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A Holistic Journal Celebrating & Supporting LIFE! uResting in the Truth of Who You Are
Inner
An Interview with Neelam
u Creating Harmony From Conflict...
Bringing Peace to the World
u Ayurveda and the Organic Life u Is Sound Creating Crop Circles? u Your Anxiety May Not Be All in Your Head u The Ten Commitments Translating Good Intentions Into Great Choices
JUNE/JULY 2006
Tapestry u
ORGANIC LIFESTYLES u
F
R
E
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u Astrology
Siris The Dog Star
u A Breath of Healing
Retreat or Spa? Retreat!
u Destination Healing
Visit Bethel, Maine's Healing Place in the Mountains
uModern Shamanic Living Organic Lifestyles
u Feng Shui
Sick Building Syndrome
u Exploring the World Religions
Exploring Inner Space...
Volume 5, No . 1 Cyan Magenta Yellow Black
CELEBRATING OUR FIFTH ANNIVERSARY "ONE" The Movie Showing in Portland, Falmouth & Freeport (details page 21) The Common Ground Fair September 22nd ~ 24th, Unity Maine (details page 21)
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aisie MMaisie Children’s Photography 207 626 0652 Photographing children in their world is my passion— whether it be in their home, in their backyard, or at their favorite park. I specialize in black & white and sepia tone images that celebrate the precious, fleeting
moments of childhood.
MaisieWormser Maisieworm@gwi.net
Trager ®
An Approach for Every Body www.trager-us.org Movement Education. Body/Mind Integration. Gentle. Effective. Life-changing.
"Creating peace in the world, one person at a time." Dr. Milton Trager
Certified Trager® Practitioners in Maine: Marlena O'Hagan-Buzzell Fryeburg, ME 207-212-7721 kbuzzell@megalink.net Lindsley Field Newcastle, ME 207-563-5889 www.pathtotheheart.net Carla Keene Portland & Bath, ME 207-653-8393 cskeene70@hotmail.com
Gail Edgerly Portland, ME 207-761-3765 gailedge@maine.rr.com Liz Berks Cornish, ME 207-625-2347 lizland@pivot.net Jane Biggio Bartlett, NH ® 603-374-6326 bamboomountain@ncia.net
Introductory Workshops to the Trager® Approach Ongoing In Portland, Bridgton and No. Conway, NH.
For more information, please contact Marlena O'Hagan Buzzell at 207-212-7721 or Email: kbuzzell@megalink.net
Inner Tapes try Jour nal: Enviro nm ent ally f r iendly p r inted wit h Org a nic I nks on Org a nic Pa per!
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Contents
Organic Lifestyles
A Holistic Journal Celebrating & Supporting Life
June/July 2006 Aug/Sept 2006: Healing Through Creativity Oct/Nov 2006: Eco-consciousness Dec/Jan 2006: Being Gratitude Fe b / M a r 2 0 0 6 : N e w Fa m i l y Va l u e s
Features
Resting in the Truth of Who You Are:
Page 7
An Interview with Neelam
by Judy Royster
Creating Harmony from Conflict
Page 12
Bringing Peace to the World
by Michael Colbert
Ayurveda and the Organic Life
Page 13
by Heather Siri Temple
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Is Sound Creating Crop Circles?
Pages 18 & 19
by Freddy Silva
The Ten Commitments... by David Simon, M.D.
Translating Good Intentions into Great Choices
Breath & Health What's the Connection
Page 25 Page 25
by Paula & Christopher Easton
Your Anxiety May Not Be All In Your Head by Sharon Heller, PhD.
Departments
Astrology ~ As Above, So Below ~
Pages 28
Chi Directory, Calendar of Events and the Classifieds. Each section has details on how to become an advertising presence with Inner Tapestry. Call or see Website for ad rates. CALL INNER TAPESTRY: (207) 781-9885 info@innertapestry.org www.innertapestry.org Inner Tapestry does not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements. Responsibility for the products and services of our advertisers rests solely with them. Articles are for information only and do not constitute medical advice. Please obtain written permission before reproducing any part of this publication. All rights reserved. ® 2006
$20.00/year, 6 issues
Pages 8-9 A H olistic Journal Celebrating & Supporting LIFE!
Page 10
Cooking Consciously & Eating Healthy ~ What the Bleep...
Page 14
in the Mountains
Biological Reality of our Food.
Awareness and the Art of Seeing ~ Insights Gained From by Jen Deraspe
Street People
Wisdom from a Pyschic, Intuitive
Page 15 Page 15
by Jason Freidus
Modern Shamanic Living ~ Organic Lifestyles
Page 16
by Evelyn C. Rysdyk
Feng Shui & Geopathology ~ Sick Building Syndrome
Page 17
Artists & Writers ~ Interviews ~ Linda Tatelbaum
Page 22
by Werner Brandmaier
by Judith Perry
A Breath of Healing ~ Retreat or Spa? Retreat!
Page 23
Exploring The World Religions ~ Exploring Inner Space
Pages 26
by Donna Amrita Davidge
4 Inner Tapestry April/May 2006
QUALITY AND VALUE - ME, NH, CT, MA-DISTRIBUTION - CONTINUALLY GROWING! FIVE WAYS TO ADVERTISE: Display ads, Directory of Resources, Yoga & T’ai
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Destination Healing ~ Visit Bethel, Maine's Healing Place
by James Bean
See y ou r a d ve rti s e m e nt i n Inne r T a p e s try
Subscriptions
by Maya White
by Anne Sheble
Available in more than 400 locations In its fifth year as a free publication, Inner Tapestry provides a pathway of support for all seeking the awareness of living a conscious life by creating and supporting a network of connection within the holistic community. The journal is supported by its advertisers and distributed to fine shops, offices, bookstores and cafés, health practitioners, education centers, public libraries, health food stores, and healing and wellness centers. If you would like copies placed at your business or location please contact us. This journal is a great resource for your clients and customers.
www.innertapestry.org
Siris The Dog Star ~ Column & Monthly Forecasts
by Kevin Pennell
Welcome to Inner Tapestry
Via Sound & Light Meditation
Joan Emmons, Ron Damico, Betty Close, & Jacqueline Cone
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The Way of Life-Itself ~ The Spiralling Organic Way.. Page 27 by Norm Hirst
Learning to Live Together
Mixed Media ~ Book, Music and
Pages 28 & 29
Website Reviews
Directories
Directory of Resources Pages 30-35 Heart Visions, A listing of events, trainings & trips... Page 35 Calendar of Events Pages 36-38 Classifieds Page 38 Yoga, T'ai Chi & Meditation Directory Page 39
5 INNER WORKINGS New this issue: A Happy Anniversary Wish to all of the Inner Tapestry Community! A heart felt thank you for all the support over the past five years for allowing Inner Tapestry to grow and evolve into a wonderful resource that serves our community. In celebration of our anniversary and the community we would like to introduce everyone to our newest columnist Kevin Pennell and the column Destination Healing. Our newest column was created to highlight natural healing locations in New England and expand the community of those choosing to live a holistic life. We look forward to sharing these locations and practitioners with all of you and look forward to sharing your thoughts and any locations that you would like to see featured. We were also fortunate to participate in the Yarmouth Health Fair and would like to congratulate the chamber and everyone involved for all the effort put into creating a wonderful event. Recently on a trip to Connecticut we were gifted with seeing a film called "ONE" The Movie and have connected with some beautiful people to bring this wonderful film to Maine. This is a film which has been set as a documentary reminding us of our connectedness to all. Some of the most renowned leaders of the spiritual community have been interviewed in the making of this film. We have reserved space with Meadow Wind, Portland New Church, Leapin' Lizard's new Freeport location and thank Andrea, Linda and Melissa for their support of this film in helping to bring "ONE" to the community. Showings will be through June, July and August as well as the possibility of a "ONE" conference coming later this year. We would also like to thank everyone who submitted articles for the Organic Lifestyle Issue and will continue to publish them in our Creative Healing Issue coming in August/September. We look forward to seeing more of these wonderful articles in the future.
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Silo Seven A Holistic & Metaphysical Shop
Open 7 Days • 10 AM – 6 PM NEW & USED BOOKS MUSIC MEDITATION & RHYTHM INSTRUMENTS TAROT DECKS JEWELRY CRYSTALS & GEMSTONES AROMATHERAPY FENG SHUI INCENSE & HERBS CANDLES PENDULUMS EVENTS
(207) 942-5590 www.silo7.com
Toll Free: 1-877-GoSilo7
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On The Beach
Inner Tapestry welcomes Yarmouth resident and Mt. Ararat art teacher Susan Gosselin and her painting On The Beach to our "Organic Lifestyles" issue. On The Beach was painted for a dear friend whose family vacationed with Susan in Hawaii on Lamahai Beach, made famous by the movie South Pacific. A perfect gift to hold such wonderful memories. "Painting for me is a spiritual experience that brings me closer to nature, and all my paintings are gifts of love. Sometimes I know who I am gifting, sometimes it will be for a future buyer, but they are also gifts to myself in that they are journeys into my self, borne out of a gesture of lovingness. I once had the most rewarding dream that conveyed for me a special message: my art should be made with the highest level of love I can intend, so that hopefully each time the owner looks at the painting, a feeling of love of life, beauty, or an appreciation for nature will occur. This is always my goal, and one that I always strive to perfect." In 2003 Susan won the influential Power of Art Educator Award sponsored by the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation and the National Gallery of Art. She is also the recipient of grants from SEED Center for Maine Education, and from National Semiconductor, both for developing student art history programs incorporating video technology and an art history website for student. I was drawn to the feelings of the calming centeredness of yoga, many who experience yoga adopt a new healthier lifestyle. Many experience a new way of "being" letting go and letting life unfold, letting life flow as the tides and waves of the ocean. Susan's works are on permanent display at Sanctuary Holistic Health Yoga in Yarmouth and can also be seen on-line at www.galleryoffriends.com. Gallery of Friends is a cyberspace art gallery where artists donate 20% or more of the sale profits to the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Dream One World, Inc. This organization focuses on helping those in great need on a personal level who are either not publicly known or are no longer front page news... and has a premise of "pay it forward". Those who are assisted agree to bring someone else to assist, and agree to help in that process. Presently the focus is on Hurricane Katrina victims, babies with Larsens Syndrome, health care for accident victims, etc. If you see that her art work is sold, it can still be reproduced as a high quality print.
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SANT MAT RADHASWAMI The Path to enlightenment and freedom called Sant Mat: the Path of the Masters, Inner Light and Sound Mediation (Surat Shabda and Bhakti Yoga). Bangor, Waterville, & Portland areas. For a Satsang schedule, call: James, Sant Mat Society of North America
(207) 368-5866 or email: james@SpiritualAwakeningRadio.com WEBSITE: www.SpiritualAwakeningRadio.com
June/July 2006 Inner Tapestry 5
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OUR EXPRESSION OF INTENTION is to continue providing a pathway of support for all seeking the awareness of living a conscious life. As we weave from within, we begin the creation of the outward expression and celebration of our own unique tapestry. Through this exploration of holistic health, natural living, spiritual and life consciousness we create and support a network of connection within the holistic community and its practitioners. To our readers, we would like to ask everyone to take the opportunity to email our columnists, feature writers, artists and advertisers with comments, suggestions and information inquiries. They all are extremely wonderful and dedicated individuals who look forward to hearing from you. We are also looking forward to your comments and suggestions as we all continue to evolve and grow together.
On The Cover
6 Empowerment Workshop
Create your life the way you want it! Dates: June 16th - 18th July 21st - 23rd
FMI (207) 865-0646 djbonney@suscom-maine.net (See calendar of events section for details.)
The Thirteenth Moon
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 ~
S ewall H ouse
Susan Bakaley Marshall
• shamanic journeys and healings • soul retrieval • Individuals • Groups • Classes (207) 589-3063 moonart@midcoast.com
Retreat
Experience history of an earlier time. . . Sewall House Retreat offers yoga v meditation v massage and more. . . July 4 thru Columbus Day
Where Theodore Roosevelt learned the healing attributes of nature. . . (207) 463-3428
v
www.sewallhouse.com
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Blessed Maine Herb Farm School of Herbal Medicine Herbal Medicine Correspondence Course with Gail Faith Edwards 2006
Spring Session begins in May www.studyherbalmedicine.com (207) 654-2879
Annie Sheble
Guide to Health using Whole Foods
Instruction in: Cooking techniques, kitchen set-up, and menu formulation for meals using whole foods for health. Three levels of Training in macrobiotics at the Kushi Institute in Becket, MA., completed in spring 2004.
(207) 948-3877 or asheble@hypernet.com
6 Inner Tapestry June/July 2006
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Resting in the Truth of Who You Are: An Interview with Neelam by Judy Royster Neelam, a native of Poland, has been giving Satsang internationally since 1996. She is a direct disciple of H. W. L. Poonja (Papaji), who himself awakened to the Truth in the presence of Sri Ramana Maharshi. Neelam shares Satsang with Papaji’s blessing. Known for her simplicity, skillful discrimination, and intuitive insight, Neelam gently points toward the Truth at the core of us all. Neelam’s teaching method is Satsang, which is gathering in the company of Truth (‘Sat’ - Truth, ‘Sangh’ - Gathering). Through meditation and dialogue with a Satsang leader, participants experience a deeper sense of who they really are. Q - What motivates the spiritual path that so many of us find ourselves on today?
Q - In the spiritual traditions there are stories of tremendous experiences of bliss states, phenomena and revelation. It seems as though today something more gradual is actually happening for spiritual practitioners. N - Yes, all these blissful and powerful experiences, that’s all part of waking up. It doesn’t mean that it is necessary to have those experiences. Not everybody experiences it in the same way. And of course there are times that we experience this, but what you are saying is there is a more subtle kind of thing happening right now, a more subtle shift where slowly, gradually we recognize who we really are. I think the difference is also that Satsang [or the direct experience of Truth] is more available right now. It’s available in a different way than it was before. It may be that the process, which was more individual or personal, has become more a group consciousness. There is more sharing in a different way, with different teachers. That’s why there’s more of this gradual stepping into consciousness. Q - Speaking of group consciousness, I’ve experienced that what happens in a Satsang gathering is often beyond the words. N - Satsang is a direct transmission of Self. That’s what Satsang really is; it is the Self meeting itself. There are many different ways to teach and there have been many teachers that have taught in silence only. Ramana Maharshi, for example, most of his teaching happened in silence. That means it is that Silent Presence of who we are that directly affects who we are in everything and everybody. That is where a lot of the teaching really happens.
Q - Here in the West there is often an emphasis on the power of intention, visualization and positive thinking. Would you talk about your experience of this?
What we are really looking for is to deeply rest within ourselves, as we are. N - This is an interesting topic because the intention thing can be misleading sometimes, or the visualization, or the positive thinking. The misleading part is that there is something we can desire that is different than how it really is. And that is not how it is, not really. The mind is a very powerful tool. The mind can manifest whatever it sets itself to do. That’s how it is. We see this law of manifestation. If you set yourself onto something, that is what is going to happen. But the possible misunderstanding is that there is something else that could happen other than what is. In that misunderstanding we may start to desire a different reality. And that desiring of a different reality is suffering. No matter how good that reality is that we desire (laughing)! So we can desire that, but it is rooted and based in non-acceptance of what is. If we can’t truly accept what is happening right now, then we are always going to experience suffering. So we can have all this positive thinking and we can achieve certain results with that, right? But then when you look within yourself, you will still experience suffering because something has not been addressed in that very fundamental level of real deep acceptance of what is. That’s where this teaching is very different because it points you directly toward what is. It doesn’t move you in any direction of desiring anything other than yourself as you are. And in that state of acceptance and openness everything is OK just the way it is and everything is provided. So it’s very very powerful to live like that, to actually live in that level of surrender. To no longer perpetuate suffering by desiring something else, but also to come to that level of openness which then naturally supports you as you are, who you are, however you are, what is really happening in your life. It supports that because a natural alignment happens. So it is very powerful in that way. There is a lot of misinterpretation of that right now with this kind of new age understanding of positive thinking and intention and all of that.
Q - When you speak of letting everything be ok just the way it is, you aren’t advocating passivity, are you? N - No, I’m talking about a very dynamic state of being when we are really in surrender with what is. You are really in surrender so there is a real deep resting and fulfillment and contentment experienced just from being here already, right? Q - And that can include action? N - Of course, naturally. It naturally includes action because naturally we need to take care of what we need to take care of. But now our action becomes very clear. It becomes aligned with what arises in the depth of our being, with the circumstance and with the necessity of the circumstance. It is not just trying to do something completely different. So we become much more aligned and much more effective in what we are doing because it becomes natural. It’s a very dynamic place. It has nothing to do with inertia or not being able to do things or passivity, as you call it. It has nothing to do with that. It’s a real simple dynamic resting within yourself and being in response to the circumstance rather than in reactivity. Q - How do we know the difference between being in dynamic response and being in reactivity? N - In reactivity there is still unhappiness. When I say reaction, I mean you react to the circumstance, you take care of things, you do things but you are still not at peace. When you are at peace you are so much more able to really respond, to respond from a different place. And that response also sets up a different future. It sets up a different response, once we start on it, once we start coming from the deeper place, a place of reality, then everything becomes really different. Q - That doesn’t necessarily mean that only good things will happen. N - Right, it means that in the circumstances, which we are given, that we find ourselves in, we are able to do the best and to be the best, in any given circumstance. Q - Which blows the lid off another new age belief that we create our own reality, which is a fundamental truth, but not at the level that most of us talk about it. N - Right. It is true at the core, but it is not true in the way the new age teaching is using it because their “create your own reality” means getting what you want. That’s not how it is. I mean, yes, you can get what you want but it has consequences. So, why not just be where you are? And then you also get what you want, but in a very different way. Without having to create this whole illusion that there is something to get, and that there is something to want and something has to be different and what is, is not OK and so on. Which is really actually a lot of suffering!
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That’s so clear, Neelam. Thank you. Judy Royster is a spiritual counselor and meditation teacher at Sacred Spaces in Southborough. She can be reached at 508-624-7519 or visit the website www.sacredspaces.ws. Neelam will be in the Camden area for Satsang on Wednesday, June 7th and Friday June 9th, with a day long retreat offered on Saturday June 10th. For more details see www.neelam.org or contact Michelle Walker, at (207) 338-2869 or mic@coyotemoonmaine.com, June/July 2006 Inner Tapestry 7
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N - It is truth and happiness and fulfillment. What we are really looking for is to deeply rest within ourselves, as we are. The words that describe it best are happiness, contentment, and fulfillment. When we look at that we see that everything we do is actually a search for happiness. Everything we have ever done in our lives is so that we can find some level of fulfillment. Most of the time, unfortunately, that search is misdirected and we look for fulfillment in the wrong places. When we come to Satsang we discover or we learn about our true nature, and once we discover that we also find the real sense of fulfillment and resting and happiness that is what we are really looking for.
A lot of the teaching happens in that silent transmission, or in that silent meeting. Then of course we have words that point in the direction of the Truth. Words are really helpful as well because sometimes we need to understand first or we need to be pointed in the direction of what is true. There are many different ways to do that, sometimes a teacher just looks at you, there’s the look and the touch and the word and the silence. There are many different ways that this pointing happens. And that is what happens in Satsang, we naturally align ourselves with the presence of Truth, with who we really are.
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a strolo gy
As Above, So Below . . . June/July 2006 by Maya White
T
Sirius the Dog Star
raditionally, the long hot days of summer have been known as the Dog Days. Although the term may feel like it refers to being hot as a dog, or working like one, there is also an astrological connection with one of the brightest stars in the night time sky, the fixed star Sirius. This glowing giant can be seen from every inhabited region of the Earth’s surface, and the stories associated with Siruis are most intriguing. Sirius is situated in the eye of the greater dog Canis Major, hence the designation ‘Dog Star’. One of the stars nearest Earth, Sirius is 23 times more luminous and about twice the mass and diameter of our Sun. Its name comes from the Greek term seirios, (glowing). Sirius is actually a binary, or perhaps even a triple star, an insight that would seemingly have been unavailable to the ancients; but many texts and traditions support that humans have long known about this quality of our summer messenger.
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Ancient Egyptians called Sirius the ‘Dog Star’, after their god Osiris, whose head in pictograms resembled that of a dog. In Egypt, Sirius shines for most of the summer, and since it is the brightest star, the Egyptians actually believed that the additional light from this nearby star was responsible for the summer heat. The rising of this star came at the time of inundation of the Nile River and the start of the Egyptian New Year which marked the beginning of Summer Solstice. The Egyptians apparently knew that Sirius was a binary star, as it had both a male and female deity association- that of Osiris and his partner, the great mother Isis. When Sirius appeared in the sky each year, the Nile generally started to flood bringing productivity to the land. The ancient Egyptians connected the two events, and so Isis took on the aspects of a goddess of not only the star and of the inundation, but of fertility. Isis had another link with water - she was believed to cleanse the pharaoh in the afterlife. It is interesting to note that the embalming of the dead took seventy days - the same amount of time that Sirius was not seen in the sky, before it’s yearly rising. Isis was a goddess of fertility to both the living and the dead. To locate Sirius in the night time sky, find Orion’s belt which is the three bright stars in a row. (Hopefully you already know that one, if not ask you companion, because he or she probably does.) Follow an imaginary line through these stars to Sirius which is just above the horizon. The best time of year to view it is around January 1, when it reaches the meridian at midnight. Remember, this star can be seen from every inhabited part of the earth! Viewing Sirius through a telescope in a clear night time sky is an experience not forgotten. The star shines a steely blue, beckoning your recognition; there is no other star in the sky that shines like Sirius. Our largest giant is actually two or more stars which rotate in a unique orbit. Sirius B is invisible to the naked eye but packs almost the entire mass of our sun into a globe only 4 times as large as the Earth. Sirius B’s surface is 300 times harder than diamonds, while its interior has a density 3,000 times that of diamonds. Spinning on its axis about 23 times a minute, it generates huge magnetic fields. As they approach each other, the stars both begin to spin faster as tidal forces become stronger, finally flip-flopping over, and actually trading places with each other. This energy releases magnetic fields to the Sun, which in turn transmits it like a lens to all the planets. The strength of these magnetic fields is thought to be one reason that we feel the pull of our Dog Star even here on earth. Male and Female, Osiris and Isis trade places in the seat of power regularly; it takes a bit longer here on earth for those kinds of changes. The tarot card associated with Siruis is taught to be that of 8 Inner Tapestry June/July 2006
‘The Moon’. This card is one which speaks to lessons of the unconscious and gestation of creative ideas. Many decks illustrate The Moon card with two canines, a dog and a wolf, howling at the Moon. Traditional decks also picture a crayfish on the Moon card, a symbol of the primitive notions that arise from our deep imagination. Our creativity which is gestated in the deepness of unconsciousness will be born only when the time is right and it has been sung into creation by the howling animals. Predating the Egyptians, the epic poem Epic of Gilgamesh describes a dream where the hero is drawn irresistibly to a heavy star that cannot be lifted despite immense effort. This star descends from heaven to him and is described as having a very ‘potent essence’ and being “the God of heaven”. Gilgamesh had for his companions, 50 oarsmen in the great ship, Argo, a constellation bordering Canis Major, where Sirius is found. In the ancient Vedas this star was known as the Chieftain’s star; in other Hindu writings, it is referred to as Sukra, the Rain God, or Rain Star. The Dogon people live in the southwestern portion of the Sahara Desert in Africa. Central to their religious teachings is knowledge about Sirius. The Dogon, say they received their knowledge by visitors to the earth from another star system. They believe Sirius to be the axis of the universe, and from it all matter and all souls are produced in a great spiral motion. Some scholars, including Carl Sagan dispute the validity of this claim, saying that the Dogon learned about Sirius from more modern sources- the truth remains hidden like Sirius B. In June of 1993, as our sun covered Sirius from the Earth’s view, the largest flood of the past century occurred. The rivers of the Mississippi, our Nile River, overflowed its banks. This flood continued until the middle of August. When Sirius came out from behind the Sun, the flood waters receded, news reports disappeared and the immediate life-threatening crisis subsided. Could this not be a reflection of the great rivers of energies streaming out from Sirius? Is Sirius a weather maker, a source of cosmic influence through its powerful magnetic rays, or even a great mother star seed of life on earth, as some propose? Next time you are out gazing at the stars this summer, ask it. You may be surprised by the answer. “A star that keenest of all blazes with a searing flame and him men call Seirios (Sirius). When he rises with Helios (the Sun), no longer do the trees deceive him by the feeble freshness of their leaves. For easily with his keen glance he pierces their ranks, and to some he gives strength but of others he blights the bark utterly. Of him too at his setting are we aware.” - Aratus, Greek Astronomer, 3rd Century BC.
June 2006 Aries – (March 20 – April 19) Been feeling dreary lately, Aries? Mars entering Leo on the 3rd is reason enough for any ram to celebrate! Enough of sentimentality; and no, you are not everybody’s caretaker- that job description belongs to other signs. You have focus and drive this month, a good combination. Pay attention around the 18th; what at first appear as a setback just requires re-working. With an adjustment, you have much to gain. Taurus – (April 20 – May 20) Venus in Taurus graces you with her lusciousness until the 23rd. Look sharp on the 7th; you just never know who you may want to impress. It’s a good month, except for those nagging details that keep popping up. The house needs extra work, and a family member begs for attention. As much as you would like them to, these are not going away; best to be proactive. Gemini – (May 21 – June 20) Strategic alliances work in your favor because there is a dragon to slay now. It’s wise to seek a graceful path to your goals; think ‘Tao’ or the way of a martial artist. Circumstances define your worthy challenge by the 11th, and a well executed rebound saves the day on the 16th. You must be direct but not overbearing. If handled well, you enter a new era of respect and power in a challenging relationship. Cancer – (June 21 – July 21) Clean up any lingering loose ends, because the New Moon of the 25th has your name on it. Both Sun and Moon in Cancer, that’s good cause for a feast. This month just keep two words in mind- ‘Let Go’; easier said than done. Take notes on the 12th when a flash of brilliance comes your way; the Universe is offering up valuable insights which will benefit you in the months ahead. Leo – (July 22 – August 22) Mars enters Leo on the 3rd which is good provided you don’t burn the candle at both ends. Go for a slow but steady burn, and you’ll accomplish more. Put finishing touches on a project by the 18th – that last piece may seem
9 Astrology unbearable, but a little bit of discipline pays off in big ways. Avoid arguments on the 28th; you are feisty and anxious to make your point, but it’s a no win situation. Virgo – (August 23 – September 22) Make pen and paper your constant companion this month because you are brilliant now. Just listen to your inner voice, and--- write it down! Your intuition is sharp and the messages are clear. Aside from that, take it easy. Don’t push too hard; it’s a good time to paddle downstream. You feel adventurous at the time of Full Moon on the 10th and 11th, but proceed with an exit strategy in place. Libra – (September 23 – October 21) The financial picture looks rosy, Libra! Share the feast with those less fortunate. Plan a mid-week evening out on the 15th; it’s a perfect night for wine and good conversation. Don’t fall in love unless you’re already there, but keep talking- one never knows where things will end up and you look great by candlelight. Scorpio – (October 22 – November 21) Think about last month, Scorpio; what happened around the time of the Wesak Full Moon of May 12th? You will consolidate the ideas that were presented then. Proceed with your forces intact. Do not allow yourself to be held hostage by any last minute nagging self doubt on the 18th that’s not where your strength lies. It’s time to value yourself through more than your net worth, although finances are a big part of the picture. Re-read the tale of Sodom and Gomorrah- and don’t look back.
Capricorn – (December 21 – January 19) Doubts come calling on the 4 th, dressed up like a preacher and wearing Sunday clothes. But, don’t make any decisions just yet. There is more information needed; you simply do not have all the facts yet. Stop, look, and listen. Then make your decision by the 21st. Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year, and so will be your commitment. Aquarius – (January 20 – February 17) Expect to feel the effects of your planetary ruler Uranus on the 19th as he stands still and then turns into backward motion in your sector of finances and self worth. Something needs another look- perhaps an ongoing project or goal. Are you thinking too large, or not big enough? Either way, mid to late month will not go as planned. Don’t get caught in the backfire of delays or miscommunications. Pisces – (February 18 – March 19) This will be a very busy month, but you don’t have to do a thing. Practice being the detached observer now. Just wait to let things happen- and they will. If you can take an early summer break, plan it for mid month. Mark these days on your calendar; the 12th, 15th, 17th, 18th & 19th. This will be one June to remember well. It’s not bad at all, but very interesting.
July 2006 Aries – (March 20 – April 19) Compromise is your best ally this month, and do not let your desire to have things your way cloud your ability to see what is really happening. If you don’t slow down especially the first week of July, circumstances will see to it that you do. The 17th brings you a needed revelation. Until then, stay in a holding pattern; watch, wait, and listen very closely to what is really being said. Taurus – (April 20 – May 20) You probably feel the squeeze this month, as in caught between a rock and
is half full holds potential to overflow with correct timing. A messenger bearing good news comes on the 9th. And, you return the favor on the 14th with a gift of consolation for someone who needs your time and attention. Doing so opens up something new inside of you, so go the distance.
Gemini – (May 21 – June 20) Your planetary ruler Mercury is retrograde between the 4th and the 28th. As your ruling planet, Gemini’s will be one of those people affected by this anomaly. Expect delays, equipment breakdowns, and the usual stuff. This one, however, will hit home in the communication arena. You’ll be misunderstood. It’s not you, though; people just aren’t listening.
© Maya White/White Star Astrology/2006 Maya White is a full-time professional astrologer who resides in Florida and Maine. Her primary focus in astrology is to identify soul issues and personal growth lessons. She is also certified in Astro*Carto*Graphy, a specialty that helps people identify their most prosperous and meaningful places on Earth. For consultations or classes contact Maya at 954-920-2373, maya@mayawhite,com. See www.WhiteStarAstrology.com.
Cancer – (June 21 – July 21) A nagging detail comes back, just like a homing pigeon. There’s something you missed earlier, and it has to be dealt with. The Moon enters your sign on the 22nd, same day that the Sun enters Leo. Is there a new job on the horizon? Either that or a change in your present work situation brings dramatic improvements in the income department. Leo – (July 22 – August 22) Leo, Leo! Wow, it’s enough to make a lion roar. Two stories come to mind. The first is ‘Alice’s Restaurant, and the second is Aesops fable ‘the Lion and the Mouse’. You’re gonna have antagonists and protagonists and every kind of mean nasty grifter come your way. But, there is a noble side to your nature which wins the day. Make some time at New Moon on the 25th just for you. Virgo – (August 23 – September 22) Just when you want to be taking it easy and enjoying the good life family responsibilities are calling. One situation ending means that another one begins soon, with new relationships and commitments. Savor the sweetness of long summer days by planning a special outing for the 9th. This will be a day to remember fondly. Libra – (September 23 – October 21) Yours is an action starting sign, something others don’t always recognize. Justice and balance are two keywords for Libra, and neither one is achieved without motion. Hold a steady flame burning within the temple of your heart this month so that you can make your move when the time is just right. Key days are the 14th & the 26th. Scorpio – (October 22 – November 21) Hooray, Jupiter the planet of expansion and opportunity moves back into direct motion on the 6th in your sign, Scorpio. Prepare for one more round of excellent luck. Planned growth combined with executed action is the way to go. (And yes, make exercise part of that activity.) This is a seed time, though, with Mercury retrograde most of the month. Make contact lists, and get ready. Sagittarius – (November 22– December 20) You may still be basking in the glow of last month’s developments. There is even more to come! The secret now is to cultivate detachment. Watch your emotions and actions on the 14th. You’ll have a tendency to focus on what you think you want, but maybe the cheese has been moved. Re-evaluate at months end. Capricorn – (December 21 – January 19) The Full Moon of July is always in your sign, Cap, so send it a special hello on the 9th & 10th. My secret oracles say that this is also your month to play, so make the most of it. Venus entering Cancer on the 18th even brings you someone to enjoy the rest of the summer with. Plan something romantic for the 26th. Aquarius – (January 20 – February 17) Are you feeling misunderstood? Really, it’s not you who is the oddball; it is just that the rest of the world is not ready for your genius. Things ease up by the last week of the month, so don’t be sulky. Someone has a gift for you on the 26th- accept it graciously. Pisces – (February 18 – March 19) You can view your cup as half empty or half filled now. The cup that
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Calendar 2006 Golden Raven Storytelling Circle
715 Sennebec Rd. Union, Maine 04862 207-785-4730 www.watier.org/roland@watier.org The Golden Raven Storytelling Circle of Maine: live storytelling in a druid-like stone circle around a sculpted fire chamber at twilight every Friday and Saturday night June 16 - September 16. ( Except for the weekend of September 8-10, as the Circle hosts the 17th Council of Men. This event honors men in the natural world and is Earth honoring. Weekly programs feature world stories, French Canadian tales, myths, folk & fairy tales, as well as Maine Humor. Storytellers include Roland Watier and guest storytellers. Adults $10, children $5, family $25. Storytelling starts at twilight June 16- Friday- Opening night. Drummers and percussionists are invited to the Circle at this time each year to invite our ancestors back into our lives, to give them great honor and anything else they want, because stories would not be, except for them. This night is a community gathering and is free to the public. June 17 - Saturday – Stories honoring our fathers, followed by open mike. June 23 - Friday - World stories June 24 - Saturday – World stories June 30 - Friday – Canadian myths, stories from Inuit & Totem cultures. July 1 – Saturday – Canadian myths, stories from Inuit & Totem cultures. July 7 – Friday – Stories of independence and resourcefulness from myths, folk, & fairy tales. July 8 – Saturday – Stories of independence and resourcefulness from myths, folk, & fairy tales. July 14 – Friday - Stories honoring women. July 15 - Saturday – Stories honoring women. July 21 – Friday – World stories July 22 – Saturday – World stories July 28 - Friday - Maine stories & humor July 29 – Saturday – Maine stories & humor August 4 – Friday – World stories August 5 - Saturday – World stories August 11 - Friday – International stories about children, some dark August 12 - Saturday – International stories about children, some dark August 18 – Friday – World stories August 19 - Saturday – World stories August 25 – Friday – Earth Healing Stories August 26 – Saturday – Earth Healing Stories September 1 - Friday - Stories of labor and toil September 2 - Saturday - Stories of labor and toil September 8 - 10 - Closed to the public. 17th annual Men’s Council September 15 – Friday – Healing stories of closure. North Winter Wisdom. September 16 – Saturday – Roland’s favorite stories, requests & closing ceremony.
Enjoy reading this issue of Inner Tapestry June/July 2006 Inner Tapestry 9
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Sagittarius – (November 22– December 20) You will meet a VIP this month, Sag, someone with your best interests at heart. This person has been brought by the powers that be- call it a karmic meeting, or a lucky twist of fate; whatever, it’s good. You might as well step up to the plate and get ready to play in a bigger league. Make some time for reflection on the 25th; writing your new possibilities is a first step to manifesting them.
a hard place. Certain situations should not go on, and it’s time to cut your losses. Careful thought and judgment is required; do not initiate confrontations, but don’t step down from them either. Listen to your intuition on the 17th, there is a message for you in the deep recesses of your soul.
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destinatio n he al i n g
Visit Bethel, Maine's Healing Place in the Mountains by Kevin Pennell
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Photo courtsey of M. Dirk Macknight, Bethel Landscape.
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ew modalities continue to join the ranks of ancient methods of treatment in fields of holistic healing. Those who support holistic health find themselves more encouraged as these methods of healing gain acceptance supplementing mainstream medicine. With the number of modalities available, people may find themselves challenged deciding on the modality that meets their personal needs best. Questions may arise like who’s the closest practitioner? How does Reiki work? Where is training available for holistic and alternative therapies? Where can I go to relax, rejuvenate and re-create myself in New England? Whether in the mountains, near the ocean, some out of the way destination, or a place for study, we hope to answer these and more questions in the coming months through Destination Healing.
of Dr. Gehring’s grateful patients included him in a partnership which led to the construction of the Bethel Inn, so people coming for treatment would have a place to stay while in Bethel.
We’ll visit with practitioners, groups, institutions, and communities on our journeys. Our goal is to guide you toward opportunities for participating, celebrating and supporting wellness in New England and beyond.
Local massage therapists include Sharon Lyon’s Professional Massage Therapy, Vickie Cummings at SpiritWings, Janet Willie’s Therapeutic Massage and Spa and Sauna, Cathy Lane’s Many Hands Massage, and Louisa Abarno of Healing Touch Massage. Some massage therapists offer a sauna for deeper relaxation and on site therapies.
Our first destination, Bethel, Maine, lies in the midst of Western Maine’s mountain region. Bethel, a quaint New England town, claims a rich heritage as a healing destination. In recent years, the region fostered another reputation as a world class winter destination including resorts like Sunday River, Mt. Abram, and Black Mountain while notoriety for healing took second billing. But Bethel is now revisiting its recognition as a year ‘round destination for rest, rejuvenation and re-creation. Healers find themselves drawn to Bethel in recent years, many not understanding the reasons why. Holistic practitioners started filtering into Bethel about fifteen years with the number increasing over roughly the past five years. They may seek personal healing, training, or fulfill a desire to open a practice focused on some facet of holistic health. This sense as a destination for wellness has surrounded Bethel for ages. For example, Mollyockett gained notoriety as a healer beginning in the late 1700’s. Mollyockett joined with a group of Native Americans that moved to Bethel. In 1772, Henry Tufts visited the area and later wrote an account relating his own healing experience by Mollyockett. Mollyockett traveled the Androscoggin Valley sharing healing arts which included many herbal remedies. In addition to her work as a healer, she shared her knowledge of crafts and survival skills. One account spoke of her facilitating the healing of a baby named Hannibal Hamlin, who grew to be Abraham Lincoln’s Vice President. Mollyockett’s life and practice are honored each year in Mid-July during Bethel’s Mollyockett Day. The calm seclusion of the Mahoosuc mountain region influenced another healer, in a manner of speaking. Dr. John G. Gehring moved from Cleveland, Ohio to Bethel in the late 1800’s. The doctor’s poor health interrupted a brief surgical career. He came to Bethel seeking his own rest and recuperation. The mountain air and less frenetic surroundings supported his road to recovery. Dr. Gehring resumed his practice in 1895 helping pioneer a philosophy of working with the mind and body simultaneously for effective treatments. Some 10 Inner Tapestry June/July 2006
The Bethel Inn opened its doors in 1913 and remains today, offering a pleasant stay for guests along with some therapeutic services like massage, Reiki, and hot stone therapy. Keeping with the theme of promoting wellness in Bethel, some bed and breakfasts offer wellness packages for guests in cooperation with local massage and holistic practitioners. For example, you could enjoy one of the vigorous activities in Bethel’s surrounding mountainous countryside, then relax with a massage from one of the area massage therapists, each offering their own unique style whether sports, relaxing or clinical massage.
You can relax with a Reiki session, Integrated Energy Therapy or other energy therapy like Aqua-Qi (“Aqua Chi”) during your stay visit to Bethel. Aqua-Qi literally means water energy. The client’s feet are immersed in a warm water bath while a gentle spa machine generates beneficial living energy. The energy disperses into the water then flows into the body to balance and energize. Sound therapies are found in Bethel too. Sound has helped facilitate healing since ancient times. Anne Stuer at Fountain of Wisdom incorporates the Acutonics System of Healing. According to Anne, “Listening to and hearing sacred sounds helps create states of deep relaxation, meditation, and healing. The Acutonics System of Healing uses special tuning forks placed on acupuncture points on your body.” This therapy incorporates other sound tools including drums, tingshaws and singing bowls for healing and overall wellness. Shamanic Practitioners and therapists specializing in Hypnotherapy, Acupuncture, Past Life Regression, and Intuitive Readings can be found in Bethel too. Some of the local therapists offer more than one modality, so it may be to your advantage to ask if your therapist offers additional services. A visitor to this area can reap healthy benefits from crystals found throughout the Western Maine Mountain region. Deposits of rose quartz, tourmaline, and smoky quartz, to name only a few of the native healing minerals of the region, have been mined in the area for generations. Tourmaline, for example, considered a remarkable mineral group for several metaphysical uses is a native gem. In fact, the first North American gem grade tourmaline was discovered near Bethel at Mt. Mica in 1820. The energy of this mineral rich area seems to draw people helping them heal on several levels while providing a sense of serenity. Those who work with crystals might do well to include Mt. Mann Jewelers on their visit to Bethel. Jim Mann’s exquisite collection of local specimens and healing stones adorn the store and museum along with many other specimens from around the world. Jim strongly recommends that
crystal workers and healers make an appointment for consultations. Other possibilities to “re-create” oneself at this destination may be found throughout the year in and around Bethel. Yoga classes meet on a regular basis. Karen Swanson’s Hillside Yoga offers Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy as well as regular classes incorporating Kripalu, Iyengar, and Kundalini disciplines. Yoga helps to balance to mind, body and spirit as well as an aid for stress reduction. T’ai Chi and Qi Gong classes are offered in the Bethel area by Betsy Foster through T’ai Chi and Qi Gong for All. Reiki workshops are scheduled on a regular basis along with Reiki Treatments at SpiritWings. Drop-ins are often welcomed for some ongoing classes on meditation, journey techniques, or Reiki shares for those who have had Reiki training. Drum making workshops are offered from time to time in the area as are monthly social and shamanic drumming circles. As we consider holistic health, humans are the usual focus. What about our furry four legged and feathered friends? Bethel Animal Hospital deserves recognition here because of their holistic approach for animal care. Dr. Gary Stuer moved to the Bethel area in the early 90’s treating animals conventionally and doing so with good results. In recent years, however, he added more holistic methods to his practice. For example, Dr. Stuer became is certified in acupuncture for animals. According to Dr. Stuer, “Acupuncture is one of the most promising alternative treatments of both human and veterinary medicine”. Bethel Animal Hospital also prescribes other new therapies including one of the more common holistic approaches involving supplements, especially for arthritis. Dr. Stuer also incorporates Chinese herbs, flower essences, Reiki, and animal communication in his treatment and care for animals. The Western Maine Holistic Health Council (207) 824-2204 and Western Mountains Senior College (207) 824-2780, two local non-profit organizations offer holistic activities throughout the year. They sponsor film series, book groups, lectures, workshops and classes to challenge and encourage your spiritual growth. Visitors may also contact the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce at (207) 824-2282 or visit their web site at www.bethelmaine.com for further information. Healers and those needing healing find themselves being drawn to Bethel. Though they may not know the reasons why, they simply know they need a visit to fulfill some inner need. Regardless of the motives, some excellent opportunities for healing and re-creation offer themselves to the pilgrim on their journey toward spiritual, physical, mental and emotional well being. When thoughts of Maine’s Western Mountain region come to mind, think about maintaining your well being and healing with a visit to Bethel... Maine’s healing place in the mountains.
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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. Kevin is also an Usui Reiki Master, Certified Hypnotherapist, Shamanic Practitioner, and Psychic Empath. He conducts Reiki workshops and other workshops that assist spiritual and personal development. Kevin, with his wife, Vickie Cummings, operate SpiritWings, their Compassionate Healing Center and therapeutic Store located in Bethel, Maine.
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C O NN EC TI CU T A DVE RT I S E R S Essex, Ct.
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FOR INFORMATION ON CONNECTICUT ADVERTISING CALL LINDA JACQUES 860-228-0870, MARIE KUPER 860-647-8177 OR INNER TAPESTRY AT 207-781-9885, innertapestry.ct@verizon.net June/July
2006 Inner Tapestry 11
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Creating Harmony From Conflict... bringing peace to the world by Michael Colbert According to Aikido sensei Mary Heiny, the art of self-defense is not about winning. Rather, it’s a life transforming experience. Heiny studied the unusual martial art of Aikido in Japan in the 1960’s, where she had the opportunity to train with O’Sensei, the arts founder. Not only was she one of the few westerners to study the art in Japan, she was also one of the few women to do so in Japan’s male dominated culture. In the aftermath of the destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, O’Sensei underwent a profound shift in his approach to the martial arts, a shift that led to the creation of Aikido. Already a master of Jui Jitsu, sword and staff, he saw something at the root of conflict that had to change. He grew to view the Martial arts as a means to create harmony from conflict and to bring peace to the world. And that’s what Mary Heiny teaches. “Heiny sensei was in Portland, Maine recently to teach a seminar at Aikido of Maine, a traditional dojo run by Gary and Ania Small. She was interviewed by dojo member and journalist Mike Colbert.”
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Mike Colbert: Were there many women doing Aikido in Japan? Mary Heiny: No! There was one Japanese woman, and me. O’ Sensei himself valued women doing Aikido. He was encouraging to women. But in general, the atmosphere of the dojo men were the ones doing the ‘real’ aikido. One man told me “You’re really good! Too bad you’re a woman.” MC: What was training like? MH: I was completely fanatic in my training and I was a complete Japanophile. I would practice five hours one day, three hours the next. My life revolved around the dojo. The only time I spoke English was when I taught as a job. I was fluent in Japanese when I was in Japan. MC: What motivated you to take up Aikido? MH: When I saw O’Sensei in 1965, I saw he knew something about the world, about the nature of reality that I wouldn’t ever have expected. I was just fascinated and I wanted to know what he knew. I just recognized there was something I needed in Aikido. The words that went through my brain were [laughter] “This will save my life!” Very dramatic! MC: How did your perspective shift after studying Aikido? MH: I had no interest in martial arts for the sake of martial arts. In 1965 I was extremely, almost pathologically shy. I could not stand physical touch. I was aiming for an academic career, in part because I thought I could stay separate from people. I was alienated from myself, from every person on earth. Seeing O’Sensei had such an impact on me that I was willing to put on a funny uniform and let somebody touch me during training. The effect of Aikido is that it removed alienation, and
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replaced it with a sense of connection. MC: How did you know that O’Sensei knew something? MH: It’s what he did! My classmate would not shut up about O’Sensei. He did all these things I considered impossible according to the laws of physics; He would throw people without touching them, and even with three, four, five people, he couldn’t be moved. He would shake himself and people would fall down! And the other thing was his presence. He was a small person, but he filled the space. MC: How long were you in Japan? MH: I lived in Japan on two separate occasions. In 1964 to 1965, as an exchange student studying Japanese. I saw O’Sensei in June of 1965 and that encounter changed the course of my life.
In Aikido the idea is to make a heart to heart connection... MC: Before becoming an Aikidoist, what were your plans? MH: I had planned to become a professor of ethno linguistics. The language you learn affects the way you perceive reality. MC: What brought you home from Japan? MH:I returned to Seattle to finish my BA in Japanese at the University of Washington. Then from 1968 to 1973 I trained in Japan and saw O’Sensei a few times each had a profound impact on me. He died in April 1969. MC: In addition to Aikido, I’ve been told you have also studied non-violent communication. Are there any parallels between the two? MH: I think of it as verbal aikido. In aikido the idea is to make a heart to heart connection so the two of you can move in a beneficial way -- the idea in aikido is not that you learn how to win a fight, or get them to agree with you. It’s a profound mutual understanding that brings benefits to both parties. MC: How does that work? MH: The basic assumption is that humans have basic needs in common, a need for mutual respect, a need for connection, for spiritual expression, creativity, safety. When these needs are not being met, you experience anger, frustration. When they are met, you
experience positive feelings. When someone is behaving in a way that triggers feelings of anger, look to your own feelings to discover what need is connected to it. It’s very much a matter of you getting clear about what you need in the moment. MC: Can you give me an example? MH: ‘Betrayed’ is not a feeling; it’s your interpretation. It cuts off any truth of communication. Non-violent communication is a way to talk and to understand that human beings are at the core the same. This non-violent view of language and how to use it -- it’s not the norm. It’s the exception. We learn an aggressive, defensive language that’s not in touch with our minds and hearts. MC: This may work on a personal level, but how could something like that possibly work on a larger level, between warring nations for example? MH: [Nations like people choose strategies to meet their needs.] It’s like everything. It starts with you and the people you touch, and the people they touch and the people they touch. I learned in Japan when doing Aikido you don’t think about self and other, but about how you can move together in a beneficial way. MC: When teaching, what would you like students to take away with them? MH: I hope they’ll understand that how they experience the world is up to them. To relax, open their heart and have a spacious mind, so they can learn to be effective in technique, and in a level of being human in their relationships. That they can learn to be effective and beneficial to others on the level of Aikido technique, and on the level of human interactions MC: How would you say this relates to the physical practice of Aikido? MH: When practicing Aikido, you move in a way that shows that you and the other person are just one event. You don’t have to go through the world feeling it’s you against the world. Aikido is a physical expression of this. MC: How is this kind of empathy acknowledged in Aikido? MH: Tenkan acknowledges the other person’s point of view. It causes a moment of relaxation in which they’re willing to hear you. It’s this real physical moment in which you can see the other person’s point of view, and you’re ready to hear them. MC: Mary, thank you so much for sharing all of your insights. MH: Not that I have figured it all out by any means! There’s still so much to learn. For more information about Aikido you can visit www.aikidoodmaine.com, or call (207) 879-9207.
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Ayurveda and The Organic Life by Heather Siri Temple
Ahh, the good life. So many people strive for just that: A life that is decent; a life with integrity; a life full of good friends, good food, and good times. In essence, a good life. So what’s the secret to such a peaceful, yet satisfying existence? Ancient seers, sages and saints had the answer: Find balance. And, interestingly enough, balance can even be found through the foods we choose to include in our daily meals. The ancient “science of life”, which leads us to the knowledge of such balance, is called Ayurveda. Ayurvedically speaking, there’s so much we can do to maintain a strong immunity, a steady energy level throughout the day, and awareness of our patterns in eating and in life. Likewise, attention to how our foods are grown, distributed, and prepared can greatly affect the life force of what we eat. Thus, the best choice for our health and balance comes from foods that are locally grown, with attention to organic farming practices.
Include the Ayurvedic “Six Tastes” At Every Meal The six tastes – sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent – have their unique balancing abilities. Some minimize cravings while others enhance digestion; others still satiate the mind and soothe the heart. A wonderful way to include all six tastes into the diet is to make your own six-taste fruit chutney from locally grown organic fruits and vegetables. Or simply washing and cooking various vegetables and spices will provide for a varying of the six tastes at the meal. For example, carrots or sweet potatoes could offer sweet tastes at the table, fresh lemon in the water or on top of the carrots would provide for sour, abundant arugula (easily grown organically) could offer a great bitter side dish either steamed or fresh, radish or ginger root would be wonderful
fruits - is an effective way to gain spiritual health and healing.
Keeping any and all foods as close to their original state as possible is most important in maintaining Ayurvedic health. The exception is removing the peels and cooking foods properly to help with digestion, especially for folks with a higher Vata (air and ether) tendency, or during the winter months, as Vata tends to need heavier, liquid, and warm foods to maintain balance. Those with a more dominant Pitta (fire and earth) dosha can tolerate cool and uncooked (raw, fresh) foods better, and those with a dominant Kapha dosha (water and earth) should focus more on light, dry, and warm foods.
Somewhat different than their Chinese or modern North American herbal counterparts, traditional Ayurveda herbal preparations from India were made from the actual plant or plant part, rather than just extracting active substances from a plant. In this same vein, Ayurvedic healers will nearly always prescribe eating a diet that consists of whole foods which are fresh and readily available (in-season and local), all eaten in as natural a state as possible (again, allowing for peeling and adequate cooking of foods to increase their digestibility). Ayurvedic health educators always recommend staying away from foods, which have been frozen, canned, refined, or processed with anything artificial. Foods that have been genetically altered or grown with chemicals or pesticides are expressly not recommended for consumption on a regular basis for those who wish to maintain optimum health, as they lack living intelligence (Chetana) and vital life energy or prana.
Keeping any and all foods as close to their original state as possible is most important in Ayurvedic health. Those living in cooler climates, or during the late fall to mid-winter months, will want to gravitate toward organic warm comfort foods for overall balance due to the high Vata season that is mid-winter. This balancing act is also true for high summer months where an emphasis on cooler, soothing foods to help keep Pitta dosha in balance. Sattvic & Organic Foods Are Best In addition to various tastes, temperatures, and textures or weights of foods, Ayurveda also classifies foods by the effect they have on the mind, heart, perception of the world, and a person’s spirit. The three attributes that foods can impart are feelings that greatly affect how we “feel” deep down inside our being. Those attributes are Sattvic foods, Rajasic foods, and Tamasic foods. Sattvic foods have stabilizing, uplifting, and calming attributes. Rajasic foods are very stimulating and have been known to aggravate the mind and beat of the heart. Tamasic foods are those that make us feel weighed down, lethargic, or sleepy. Tamasic foods are considered a deterrent to yogic or spiritual growth. Including Sattvic foods in one’s diet – such as almonds, rice, honey, mung beans, leafy greens, and fresh whole milk, fresh homemade whole milk cheese and bread, as well as organic seasonal fresh vegetables and sweet
And enjoying meals can be most effective when done with friends and/or family – at a set time, without the TV on, with mindfulness and awareness of what one is eating. Adding variety and experimenting with meals so that all of the senses are enveloped in the experience of eating is also important. If you’ve become accustomed to one recipe more than a few times a week, consider trying something new. Or take a vegetarian cooking class or learn more about Ayurvedic rasayanas (rejuvenating tonics) to bring a whole spectrum of digestive health to your plate. But in this spring season, remember that nothing beats homegrown, organic foods. Try creating your own “six taste” garden which would include herbs and vegetables that offer all of the six tastes which will become an exquisite experience of tending to and then gathering the foods with your children, washing them with all five fingers, peeling them together, and cooking them before enjoying them at the table. Consider planting any or all of the following: carrots, sweet potatoes, cilantro, basil, oregano, onions, garlic, arugula, spinach, radishes, endive, daikon, green beans, and tomatoes. And just know that you will have an entire season of love to devote, of energy to exude, and of eventual harvesting to enjoy – all from your devotion to health, healing, and happiness! Heather Siri Temple is an avid organic foods advocate who pursues her profession as director of Lotus Living Arts, a holistic Ayurveda & Yoga Therapy Center in Ellsworth, Maine (www.lotusliving.com). An Ayurvedic Health Educator, Yoga Therapist, and Kundalini Yoga & Meditation teacher, Heather can be reached by email at fo@lotusliving.com.
Organic Lifestyles by: Danielle Cone, Lebanon, Ct. ENJOY READING THIS ISSUE OF INNER TAPESTRY
June/July 2006 Inner Tapestry 13
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Ayurvedic healers and physicians recommend various daily routines to put balance back into our hectic modern lives. And at the top of the list of those routines is an attention to the details of our diet, as well as where and how those foods are grown. Since Ayurveda is also quite individualized, each person has his/her unique dietary needs for balance. Ayurvedic healers generally design specific diets for their clients, based on an array of factors including age, gender, a person’s dosha or Ayurvedic constitution, the strength of the body tissues and agni (digestive fire), and the level of toxic material (ama) in the body. Geographic and seasonal factors also affect a prescribed diet for any given person. However, there are some universal principals that are important for anyone living a yogic, Ayurvedic, or even just health-full lifestyle:
for the pungent taste, and cabbage or cilantro would be ideal for astringent.
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Cooking Consciously & Eating Healthy by Anne Sheble Food is our common ground, a universal experience. —James A. Beard
“What the bleep do we know”… about the Biological reality of our food?
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id you know that eating is an agricultural act? How we gather provisions for eating and where our food dollars go determines the fate of the small farms that are our heritage and bring vitality to our blood.
I like to think that soon everyone will bring food that has been grown nearby to the table. I’m sure that some of you already do this to a great extent. Already transportation costs are becoming prohibitive. The cost of tropical fruit is nothing compared to the cost of getting it here. Those fruits are suitable fare for the people living in those hot regions anyway. We, in Maine need apples. Recently, I checked out of the library a collection of essays edited by Robert Clark, Our Sustainable Table. That book has led me to pose these questions. How much do you know about the life history of the plants foods or animal products that you eat? Do you know the farm where your food came from? Are you aware of the practices on factory farms? How far did what is in your market basket travel?
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Wendell Berry in his essay The Pleasures of Eating, talks about the “industrial eater”; who does not imagine the connection with the land, who is passive and uncritical, who is also a victim of industrial agriculture. This portrayal of how we’ve become enslaved by agribusiness is telling of the modern American whose feet rarely touch the bare earth, who is unconscious of the life histories of food that sustain life. He suggests that we “learn (as much as possible) about the life histories of the food species”. He’s not only referring to the cows, pigs, and chickens, but also to the plant foods we readily consume: citrus, tomatoes, salad greens, peas, corn and beans. How many of us know that most of the pork sold in the U.S. comes from a pig who never breathed fresh air or could hardly move around let alone walk anywhere. Even if you are buying organic produce, if it comes from California, chances are it was grown on a large farm where economies of scale are the rule. Great news! In Maine the Council of Churches is collecting pledge forms signed by folks who pledge to buy Maine grown food in the amount of $10/ week. It’s estimated that if all Mainers did this, small farms would thrive and many would find work farming. Townspeople will once again know the farmers and eat from their harvest. It’s starting to happen with Farmer’s Markets and Community Supported Agriculture. Now that the USDA has taken over setting standards for the “Organic” label, we can no longer trust that plants or animals have been treated with compassion and regard for their lives. I have a new bumper sticker on my car that I like. It says: Local Food- thousands of miles fresher! Teachers are finding out that many children think food comes from the grocery store. Now that schools are introducing gardening to our young, they can watch the ingredients for salsa grow then later cut up the onions, tomatoes, cilantro and garlic for a feast. My dad who grew giant beefsteaks out back first introduced me to growing tomatoes. At age 19, I became a farm apprentice and learned to milk a cow. This was an important link for me since I used to drink milk like it was water during my childhood. So I take a look at what is stored in my kitchen. There is seaweed that has traveled from Japan, Teas from India and some coffee from El Salvador that I carried myself all the way home. It’s not easy to restrict yourself to locally grown foods even if you rarely go to the large stores. You can grow some of what you eat and shop at local farmer’s markets, which usually last about seven months of the year. Then what? Share a winter cache…
GRAIN SALADS FOR SUMMER FARE Grain salads such as Tabouli are a hearty meal in one dish that can be served once made and stored in the frig for a couple of days. Grains you can also use if you are staying away from wheat (mucus forming) are: quinoa, rye berries, rice and barley.
Bulgur Salad with Umeboshi-Parsley Dressing 1 cup bulgur 2 cups boiling water Pinch of sea salt 1/4 cup red radish thinly sliced 1/2 cup peas or green beans, sliced 1-2” long 1/4 cup corn 1/2 cup carrot, diced 1 Tbsp. roasted sunflower seeds · Wash the sunflower seeds, drain and roast in a hot skillet until toasted, being careful not to burn them. · Bring 2 cups of water to boil. Add sea salt and bulgur. Cover and bring back to boil. Reduce heat to low and cook 20 mins. · Remove and place in mixing bowl. Toss with a fork a bit to cool and loosen the grains. · Place 1-2 inches of water in a saucepan cover and bring to a boil. Boil vegetables in this order, corn for 1 minute, green beans for 2 minutes, peas for 1 minute, carrots for 1 1/2 minutes, radish for 1 minute and then remove and drain. · Add the cooked veggies and roasted seeds to the bulgur in the mixing bowl.
Dressing: 2 umeboshi plums, pit removed 1 Tbsp. Fresh parsley 1 Tbsp. Onion, minced About 1 cup spring water. · Place umeboshi plums without pits in either a suribachi (Japanese bowl with deep groove and pestle for grinding) or a blender. · Add onion and parsley. Grind or blend for 1-2 minutes. · Add water and puree all together. · Pour dressing over salad just before serving and mix well. Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.
Tabouli I love tabouli salad and have tried many variations. Sometimes you can buy the bulgur already mixed with dried parsley, mint, onion and garlic. All you have to do is add boiling water to the bulgur in ratio 1:1 1/2, some olive oil and lemon and salt. There you have a basic tabouli salad. Let’s make it more exciting and chunky. Here is a list of what else you can add. Minced raw onion and garlic. Roasted sunflower seeds or sesame seeds. A dash of umeboshi plum vinegar. Feta cheese and a bit of the salty brine (then you won’t need any other salt). Chunks of fresh tomato or even some diced stewed tomato. Instead of mint, which is common in tabouli recipes, try some cilantro (Caution: not more than a teaspoon since it packs a punch and can take over.) Small chunks of cucumber. (Very cooling) A big pinch of cayenne pepper- if you like heat! Parsley: use as much fresh as you can get your hands on. The best tabouli I have ever made has been mostly green with parsley. Resources Used: Our Sustainable Table. Edited by Robert Clark, North Point Press, 1990. Kushi Institute Levels 1-3 cooking class manuals, 2004
Annie has recently moved to Unity where she has built a simple studio on an old farmstead. She hopes to share her cooking skills in Unity while tending a small garden plot for the first time right out the dooryard. With help from Joel, Tom, and Bob of SolarTech, she is installing PV collectors and planning to live "off-grid."
(207) 948-3877, asheble@hypernet.com
14 Inner Tapestry June/July 2006
Uplifting, Unusual and Beautiful Gifts! Classes that Inspire! Angels, Books, Music, Jewelry, Crystals, Pendulums, Crystal Singing Bowls and so much more!
W N Leapin' Lizards N E AT IO C LO 123 Maine St., Freeport 207-865-0900 449 Forest Ave., Portland 207-221-2363 www.leapinlizards.biz
⇠15
Awareness and the art of Seeing:
WISDOM FROM a Psychic, Intuitive
contemplations on the environment and interconnection
by Jen Deraspe
Insights gained from street people
I
:
Nurture Through Nat ure
Let Us Guide You Home... Pleasant Mountain, Denmark
Jen Deraspe is a licensed Maine Guide, holistic retreat facilitator, certified yoga instructor and adjunct faculty member with the University of Southern Maine's College of Nursing and Health Professionals. She owns Nurture Through nature, providing holistic nature retreats for women. She lives off the grid on Pleasant Mountain in Denmark. www.ntnretreats.com (207) 452-2929.
W
hen one hears the word organic, the mind usually goes towards food that was grown without pesticides and chemicals. One starts to think not only of how healthy the food is but appreciates the hard work the farmer put into planting and growing of the crops. As I thought about it more I began to wonder what organic really means. Then one day during a conversation the name Cleve Baxter came up, he is an expert from New York in the use of Polygraphs (lie detectors). One day he chose to hook up his machine to the dracaena plant in his office and recorded the results of the plants response to different stimuli. He tested the response of the plant to physical stimuli, emotional stimuli and intentional based physical stimuli. This led to a long list of discoveries that brought him to the conclusion that plants share some kind of cellular consciousness that is common to all life. He published his findings in 1969 making newspaper headlines around the world. I share this with you to bring attention to the connection all life shares, the collective consciousness of all things. When we talk about organic farming, we must also say that the farmer and the plant are connected. That this relationship has a greater influence than we realize, even more that the organic fertilizers or the techniques used. It is the intentional connection or awareness on a spiritual level that significantly contributes to the beautiful harvest of healthy food at the end of the season. Organic spirituality is what I’m talking about. If plants are this sensitive then what does this say about us as a whole? We must begin to look at the reality that we all have the potential to be this sensitive and that our connection to all life is affected by our intention. Everything we do, all we say and the intention, conscious or not, directly and indirectly influences all life. So in truth we are all organic farmers. Our garden is the earth, all forms of life are the crops, and the harvest is who we are and all that we do in the world in relation to all life. In organic spirituality, you’re stepping into the collective consciousness of healing self and the world. This would include prayers for the beast & the lamb, the dark and the light, for all to be at peace. To live organically is to accept all and love all. For all things have a purpose. I am seeing this more and more. Some people have said to me Jason you can’t change the world. I always say yes you are right however, if there is a nucleolus of folks living organically it will grow and eventually out grow the non-natural process to healing us all. I want to say also that with all the war and chemical disturbances happening around the world send out good vibes. Send them far and wide because our farming is right here on earth, for if the earth is in pain from abuse, misuse and neglect we as a people will at some level feel this pain. Please remember, we reap what we sow, so pray for peace. No one needs to know what you are doing or asking for, just be pure of heart and all will benefit, that is why I love prayer.
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"I am happy to announce the opening of Touchstonebookstore and More located at 1832 Forest Ave. in Portland where I will be teaching and offering readings and I look forward to the opportunity to meet and connect with many more of you!" Jason Freidus lives in Southern Maine. His psychic, intuitive gift has been handed down in his family through many generations. He has been working for the public for more than 19 years, relying on many divinational tools, Tarot divination to name one, but most importantly with his inherited psychic gift. Jason takes appointments for classes, readings, and healings. jfreidus@maine.rr.com
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CR
E
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IVE SP I AT
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NORTH YARMOUTH, ME 04097
Helen B. Warren, M.Ed. MFA Original Visionary Art Co-Creating with Your Soul • Retreats • Individual Journeys (207) 829-6876 Helen@creativespiral.net www.creativespiral.net
• Dowsing • Energetic evaluation of a home or property • Space Clearing • Special attention to sleeping problems • Products that neutralize the effects of Geopathic stress and electro-magnetic fields of cellphones & computers
• 20 yrs experience in health, engineering and energetic medicine.
(207) 772-7888 • www.InstituteofFengShui.com June/July 2006 Inner Tapestry 15
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sat on a bench with a homeless man. He said, through his toothless smile, he was thankful God gave him another day to be alive. Yes, a good reminder. We remained together in silence, a space to sit still in together, no need to fill it with clutter. He occasionally asked people for change and smiled as they turned away and walked by. In between, he sipped from his vodka bottle and asked attractive women to take him home with them. We both laughed when the women smiled politely and nervously and walked on by. I was hungry, very hungry. I purposely had not eaten in almost 2 days and went out into the city with no identification, no money and no means of support. I wanted to see humanity without fear, to see if kindness prevails when truth is present. Even though I was really hungry, I wasn’t feeling free to ask for what I needed to be fed. What would it mean if I asked a stranger to feed me? What if they “rejected” me? They won’t believe me. They don’t care… All these painful thoughts stopped me from taking care of my needs by asking for help when it was truly needed. I could see why someone would rather eat from a dumpster than ask for help. I saw a man eating pizza. I hesitantly approached him, and said, “I am hungry, will you feed me now?” He freely offered to share a slice with me as we ate together in silence over the open box. Nearby was his bike with his only belongings strapped over it. This kind, homeless man, told me I could have the rest. Tears streamed down my face as I felt the weight of his gift, with no need for thanks or appreciation. Watching him walk away with all that he had with him, my heart opened with gratitude towards a stranger that shared without expectation or need, no strings attached. I was hungry and was fed, needs met with nothing less than kindness, pure kindness. After 2 slices, the hunger passed and I felt compelled to share the bounty. I went back to find the man I sat with in silence. He did not need the food and thanked me politely with a smile. A hungry woman came to me, seeing the food. She was clearly in need. She asked me if I would feed her. It was with new understanding, new eyes, I gave her what was left. She looked deeply into my eyes and I bowed my head as I smiled, enveloped in the feelings that bathed me with warmth and appreciation for the bounty and flow of all things good.
By Jason FREIDUS
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mod er n s ham an i c l i v i n g
Organic Lifestyles by Evelyn C. Rysdyk
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ne of the ways we can gauge the shifts in our culture is to look at what information is being circulated in the mass media and how it is presented. As a young girl, I loved reading glossy, photo-laden periodicals, especially the large format ones like Life Magazine. In one issue I can remember, there was an interview with the then elderly silent film actress, Gloria Swanson. In the article, she shared how she only ate organic food and always brought a brown bag meal to fancy Hollywood dinners! Through the cultural lens of the early nineteen sixties, this way of thinking and behavior was clearly seen as eccentric--perhaps even verging on the edge of madness. Even twenty years ago, the idea of intentionally choosing to buy organic produce, was still somewhat on the fringes of our society--relegated to the domain of hippies and the back-to-the-land movement. Yet, if we are to make genuine strides toward a healthy and sustainable future, we need to shift our farming methods to ones that do not, deplete the earth, damage other organisms or pollute the water and air. Our inner and outer ecosystems are healthiest when kept in harmony. Many chemicals can disrupt the delicate balance. For instance, our planetary ecosystems and inner environments have been greatly impacted by the increase in pesticide and herbicide use in our country since World War II. In fact, every human being living on the planet today has approximately 300 synthetic compounds in their body. Some of these commonly used chemicals have been linked to devastating health effects. In men we have seen a rise in: testicular cancer, undescended testicles, low sperm counts, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, multiple myeloma, work related asthma and several common workplace cancers. Among women, the incidence of breast cancer has increased 50% since 1971. Other issues include a rise in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, birth defects and spontaneous abortion. For our children, there has been a dramatic rise in childhood cancers, learning disabilities (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), an overall weakening of the immune system--so a child is more susceptible to common diseases, premature puberty and cancer. Termed “persistent organic pollutants” as they enter the environment as a whole and our bodies where they accumulate, many of these compounds also react synergistically with each other producing even more devastating damage to the body. While some of these chemicals have been banned such as DDT and PCB, every year we are exposed to new batch of chemicals whose effects on human health haven’t been thoroughly tested. There isn’t enough space in this column to give all the information you need to reduce your risks, but here are some excellent resources about the health effects of these environmental pollutants: Greenpeace: (www.greenpeace.org.uk/MultimediaFiles/Live/ FullReport/5988.pdf) Women’s Environmental Network: (www.wen.org.uk/health/index.htm) World Wildlife Fund Canada: (wwf.ca/satellite/reduce-risk/index.html) One important way to reduce yours and your family’s risk is to eliminate the use of pesticides and herbicides
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in and around your home and to eat organic food. It is also a powerful way of being in a sacred relationship with the Earth and all her creatures. When we buy organic products we are supporting not only our own health but the health of our Earth’s water, soil and air as well as helping to support sustainable business. A wonderful source for organic food is your local organic farm and farmer’s markets. Here, small farms that are producing high quality, fresh and safer foods have the opportunity to sell directly to you without any middleman. The next best thing to buying direct is to buy from your local health food market. These shops often have relationships with local farms and therefore support a network of local industries. Organic farms need organic feed, hay and other supplies that also make a positive impact on your local air, soil and water supplies. These ancillary industries also support others in a cascading network that can have a positive impact on the economy as well as the environment. By the way, unless they are also labeled organic, don’t be fooled by labels that promise the contents are “natural” or “free range”. These kinds of labels aren’t uniformly regulated and therefore may actually be relatively meaningless.
By making conscious, positive choices we have the capacity to become a power center for wholistic spiritual knowledge and wisdom as well. An excellent resource for readers living in Maine is the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) web site (www.mainefoods.net/mofga/ certstart.php) which offers a list of organic farms in your area by county. Additionally, the Northeast Organic Farming Association (www.nofa.org/index.php) can guide you to local farms all across New England and New York. It is very ironic that people in the rest of the world, seeking to emulate our culture-- are loosing their traditional respect for the land. Our friend and Peruvian teacher, Fredy “Puma” Quispe Singon once told us that the ancient practices of making offerings to Pachamama (Mother Earth) are being forgotten by his people. Some of the men who farm the land no longer enter the fields with reverence. In the past, like a lover asking permission to enter his partner’s body prior to intercourse, a man would make an offering of gratitude to the Earth before breaking her surface with a plow. Now his people have begun to act without the consciousness of the earth as a living being. In an emulation of our North American way, Puma’s people have begun using chemical fertilizers and have started a degradation of the land’s ultimate ongoing
fertility even as here we are relearning to farm organically we look around us, the entire developing world is engaged in a wholesale destruction of the environment through enacting behaviors and methods learned from our culture--even as there is a tide of environmentalism and respect for the Earth growing in this hemisphere. As a society, we once believed the illusion that because we had abilities to shape our environment, we had the right to wield our “superiority” over other forms of life. Having forgotten our place in the larger scheme we now find ourselves falling victim to the resulting destruction of our global environment. Puma teaches here in North America because he believes in his heart that he is planting the seeds of wisdom that the world will later reclaim as a part of its emulation of our culture. He said this place is a kind of power center, which draws the attention of the world’s people. Therefore, by making conscious, positive choices we have the capacity to become a power center for wholistic spiritual knowledge and wisdom as well. We have the power by living a more connected, spiritually aware and heart-centered existence to change the world for the better. This is an enormous responsibility and challenge. So, the choice to “go organic” is right in many respects. However, it may be difficult to begin, due to the higher cost of organically raised products. Some organic products may cost up to double the price of one that is similar but conventionally raised. If you are confused about how to shift your family to a healthier selection of foods while maintaining a healthy food budget, a recent issue of Consumer Reports provided clear and sound advice. The most critical foods to buy as organic are: all meats, poultry and dairy products as well as the following fruits and vegetables: apples, bell peppers, celery, cherries, imported grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, potatoes, raspberries, spinach, strawberries and of course, baby food. These foods when raised in conventional methods usually carry the heaviest pesticide loads. In addition, conventionally raised meats and dairy products expose consumers to hormones, which alter our own hormone balance and antibiotics that have been linked to increased antibacterial resistance in humans. Nearly twenty centuries ago, the Roman playwright Lucius Annaeus Seneca wrote that, “Everything is the product of one universal creative effort. There is nothing dead in Nature. Everything is organic and living, and therefore the whole world appears to be a living organism.” In other words, we are not separate from the world in which we live. In following a more organic lifestyle, we step back into a sacred relationship with ourselves, our fellow creatures and our beautiful Mother Earth.
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© 2006 Evelyn C. Rysdyk Evelyn C. Rysdyk, author of the book, Modern Shamanic Living, is a Teacher of Shamanism, healer & artist in joint practice with C. Allie Knowlton, LCSW, DCSW as Spirit Passages. Since 1991, they have offered workshops across the US and Canada. They also offer a private shamanic healing practice at True North in Falmouth, Maine. Featured in the book, Traveling Between the Worlds, interviews with 24 of the world’s most influential writers and teachers of shamanism, they may be contacted at: www.spiritpassages.com
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Feng Shui & Geopathology by Werner Brandmaier SICK BUILDING SYNDROME:
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ikipedia, the worlds largest internet encyclopedia, describes Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) as a combination of ailments associated with an individual’s place of work, although there have also been instances of SBS in residential buildings. Typically occupants experience acute health effects that seem to be linked to time spent in a building, they then disappear again soon after the occupant leaves the building. Often no specific illness or cause can be identified. A 1984 world Health Organization report into the syndrome suggested up to 30% of new and remodeled buildings worldwide might be linked to symptoms of SBS.
• • • • • • • •
Most reported symptoms are: Unusual headaches Eye, nose throat irritation Dry cough and all kinds of respiratory problems Dry or itchy skin Dizziness and nausea, vomiting Difficulty in concentrating, even short-term memory loss Fatigue Allergies and sensitivity to odors
Although forms of SBS have been reported for decades, experts are still looking for possible explanations. Usually a group of environmental factors are blamed for causing health problems in above described situations:
Typical possible causes are: • • • • • • •
Indoor air pollution, ventilation problems or heating issues. Biological contaminants such as mold in walls, vents and under tiles. Absence of natural lighting or just poor lighting in general. Badly designed acoustics. Chemical dissipation of solvents and adhesives from carpeting, manufactured furniture or paint. Air pollutants around office equipment like copying machines, laser printers etc. Pesticides used on the building.
Considering stress as a source of acidity, Sick Building Syndrome can be best understood as an overly acidic state of a building, leading first to discomfort, and later to more serious illness of their inhabitants. At a recent home consultation, I was told of how the client had shown several of the above-mentioned symptoms since his office had moved into a newly renovated space. The symptoms had gotten so severe that he had to stay home from work several times in order to overcome respiratory problems and vomiting. Although I had not had a chance to further investigate this specific workplace I strongly suspect Geopathic stress together with strong electro-magnetic fields (EMF‘s), EMF’s being an ever-increasing additional stressor in modern offices. In cases where we cannot balance the situation by re-arranging the space or adding items of specific energetic value (indoor fountains to enhance water quality, plants to stimulate wood energy, etc.) we want to introduce energy tools. There are a number of devices on the market such as Slim Spurling‘s Harmonizer or the healing instruments of the Gentle Wind Project, based in Kittery, Maine. Our institute uses the Feng Shui Power Disc series, a set of Feng Shui tools originally developed in Germany which work better than anything else we’ve found so far, for neutralizing Geopathic stress and helping diminish EMF‘s. Just last weekend I held a workshop for Feng Shui practitioners with the topic of “Geopathic Stress and Health”. In the afternoon we used the seminar space as a case study, to identify and resolve numeral geopathic situations. When we eventually mounted a Feng Shui Power Disc, one of our energetic shields to neutralize earth drains and settle the energy in the room, several participants commented independently that they experienced a definite shift in energy which they described as uplifting, expansive and enabling them to breathe easier. People in Europe have already started to look to the broader field to find explanations for SBS related health symptoms. In addition to an increased awareness of building materials, they are starting to look for strong, disturbing electro-magnetic fields from power lines nearby or high frequency antennas from cellphones
and technical applications. The technical requirements of workspaces often make it difficult to reduce those influences. Wireless possibilities, multi-user offices with multiple computers, printers, fax machine, etc. all in one room. Rooms separated only by thin sheet rock walls or room dividers between cubicles do not shield the same as a real brick wall. Increasing demands at the workplace make our stress levels wind up to heights where our bodies react with symptoms of general over-acidification. My big hope here is to involve serious Feng Shui practitioners and energy workers to participate in the research of Sick Building Syndrome cases, as I believe they can bring valuable information to the table and may be able to shed some light onto seemingly un-resolvable cases.
What can one do? •
First, do not underestimate the effects of a new office situation or such a change. In the process of moving the office to a new space we often forget to register subtle signals from our body in reaction to the new place.
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Use air filters like the new Hybrid GP (Germicidal Air Purifier) from Sharper Image to clean air without producing ozone at the same time.
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Use true lighting, Ott lights or any full spectrum light bulbs, but no fluorescent lights with disturbing flickering frequencies.
•
Find protective devices against the electro-magnetic environment in the office.
•
Find out if there is Geopathic stress at your new workplace and research measures to shield your space. Websites for further information: www.gentlewindproject.org, www.slimspurling.com, www.sharperimage.com
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Werner Brandmaier Dipl.Ing., a medical engineer and a citizen of Austria, studied with prominent international Feng Shui masters and trained in Germany to practice dowsing and geopathology. Werner offers consultations for homes and businesses and teaches workshops and seminars. He is a member of the International Feng Shui Guild and the American Society of Dowsers. You may contact Werner (207) 772-7888, or werner@ InstituteofFengShui.com. Visit his Website at: www.InstituteofFengShui.com.
Jason Freidus 5th Generation Intuitive = Psychic = Teacher = Healer 20 years experience
Lectures & Tarot Readings
Inquiries: 207.934.2180 jfreidus@maine.rr.com
June/July 2006 Inner Tapestry 17
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Typical scenarios are new or recently renovated buildings where people experience sudden health symptoms that they had not experienced at their former work place. Within a short time, these symptoms can lead to employee leaves of absence, causing low productivity and high employee turnover.
In addition, a recent article in Reuters Health attributes work-related stress, rather than building conditions, as an additional cause behind SBS. In a study of more than 4,000 UK government employees, researchers found that high job demands and perceptions of poor support were closely related to sick-building symptoms.
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IS SOUND CREATING CROP CIRCLES? by Freddy Silva
D
uring the twilight days of 1998, small articles tucked away in the nether regions of the British press quietly announced ‘Unknown Force Was Behind Corn Circles, Claims Hoaxer’. This dramatic U-turn by the surviving member of the infamous Doug & Dave duo — who since 1991 have misled the world with tales of their crop flattening prowess with planks of wood — illustrates that the hand of man materialized in crop circle lore long after the real phenomenon manifested. Latter-day hoaxers claim to have begun the phenomenon in 1978, yet unpublished evidence proved that crop circles had appeared around the world throughout the 1900s, with dozens of eyewitnesses reporting crop circles forming in a matter of seconds as far back as 1890; several descriptive accounts were even documented in 1678 by Robert Plot, then curator of the Ashmolean Library, Oxford. If hoaxers are responsible, then they appear to have mastered the art of time travel, in which case it is they who should be under scientific scrutiny.
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To date some 10,000 crop circles have been catalogued worldwide, and their anomalous features continue to defy human replication: plants bent an inch above soil, their cellular structure altered and stems lightly burned around the base; alteration of the soil and changes to its crystalline structure; depletion of the local watershed, alteration of the local electro-magnetic field, and dowsable, long-lasting energy patterns, not to mention hundreds of measured effects on the human biological field. So much, then, for two guys and a piece of wood. But thanks to a virtual embargo on research coverage throughout the media, a popular myth has developed that all crop circles have been nothing more than a prank with a plank.
patterns, a concept not dissimilar to the Hindu mandalas, which are said to be expressions of vibrations from the unseen Universe. Consequently, the Eastern faiths — Islam in particular — chose sacred geometry to express the image of God, a technique later applied in the design of Gothic cathedrals and which are now known to enhance the buildings’ sonic effects. Sound, resonance and vibration are fundamental to our supposedly physical world. Under the microscope, atoms are seen as harmonic resonators. Their structures are composed of geometric rhythms sharing similar harmonics to those found in the pure music scale. Physical reality, it seems, is governed by geometric arrays related to sound frequencies. Even that primeval Hindu sound, the OM (from which is derived our modern term ‘hum’) when sung into a tonoscope produces geometric shapes attributed with ‘sacredness’. As the expression of number in space, geometry is inextricably linked to sound. Since the laws of the former govern the mathematical intervals that make up the notes in the western music scale — the diatonic ratios — possibly why the ancient Egyptians referred to geometry as frozen music. In the February 1992 edition of Science News, Prof. Gerald Hawkins used the principles of Euclidean geometry to prove that four theorems can be derived from the relationships of elements in crop circles. More significantly, he discovered a previously unknown fifth theorem from which he could derive the other four. Despite an open challenge to over half a million subscribers none have been able to create such a theorem, which Euclid himself only hinted at twenty-three centuries earlier in his thirteen treatises on mathematics. So it came as a slight shock when its equilateral version materialized as a 160,000 sq. ft. crop circle at Litchfield, Hampshire in 1995. Since the crop circle theorems also produce diatonic ratios, a link exists between crop circles and musical notes, which are the by-product of the harmonic laws of sound frequency. Soon after, crop circles bearing unmistakable associations with sound began to appear. One contained a curious ratchet feature from which is constructed a musical diagram also dating to the Egyptians, the Lambdoma. Also known as the Pythagorean Table, it defines the exact relationships between musical harmonics and mathematical ratios.
Cymatic Crop circle. The plants are bent six inches from the top. Goodworth Clatford, UK 1994. Photo courtesy of Freddy Silva.
But it was a convincing crop circle etched in barley at Goodwood Clatford— which had its plants bent six inches from the top — that gave the proverbial nod to sound, for here was a representation of a cymatic pattern. Cymatics is the study of vibrational wave patterns. One of its twentieth-century pupils was Swiss scientist Hans Jenny who painstaking captured on film the transmission of sound as it interacted with powders and liquids. He observed how sound vibration created geometric shapes: a low frequency produced a simple circle encompassed by rings, whereas a higher frequency increased the number of concentric rings around a central circle. As the frequencies rose so, too, did the complexity of shapes, to the point where tetrahedrons, mandalas and other sacred geometric forms could be discerned. Like the Egyptians, Jenny enabled humanity to observe ‘frozen music’. Jenny also provided a physical connection to the creation of crop circles I’d been looking for, since many of the vibrational patterns captured in his photos mimic their designs. Some are blatant imitations, such as the circle surrounded by concentric rings typical of early 1980s patterns; the tetrahedron at Barbury Castle in 1991; even the highly structured star fractals of 1997. Visually there is little room to deny the connection. But what evidence links sound and crop circles at a physical level?
Left: "Tetrahedron" crop glyph. Barbury Castle, UK 1991 Photo courtesy of Richard Wintele/CALYX Right: Sound Frequency captured in liquid, resembling the Barbury crop glyph. Photo courtesy of Cymatics: A Study of Wave Phenomena & Vibration (combined Volumes I & II) by Dr. Hans Jenny © 2001 MACROmedia Publishing. By permission www.cymaticsource.com Crystalline structure of wheat: normal (top); crop circle (bottom). Photo courtesy of Ken and Rosemary Spelman/Signalasys
By definition, a hoax is a forgery, and a forger requires an original from which to copy. So what is this ‘unknown force’ that creates genuine crop circles? One answer may lie with sound. Traditionally, sound is considered a prime Universal force in the creation of matter. This is even echoed in all faiths and traditions: St. John reminds us, ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God’. Hopi and Navajo traditions assert that in ancient times shamans could utter words onto sand and create 18 Inner Tapestry June/July 2006
Crop Glyph containing unusual ratchet subdivided into the eight parts of the octave. From this is extracted the Pythagorean Lambdoma (right), a diagram containing all he harmonics of the musical scale. Photo courtesy of Barbara Hero/Robert Falkrod. Crop circle photo courtesy of Freddy Silva.
Many accounts exist of a trilling sound heard by people prior to witnessing crop circles forming. The reports describe a sudden stillness in the morning air followed by a trilling sound and the banging together of wheat heads, despite an absence of wind. A whole section of crop then lays down in spiral fashion, the whole episode lasting less than fifteen seconds. Interestingly, the Aborigines relate to this trilling sound: during their ceremonies to contact the sky spirits, a specially-shaped piece of wood called ‘bora’ is attached to the end of a long string and whirled, creating a noise practically identical to the crop circle hum. It was later discovered that not only have crop circles appeared in Australia but their manifestation figures in Aboriginal
19 lore, just as crop circle geometries appear in Aboriginal rock paintings. This crop circle sound was inadvertently captured on magnetic tape – on one famous occasion by the BBC whilst recording an interview inside a crop circle, whereupon the noise rendered a £30,000 TV camera obsolete. Since this sound has the ability to transmit on radio frequencies and interfere with electronic equipment, birds and insects can be ruled out; and although skeptics are quick to accuse that the recorded sound is, in fact, the grasshopper warbler, stroboscopic analysis of both voice prints reveal vast differences between this bird and the bizarre noise. Besides, such birds frequent marshes, not vast, open fields of cereal crop. Subsequent analysis of the trilling noise at Sussex University and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory concluded the noise was mechanical in nature and vibrating at a frequency of 5.0-5.2 kHz. This revelation took me on an extraordinary journey of connections. Back in the 1950’s agricultural researcher George Smith found that exposing corn to sound frequencies produced a higher heat content in soil, as well as a slight burnt appearance in the plants. Such effects are consistent with the slight ‘baking’ regularly observed in the soil of crop circles, where the affected area appears noticeably drier than the rest of the field despite overnight rain; the same applies to the ‘slight burning’ at the base of crop circle stalks.
Since sudden and abnormal growth is also known to occur in plants affected by the energy of a crop circle, it has been postulated that microwave is behind the phenomenon. However, microwave has the ability to render biological systems sterile, an overdose will even kill organisms, and crop circle plants are certainly alive and well. Experiments using sound on wheat at the University of Ottawa, however, also generated accelerated growth in plants, and the sound frequency applied had produced a resonant effect in the plants’ cells, thereby affecting their metabolism. The frequency applied was identical to the crop circle trilling noise. But perhaps the greatest connection linking sound to the manifestation of crop circles lies in their greatest anomaly: the permanent bending of the plants’ stems. During the 1960s, laboratory experiments at Temple Buell College, Colorado, measured the effects of music on plants by subjecting them to different tones. Exposure to heavy metal music made the plants tilt in the opposite direction or die, whereas classical music lulled the plants toward the speakers. But in the case of Hindu devotional music — and specifically the music of Ravi Shankar — the stems bent in excess of 60º to the vertical, perhaps the closest any human has ever come to
Sound as one energy source capable of creating crop circles now becomes very feasible. But what type of sound coaxes plants to bend and lie down, applying firm and gentle pressure and, given the intricacy and complexity of latter-day patterns, with a fine degree of precision? Interestingly, ultrasound is capable of interacting with physical elements to such an incredible degree. It can be aimed like a light beam, and specific frequencies can be focused to cause certain kinds of molecules to vibrate while others nearby are left unmoved. The higher the frequency of ultrasound, the greater its ability to be directed. This requires frequencies in the high MHz range, such as those detected inside crop circles. Readings generally hover in the vicinity of 260-320 MHz. However, just as the geometric complexity of crop circles continue to leap over the years so too do the frequencies inside them. This coincides with Jenny’s experiments, which show that a relationship exists between the rising complexities of cymatic geometries in proportion to the rise of dispensed frequency. In other words, the level of frequency correlates with the increase in design intricacy. Such extremely high frequencies are known to affect states of awareness and consciousness in humans, and visitors in crop formations often report this. Such effects are traditionally associated with sacred spaces, stone circles in particular, and it is interesting to note that ultrasound has been detected at certain stone circles and standing stones in England. When tuned in the MHz range, ultrasound prevents damage to sensitive tissue, so its healing properties are today used in the treatment of muscular ailments. Again, this mirrors the folklore of sacred spaces, and as far as crop circles are concerned, many hundreds of people have reported healings: one long-time sufferer of Parkinson’s stopped shaking; one man with a retinal eye tumor, 99% malignant, saw the tumor shrivel away after contact with crop circles. Below 20 Hz sound becomes infrasonic, and such frequencies are directly involved with biological processes, and here lies the direct connection to crop circles. When combined with high-pressure, the acoustic power of infrasound boils the water inside a cavity, in this case the water inside the plants’ stems. In laboratory conditions this action occurs in one nanosecond. As water heats it expands, and a close look at crop circle plants reveals tiny holes in their nodes where this superheated water has blown outwards. With a hollow cavity near the base, and the stems made supple, like molten glass, by the heat, the now top-heavy plants collapse into their new horizontal position.
Finally, vapor cavitation is accompanied by a sudden spark of light called ‘sonoluminescence’. This is caused by the production of electrical discharges as the water is ionized. The lower the operating frequency, the greater the effect, and 18 Hz is the lowest safety threshold below which the pressure formed by infrasound is known to produce disruption to chromosomes. Every summer, crop circle plants of every variety are sent for blind tests by Dr. Levengood, and some inevitably show unmistakable disruption to their chromosomes. Yet give him samples deliberately produced by field forgers and he’ll find something remarkable — perfectly normal plants! The musical scale, constructed on the harmonics of sacred geometry, and now found within the framework of crop circles, represents the mathematical structure of the soul of the world because it embodies the essence of the Universe. So it’s no coincidence that a large percentage of crop circles can be identified with, and by, ancient cultures who to this day honor their histories through song and music, their healing rituals performed with sound. This relationship is applied in Buddhist mandalas, whose elaborate geometries are used to alter states of consciousness. Perhaps it is not by coincidence that crop circle designs mirror these intricate patterns, just as they bear an uncanny familiarity to Jenny’s materializations of sound. If sound vibrations are creating crop circles, is it not possible that they can arouse the individual at a spiritual level? After all, it’s through music that whole human experiences are celebrated and carried from generation to generation. It is very probable that it is for this reason that the very shape of the human ear — more specifically the cochlea — is a spiral constructed according to the harmonic laws of tone, just as the same spiral is the primary form from which thousands of crop circles have sprung. Music is a carrier for social change – the effects of Handel’s music is believed to have reversed the state of morality in Victorian England, just as the anarchic overtones of Punk corralled disillusioned youth into fighting an establishment that held no tolerance for those who stepped outside its rules. The effects in peoples’ awareness after contact with crop circles is similarly documented. In 1990 a pictogram at Alton Barnes sported the trident of Neptune or Shiva, figures traditionally associated with transformation. Ironically, it was through exposure to this unique crop circle that millions around the world were transformed, just as images of crop circles today continue to enlighten the awareness of those who come into contact with them. If sound is one of the formative principles behind crop circles, it is not surprising that they are leaving psychological impressions on those whose antenna is extended and receptive to their tune.
:
REFERENCES All references in Secrets In The Fields: The Science And Mysticism Of Crop Circles (Freddy Silva). Sources: The Secret Life Of Plants (Peter Tompkins); The Secret Power of Music (David Tame); Cymatics (Hans Jenny); Sacred Geometry (Robert Lawlor); Nada Brahma (Joachim Ernst Berendt).
recreating that right angle bend common to genuine crop circles.
Blown node, showing hole created by superheated water leaving the stem. Photo courtesy of Freddy Silva.
Stem from crop circle showing charring effect and permanent bending caused by short, intensive burst of heat, as generated by infrasound. Photo courtesy of Freddy Silva
described columns of mist rising from within newly arrived crop circles.
Since this action (called vapor cavitation) creates local temperature increases of hundreds of thousands of degrees for a fraction of a second it is not difficult to see how millions of gallons of groundwater disappear within the area of a crop circle, or why the plants attain a cooked, malty fragrance. Combine this with Levengood’s discovery of microscopic blowholes in the plants’ cell wall pits (indicating the rapid boiling of water inside the plant), and everything starts to fall into place. Infrasound is also capable of atomizing water molecules, creating a fine mist, and several farmers have
© 1997,2006. Extracts from the best-selling book Secrets in the Fields: The Science and Mysticism of Crop Circles. For Book details and further research, visit Freddy Silva's site, The Crop Circular, cropcirclesecrets. org.
Freddy Silva is an author and international lecturer. He currently lives in Portland. ME. For a list of his local workshops, book, and DVD please visit www.cropcirclesecrets.org.
"Travelers, there is no path, Paths are made by walking." Antonio Machado
June/July 2006 Inner Tapestry 19
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Oddly enough, Smith speculated at the time that particular sound frequencies also increased molecular activity in plants, three decades before it would be discovered in samples taken from crop circles: tests performed since 1989 by American physicist Dr. W. Levengood consistently show how the energy creating crop circles affects seed embryo and plant growth, elongates the plants’ nodes, even alter the pattern of their crystalline structure.
Further applications of Indian devotional song to the plants at Annamalai University also showed a number of biophysical alterations in the specimens – similar biophysical changes, which now occur in plants, collected from crop circles.
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SCHEDULE OF SHOWINGS June 2nd & 3rd in Falmouth ~ Meadow Wind June 9th & 10th in Freeport ~ Leapin' Lizards June 16th & 17th in Portland ~ Portland New Church June 30th & July 1st in Falmouth ~ Meadow Wind July 7th & 8th in Freeport ~ Leapin' Lizards July 14th & 15th ~ in Portland ~ Portland New Church July 21st & 22nd in Freeport ~ Leapin' Lizards August 4th & 5th in Falmouth ~ Meadow Wind
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22 ⇠
Interviews
L i nd a T a t e l b a u m b y J u d it h P e rry
Linda Tatelbaum is the author of “Carrying Water As A Way of Life: A Homesteader’s History” and “Writer on the Rocks.” Her first novel “Yes and No” just won the Maine Literary award for Best Self-Published Book. She lives in midcoast Maine, where she, her husband and son built a solar house and raise their own food. Born in Rochester, N.Y. in 1947, she holds a B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. from Cornell University. Professor of English and environmental studies at Colby College, commentator on National Public Radio, and advocate for sustainable living, Linda insists that land is not a commodity, and that you can’t eat money. Her passion for challenging projects led her to found About Time Press.
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Once I started reading “Carrying Water” I sent Linda Tatelbaum a note. We exchanged emails and had this conversation well under way before we met on a beautiful spring day. We sat outside and talked for a couple of hours like we were old friends. I got a tour of the house, gardens and the root cellar, which still had hundreds of jars of food left on the shelves. A life well lived doesn’t come without some hard questions and a simple life is not without hard work. As Linda mentions constant attention is the biggest piece. You have to choose your battles and find your own balance. JP: My first thought is to come to some definition of ‘organic lifestyle’ It seems an awkward term which seems to trade on my values and implies that we need to just spend money. I’m not convinced that expensive organic towels are the answer. While I do think it is good that the word ‘organic’ has made it to the mainstream but like anything else it changes. I wonder your take on that. LT: I agree that terms get co-opted. But I’m thrilled that people are finally realizing “organic” isn’t just cute or political, it’s got real physical benefits/consequences in terms of our health and behavior, and the planet’s health. There IS a way to avoid this crazy, irresponsible world where profit is the most important item and consequences are never a concern. You don’t have to live fast and unconsciously. It’s totally possible to engage with the world in your work, in politics, in social relations, without taking it all in. I guess that’s what I feel my life is about--dropping out without dropping out. Choosing. JP: I love the idea of dropping out without dropping out! What do you think have been the real benefits or consequences of your ‘organic life’? LT: Benefits: too many to list! Health, a good marriage (shared commitment to values), a great son raised organically, security (food: there’s always plenty; money: we both have half-time jobs and we save, save, save), deep happiness, connectedness. Something to write about! Consequences: I always wanted to leave the world a better place, and that’s a very discouraging desire these days when it seems like the world is just going downhill so fast. But if I look at the smaller circle, and do what I can “locally” (i.e. within myself, my family, my community, my students), then I feel I can make a difference. When I was young, I realized I could never change the world, so I withdrew and became a sort of hermit. Then, after Carrying Water was published, many people told me my life choices were political. This was news to me - I hadn’t thought of my life that way--but now I see that’s totally true. I “withdrew” because I felt the world was too big to change, and I found a more intimate way to improve the world. It starts with me. And as a parent, writer and 22 Inner Tapestry June/July 2006
teacher it begins to ripple out into this big bad world. Organic also means whole, to me. So an organic lifestyle has values as the base, then grows and adapts so that living by your values is actually possible. This means you sometimes do non-organic things--like drive to work, for heaven’s sake! Or if you feel like eating something junky, sometimes you do. And you can’t preach this lifestyle to anyone but yourself. You can only plant the seed, by example, and then each person has to cultivate that seed in whatever way they can manage it. Guilt is not good for us, or for the planet, so we need to just do what we can. Everyone has a footprint.
an "organic lifestyle" is more about a way of thinking--being consciously aware that everything is connected Organic towels, sure, if you want to. But I think an “organic lifestyle” is more about a way of thinking-being consciously aware that everything is connected. JP: Can you talk about that a little more--? LT: Organic does mean whole. Or if you take the word literally, it means we’re each an organ in a larger body and we all have to work together to keep the system healthy. Also, knowing where your food comes from and goes, where your water comes from and goes, heat, electricity, all those things--even if you are on the grid, on city water and sewage, it’s still important to know where everything comes from and goes, and what it takes to get those things to you. Then you use the things that support your life more consciously and have a greater sense of gratitude. Gratitude is truly the most connecting attitude (it even rhymes!). It opens you to higher powers that provide, and to other people, especially those whose lives are not as blessed. And that’s the beginning of compassion and reaching out to others. So just calling it an “organic lifestyle” doesn’t do justice to the many levels of that word “organic”. I was about to say “it’s not about towels,” but actually it is-because cotton can be grown in such a horrible, chemical environment, and the people who harvest and spin it are harmed by the chemicals, and if they are working for pennies, it certainly harms us. I also want to say that you can’t be pure, you can’t do everything perfectly, and there are so many choices. For example, I buy most of my clothes at Goodwill, and I’m sure they are not “organic”, but at the same time they are recycled, no? It’s all about choosing your battles. I switched to organic soap, shampoo, and lotion a few years ago because I realized that skin is a permeable membrane, and the extra expense was worth it. But you can get really obsessive about going organic, and that can really pull you out of balance.
Sometimes there are costs driving to work so I can maybe have an influence on my students; sacrificing trees so I can publish my books about saving trees (ha ha); etc. JP: Let’s go back to having found something to write about. What a great gift that you write about your own experiences- how did you find your way to that? LT: I started out as a poet, then started my writing “career” with a short series in the Concord (NH) Monitor on “winter gardening”--about sprouts, window tomatoes, etc. Then I started writing essays, rather lyrical ones spiked with a little humor, for magazines like Farmstead. When we moved to Maine to build a house, I just knew it was an experience I should record in some way. I was too exhausted and close to the experience to really write about it, but I did keep a brief journal (3 sentences a day). Then once we were settled it just seemed natural to write about our life here. After 20 years, I decided to pull that writing together into a book, with some new stuff too. That was Carrying Water. Writing nonfiction seems to come naturally to me, much more so than fiction, which I’ve also done. Yes & No is my first published novel, and I have another one in the drawer. When we started out (in the early 1970s), we were really committed to not spending money on things we didn’t really NEED. The whole do-it-yourself thing is about getting involved with providing for your needs to the extent you can. Doing-it-yourself takes time, and money too. So it’s finding your own balance between time and money. I was lucky because I’ve had a part-time career teaching at Colby, and the other part committed to being home and raising food, cooking from scratch, fixing things, etc. I always say, “you can’t eat money”, but you do need money, too--if nothing else, you need money to buy garden seeds! People have to find their own balance. JP: Seems like paying attention is the way to create a meaningful life. Do you think the life you created is exactly the life you needed? I’m thinking of some of the themes in your work—change and growth. And this could be true of anyone, that, what one comes up against is perhaps one of the lessons we need to learn. LT: Yes, paying attention is the whole ball of wax. No matter what we’re doing. I would have had to learn the lesson about accepting change no matter what kind of life I’d created. But I’m very happy to have created such a graphic and also pleasant way to learn it. Not that I’ve learned it! It’s one of those lessons you have to keep learning over and over--death and loss are the hardest forms of change to accept. Growth, that’s easy by comparison. To be in touch with Linda send e-mail to: ltatelb@colby.edu or write to her at 1050 Guinea Ridge Road, Appleton, Maine 04862. You can also call her at 207-785-4634. To learn more about her books visit her web page at www.colby.edu/~ltatelb Judith Perry is an Artist and Writer living on the coast of Maine. Her landscape derived paintings reflect our connection to nature. To see some of her paintings go to www.judithperry.com.
Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself. ...George Bernard Shaw
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a b reath o f he alin g
R etreat or Spa?
R e t re at!
by Donna Amrita Davidge
A
few years ago we received a phone call asking us to do a survey about our spa. Up until that point I had thought of us simply as a Yoga Retreat. I told the man on the phone so. “Do you offer at least one form of exercise?” he asked. “Yes, Yoga,” I replied. We also offered hiking, swimming, biking, canoeing and kayaking though Yoga was our only class (twice daily). “Do you offer at least one spa treatment, such as massage, manicure or facial?” he asked. “Yes, we offer massage”. I answered. Therein I was to discover the two criteria for being a spa (at least one exercise class and one spa treatment). A far cry from fancy spas with classes all day long and a wide variety of spa treatments to chose from, our small retreat was considered to be a spa!
If someone wants to deal with some life-altering experience then R & R might work. However, a specialized program or theme-based experience might be more suitable at the time. It all depends on what you are really looking for. If you do a particular type of Yoga and want to enhance your practice then doing a retreat with a well-known teacher from that type of yoga would be wise and helpful. In this article we will expand our usually Yoga-based theme to also discuss some of the retreat alternatives that are available in Maine and don’t offer Yoga but do offer healing and nature. The internet is a great help. Choose a location or type of Yoga (or retreat) or teacher and do a search. If you already know the teacher or place, that helps. If not, see if there are testimonials. Word-of-mouth of course is always a great help. A good website should give you a feel for the place, the quality of the teaching, the type of Yoga you will be doing, other services and what a day looks like there. Call or e-mail with questions. If they don’t get back to you (I have heard of it happening!) soon chances are your experience won’t be too personalized, which is fine for some, depending on what your needs are. Another resource can be your own Yoga teacher. Sometimes individual teachers do retreats or can suggest a place to you that they know would suit you. Since people are still discovering us in northern Maine, what we have found out is that participants at a retreat often go home and tell their yoga community about places they have been. The avenues and reasons for going to Yoga Spa Retreats are many but choosing the right amount of time and the right time of year and place and price are crucial to maximizing this important time for yourself. Suggestions were found in Inner Tapestry for a few places that are retreats but not necessarily offering yoga. In this article we will explore retreats which eagerly told me about what they do offer. First, as Camden is a touristy area in the summer what we found there was the Wellness Center, which offers Yoga classes. Just as we offer classes to local tourists while Sewall House is open, this center is a great resource for people vacationing in that area and
This is what we were told about the Center: Colleen Duggan teaches Iyengar Yoga on Mondays from 5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Her number is 207-236-6178. Jory Squibb teaches No Excuses Free Yoga, which incorporates different styles on Wednesdays from 5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. (might be a challenge for rank beginners, we are told!) Her number is 207-236-8962. Denyse Robinson teaches Vinyasa Flow on Tuesdays from 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Denyse is currently on maternity leave and will return in August. Her number is 207-236-2350. The person I spoke with (who gave me the teachers numbers as well) said there is also Body Pilates Studio.
\ Two women returned my calls about their retreats. Both of them offered something rustic and rather new on the scene as far as retreats.
Pat Foley at Earthrest called her retreat rustic and informal, offering tenting, as well as bunk beds, a double bed room and futon alternatives. For specific sleeping arrangements in the barn etc it is best to contact her and ask about your needs. Bathrooms and kitchens are rented out. She is open year round and can be contacted at earthrest@psouth.net (No website available). Earthrest is located outside of Cornish, thirty-five miles from Portland in southwestern Maine. Pat also offers an isolated cabin by the day or week, which has no power but has a pump and wood stove. She offers two meeting places for retreats, both with fireplaces. The smaller is about 400 square feet and the larger around 1400 square feet. The emphasis at Earthrest is on ecology, treating the land with care. Pat herself has been a shamanic practitioner for thirty years.
She sent me a nice brochure and newsletter. To receive these materials you can call her at 207-625-4179. Earthrest is situated on 350 acres of land. The newsletter sums it up nicely: “In a setting of woods, water and open field, where the land is still a little wild and the animals remember their true names, Earthrest offers you a place to gather for retreats, workshops, spiritual questing, personal renewal and inquiries into community building.” It also offers a healing labyrinth.
northern entrance to Baxter State Park and the area abounds with hikes and lakes. As Yankee magazine said about Sewall House “It gives you an opportunity to work on your most precious commodity-you”. Raven’s Crossing in Appleton, Maine is in the midcoast region, half way between Camden and Rockland. It is actually a massage business with sauna and hot tub but there is the possibility of making it a Single Retreat for up to 4 people in the cabin. They just created their website last fall. The owner, Laurie Kressler, does deep tissue Swedish massage with some trigger point and energy work. (www.ravens-crossing.com). Maine is a wonderful state to live in and to visit. Whether you are a native or a tourist who picked up this paper while visiting, we hope this article gives you some inspirations and insights into some places you can go and things you can do to nurture yourself in mind, body and spirit. Maine offers us the simple pleasure of life and these retreats offer you the opportunity to get away from modern technology and stressful pace of life to regain your true self. A rustic retreat or a yoga retreat can offer just that…or a massage or yoga class while on vacation!! Instead of looking for a fancy spa (like the person doing the phone survey undoubtedly spoke with!), which can sometimes enhance our involvement with the material world, consider these nice alternatives for a real retreat from it all: “ The stimulation offered by the material world can inspire dizzying emotional highs and distressing emotional lows within our souls. Alone, you are freed from the distractions that life often puts in your path and better equipped to hear and understand the whisper of your wise and nurturing inner voice.” (www.dailyom.com).
Donna (Amrita) Davidge has been teaching Yoga in New York City 1985. In 1997 she purchased her great grandfather’s \ since homestead in Maine and created Sewall House Yoga Retreat www. sewallhouse.com which she runs with her husband Swedish singer songwriter (and practicing yogi) Kent Bonham during the summer and early fall months. Donna’s primary teachers have been Yogi Bhajan, Dharma Mittra and Eddie Stern (who teaches Ashtanga Yoga as taught by Patabis Jois).
At The Center (www.atthecenter.net) just opened this past November in Hartford, which is thirty minutes north of Auburn. She has 95 acres that you can camp on and offers Belly Dancing once per week (the owner Laurie Babineau is a dancer who performs in Massachusetts and Maine). The Sisters of the Sacred Spiral is offered the first weekend of August, with a presenter from New Mexico. The first weekend of October a Xena intensive for women is offered, where women are empowered by learning self-defense techniques. If you come a bit North you will find Sewall House Yoga Retreat, which has been evolving since its inception in 1997. This retreat combines over twenty years of yoga experience with the instilled history and healing the house offers. Each guest has a private room in a home that has been lovingly restored by the original owner’s great grand-daughter (Donna Davidge, the author of this article, is the owner and yoga Instructor) and her husband Kent Bonham. We are open from June 15 to Columbus Day. To find out more, like prices and schedule, which offers yoga (all levels welcome), meditation, massage, healthy meals and nature excursions, please contact us at 888-235-2395 or visit www.sewallhouse.com. Sewall House is near the
WE HOPE THAT YOU ENJOY READING THIS ISSUE OF INNER TAPESTRY June/July 2006 Inner Tapestry 23
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So how does one who loves yoga or is just new and curious about Yoga decide on a type of Spa-Yoga-Retreat experience? When is it time to go? And what if you are in Maine and want a retreat but not a Yoga Retreat exclusively? The answers to these questions can vary from simple everyday burnout to some life altering experience, either positive or negative, or to enhance your yoga practice. Losing or gaining a job or relationship can be criteria for some people while others want a chance to learn more.
missing their yoga practice.
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The Ten Commitments Translating Good Intentions into Great Choices by David Simon, M.D.
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ost of us sense what we need to create a life of joy, love, health and meaning. The challenge each of us faces is translating our intentions into actions that improve our lives. In the Western world, the Ten Commandments provide the foundation for the moral values of our society. As the underlying rules of life in our Western world, they have guided our ethical choices for thousands of years. They offer a powerful prescription for social health, and if being told how to behave resulted in people doing what was ultimately good for them, the world would be a much better place. However, it is one thing to be commanded; it is another to make choices that serve the greatest good. We are commanded not to kill, but over sixteen thousand people are murdered each year in the United States and in the name of God or country, tens of thousands are killed in armed conflicts. We are commanded not to steal, but over ten million thefts occur annually. We have a prohibition against adultery, yet studies suggest that at least half of married people engage in extra-marital affairs. Treated as children, people respond as children. It is time to replace commandment with commitment. People have an innate tendency to resist demands. If we observe children being disciplined by their parents or teachers, it becomes apparent why, even as adults, we often resist making the choices that are more likely to generate health and happiness. Living a life based upon the fear of punishment keeps us in resistance to our higher self. Tapping deep into our core and envisioning who we want to be in the world enables us to take responsibility for our lives and make choices that express our deepest purpose. The world is in need of peace, which can only come when each individual has access to an internal state of peace. Although most people in the Western world have grown up with The Ten Commandments, the vast majority would have difficulty articulating them, suggesting that that they drive our behaviors unconsciously. Translating a commandment into a commitment empowers us to make conscious choices, reflecting the recognition that we co-create our realities. The first commandment in the Old Testament is I am the Lord, thy God, who brought you out of the house of slavery. Although this is traditionally interpreted as reminding us that there is one true God, it’s possible to see a deeper and perhaps more relevant spiritual message – that of freedom. Most people live in voluntary confinement, believing that the security they gain outweighs the freedom surrendered. But the desire for freedom is not relinquished so easily. Freedom to speak, to act, to love, and to find meaning in life are universal impulses expressed across time and culture. The first of The Ten Commandments proclaims that God freed his people from slavery. This is the essential message of spirituality –freedom from internally or externally imposed limitations – freedom from bondage. Most people mistakenly believe that external forces limit their happiness. “I am depressed because I’m stuck in an abusive marriage.” “I have this ulcer because my boss is controlling.” “My relationships repeatedly fail because my father abandoned me when I was young.” We accept these limiting beliefs and engage in perpetual internal negotiations with these restrictive voices, never reaching agreement on the terms for our release. Common excuses I hear include: “As soon as my youngest child graduates high school, I’m leaving this toxic marriage,” or “Once I’m vested in my pension plan, I am saying goodbye to this stagnant job” or “After I get through the holidays, I am going to start exercising.” It’s time to use the key residing in your soul to unlock the door that frees you from self-imposed incarceration. Take a few deep breaths, close your eyes, and become aware of any sensations of discomfort in your body. If you identify a place in your body that feels constricted or congested, ask yourself, “What life issue is this sensation telling me about?” Recognizing that emotional conflicts are often expressed as physical tension, allow any bodily sensations to bring your attention to possible mental debates you are having with yourself. Ask what you can do to create inner peace and free yourself from conflict. Plot your escape. After liberation from Egypt, the Israelis wandered in the desert for forty years. This reminds us that after taking a step toward freedom, it may take some time for the full expression of the choice to manifest (although hopefully not forty years). Entering into the land of milk and honey is possible only after you make the commitment to freedom. The Ten Commitments reframes each of The Ten Commandments. For example, rather than accepting that the second commandment to not make unto thee a graven image is about avoiding statue worship, we can recognize that a false idol is anything that keeps us from being fully authentic. Investing too much power in a car, house, job, or relationship turns the object of worship into a graven image. Seen from this
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perspective, the second commandment can be translated into a commitment to authenticity. Each commandment can be seen in a new light as a powerful commitment to healing and transformational. Commandments
Commitments
I am the Lord thy God, who brought you out of the house of slavery
I commit to freedom
Thou shalt not make unto thee a graven image
I commit to authenticity
Thou Shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in Vain
I commitment to acceptance
Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.
I commit to relax
Honor thy father and thy mother
I commit to wholeness
Thou shalt not kill
I commit to forgiveness
Thou shalt not commit adultery
I commit to love
Thou shalt not steal
I commit to abundance
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor
I commit to truth
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house
I commit to peace
Embracing commitment enables you to make good choices, not out of fear of being caught or punished, but as a reflection the person you are. Through commitment, the quiet voice of your soul that wants you to be happy, know love, feel vital, and have meaning and purpose will find its expression.
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Dr. Simon, MD, is a trained neurologist who has been instrumental in pioneering a new model of health that integrates body, mind, and spirit. As Medical Director and Cofounder of The Chopra Center, he has worked closely with Deepak Chopra to forge a new synthesis between Eastern and Western thought. He is the author of The Ten Commitments: Translating Good Intentions into Great Choices. i
July Meadow
Withering fields that come and go with each spring and fall, I watch you from my window. I memorize your shadows and your curves with each summer and winter softening as if I held a Dream between the two of us so secret it wakes only Robins. Here is my world apart, bordered with Mock Orange and Honeysuckle filled with the racket of Cowbirds and Sparrows, and not a wasted word. by M. Macy
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The Ten Commitments At-a-Glance The First Commitment: I commit to freedom. • • •
I pay attention to my body and its sensations to identify and quiet my internal conflicts. I cultivate the habit of asking myself what choices I can make to move in the direction of well being. I take an honest inventory of things inside me that restrict me instead of helping me expand.
Organic Living!
How Good Can We Let It Be?
The Second Commitment: I commit to authenticity. • • •
I identify behavioral habits that do not reflect my core values and consciously replace them with choices that do. I ask myself how I would like to see the next chapter in my life unfold, and take steps in alignment with that vision. I look at my material world and find a balance between simplicity and abundance.
The Third Commitment: I commit to acceptance. • • •
I listen to my body and notice where I am resisting. I am fully present with the choices available to me. I remind myself on a regular basis that everyone is doing their best from their level of awareness.
Photo courtesy of Andrea Freidus
The Fourth Commitment: I commit to relax. • • •
I take time to quiet my mind on a daily basis in meditation. I take steps to ensure restful sleep at night. I pay attention to the seasons, cycles, and rhythms of my natural environment.
The Fifth Commitment: I commit to wholeness.
•
I indulge my inner child on a regular basis. I balance my goals for future success with choices that bring me happiness right now. I access the wisdom of the ages through my archetypal inner sage.
The Sixth Commitment: I commit to forgiveness. • • •
I listen to my heart and use it to reveal the need for forgiveness. I recapitulate my life on a daily basis and take steps to clear resentments I may be accumulating. I take responsibility for my choices while not taking myself too seriously.
The Seventh Commitment: I commit to love. • • •
I am generous with my attention, affection, appreciation, and acceptance. I practice conscious communication in all my relationships. I bring silence into my awareness to expand my sense of self and capacity for compassion.
The Eighth Commitment: I commit to abundance. • • •
I give away things of value I have accumulated that are no longer serving me. I regularly take a gratitude inventory of what I currently have in my life. I find my passion and invest my time in those things that I love to do and do well in service to myself and others.
The Ninth Commitment: I commit to truth. • • •
I notice other points of view that may also be valid whenever I take a strong position on any issue. I practice flexibility in my perspective. I seek opportunities to express my truth in ways that maximize happiness and minimize suffering. I make choices that move me in the direction of absolute truth, by asking if my choice will help calm mental turbulence, expand my awareness, and lead to peace.
The Tenth Commitment: I commit to peace. • • •
I remain centered and peaceful even as I strive to fulfill my wants and needs. I identify when I am demonstrating qualities of hostility and look for ways to reframe my hostile perspective. I seek ways to express my needs without damaging others. I more consciously choose to express peace in my thoughts, words, and actions. As I prepare to go to sleep, I review my words and actions, and see if I added to peace today. If I contributed to turbulence in some way, I make a commitment to contribute to peace tomorrow.
FMI: Contact Joanne McCall at (503) 642-4191 or Joanne@teleport.com.
Breath & Health What’s the connection? It’s really about what you don’t know.
Breath is an amazing self-healing tool that can relieve stress, improve health and increase the quality of life. When asked, “What single lifestyle change has the greatest potential for promoting optimum health?” Andrew Weil, M.D. responded “LEARN HOW TO BREATHE WELL”. Breathing, The Master Key to Self-Healing. You say, yes breath is very important, I do it every day and if I stop breathing I will die. You are correct, but it’s what you don’t know about breath that keeps you from the magic of life. Learning to breathe well by awareness to your breath and developing different breath techniques will increase the quality of your breath which in turn increases the quality of your life. This is noted in Eckhart Tolle’s book A New Earth. Quality is the connection we begin to become aware of as we open space with ourselves as we breath better and fuller. We start to pay attention to WHAT IS in our life verses what is not. We notice what gives us joy. One of the best and simplest techniques to learn is diaphragmatic, belly or abdominal breathing. As you breath in the belly expands outward as if a balloon was inflating. Changing the patterns of breath with different breath techniques can help to correct imbalances in nervous system function. These imbalances have been linked to decreased energy levels, poor digestion, irregular heart beats, anxiety and high blood pressure to name a few. Recently the Today Show aired a story where they were using breath to manage chronic back pain. The Women to Women’s website has an article specifically on the benefits of breath. Colleges and hospitals are incorporating breath into stress management and the healing process. As a tool of integration, breath is a bridge to all aspects of self. When trauma occurs, lets say a car accident, a gap can form between the physical and emotional aspects of self. The nervous system is similar to telephone lines, if there is a break in the wire, calls cannot get through. Breath can help to reconnect the lines of communication between these aspects to maintain health and balance. It can assist in unblocking dysfunctional thought patterns and bring conscious awareness to assist us in making positive shifts in our lives. We are very aware of how much water we should drink each day, what foods we should or should not eat and the amount of exercise we need to remain healthy. Now it is coming to our attention the importance of breathing. Even if you are one who cannot find time to exercise, eat right and drink enough water you will find that breath, for the results, is the most time efficient. You do not need equipment, it is fun, easy and right under your nose. A certified Breath Facilitator, Paula Easton and husband Christopher, of Breathe In & Beyond, offer monthly group breathwork sessions in Oxford, Harrison, Falmouth and Auburn. They are available to businesses and individuals for classes, workshops, presentations and private sessions. They can be reached at (207) 583-6603.
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e x p lori n g the wo r l d r el i g i o n s
Exploring Inner Space Via Sound and Light Meditation by James Bean
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“Come, that I may teach you about secrets no person has ever seen. For there exists a Great and Boundless Realm, whose extent no generation of angels has seen, in which there is a Great Invisible Spirit, which no eye of an angel has ever seen, no thought of the heart has ever comprehended, and it was never called by any name.” (Yeshua, quoted in, The Gospel of Judas, recently published) The Unexplored Rooms in the “Interior Castle” of the Human Body Within this earthen vessel are bowers and groves, and within it is the Creator: Within this vessel are the seven oceans and the unnumbered stars....... Kabir says: “Listen to me my friend! My Beloved Lord is within.” (Sant Kabir) Sant Sevi Ji Maharaj in his new book, The Harmony of All Religions, recently translated from Hindi into English (soon to be published), states that the early stages of meditation are a preparation for the more advanced levels. From the chapter on the Light and Sound mysticism present within Jainism he writes: “Many of the Saints discuss the need for mantra japa (simran: the recitation or repetition of God’s Name) and Bindu Dhyan (visualizing a holy form). These disciplines, the recitation of a holy name and the focus on holy forms enable the practitioner to have success with the subtler forms of meditation.” And, from the Introduction to this book: “The Saints, Prophets, Sages, all Radiant and all Benevolent Beings are myriad physical manifestations of the Divine Power on earth. Fixing their image in the mind (Manas Dhyan; focusing on a divine form) facilitates concentration of the mind and prepares it to enter into the inner subtle realms.” Where We Came From -- Where We Are Going Sant Sevi Ji: “The individual soul has descended from the higher worlds [realm of the Divine] to this city of illusion [bodily existence]. It has descended from the Soundless State to the essence of Sound, from that Sound to Light, and finally from the realm of Light to the realm of Darkness. “The current of consciousness which is dispersed in the nine gates of the body and the nine senses must be collected at the tenth gate (Seat of the Soul, the sixth chakra, also known as the Third Eye, bindu, center between the eyebrows) therein lies the path for our return. This is the act of leaving the gates of the sense organs and becoming established in the soul. We travel back from the realm of Darkness to the realm of Light, from the Light to divine Sound, and from the realm of Sound to the Soundless State [The Nameless One, Ultimate Reality]”.
The Stages of Meditation Taught by the Sants of India
All of the following spiritual exercises represent a transition from outer to inner, from lower to higher, from physical to mental to spiritual, a shift in one’s awareness through several different layers or regions, on the way back to Ultimate Reality or Non-duality beyond all these veils of illusion. As Sant Sevi Ji writes: “The natural tendencies of the Soul are to move from outward to inward. The Current of Consciousness, which is dispersed in the nine gates of the body and the nine senses, must be collected at the Third Eye. Therein lies the path for our return.” The following is by Sant Sevi Ji’s Satguru: Maharishi Mehi, from the book, Philosophy of Liberation: “The practice involves a specific meditation taught by a 26 Inner Tapestry June/July 2006
qualified Teacher. Meditation has four levels of practice each building on the preceding practice:
Four Stages of Sadhana (Spiritual Practice)
“The first stage is manas japa (mental repetition of sacred name meditation [simran, zikhr, mentally repeating/ chanting God’s Name “with the tongue of thought”). This is a simple technique and has been widely taught and practiced in the East as well as the West. It has the effect of calming the restless “monkey-mind” and preparing for the following stages of meditation. [Note: In most lineages of Masters like this, it is the living Teacher that gives you the sacred words to repeat and complete details and proper guidance how to use them and other techniques within.] “The second stage is the manas dhyana --practice of focusing on a specific image [Note: In Mehi’s tradition, mentally contemplating or visualizing the form of one’s Teacher/ Satguru is called dhyan or manas dhyana. For more on Dhyan Meditation, see Chapter Seven of the book, The Philosophy of the Masters, Volume Two, by Huzur Baba Sawan Singh.] “The third stage is known as drishti yoga -- uninterrupted concentration of an infinitesimal point [gazing upon inner Light or the Radiant Form at the Third Eye Center or Single Eye -- the Yoga of Light]. “The fourth stage Surat Shabad Yoga (the art of inner hearing – the meditation of Divine Sound) is focus on celestial inarticulate sounds within, which ultimately leads to the final goal [merging with the Soundless, Nameless One].” “The Sounds are somewhat similar to the sounds of: the veena (stringed instrument similar to the lyre), the mridang (drum or thunder), the mrdal (cymbals), the singi (a horn), the sitar (stringed instrument), or the sarangi (similar to a lute). (Also see, the Nad Bind Upanishad, for a list of inner Sounds.) On the power of the inner Sound, Shiv Brat Lal writes: “The devotee in his spiritual journey upwards hears sweet melodies which attract him. The melodies are a powerful magnetic force, which draws the attention inwards and makes it fully attuned to proceed up and up. We hear external instrumental music like the sitar, sarangi, violin, harmonium, fiddle, flute and veena. We become attracted by them and almost acquire a semi-rapturous condition. One can well imagine how charming the Internal Music emanating from both subtle and causal regions can be. It is a thousand times more enchanting and absorbing! All one needs is to get the know-how of this simple method of the Saints.” Sant Sevi Ji Maharaj, in another new book published in January of this year called, Quintessence of Yoga: Secrets of Success, writes: “Devotee Jaydayal Goyandka taught clearly about the Yoga of Vision or Light and the Yoga of inner divine Sound. To consolidate vision and meditation with closed eyes causes:
1) steadiness of mind, 2) purity of character, 3) inner peace, and, 4) removal of ill will.
“Closing the ears when we hear the divine Sound within ourselves is the best approach. There is no harm in it. We can include this along with other practices. This practice of inner Sound can go on in the night, because there is no noise at that time and environment is peaceful... When the inner divine Sound merges into the imperishable Supreme Lord, there is the absolute State of Soundlessness (the Ultimate Reality).”
You may ask, what does it mean to “close the ears”? There is a technique initiates learn to do just that in order to focus on inner Sound. Also, sometimes people use earplugs to block outer sounds during inner Sound practice [bhajan]. But there is another meaning. Some clarification is given in the book, The Harmony of All Religions, by Sant Sevi Ji, who states that closing the ears is primarily an internal reality that occurs after one’s awareness has gone within: “When you focus your gaze within ajna chakra then automatically your physical ears will close and the inner ears will open.” Here is the whole paragraph containing that sentence: “The path to find God is within your heart. Enter into ajna chakra (Third Eye Center, Seat of the Soul) and you will find it. It is found not in a man-made Ka’ba (Muslim pilgrimage place), but in God made Ka’ba (holy place), which means within your own heart or self. You should listen attentively to the reverberating divine Sound. The celestial Sound is coming to take you back to the Source. Listen to it attentively. Remember you cannot hear this with the physical ears. When you focus your gaze within ajna chakra then automatically your physical ears will close and the inner ears will open. By that power you can hear the celestial Sounds. The original Sound of the creation comes from the abode of God and it will take you to God.” Maharishi Mehi: “Each stage of meditation has specific hallmarks to indicate progress. Although the above techniques may sound complex, this path is extremely simple to practice as is evidenced by the great numbers of people who have been practicing this meditation since ancient times.” NDE’s (Near-Death Experiences) and OOBE’s (Outof-body or soul travel) via Meditation This is a paragraph from the book, Enchanted Land -- A Journey With the Saints of India, published by the MSAC Philosophy Group, going over the same inner steps and stages to this inner mystical landscape, from the chapter dedicated to the teachings of a female Radhaswami Guru by the name of Yogani Mata Ji: “How consciousness can be released from the mortal frame by attaching itself to the Stream of Celestial Music radiating from the top of the head and beyond... “Coupled with this physical stillness and ceaseless repetition of God’s name, the next step is to contemplate the Light within. At first, Mata Ji pointed out, there will be only darkness but eventually Light will appear in the form of either small flashes or small star-like points. In any case, one should focus on the Radiance, keeping one’s simran [name repetition] intact and allowing the Light to draw the soul inward. The third and most important step, Mata Ji said, is to listen to the Sound that issues forth from the Light. It is this Internal Music, which will numb the body and allow the consciousness to leave its ordinary dwelling. By riding this Current of Light and Sound, like a fish going upstream, the soul will be able to go back to its Original Home... “According to Mata Ji, what near-death patients experience is only the beginning of a vast sojourn into great universes of light, love and beauty.” (ISBN: 1-56543-053-0) James Bean reviews books and music for the Wisdom Radio Network and other stations via a syndicated radio program called Spiritual Awakening, and teaches Sant Mat Meditation and Surat Shabda Yoga in the Bangor, Waterville, & Portland areas. Address questions or comments to PO Box 7, Newport, Maine 04953, or email: james@spiritualawakeningradio.com
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The Spiraling Organic Way Moves Humanity to the Next Stage: Learning to Live Together by Norm Hirst
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earlier levels cannot be applied to higher more complex levels as we are now entering. People and policy that function from the lower levels cannot manage the emerging new reality. Grave’s work indicates that societies evolve by spiraling and oscillating through the following list of existential problems: 1. Maintaining physiological stability, staying alive 2. Achieve relative safety 3. Live with self awareness 4. Achieve peace of mind 5. Conquering the real universe 6. Living with the human element 7. Restoring viability to a disordered world 8. Accepting existential dichotomies Humans develop through the same sequence. Based on individual experience each of us progresses through the hierarchy of competencies.
So Here We Go Down The Rabbit Hole... How Far Would You Be Willing To Go? This dynamic view would indicate that thinking about life as constant and consistent is deeply erroneous. The environment we live in is not constant. It is evolving to higher and more complex orders. We are not constant either. We are evolving throughout our lives from lower to higher problem solving abilities. If one plots the number of people at each level one gets a bell shaped curve. Some may be just beginning. Some may be the leading edge. In the middle will be the bulk of the population characterizing the dominant problem solving activities for that particular society. Life now is moving from level 5, conquering the physical universe, to level 6, living with the human element. This is a time of profound change. Such times are also times of confusion, chaos and fear. The bulk of the world society’s population is about to shift into the 6th stage, learning to live with the human element. That is our current task. There are many factors we need to understand in learning to live together. From the way life functions we know that we learn by personal experience. Based on personal experience we know how to act. General Vinni who commanded our forces in the Middle East until his retirement in 2000 spoke here in Camden in 2005. He explained that we were ready to enter the 21st century. The Arabs were ready to enter the 20th century. All we needed to do was be helpful. We could have achieved so much without regime change, without destroying a country and killing tens of thousands of people. In international affairs the relative development of each side must be understood. There is no value judgement here. It is not to say that the more advanced
society is better in the eyes of God. It is simply the consequence of time and history. People who have never experienced freedom may not want it. They may be frightened by the prospect. No amount of external force will make them free. The best we can do is take General Vinni’s advice and help. In our own society there will be people who understand what is required. There will also be people who haven’t yet learned problem solving in the arena of the human element. As they speak of “axes of evil” they reveal their lack of readiness to deal with living together. There are no axes of evil. There are just different people wanting to live their lives in peace, as they understand how to live. I have heard people say that many are dying now rather than face the future. They may be right. But after the transition I see a more wonderful future than has ever been known. It is time for a profound change in consciousness. In science the last decade has produced mind changing discoveries concerning how life, living organisms, function. For example, it is now known that living entities are not discrete independent functioning units. Previously unknown fields such as biophotons connect all life. Living organisms radiate light. It is weak enough that we do not usually see it unless we see auras. It reminds me of pictures I have seen with holy figures radiating light. Further technology has developed that enables viewing living organisms as they live. These observations change virtually everything we ever thought we knew about how life functions. It is not computational. The idea that computers can simulate life is nonsense. Computers can be a great contribution but promoting them with neither wisdom nor understanding is becoming a serious threat. In religion rather surprising ideas are emerging. A central dogma of Christianity is now being challenged. That is the dogma of the fall and redemption and Christ dying for our sins. I recommend the books “Original Blessing” by Mathew Fox and “The Sins of Scripture” by Bishop Spong. Spong points out that there are two kinds of language in the Bible, reporter language and spiritual language. To focus on the reporter language after 2000 years of changing reality and development of knowledge is no way to find the world of God. Further, the traditional concepts of God, pantheism and theism are being merged into panentheism. Pantheists believe that God is in everything and everything is in God. Theists believe that God is a transcendent being with whom we have merely a subject object relationship. As I understand it we all are living entities in the life of God who, as a transcendent being, is ready, willing and able to guide us towards a better life by his/her love.
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2006 Summer Conference: Discovering Stage 6 contact: The Center for Life-itself, Camden, Me 207-236-6331 Norm and Skye Hirst are co-founders of Life-itself Institute, a research and education non profit organization discovering the ways of Life-itself, its self-creating forces and functions revealing wholistic intelligence. For more information See the Directory of Resources page 32, skyeh@midcoast.com or (207) 236-6331.
Skye
&
Norm June/July 2006 Inner Tapestry 27
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hroughout history human advancement has occurred in stages from merely staying alive through domination of nature. The next stage in human development will be the ability for humans to live together in the variety, creativity and freedom that life offers. The stage is now set for learning how to be truly human at its best. This includes the freedom to be without the chains of past error of inorganic living and such debilitating dogmas as being born in sin. We will have the ability to create new realities, to cooperate for greatest good while supporting individual fulfillment. We will discover we were born in blessing, not sin. We will come to know the real meaning of love and its power. Transitions from one stage to the next require fundamental changes of consciousness. I see such a change in consciousness occurring now. During such a change the world can seem chaotic and dangerous. It can seem as if we are out of control and losing our values. Instead what has formed in our cultures and societies is undergoing a transformation. Coming into our consciousness are values that are in support of the richness and variety within the living domain. Earlier stages were aimed at control of nature to assure survival. We’ve learned self-awareness and upon achieving some degree of safety, at times, we’ve experienced peace of mind. However, examining where we are today with fear and warring on the rise, it would appear we are going backwards. And indeed that is the spiraling process of such major transitions. It’s like we have to go back to visit what isn’t working so we can create the next reality. This entire spiraling process is natural and organic. Thinking about the stages of human development, I am reminded of the work of Clare Graves (1914-1986). He was a professor of clinical psychology at Union College in New York. After years of research studying the history of human development, he concluded: “The psychology of the mature human being is an unfolding, emergent, oscillating, spiraling process marked by progressive subordination of older, lower order, behavior systems to newer higher order systems as man’s existential problems change.” The phrase “life style” means a combination of the values one lives by and the beliefs about how to fulfill those values. What does organic mean? For our purpose here I suggest that organic means that which resembles a living organism in organization and/or development. A society organizes itself in much the same way the living organisms do that make up society. In short, an organic life style would be to live in a way that conforms to the laws of life and supports life. Knowledge of such laws has emerged in the last two decades. Through the lenses of these laws, it becomes most apparent that the dominant life style of today’s world is actually anti-organic. The ways of earlier stages have taken on such habit as to become destructive of life. It’s as if we don’t know any better, nor do we believe we can do anything else. So here we go down the rabbit hole. How far would you be willing to go? To explore new possible realities, let’s realize that each of us is spiraling, oscillating and emerging through the following processes of development whether you know it or not. Each of us will find ourselves at different levels in different contexts. Recognizing this immediately helps us to manage and value our differences. The problem solving styles of the
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Your Anxiety May Not Be All In Your Head! by Sharon Heller, PhD. • • • • •
Are you tense, nervous, irritable, and explosive? Do you constantly worry and find it hard to sleep? Do you sometimes feel intense apprehension and feelings of terror? Are you hypersensitive to noise, bright lights, touch, and odors? Do you fear heights or enclosed spaces?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, the number one mental health problem in the United States. At some point in their lifetime, one fourth of the population or some 65 million people will become incapacitated by panic, anxiety or abnormal fears. Some 13 percent of the general population has reported at least one phobic reaction, the most common anxiety disorder, while 10 percent will experience panic attack symptoms during their lifetime. Two and a half million Americans develop obsessive/compulsive disorder, a complicated form of anxiety disorder.
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Yet, you may not have any mental illness. Anxiety symptoms are not specific to anxiety disorders. Any anxiety symptom can indicate a biological problem: illness; a neurological insult to the brain; sensory processing problems; misaligned skull; something in the food you’ve eaten, the water you drank or the air you breathed. Biological problems from sugar imbalance to heart problems to vitamin deficiencies can produce symptoms identical to a panic attack. Head injuries, brain tumors, strep throat or encephalitis can create obsessive-compulsive disorder. Sensory defensiveness -- hypersensitivity to ordinary sensation like a tap on the shoulder -- can create symptoms that mimic psychiatric conditions from generalized anxiety to obsessive-compulsive disorder to depersonalization. Environmental pollutants and allergens can produce panic like symptoms. Consider some common “mimickers” of anxiety symptoms: •
• • •
Hypoglycemia can create irritability, a fast heart beat, fatigue, light-headedness, shakiness and panic attack Hyperthyroidism can cause a pounding heart, sweats, tremors and panic attack Hyperventilation can create muscle tension, lightheadedness, a rapid heartbeat and panic attack Mitral valve prolapse, a minor heart condition in which the left valve doesn't close completely, can create chest pain, palpitations, fatigue, difficulty breathing, and anxiety. One out of every three panic attack victims has mitral valve prolapse.
Yet, if you’re like most, your physician or psychiatrist will assume your anxiety to be psychogenic in origin -a result of stress, sensitivity, low self-esteem, a learned fear, poor coping, dependency, or negative thinking. In fact, a recent survey found that primary care physicians believe that some form of anxiety prompts at least one third of all office visits. Rarely investigating further, most physicians and psychiatrists will dish out Xanax or Zoloft. Over 50 million prescriptions for anti-anxiety medications alone are written each year. Yet, in many cases psychotropic medication is entirely unnecessary. Take inner-ear dysfunction. Dr. Harold Levinson, clinical associate professor of psychiatry at New York University Medical Center has found in his practice that 90% of phobia and panic patients actually suffer from inner-ear balance system dysfunction. Medical treatment alone eliminates the phobia and panic symptoms. Hypoglycemia, a common anxiety mimicker, can be regulated through proper diet and 28 Inner Tapestry June/July 2006
quickly alleviate symptoms such as accelerated heart rate, sweaty palms, and nocturnal panic attacks that you may have experienced helplessly for years! You may also have a psychiatric condition secondarily to a physical one and both need to be treated. But you can’t know this until the physical problem is treated and alleviated and anxiety or panic still persist. Misdiagnosis and mistreatment of anxiety symptoms can have dire consequences. A serious organic condition, such as hypoglycemia, hyperthyroidism, or a brain tumor can progress undetected when in fact the solution in some cases may be simple. You may struggle for years in psychotherapy that is expensive, time consuming and misses the mark, experience drug side effects, including anxiety, and even addiction, and endlessly pursue self-help techniques and stress reduction strategies that barely make a dent, while your symptoms progressively worsen. As you don’t get better, you assume that you are to blame -- you are weak, neurotic, crazy. How do you know if the primary trigger of your anxiety symptoms is psychological or biological? Here are some guidelines: You experience: • •
• • • • • • •
•
•
Sudden, unexplainable and random panic Irritation or even panic to bright lights, loud or piercing noises, odors others don’t notice, light touch or certain textures, or crowds Sickness or light-headedness from chemicals in the environment that others find innocuous Giddiness when confronted with heights or vast space; easy loss of balance; vertigo Disorientation, confusion, or spaciness Sudden change in behavior or feelings radically different from usual Anxiety or panic in absence of obvious psychological markers: relationship problems; low self-esteem; unstable emotions; moodiness; non-productivity Anxiety predictably at certain times of the day: following a meal; after consuming too much sugar, carbohydrates or caffeine Anxiety predictably in response to: smoking cigarettes; exercising; feeling uncomfortably hot or cold; feeling overwhelmed by an over stimulating environment; being under the influence of drugs or alcohol or when trying to stop consumption; being ill; menstruation, childbirth, or menopause for women Heightened agitation, tension, anxiety or panic that has not responded effectively to psychotropic drugs or therapy
If you suspect your anxiety may be biologically triggered, what can you do? To start, if you suffer any disorder that is managed with psychiatric drugs, become your own doctor. Learn to acquire knowledge and have a collaborative rather authoritative relationship with your physician. You will need to sift through the many possible non-psychological triggers of anxiety symptoms. These can be sensory, medical, nutritional, neurological, structural, or environmental. Once you have a personal sense about the cause of your symptoms, you will need a proper diagnosis to determine your treatment protocol. This may include a spectrum of choices like medication, psychotherapy, stress reduction, nutritional changes, herbs, surgery, exercise, body work, sensory-motor activities, detoxification or environmental modifications. Your first line of defense should be to explore natural
treatments that, without side effects, help to get integrity back into the nervous, immune, and hormonal systems. As many of you will discover your anxiety or panic to have multiple determinants it’s important to approach the diagnosis and treatment of your symptoms holistically.
Sharon Heller, Ph.D. is a developmental psychologist and author of four popular psychology books, including Too Loud, Too Bright, Too Fast, Too Tight, What to do if you are sensory defensive in an over stimulating world (HarperCollins, 2002). For detailed information on physical triggers of anxiety and holistic treatment options, check out The Anxiety Myth: Why Your Anxiety May Not Be “All in Your Head” But from Something Physical, at www.anxietymyth.com. She lives in Delray Beach, Florida.
Book Review by Scott Croneweth
Falling Into The Arms of God Meditations With Teresa of Avila By Megan Don ISBN: 1-57731-484-0 http: mysticpeace.com
Megan Don’s Falling into the Arms of God: Meditations with Teresa of Avila is a magical work. Written from a place of compassionate appreciation for our human being-ness; it beguiles, warms and ultimately opens the heart. I found myself reaching for this book at odd moments as I would the hand of a dear friend. Falling begins with a very brief introduction to the life of Saint Teresa of Avila, and then moves directly on to a series of over sixty short chapters organized around the Seven Dwellings – metaphorical “rooms” within the vast Interior Castle that symbolizes Teresa’s direct experience of the human soul. Each chapter is, says Don, “a reflective interpretation, relevant to our twenty-first century psychology and spirituality,” of Teresa’s most transcendent insights. The chapters begin with a well-chosen quotation from Teresa’s writings. These strike an inspirational feeling tone to attune the reader, while dropping a pebble into the infinite depth of the original source. Don’s own lyrical voice glows with gentle humor and courageous humility. The guidance she offers has, for me, the penetrating poignancy of an intimate conversation. Don is an authentic teacher who speaks from her own heart-castle and invites us to join her there. Concluding each chapter is a meditation, at once simple and demanding, which supports visualization, contemplation and intentional prayer. I’ve been starting most of my days lately by reading a chapter and then embracing the meditation. The chapters have a coherent sequence and I’ve enjoyed experiencing them in order. But they could just as well be approached in a free-form manner. If contemplative meditation is already part of your spiritual work, these meditations can bring fresh energy to your practice. And they offer an ideal doorway into contemplation for those who may wish to experience it for the first time. While Saint Teresa was a Christian master, this work is accessible to people of any religious or spiritual background. I hope you’ll find it, as I did, a joyfully inspiring guidepost on the journey of experiencing our own divinity.
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Scott Cronenweth is a freelance Shamanic Buddhist Naturalist Bird Guide Personal Dog Servant writer in idyllic South Portland, ME. Connect with Scott at skyhorse@maine.rr.com or visit www.naturalpathwalks.com.
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m ix ed me dia
Book Review
by J a m e s Be an Exploring the Spirit of Maine ~ A Seekers Guide By Karen Wentworth Batignani http: //downeastbooks.com ISBN: 0-89272-692-X
One of the major ways Inner Tapestry serves its readership is providing an opportunity for local and regional networking. In ads, the calendar of events, and directory of resources, one can learn about at least some of the events taking place in Maine, and those groups or individuals facilitating these events. Networking is the “oxygen”
making it possible for countless practices and healing modalities to thrive. Robert Muller, Chancellor Emeritus of the University For Peace in Costa Rica and former Assistant Secretary General of the UN, long before the new age of the worldwide web, wrote an amazing ode to networking. I have the whole thing posted online at my Spiritual Awakening Yahoo Group; go to: www. tinyurl.com/QV7MK. In it he proclaims: “Networking is the new freedom, the new democracy, a new form of happiness.” This has certainly been my experience. To truly know what the options are, the choices that are available in one’s own “corner of the universe”, is so empowering, liberating, and potentially, even revolutionary. A couple months ago, Down East Books of Camden published a networking book called, “Exploring the Spirit of Maine -- A Seekers Guide”, by Karen Wentworth Batignani. Most all of the groups featured in this publication own their own land and buildings. With the groups that are included, the reader is provided with an extensive, in depth history, and this is where the book shines. This does make for some delightful reading. For example, there are fairly long chapters on: the New Thought Movement, Shamanism, Bangor
“Exploring the Spirit of Maine” certainly makes an extremely valuable contribution, providing some long-overdue recognition to these amazing places in Maine, and the resources being offered. It also contains some fantastic photography: the sanctuary of the Unity Church of Greater Portland, the peaceful grounds of the Living Water Spiritual Center in Winslow, a historic barn used by the Shakers at Sabbathday Lake, Morgan Bay Zendo in Surry, Meetingbrook Dogen and Hermitage of Camden, New Jerusalem Swedenborgian Church in Bath, and the sacred architecture of many churches around Maine. What got included makes for fascinating reading. My approach however, probably would have been to
follow more of a “phone book” format and attempt to list everyone and everything for meetings and classes being offered in Maine, “A” (as in Ajapa Yoga) through “Z” (as in Zoroaster), from Fort Kent to Kennebunkport, Rumford to Calais. Land ownership would also not be a major criteria of mine either, but there is plenty of room for different approaches. There are many angles of vision or formats one could bring to an undertaking such as this, in order to, hopefully, include on the list everyone in Maine’s spiritual community. Getting the complete picture is always a concern of mine, and that’s no easy task. Hopefully there will be a sequel to this book eventually. Souls are always seeking; there is always a great need for these sorts of networking publications, providing up-to-date information on religions, alternative paths and practices, including those available here in Maine.
CD Review
by James Bean Dusk Monsoon By Paul Alexandre, John on Bansuri Flute, and Ray Spiegel on Tablas Flying Bird Music, Eastbrook, Maine http://flyingbirdarts@hotmail.com A Maine musician by the name of Paul Alexandre John has a total of three albums featuring Indian flute and tablas (percussion). This latest one, Dusk Monsoon, is by far the best, with a very bright audio quality and digital sharpness that sounds like you're right in the recording studio sitting across from the musicians as they play. A few years back I used to host a live radio show in Blue Hill, Maine on WERU FM. I had the privilege of interviewing Paul Alexandre John, and on several occasions enjoyed the rare opportunity of having him share his music live over the airwaves. One time I even accompanied him by playing my huge quartz crystal Tibetan singing bowl as the drone instrument. Usually, a harmonium or tambura would be used for this,
providing a carpet of sound underneath the main instrument, very much like synthesizers sometimes do in contemporary music, but the bowl worked quite well. His performances consist mainly of Indian classical ragas using a beautiful instrument known as the “Bansuri,” a bamboo flute. Paul is a very serious and talented musician primarily interested in the ancient, traditional styles of ragas. Not many musicians, even in India, are able to play those complex compositions these days. You can really feel the meditative soul of India when you hear these peaceful tracks. I’m very glad he is now able to share these sounds with the rest of the world via his new CD “Dusk Monsoon”.
James Bean reviews books and music for the Wisdom Radio Network and other stations via a syndicated radio program called Spiritual Awakening. Address questions or comments to: P O Box 7, Newport, ME 04953, or Email:james@spiritualawakeningradio.com June/July 2006 Inner Tapestry 29
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Over the years I’ve been rather fond of networking publications that provide a kind of “yellow pages” of alternative paths and practices for the reader, a window into the world of Eastern religions, forms of yoga, monasteries and other intentional communities, countless philosophies and holistic practices. Holistic papers serve to facilitate networking. The worldwide web of light is doing this as well, though I do not think the Internet has reached its full potential yet. Over the years have been valuable publications such as: “Maine Alternative Yellow Pages”, “Networking – People Connecting With People”, “The Spiritual Seekers Guide”, “From Here To Nirvana -- The Yoga Journal Guide to Spiritual India”, “Handbook of Denominations in the United States”, “The New Consciousness Sourcebook”, “The Spiritual Community Guide”, and many others, both regional and national.
Theological Seminary, St. Anthony’s Monastery, the Bahai Faith, Wabanaki Confederacy, and Sufism.
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Inner Tapestry DIRECTORY OF RESOURCES (pages 30–35) Holistic practitioners, products & resources at your fingertips! Reaching over 40,000 readers ( TAKE A LOOK AND SEE WHAT’S NEW! ( (New listings added each issue) For information on how to add your listing, see page 35
: Astrology .................................................................page 30 : Body Essences .......................................................page 30 ; Counseling & Therapy ............................................page 30 ; Creative Art Therapies ............................................page 30 ; Dance/Movement ....................................................page 31 ; Herbs, Gardens & Herbal Products ........................page 31 : Hypnotherapy ..........................................................page 31 ; Integrative Healing ........................ pages 31-32 ; Life Mastery ........................... ..........................page 32-33 : Living Spaces . .............................................page 33 : Meditation................................................................page 32 ; Metaphysical & More ..............................................page 33 ; Psychic & Spiritual Mediumship ........................page 33-34 ; Reflexology & Healing Massage ............................page 34 ; Retreats ............................................................ .page 34 ; Sacred Space .........................................................page 34 ; Salons, Spas & Retreats ........................................page 35 ; Shamanic Healing .............................................page 34-35 : Spiritual Centers .....................................................page 35
astrology White Star Astrology
Maya White is a professional astrologer who divides her time between Maine and Florida. She offers personal and professional
astrological counseling for individuals as well as businesses, and brings her knowledge of spirituality and metaphysics to every consultation. Maya is one of a select group of astrologers world wide who are certified in Astro*Carto*Graphy, an astrological technique which helps people identify places on the earth to promote their own personal growth and prosperity. Her monthly horoscope, which is read around the world, is also published by the India Times online newspaper in New Delhi as well as the Korat Post in Thailand. For ongoing educational articles and/or more information visit her website: www.WhiteStarAstrology.com or call her at (954) 920-2373.
Maya White
Body Essences Are you looking for a home-based business that could change your life? Arbonne International has the answer!
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Arbonne was developed in Switzerland more than 25 years ago and our product line has since grown to include both inner and outer health and beauty products that are unparalleled in quality and results. Do you know what you are putting in and on your body every day? Our Siiri Gott, products are pure, safe and beneficial to your body. Our best product of all, The Business Opportunity! The Arbonne family is made up of Independent many independent consultants working to make their dreams come true. Feel free to contact me anytime to learn more. District Mgr. siiri@maine.rr.com, (207) 839-3596. Arbonne website: www.arbonne.com.
counseling & therapy Health problems, relationships dilemmas and dreams can be your connections to nature, the spirit of the future, and new unknown aspects of yourself and community. Process Work, also known as Dreambody Work, gives you innovative but simple ways to unfold and
Carol Zahner Process Work
understand what your body, relationships and life are communicating. Individual sessions, ongoing groups, classes and phone sessions. Introduction session free. Carol Zahner MS, Dipl. Process Work Center of Portland in Oregon. In Maine: Portland and Walpole (near Damariscotta). Call (207) 522-3600, cz@processworkne.com.
The Couples Center
Supporting the heart’s desire for intimacy, meaning, and connection. Conscious relationship is the art and science of using the
inevitable challenges of relationship to evolve into more present, loving, and compassionate beings. Ron, Deb, and Michele bring a unique blend of expertise, support, and challenge to couples who are ready to open their hearts, transform shadow into light, and heal ancient wounds in the context of relationship. We offer a variety of formats for this work: Husband/wife co-therapy team, couples’ intensives, Integrated Marital and Sexual Therapy, weekend workshops, and shamanic healing. Call for information: (207) 878-3141. Ron Feintech, PhD, Licensed Psychologist, Sex Therapy Diplomate, AASECT; rfeintech@conversent.net; Deb Feintech, RC, Certified Shamanic Practitioner; Michele Keef, LMFT. 222 Auburn St. Portland, ME 04103.
creative art therapies Art Therapy & Shamanism Art therapy is a dynamic combination—powerful artistic creation with the insight of psychotherapy. Art therapy and shamanic counselling will help you cultivate your strengths like a gardener tending plants. Together we can use imagination to design the garden.
We can learn to tell flowers from weeds when your spirit is overgrown. Then we can plant seeds, nurture and water them and reap a new harvest. Everyone has an artist within. Our spirit and soul speak through the artwork. The art never lies; it gently reflects back those areas of life that need our attention, promoting positive change and healing on all levels. The best way to walk into our future is to create it! Board Certified Art Therapist, Licensed Clinical Counselor, Shamanic Practitioner with over thirty years experience. The Thirteenth Moon Center, "Art from the HeART", (207) 589-3063. moonart@midcoast.com
Susan Bakaley Marshall ATR-BC, LCP
Dance/Movement Therapy Dance/Movement Therapy is a body-centered psychotherapy that promotes emotional, spiritual and mental health. Caroline uses a
therapeutic process which combines words and movement, integrating the usual flow of words with expressions of the body and it's wealth of information and wisdom. Caroline offers individual therapy sessions as well as consultation for professionals. She also teaches groups in Contemplative Dance and T'ai Chi Ch'uan at her studio in New Gloucester and in Portland. For more information: Call (207) 780-6090 or e-mail cmloupe@maine.rr.com.
Caroline Loupe ADTR, LCPC 30 Inner Tapestry June/July 2006
Inner Tapestry Directory of Resources Ad Listings can also be advertised Online, see: www.innertapestry.org
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dance/movement Movement as Healer Free movement is directly related to our health physically, emotionally and spiritually. When we experience the possibilities of our own movement, no matter how restricted we are, release happens, and our movement becomes more free. I offer two approaches using
Gail Edgerly, RN, CTP
movement to assist you on your healing journey. I work directly on the body as a Certified Trager® Practitioner, using touch and rhythmic movement to communicate the feeling of freer movement. In the 5Rhythms™ Movement Practice, based on the work of Gabrielle Roth, I coach and witness your improvisational, self-expressive movement journey through a rhythm wave. I offer private sessions and classes in Portland and Kennebunk. FMI: call (207) 761-3765, or Email gailedge@maine.rr.com
herbs, gardens & herbal products B less e d M ain e H erb Fa rm
Blessed Maine Herb Farm offers Medicinal Herb Products of Impeccable Quality, made with Certified Organic and Wildgathered Herbs,
hand cultivated on our farm or gathered respectfully from the blessed earth around us. A Family owned and run business since 1989, we at Blessed Maine Herb Farm are dedicated to offering the very best of what is offered to us all by our Bountiful Mother Earth. Our product line includes nourishing and delicious Herb Tea Blends, Tinctures in Organic Alcohol, Compound Formulas, including our world famous 13 Sisters Restorative Elixir, Syrups, Infused Oils, Salves, Beauty Care, Incense and Smudge Sticks. Opening Our Wild Hearts to the Healing Herbs and Traversing the Wild Terrain of Menopause; Herbal Allies for Men and Women, by Gail Faith Edwards. Visit us online where you can peruse our offerings, read about the many uses of medicinal herbs, ask a question of the Herblady, or place an order. www.blessedmaineherbs.com
hypnotherapy Harness the power of the mind-body connection. As a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, I have the tools and skills you need.
Hypno-Health As a practicing certified Hypnotherapist since 1991 in Blue Hill and Portland, I have helped hundreds of people improve their lives.
Together we have resolved over 120 different issues, ranging from abuse, anxiety, dejection and insomnia to smoking, sports performance, sexual dysfunction, weight concerns – and much more. As I guide people, they bring forward from their subconscious mind an awareness and understanding of “ the roots of their problem”. They are then empowered to disconnect those roots and create a new, positive thought pattern, which becomes their permanent reality through repetition. I feel Hypnotherapy is a comfortable, gentle, genuine, and powerful way to learn the techniques to heal one’s self. Hypnotherapy could be the answer for you. Call (207) 374-2344 (Blue Hill) or 773-5200 (Portland), sadlier@hypno-health.net, www.hypno-health.net. Hugh Sadlier, M.Ed., C.H.
integrative h e a l i n g Empathic Healing Channel Anju Myodo, first opened healing abilities through intensive Zen meditation. Her work is non-denominational
and serves people of all faiths. Healing Sessions begin with Anju listening to the client’s concerns. During this, Anju tunes in, using clairsentient abilities, to determine where blocks are in the client’s energy. She then channels healing energy wherever needed. Clients often enter an altered state, as their energy is boosted and begins to return to balance. Because of Anju’s religious vows, sessions are offered on a donation basis. These are held at a lovely country setting in Livermore Falls. (207) 897-4378. www.ibinn.net/ohs
“Everyone is born with the right to be healthy and live with happiness, and the path of Reiki helps to fulfill that right” – Roberta Barnes, Gendai Reikiho and Komyo Reiki Shihan (master/teacher), & Herbalist. Nestled in the trees you are encased
in harmonizing relaxation while the universal vibrations of love and harmony named Reiki restores balance where needed. Reiki promotes and speeds healing at all levels and enhances all areas of life. Among the Reiki teachers Roberta Barnes studied under are renowned Japanese Reiki Shihans Hiroshi Doi and Rev. Hyakuten Inamoto. She offers Reiki healing sessions and personalized herb reports. She teaches six levels of Japanese Reiki, courses in Peace through Meditation, and raising awareness through Connecting with Nature. Call (207) 445-5671 today or visit www.naturalhealinglearning.com. Roberta Barnes Reiki Shihan & Herbalist To place your listing in the Directory of Resources, please call: (207) 781-9885. For rates see page 35, or www.innertapestry.org.
June/July 2006 Inner Tapestry 31
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ELISSA GARDE-JOIA
Hypnotherapy eliminates fear and stress and creates a blueprint for health and healing that your mind can read and follow. Medical experts acknowledge that Hypnotherapy compliments all medical procedures, maximizing their effectiveness and minimizing negative side effects. Pre/post surgical patients experience reduced anxiety, blood loss, anesthesia need and rapid healing. Hypnotherapy is extremely effective in treating many physical challenges such as chronic pain and disorders of the stomach and digestive system. Hypnosis for Childbirth removes the fear and pain of childbirth. Hypnotherapy played a major role in my own successful battle with breast cancer. After 16 years of private practice in New York, I am now privileged to serve my neighbors here in Mid-coast Maine. Please take advantage of a FREE phone consultation to discuss your questions and concerns. Contact: Elissa Garde-Joia at 207-338-1669. Home visits available.
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integrative healing continued Restore wholeness to your body, mind and spirit with Dr. Gianna Settin, respected Usui-Tibetan and Karuna Reiki® Master. Director
of Maine-based Avanti Healing Arts, Gianna draws on her experience as a professional dancer, clinical psychologist, and licensed ICRT* teacher to bring an eclectic blend of spiritual energy and a distinctive combination of holistic services to her clients. Through all levels of Reiki training as well as Reiki Healing Dance© and Reiki Treatment, Gianna opens pathways to higher levels of consciousness -- and to the self-healing that helps us heal others. As the power of Reiki releases blockages and heals the shadow self, we become compassionate, loving and one with all creation. Experience the healing power of Reiki training with Gianna at her beautiful lake-front retreat in Downeast Maine or on one of her unique Reiki-around-the-world excursions. Discover the sacred nature of inner healing. You’ll be transformed by the experience. (207) 989.9009 Avantihealingarts.com.
Path to the Heart
"Housekeeping for your body, mind and spirit." Drawing from a broad range of healing methods, as well as my gift as an intuitive and
channel, each client receives an individually tailored session appropriate to their needs and symptoms in the moment. People feel easier and more comfortable in their bodies, relaxed, balanced and revitalized, often expressing how “light” they feel. Treatment provides support during life changes and challenges, as well as relief with chronic pain, stress, depression and anxiety. Clients often choose to receive regularly as part of their self-care, to maintain their health and sense of well-being. It is truly an honor and my joy to act as a facilitator and teacher for others. www.pathtotheheart.net (207) 563-5889, Newcastle, Maine. Lindsley Field, RMT, CTP
SpiritWings
CompassionateHealing Kevin Laughing Hawk Vickie Little Bird
Kevin Laughing Hawk Pennell, Usui Reiki Master Teacher/Shamanic Practitioner and Vickie Little Bird Cummings, Massage Therapist/Usui & Karuna® Reiki Practitioner: Massage Therapy, Hypnotherapy, Reiki, Past Life Regression, Shamanic Healing and Readings.
We consult with each client to identify the appropriate modalities to achieve self-healing and overall well-being. We also offer Reiki classes and other workshops. Visit SpiritWings for a cross cultural variety of enchanting gifts, supplies and accessories to aid your spiritual journey including an exquisite selection of healing crystals. SpiritWings is conveniently located at 57 Main Street in Bethel, Maine. Sessions by appointment. Store hours Tuesday through Saturday 10 - 5. Telephone (207) 824-2204 or visit their website www.SpiritWingsBethel.com
EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) is one of the most powerful tools for regaining emotional and physical health. Simply
JanetGleeson Energy Therapy
stated, EFT is psychological acupressure. By tapping key acupressure points located on the face and torso while tuning into the problem, unresolved negative emotions, traumas and beliefs are gently and easily released causing the mind and body to relax into a natural healing state of well-being. Research now proves that our unresolved negative emotions are major contributors to most physical pain and disease. EFT is a simple, inexpensive and clinically-proven, healing technique that usually works, often when nothing else does. Even if you have doubts, EFT can still change your life. I work on all issues, but specialize in releasing anger, fear, stress, anxiety, PTSD, phobias, grief, guilt and traumatic memories. Call Janet at 207-236-0269, Camden, ME.
A neck or back doesn't walk into the office, a whole person does and all their history as well. What we do not choose to express
emotionally will then show itself in our bodies through pain, illness or dis-ease. Joe invites his clients to welcome and feel, in order to transition, the walls that keep each of us from expressing our authentic selves in the world. Everything you need for what you really desire in your life is right in front of you. All you have to do is surrender to feel what is there. Joe chooses to support people physically, emotionally and energetically through osteopathy (cranial, muscle energy, functional technique) and heart. Marlborough, CT (860) 295-0572, or e-mail Joe at joeb.pt@snet.net
Belanger Physical Therapy, Connecticut
life mastery Norm & Skye Hirst, PhD. Co-founders of The Center for Life-Itself (CLII); revealing new insights about what life is and how it functions.
Mainstream science from Western Culture foundations has produced a machine-like view of life and what is living. In the past decade, new knowledge from biophysics reveals revolutionary insights that invalidate that view and almost everything that has been believed about life. 21st century understanding of life will be as different from 20th century thinking as quantum physics is different from Newton’s physics. To find our way, CLII provides an environment of research/inquiry/discovery, inspiration and personal development. For Classes, 2006 Summer Conference Program, Lecture/Discourses, Individual Sessions, Consulting, Monthly Helpful Hints, Inquiry Circle Projects (ICP now forming), Wholistic Health and Healing, and inviting health care providers to explore emerging knowledge 2006 Summer Conference: Discovering Stage 6 contact: The Center for Life- itself, Camden, Me (207) 236-6331 or skyeh@midcoast.com.
The Center for Life-Itself Rosicrucians have a unique learning process that teaches essential facets of ancient and modern esoteric wisdom including specific, time-tested, mystical exercises. There is more to you than meets the eye. Do you know that you have the ability to speed up
the natural healing process of your body? Or that you can attract people, places, and events into your life? Do you know that you can strengthen your intuition and even call inspiration at will? All these things and more are possible once you learn how to tap into the source of all knowledge and creativity that lies within you. The process is called mysticism, and for centuries Rosicrucians have been a leading proponent of mystical study throughout the world. To learn more about how we can help you develop your untapped abilities, request a free copy of the Mastery of Life today. It is the first step to discovering just how extraordinary you really are. Visit our website at: www.rosicrucian.org or telephone 1-866-4SEEKER (1-866-473-3537). 32 Inner Tapestry June/July 2006
(New listings added each issue) For information on how to Advertise your Directory listing, see page 35
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life mastery continued PATHWAYS TO CONSCIOUSNESS Pathways to Consciousness began as an opportunity for us to create a life being and doing something we love and wholly believe in.
Through individual, couple and family sessions, weekend and mini playshops and gatherings of conscious exploration we create an environment to support those choosing to live a life of the heart... A life of self-acceptance, openness, gratitude and appreciation for all life and all that we are. Through an eclectic process of intuitive heart-based guidance, energetic and physical harmonizing and the body's own innate wisdom, all are gently guided to embody their own unique healing process. This is an opportunity to become a conscious participant in your life. As we change so does our world. Please feel free to contact us with any questions. Falmouth, Me. (207) 781-9887, website www.pathways2u.com, e-mail info@pathways2u.com.
Ron & Joan
living spa ces
Healing for Buildings, People and Businesses. Quantum Physics and Mysticism agree that ‘everything is energy’. Buildings, like people, are
affected by emotional drama and trauma. And, like people can be cleared and healed of their past. Clients tell us that often, after this work, homes for sale sell quickly, neighbor or tenant problems clear, businesses flourish and homes feel more cozy and safe. David clears the energetic structure of buildings using a proprietary technique called Quantum Grid Restructuring, as well as Shamanic skills and Angelic intervention. His basic approach is Everything is Energy, Everything is Connected and Everything is interactive. David Franklin Farkas, M.S.Ed. is an Intuitive, Spiritual Healer and Technician of the Sacred (that which is 'secret' or normally hidden from view). He works remotely on buildings, people and businesses. Call: Remote Realty Services from Rubicon Partnerships at (888) 5RUBICON (888-578-2425) Or on the web: www.HouseHealing.com
David Franklin Farkas Come home to beauty that feeds the soul. A home should be a retreat from the stresses of everyday life - a sanctuary for body, mind, and
meditation SANT MAT RADHASWAMI The focus of the Maine Satsang is on Inner Light and Sound Meditation (Surat Shabd Yoga) and the Wisdom of the Masters.
These are founded on the rich heritage of the classic Sant tradition of India. Receive guidance for the spiritual journey from a Living School of Spirituality. Develop your own spiritual practice. All events are free. All seekers are welcome. Bangor, Waterville & Portland areas. To learn more and join the mailing list, call James at: (207) 368-5866, or email: James@SpiritualAwakeningRadio.com
metaphysical & more Resource for Body, Mind & Spirit, Healing Pathways offers various workshops, Reiki, Angel & Tarot Card readings. Our merchandise
consists of jewerly, angel & tarot cards, magazines, incense, crystals, tumbled stones, CD’s, books, angels, fairies, candles, essential oils, massage & body oils, feng shui items & much more! Come in and enjoy the serine atmosphere while you shop, sit in our chair by the fountain and look through our selection of books or just chat with us and share your experiences. You won’t want to leave. Located at 36B Main Street, Kennebunk, Maine 04043, call (207) 985-7870 or e-mail us at www.healingpathways.info
Healing Pathways
psychic & spiritual mediumship PsychicMediumship, Hypnotherapy
Bonnie Lee is a professional Psychic Medium, Hypnotherapist, Registered Counselor, Reiki Master, healer, teacher and lecturer with thirty years experience. She resides in Fairfield and Northport Maine. Her first experience with Spirit was at the age of four. She has
connected many people with loved ones who have crossed over, as well as their angels and spirit guides. Bonnie Lee communicates with pets, both here and on the spirit side. She gives spirit readings all over the world by telephone and travels in the US and Canada. Services include: Hypnotherapy, Psychic Mediumship Readings, Gallery Readings, Workshops, Classes and Lectures, Reading Circles and Private Groups in the comfort of your home. Call (207) 453-6133, cell (207) 649-7089, spirit@bonnielee.net, www.bonnielee.net, and
BonnieLeeGibson
www.hypno.us
June/July 2006 Inner Tapestry 33
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spirit; a place of beauty that nurtures and supports all who dwell within; a place that welcomes friends and family with comfort and style; a place that reflects and celebrates your unique essence. A home should have functional spaces that are delightful places to love, grow, work, dine, play and live! I approach interior design from a holistic, intuitive perspective, working with you to create a home that is the highest expression of you, at an affordable rate. I also create business spaces that advertise for you while making your clients feel at ease, comfortable and valued. Call Tracey Walls at (207) 327-2042 or email wild_melodia2@yahoo.com.
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psychic & spiritual mediumship continued Making Spiritual Connections
Making Spiritual Connections. Spiritualists believe that there is life after death, and that we can communicate with the energy forces of
spirit guides, teachers, loved ones, and higher entities. Gary W. Mascher, an experienced medium, provides spiritual readings and conducts workshops with individuals and groups in his garden space in Litchfield or in a space of your choice. He helps you to step along the path of spirit communication as a witness to life after death. He works to help you learn to awaken and connect with the God energy to heal yourself and others. He assists you in learning daily practice for spiritual fulfillment and peace in your life long journey. For more information call: (207) 582-8110. Email: raven321@netzero.net
reflexology & healing massage Treat Your Feet
School of Reflexology
A Very Rewarding Career ~ Nurturing your physical Nervous System through reflex points found within your feet & hands.
Learn about a specific touch technique of applying pressure, using your thumb and fingers, to reflex points of the feet and hands that relate to other parts of the body. Reflexology is credited with improving circulation and reducing body stress, which removes blockages along the nerve pathways what we call Zones. A 250-hour certification course for $3,300 to learn Reflexology and its Application. Cost includes two Reflexology chairs, all required reading books, foot/hand charts, footbath items & much more. For more info, call Board Certified Foot & Hand Reflexologist Myra Achorn, Augusta (207) 626-FEET classes start in Feb. May & Sept. www.treatyourfeet.com Licensed by the State of Maine Department of Education.
retreats Greenfire is... a women’s retreat house dedicated to reflection, renewal, exploration, and quiet. Set in a two hundred-year old farmhouse
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Greenfire Retreat Nurture Through N at ure
in the midst of meadows and woods on the St. George’s peninsula, Greenfire offers space to all women who want to rest and explore their spirituality, regardless of their tradition, age, or race. Women throughout history have gathered in circles and found wisdom in their own stories; in this tradition, guests may schedule conversations with staff to explore their own questions. Greenfire offers sanctuary, healthy and delicious food, and calm in the midst of a fast-paced culture. For more information, call 207-372-6442, email us at: greenfir@midcoast.com, or visit us on the web at www.greenfireretreat.org
Women’s Holistic Canoe Trips, Wellness Retreats and Customized Circles~ We create a safe and enriching haven and layers of
opportunities to find deep peace and growth. Our circles provide a balance of depth and lightness, group and solo space, movement and stillness. Connect with the contemplative and healing power found in nature. Find camaraderie with other women on an artfully led retreat through guided meditation, gentle yoga, Reiki, and mindfulness practices. Fill your cup on a canoe~kayak wilderness retreat, in nature's rhythm and beauty in Maine's back country. Gather your own circle of friends, family and colleagues, for a custom retreat.
Let Us Guide You Home...
Located on Pleasant Mountain, Denmark, Maine, just 40 miles west of Portland. FMI: (207) 452-2929, or www.ntnretreats.com
Pleasant Mountain, Denmark
Rolling Meadows Farm Retreat provides a rural sanctuary for yoga meditation and silence. A daily schedule of yoga asana, restorative
poses, pranayama, meditation and unstructured time in the natural world create an environment for personal renewal and spiritual reflection. An 1840 farmhouse on 100 acres has been restored into a small retreat center with woodland paths, fields, a spring-fed swimming pond and a wood-fired sauna. Vegetarian meals are based on ayurvedic principles. Retreats from weekend to week-long thru the year. For more information contact Patricia Brown or Surya Chandra Das at (888) 666-6412, e-mail at: info@rollingmeadowsfarmretreat.org or see www.rollingmeadowsfarmretreat.org.
sacred space Earthrest provides indoor and outside gathering space for retreats, workshops, spiritual questing, ceremony and celebration.
Come, surround yourself with beauty! Immerse yourself in a country setting of open fields, woods, rocks and water where the land is still a little wild and the animals remember their true names. We are just 35 miles from Portland on 350 beautiful acres of land, nestled in the foothills of the white mountains. Large (1500 square feet) and more intimate (545 square feet) indoor gathering spaces, both with fireplaces. Outside walk the land, the labyrinth and hiking trails. Many options available. FMI call Pat at (207) 625-4179 or email earthrest@psouth.net
The knowledgeable and experienced practitioners at The Wellness Center offer a full spectrum of holistic, traditional and alternative techniques. Enjoy engaging seminars that will flex your intellect. Join a movement class to tone your heart and spirit. Experience
the skillful touch of artists sensitive to the subtle thread of muscle and mind. Freshen your outward glow from head to toe. For more information about ongoing programs, upcoming seminars and suite availability, please call (207) 465-4490 or visit us on the Wellness page at VillageSoup.com. The Wellness Center, 69 & 71 Elm Street, Camden, ME 04843.
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salons & spas Raven’s Crossing Appleton, Maine
Ravens’ Crossing — Come find some rural comfort and relaxation in our wood-fired sauna and/or therapeutic hot tub. Deep tissue, swedish, and
myofascial-release massage available by licensed massage therapist. Rustic retreat cabin can sleep four. Available by appointment in private setting. Trails to walk, ride horses, or X-country ski. Space for small gatherings. Please call Lori Cressler at (207) 845-2304 or visit www.ravens-crossing.com
Offering holistic facials using the organic and biodynamic botanical products of Dr. Hauschka Skin Care. These earth-friendly, holistic
preparations restore and maintain the skin's vitality. Also offering Swedish massage, full body exfoliation, expert eyebrow shaping, and thereapeutic hair and scalp treatments. Retailers of fine holistic grooming supplies for the whole family. nordstrom skin care studio, 389 Main Street, Rockland, Maine 04841. (207) 594-5077. www.nordstromskincare.com
Flourish
holistic face, body & nail
Flourish is a place of quiet and relaxation. Charlotte Van Joolen offers a unique type of facial treatment — Facial Rejuvenation, a hands-on sculpting of the face combined with the ageless healing arts of head reflexology and nerve regeneration that awakens your beauty and renews your inner self. You enter a deep state of relaxation uniting body and spirit — renewing physical vitality and inner beauty. Combined with the use of Jurlique organic skin care products you meet the world with a radiant face, a refreshed body and a relaxed sense of self. Charlotte also offers basic facial care and manicures and pedicures for natural nails. Gift Certificates available. By Appointment Monday through Saturday. (207) 774-0585. 260 Western Avenue South Portland, ME 04106. www.flourishfacials.com
Charlotte Van Joolen
shamanic healing D O R Y C OTE
whole, stable, and functioning at our highest potential. Soul retrieval, divination, extractions, shamanic energy healing, and communication with those who have passed on, can all help us fulfill this potential. My training with the Foundation for Shamanic Studies, including completion of the Three Year Program in Advanced Shamanism and Shamanic Healing with Sandra Ingerman, author of Soul Retrieval, provide a solid footing for my work with adults, children and animals. Call me for information about workshops or appointments for shamanic healing sessions at (207) 841-1215 or Email me at dory@dorycote.com. www.dorycote.com
Transform your body, heal your soul and change the way you live and die with the ancient healing techniques of the South American Medicine people. The core of healing occurs in the energetic or Luminous Energy Field; this is the blueprint for the physical body, and an
archive of our physical and emotional strengths and wounding. Illuminating this field transforms these wounds into sources of knowledge and power. The loss, pain and sorrow may remain as a memory but it no longer defines who we are; we realize that we are not our stories. The Illumination Process is powerful, efficient, effective transformation. In training with Alberto Villoldo, Ph.d. Appointments in Brunswick (207) 729-7270, deb@midgette.org
Spirit Passages 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. Allie & Evelyn
spiritual centers THE MAINE BEACON embraces all people providing a safe harbor of healing love and joy. Through teaching and living the Science of Mind principles, we support all people in their own spiritual evolution. The Maine Beacon is a Teaching Center for The Science of Mind. Sunday Morning Celebration Services are held at 10:30 AM Camp Ketcha, 336 Black Point Road, Scarborough, ME Children's Program now available. For more information, call Rev. Linda E. Holmes at (207) 767-3515 or (207) 409-2515 www.themainebeacon.org
Advertise in the Inner Ta p estr y ~ D i r ector y o f R e s o u r c e s ~ $250 for 1 yr (6 issues) or $300 to include the Online version: www.innertapestry.org Directory of Resources listings are easy to compose. Write as though you are speaking to others about the work you do and the services you offer. Logo included. Limit 115 words, ($1 per word thereafter.) For more info call: (207) 781-9885. June/July 2006 Inner Tapestry 35
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Shamanic Healer
…Follow the Path to Your Own True Essence. At the core of my shamanic healing practice is the belief that we have the capacity to be
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J u ne 2006 M aine
June 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th & 30th "ONE" The Movie Showing at Meadow Wind, Portland New Church & Leapin' Lizard. (Freeport) Showing at 7:00pm Fridays & Saturdays. FMI: www.onethemovie.org, (207) 781-9885 www.pathways2u.com.
Wednesday, May31st, Mondays, June 26th & July 31st
FREE LECTURE: Integrative Approaches to Healing Cancer, At United Church of Christ, 150 Congress Ave. Bath. 6:00pm-8:30pm, Presenter, Brenda Nelson. Weekly follow-up workshops.Meeting the last Monday of the month. ) FMI: email: Hestiabhn@lycos.com
JUNE 1st-22nd, Thursday evenings, 6:30pm-8:30pm Ancient Wisdom for the Modern World An introductory course in Tibetan Buddhist meditation. $55.00,169 State St., Portland, Maine. FMI: Joan Elizabeth (207) 671-0899 or joaneliz@maine.rr.com
June 2nd, 6:30pm The Ages of Mankind Lecture by Ed Sharrow at Back Door to the Moon, Winslow. Our Bronze Age is part of a 24,000-year cycle governing human evolution. Information: www.AgesOfMankind.com
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June 2nd-25th "Showers & Flowers" Opening Friday, June 2nd, 5:00pm to 8:00pm Recent photographs by members of the Capitol Area Camera Club. FMI: contact Deborah Fahy, The Harlow Gallery, 160 Water Street, Hallowell, ME 04347 (207) 622-3813 www.harlowgallery.org or kvaa@harlowgallery.org.
June 2nd-4th Zen and the Art of Pack Basket Making Women's workshop with Nurture Through Nature, www.ntnretreats.com, (207) 452-2929
June 4 (Bangor) or June 18 (Falmouth) : How to Find Spiritual Freedom "The first step to attaining this freedom is learning how to do something well." --Harold Klemp, "What is Spiritual Freedom?, Discover Your Full Power as a Spiritual Being." Mahanta Transcripts Book 11 ECK Worship Services, 11:00am-Noon. Bangor ECK Center, (across from the Maine Discovery Museum), Coe Building, 15 Cross St., Rm 61, (207) 947-7083 Southern Maine services held at Falmouth Memorial Library, 5 Lunt St., (off Depot Rd.), (207) 771-0281 All visitors to our ECK Worship Services will receive a free copy of our new "HU - A Love Song To God" audio CD.
June 7th & 9th, 7:00pm (Wednesday & Friday) Satsang with Neelam The Wellness Center, 69 Elm St. Camden For more info: www.neelam.org Or call Michelle (207) 338-2869
June 9th, 5:30pm-8:30pm Rejuvenation through meditation. Three-week course. Contact Roberta Barnes Reiki Shihan @ (207) 445-5671 or www.naturalhealinglearning.com
June10th, 11:00am-4:30pm (Saturday) Day long Retreat with Neelam The Riley School, Rockport For more info: www.neelam.org Or call Michelle (207) 338-2869
FOR THE ADVERTISERS WHO BRING THIS JOURNAL TO YOU PLEASE SUPPORT THEM & LET THEM KNOW YOU SAW THEM HERE!
email your listings to events@innertapestry.org 36 Inner Tapestry June/July 2006
June 11th-16th A BODY STORY workshop at The Omega Institute for Holistic Studies, offered by Maine author/artist Arla Patch. See the work on arlapatch.com. Register at: eomega.com
June 14th, 4:00pm-8:00pm Japanese balance & harmony mind/body/spirit Teens only 3-4 week course Shoden (Level I) Gendai Reikiho (Modern Reiki method for healing) at the reduced fee of $115.00. Contact Roberta Barnes Reiki Shihan @ (207) 445-5671 or www.naturalhealinglearning.com
June 16th-18th & July 21st-23rd Empowerment Workshop The format of the Empowerment Workshop is to support you in creating your life the way you want it. This training is based on the premise that our thoughts and beliefs create the conditions of our life. If we want to bring about changes in our life we need to change our beliefs. The workshop focuses on seven areas of your life – Relationships, Sexuality, Money, Work, Body, Emotions and Spirituality. FMI: Call David @ (207) 865-0646 or e-mail at djbonney@suscom-maine.net.
June 16th-18th Zen and the Art of Carpentry For women-building Thoreau’s cabin in the Maine Woods. www.ntnretreats.com, Denmark, (207) 452-2929
June 17th, 9:30am-1:30pm Japanese balance & harmony mind/body/spirit. For all ages 3-4 week course Shoden (Level I) Gendai Reikiho. Contact Roberta Barnes Reiki Shihan @ (207) 445-5671 or www.naturalhealinglearning.com
June 17th, 10-:00am-3:00pm Greet and Meet At Our New Location Monica's... Naturally, 39 Main St., Pittsfield, Healers, food, giveaways. (207) 487-5400; e-mail www.monicasnaturally.com
June 18th, Sunday, 1:00pm-4:00pm "Life as a Full Body Experience"
An ongoing experiential forum for all medical professionals wanting to make their work more intuitive and spiritual, Topsham, ME. RAY REITZE, teacher/guide/author, REGINA STRONGHEART, teacher/healer (207) 776-3152, regina@numbum.net, $30
June 23rd, Friday, 6:00pm-9:00pm Power of Breath Introductory Workshop The Portland New Church, Portland Contact Tania Neuschafer (207) 272-2847/breathwork2@yahoo.com
June 23rd-25th Filling the Caregivers Cup Paddling Retreat, www.ntnretreats.com,(207) 452-2929, Mooselookmeguntic Lake
June 23rd-25th Weekend of Self Exploration A Residential Playshop which supports a process of wholebeing harmonizing through conscious awakening & energetic support. Friday 6:00pm to Sunday noon in Falmouth. For more information, questions & to register (207) 781-9887, www.pathways2u.com. Self assessed sliding scale $325 - $425.
June 30th & July 28th, Fridays 6:30pm Shamanic Drumming/Healing Circle At Open Door Yoga Center, Camden with Kimberly Wyke, Shamanic Practitioner Training Available upon request, e-mail/phone to confirm attendance. (207) 236-8063, healingelements@eathlink.net
Connecticut
June 3rd & August 9th. FREE lectures about our Human Relations Training Program, Hartford Family Institute. To reserve a space call (860) 236-6009 or e-mail www.hartfordfamilyinstitute.com
ENJOY READING THIS ISSUE OF INNER TAPESTRY~
July 2006 Maine July 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15, 21st & 22nd "ONE" The Movie Showing at Meadow Wind, Portland New Church, Leapin' Lizard (Freeport) Showing at 7:00pm Fridays & Saturdays. FMI: www. onethemovie.org, (207) 781-9885 www.pathways2u.com
July 1st & July 29th, Saturday, 11:00am Sacred Dances of the 11:11 Doorway At Open Door Yoga Center, Camden, with Kimberly Wyke, Shamanic Practitioner No prior experience necessary, Donations, FMI: (207) 236-8063, healingelements@earthlink.net.
July 1st & July 29th, Saturday, 6:30pm Spiritual Cinema at Open Door Yoga Center, Camden With Kimberly Wyke, Shamanic Practitioner, Donations FMI: (207) 236-8063, healingelements@earthlink.net
July 2 (Bangor) or July 16 (Falmouth) : How to Break Bad Habits that Hold You Back Spiritually "One of the advantages of the spiritual path of ECK is that the cause and effect are brought very close together. The Master usually speeds up the karmic payment so we can make a connectionbetween our act of anger and the ill fortune it is causing us." --Harold Klemp, "Unlocking the Puzzle Box Mahanta Transcripts, Book 6 ECK Worship Services, 11 am-Noon Bangor ECK Center, (across from the Maine Discovery Museum), Coe Building, 15 Cross St., Rm 61, (207) 947-7083 Southern Maine services held at Falmouth Memorial Library, 5 Lunt St., (off Depot Rd.), (207) 771-0281 All visitors to our ECK Worship Services will receive a free copy of our new "HU - A Love Song To God" audio CD.
July 7th-30th "Visual Impressions" Opening Friday, July 7th, 5:00pm to 8:00pm Original artwork by members of the Kennebec Valley Art Association. Includes paintings in oils, acrylics, watercolor; drawings, prints, collage, photographs and sculpture. Painter Susan Roux of Poland will be showcased in the featured member's corner. FMI: contact Deborah Fahy, The Harlow Gallery, 160 Water Street, Hallowell, ME 04247 (207) 622-3813 www.harlowgallery.org or kvaa@harlowgallery.org.
July 9th, 2:00pm-4:00pm Mother and Daughter Tea Greenfire Women’s Retreat, Tenants Harbor A playful afternoon for mothers and daughters to gather together under the apple trees for dress-up, beading, tea and sweets. Rain or shine. Phone (207) 372-6442 or www.greenfireretreat.org.
July 9th-14th Falling Into The Arms of God at Omega Institute with Megan Don The mystic journey of Teresa of Avila through movement, sound, spiritual dialogue and meditation. www.eomega.org
July 13th-16th Sea Kayaking the Maine Coast ~ A Women’s Paddling Retreat Nurture Through Nature, www.ntnretreats.com ( 207) 452-2929.
July 14th & July 22nd, 9:00am-3:00pm Connecting with nature In one day raise your awareness of life, learn how to gain presence of mind, and energy in a certified wildlife habitat. Contact Roberta Barnes Reiki Shihan @ (207) 445-5671 or Meditation & Beyond @ www.naturalhealinglearning.com
July 15th, 3:00pm-6:00pm Celebration of the Arts Greenfire Women's Retreat, Tenants Harbor A lively poetry exchange with Belfast Poet Laureate, Elizabeth Garber and "Belfast's Fab Four," and a live and silent auction featuring paintings, sculpture, pottery and photographs from local artists, priced for everyone's budget. Suggested donation $15. Phone (207) 372-6442 or www.greenfireretreat.org.
July 15th 10:00am-4:00pm Psychic Fair
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Wavelengths Hypnotherapy ongoing classes:
at The Maine Center for Spiritual Enrichment 328 Main Street, Bridgton, Maine Spiritual Readings, Light Workers & Artisans $2.00 donation. Readings individually
HypnoBirthing® Parents, Self-Hypnosis, Weight Managment, Smoking Cessation, Relaxation Guided Imagery, Bonnie Lee Gibson, CH and Ernie VanDenBossche, CH; www.hypnowave.com (207) 453-6133, (207) 649-9655, Waterville, Me.
priced. www.mainespiritualcenter.org
Real-ize Your Integral Potentials ~
July 15th-21st Silent Yoga and Meditation Retreat
Real-ize your multidimensional self! Integral Energy Healing ~Explorations in Consciousness ~ Leadership in Consciousness ~ Life Transformations. We offer sessions, classes, circles and workshops. Elizabeth@IntegralPotentials.com (207) 873-3514.
Rolling Meadows Farm Retreat, a 100-acre sanctuary for yoga, meditation and silence. With Surya Chandra Das. Brooks, Maine (888) 666-6412 www.rollingmeadowsfarmretreat.org.
July 27th-30th Women’s Journey of Renewal canoe/kayak camping retreat Jackman, Maine, www.ntnretreats.com (207) 452-2929.
July 28th-30th Weekend of Self Exploration A Residential Playshop which supports a process of wholebeing harmonizing through conscious awakening & energetic support. Friday 6:00pm to Sunday noon in Falmouth. For more information, questions & to register (207) 781-9887, www.pathways2u.com. Self assessed sliding scale $325 - $425.
July 31st, 5:00pm-8:30pm Modern Reiki method for healing 3-4 week course Okuden (Level II) Gendai Reikiho. Level I certificate is required. Contact Roberta Barnes Reiki Shihan @ (207) 445-5671 or www.naturalhealinglearning.com
Upcoming Maine
Kittery, ME: Rawfood Potlucks Last Thursday of each month, with guest speakers from the Rawfood community. Support, learn, share, and build a local rawfood community. Call Aimee, (207) 409-0899.
MARILYN HARSANYI, Psychic/Spiritual Readings, Biddeford, Me. She is available for private readings by appointment as well as parties of 4 or more (the host/hostess' reading is free). You can call (207) 602-4006 or also e-mail her at romntclibra@gwi.net.
Inner Light Spiritualist Church, Rev. Gloria Nye Location: Governor King Lodge 649 U.S. Route 1 Scarborough, ME, Sunday Services: 10:00am Healing Chairs 10:30am Service, Healing Meditation, Inspirational Talk, Messages from Spirit, 12:00pm Fellowship Hour – Refreshments.
Ayurvedic Massage Experience Abhyanga, Garshana and Shirodhara, the ancient healing bodywork techniques of India. Ruthanne Harrison, LMT. Located in Richmond, ME (207) 737-8593
Reiki Works offers all levels of Reiki classes, sessions and free clinics. For schedule please contact Andrea Smith, B.S. Rehabilitation at reikiworks@midmaine.com (207) 474-9962.
Place your Event in Inner Tapestry’s Calendar One 30 Word Event is Free! Email: events@innertapestry.org • Please follow the format of the Calendar— please do not send unformatted Listings such as press releases. •Email typed text indicating under which heading you want your event to appear: (Month, Upcoming or Ongoing). •If your Event is longer than 30 words, please send .75¢ per word thereafter— (Email & Website addresses count as 2 words.) Ongoing Calendar Events under 30 words may be posted up to six months, or until requested to be removed.
Events & Classified ads are also posted on the Inner Tapestry Website! www.innertapestry.org
How to advertise in Inner Tapestry’s Classifieds Keeping with the themes of natural living, alternative health & well-being, Classifed ads are $20 for 30 words, $1 per word thereafter. Times, dates and telephone numbers count as one word (like “August 6”. Email and Web addresses count as 2 words. Payments must be sent with the listing.
The deadline for the August/September 2006 issue is July 10th. Email your listings: events@innertapestry.org.
Dragonfly Taijiquan, Larry Ira Landau
August 4th & 5th "ONE" The Movie
August 19th 10:00am-4:00pm Psychic Fair , The Maine Center for Spiritual Enrichment
328 Main Street, Bridgton, Maine Spiritual Readings, Light Workers & Artisans $2.00 donation. Readings individually priced. www.mainespiritualcenter.org
August 20-26 Silent Yoga and Meditation RetreatRolling Meadows Farm Retreat, a 100-acre sanctuary for yoga, meditation and silence. With Surya Chandra Das. Brooks, Maine. www.rollingmeadowsfarmretreat.org (888) 666-6412.
August 25th-27th Weekend of Self Exploration A Residential Playshop which supports a process of wholebeing harmonizing through conscious awakening & energetic support. Friday 6:00pm to Sunday noon in Falmouth. For more information, questions & to register (207) 781-9887, www.pathways2u.com. Self assessed sliding scale $325 - $425.
September 9th, 10:00am-5:00pm Creation Dances Retreat at Williston West Church lead by the Sussmans of Cambridge, MA. Registration: ElaineBeatrice@maine.rr.com or (207) 797-2151.
September 15th-17th Weekend of Self Exploration
Holistic Pathways Yoga & Healing Center, Gorham. Ongoing classes offered in Kripalu Yoga, Pilates, Pregnancy and Mommy & Me Yoga. All ages and abilities. Call (207) 839-7192 or visit www.holisticpathways.com for more information on upcoming sessions.
SpiritWings-Workshops, Reiki Classes & Events in Bethel Maine. Social Drumming Circle first Friday of every month. Reiki Shares second Tuesday of every month. Reiki Classes and other Workshops scheduled every month. Call for schedule (207) 824-2204 or visit website www.spiritwingsbethel.com for details.
A Gathering of People Exploring Conscious Living Join us Wednesdays. 6:30pm-8:30pm at 66 Foreside Rd. (Rt. 88) Falmouth. Fee $15. For more info call (207) 781-9887, or visit www.pathways2u.com.
Student Massage Therapy Clinics at Namaste' Institute for Holistic Studies Ongoing Student Massage Therapy Clinics at Namaste' Institute in Rockport Maine. Please call for more information on how to become a recipient of Student Massage Therapy Clinics & Student Massage Therapy Session Studies! Call (207) 236-2744 or visit www.namasteinstitute.com
Doula tea, meet with doulas in person.
A Residential Playshop which supports a process of wholebeing harmonizing through conscious awakening & energetic support. Friday 6:00pm to Sunday noon in Falmouth. For more information, questions & to register (207) 781-9887, www.pathways2u.com. Self assessed sliding scale $325 - $425.
Learn how doulas help families during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. We meet Sundays at the Ballard House, 131 Spring St. Portland from 10:30am-11:30am. There is no fee, pre-registration is required. Call Rebecca Goodwin at (207) 318-8272.
September 16-17 Qigong on Peak's Island
Aikido of Maine Portland
Two One-Day Workshops. Cultivate energy for health and well-being. With Kathleen Dubay, Qigong Instructor. $85/day or $150 for both.www.riverofchi.com or (303) 809-1558
O n going M aine Thank God it’s Grace: Women in God, Women in Good Join us each Thursday from 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.
Aikido for Women classes, Wednesday and Friday am classes. Daily beginner’s classes and youth programs. www.aikidoofmaine.com (207) 879-9207
WholeHeart Yoga Center, Portland Full schedule of weekly classes for all levels with experienced, Kripalu-certified instructors. Workshops and Kirtans (chanting) offered regularly. Call (207) 871-8274 or visit www.wholeheartyoga.com for more details.
Ongoing Yoga Classes Yoga classes and individual instruction that start from where you are and expand your life. Experience the Journey. Rising Moon Healing Arts, Kimberly Allen. (207) 590-0082, www.rising-moon.org
Calendar Events & Classified ads are also posted on the Inner Tapestry Website! www.innertapestry.org
Soundings - Energy Therapy Woven In Sound An intuitive blend of Reiki, IET, Quantum-Touch, crystals and sound. Usui Tibetan Reiki, IET and Crystal Bowl Meditation classes. Brenda (207) 557-2664, soundsqwazi2@verizon.net, www.gentlerhythms.com
Yoga Classes starting March 6th
in Kennebunk Monday evenings, Saco Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and Scarborough Thursday evenings First Yoga class free for newcomers! Dance, Chant & Meditate in Portland, Fridays, 6:30pm-9:00pm, FMI: call Jeanette Schmid Lakari (207) 282-5528.
Second Mondays, 7:00pm-9:00pm, Healing Drum Ceremony Yvonne Treeslimb Raphael Dancing Trees Lodge 17 Cotton Lane, Oxford ME. $10 donation to benefit Dancing Trees non-profit retreat center. You need do nothing during the ceremony, but relax and receive. After the ceremony we do shamanic journeying. (207) 743-8467.
Thursdays, Sample and Full length Shamanic and Reiki healing Sessions Yvonne Treeslimb Raphael, Touchstone Bookstore, 1832 Forest Ave, Portland ME (207) 878-3866, Sessions are $1 a minute.
USM Center for Continuing Education. Ongoing classes in Complementary Therapies, (Traditional Chinese Medicine, Aromatherapy, Reiki, etc.) Visit www.usm.maine.edu/cce for course and registration information or call (207) 780-5900 for catalog.
Planetary Activation Organization in Maine
Is actively looking for people to join this group, for info: Visit paoweb.com. If interested, call (207) 743-2613, E-mail bobham@adelphia.net, or write Maria Ham, 51 BumpTown Rd, South Paris, ME 04281
Free one-hour Holistic Health Counseling consultationsFocusing on your personal health concerns, health history, diet, relationship with food, and other issues that influence your life and food choices. FMI contact Shannen, (207) 837-4878 at The Healing Path, Holistic Health Counseling, Reiki, 615 Congress St., Suite 313, Portland. www.pathofhealing.com
Inner Light Spiritualist Church Invites You to Weekly Services, Sundays 10:00am-12:00pm, with Reverend Gloria Nye. Healing, Songs, Sermon, Mediumship, Governor King Masonic Lodge, Route 1, Dunstan Corner, Scarborough, Me.
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Showing at Meadow Wind, Portland New Church, Leapin' Lizards (Freeport). Showings at 7:00pm Fridays & Saturdays. FMI: www.onethemovie.org (207) 781-9885, www.pathways2u.com
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.
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Spiritual Readings ~ Psychic Development Classes
Two Beautiful Rooms for Rent
Designed exclusively for you to address your unique problems online & in-person. Henderson, NV. $75 per workshop Fridays 6:00pm-10:00pm, FMI: (702) 408-1783 workshops_for_women@yahoo.co.uk
Learn to Meditate; contact your spirit guides and clients' guides; raise your vibration level and more. Psychic-Spiritual Readings, private sessions and parties of 4 or more by appointment. FMI contact Marilyn at (207) 602-4006 or romntclibra@gwi.net.
in Alternative Healthcare Clinic in Freeport Village, prefer holistic health care professionals who wish to collaborate. $450 and $350 includes parking and utilities. Call: (207) 865-1203.
Children’s Aikido Kokikai Class Schedules: Josiah Bartlett Elementary School in Bartlett NH Wednesdays 3:30pm-4:30pm grades 2-5 ($35/month) Wednesdays 4:45pm-5:45pm grades 6-8 ($35/month) Fridays 3:30pm-4:30pm grades K-1 ($30/month) The Ballroom in Harrison Maine Sundays 5:00pm-6:00pm grades K-6 ($30/month) Water and Stone Yoga Studio in Conway, NH Mondays 4:00pm-5:00pm grades 2-5 ($40/month) Mondays 5:15pm-6:15pm grades 6-8 ($40/month) Mondays 6:30pm-7:30pm adults and teens ($40/month) Contact Jane Biggio for more information at (603) 374-6326 or email at bamboomountain@ncia.net
Yoga For Kids: A way for children to strengthen emotional stability through self exploration. Seven Week sessions following school calendar. Ages 5-9 Belfast The Belfast Dance Studio Wednesdays 4:00pm-5:30pm Camden Open Door Yoga Thursdays 3:45pm-5:00pm For more information call Lily at (207) 236-6001
Holistic Pathways Yoga & Healing Center, Gorham. Energy Vibrational Healing Therapies including Polarity and Energy Interference Patterning of DNA. Ongoing Reiki & Therapeutic Touch classes. FMI: (207)-839-7192, www.holisticpathways.com.
Dynamic Facilitated Group Breathwork Sessions Combining breath and intuitive healing - held monthly in Falmouth, Harrison & Oxford. Offering breath workshops, classes and personal sessions & all levels of Reiki training. FMI: Call Breathe In & Beyond Paula & Christopher Easton (207) 583-6603.
Free Reiki Exchange, Hosted by Gianna Settin
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3rd Tuesday of month, 6:00pm-8:30pm Avanti Healing Arts Reiki Center in Brewer. All levels of practitioners and teachers welcome. (207) 989-9009. www.avantihealingarts.com.
Artists Support Group, Inner Balance, Belfast, ME On 156 High Street. Third Tuesday of the month from 7:00pm-8:30pm. Call Elliot Benjamin at (207) 338-4576
Crescent Moon Herbals Ongoing classes and events, psychic readings and energy workers. 76 Center Road, Lebanon, Maine. (207) 457-1114, e-mail: crescentmoonherbals@excite.com Web site: www.crescentmoonherbals.com
Mindful Meditation™ Mondays 5:30pm-7:00pm All are welcome, no experience necessary. $15 or 4 classes for $50. Mind/Body Therapy at Meadow Wind, 100 Gray Road, West Falmouth, Maine (207) 650-3964 FMI www.mbtherapy.org.
The Awakening Process
Dancing Xigong: Twelve movements to music Every Thursday mornings, 8:30am-9:00am Summer at Merryspring Park, Winter at Quarry Hill, in Camden. FMI call (207) 236-8732.
Experience the healing of Love without condtions. Ongoing classes. Learn the freedom of healing without limitations. Shamballa 1-4 and 13D Certification. Contact Elizabeth, Center of Momentum, (207) 873-3514, or centerofmomentum@hotmail.com.
Short-term Solution-oriented Couples & Family Work.
Wise Women Daughters of the Moon Ceremonial Wisdom Circle honoring our Inner & Outer Seasons & Cycles. Sliding Scale, FMI: www.spiritualrenaissance.com, www.templeoftheheart.com or call Deborah, spiritual guide, healer & ordained priestess: (207) 883-1081.
Belfast Yoga Studio. Iyengar style Hatha Yoga All levels including, Beginner, Level I, Level II, Gentle & Private classes & workshops. For more info and schedule see www.belfastyoga.com or call (207) 338-3930/338-4256.
Creative Spiral Studio Gallery exhibits Original Visionary Art by Helen Warren, MSed.,MFA Open by appointment or chance. Co-Creating with Your Soul retreats and individual journeys. FMI: (207) 829-6876 or helen@creativespiral.net; www.creativespiral.net
Aaminah School Of Middle Eastern Dance All levels of belly dance classes taught by experienced and caring instructors. Bangor and Waterville classes. Visit our Website: www.aaminahdance.com or jeason@pivot.net.
NDE Support/Discussion Group FOI (Friends of the International Association for Near-Death Studies), meetings - held by teleconference once a month. FMI, please go to http://neardeathexp.meetup.com/1/about/ or contact Rev. Juliet Nightingale at (615) 292-2217. You may also visit www.TowardTheLight.org.
Circle of Roses Healing Circle Energy healing every third Saturday, monthly at The Wellness Center, 69 Elm Street, Camden, ME. 9:00am-12:00pm. FMI contact Cheryl: (207) 273-2490. Basic through advanced workshops. World-renown faculty. Professional certification program available. For complete brochure: (203) 268-9483 or visit www.neschoolfengshui.com.
Inner Light & Sound Meditation. Surat Shabd Yoga. For a Bangor, Waterville, & Portland meeting schedule, call James at: (207) 368-5866 or James@SpiritualAwakeningRadio.com
Connecticut
The Rose Cottage
Sacred Circle Dance
Have you experienced sexual assault or incest? We are Survivors of Incest Anonymous. We meet every Monday evening in Hartford, CT. Call Mae at (860) 236-1770 or email HartfordCT@sianyc.org
Classifieds Maine
Dances from a multi-cultural folk dance tradition. Steps taught at all sessions. No experience/partner needed. Fourth Friday of every month, 7:00pm-8:30pm, Portsmouth, NH. FMI: amyla44@juno.com, (603) 750-7506.
SACRED SPACES
Ongoing Usui Reiki Classes in all levels,
A Place In The Heart
private sessions and free clinics,Gift certificates available. Please contact Judy Fisher, Reiki Master Teacher in Camden, Maine at (207) 236-0359.
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June 3rd-4th DTA Center for Learning and Growing Presents: International Healing the Healers Conference in Bar Harbor, ME. Keynote: Harry
June 11th-16th A BODY STORY workshop at The Omega Institute for Holistic Studies, offered by Maine
(Realizing Your Spiritual Energies) Sessions for artists, actors and performers. Expand your creative potential, rejuvenate, rebalance after performance. $65/$55 Holistic Pathways. Gorham. (207) 839-9819. www.starlightacting.org
“SANT MAT RADHASWAMI SATSANG”
The body, mind, spirit workout blending yoga and dance. No experience necessary. Free trial class. Days Meadow Farm, 889 Alewive Rd. Kennebunk. (207) 985-6896 or: daysmeadowfarm@prexar.com.
Summer 2006
Energize! and RYSE® sessions
Oriental Brush Painting Classes and Workshops
Kripalu “DansKinetics”
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Oldfield, pioneer in Kirlian photography and electrocrystal therapy. Other speakers from science to art of healing. FMI: (207) 667-6783, dtaus@hotmail.com. Come connect and revitalize.
The New England School of Feng Shui
Teaching Reiki Master, Transformational Breath, Crystal Healing, Hypnotherapy, and Hypnobirthing. Private sessions by appointment. Gift certificates. Ongoing classes. Contact Vicki Kupferman 14 Weed Rd., Knox, Maine. (207) 568-3782.
Future Events requiring commitment to time or finance.
Guiding Couples & Families from conflict to communication, from disengaged to connected, from hurting to resolution. Group and private sessions. Call Maureen McCarthy-Darling at (207) 691-0023.
Learn about a simple path that will eliminate depression and anxiety, leading eventually to peace and enlightenment. First and third Tuesday 7:00pm-9:00pm. Call (207) 286-8060 for directions. Frederica Marshall, an artist who lived 28 years in Japan, teaches sumi-e in her Deer Isle Studio. Basic to advanced levels. (207) 348-2782. www.fredericamarshall.com.
Heart Visions
Space Available for Gatherings, Ceremonies, Presentations. At Earthrest, Cornish, ME. Call (207) 625-4179.
SACRED RENTAL SPACE 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.
author/artist Arla Patch. See the work on arlapatch.com. Register at: eomega.com
July 2nd-8th, 9th-15th, 16th-22nd Adult Watercolor or Ceramic Workshops, Camden, Maine. Wheelwork, handbuilding, majolica decoration or daily plein air excursions. $960 watercolor week, or $1,120 pottery week, includes room and healthy food with delightful instruction in clay or painting. All levels are welcome, maximum 12 participants per week. Please call ARTS ALIVE, Ellen Berry (207)-236-8000
Fall 2006 September 2006 New England Center for Feng Shui and Intuitive Arts, Professional Certification Program Basic and Advanced workshops. Call (888) 211-2206 or visit www.necfs.com.
September 23rd-30th Women’s Annual Provence Retreat Join us in Biot, France for touring, reflection and gourmet delights. $2450 includes lodging, retreat program, meals, excludes flight to Nice. More info: www.barbarababkirk.com
October 30th-November 4th Sikkim, India, Master Usui-Tibetan Reiki Training (Karuna® or ART/Master) with Gianna Settin, PhD of Avanti Healing Arts, licensed teacher, International center for Reiki Trainings. Join a majestic trek to the majestic Himalayan sacred mountain sites. (207) 989-9009 Contact www.avantihealingarts.com.
Now accepting applications: Spirit Passages’ SEVENTH Two-Year Apprenticeship Program Evelyn Rysdyk (author: Modern Shamanic Living) & C. Allie Knowlton, MSW, DCSW Experience advanced shamanic methods and develop a deep relationship with Spirit in a shamanic context while integrating these practices into everyday life. Training includes many classic-healing methods such as extraction, power animal retrieval, soul retrieval, word/sound doctoring, deposession, psychopomp and absentee healing. Strong emphasis on ethical responsibility, clear diagnostic work and following the guidance of Spirit. Initiatory experiences, group rituals also included. Brochure and application form: (207) 846-6829• passages@maine.rr.com www.spiritpassages.com
Now accepting applications: Spirit Passages’ THIRD Graduate Program in Shamanism Evelyn Rysdyk (author: Modern Shamanic Living) & C. Allie Knowlton, MSW, DCSW for graduates of the Spirit Passages 2-year Apprenticeship Program, FSS Three-Year and Sandra Ingerman’s Teachers of Shamanism Training. This is the only training of this kind available to advanced students of core shamanism. Brochure and application form: (207) 846-6829 passages@maine.rr.com www.spiritpassages.com
Calendar of Events & Classified Ad Info, Page 37 www.innertapestry.org
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\ YOGA, T’AI CHI AIKIDO & MEDITATION Practitioners Directory BELFAST, ME Diamond Light Yoga Studio Offering Kundalini Yoga and Meditation classes. Taught by Devbir Kaur (Lisa Whiting) CKYI, RMT, ATP®. Private sessions and Reiki appointments also available. Call for class times or appointments. (207) 322-5633. 108 Main Street, 2nd floor, Belfast. Belfast Yoga Studio Iyengar Yoga, Relax&Renew® (restorative) Yoga, Yamuna Body Rolling®; classes, workshops, individual sessions. Marianna Moll (Iyengar, Relax&Renew®, Yamuna® certified) and Belinda Pendleton (Iyengar style, Gentle Yoga). (207) 338-3930. www.belfastyoga.com info@belfastyoga.com
BOOTHBAY HARBOR, ME
CAMDEN, ME Open Door Yoga Center Offering a wide variety of Yoga classes, 5 Rhythm Ecstatic Dance, Feldenkrais Movement, Mindfulness Meditation, Shamanic drumming, T'ai Chi and Tantra Workshops. Morning, evening and weekend classes for all ages and levels. Conveniently located less than 3 miles from the center of Camden. Call for brochure or info: (207) 236-8971.
FALMOUTH, ME Meadow Wind Center for Holistic Arts Kripalu Yoga Classes for people of all ages and abilities taught by Rebecca LaWind, LMT, KYT. We offer beginner/continuing classes focusing on meditation, postures, breathing, relaxation. 100 Gray Road, (207) 749-4150
GARDINER, ME Gentle Rhythms Yoga & Therapy Yoga Spirits Certified, Iyengar based (proper alignment). Chakra Balancing Yoga. Yoga for focus, flex-ability balance & relaxation. Yoga for MS, Parkinsons, Fibromyalgia, Autism, etc. Carleen Bevans, (207) 588-2023 ext 1, 17 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, ME, 04345. www.gentlerhythms.com
GORHAM, ME Holistic Pathways Yoga & Healing Center Kripalu Yoga: all abilities/ages. Beginner, Continuing, Intermediate, Toning & Sculpting, Pregnancy Yoga, Mommy & Me, Pilates. Private Sessions available. Classes include postures, breathwork, guided imagery, meditation, relaxation. (207) 839-7192. www.holisticpathways.com.
PORTLAND, ME
Full Circle Synergy School of T'ai Chi Ch'uan We offer classes morning, noon and night. Cultivating stress reduction, balance, internal energy, and meditation while celebrating the joy of movement spectrum from self-healing through athletic efficiency and power to self-defense. All abilities welcome! (207) 780-9581. www.fullcirclesynergy.com
Kundalini Community Yoga Full class schedule including beginners and children. Workshops. Groups. Private sessions. Certified Instructors. Class includes Kriya (set of specified exercises), breath, mantra, meditation, relaxation. Try Kundalini Yoga-the yoga of Awareness. 52 Pine St., (207) 615-5405. Portland Yoga Studio Highly trained instructors, Iyengar certified, Anusara influenced. Prenatal, Teen, LifeLong, Restorative, Ashtanga (flow), & Yin Yoga classes! Weekend workshops! Belly Dance! Beautiful studio! 616 Congress Street, (207) 799-0054, www.PortlandYoga.com, email info@portlandyoga.com Aikido of Maine Aikido: "The Art of Peace"' a martial art for self-defense and spiritual development. Connecting movement, breath and energy through partner practice. Seeking harmony from conflict. Creating an Alert mind, calm body and enhance health and awareness. Daily classes: beginners, adults & children, Flexible schedules, (207) 879-9207, 226 Anderson St., Portland, www.aikidoofmaine.com WholeHeart Yoga Center Portland's Kripalu affiliated studio offers classes for all levels which include postures, relaxation, breathwork and meditation. Our teachers are highly trained & Kripalu-certified. We also offer private classes, workshops, Partner Yoga and regular Kirtans (chanting). 150 St. John St., Portland. (207) 871-8274, www.wholeheartyoga.com Touchstone Bookstore and More Offering guided and open meditation. During open meditation times, we will light a candle and set the intention for peace. Just come in, grab a seat and breathe! Weekly morning and evening Kripalu yoga classes. Call or visit us at 1832 Forest Ave., Portland, ME, (207) 878-3866, www.touchstonebookstore.com The Yoga Center Quality instruction for 25 years. 30 weekly classes-all levels, restorative, therapeutic, power, pre-natal. Master teacher workshops and Yoga vacations in Mexico & Maine. Two lovely studios & supply store. Directors Vickie Labbe and Jennifer Cooper, (207) 774-YOGA (774-9642) .
SCARBOROUGH, ME Rising Moon Healing Arts and Maine Massage and Yoga Yoga classes and private instruction designed for all levels. Awareness through movement, breath, and meditation. Reiki, Massage, and Mindful Living. Consults available. Kimberly Allen, (207) 590-0082, www.rising-moon.org and Emily Eastbrook, (207) 415-3123, 153 US Route 1, Scarborough.
YARMOUTH, ME Sanctuary Holistic Health & Yoga Center Professional instruction in Kripalu & Hatha Yoga and guided meditation located in a peaceful and beautiful newly built studio. Gentle, moderate and vigorous classes for all ages & levels of experience. Private classes available. Certified directors Marilee Marrinan & Erinn Cayehal. (207) 846-1162, www.sanctuaryhhyc.com
Calling all Maine-wide Yoga, T’ai Chi, Qi Gong and Meditation Practitioners. Place your listing here! An excellent resource for getting the word out for your classes and workshops! \ If you and your group or school hold classes and workshops and would like to be listed in this Directory, please call: (207) 781-9885 or Email: info@innertapestry.org. Please include in listings Yoga, Meditation, T’ai Chi and Qi Gong related classes June/July 2006 Inner Tapestry 39
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The Yoga Firm Studio Join our ongoing movement inspired Beginning and Flow Yoga Classes to restore the supple nature of your body and mind. Also offering Shiatsu/ Acupressure bodywork. For schedule and info please contact Romee May, (207) 380-6975; 115 Townsend Ave. www.yogafirmstudio.com
PORTLAND, ME CONTINUED
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See what’s new in this issue! Articles, New Calendar Events, New Directory of Resources Listings and much more... Thanks for reading!