowsing Convention in Vermont, last month. In my own practice as a Feng Shui and Geopathology consultant, I have seen many cases confirming these observations. One of my personal favorites is a consult I did in a multi-family home in San Francisco. I was asked by a family to check the Feng Shui of their space. The way I work when I assess a home or business is very energy oriented, I call it “European style” of Feng Shui. I access through dowsing very specific parameters of energies in the building and on the land. When I dowsed the living and sleeping areas, we found a major 12-inch wide Geopathic line in the midst of the bedroom. Space was limited and as there was no satisfactory way to rearrange the position of the bed, which is always our first attempt for a solution, we decided to go with an energetic Home Harmonizer, which neutralizes the affects of Geopathic Stress for a whole building.
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Beat The Heat ~ Learn How To Help Your Pet Avoid Heatstroke! by Donald and Sara Hassler
What is Heat Stroke? Heatstroke is when an animal loses their natural ability to regulate their body temperature. For our canine friends their body is regulated through respiration. We see them cool their bodies when they pant. Dogs have capillaries on their tongue, when they pant cool air moves across those capillaries. When the capillaries cool, it cools the blood, which cools their internal body temperature. If a dog cannot evacuate heat quickly enough, heat stroke occurs. Hyperthermia is a term that describes an elevation in body temp. This increase in body temperature is a result or response to a trigger. Inflammation or a hot environment can trigger body temperatures to rise to dangerous levels. An extreme case of hyperthermia, being severely over-heated, will cause heat stroke. If the body temperature reaches 106 degrees, the body’s cellular system and organs begin to breakdown. The damage is often irreversible and ultimately the animal will die.
How Do Our Pets Feel Heat? Pets feel heat much faster than humans do. Animals are close to their natural environment and are sensitive to changes in the environment and feel Mother Nature in order to read her so they can prepare for what she brings. Because they instinctively feel these changes of climate in order to find shelter or provide a safe place for their young, they will feel the onset of a hot day before we read the weather reports!
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Dogs feel the heat differently than we do. They also sweat much differently than we do. Canines sweat by panting and sweat is expelled through their paw pads. In order to cool down, a dog needs cool fresh air to replace the heated air that they are either feeling inside or are breathing in. If there isn’t enough cool air, they can suffer from getting over-heated and will eventually suffer heat stroke. We might want to consider the term; Suffering a stroke from heat.
What Are The Signs Of Heat Stroke? For dogs heatstroke can look like: • Increased rectal temperature (104° requires action, 106° + is a dire emergency) • Vigorous panting • Rapid breathing with an increased heart rate equals heat stroke. • If the gums are discolored and dull gray • Pink/Dark red gums are danger signs (Gums are normally red-pink in color) • Tacky/dry mucus membranes (specifically the gums) • Lying down & unwilling or unable to get up • Collapse and/or loss of consciousness • Thick saliva • Dizziness or disorientation • If your pet is unaware of their environment and they seem disorientated, then they might have heat stroke. • If your pet is not able to obey commands, hear or see you, if they are not listening or seem lost or scared, they need help and might have heat stroke. • If your pet has a wild or panicked expression - they are in trouble. Animals that get heat stroke refuse water & food, are lethargic, breathe rapidly, can’t get up, are disorientated, vomit continually, have uncontrolled diarrhea and slowly die.
To Avoid Death By Heat Stroke: Never, never leave your dog in the car unattended. • If you leave the A/C running on a hot day, think again, the A/C stops cooling at optimal levels when your vehicle is idle. • Newer model cars are computerized. When the engine gets too hot the air system's compressor kicks off. • In 2003 a police dog in Texas died after the A/C in the patrol car shut down and began blowing hot air. • In a matter of a few minutes the temperature in a closed automobile will rise very quickly. * 19 degrees in 10 minutes * 29 degrees in 20 minutes * 34 degrees in 30 minutes * 43 degrees in an hour • The Animal Protection Institute (API) did a study and found: * At 9AM with an outside temperature of 82 degrees, the automobile registered at 109 degrees inside. * With 4 windows cracked, an 88 degree day turned the interior of the car into 103 degree hotbox. 30 Inner Tapestry Aug/Sept 2010
•
Don't leave your pet in the car on a hot day – period!
Limit Outdoor Activities • • • • •
Don't let your pet run or play hard on hot or humid days Keep your pet out of direct sunlight, dark colored animals will get hot faster, black fur absorbs heat, white fur repels it. Short-snouted or flat-faced breeds like pugs, bulldogs, mastiffs and shih tzu's over-heat faster and are more susceptible to heat stroke. Never tether a pet outside on a hot or humid day. Don't walk your pet outside on hot pavement, asphalt or concrete. Animals don't have shoes, their foot pads can easily burn, get infected and become very painful.
Be Water Safe • •
Don't let your pet drink from stagnant water sources. Bacteria and mold can be in the water and will make your pet sick. Never leave your pet unattended around any size body of water. If your companion needs to cool off, ponds, pools, even streams and shallow baby pools are death traps for pets that are not being watched over. If an animal gets tired, scared or becomes incapacitated, they can drown just like humans can.
Be Heat Safe • •
Always provide shade for your pet if outdoors. Have fresh clean COOL water available - animals like humans need hydration too. Use plastic dishes because metal bowls can get hot outside and will warm your pet's water. You can leave a garden hose slightly running into your pets bowl if outdoors to offer a constant stream of cool water to drink from. • Take your pets outside early in the morning when it's cool or late at night when the sun has gone down. • Always carry a water bottle full of clean and cool water for your pet in case they get thirsty. Did you know that you can train some pets to drink directly from a water bottle, it's true! Communicate With Your Guests/Friends • Guests should never be allowed to offer a pet an ice cold drink – or any kind of ice for that matter – cool water is ideal, ice can shock the body and an alcoholic drink is poison to pets.
Know How To Save Your Pet’s Life & Use Your Emergency Care Plan To lower your pets body temperature as quickly as possible without causing shock. • First be calm and talk softly • Then place a cool wash cloth on their body • Put cool water on their paw pads, under their belly and on their head, try to avoid getting water in their ears. • Make sure you call your Vet or Emergency Animal Hospital to report that your pet has heat stroke and seek medical attention immediately. The sun is not your pet's best friend, you are – You can save your pet's life by being careful and by practicing safety first.
Here’s What You Can Do To Help Others We tend to forget that not everyone is as educated in responsible pet ownership as we might think. It's ultimately up to us to pull together a social change that helps, encourages and supports responsible pet ownership. Prevention is often thought to be the best way to avoid an emergency situation. • •
Talk to your friends, family and folks you know at work. Share a story, an experience or even an article with them so they too can learn. Post a comment on your blog, facebook page or other social network site with a link to important info on heat stroke.
Continued on Page 32
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explorin g the wo r l d r e l i g i on s
Seeing Heaven as a Real Place (State of Consciousness) by James Bean
“Only the eye of mystic transport beholdeth the Divine Light; only in an eternal moment of absolute consciousness doth the soul bathe in its radiant glory; only in a communion of ecstatic rapture doth it embrace that beauteous lusture. But the world at large knows it not.” (“Mysticism,” Volume One, L.R. Puri)
As the mystic Julian of Norwich put it: “All shall be well.” Kabir says: “You have slept for millions of years. This morning, will you not wake?” Said Yeshua: “I will give you what no eye has seen, what no ear has heard what no hand has touched, and what has never occurred to the human mind.” (Saying 17, Egyptian Gnostic Gospel of Thomas) The Sound and Light of the Cosmic Christ “Shabd” is an Eastern word for the Sound and Light of God, the “God-into-expression Power,” the Word or Life Stream that created all things “in the beginning.” This creative aspect of the Godhead spoke the universes and planes of creation into existence. “In the beginning was the Word. What has come into being through Him was Life, Life that is the Light of humanity.” (from Gospel of John, Chapter One) Krishna playing a heavenly flute and the Celtic image of Christ playing his celestial harp are powerful symbols (one Eastern, the other Western) that illustrate Nada Brahma, that the universe was created by Divine Sound. What’s really important to realize is that this “Ein Sof” or Divine Light of Life as well as the creative Sound are both still present, available to us right now. We can meditate upon this Divine Power and ascend in spirit back to the Supreme Soul. The same Light-Sound Current that powers the cosmos is also the Current that we follow in order to go back Home. This Divine Voice is calling out to all souls in the universe, summoning us to spiritual awakening, a classic theme of Saints and Mystics for ages upon ages. According to the Masters, the function of a Shabda Yoga Master or Sant Sat Guru is to give their disciples the ability to see the Light of God, and the ability to hear the Divine Sound, activating their spiritual senses so they are able to begin their own personal exploration of the spiritual dimensions during meditation practice. “In the true terminology of the Saints or Masters, a blind person is defined, not as one who has no eyes, but as one whose inner Eye is closed. When they come to a Master and he gives them a sitting, the inner Eye is opened and they see the Light of God. Similarly, before going to a Master, a person is deaf. When the Master gives them a sitting, they begin to hear the Music of the Spheres and they become aware.” (Kirpal Singh) The Saints describe the initiation process as like being reborn, or born spiritually into the spiritual domain. The initiate, with the ability to both see and hear
Spiritual Practices in Surat Shabd Yoga Meditation The first spiritual exercise of Shabd Yoga is called “Simran,” the repetition of Names of God. The word simran means “remembrance.” According to the Masters, these Names (revealed by the Master at the time of initiation) are to be repeated very, very slowly at intervals, mentally or “with the tongue of thought.” This practice of calling upon the Names of God helps to collect one’s attention at the “Single” or “Third Eye,” the Seat of the Soul. Normally our awareness is divided and scattered by the outward senses and we’re unable to see and hear with our spiritual senses. Practicing Simran during meditation makes it possible to make the transition from the world outside to the world that lies within. The next stage of Shabd Yoga is Dhyan or contemplation of the inner Light, the development of the seeing-facility of the soul. As the process of repeating Mantra-Names of God continues, the Shabd Yoga practitioner reaches a degree of concentration at the Third Eye and begins to see spiritual Light. This Light may appear to be like sparks, fireflies or stars, lights of various colors, light like the moon or suns, white light, or the Radiant Form of the Master (Inner Guide). Each person's vision is unique, based on their level of attainment, karma, spiritual background, how much time and effort spent in meditation on a daily basis, and the amount of love and devotion one has for the Supreme Being, and desire to explore Inner Space. In agreement with other mystical traditions, Shabd Yoga Masters in India view contemplation of the Divine Light as a way to experience union with God. We become what we see. If we contemplate the Light of God, we become one with God. By beholding the Light of God, souls are transformed in profound ways. “Once you discover this Light and learn to live by it, your whole existence will be changed. Love will permeate your very being and it will burst forth from the very pores of your body, transmuting all dross into sterling gold. Love, you must know, is both the means and the goal of life.” (Kirpal Singh) The third stage of Shabd Yoga is Bhajan, the practice of spiritual hearing, listening for the Sound or Music of the heavens during meditation. “The whole world is reverberating with Sound. To listen to it thou must unseal thine inner ears, then shalt thou hear an unending Music, and that shall lead thee beyond the confines of death.” (Shah Niaz, Sufi Master) Masters of the Light and Sound instruct their initiates to concentrate on certain key spiritual sounds that emanate from higher planes, sounds that elevate the soul, pulling the soul up to the planes above. The Sound is the ultimate snake-charmer that calms the serpent-mind, making it possible for the soul to know itself, explore the heavens, and know God in Spirit and in Truth. Seeing the Light of heaven in meditation might mean having a vision of a faint Light, perhaps a certain color, or colors, stars or pinpoints of Light. Eventually, more complex and detailed visions can be seen. From the Esoteric Teachings of Shiv Dayal Singh (Saint of Agra, India): “When your eye turns inwards in the brain and you see the firmament within, and your spirit leaves your body and rises upwards, you will see the Akash (ethereal sky).”
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For eons the Masters of eternity have taught that all souls incarnating into the lower planes arrive here via the Audible Life Stream (the Tao or Word), a River of Sound and Light that flows through all the planes and universes of creation. They teach that this same Current of Energy also flows back again to the Creator in the eternal timeless abode. Following the spiritual principle that “as a man thinketh, so is he,” (Hebrew Book of Proverbs) or, “we become what we see and hear” (Bhagavad Gita) – we become what we focus our attention upon – they guide their students to meditate upon this God or Holy Spirit Power and become one with IT. As practitioners of this otherworldly form of meditation, called in India “Surat Shabd Yoga,” become one with the Audible Life Stream, they find themselves gradually beginning to ascend in spirit towards the spiritual region, the birthplace of all souls. By riding the Current of Sound and Light like a fish going upstream, the soul eventually goes back to its Point of Origin. This is the Cosmic Gospel – the story of the soul making its way through perceived worlds of time and duality or illusion, retracing its “steps” back to “Eden” again. The Masters teach that all souls will eventually return Home again; it’s just a matter of “time.” The prodigal sons and daughters will find their way back.
spiritually, is now able to “rise above body-consciousness” and begin the process of discovering during meditation the various levels of the Kingdom of God that exist within. “Here is how we can find the Christ already within us. First enter the laboratory of the human body, the true temple of God, then rise above it until we leave all else behind and enter the Kingdom of God. There are so many mansions in the house of our Father; the macrocosm is in the microcosm of the human body, and consists of physical, astral, causal, and super-causal planes, and beyond all these are the pure spiritual planes, the true Home of our Father.” (“God Power, Christ Power, Master Power,” Kirpal Singh, Ruhani Satsang USA website)
32 Continued from page 28~ welcome home
10 Good Reasons to Use Meditation Before Opting For Medication by Lisa V. Blake, MA, Meditation Practitioner
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mong natural remedies for restoring health and maintaining well being, you may be unaware that you are missing one of the most obvious supports available to you. And it is as obvious as the nose on your face. Literally. The health remedy and support I am referring to is mindful breathing. As the founder of the Maine Mindfulness Project and a Meditation Practitioner at True North Health Center in Falmouth, I help people of all ages learn how to utilize breath in order to help the mind and body achieve deeper levels of stillness and relaxation. This begins by using the nose as our center of breathing. The mindfulness aspect of the meditation practice occurs as we place ninety percent of our attention on the breath as it moves into and out of the body to create spaciousness and helps to settle and quiet the mind. We leave ten percent of our awareness watching how successful we are at keeping our focus on the breath. This ten percent is like a hidden camera that simply informs us when the mind begins to wander away from breath. We then gently guide it back to reapply it on the breath. At first, it takes a little practice to get used to how easily distracted and busy our minds are. They are always like this. The difference now is we are able to actually experience and witness how wild they are! Not really under our control or anyone else’s for that matter, the mind is free to get distracted and attracted by whatever little whim, worry or wonder draws its attention. What happens next? Often the mind is free to engage continuously with its own fascination and rumination, sometimes going on and on and on, without any reigns to draw it back. Meditation is a practice to become familiar with the mind and then gradually learn how to gain more mastery over it. We begin to do this by using a mindfulness breathing practice. Just five minutes a day, preferably each morning, can start to transform your relationship to stress, anxiety, insomnia, unclear decision making and a host of other attention challenges and energy grabbers. By creating a peaceful and still inner space and applying present moment awareness, people are able to gain or regain a sense of balance, health and well being. To date, I have taught meditation in several Maine high schools, colleges, interfaith venues, and medical settings. After learning the five basic techniques and simply trying only a two minute meditation, no one has yet to report that there was no immediate benefit. Here are ten good reasons for you to try to learn to meditate before deciding to medicate. 1. Meditation is much more cost effective than medication.
When we allow for our desires, we’re fairer to others because we express what we need in order to experience a safe, loving, trusting relationship. While it might not be something they initially or ultimately agree to, this honest and loving communication forms the groundwork upon which a healthy relationship is built. Ultimately, your forward steps will lead you where you’re meant to be, but you can choose to walk upon one path, or another, can lovingly set the boundaries around you. We’re each far more empowered than we ever understand. Many blessings to you in your perfection. Signed, Asrianna Asrianna Dameron is a Psychic Medium, a Certified Hypnotherapist, and a Certified Past Life Regressionist in private practice. She offers individual sessions and gallery readings as well as workshops and speaking engagements on the topics of Psychic Development, Mediumship, Energy Management and Shamanic Healing. For her upcoming Gallery events or to learn more about her newest CD’s, email Asrianna at Asrianna@asrianna.com, visit her website at www.asrianna.com, stop by and see her at Facebook, or call 603-892-1268. As always, your emails and questions for her column are greatly welcome.
Continued from page 30 ~ Beat The Heat •
•
•
Be aware that if you see friends practicing unsafe heat safety, help them learn to do more, work harder and be a better pet parent. Offer kind words or advice on how our pets feel heat and the dangers of heat. Save a life by speaking up and get help for a pet that you see in danger. Remember that by the time the ER staff arrives, it might be too late, make a good choice, thoughtful decision and base your actions on your personal life values. Offer to babysit a friends sick animal. Many of us have sick pets, elders or baby animals that need constant care. If you know someone that needs to go shopping, run errands or has to be at a family event... and you are willing, offer to babysit as a way to practice heat safety.
Donald and Sara Hassler are co-authors of the award-winning children’s book, Loving Marley, and reside in Connecticut with Marley and Belle the reallife inspiration for the PugTale Adventures storybooks www.lovingmarley.com. The Hasslers are active members of the press and write exclusive feature articles for several publications. Their columns are also published in Pug Talk Magazine. Donald and Sara and Marley and Belle, write, produce and host their own talk radio show called The Responsible Pet Owner aired live on Good Company 14/WILI in Connecticut. Visit them online at www.responsiblepetowner.com.
2. Meditation works to cure health ailments without the risk of harmful side effects. 3. Meditation helps you achieve feelings of peace and relaxation. 4. Meditation has (almost) no risk of overdose. 5. Meditation is a practice to be shared and is enhanced by being in the presence of other meditators. (Whereas sharing pills is illegal!) 6. Meditation takes a little time, effort and commitment, but so does creating and establishing a healthy lifestyle. 7. Meditation is available without a prescription. 8. Meditation improves self esteem and lowers depression. (These results were reported in a recent study of college women at Brown University). 9. Meditation sharpens perception and memory recall. 10. Meditation is non-addictive and effective for pain management and speedy recovery.
The root ‘med-’ is the same as in medical: to measure (mete), to consider, to reflect. It seems to be related to a Greek root meaning to care for, attend to, study or practice. Meditation attunes us to an embodied awareness of feelings of peace, balance and wellbeing in a way that medication often does not. Once we become familiar with this internal awareness we are more capable of sensing influences that disrupt this ease and can then more readily identify factors that create disease. I am not advocating that meditation replace medication in all instances. What I hope you’ll do is think about it first. Then decide how you might use meditation instead or in addition to medication to gain the maximum benefit for your health and happiness, not to mention your wallet! Lisa Blake is the founder of the Maine Mindfulness Project, teaches meditation at Sadhana and is a meditation practitioner at True North in Flamouth. She can be reached at (207) 781-4488 or email at LBlake@truenorthhealthcenter.org with questions or comments, or to come in to try a session. 32 Inner Tapestry Aug/Sept 2010
Continued from page 31 ~ exploring the world religions Some Final Poetic Thoughts When darkness is no longer dark, when the stillness of the night gives birth to a faint celestial melody, know this: one more soul is being summoned to awakening, one more soul hears the Call, one more soul ascends to the Place of Life. We human beings are multidimensional; our feet touch the ground, and yet, our soul lives in the heavens, whether we know it or not. Meditation upon the Light and Sound is about knowing. Masters teach that by becoming one with the Heavenly Sound and Light, we can even now, during this present lifetime, see heaven as a real place.
James Bean interviews guests, reviews books and music for HealthyLife.Net Positive Talk Radio and other stations via a syndicated radio program called Spiritual Awakening, and teaches Sant Mat Meditation and Surat Shabd Yoga in the Bangor, Waterville, & Portland areas. Address questions or comments to James@ SpiritualAwakeningRadio.com.
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INNER TAPESTRY's Directory of Resources Holistic Practitioners, Products and Resources Each category contains practitioners from various states. a c u p un c t u r e
counseling & the rapy Maine
Maine
Abigail Lopez, LAc, Dipl.OM
Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine Acupuncture guides the proper flow of energy within and stimulates our body’s natural healing response.
more please contact Abigail at The Wellness Solution, 366 US Route 1, Falmouth, Maine, 04105, (207) 899-0727, www.thewellnesssolution.net.
Patricia A. Burke, MSW, LCSW
Holistic Psychotherapy & Spiritual Development Work "When we are fully present to ourselves the light of who we are shines through and like a slow deep breath, fills the world with love." -PB
In over twenty-five years of experience I have merged a variety of psychological, sensate awareness, spiritual and creative practices into a process of deep awakening that can help you heal trauma, addictions and depression, rediscover meaning and purpose in life, build mutually empowering relationships, enhance creativity and embrace the deep stillness of being from within which all experience arises. I have been deeply engaged in my own inner work for over twenty years and call upon my extensive training in spiritual and transformational practices to guide my work with others. I offer individual, group and couples consultation, personal intensives, workshops, supervision and training. Offices in West Baldwin & Yarmouth, ME, (207) 625-7012, pab@patriciaburke.com, www.patriciaburke.com.
a l t e r n a t i v e livin g Maine
Live From Your Center
Greensward Hamlet A Cohousing Community In Buxton, Maine Drawing on the Strength of Community To Live Sustainably.
Maine’s first Green, fossil free, cohousing community is nestled on 30 private country acres. Your 1-, 2-, or 3- bedroom home (& 1- or 2- car garage) will include the amenities of a spacious Common House for weekly community meals & gatherings; organic community gardens and nature trails. Access to the Saco River and hundreds of acres of pristine park land is within walking distance. Train and international airport services are just a 15-minute drive. Reserve your place in the community now. Visit www.greenswardhamlet.com or www.cohousing.org. Or contact: Françoise Paradis, Ed.D. PO Box 1325, Saco, Me 04072 (207) 227-3678.
Mark Nakell, LCPC Awareness-based Psychotherapy Growth and Self-Realization Individual & Couples Counseling All of life happens in the present moment: Our natural condition is an
open awareness of each moment as it occurs. Increased awareness of this moment—now—and of yourself in the moment, provides an increased experience of life, more joy, and greater fulfillment. Developing the capacity of your own center enables a deeper, more immediate experience of your aliveness and presence now. The result is increased freedom—freedom of choice, freedom of action, freedom of purpose—and deepened participation in the events of your own life. For a FREE introductory session, call (207) 773-4413 or email mnakell@openawareness.com, 25 Middle Street, Portland, ME 04101. Further information can be found at www.openawareness.com.
In the present circumstances, no one can afford to assume that someone else will solve their problems. Every individual has a responsibility to help guide our global family in the right direction. Good wishes are not sufficient, we must become actively engaged. ...Dalai Lama
Aug/Sept 2010 Inner Tapestry 33
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In my practice I offer acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine; both have been used for healing for over 3,000 years and are safe, natural and drug-free methods to restore whole body health. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are effective for numerous conditions including: pain, anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, depression, gynecological concerns and preventative care. I am committed to assisting all members of the family to experience total health and well-being. To learn
Greensward Hamlet
Acupuncture ......................................................... page 33 Alternative Living .................................................. page 33 Counseling & Therapy ................................... pages 33-34 Creative Healing Arts ........................................... page 35 Evolutionary Consciousness................................. page 35 Holistic Healing Centers ...................................... page 35 Holistic Publications & Radio ............................... page 35 Hypnotherapy ...................................................... page 36 Integrative Healing ........................................ pages 36-37 Life Mastery ......................................................... page 37 Meditation ............................................................ page 38 Psychic & Spiritual Mediumship ........................... page 38 Reflexology & Healing Massage .......................... page 38 Retreats ......................................................... pages 38-39 Sacred Space .......................................................page 39 Schools & Trainings ....................................... pages 39-40 Shamanic Healing ................................................ page 40 Writing Services.................................................... page 40 Yoga, Tai Chi, Aikido ............................................. page 41
34 co u n s e l i ng & t h e rapy- c o n t .
counseling & the rapy- cont.
What is somatic therapy?
Somatic therapy is a self-awareness process with a particular focus on the body. With guided practice to help you remain present in the body, you simply allow thoughts, emotions and sensations to emerge in their natural patterns. This combination – conscious awareness and observation of patterns – allows both increased capability of self-regulation and expanded capacity for awareness itself. Current brain research shows that the part of the brain involved in awareness Douglas Smith also regulates emotions and behavior. So practice of focused awareness actually strengthens and expands the brain cell connections in this area, making the benefit of this work cumulative. The difference between this and mindfulness practice alone is that you also have access to somatic, or body reactions. These come under conscious awareness, creating the possibility of physical as well as emotional healing. Somatic therapy is useful for the resolution of stress and trauma, anxiety, depression, habits, addictions, "stuck" patterns, or can be used to enhance personal growth. For an appointment or more information please call, email or visit me on the web at www.mindmeetsbody.com. Douglas Smith, LCPC, SEP., 440 Forest Avenue, Portland, ME 04101 (207) 329-3566, smith@mindmeetsbody.com.
Prana Regina Barrett, B.S., M.I.A., E.R.Y.T., C.Y.T. Prana specializes in Life Coaching, Spiritual Counseling and Therapeutic Yoga, offering private sessions, workshops and retreats in Portland, Maine and world-wide. For more information, visit www.pranaheals.com, (207) 632-6698.
Services: Life Coaching (healthy lifestyle, transitions, small businesses, Law of Attraction) ~ Spiritual Counseling ~ Private Yoga ~ Yoga Therapy for physical and emotional healing ~ Hands on Healing ~ Tantra Instruction for Couples ~ Individual & Couples Retreats (studio apartment for rent with healing sessions) ~ Workshops (Tantra, Law of Attraction, Therapeutic Yoga for Yoga Instructors & more). Prana is an exceptional role model and teacher of yoga and natural healing. She is devoted to healing and personal transformation and gently invites us to join her on the path. Prana guides us to deep places of self-discovery and acceptance, where healing happens and wholeness is restored. Like 'water that wears away rock,' Prana's guidance dissolves physical, emotional, and energetic barriers to being healthy, joyful and fully alive. Her teaching is a gift! ~ Mary Anne Bright, EdD, APRN, BC Professor Emerita University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Author of Holistic Health and Healing.
Nancy Roberts, Ph.D., Psy.D. Transformational Psychotherapy
Gestalt Your Life Angela Hassenpflug
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In my psychotherapy practice I deal with the concerns that bring most people into therapy: depression, anxiety, stress, and challenges with relationships and work. However, my transformational focus goes beyond
this to address the yearning that many people feel for a deeper sense of meaning and joy, and highlights an appreciation for spiritual paths to a more heart-centered life. Offices at 141 North Main Street in Brewer and 5 School Street in Ellsworth. Telephone: 207-852-7656
Body-Mind Life Coaching Specialist
TM
Gestalt Practitioner This experiential and body-oriented approach supports you to
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reconnect with your body, its language and wisdom learn to relax, reduce stress and practice being fully present enhance your relationships, both with yourself and others reinforce your strengths, passions and skills make sustainable life changes happen
Dynamic life coaching tools combined with Gestalt Therapy elements build the foundation of this life coaching approach. We can meet in person or on the phone. Groups offered on a regular basis. Call (207) 592-7888 or email A healthy functioning brain is crucial to your everyday cognitive, psychological, AND physical well-being. At Maine Neurotherapy Center, we
provide EEG Neurofeedback utilizing cutting edge techniques and equipment, without the use of medication, to help you achieve your goals. Neurotherapy is a powerful tool which involves exercising and training the brain to function better, manage anxiety and stress better, and improve overall day-to-day cognitive ability. We believe our clients deserve choices in care – whether that involves state-of-the-art neurofeedback or other traditional therapies. We provide both. In addition, we will work collaboratively with your current providers to develop a tailored neurofeedback program that works for you. For more information contact us at www.MaineNeurotherapy.
angela@gestaltyourlife.com for more information and to set up a free introductory call. www.gestaltyourlife.com.
IAwakenToMyDivine Human Potential...
com., 1051 Washington Ave, Suite 2, Portland, Maine 04103. E-mail: MaineNeurotherapy@gmail.com
Nancy C. Campbell, LCSW (207) 650-9728
Sandra E. Couch Kelly, LCSW (207) 233-3469
Di re cto r y of R es our 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
34 Inner Tapestry Aug/Sept 2010
Online listing (without print copy) with an active link to your website. $100 plus an Initial set-up fee of $20
Call 207-799-7995 or email: info@innertapestry.org
35 creative healing arts
evolutionary consciousness
Maine
Main e
Surry Music Therapy Center: Alan Wittenberg M.A., CMT Certified Music Therapist, (AMTA) American Music Therapy Association
The Autognomics Institute since 1992 Norm and Skye Hirst co-founders
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 www.surrymusictherapy.com for seminar and conference information.
Transcendental Autognomics (TA); going beyond scientific materialism to discover the emergent epi-principles within lifeitself... doing science the old fashion way.
TA; New Field of Life-Energy and Transcendental Science/Philosophy is based on emergent epi-energy principles now being discovered throughout the Autognomics Research Community and Alliance. The mystery/the miraculous/ the wisdom of life-itself is revealing herself. To receive our email newsletter on how latest revelations are impacting us all, visit us at www.autognomics.org or join us on Twitter @autognomics for frequent tips and insights plus see who we are following. Co-founders – Norm and Skye Hirst, PhD.
holistic healing centers
Main e
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
Shamanic Practitioner with over thirty years experience. The Thirteenth Moon Center, "ART from the heART," (207) 589-3063. moonarts@gmail.com.
Vermont
1st ANNUAL HEALING ARTS FESTIVAL! Join us for a
day of FUN at the river's edge! We'll have a wonderful community of healing practitioners, cool music, great food, an array of products and gift items. Get a Native American Spiritual Council or psychic reading, see a Medical Intuitive, Holistic Chiropractor, have an Energy Healing or Massage, take home some homemade jam, granola, bread, pies, or handcrafted gift. Have lunch with Lois & Shelly of Lo & Shell's Restaurant. Experience something new and inspiring with your friends and family! (207) 929-5088, www.gardensofatlantis.org.
holistic publications & radio
Zen Yoga & healing arts center
Main e WRFR-LP is all-volunteer community radio, on the air at 93.3 FM in Rockland and 99.3 FM in Camden, and streaming world-wide at www.wrfr.org.
Zen Yoga is a journey of spiritual deepening that begins with the breath.
Zen Yoga uses 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 qigong, tai chi and yoga, Zen Yoga is like nothing you have tried before. We offer ongoing classes, workshops, therapy and retreats at the Zen Yoga & Healing Arts Center in the mountains of Vermont. We can customize special programs to meet the needs of your group throughout New England. We also offer a 12-week online program that provides time honored teachings of various spiritual disciplinary arts designed to assist you on your journey of self-discovery. For more information: Phone: (860) 805-6551, Email: breathe@artofzenyoga.com, Website: www.artofzenyoga.com.
We offer a wide selection of live and recorded music, and a wide variety of talk shows. Music genres include jazz, old time swing, classical, country, folk, Celtic, South Seas exotica, classic rock, heavy metal, Broadway tunes, and more. Many shows feature live music with local guests. Talk shows range from news and public affairs discussions to live tarot readings, and often include live interviews and telephone call-ins. The station is supported by listener contributions and by business sponsors. Contact Jo Lindsay, volunteer
coordinator, to learn more about how you can participate: info@wrfr.org. Contact Ananur Forma, sales manager, to learn more about business sponsorship: (207) 594-2565 WRFR's studios are located at 20 Gay Street, Rockland, Maine 04841. You are invited to stop by.
First Annual Conference ~ The Community For Integrative Medicine at Hotel Borgo degli Olivi in Riotorto"Bella" Tuscany, Italy, October 20 - 24, 2010.
WE INVITE THE PUBLIC as well as INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE PRACTITIONERS to attend our conference. Connect with your community of like minds. Exchange ideas and healing models. Share your expertise. Introduce others to your individual modality. Learn new techniques and approaches working in a team format. Hear great speakers, including keynote speaker. This is a time we must all come together to take hands in the global community and work as a team in healing one community at a time.
www.globalcommunityforintegrativemedicine.vpweb.com Aug/Sept 2010 Inner Tapestry 35
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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,
Gardens of Atlantis Healing Arts Center
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hypnotherapy
M a i ne
Main e
HypnoWave Hypnosis Training Center 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, and CDs 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, and CDs and DVDs for your business. Call: (207) 453-6133, www.hypnotraining.us. Private consulting and other trainings available.
Roberta Barnes, CHT, Gendai Reiki-ho & Komyo Reiki Shihan (teacher/master) & Herbalist
Gendai Reiki-ho brings balance and harmony to mind/body/spirit, and all areas of your life. Roberta teaches and
practices as she learned from her Japanese Reiki Shihans, each of whom has only 2 Shihans between themselves and Mikao Usui, the founder of Usui Reiki. Roberta has practiced various forms of natural healing for over 30 years. Her Natural Healing & Learning Center, nestled in a wildlife habitat in Windsor, Maine, is the perfect environment to reflect the balancing and harmonizing essence of Mikao Usui’s spiritual practice. Encased in harmonizing relaxation, you can... *Learn Japanese styles of Reiki, *Experience Reiki healing sessions, *Learn inward or outward meditation, *Receive a personalized herb report, or *Experience a healing journey into your past. Roberta schedules classes to meet individual needs and travels out-of-State to teach groups. Roberta’s guided meditations are available on CDs. View scheduled classes at www.naturalhealinglearning.com or call (207) 445-5671 today to register for classes or healing sessions.
integrative healing Connecticut
Belanger Physical Therapy Cyan Magenta Yellow Black
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.
Ron and Joan
Shen THerapy Thai Bodywork
S. Brennan Murphy, CST, CTYB, CYI SHEN Therapy: A highly effective and accelerated
approach to resolving stuck emotions and physical conditions that are directly affected by emotions. Have you lost direction? Are you stressed? Do you feel disconnected from yourself and those around you? SHEN therapy works by releasing pain, old emotional memories and life scripts/beliefs buried in our unconscious mind. SHEN also helps with release of grief, depression, low self-esteem, panic/anxiety attacks, anger, shame, guilt, hate, eating disorders, bowel problems, sexual problems, PMS, post traumatic stress disorder, pregnancy and labor. Thai Bodywork: is a comprehensive and relaxing approach to opening the physical body, reducing tension, opening joints, stretching muscles, over-all grounding. Excellent for athletes, sciatica and more! For more information on these modalities and Brennan, please email: sowelu@midmaine.com or phone (207) 326-3236.
Are You Listening? Through the challenges of our lives
we are being asked to release what no longer serves us; to expand, living with an open mind and heart. Are You Willing? To embody the Truth of living your life as love in action, Ron and Joan support people to live the highest/greatest vision of themselves. Living Visions is a method of support that deepens levels of calm and joy, releasing the causes of emotional and physical trauma, which increases awareness of your true center and grounding. Living Visions is a way of realizing perfect union with one's self. If you are interested in exploring how we may be able to support you please visit www.ronandjoan.com, or call us at (207) 799-7998/(203) 779-0345 with questions or for more information. Sessions and groups available in Connecticut and Maine (call Leapin' Lizards for schedule in ME (207) 865-0900.
"There is more hunger for Love and Acceptance in the world today than there is for bread." (Mother Teresa).
Argue for your limitations and sure enough they're yours. ...Richard Bach
36 Inner Tapestry Aug/Sept 2010
Sattva
Health and Wellness
Enjoy a Healthy Body and a Peaceful Mind The services at Sattva Health and Wellness are for anyone who is ready to explore the numerous benefits of a holistic ("whole person") approach to health care. Through the wisdom of Ayurveda, you will
learn to make proper diet and daily lifestyle choices. By living in balance with ourselves and nature, we can experience clarity of the mind while nourishing and nurturing the body. You are invited to come to know yourself from a fresh perspective, embark on a path of self-discovery, and enjoy optimum health in body, mind, and spirit. Reiki, Quantum Touch, and Therapeutic Touch can be deeply relaxing and restorative, assisting in the healing process. Energy work sessions are an opportunity to decompress and reconnect with yourself. Clients enjoy settling in, letting go of stress, and conclude feeling peaceful and grounded. Please contact Sandra Maguire to learn more about how to begin your personal journey of health and healing through the time tested holistic health care systems of Ayurveda and Energy Medicine. www.SattvaHealthandWellness.com 207-838-1602 sandra@sattvahealthandwellness.com 2 Convenient Locations: North Windham and South Portland, Maine
37 integrative healing–cont.
Susan Ortiz, MD Board Certified Physical Medicine & Pain Management Medical Acupuncture & Energy Medicine Mind-Body Medicine Are you living up to your full potential? If you have joint, muscle, spinal pain, headaches, sleep problems, mood disorders, gastrointestinal issues, stress, fatigue or other troubling symptoms, you do not have to settle for ineffective or toxic treatments. After 20 years of medical practice, I know that a combination of traditional Western and Alternative methods is usually the best form of medicine. Having studied many different styles of healing over the years, I combine them with the latest in nutrition, movement and mind sciences to improve your health, function and vitality. Stillpoint Rehabilitation & Wellness, 15 State St., Bangor, ME 04401. Stillptrehab@gmail.com, (207) 990-2934, www.stillpointrehab.com.
life mastery 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.
FERN DYER - Reiki Master/IET Practitioner Reiki with Crystals, Stones, Integrated Energy Therapy, Reading, Write-up. Our intuition guides us to the stones and crystals
information.Visa/MC accepted. Jewelry, nature photos. Now in-town Portland, www.lilysongbird.com.
SpiritWings CompassionateHealing and Apothecary
Kevin Pennell, Herbalist/Usui and Karuna ® Reiki Master Teacher/ Hypnotherapist/Shamanic Practitioner/Psychic Empath and Vickie Cummings, Licensed Massage Therapist/Cranio Sacral Therapist/Usui and Karuna® Reiki
Practitioner: Therapeutic, Seated, and Couples Massage, Outcalls available,
Herbal Consultations, and Past Life Regression. We consult with each client to identify the appropriate modalities to achieve Health and Harmony in their life. Classes are offered in Herbology, Reiki, and Karuna Reiki® plus other workshops. Visit the Apothecary for Herbs, Patent Formulas, Teas, and Supplements. Essential Oils, Candles, Incense, and other Accessories are also available. Visit our website www.spiritwingsbethel.com. Apothecary Open Tuesday-Wednesday 10-4 & Thursday-Saturday 10-5. Therapeutic Sessions by appointment SpiritWings, 85 Main Street, Bethel, Maine. Telephone (207) 824-2204. Credit Cards Accepted.
Massachusetts
intuitive HEALING
"As a healer, I work with individuals in a way that consciously promotes a peaceful and healthy planet. Our
healing work takes place despite the conflicts that wash over us in our daily lives. By healing ourselves we create Wendy Marks changes that have a ripple effect on M.Ed, C.A.S.,FAPA the world around us." I offer Medical Intuitive sessions, energy healing and integrative therapy. With 30 years of experience in traditional and complementary healthcare, I am here to improve your physical, mental and spiritual health. I work with adults to develop and hone their own intuitive skills. www.wendymarks.com (781) 449-5368,
TAROTWORKS Jeanne Fiorini A tarot reading is an avenue by which to have an authentic conversation about what matters most in your life. Tarot Works provides numerous ways to
experience the wisdom and beauty of this ancient system of symbols, by offering individual and group readings, classes from beginner's level to "readers in training," ongoing monthly groups, and special events. Phone readings are available. With 18 years experience as a Tarot practitioner and teacher, and formal training in both mediation and psychosynthesis counseling, Jeanne brings a unique blend of practical guidance and useful information to all readings and classes. She is a contributing columnist for the American Tarot Association's website www.ata-tarot.com/reflections and is currently working on her second book, to be published by Schiffer Publishing Ltd., autumn 2010. For more information about Jeanne or the TarotWorks offerings, visit www.tarotworks.com or call (207) 799-8648.
Jen Deraspe, MS
Certified Coach; The Institute for The Work, Holistic Personal Trainer, Retreat Facilitator I spent my life searching for truth and happiness outside of myself. All served me on the path and I am
grateful. Because my seeking path was more external, I experienced only temporary relief. What ultimately led me home was the simplest of methods, The Work of Byron Katie. It is a direct, no non-sense path to personal truth, clarity and freedom held within and no teacher is required. I have been humbled and opened through my own personal inquiry into the source of my stress, fear and internal war with what is. If you are seeking sustained peace and experiencing lasting wellbeing, you are invited to join me on an invigorating journey back to you. The tools used are customized for your individual plan and include The Work, Hatha yoga, meditation, holistic nutrition, lifetime fitness and wellness programming. It would be a privilege to be your guide. I am happy to offer a complimentary phone consultation if you are interested in the possibility of working together. www.ntnretreats.com, 207-452-2929, ntnretreat@yahoo.com
Everything is possible Cause no one has to hide Beyond the invisible. ...Enigma
wlm922@wendymarks.com"
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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 write-up (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 appointment/more
38 meditation
reflexology & healing massage Maine
Sant Mat Radhaswami, The Path of the Masters
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
The Maine Sant Mat Society presents the Enlightenment Experience as taught by Sant Sevi Ji Maharaj of Bihir, India,
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 Shabd Yoga, in the lineage of Tulsi Sahib.
For More Information call (207) 368-5866, or email: James@SpiritualAwakeningRadio.com, Website: www.SpiritualAwakeningRadio.com/santmat.
psychic & spiritual mediumship Maine PsychicMediumship, Hypnotherapy
and builds until it becomes a lifestyle. Lynn Marie Danforth has been practicing Reflexology for over 10 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.
retreats Maine
Bonnie Lee Gibson is a professional Psychic Medium, Hypnotherapist, Registered Counselor, Reiki Master, healer, teacher and lecturer with thirty years of experience. She
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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.
Kat Logan
The knowledgeable and experienced practitioners at The Wellness Center offer a full spectrum of holistic, traditional and alternative techniques.
Enjoy engaging seminars that will flex your intellect. Join a movement class to tone your heart and spirit. Experience the skillful touch of artists sensitive to the subtle thread of muscle and mind. Freshen your outward glow from head to toe. For more information about ongoing programs, upcoming seminars and suite availability, please call (207) 465-4490 or visit us on the Wellness page at VillageSoup.com. The Wellness Center, 69 & 71 Elm Street, Camden, ME 04843.
This land is a living resource! The 47 blessed
Intuitive Readings and Healing
• Intuitive Readings (personal, group, parties, phone or email) • Energy Healing (also offering... Sound, Aromatherapy & Flower Essences) • Sacred Space Design for home and garden • Dowsing and Space Clearing Intuitively aware since childhood Kat has been offering readings and energy work for over 25 years. As a spiritual medium, empath and clairvoyant she lovingly brings the messages from the Divine Energies that are resonating with you, to assist you on your life's journey. My work is not to tell you your future but to intuitively counsel you of the many potentials that are resonating with you. You have the personal power and will to create the life you want. I want to assist you in that process. I also offer sliding scale fee schedules if money is a problem. Kat also offers other services such as Sacred Space Design, Intuitive Art Work, Medicinal Herbal Teas and Flower Essences. For more information, please check the website: www.mygreatfullheart.com or email: kat@mygreatfullheart.com. Kat is located in Friendship, Maine. Telephone (207) 226-7446.
acres on which “Forest Circles” is located continues to provide visitors with uniquely personal mystical experiences. Overnight solo retreats in the forest are popular. Come for a gathering in a peaceful inside space, a program around the sacred fire pit or a walk. All are invited to experience this parcel of Earth that is eager to communicate and teach you how to find your way back to your heart. At Forest Circles we offer programs which include: multi-cultural spiritual ceremonies, classes for enhancing one’s connection to Earth and inner self, solo and group retreats, classes on native medicinal plants, children’s programs. Strongheart Healing with Regina Strongheart is featured at the retreat center. Self-Retrieval” is a technique developed by Regina that helps you reclaim your personal power and peace. Using healing energy, shamanic journeying and medical intuition, Regina will assist you in finding health and peace. Regina Strongheart, has an MA in education from UNH and experiences including 29 years teaching high school chemistry, 8 years in the medical field and 14 years as a spiritual healer and teacher. She is the owner of “Forest Circles,” Topsham, Me. 207-776-3152, www.forestcircles.com.
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 38 Inner Tapestry Aug/Sept 2010
39 schools & trainings
retreats-cont.
Maine
Treat Your Feet
Rolling Meadows, a 100 acre yoga and meditation retreat center over-looking the hills of coastal Maine, provides a unique environment for inner reflection away from the stimulation, demands and distractions of daily life. Scheduled silent retreats for up to 10 participants are offered
throughout the year blending meditation, creatively-explored hatha yoga, and guidance in the direct path of self-inquiry. Patricia Brown and Surya Chandra Das teach from 30 years of experience, encouraging students to cultivate intuitive receptivity and openness, guiding them to find the unique expression of their True Nature. They also teach retreats in Guatemala, Mexico and throughout the US. Rolling Meadows Retreat, Brooks, Maine, (888) 666-6412, www.rollingmeadowsretreat.com.
Sewall House Yoga Retreat Enjoy yoga twice daily, meditation, massage, sauna and healthy home-cooked vegetarian cuisine. Near pristine lakes
Sewall House Yoga Retreat Island Falls, Maine www.sewallhouse.com. (888) 235-2395 Open All Year, prearranged retreats available upon request.
sacred space Maine
Mahoosuc Mountain Lodge and Husky Farm rests on 60 picturesque acres nestled in the heart of the Bear River Valley of Newry in western Maine.
The lodge is a marvel of Yankee craftsmanship—a traditional New England timberframe structure featuring hand-cut mortise and tenon joinery throughout. We're also home to the Mahoosuc Guide Service and their working sled dogs! (www.mahoosuc.com.) Our Bed and Breakfast is a fully renovated 1903, three bedroom farmhouse fitted for modern comfort, and situated amid Bear River Valley's breath-taking natural vistas. Guests can take in panoramic views of the 3,500-4,000 foot peaks of the Mahoosuc Range. And we're in the heart of it all: just 1 mile to Grafton Notch State Park; 2 Miles to Grafton Loop Trail; only 4.7 miles to the Appalachian Trail; and just 14 miles to Umbagog Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Mahoosuc Mountain Lodge is the ideal retreat destination. We're a great location for weddings, concerts/events, business retreats, family reunions, meetings, and more. Mahoosuc Mountain Lodge is ideal for the traveler seeking relaxation, adventure or both. Call Polly or Kevin at: (207) 824-2073 for more
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.
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
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. 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.
Healing Ways of Kennebunk Reiki Certification Classes
For Massage Therapists and Bodyworkers Reiki I and Reiki II training offered monthly NCBTMB approved – 8 CE hours per class Learn the ancient hands-on-healing technique known as Reiki. This training is designed to inspire and teach massage therapists to integrate Reiki into their existing practice. Reiki is a powerful yet gentle therapy. Reiki has no contraindications so you will never have to turn another client away. This practical hands-on workshop allows you to work on yourself, others, pets and animals. Reiki is essential for every massage therapist, even if you do not need continuing education hours. Register early – class size limited for individual attention. For more information on class details contact Rachel Pelletier, LMT, Kennebunk, Maine (207) 967-0035 or www.healingwaysonline.com.
“Rachel Pelletier is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a continuing education Approved Provider.”
Your past is not your potential. In any hour you can choose to liberate the future. ...Marilyn Ferguson
information or visit: www.mahoosucmountainlodge.com.
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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.
A Very Rewarding Career ~ Nurturing your physical Nervous System through reflex points found within your feet & hands.
40 schools & trainings–cont. 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 2010
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 • chimeofmaine.org
shamanic healing
shamanic healing-cont. D O R Y C OTE
…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 Three-Year The Center for 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-renowned 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.
writing services Connecticut
Maine Spirit Passages Allie Knowlton, MSW, DCSW & Evelyn Rysdyk
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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 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.
Grow Your Business You need professionally written advertorials, ads, interviews, reviews and web content that align who you are and what you do with your target audience.
A professional writer saves you time and gets you and your business in print.
Ghostwriting: articles, books, columns, advertorials and more Freelance Work: feature articles, interviews, book reviews, web content Coaching: guidance and insight for your own writing Published in local, regional and national print and digital media Portfolio: www.KarenMRider.com Email: KarenMRider@comcast.net
phone: (860) 638-8140
Maine
Pacha Works
Holding New Possibilities. Working with traditional shamanistic practices for healing. 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 June 2010. 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."
The Village Scribe The Wellness Center, Camden, Maine
207.344.7070
TheVillageScribe@hotmail.com
Communicate your authentic message. Writing and Editing services for the Creative and Holistic communities.
Original Copy for: Ads ~ Business cards ~ Brochures Articles ~ Memoirs ~ Websites Writing Workshops Creative Writing ~ Memoir ~ Mythic Structure Ducktrap Writers' Round Table ~ Supporting writers in their craft. Camden Public Library, third Sundays, 2:00pm-4:00pm $15.
Custom crafted words that represent who you are and what you do.
Call for Art Kat Logan, of Friendship, has opened a new gallery this summer, that will feature Maine artists whose work has a spiritual resonance. This spiritual art gallery will feature artwork that is meditative, inspires healing, and is soul nurturing. This may include all mediums and sculptural pieces as well. Examples of work can be sent as jpegs, or an artist visit can be scheduled. Interested artists should contact Kat, by calling(207) 226-7446, or by sending an email to kat@mygreatfullheart.com. 40 Inner Tapestry Aug/Sept 2010
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Yoga ~ T'ai Chi ~ Meditation Listings Six issues in print costs $160 for 35 words plus logo. Online placement in the Directory of Resources with a direct link to your website for an additional $75. Please call: (207) 799-7995 / (203) 779-0345 or Email: info@innertapestry.org.
Yoga ~ T'ai Chi ~ Aikido Connecticut
Yoga for Health Marcie Loffredo, RYT ~ No experience needed. Styles of Yoga: Ashtanga, Vinyasa Flow, Hot Yoga, Back Care, Stretch and Tone, Weight Loss, Yoga-lates (combo of Yoga and Pilates), meditation, and relaxation. Visit our website for details www.yoga-4-health.com or email us at marcialoffredo@sbcglobal.net or call (860) 267-8279.
GLASTONBURY 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.
Maine DENMARK, GREATER BRIDGTON LAKES REGION Nurture Through Nature's Donation Based Yoga Center Our intention is to offer the gift of yoga in a sacred space, supporting healing, restoration, and healthy active movement. We offer weekly, quality classes in a beautiful, natural setting. Design your own healing yoga retreat. www.ntnretreats.com, (207) 452-2929, getaway@ntnretreats.com,.
SOUTH PORTLAND Sadhana The Meditation Center Sadhana is an meditation and chanting center. Open all days from 6:30AM to 9:00PM. All people and meditation techniques are welcome. We offer meditation classes, chanting sessions, spiritual gatherings and retreats. Donation based on affordability. www.SadhanaMe.com; (207) 772-6898; info@SadhanaMe.com; 100 Brickhill Ave., South Portland, ME
alone painting. One woman had never picked up a pen or paintbrush in her life, but after three months of open studio sessions with Shannon, she was creating paintings that I’d be delighted to hang in my own home. Other students have been with Shannon from the day the studio opened. “A lot of people are surprised with their finished piece. They’re surprised by their own talent,” Shannon said. “It’s surprising,” commented Fran Ranieri, who has painted with Shannon for just four months, “because of the experience that awakens within you through painting.” Fran described the process of putting paint on the paper that gives her freedom from chronic pain. “I didn’t know how badly I needed the time I spend painting… or how much it would help me. I am completely unaware of anything else while I am painting.” Most of the students commented on how painting relaxes them out of their daily strife. “More than exercise, painting at Watercolor Creations relaxes me after tough days at work. As soon as I am on my way to the studio, I can feel the tension dissolve. Shannon’s teaching style adds to this. You’re able to relax into painting without the pressure of achieving. Shannon allows each painter to discover what she (or he) wants to express in the finished piece.” More than Just Paint Classes In addition to the open studio sessions and one-day workshops offered for adults, children and organizations, Shannon travels off-site to senior centers, elementary schools, brownie troops and craft stores. The studio also hosts birthday parties, girls’ night out, and parent-child programs. Shannon typically offers light refreshments and beverages during classes or special programs. Students don’t just leave with a painting, saying themselves, “what do I do with it, now?” Shannon provides various options for custom matting and to have their paintings transformed into different types of printed products, such as, Tshirts, Aprons, Calendars, and Greeting Cards. Shannon does show her paintings throughout the state and is active in the Connecticut Watercolor Society events. Currently her artwork is available at Center Framing & Art in West Hartford, CT. Libraries and historic sites also have shown her work. Shannon has become very busy with studio and off-site classes. Not wanting to diminish the personal attention she gives to her students, she feels very fortunate to have found a co-instructor, Gina. “They even look alike,” chime a few of the women from the workshop. “They’re right,” Shannon concurs, “Gina even has the same approach to teaching.” Balancing Family Life, Dreams and Work in the Real World When she is not engaged in Watercolor Creations, Shannon spends all of her free time with her two wonderful young children and husband. “I have two sons, age three and age six. I am very family oriented, so it is very important to me that I am home each day to get my older son off the bus and guide him through any homework. It’s also very important to me that our family have dinner together as many nights a week as possible, and spend as much quality time together as possible.” Quality time often includes playing board games and participating in or watching sports. Shannon feels blessed, and most grateful, to have had a wonderful support network to help her “manage a crazy schedule and follow [her] dreams.” Her husband, parents and in-laws all pitch-in when needed. As for me, I’m still feeling my way around with a brush and paint. Pursuing my dream to be a published author and freelance writer while raising my own family doesn’t leave much time for weekly studio sessions. In the workshop that day, Shannon tended to each student much the way you would cultivate a garden. Beyond explaining and demonstrating the steps to create the floral image chosen for that day, she watered our potential with encouragement and fertilized our artist minds with guidance. For me, Shannon awoke my spirit to something that resonated deep within me—and I feel a powerful yearning for it to blossom. Karen M. Rider, M.A. is a freelance writer specializing in holistic and metaphysical subjects. Her articles, profiles, book reviews and promotional copy appear in local, regional and national publications including Door Opener, Natural Nutmeg, Angels Among Us, Dream Network Journal and The Writer magazine. Karen also writes fiction centered on the awakening of human-spiritual potential. Her first novel is underway. She is co-writing Eating... The Angel Way with intuitive medium Annie Kelleher due to publish in 2010. Karen lives in Cromwell, CT. Learn more: View Portfolio at www.KarenMRider.com, email: KarenMRider@comcast.net or call (860) 638-8140. Visit Karen's Blog: The Writing Parent, www.thewritingparent.blogspot.com.
Aug/Sept 2010 Inner Tapestry 41
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COLCHESTER, CROMWELL, EAST HAMPTON, PORTLAND & WESTCHESTER
Continued from page 22 ~ Destination Healing SNE
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August ~ Vermont September ~Vermont August 6th-8th, Weekend Retreat ~ Reconnect with Nature Retreat
September 4th, 10:00am - 4:00pm All-Day Workshop ~ Tai Chi & Qigong Intensive
Join Zen Yoga founder Aaron Hoopes and his wife Elfeya for a special weekend of breathing, gentle movement and meditation in the beautiful mountains of Vermont. Program includes nature meditations, Tai Chi, Qigong and deep relaxation. Home-cooked meals! Ledge End Retreat & Wellness Center, (860) 805-6551, breathe@artofzenyoga.com, Website: www.artofzenyoga.com/natureretreat.htm.
Join Zen Yoga founder Aaron Hoopes and Michael Denmeade for an intensive Tai Chi and Qigong immersion workshop. Workshop includes lecture, training and home-cooked lunch prepeared by Elfeya Hoopes. cost $50 Ledge End Retreat & Wellness Center, (860) 805-6551, breathe@artofzenyoga.com, WEBSITE: www.artofzenyoga.com.
August 20th-22nd, Weekend Retreat ~ Zen Warrior Retreat
Calendar & Classified Guide & Rates Page 44
H eart V isions May 23th-29th, 2011 Assisi, Italy ~ Remembering Your Sacred Work
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Know the wisdom of St. Clare and St. Francis and the sacred silence of the stones of Assisi with Megan Don. www.mysticpeace.com.
June 13th-22nd 2011 Pilgrimage to Ireland ~ Exploring the Divine Feminine with Megan Don, www.mysticpeace.com.
September 2011 Pilgrimage to Avila ~ Knowing Your Spiritual Self-Worth with Megan Don, www.mysticpeace.com
May 2012 Glastonbury, England Experience the healing waters of the Chalice Well, bringing harmony to your well being. With Megan Don www.mysticpeace.com.
August ~ Connecticut August 8th, 1:00pm-3:30pm Yoga Hike Salmon River State Forest, Route 16 East Hampton. We'll meet in the parking lot and take our yoga practice off the mat and into the woods! Requesting donations to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, no mats needed. Erin (860) 267-6388 or radiantyoga@sbcglobal.net.
August 15th 1:00pm-3:00pm Partner Yoga Workshop Coming together through yoga, participants will explore partnered yoga poses and relaxation through touch. Bikram Yoga, Glastonbury CT (located at 31 Concord St.) Contact Erin at (860) 267-6388 or radiantyoga@sbcglobal.net Cost: Partner Package: $35 for early registration or $40 at the door Come solo and make a new connection!: $17 early registration or $20 at the door.
August ~ Maine August 1st-7th Women’s Wilderness Living Canoe Camping Retreat Penobscot River and Lobster Lake, North Maine Woods ~ $950, www.ntnretreats.com, (207) 452-2929.
August~NewHampshire August 14th, 10:00am-6:00pm Meet The Mystics 3rd Annual Holistic Health/Psychic Festival, 20 Blackwater Rd., Somersworth, NH. FMI: (603) 841-5746, www.meetthemystics.com.
42 Inner Tapestry Aug/Sept 2010
Join internal and external martial arts masters for a weekend training in various forms of martial arts and warriorship study. Schedule includes Qigong, XinYiQuan, Tai Chi, Sword, Fire Ceremony, Drum Circle and much more. All styles and levels welcome. Ledge End Retreat & Wellness Center, (860) 805-6551, breathe@artofzenyoga.com, Website: www.artofzenyoga.com/zenwarrior.htm.
August 22nd, 11:00am-4:00pm Healing Arts Festival at Gardens of Atlantis. Come for a day of community Fun, Food and Friends! Admission is Free! Go to www.gardensofatlantis.org for more information. (207) 929~5088.
September~Connecticut September 11th Healer or Practitioner ~ Is There a Difference? at The Gathering, 338 Town St., Haddam, CT. NESHA members $15 and non-members $20. FMI and registration (860) 873-3339.
September ~ Maine
September 17th-19th, Weekend Retreat ~ Reconnect with Nature Retreat Join Zen Yoga founder Aaron Hoopes and his wife Elfeya for a special weekend of breathing, gentle movement and meditation in the beautiful mountains of Vermont. Program includes nature meditations, Tai Chi, Qigong and deep relaxation. Home-cooked meals! Ledge End Retreat & Wellness Center, (860) 805-6551, breathe@artofzenyoga.com, Website: www.artofzenyoga.com/natureretreat.htm.
September 17th-18th, Leapin' Lizards Psychic Fair Celebration! Friday night: Movie Awaken 6:30pm $7.50. Saturday Psychic Fair 11:00am-4:00pm, Readers, Practitioners and many new store items, Gong Bath 6:30pm-8:00pm $35. Contact Leapin' Lizards (207) 865-0900, Freeport, ME.
Upcoming~Connecticut October 2nd, 10:00am-4:00pm NESHA Fall Wellness Fair Memorial School, East Hampton, Admission Free. Come for the day, vendors and practitioners to assist the journey to wellness. Stay for the evening fundraiser: Gong Bath 6:30pm $25 pre-registration, $30 at the door, help support the work of the NESHA non-profit organization. FMI; (860) 295-0527, joe.pt@snet.net or www.NESHAwellness.com.
September 3rd-6th Yoga & Meditation Retreat w/Surya Chandra Das
October 7th, 6:30pm-8:30pm Channelled Messages for the Soul ~ Roland Comtois
Yoga postures, pranayama, restorative poses, meditation, selfinquiry, silence, organic vegetarian meals, free time at quiet 100-acre country sanctuary. www.rollingmeadowsretreat.com (888) 666-6412.
Presented by NESHA at Banner Fitness, 1 Banner Rd., Moodus $70 FMI: (860) 267-0250, sar@neshawellness.com.
September 18th, 11:00am-4:00pm Topsham-Brunswick Holistic Health Fair Mid Coast Red Cross Building, Topsham, Maine. Free admission, free ongoing workshops, featuring exhibits with holistic health practitioners, and metaphysical products, readers and services. Vendor space available. FMI call Mary at (207) 446-7868 or visit http://theenchanteddragon.shutterfly.com/topshambrunswickholistichealth or www.forestcircles.com.
September 22nd-26th Women's Retreat: Cleanse the Body ~ Celebrate the Soul Mid-Coast Deep mind-body-spirit healing. Cost: $335 (includes Cleanse Kit). Hallie Holland, MSW, RMT ~ (207) 751-7537. Awaken Awareness: Reiki, The Polarity Way * Member of Team Northrup.
September 28th – October 3rd Allagash Fall Foliage canoe trip with Mahoosuc Guide Service. Fully outfitted. Come and relax in the Great North Woods of Maine! FMI: (207) 824-2073 or www.mahoosuc.com.
September~Massachusetts September 11th, Saturday, 10:00am-5:00pm Psychic Development, Past Lives, & Angel Communication Workshop with Ross J. Miller, psychic healer, medium, regression therapist, Newton, MA. To register for the workshop or to schedule a psychic or past-life reading or healing session in person or over the phone, visit our website: www.TheMysticWay.com or call Ross J. Miller (617) 527-3583.
October 10th, 10:00am-5:00pm Annual Holistic Happening Meet the local holistic practitioners and experience their services. FMI: www.holistichappening.com, admission donation for local food pantry and non-kill animal shelters., 720 Quinebaug Rd., Quinebaug, CT.
January 8th, 10:00am-3:30pm A Day of Channelling ~ Roland Comtois East Hampton, $150 Spend the day with Roland, learn what it is like to be a channel, awaken everyone's ability to receive and believe. Class is limited. FMI: (860) 267-0250 or www. NESHAwellness.com.
Upco mi n g M ai ne October 2nd-3rd, 9:00am-4:00pm both daysUsui Reiki I Workshop: Learn the history of Reiki, energy and the energetic system, as well as, meditation and treatment techniques. Ample practice time. FMI- Yvonne Thibodeau, Sophia’s Wisdom at (207) 356-2662.
October 3rd Afternoon Workshop Living Your Sacred Vision Through Awareness with Megan Don at Greater Portland Unity Church, see www. mysticpeace.com.
October 7th-11th Women's Fall Foliage Holistic Paddling Eco-Retreat with Nurture Through Nature in the Upper Saco River Valley, Western Maine lakes and Mountains Region, For those seeking more long lasting peace and rest from all the noise in their head! FMI: www.ntnretreats.com, (207) 452-2929, $750 includes all meals, programming, camping and paddling gear.
43 October 8th-11th Yoga & Meditation Retreat w/Surya Chandra Das Yoga postures, pranayama, restorative poses, meditation, selfinquiry, silence, organic vegetarian meals, free time at quiet 100-acre country sanctuary. www.rollingmeadowsretreat.com (888) 666-6412.
October 15th-17th Wellness Weekend at Mahoosuc Mountain Lodge. Practitioners offering their services throughout the weekend including Sapokniona Whitefeather. Evening presentations. FMI: Contact Polly at (207) 824-2073.
October 16th & 23rd, 9:00am-4:00pm both Saturdays Karuna® 1 & 2 Practioner Workshop: Karuna-Compassion in Sanskrit. Learn Karuna symbols and their uses, toning with symbols, giving treatments, and much more. Ample practice time. FMI- Yvonne Thibodeau, Sophia’s Wisdom at (207) 356-2662.
October 22nd-24th Reiki, The Polarity Way Intensive Mid-coast. A 3-Part Reiki Master Certification Course. $600 for all three levels; To Register: $75 non-refundable deposit. Hallie Holland, MSW, RMT ~ (207) 751-7537 Awaken Awareness: Reiki, The Polarity Way
October 24th-29th Yoga & Meditation Retreat w/Surya Chandra Das Yoga postures, pranayama, restorative poses, meditation, selfinquiry, silence, organic vegetarian meals, free time at quiet 100-acre country sanctuary. www.rollingmeadowsretreat.com (888) 666-6412.
October 28th-31st Moving Through Grief, Trauma & Loss Healing from past and present loss and trauma through the externalization of emotions. Notre Dame Spiritual Center, Alfred, ME. Contact
October 30th-31st, 10:00am-5:00pm Traveling Through The Chakras with Sound
November 20th, Saturday, 10:00am-4:00pm Holistic Mystic Fair, A Magical Mystical Event! American Legion Post 205, 400 Eastern Avenue, Augusta, Maine $5 Entrance Fee, individual services priced separately—FREE workshops every half hour. For more information contact: Mary Alderman (207) 446-7868, email enchanteddragons@gmail.com, http://theenchanteddragon. shutterfly.com/holisticmysticfair.
UpcomingMassachusetts October 13th, 9:00am-3:30pm Seeking the Sacred Feminine: Discovering Clare in a Francis World with Megan Don at Rolling Ridge Retreat Center, www.rollingridge.org or www.mysticpeace.com. Using the lives of Clare and Franis of Assisi we will explore the necessity for activation of the feminine and masculine energy in order for our life and mission to unfold.
Ongoing~Connecticut Sunday ~ Bhakti-Yoga Festival – 3:00pm Join us for kirtan, philosophy and vegetarian dinner. No charge. Hare Krishna Temple. 1683 Main St. East Hartford CT 06108 (860) 289-7252, www.iskconct.org.
Ongoing Reiki Offerings Individual Reiki Sessions, Crystal Healings, Reiki Shares & Classes in Eastern CT. Please call Carleen, RMT at (860) 884-3125 for more information.
Holistic Moms Network National non-profit organization for parents with an interest in holistic health and green living. Visit www.holisticmoms.org to find a local chapter.
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. Corner of Route. 66 and Harvestwood Rd. Middlefield, CT. (860) 346-2226; www.ct-eckankar.org.
KIRTAN, on third Saturday of each month at Universalist Chapel, N. Fryeburg, ME. Located junction of Fish St. and Rt. 113. 7:00pm-9:00pm. All are welcome. FMI: Kathleen (207) 925-3133, Suzanne (207) 831-0868 email: indigo.8.yoga@gmail.com. Namaste'
Have a problem with food? Does your eating behavior make you or others unhappy? There is help available in OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS! Check out oamaine.org to learn more, or call 211 for meeting times.
Serene Healing Arts Center offers Wellness programs at Topsham Medical Building. Qigong, Chair Yoga, Macrobiotics cooking classes and Ayuverdic cooking classes starting March 16, 2010. For more information please call Serene Healing Arts at (207) 721-9919.
Authentic Movement Dance at Bath Dance Works First and third Saturdays of the month, 10:00am-1:00pm, schedule resumes in October suggested donation $10, no experience is necessary. FMI: call Kay Mann (207) 725-9997 or email dancingfewl@pobox.com.
Kirtan at Portland Yoga Studio, 1st and 3rd Fridays Join us on a vocal journey through the sacred sounds of ancient India with call & response group chanting. Beginners welcomed. $5.00 suggested donation. 7:00pm-8:30pm, 616 Congress St., 3rd floor, Portland, ME. FMI: www.portlandyoga.com.
The Ducktrap Writers’ Round Table meets on third Sundays at Camden Public Library from 2:00pm-4:00pm. A venue for writers who wish to share work, receive feedback and be supported in their craft. Call Teresa Piccari, proprietor of The Village Scribe, at (207) 344-7070 for more info. Suggested fee is $15. Next meetings are June 20th, July 18th, and August 15th.
Qigong and Tai Chi Easy classes starting now Qigong is the gentle Chinese art of movement and breath that has profound health and spiritual benefits. Tai Chi Easy is a series of Tai Chi movements that are easy to learn and promote brain health, physical healing, and relief from stress. Both are starting at the end of January and going through the spring semester at The Awake Collective, The Landing Center, and Meadow Wind. Please call Ann Walker, certified IIQTC Qigong and Tai Chi instructor at (207) 699-4299 for more information.
Reiki - Healing Ways of Kennebunk
Meditation and Buddhism: Nagaloka is a spiritual community that provides space for individuals to explore and practice Buddhism. Weekly meditation sessions, retreats and introductory classes on meditation and Buddhism are scheduled regularly. Bookstore, too! www.nagalokabuddhistcenter.org, (207) 774-1545.
The New Moon Rituals with Chief Oscar Mokeme www.museumafricanculture.org and the class "Developing Your Personal Healing Gifts" with teacher, healer and medical intuitive Regina Strongheart at "Forest Circles," Topsham, Maine, www.forestcircles.com.
Tuesday Buddhist Meditation We practice Natural Wisdom and Love and Natural Wisdom and Compassion. All practices are for beginners and long-time practitioners, 25 Middle Street, Portland. 6:00pm-7:00pm. Jane Burdick, janeburd@maine.rr.com or (207) 773-6809.
MOOSE Open Microphone-Spoken Word The Maine Organization Of Storytelling Enthusiasts serving the Storytelling Community of Maine meets monthly on the second Wednesday from 7:00pm-9:00pm at the North Star Cafe in Portland. http://mooseevent.bravehost.com.
Nia With Maggie Bokor Find bliss in your body! Nia is barefoot movement blending dance, yoga and martial arts. Check out Maggie's Portland area classes at www.dancenia.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) 431-8079 or visit www.ShivaShaktiYogaSchool.com.
Kripalu Yoga Class in Windham Mondays 9:15am-10:30am and Wednesdays, 5:30pm-6:45pm at the Masonic Hall on River Road. Contact Rebecca at (207) 749-4150 for more information, www.lawindwellness.com.
Spiritual Horizons Maine Meets every other Tuesday at 7:00pm, 75 State Street, Portland. Alternate weeks group on A Course in Miracles. Contact: Tom Peterson (207) 310-0030 or John Moulton (207) 874-7602, www.spiritualhorizonsmaine.ning.org.
Energize! A holistic approach to performance Energy balancing sessions for artists, actors, and performers, recover your highest creative self. Post-performance rebalancing. $80 ($70 students) Holistic Pathways, Gorham, (207) 839-9819 www.starlightacting.org.
Reiki classes offered monthly. Learn this ancient art of hands-on healing for yourself, loved ones, and pets. FMI Rachel Pelletier, LMT (207) 967-0035 or www.healingwaysonline.com.
The Womanly Art of Self Defense and Empowerment
Taoist Tai Chi TM Internal Arts of Health
Meditation, Hatha Yoga, Family Constellations
Sustain or reclaim your good health with the Taoist Tai Chi Society® internal art of Tai Chi Chuan. In more than 25 countries around the globe, people of all ages and abilities enjoy the many benefits of practicing this art of holistic health. Classes are offered in Westbrook, Bridgton, Brownfield & Blue Hill. FMI: (207) 329-4346, or email: portland.me@taoist.org.
Wednesday Women’s Meditation Group All women welcome to a weekly meditation in the Greenfire tradition. Location: Newcastle, St. Andrews Parish House, Glidden St. 6:30pm–7:30pm (not on the 3rd Wednesday of the month). For more info please call: Angela H. (207) 592-7888 or Mary A. (207) 677-3229.
Sunday Night: Portland Spiritualist Church meets at 755 Main Street, Westbrook (Mission Possible Teen Center) for 6:30pm Service, Healing Meditation, Inspirational Talk, Messages from Spirit. FMI call (207) 655-6673 or visit our website at www.portlandspiritualistchurch.org.
Fourth Friday of each month - Gallery Readings. Join us at the Portland Spiritualist Church, 755 Main Street, Westbrook (Mission Possible Teen Center) for an evening of messages from Spirit. 7:00pm $10 event. FMI call (207) 655-6673 or visit our website at www.portlandspiritualistchurch.org.
Friday Night: Weekly Psychic Development and Awareness Classes, except for the 4th Friday which is Gallery Readings - see above. Portland Spiritualist Church, 755 Main Street, Westbrook (Mission Possible Teen Center). Classes start at 7:30pm. Most classes are by donation. FMI call (207) 655-6673 or visit our website at www.portlandspiritualistchurch.org.
Satsang/Meditation ~ Camden/Lincolnville. Silent meditation based on works of H.W.L. Poonja & Ramana Maharshi. Tapes, Readings & Films too. Meetings Tuesday evenings at 6:30pm. Info Call: (207) 763-3860.
Ongoing course for women, awareness & prevention skills, verbal self-defense & empowerment, basic self-defense techniques. (207) 266-4902, Trenton Family Karate, Trenton/Ellsworth area. Classes and programs in yoga, meditation, pranayama and spiritual and psychological development. Also Constellating the Soul: Untangling Our Lives. FMI www.TurningLight.org (207) 829-2700 North Yarmouth.
The Path of Celtic Buddhism Celtic Buddist meditation in Rockland, ME. Group practice on Sunday mornings at 8:30am. Please call for information (207) 701-5022, heartln@sover.net, www.celticbuddhism.org.
"Yokids" Yoga Ed Tools for Teachers Workshops 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 freestanding birth center is available for free tours. FMI: contact heidi@birthwisemidwifery.edu, www.birthhouseme.com or (207) 647-5919.
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) 453-6133, (207) 649-9655, Waterville, ME.
Continued on page 44
Aug/Sept 2010 Inner Tapestry 43
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Exploration and healing through the energy centers with gongs, crystal bowls and voice. Class limited to 20, Reservations (207) 865-0900, Leapin' Lizards, Freeport. Exchange $195
Ongo i ng~ M aine
44 Calendar of Events
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All Calendar and Classified Listings are listed on the Inner Tapestry Website!
w w w .in n e rt ape st ry.o rg Oneness Blessings/Oneness Deeksha in Maine
“SANT MAT RADHASWAMI SATSANG”
HOLISTIC HEALTH CENTER
A Direct Experience of the Divine ~ Living in Oneness. Regularly scheduled circles (free). Become a Deeksha giver. Oneness Trainers Elizabeth and Maha'al. Contact Elizabeth@ IntegralPotentials.com or (207) 619-1663.
Inner Light & Sound Meditation. Surat Shabd Yoga. For a Bangor, Waterville, & Portland meeting schedule, call James at: (207) 368-5866 or James@SpiritualAwakeningRadio.com.
Established therapeutic and holistic health center for sale in Western Maine. This is a turnkey operation. The present owner would stay on as a consultant to help the new ownership for a short time and continue to offer established services to local and visiting clientele. The business's staff massage therapist is also open to continuing their services as well. The sale includes all retail store fixtures and inventory and is available at $72,000. Therapeutic fixtures will remain the property of the therapists and practitioners. Serious inquiries only. Please reply to Inner Tapestry PO Box 122, East Hampton, CT 06424 or email joan@innertapestry.org.
Locavore Potlucks, 5:00pm York ME Locavore potluck (local and/or wild food from animal and plant sources) takes place every third Saturday at Aimee's Livin' Magic, 254 Cider Hill Rd., York. Occasional speakers from the health and nutrition field. Emphasis on connecting to local farmers. Call Aimee at (207) 409-0899 or visit www.liveinmagic.com for details.
Center of Inner Light, Rev. Gloria Nye Located at 267 Congress Street, Portland, ME (within the synagogue). Sunday Services: 10:30am-12:00pm followed by fellowship. FMI call (207) 786-4401, visit www.RevGloriaNye. com.
Dragonfly Taijiquan, Larry Ira Landau
Cyan Magenta Yellow Black
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.
SpiritWings–Workshops, Reiki Classes in Bethel ME Reiki Share second Tuesday of every month. Well-Being and Healing Classes Regularly. Offering Tibetan/Usui and Karuna® Reiki-Meditation Classes and Shamanic Healing Techniques, which examines various methods of healing employed by our ancestors. For further information call (207) 824-2204 or visit website www.spiritwingsbethel.com.
Doula tea, meet with doulas in person Learn how doulas help families during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. We meet one Sunday each month at the Birth Roots, 101 State St., Portland from 9:00am-11:00am. There is no fee, pre-registration is required. Call Rebecca Goodwin at (207) 318-8272.
Stretch, Relax and Recharge Through YOGA A gentle way to reduce stress, tension and pain, while increasing vitality, flexibility, strength, a positive mind and balance on all levels. Ongoing Iyengar Yoga Classes (20 years of teaching) Kennebunk: Monday 5:00pm continuing level & 7:00pm beginners, Thursday 5:15pm continuing level 8 weeks at $99, frop in fee $15. In Portland: Saturdays 10am continuing beginners. Yoga Vacation in Virgin Gorda February 14th-21st, $700 plus airfare FMI: call Jeanette Schmid Lakari (207) 282-5528 or email at yogajs@maine.rr.com.
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) 7805900 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.
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, priestess: (207) 883-1081.
Ongoing~NewHampshire Sunday Service weekly at 10:00AM for all ages Unity of the Seacoast, both church and spiritual community, honors all paths of God. Affiliated with the publishers of Daily World magazine and the Silent Unity prayer line, we are a positive, practical, New Thought Christian movement that values personal transformation and conscious connection with the loving Presence of God. Everyone is welcome to join us for a celebration of life, love and joy! Unity of the Seacoast, 3 Front St., Salmon Falls Lower Mill Building, Rollinsford, NH 03869, (603) 749-0677 or info@Unityoftheseacoast.com.
Tai Chi for Health Thursday, 5:30pm-6:15pm, $15 pay as you go. Zev Yoga, 16 Market Square, Portsmouth, NH. Age 14 and older. FMI: (913) 938-6384.
NESHHA Educational Presentation 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.
Eaton Satsang 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.
Ongoing ~ Vermont
Nurture Through Nature specializes in holistic personal retreats. Experience peace, healing and connection with self and nature in a simple and earth-friendly environment. Enjoy yoga, body work, a Finnish wood-fired sauna steam bath, dips in the mountain brook, hiking, meditation, The Work of Byron Katie, canoeing, kayaking... create your own getaway for individuals, couples and small groups. Bridgton Lakes Region, Denmark, Maine, (207) 452-2929, www.ntnretreats.com.
SACRED RENTAL SPACE Green-Certified Eco-Retreat Space available for rent. Nurture Through Nature offers three solar-powered eco-cabins, private camping, wood-fired sauna, yoga studio, hiking trails, mountain brook, Denmark, Maine ~ Greater Bridgton Lakes Region, www.ntnretreats.com, (207) 452-2929.
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.
Zen Yoga Breathing, movement, stretching and deep guided relaxation meditation. Every Monday evening. 6:00-7:00pm. class. $10. Location: Ledge End Retreat & Wellness Center, (802) 685-4448, breathe@artofzenyoga.com.
Tai Chi/Zen Yoga Gentle stretching, movement and breathing warm up followed by practice of the basic Yang style short form. Moving meditation for adults and seniors. Tuesday & Friday mornings 10:00-11:00am, $10. Location: Ledge End Retreat & Wellness Center, (802) 685-4448, breathe@artofzenyoga.com.
This Human Potential Is An Awesome Trip!
Zen Yoga Breathing, movement, stretching and deep guided relaxation meditation. Every Wednesday evening. Beginners 6:00pm7:00pm. All levels 7:00pm-8:30pm. $10 per class. Location: Studio Time and Space in Springfield, VT. Everyone welcome. www.studiotimeandspace.org, phone: (802) 591-0990.
Ledge End Retreat & Wellness Center Ongoing morning and evening classes in Tai Chi, Qigong, Yoga and meditation. All levels. www.artofzenyoga.com (802) 685-4448.
Classified Listings HOLISTIC BUSINESSES FOR SALE
Belfast Yoga Studio. Iyengar style Hatha Yoga
YOGA RETAIL STORE
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.
Integrate your passion for yoga with your work in this unique business opportunity. One of a kind yoga retail store serving Portland’s rapidly growing yoga /meditation community for the past 5 years. In Portland’s burgeoning Arts District. All reasonable and serious offers considered. FMI: cmackay@gwi.net.
44 Inner Tapestry Aug/Sept 2010
HEALING PLACES
Calendar & Classified submission deadline for October/November issue September 5th
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Constellating the Soul: Untangling Our Lives (Part One) by Darcy Cunningham
S
o many of our modalities for healing, for “achieving our potential” etc are focused on us as individuals and what we “know” and the stories we have made about our lives. Yet meditation, shamanism, spirituality in its deepest sense, all teach us that we are interconnected, parts of a greater whole, parts of systems. One of the most profound systems of which we are part is our family of origin… a living breathing web that holds all the people and events and places of our ancestors (whether we consciously know these details or not!). Many of our most intractable problems, sufferings that limit our ability to live life full on, with fearless open hearts, have their roots in past traumas and events from our family tree.
Healing the Family Tree Constellations grew out of an approach pioneered by Bert Hellinger, a German systems philosopher and family therapist. Hellinger’s approach – initially called the Orders of Love – is an approach to healing that promotes constructive action and frees us and those we love from suffering.
Conventional therapy tends to focus on the individual who is manifesting the greatest distress or disturbance. But such approaches tend to ignore the subtle, often hidden, dynamics that occur within family systems as a whole. Constellations, and its “orders of love,” works with these hidden dynamics in family systems, providing felt-experience that leads to insight and often restoring order in troubled family life so that we can lead more full and satisfying lives. Orders of Love “Order is the way in which the many can interact. Orders that are living will resonate with life as they unfold. They drive us on and force their discipline on us through longing and through fear. In setting boundaries, they give us space.” B. Hellinger in Rising in Love, 2008. So what is an example of these “orders” that support the flow of life force and optimize well-being in a family? Love (life force) doesn’t just automatically “flow” in the most beneficial way for all family members. There is an architecture to the flow of love based on acknowledging everyone (including not-mentioned family members) in a system and everyone finding their right place in time and space. Love flows downward in time, from past to future and everyone born into a family has an equal right to belong. This can appear both as a simple biological truth necessary to support life, and as highly controversial. We create suffering for ourselves and for those who follow when we ignore this “order.” For example: when parents divorce, often one parent is vilified by the other. Children are then caught in conflicting loyalties: they need both parents in order to be born and must be able to take both parents fully, with respect, in order to fully take their life force. Yet to live with one parent, often requires an overt agreement to the vilification of the other parent. So the loyalty to the “bad” parent is lived out at an unconscious level, often with at least one child (usually the youngest) becoming like the excluded parent. (Mimicry is the oldest form of flattery/loyalty.) This “entangled” child may be seen as disruptive, the “trouble maker,” and as they grow up, perhaps can’t complete things (like school or hold good jobs). She/he acts out their loyalty unconsciously, even to the point of also becoming excluded. There are countless stories in this work where the original excluded family member is given their place with respect, and the “entangled” member, who may have been estranged for many years, calls “out of the blue” to reconnect. There are many reasons why someone may have been excluded: sometimes a child is miscarried near term, or stillborn, and the mother’s/parent’s grief is too great to be born at the time and so the child is unnamed and unspoken of; or perhaps a father died in a war when the child was very young, the mother
There are several other orders of love such as those who come first take precedence over those who come later, and older members give while younger members receive, and then give in turn to the next generation. Optimum love flows in a family when give and take are balanced in the flow of “passing on life” down the generations and within a marriage. We injure ourselves when we don’t take life as it comes to us (for example “refusing” a parent through anger, judgment, etc.), or when we exclude some members of a family system, or when we try to act “bigger” than our allotted place in the system (for example young children taking care of their parents). We “see” in constellations how often these choices are made out of blind love. Some examples include: losing a child very young can be so unbearable, limiting a mothers ability to care for her other children, that the children take care of her; or perhaps a war trauma has so affected a father that he is no longer “available” to his wife and so a young son unconsciously steps in to love his mother in his father’s place; or we are raised by loving adoptive parents and so, out of loyalty to them, we exclude one or both birth parents. Each of these choices, generally made unconsciously at a young age, damages us in some way, limiting our ability to become our fullest richest selves.
One Story
In a recent constellation I witnessed, “Pat” reported suffering all her life in loneliness and had even thought seriously about suicide. There is no “obvious” external source for this experience and she has had years of therapy to no avail. In the constellation process we learn that her mother had a stillbirth after the third child (Pat was the youngest of four children). We “see” in the constellation how Pat’s mother felt deep grief and loss for this child, yet she had 3 living young children to care for and so no time to grieve. So the lost child was never named nor even spoken of. Pat came soon after as the “fourth” child. The fate of this lost sibling was “excluded” from the family, and when Pat came she unconsciously, blindly, out of great love, tried to live the fate of this missing sibling so that they too “belonged” fully in the family. Once all these hidden dynamics are seen, and the excluded member is given their place in the family, Pat is freed from this “entanglement” and, in love, can now fully live her own fate and life. She reports feeling lighter and softer. As we witness and participate in Constellations, we see that is a practice, it is not problem solving: How do we agree to all that life and fate bring us, and still live and love as much as possible while honoring these limitations? The joys and sorrows we experience are both life; rejecting some means rejecting life.
A Practice: Here is one way you may begin to explore your family soul. Who belongs? Who is missing? Where are people’s “right places?” Gather together a photo gallery of your current family (spouse, children, etc. if you have them), your family of origin (at least mother, father, siblings, both sets of grandparents). Do you have photos of all these people? Who might be missing? Previous spouses of your parents? (Their leaving made your arrival possible.) Siblings of you or your parents who never survived to adulthood? If you don’t have photos, make a drawing and label it, or select a “talisman” (a special rock or shell for example) to hold the space for someone whose photo you are missing. Set up a place – a shelf, a table – where all the photos can gather, arranged in chronological/generational order. Take a few minutes each day to take in these images. Try not to tell stories about anyone, simply honor everyone’s right to belong just as they are. Acknowledge that each one that came before you (especially parents and grandparents) gave you life. See how the life force flows through you to the generations after you, born or unborn. Or perhaps reflect on how you have taken in and then passed on life in other ways if you have no children. Darcy Cunningham is a Constellator in Maine, leading workshops nationally. She also teaches meditation and yoga, and is trained in Gestalt Systems and consults to larger systems. www.TurningLight.org/constel. Aug/Sept 2010 Inner Tapestry 45
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Hellinger demonstrated the importance of the natural forces (or “orders”) that support or constrain the healthy flow of love in relationships. Ignoring these “orders of love” leads to consequences for family members, often over many generations, consequences that can blight lives and limit our potential in the world. We respond to these invisible forces mostly unconsciously, furthering our own and others’ suffering
remarries, and buries both her loss and the name of her child’s father. Usually difficult circumstances, even traumas, where people do the best they can at the time and then “put it all behind them” to “carry on,” are what lead to the later entanglements that children seek blindly, unconsciously, lovingly, to heal.
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Book Review
by Joan Emmons
An Eagle Named Freedom By: Jeff Guidry ISBN: 978-0-06-182674-0 Publisher: HarperCollins www.harpercollins.com/authors/ 35858/Jeff_Guidry/index.aspx
MIXED M E D IA Cyan Magenta Yellow Black
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DV D s
Some of you will remember an article by feature writer Scott Cronenweth called The Circle of Healing in our April/May 2009 issue of the journal, Animal Wize. Our article featured, Freedom, a bald eagle who in 1998 found her way into the Sarvey Wildlife Care Center and into the arms and heart of her now life companion Jeff Guidry and most of the world through her story being sent round the world many times via the Internet. Freedom was found full of lice, her right wing broken in one place and her left wing broken in four places. She was sheltered and cared for and on the day before her termination date, as she was not responding and able to stand on her own, Jeff was greeted as he entered the shelter by an elated staff and Freedom standing on her own. This began a remarkable story that has touched the hearts of many, including myself. Freedom and Jeff have been through many trials... including Jeff's journey through cancer. Freedom shared through her "being" just how a being on this earth can open to the possibility of what healing is truly about. At the time of our April/May issue in 2009, we were told by Jeff that he was not doing many interviews and then graciously made the time to share his story with us. Then he was busily and happily focused on writing his own expression of life's miraculous unfolding in which a man, and a bird came to open their hearts to a deep love that we can if willing experience in our lives. The book is complete, available since May and receiving great reviews. The publishers, HarperCollins' website is great; from the video to the many pictures of Jeff and Freedom—truly awe inspiring. You can even read part of the book. This is definitely one of life's stories that inspires us all to awaken to our Human Potential. Fellow journeyers like Freedom are here to assist us in just that. Thank you Jeff and Freedom for this amazing story and for all that you do for the community with your appearances. Congratulation on the book, a definite read!
Book Review Bridge Between Worlds: Extraordinary
S I E O V M AND F OO D
EWS R E V Iand more 46 Inner Tapestry Aug/Sept 2010
Experiences that Changed Lives. By: Dan Millman & Doug Childers ISBN: 978-1-932073-26-3 Publisher: New World Library Since the yoga article was short this time I am supplementing it with a word about this book. Today my husband asked me “Do you think you are neurotic?” Interesting question. After all these years of yoga and meditation, I know my mind still has haunting thoughts and repeat tapes, some quite on the self-defeating side. As Yogi Bhajan said, “If you want to master something, teach it.” I am still working on that one. I do know that we are taught that imbalances in the lower chakras are what lead to neurosis. As humans we have instincts for survival like all animals, yet we also have the ability to expand in consciousness. The human spirit many assume is superior to the animal spirit. As an animal lover and advocate I am not sure I know if this is true or know if I can agree or
Book Review
by Joan Emmons
The Problem With Money? It's Not About The Money By: Jane Honeck ISBN: 978-0-9845020-0-4 Publisher: Reversing Falls Press www.theproblemwithmoney.com During the most trying times in my life when relationships seemed the hardest, the two things that constantly felt like they were the source of disagreement were raising children and finances. Well now there is help, at least with the financial component of relationships. The Problem With Money? It's Not About The Money. Mastering The Unexamined Beliefs That Drive Our Financial Lives. Author Jane Honeck brings to us the reality behind what drives us to our beliefs about money, why we spend what we do and why we save what we save. Jane's background as a CPA, PFS and founding Honeck & O'Toole in 1982, in Portland Maine, offered her the opportunity during a time of her own inner discovery, to her passion for helping her clients discover the real problems that underlie their relationship with money. As the first sentence on the back cover of the book states, "Take Your Financial Blindfold Off!" Easier said than done, Jane! But can it be that simple? Can we change so that our long-term financial wellbeing can be accomplished? Well to answer that, Jane developed financial workshops and a six session money program called Cent$ible Living. These programs have been developed to allow us to actually take the steps into ourselves to see what a pattern of financial sabotage looks like, and how to change that pattern of sabotage into financial support. Jane's book will help you identify your money beliefs and explore how they influence the behavior in the major areas of our lives. You'll also get the tools and techniques so that change can emerge as action steps that create the change many of us are looking for in our lives. You can also connect with Jane via her online blog: www.theproblemwithmoney.com and go to the blog section or you can sign up and receive Jane's blog directly to your computer or visit www.janehoneck.com for a schedule of seminars and teleseminars for those of us not in the area. Thanks Jane for bringing to us the reality that we can change our relationship with money.
by Donna Davidge disagree. But I do know that sometimes a book can inspire us to feel that we are awakening the spirit just a bit more, inspired by possibilities and glimpses into other people’s lives. This is exactly what Dan Millman does in his collection with the title of this review. The subtitle is Extraordinary Experiences that Changed Lives. Some of the people, featured in the book like Buckminster Fuller, are known and others not. It does not matter. They are all humans who have had amazing journeys and experiences. What I have done with this book is to open to any chapter, any story, just before I lay my head to sleep. I find that each story has a merit to inspire me into my sleep and hopes for a good next day—where anything might happen. I feel we can all use a little of this on a daily basis and the author of The Way of the Peaceful Warrior does a lovely job with Doug Childers as co-author to share stories that can awaken the human spirit in each of us, to live another day in realization that the journey has its ups and downs. All of which can result in something ultimately wonderful.
Donna Amrita Davidge, www.sewallhouse.com, Island Falls, ME (888) 235-2395 info@sewallhouse.com.
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Book & CD Review
by Ron Damico
The Divine Name ~ The Sound That Can Change the World / Book & CD By: Jonathon Goldman ISBN: 978 1-4019-2699-1 Publisher: Hay House, Inc. www.healingsounds.com For centuries humanity has been searching for a relationship with God/ Creator/Source/Nature etc. In most cases this journey has been that of an external exploration, a looking outside of oneself for this connection and the answers. What if this search was misdirected and our focus could be shifted in a direction that would offer “proof” to validate the change of view? In The God Code, Gregg Braden focused on the Tetragrammaton, the Name of God, and how through mathematics, chemistry, and other sciences he was able to decipher an ancient message found in the cells of all life. The message was found within the DNA and translated into English as “God/Eternal within the body.”
The Divine Name, a universal sound that, when intoned, can bring harmony and healing to ourselves and the planet. The Divine Name is a step-by-step process of vibratory activation that will allow you to experience the power, majesty, and healing of this extraordinary sound. Also included is an “instructional” recording that will help you learn to intone the Divine Name yourself, enabling you to revel in its astounding transformational properties. It is a wonderful investment in yourself.
by Karen M. Rider
Second Sight:: An Intuitive Psychiatrist Tells Her Extraordinary Story and Shows You How To Tap Your Own Inner Wisdom By: Judith Orloff ISBN: 978-0-307-58758-9 Publisher: Three Rivers Press A new edition of her bestseller Second Sight (Three Rivers Press, 2010) chronicles Dr. Judith Orloff’s journey from intuitive child with abilities she did not understand, to esteemed intuitive psychiatrist who dared to defy medical taboos. During her medical training, she denied and suppressed her skills, trusting the scientific method above her intuition. In the elite field of psychiatry, intuitive skills were unfit for making1 decisions affecting other people’s lives. After learning that a premonition she ignored could have prevented a patient’s suicide attempt, Dr. Orloff immersed herself in understanding the symbiosis between intuition and ethical, responsible medical practice. A New York Times best selling author, Dr. Orloff has since transformed psychiatry by synthesizing traditional medical practice with her knowledge of intuition, energy, and spirituality to promote mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical healing. In Second Sight, Dr. Orloff teaches, “There is no elite to which the gift [intuition] belongs... each one of us is multifaceted, radiant, teeming with possibilities.” As she tells you her own story, Dr. Orloff shows you how to recognize intuitive experiences in everyday life, awaken your own intuition with mind-empowering exercises, and how to use meditation, prayer, and dream interpretation to broaden your possibilities. She presents five steps, which she lives by, that anyone can use to develop intuition and use it to make decisions and handle challenges in life. Filled with anecdotes from her personal and professional life, Dr. Orloff illustrates how to listen with both the linear and the intuitive mind—and the cost involved when one is used to the detriment of the other. Her important message, relevant in these times where people and institutions are "stuck" in old ways of thinking, behaving and functioning, is this: You don’t have to make a choice; you can hold intuition and intellect simultaneously. After reading Second Sight, you’ll realize that you, like Dr. Orloff, have embarked on a journey that calls you to reexamine your life, your beliefs, your future... and your own magnificent potential.
New Spiritual Movie Release Awaken ~ Feel The Shift A Guru Rendezvous Film www.awakenthefilm.com
This groundbreaking and transformational film documents the presence and wisdom of an array of teachers from diverse spiritual backgrounds on the significance of this crucial time of planetary shift and shares with us how the current global crisis is an impetus to awaken to oneness, as such revealing the true esoteric meaning of 2012. Awaken invites us to expand beyond our current mindset by bringing to light what our sages and mystics have been teaching us for eons: fear isn’t real, love is real and we are one. This film centers around the insight, experiences and awakened awarenesses of Visionary and Futurist Barbara Marx Hubbard, Master Shaman Bonnie Serratore, Toltec Master teacher Rita Rivera Fox, Tibetan Lama Tulku Tsori Rinpoche, and William Linville. Barbara Marx Hubbard offers “The crisis is not a mistake, it’s a natural overgrowth of self centered consciousness in a finite system,” and “the pain
of this crisis has to be real, because if it wasn’t real, you would never get a mass awakening.” Bonnie Serratore emphasizes “This is the shift of the ages,” and shares that in order to awaken, we will be faced with our deepest and darkest fears and our global and personal crisis is ultimately assisting us to awaken to who we really are. Rita Rivera Fox states that the end of the world the Mayan calendar talks about is “the end of the world of false beliefs, the end of the time when the ego nature rules.” She also offers “The world outside reflects the dream and false belief that we are separate,” and it’s this false belief that’s creating the world as we know it. Lama Tulku Tsori Rinpoche shares that we can change our outside reality by changing our inside reality. He explains “Ultimately everyone is looking for liberation.” and by practicing profound compassion for every living being, one can attain enlightenment and that’s what is ultimately known as self-realization. The final offering comes from William Linville who takes us on an odyssey beyond the limits of our mind, sharing that when everything that seemed to be important to us is removed “we start to become in alignment with who we are.” What is shared throughout this journey is the interconnectedness of all beings and that if we would like this world we are in to change it must begin within. This is not the end of humanity it is the awakening of the opportunity to experience true humanity. (Maine showing see page 21.)
Aug/Sept 2010 Inner Tapestry 47
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Prior to this discovery Jonathon Goldman, internationally known writer, musician, teacher, authority on sound and healing and a pioneer in the field of harmonics had been, and continues to be, a student of Kabbalah. For many years he focused on the relationship between the Hebrew consonants of the Tetragrammaton and vowel sounds. Jonathan discovered the Name of God is a universal sound that uses a specific combination of vowels that generate descending and then ascending tones based upon this harmonic series. In the Kabbalah, the personal name of God is sacred. More that 2,300 years ago, God’s name was removed form the religious texts that link over one half the world’s populations to safeguard its use. What would it mean if the Divine Name – the personal name of God encoded within the DNA of all life – could be reproduced with the human voice in its original form? Transformation!
Book Review
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