Inner Tapestry "Good Vibrations" June July 2010

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A Holistic Journal Celebrating & Supporting LIFE! June/July 2010

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Volume 9, No. 1

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Tapestry Spiritual Fast-Food

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Sweet Vibrations The Phenomena of Reconnective Healing

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Self Awareness Through Yoga

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Wandering Sage Wisdom ~ Outer Spirit, Inner Soul

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Loving Earth ~ Growing Our Own Food The Magic Ingredient

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Destination Healing SNE ~ Creating Good Vibrations in Significant Relationships

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21st Century Bohemian ~ Applying Wisdom of the Past to an Emerging Future

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Modern Shamanic Living ~ The Music of the Super Strings

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Awareness and the Art of Seeing ~ Bird's Play

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A Breath of Healing ~ Good Vibrations

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INNER WORKINGS New this issue: Welcome everyone to the first issue of our ninth year serving and supporting our community. With this issue we would like to share our new mailing address, P. O. Box 122, East Hampton, CT 06424.

We have finally settled into our new home and are excited to share the journal with new friends at all the events that we have had the opportunity to attend and will be coming in the future.

These past few weeks have been busy. We had been blessed in being asked to participate in a fund-raiser for Haiti. What made this one different? The Senior's of E. O. Smith High School in Storrs, CT did.

The Senior class decided they needed to make a difference. There was no mandatory class project, there was just a desire to be of service, to help, support and give of their time and there was a lot of time given for this project called "Ending Apathy."

There were organizations present, one of them being, the non-profit Roots of Development (www.rootsofdevelopment.org) who's co-founder Chad Bissonnette first traveled to Haiti in 2005 shortly after school, to experience a new culture, new people and learn more about the community's challenges. Since then he has lived and worked with the people of Haiti to bring clean water and housing to Gran Sous.

There were a number of speakers during the day-long event. I was humbled and privileged to hear two of the evening speakers, one gentleman who survived multiple concentration camps and at the age of 85 years old is still speaking publicly about his experiences and how one can live through and beyond the worst of situations. Then came the last to speak. A younger man who shared his experiences of being raised in Africa as a child solider, which taught him to fight to the death or be killed. As he shared some details of his life's struggle to free himself of what was the only thing that he knew, it was apparent that he is still unsettled by the memories.

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These two men have lived though what might be considered some of our worst nightmares. They found the courage to free themselves from situations beyond their control; living on working through the wounds, their trauma, and the feelings to genuinely live from their hearts, reminding others that it is not impossible to create another world, another reality. They are "paying forward" the grace received from the many "turn of events" that brought them safely into the United States and a new life, but not one without speed bumps.

The energy of the students was immeasurable, so was their gratitude. We were fortunate to play our crystal bowls and gongs in sessions during the day for them, as well as the community. It was something they truly enjoyed and I don't ever remember being thanked so much. We were very excited to help them raise approximately $10,000 in their effort to support Haiti.

The state of Maine is also helping that cause in a very unique way. On page 34 you'll find information on the creation of the website for Maine Friends of Haiti, www.mainefriendsofhaiti.org. Whose purpose is to share and participate in a statewide effort raising the awareness of the need for support of the people in Haiti. It lists events throughout the state and is calling for participation from each of the 487 cities and towns. These efforts are totally volunteer and completely non-profit.

Take the time this summer, with the warm nurturing weather that is beaconing us out of our homes and back in touch with our community to attend, create, sponsor or donate time to an effort that helps others. Whether it be Haiti or something closer to home, or closer to your heart!

I can't thank the Class of 2010 at E. O. Smith High School, the middle school volunteers and the guidance from the adult participants enough for their spirit, their generosity and their willingness to be of service. These are the children who will change our world and there are many more of them in Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and around the world helping to bring hope to a world that is taking the risk as our cover represents to leave our state of "bud-dom" and blossom because the pain of staying closed in our little bud is more painful than opening to become the beautiful blossom that we truly know ourselves to be.

It is the season once again for the great trips and workshops that will bring everyone to a new awareness of self in the outdoors with our ever loving guide mother nature. If you can, take advantage of the offerings this summer and enjoy the re-creation that summer has to offer.

We would also like to wish Norm Hirst and Asrianna's Dad a speedy recuperation. Karen and Annie, will also be back next issue with Eating the Angel Way. We look forward to the upcoming year, the connection with all of you and the continued opportunity to share the writings and services of very dedicated individuals who have and will be present to hold a loving space for the changes that we will continue to experience during our evolutionary growth.

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Happy Anniversary Everyone !

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Inner TAPESTRY

UP COMING THEMES August/S eptember 2010

Contents

This Issue's Theme

Good Vibrations

Awakening Human Potential O c tober/November 2010

June/July 2010

D ecember/J anuar y 2010/2011

Features Self Awareness Through Yoga

It's A Wonderful Life!

Februar y/M arch 2011 Page

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Page

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by Ashok Nalanalapu

Vanity Word

by Dr. Kevin Ross Emery

Send Your Pet Good Vibrations!

Page 19

Submission Dates August/September 2010

Page 22

by Elfeya Hoopes

The Way of Life-Itself ~ We Are Vital Threads in the

by Skye Hirst, Ph.D. Awesome Fabric

Page 4

21st Century Bohemian ~ Applying Wisdom of the Past

by Teresa Piccari to an Emerging Future... Part One

Page 6

Modern Shamanic Living ~ The Music of the Super Strings

Page 8

by Evelyn C. Rysdyk

Page 12

by Pat Foley

Awareness and the Art of Seeing ~ Bird's Play

Page 13

by Jen Deraspe

Destination Healing SNE ~ Creating Good Vibrations in

by Karen M. Rider Significant Relationships

Page 14

Wandering Sage Wisdom ~ Outer Spirit, Inner Soul

Page 16

by Aaron Hoopes

Feng Shui & Geopathology ~ The Energetic Properties of Water Page 24

by Werner Brandmaier Part Two A Breath of Healing ~ Good Vibrations

Page 25

by Donna Amrita Davidge

Exploring the World Religions ~ Exploring Inner Space Page 26

by James Bean Via Inner Light and Sound Meditation Mixed Media ~ Book, Website & Music Reviews

Page 39

Directories Directory of Resources Yoga, T'ai Chi, & Meditation Directory Heart Visions, Calendar of Events, Classifieds

Articles – June 25th Display Ads & Directory of Resources To Reserve Space – July 1st For Ad Copy & Graphics – July 5th Calendar & Classified Ads –July 5th

Inner

Tapestry Publishers Joan Emmons Ron Damico Betty Close

Advertising & Distribution Curtis White (413) 595-9092

curtis@innertapestry.org

(207) 799-7995 ~ (203) 779-0345 Email: info@innertapestry.org Or Visit: www.innertapestry.org Subscriptions ~ $20.00/year, 6 issues

Pages 27-35 Page 35 Pages 36-38

Inner Tapestry can be found in over 500 locations, but to insure you don’t miss an issue, subscriptions are available.

Payments and Correspondence To: P O Box 122, East Hampton, CT 06424 June/July 2010 Inner Tapestry 3

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Departments

Loving Earth ~ Growing Our Own Food ~ The Magic Ingredient

Apr i l/M ay 2011

Em ergence

by Ruth Kirkwood

Spiritual Fast-Food

C h angi ng Yo ur M ind

Page 18

by Donald and Sara Hassler

Sweet Vibrations ~ The Phenomena of Reconnective Healing

What Moves You?

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t h e w a y of l i fe- i t sel f

We are Vital Threads in the Awesome Fabric

by Skye Hirst, Ph.D.

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ast night when I couldn’t sleep I wrote about my life with Norm. It will soon be 24 years we’ve been together this lifetime. I recalled so many moments and stories that I was swamped, but what I realized was how a life can be so full and yet it seems, can end without so much of a notice. Maybe it is the ego that wants to believe we matter, but what I’ve learned over the years is that I know we matter to the very fabric we are conceived in.

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The love fabric, it’s an awesome fabric without end. It folds and unfolds in on itself, vibrates and oscillates in all directions forming and un-forming the various relations of relations—you and me and all the particulars of creation as needed. This quantum reality is un-manifest as we commonly think of manifested reality. It can’t be sensed through the worldview of materialism. It creates in ways we seem to know very little about, until now, unless we access it through our hearts, our intuitions and “felt senses.”

As we’ve learned from biophysists more and more about how organisms function being alive, we now are learning how they create and recreate themselves, form and un-form, as needed, the relationships required for their contextual existence. It is love and loving energy that seems to be the groundwork out of which we are each manifesting.

Notice I did not say manifested. The manifested is the artifact of what our creative energy forms, but it is ephemeral. It is, then, is no more, transforming, changing constantly.

Getting attached, as the Buddhists would call it, is what seems to bring us suffering, wanting to hold on to one level of awareness, this or that manifested aspect of our existence from time to time. We hold on to what has formed through and in us. We also seem to get attached to both painful moments as well as those perceived as good. Powerful moments in creation grab our attention and can hold it if we don’t learn how to release that hold to the greater wholeness of our experience.

So as I recall my life, I realize what moments I am attached to, and hold in my awareness. I’m sure there are millions of experiences that do not hold my attention today in my life lived of 65 years. It would swamp the boat. But those highlights, those focused moments keep being in focus and those moments will be what I try to share now as I write about what Norm and I have learned in our life together.

Why do I wish to share them? I believe there might be something of interest, not because they are my experiences, but because I hope to share the universal – that which is human, in organisms, and in living, in all beings where we connect on one level in our shared experience. We sense and learn from one another as though we each have shared the same boat (because we have), but we each have unique perspectives on the experience and in that we matter. We are the novelty created by this awesome fabric. It is ours and ours alone to witness and expand what is possible pulling the fabric along with our living choices and experiences.

We are the possibility and what we do with it is up to us. We are truly cocreators in this manifesting process; living, loving and being a vital thread in the awesome fabric. It’s a good vibration from which we are forming and un-forming. Enjoy it, sense it, breathe it, create it, and share it. The Beatles were right, Love is all there is.

Skye Hirst, Ph.D. provides executive and personal coaching and writes a blog on www.autognomics.org – Skye’s blog on life with Norm, her husband and partner, lessons and challenges of learning about living and loving together. Norm and Skye are co-founders of The Autognomics Institute and continue together to do research on life as creative organisms, bringing their insights on creative processes to audiences and new leaders for the emerging shifting living consciousness. skyeh@autognomics.org 4 Inner Tapestry June/July 2010

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Self-Awareness through Yoga

by Ashok Nalamalapu

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here is a mis-perception that yoga is a bunch of postures. It is way more than that. Through yoga, yogis actually reach enlightenment.

The fact that yoga has lasted more than 3000 years proves that it has benefits to offer. Yoga helps us to be more aware of our Selves. It helps us to be peaceful, patient and calm. It helps us to concentrate more and gain knowledge.

Swami Vivekananda, an Indian Spiritual Leader, defined four predominant yoga paths - Bhakti Yoga, Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga and Raja Yoga. By practicing any of these paths with devotion, one can realize Self. However, Swamiji said that by practicing all these four paths, one becomes a complete person.

Bhakti Yoga is the yogic path of devotion and love. This path is followed by repeating mantras and offering prayers to God with devotion and love. Sri Rama Krishna, an Indian prophet, exemplified unconditional devotion to God. Christ expressed unconditional love for humans.

Karma Yoga is the yogic path of action or work. Bhagavat Gita, an ancient Indian scripture, advises “Work incessantly and be unattached to the fruits of the work.” Gandhi followed this path in his service, working towards human equality and freedom.

Jnana Yoga is the yogic path of knowledge. Sages say through knowledge we can realize our Soul. Our Soul is infinite. It exists beyond time, space and causation. It does not have form. It is not born and does not die. Our Soul is our Self. True Self is like the sky. During our life, miseries and diseases come and go like clouds. However, our Self remains strong like the sky. Henry David Thoreau gained knowledge by spending time in nature searching for the Truth.

Raja Yoga is the path of controlling the internal senses of both body and mind.

Swami Vivekananda was a master of this path.

Sage Patanjali laid out eight paths or limbs to this royal road of yoga.

1. Yama is the outward focus. One must tell only the truth. One can’t steal, be violent, or intentionally injure others by words or deeds. One must not receive bribes from others.

2. Niyama is inward focus. To practice Niyama, one must keep one’s body clean, wake up early, study, be content, and strive for pure thoughts, words and deeds. Purity is central to practicing Niyama. Eating pure food is important. The food that we eat generates the forces in our bodies. You might observe that the vegetarian diet of herbivorous animals such as elephants and giraffes contributes to their general calm, whereas meat-eating animals such as lions and fox are restless.

3. Pranayama is channeling our Prana by controlling the breath. We have a thin canal called Sushumna which starts at the bottom of the spine and ends at the crown of head. Kundalini energy lies dormant at the bottom of Sushumna. Pranayama raises Kundalini. As a result one can experience wonderful powers, joy and visions.

4. Asanas are body postures. This Hatha Yoga is commonly known as “Yoga.”

Asanas make our bodies stronger and help us sit longer while meditating.

Asanas purify our bodies and help us live longer.

5. Pratyahara is concentration to control our senses.

6. Dharana is the next level of concentration. One focuses on an external or an internal object. Chanting a word like “Aum” (pronounced as “Om”) is an example.

7. Dhyana is the next higher level of concentration called meditation. Meditation is a single stream of unbroken concentration. We focus continuously on an internal object or observe bodily sensations or observe our breath.

8. Samadhi is the final stage of enlightenment, where one is in a thought-free state. In this state, ego is not attached to the Self. It is the super-conscious state. In this stage the yogi is enlightened.

Most religions say, “Know thyself.” Wouldn’t it be wonderful to remove suffering, experience natural joy and know ourselves? Lao Tsu said, “Knowing others is wisdom.

Knowing self is enlightenment.” Doing asanas is a great start. However, to experience permanent bliss, the ancient path of yoga offers much more than asanas.

Ashok Nalamalapu of Sadhana (The Meditation Center), South Portland www.sadhaname.com can be reached at ashok@sadhaname.com. Sadhana’s Purpose is serving all people in finding real and permanent happiness through spiritual practices such as meditation and chanting. People of all faiths and socio-economic backgrounds are welcome.

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t he 2 1 s t c e n tur y b oh em i a n

Applying Wisdom of the Past to an Emerging Future: A Conversation with Angeles Arrien ~ Part One

by Teresa Piccari

When you find the courage to change at midlife a miracle happens.

Your character is opened, deepened, strengthened, softened.

You return to your soul’s highest values. ...Angeles Arrien in The Second Half of Life: Opening the Eight Gates of Wisdom As the Baby Boomers have begun their walk of elder-hood, our young American culture is populated by an unprecedented number of over 50 adults who have an opportunity to combine wisdom of the past with emotional and spiritual maturity to make a rich legacy imprint and fuel a rapidly evolving human consciousness.

The work of Angeles Arrien, Ph.D., provides a guide and models for how we can make a difference in not only our own lives, but for the collective American and universal cultures.

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As a cultural anthropologist, author, educator and president of the Foundation for Cross-Cultural Education and Research, she lectures and conducts workshops bridging cultural anthropology, psychology and comparative religions.

Recently, I spoke with Arrien by phone from Sausalito, California. Here is the edited text of our interview: TP: Since we were in contact over a year ago, I have read your books The Second Half of Life and have been working with The Nine Muses, which is a lot to digest.

AA: Yes, it’s a lot to take in. Working with one of those Muses, let alone nine!

TP: What are you working on now?

AA: I’m putting together a little book on gratitude. The book will be out in the fall of 2011. The tapes have been out for a year. Both are by Sounds True.

TP: Ego is a topic that comes up so much in the spiritual books available today and along our spiritual path. It’s really become a dirty word.

AA: Yes, that’s true. And it’s so necessary!

TP: That’s the thing! We wouldn’t get out of bed in the morning. We wouldn’t get a project done if it weren’t for ego. I’m rethinking this whole thing about ego. I’m thinking it’s more like the shadow and we have to figure out how to manage and integrate it, not eradicate it.

AA: Oh absolutely.

TP: So you don’t think ego is such a dirty word?

AA: Ego is not a dirty word. In fact to spiritually develop we have to have a well-defined ego or we’re going to take ego into our spiritual work.

And then we go into spiritual pride and we become detached from recognizing the inner and outer are not separated in many ways. I don’t see ego as a dirty word or something we should lock in the closet, or kill. But I do see that we have a different relationship to it in different times of our life.

TP: So we have to shift our relationship with it?

AA: I think the ego, especially in the first half of life, is absolutely essential to manifest our gifts and talents and to get a sense of self. The spiritual traditions of the world talk about the two great callings or two great vocations. The first great calling is around our work, our contribution, around our gifts and talents. And that involves ego, which is really the assemblage of beginning to understand Who I Am and Who I Am Not in relationship to What I Do. The second great calling is the discovery of Who I Am beyond What I Do, beyond my interests and beyond my roles, which usually starts after 50 years of age. And that’s when ego goes into the passenger seat or the back seat and is not the driver. It’s still there, as a part of the team, and the navigator, but it’s not the driver. The first half of life is really about ambition, in the most positive sense of the word. The second half of life is about meaning.

TP: Can you give some examples of positive aspects of the ego and aspects that need work?

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AA: There are healthy parts of ego and there are unhealthy parts of ego. The unhealthy parts of ego are the over-identification with it. An unhealthy pride, for instance, which is the need to look good, to have it together. To do right, be right.

And a high investiture of being seen in a certain way – are all unhealthy forms of pride. But the ego is invested in looking good and having it together, especially in the first half of life. In the second half of life, it’s willing to temper itself but not easily. We put it in the backseat but it still wants control of the driving wheel. It’s really about taking a look at what has heart and meaning, which developmentally is part of the second half of life. There is such a shift from ambition to meaning, from doing to being, acquisition to divestiture, quantity to quality, from me to we.

A healthy ego is one that is willing to change and grow and develop. To incorporate our not being so identified with our interiority or our exteriority. We’re not so identified with our spiritual work that it becomes egodriven or we’re not so identified with our external accomplishments that we’re ego-driven. The healthy ego is engaged in allowing our gifts and talents to grow, to flourish in a way that we’re not over-attached to it but that we learn and grow from it. And the same is true in our spiritual work, when we’re doing internal work, that we’re not over-identified or measuring what we’re doing or not doing with our spiritual growth or development, or character development.

TP: In your book The Second Half of Life you take readers on a journey through eight gates of wisdom or initiation that take hold around 50 and see us through death. You demonstrate the tasks, challenges and gifts available as we pass through each stage, if we are willing to do the work.

AA: Yes, it’s really about the development of personhood.

I love what Oscar Wilde said about understanding who we are. ‘You might as well be yourself because everybody else is taken.’ Until we’re ourselves, we can’t really access truth or our authentic voice.

TP: Who are your mentors? The last Irish author John O’Donohue wrote an exquisite Foreword to The Second Half of Life and I know Joseph Campbell was an inspiration. But who would you say are your mentors?

AA: My very first mentors, the very best of me, are the best of my parents and my grandparents. They were my first great mentors and really informed my values and my personhood. Along the way Margaret Mead was certainly a mentor, Joseph Campbell was certainly a mentor, Houston Smith. Various religions have been mentors. Every participant that I’ve had in my workshops has been somebody that I’ve totally learned from. I don’t think there’s been a case where I haven’t been formed by every person who’s crossed my path.

TP: What about the ancestral lineage whom we did not know in this material world?

AA: Well, there’s not a culture in the world that doesn’t honor the ancestors, the ones who have gone long before us. The great grandfathers and grandmothers.

TP: How would you suggest, a practical way for people to tap into that ancestral heritage at this period in time?

AA: One of the blessings of this time is with genealogy, we have more access to records than ever. We can go back at least five generations in different parts of the world and especially now with DNA research. But basically, the ancestors are always there. We stand on the shoulders of our ancestors. We are not able to do what we do without our ancestors. And many traditional cultures believe that our male ancestry stands on our right and our female ancestry stands on our left. They stand behind us saying maybe this will be the one who will bring forward the good, true and beautiful for all the past generations. Or maybe this one will be the one who will break the harmful family patterns or harmful cultural patterns. Or maybe this one will be the one and we are the one. It’s often interesting to see, who will we be as an ancestor? And who are we, already paving the way for, in future generation? How

7 will we be remembered and honored? What are we doing that will be the first of in our family? The first to graduate from college or the first to get a divorce? What are we paving the way for?

TP: What advice or guidance would you give to people as they turn on their computers and TVs? What well should people be drawing from as all this is playing out and how can they stay grounded?

TP: How would you describe this time period we’re in?

AA: I think it’s important to draw from what has heart and meaning and really work with the three Spinoza (the 15th Century Dutch philosopher) questions.

Somebody asked him how can you track what has meaning in your life? And he said by these three questions: "Who and what inspired me today?" because where I’m still inspired, there’s fire and meaning, "Where did I experience a sense of comfort, peace or balance today?" shows me where I trust. I’m not striving or holding back whenever I have a deep sense of comfort, peace or balance. And then, "What has made me happy today?" Not who’s made me happy cause that’s one of the great illusions – that other people are responsible for our happiness. No one’s responsible for our happiness unless we are responsible for our happiness. But if somebody happens to make me happy, if my children make me happy or if my husband happens to make me happy or my partner makes me happy or a friend makes me happy - that’s frosting on the cake but it’s not the cake. I’ve got to know what makes me happy that’s not relationally dependent. If we stay connected to what has meaning - that will provide sustenance for the soul.

AA: I think it’s a time period where we’re involved in great and creative tensions.

Robert Johnson, the Jungian analyst, in his little book on understanding the shadow, said there will be a time in history where the polarity and the opposition and the paradox is so strong there will be a need to hold the creative tension until a third option, that are much greater than the polarity, the opposition or the paradox, emerges. We’re in that time of holding the creative tension. Most people can’t hold creative tension and host different possibilities, or wait for the third creative option to emerge, without moving to premature solution.

We’re at that time. The creative tension of the (Obama) presidential election was so strong between the two forces. And even now, you know, the cleaning up but also what’s trying to emerge out of the economic downturn? What’s trying to emerge out of the revealed greed? What’s trying to emerge out of the unhealthy masculine and feminine that’s being mirrored colossally by the Mark Sanfords or the Tiger Woods or the Eliot Spitzers. And all the unhealthy feminine that participated in all of that and has taken advantage of all of that monetarily for attention? It’s just interesting how the shadow in our culture is being revealed all over the place. It’s just amazing the unhealthy masculine and the unhealthy feminine – they’re in high comic relief.

Tragically cartoonized. It’s all being cartoonized which is great because it indicates we are breaking the duplicities. You can’t live a duplicit life, you can't have it both ways. And that’s good, it’s healthy that it’s all being revealed.

TP: If we can do the work that we’re being asked to do.

AA: Yes, that we’re being asked to do. Will Wall Street re-scramble to keep the old in place or will there be an opportunity for the new? Will we scramble? – and this is the unhealthy part of the ego, that it always wants to look good, rather than the healthy part of the ego that learns from the mistakes and goes to another standard of effectiveness.

© 2010 Teresa Piccari In our next issue, I will continue my conversation with Angeles Arrien as she shares ideas on the advantages of our Western culture and how we can apply indigenous and perennial wisdom, along with universal truths found in myth. Be well and may you walk in Beauty and Light until then. Visit Arrien online at www.AngelesArrien.com

Teresa Piccari is a writer and teacher living in coastal Maine. She is the proprietor of The Village Scribe, a professional writing and editing business, at The Wellness Center in Camden at 71 Elm St. She teaches writing workshops, including Memoir, Creative Writing and Mythic Structure, and leads the monthly Ducktrap Writers’ Round Table on third Sundays at the Camden Public Library. Contact Teresa at The21sCenturyBohemian@hotmail.com or (207) 344-7070.

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The Thirteenth Moon

Susan Bakaley Marshall ATR-BC, LCPC board-certified art therapist, licensed clinical counselor, Shamanic practitioner

ART from the heART

Art Therapy & Shamanism Studio ~ a light-filled circular sacred space surrounded by fields and trees ~

• Shamanic journeys and healings • Soul retrieval • Individuals • Groups • Classes (207) 589-3063 moonarts@gmail.com

We Hope That You Enjoy This Issue of

Inner Tapestry!

June/July 2010 Inner Tapestry 7

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m od er n sham an i c l i v i n g

The Music Of The Super Strings

by Evelyn C. Rysdyk

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hen I first began my exploration of shamanism over three decade ago, I found that the ethnographic characterizations of the shamanic state of consciousness sometimes described experiences of light, pulses or other worldly sounds. I later realized from my own firsthand explorations that these words were the shamans’ attempts to convey how their ordinary perception of reality was shifted while shamanizing.

When I have asked tribal shamans to describe their experiences, they describe the spiritual realm as being light-filled or having sounds as its essential framework.

Since, without form, reality is certainly difficult to describe, metaphors like “light” or “sound” are used to relate the experience of a vibrational world. From the worldview of the new physics, Superstring Theory asserts that all matter is the result of infinitesimal, vibrating strings.

Each different waveform or vibration, produces a different kind of subatomic particle.

Curiously, Quantum Theory also suggests that when these infinitesimal bits of reality are observed they change how they behave! The keystone of this theory is that there is no phenomenon—no reality, until it is observed! This “Observer Effect” implies that the physical Universe is the direct result of “consciousness.” I think of consciousness as our nonphysical experience of Self. It is the conglomerate of our enlivening essence (spirit) and the continual expressions of our thoughts and our feelings.

So, the shift of perception that a shaman experiences allows him or her to see, feel and/or hear glimpses of the throbbing fabric of vibration that creates all matter. More importantly, this kind of personal revelatory experience transforms the individual. Once someone has been granted a peek into the nature of reality and begins to work within this realm, it becomes more difficult to hold old, limiting beliefs about what is “real.” Since vibrations continue to shape the form of matter—that is, continuously creating our physical world—it becomes increasing impossible to say anything is “fixed” or permanent. In my experience, the nonordinary experiences of reality that are inherently a part of the shamanic journey and other shamanic methods, can actually begin to transform the way a shaman perceives ordinary reality—if they allow it to happen.

What a shaman sees in the world, who they meet, and what they experience becomes so much more precious as their hearts begin to more clearly grasp the fundamentally transient state of it all. A kind of poignant sweetness and deep sense of awe about Nature, humanity, and the larger cosmos grows within the shaman.

This initial transformation is useful. Since if our consciousness truly changes reality through observation—it implies that we have a spectacular responsibility to become more and more intentional about the quality of our consciousness. The natural shifts that occur through exposure to the non-ordinary can become joined with a desire to make the changes we create in the weave reality’s fabric to be ones that heal, nurture and sustain Life.

It takes lifelong practice and persistence to transform thoughts about ourselves and the world around us. This usually means changing the beliefs we hold which arose in our earliest moments in life. These beliefs are held in the conscious mind where they are easier to change and also in the unconscious mind where they are sometimes illusive. In these cases, we can look to our dreams, notice how we regard ourselves, the people we interact with and the situations in which we find ourselves. Using a sort of loving scrutiny on our dreams, our life and behaviors, we can become aware of discrepancies between how we consciously desire to perceive the world and how we actually view the world unconsciously! This can support getting a handle on what needs more attention from us to be able to take a more positive direction.

Those who have committed themselves to the path in earnest, tend their inner landscape with the passion of a dedicated gardener! The “weeds” of old prejudices

and thoughts get lovingly turned into compost, the tender shoots of new perception get supported through visits to the helpful spirits in nature, through communities of companionable souls and by journeys into the realms of spirit. At the center of the inner landscape, the heart is given more and more room to spread its deepening roots.

In turn, the heart nurtures everything it touches.

This inner experience is at once highly personal but is also dynamic as it is also affected by our interactions with other beings. Our interactions have an impact upon others, which in turn, impacts us. This creates further opportunities to notice and transform ourselves in a never-ending, marvelous circle. It becomes a delightful game of learning and growing—nurturing and healing. Through being an observer and thereby a creator, the nurturance and healing we experience, of course, affects the world too.

Our entire life becomes one of intricately interwoven, mutually impacting relationships.

Perhaps because I am an extrovert, I seek companions with whom I can share my life. These beings help to mirror my reality as it shifts and give me opportunities to “walk my talk” and help reveal the places inside of me that still require attention.

In turn, I provide the same “service” to them through the framework of Reverent Participatory Relationship. This phrase is what my friends at True North and I use to describe a way of interaction.

It implies feeling and expressing a profound respect or veneration as well as a willingness to show consideration or appreciation. Secondly, it is participatory in that we engage in what the MerriamWebster Dictionary of Law defines as, “the action or state of taking part in something: as in association with others in a relationship or an enterprise usually on a formal basis with specified rights and obligations.” In this context, the “obligation” may be seen, at least partially, as intending to remain considerate and respectful.

The Quechua-speaking pacos or shaman-healers of the high Andes refer to this idea of mutual, respectful interaction as ayni, which is translated as “sacred reciprocity.” They believe that this state of being—which must be always monitored and lovingly attended to—is the basis for health and well-being. By referring to this mutually beneficial interchange as sacred, it helps us to understand that there is a kind of holiness to being in right relationship. In other words, the implication is that, when we interact in this manner, we are somehow more in alignment with the fundamental framework of existence. And if the ideas of Quantum Physics are true, we are also perpetually participating in the continual recreation of that framework.

While all of this may sound terribly heavy, it doesn’t have to be. Instead it is possible to cultivate an attitude of loving kindness and even a childlike playfulness—remembering to always keep the heart at the center. This way of being has been true of the tribal shamans with whom I have studied.

For instance, ninety-four-year-old, Ulchi shaman, Grandfather Misha gave fully and freely of his heart in ceremony, but also in the simple interactions we shared. Through a remarkable set of circumstances, I had the pleasure of taking care of him during our time together. Since it was unbearably hot that week with temperatures above 100ºF, we spent a good deal of time just sitting together in the shade. While neither of us spoke the others' languages, he and I communed easily from our hearts. He spoke in the Ulchi language about the trees and birds, and I spoke about all of it in English and somehow we understood each other. Through this bond, we developed a depth of trust that was extraordinarily immediate and profound. We were laughing and sharing together as if we had known each other for years! This connection also gave me the opportunity to provide a level of caring usually reserved for my own family members.

For example, he allowed me to wash his face, neck and chest with a cool, damp cloth, which I fetched when I noticed he was beginning to get overheated and later on he asked me to administer his eye drops. Even though we’d never bet before that week, our heart connection made our time together joyful and easy.

A kind of poignant sweetness and deep sense of awe about Nature, humanity, and the larger cosmos grows within the shaman.

8 Inner Tapestry June/July 2010

9 While much younger, Fredy “Puma” Quispe Singona, a paco from Peru, is also someone who “comes from the heart.” He weeps easily when talking about his beloved Pachamama/Mother Earth and is very active in supporting people in his community in the same spirit as he cares for his son, his wife and larger family. His own grandfather, Don Maximo Quispe, used to say during ceremonies that the first thing one should put into a gratitude offering was one’s heart. Puma continually places his heart forward in the world and in essence makes all of his life a sacred ceremony.

AiChurek, a fiery Tuvan shaman with whom I’ve studied, was as passionate about having gotten paid pregnancy leaves for all the shamans in her government's licensed clinics, as she was about performing an offering ceremony, teaching or a administering healing. She told us that she felt that her role as a shaman was to take good care of all beings—behaving lovingly as one would with a friend.

Another person who embodies a heart-centered and loving way of being is my friend Bhola Banstola. He is a twenty-seventh generation shaman from Nepal who will be again living with my partner and I for a week this month. As I have witnessed over the several years we’ve been fortunate to know him—he also maintains the same loving attitude while he is praying, ironing his costume, eating, shopping and trying to pack his suitcase.

Shamans like Bhola and the ones I’ve mentioned above, have all internalized a humble and grateful way of being in the world that is a treat to experience. Each in his or her way, recognizes that they are tickling the Super Strings that form the physical world. The same is true for us all and the resulting “music” we experience is up to us! © 2010 Evelyn C. Rysdyk Nationally recognized shaman teacher/healer, speaker, and author of Modern Shamanic Living: New Explorations of an Ancient Path, Evelyn C. Rysdyk delights in supporting people to remember their sacred place in All That Is. Whether through face-to-face contact with individual patients, workshop groups and conference participants, or through the printed word—Evelyn uses her loving humor and passion to open people’s hearts and inspire them to live more joyful, fulfilling and purposeful lives. In joint practice with Allie Knowlton as Spirit Passages, her web site is www.spiritpassages.com.

Evelyn and Allie will be hosting Bhola June 26th and 27th, during that time he will be offering a wonderful workshop and performing individual healings. Bhola's workshop is open to all with a working knowledge of shamanic journeying. For more information see Bhola's ad on the back cover. Register for the workshop and to book an individual healing, please contact Spirit Passages: www.spiritpassages.com (207) 846-6829.

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10

ON THE COVER

Risk To Blossom

by Breah Livolsi Parker

This issue we would like to introduce to you the work of Breah Livoist Parker.

As an accomplished artist and writer, Breah brings to the world an uplifting message with all that she does. She is an author and illustrator and for more than 11 years creator of verbalremedies.com. Her website features her blog on the Home page, as well as ecards, magnets and a very special poster "The Earth Pledge of Allegiance" with part of each sale gifted to organizations who make the Earth Pledge.

Check out www.peaceandloveforall.com, the site dedicated to practical ideas, projects and support of "The Earth Pledge of Allegiance"—bringing the pledge into action.

Her blogs are as inspiring as her art. As she writes on her website "The intention of the blog is to encourage a conversation of inspiration to live the hell out of life... literally. Hell in this life is not living the truth of oneself."

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As most of us are on this journey of self-discovery, Breah has made this journey alive with her expressions. Her passion is to find the self that has been hiding inside, and live it from the inside out. This passion expands into sharing her experiences, in support of others in their journey of self reclamation, through her work and public speaking engagements.

Her book, Dare To Dream, some may recognize as a light for those who wish to celebrate the love of life and the universal truth that we are all one as we are reminded to take on "an attitude of gratitude." The dedication of Dare to Dream says it all. It is dedicated to her children, and the feeling of the entire world, Be who you are... it is more than enough!

Breah's next step... She is finding a place for Verbal Remedies on public air to share words of wisdom and encouragement, as well as, presenting inspiring guests and co-hosts.

As a yoga therapist in private practice, graphic designer, mother, grandmother, artist, writer, public speaker, and creator Breah shows us that when you let your light shine, beam it out into the world, you can watch all your dreams come true. Even through life's challenges.

I asked if she would like to share a written expression of the inspiration for the cover artwork, Risk To Blossom, the following is from Breah, enjoy.

Get Up and Go Out And the day came when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.

That day has come. Last night I found myself beginning to sink into a chair in my living room, thinking about being alone (i.e. without a relationship). Tears began to flow as I talked to the forces of creation. Asking the question – why?

My very own why question to God. And what can I do about it? The answer wasn’t sitting in the chair and crying on a Friday night. I called a few friends to bring me back to the present.

That’s what friends do. Friends help friends be present.

This is evidence of my tendency to spin out on a thought and create a big picture, lapping it up as if it were truth when I did not really know that it was absolutely so. I experience it and it becomes my experience. This time I got my behind up off the chair and looked into the mirror to assess the damage of the tears. Not too bad—A little Visine, a little water, a little makeup. Brush my teeth.

Drink and bring some water. I was goin’ out. And I did, even though as I did I was hoping for rescue—Someone to go with. No one came. I went anyhow.

The pain of staying home and wallowing in what I did not have was greater than stepping out on my own. I went out and walked into and out of town alone.

Facing the pain of not having a relationship and stepping into a different way of viewing the situation of my life. Perhaps it is all perfectly fine and right that I am alone in the world for the moment. Perhaps it is all perfectly fine and right that I continue to move through my life for quite a while longer borrowing entry into other people’s lives.

Because I got up and went out, the first person I saw was a dear friend who I haven’t seen for months. It was like going home to see her face and that of her husband. Because I got up and went out, I saw a few other friends and had an uplifting evening. Did I come home any different? Yes. Changed because I changed my experience. Purposefully. I got up and went out. It’s not feeling monumental, simply one step closer to a full experience of myself and this world and other beings in it.

To paraphrase Michael Franti’s lovely song, One Step Closer To Me. Stepping into me. A voice inside me says wait. Stay safe snuggly in the comfort of what has been, no matter how painful the story. AND… the other voice saying to change up what I normally do. That voice was louder. It won. I won in listening to it.

And the day came when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom. ~ Anais Nin Among so many other things, Breah Livolsi Parker is the author and illustrator of Verbal Remedies™ for your soul. Inspiration to be who you are… it is so much more than enough! Visit Breah’s site verbalremedies.com to read her blog, telling the stories of her life, and offering inspiration for yours. Thank

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10 Inner Tapestry June/July 2010

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you Breah!

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11

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12

lov ing e ar th

Growing Our Own Food: The Magic Ingredient

by Pat Foley

T

he humble farmer struggled with his boney soil and stunted plants, despairing of ever growing enough to feed his family. He had no idea what to do to improve matters, this being long before the time of garden supply centers or computers and world-wide-web accessible information. In the farmer’s time, if a person were lucky, he had good soil, his plants grew and he prospered. If not… well, maybe he starved. Life, although sometimes harsh, was simple and direct.

This farmer had not been lucky. His soil, what there was of it, was filled with rocks and between the rocks there was nothing much but sand. He had worked hard, but the results were sorely disappointing. He wondered if there was any future at all in continuing. What could he do that he had not tried already?

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It was then, right at that moment, the Compost Deva materialized in his garden. The air in front of the farmer shimmered and got very bright, and there she was. She was large, dark brown and beautiful. She radiated good health and smelled of earth warmed by the sun after a long soaking rain. The farmer was somewhat frightened by her appearance, but she did nothing threatening, so his fear eased a bit and he managed to ask her what was happening.

She explained that his persistence and hard work had not gone unnoticed and that it had been determined he should have help. She had come to show him how to make his poor soil healthy and his plants flourish. In exchange, he was to share this information with others.

The first thing she explained to him was that he could learn a great deal by studying the world around him, the natural world, in which all things had a place and a purpose; in which every single thing was in relationship with every other thing.

She suggested he study those relationships and told him about the great cycle of birth, growth and decay, which lead then to rebirth and the continuation of the cycle. Specifically she asked the farmer to consider the leaves of the trees; their spring growth, summer lives, and death in the fall. The Compost Deva then pointed out that the dead leaves decayed and, in decaying, added nourishment to the soil which helped the trees grow yet another crop of leaves.

This, she explained, was where she came into the picture, holding the energetic pattern for the magical transformation of apparently dead stuff into future life. “This”, she told the farmer, “is what you are going to do to transform your pathetically malnourished and over-used soil into healthy, life supporting earth. You are going to make compost, but much more quickly than the trees and leaves and all the little bugs that help with that process can. You are going to stop always taking from the earth and begin to develop a new way of being in relationship with her. You are going to begin sharing. You will both take and give back. Although there are many ways of going about this, simple is probably best in the beginning.”

The Compost Deva pointed out to the farmer a level spot in the sun on a slight rise, where it seemed safe to assume water would not collect nor roots of trees intrude.

There she told him to begin by marking out two areas, each no smaller than four feet by four feet. He might enclose these areas with some of the many rocks at hand, just to keep things tidy. Then he could choose one of the two areas and place some dead branches that were half an inch to an inch in diameter crisscross at the bottom of what would become his first compost pile. The sticks would allow good air circulation. Then, bit-by-bit, as appropriate vegetation became available, she instructed the farmer to layer brown plant material with green and juicy plant matter, adding a little dirt as he went along, making a pile. If the farmer had kept animals, she would have told him to add their soiled bedding and manure to his pile 12 Inner Tapestry June/July 2010

as well. She suggested he think of building each pile as making an offering to his future vegetables, a layer cake for the green and growing ones in his garden.

The brown material, dead leaves, pine needles, plant stalks and other vegetative matter, would add carbon to the pile. These items she told the farmer to moisten with water as he included them. The green and juicy things; grass, green leaves, spoiled fruit and table scraps would supply nitrogen. The dirt would contain microorganisms and macro-organisms necessary to the composting process. As the pile grew, the farmer might keep the center area slightly lower than the sides to catch and hold rain to help keep his pile properly moist. Not soggy, moist. If there were a great deal of rain, he might cover the top to keep the pile from getting too wet. When the pile grew to a height of four or five feet, he could begin a new one. Perhaps each one would take a whole growing season to complete.

The first thing she explained to him was that he could learn a great deal by studying the world around him...

The first pile would slowly continue to decompose over the winter and throughout the following season while the farmer built his second pile. The following spring, it would be ready to use. By then the pile, which the farmer would discover had settled quite a bit lower than it had been upon completion, would contain dark and rich material, with a pleasant earthy smell. Any uncomposted sticks could be separated out and placed on the bottom of his next pile. Each growing season he was to repeat this process. After the first two years, there would be a mature pile waiting for him each spring, right when he would need it most.

“This” the Deva said, “is a bit slower than some methods, but very reliable. Remember, people laughed at Tortoise as he plodded along, but also remember it was not the flashy overstimulated hare who won the race.”

The finished compost was to be added to the farmer’s gardens. Because his soil was so poor, he could mix it right into the ground with a gardening fork to a depth of six to eight inches. There it would supply nutrients, add good texture to the soil and organic material to absorb and hold moisture for his crops. In time, as the soil improved, he could add just a few inches of the finished compost to the surface of his garden each growing season.

He could also make a special brew by soaking a shovel full of compost, wrapped in porous material like burlap, in a covered bucket of water. After a few days he might use the resulting “tea” to soak the soil at the base of certain plants or dilute the liquid until it became the color of weak tea and then spray it on leaves to help his plants grow. After several batches of “tea” the compost, minus the burlap, could be added to the garden soil.

“You will do these things, and you will be pleased with the results” the Compost Deva told the farmer. “Not only will you improve your impoverished soil, you will be sequestering carbon as you garden in this way. Furthermore, you will be able to pass along your land to the next generation in far better shape than you received it.”

The farmer did as the Deva had instructed and he was pleased. Each year his soil improved, the gardens grew nourishing food, his family became healthy and they prospered. The Earth was also pleased and all was well for many, many years. © Pat Foley, 2010

Pat Foley composts just outside of Cornish, Maine. She is the owner of Earthrest, a retreat center operating on solar power, which offers gathering space for groups and individuals. The underlying focus of Earthrest is on following Gandhi’s advice to be the change we wish to see in the world. You may contact Pat at earthrest@psouth or (207) 625-4179.

13

Awareness and the Art of Seeing: Contemplations on the environment and interconnection

by Jen Deraspe

Bird's Play

June/July 2010 Inner Tapestry 13

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Jen Deraspe, is the founder of Nurture Through Nature, an eco-retreat center in Denmark, Maine. Jen is a certified yoga instructor, a licensed Maine guide, and a certified coach and facilitator of The Work of Byron Katie. She has been leading holistic nature retreats since 1999. www.ntnretreats.com, (207) 452-2929.

It felt sweet to take a moment to swing in the hammock and gaze at the treetops, watching how the wind dances through the branches. A pair of tree swallows came into view, circling and darting under an amazing blue sky. Their sounds and synchronized flashing movements drew me in. As the sun shown on their deep blue backs, I was mesmerized at what seemed to be joy manifested.

Unexpectedly, the lead swallow found her way head first into a picture window on the meetinghouse. She dropped to the deck face down. Her mate circled above her, making a pleading sound as if asking, “Are you ok?” There was no response. It got very quiet and still, such contrast from a moment earlier when such vibrant sounds and movement were surrounding me.

Everything was perfect and then “life happened” and it all appeared to change. Mind would say so. It seemed the bird had died and so did this pair’s chance to bring new life into this season.

When have I been going along swimmingly, then a sudden change happens and I get knocked off course? The example that comes to mind is when “my” partner decided to move out after 9 years of marriage. My picture window was the belief that we would last forever, just as the swallow believed the glass was open space. I, too, slammed right into it, falling face down. My mind argues with what is happening at times, until I realize how Life is happening for me. My job is to trust what is happening and even find love for it.

I slowly walked over to where the bird lay to check on her... only to find she had flown off and was still alive! All was well. The next morning, I saw them darting through the sky again, going about their lives, building the nest inside the birdhouse, and being the joy they are. This was such an amazing model to me, just a beautiful expression how Life is friendly and will always Live through us.

I found my way through the sudden life change and have begun a new life that I am grateful for. No matter how it turns out, no matter what my opinion in the moment, there is always good to be found in this kind and friendly universe~ lesson I still need reminders for. Thank you tree sparrows.

14

d estina tio n h e al i n g ~ s ou t h e r n n ew en g l a n d

Creating Good Vibrations in Significant Relationships

by Karen M. Rider

Griswold, Connecticut

R

ecently, my spouse and I were mired in arguing over everything. From quirky—sometimes irritating—things we usually accept to far more serious issues, we just couldn’t climb out of the depths and onto common ground.

Couples fight—sometimes fairly and sometimes, like this last one of ours, not at all. We pushed blame back and forth like a hot potato! Neither of us seemed willing to drop it, nor take possession of it. The vibration around us was definitely not good.

So, it was synchronistic that my assignment for this issue brought me to Donna Baker-Gilroy, PsyD, LPC and David Gilroy, PsyD, LPC, co-authors of Transforming Relationships: Come as You Are (Hatchet Hill Publishing, 2009).

Driving to their office in West Hartford, I couldn’t help but think about how things were (and were not) going in my relationship. I was truly aghast to realize that I sounded just like my mother/father.

Perhaps, like me, many of you made the promise to be different from your parents. You vowed to have a different – better – relationship with your significant partner than what you observed of your parents. Just as I have, you probably have discovered that it takes a lot of work to manifest a different relationship, one that is more joyful, fulfilling, passionate.

Why is that?

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In the Therapists’ Office “It’s an impossible promise to keep [to ourselves],” says David, “Because part of what happens in childhood is that we take in whole the climate in the home. This is the process of attachment.”

Donna elaborates, “This [attachment period] is the basis on which a person organizes themselves physically, emotionally and spiritually at the one point in time when they were most vulnerable and most dependent—childhood.”

“What does that have to do with the here and now?” I asked.

Out of my subconscious, the wisdom I hold as a mother shines a bright light: Children see things as they really are and some children are bold enough to give voice to what adults want to repress.

“As children, we [may have] learned that to stay safe and to feel a sense of belonging in the family we had to alter our view of things in order to see only what was acceptable [to our parents]. The desire to feel that we belong and are loved no matter what, goes with us from childhood into adulthood. Only now, we’re adults carrying around the ‘then’ of our early life experiences—what was safe to feel, express or even to see.”

“So, mentally, we carry around a child’s perception while tackling adult needs and responsibilities,” I suggest.

“Well into our adult lives, each of us is still deeply impacted by childhood—it’s where we learned how to be in relationship with others. The experiences, the feelings and behaviors that are just like our parents or what was acceptable to our parents are not just stored as memories in the mind but in the body and spirit, as well,” Donna clarifies.

David adds, “It’s not that our parents were ‘bad’ people; they carried forth the ways they were treated and what they learned about relationships. [There comes a point] when each of us needs help unhooking from those perceptions and patterns that no longer serve our highest potential.”

“No matter where you are in a relationship, you don’t have to change anything about who you are. People are always trying to disown, disregard, and depress parts of themselves and their past,” Donna shares, “David and I say, Come as you are—it’s really okay.”

The Philosophy of Transforming Relationships After more than 20 years counseling individuals, couples and families, Donna and David developed a philosophy that embraces the tenets of Western and Eastern Psychology, in particular Buddhist Psychology, Body Centered Gestalt Therapy, and Attachment Theory. The principles of conflict management and emerging scientific theories also influence their work. They help clients step out of the cycle of blaming (one’s self, one’s partner or one’s parents) and step into to a place of loving compassion, understanding, appreciation and acceptance of feelings, dreams, perceptions and experiences—their own and their partner’s.

“Everything about who you are, who I am, is recyclable. We don’t need to throw out any of it. We do need to learn how to accept all aspects of who we are and 14 Inner Tapestry June/July 2010

to understand the myriad ways that we attempt to reject and defend old ways of feeling, doing and being.”

“It is possible to step out of blame into responsibility,” David chimes in, “When two people experience safe attachment in a relationship, the dynamic of that relationship changes.”

A dynamic, loving energy fills the space between the two therapists. It’s clear to me that they practice what they preach, even in the midst of their own fighting, as David illustrates.

“The other day,” he begins, “the fire alarm went off, even though there was no fire. It happens often in this old building. One of my administrative duties is to deal with the fire department. They weren’t happy to be here again, for a false alarm. In the midst of this, Donna approached me with a question. I snapped at her. All of us have these moments.”

“It’s what you do when you are in these moments and what you are able to bring awareness to as you move through them that matters,” Donna elaborates, “I felt hurt by David’s reaction. Was I not in a centered place myself at that moment, I most likely would have retaliated. And there we would be, verbally shoving at one another over nothing, really.”

Donna and David go on to talk about their own woundedness, a term they use to describe the negative childhood experiences, laden with fear, that we carry into adulthood and that influences adult behavior.

“How did the fight end?” I inquire.

“I was able to respond to David with awareness for where he was in that moment. I stepped out of the fight by not pushing back at him. This diffused the negative energy that rose when he snapped at me and triggered my woundedness. Later in the day, David apologized.”

“And Donna gracefully forgave me,” David laughs.

“You are saying when a couple—or, even just one of them—holds a place of loving acceptance, they should be able to respond to one another from a place of love (positive energy), rather than from fear (negative energy) and this changes the fight,” I modestly suggest.

“Whenever our hearts open to love, we can also feel whatever wounds our hearts have endured and that’s where fear resides,” states David.

“What is the most common source of fear for partners in a relationship?” I ask.

“The fear of losing the other,” Donna responds. It seems too simple.

“Most people share the same fear but for different reasons—reasons rooted in childhood. Children want to be safely attached to the family. This need for safety continues throughout life in all of our relationships, most especially intimate relationships. If the fear that we will lose the other whom we have come to love is strong enough, then we behave in ways that the child inside us thinks will prevent that most feared outcome.”

“So, we’re grown-ups acting within the worldview of childhood experience?” I ask David.

“Yes. We’re all capable of suddenly being triggered, fearing we’ll lose our most precious relationship. Sadly, out of our defensiveness, we actually co-create the loss we so desperately want to avoid.”

Tandem Couples Therapy Unique to David and Donna’s approach is the opportunity to work in tandem with a couple. This unique arrangement increases safety for the clients. It also allows these two skilled therapists to see how various issues affect each person in the relationship. While the influence of childhood experiences is significant, the focus is on the present-moment.

“In the present, we explore the issues, that brought a client or couple to us,’ David explains, “Past experience surfaces in an organic way. At some point, one or the other partner usually says, ‘You’re just like your mother’ and it’s not a compliment.

“The past comes along with us, into the present, whether we are aware of it or not. If we raise our awareness, we can bring understanding and compassion to our fears, our need for control…” “. . . and, we can change the choreography of ‘the fight.’” Donna finishes David’s sentence and they smile at one another.

“Meaning?”

15 “In every relationship, fighting serves a function. Typically, [during a fight] a couple pushes blame back and forth,” David says.

In my mind’s eye, I see my husband and me pushing the invisible ‘hot potato’ at each other.

“Regardless of the topic, every fight has the same choreography, the same negative energy or vibration.”

“It’s very toxic,” adds Donna, “The fight masks their real fears—the real issues.”

How to unmask the real issues?

Beginning Anew The answer is in a process, Beginning Anew, which they teach their clients. Beginning Anew incorporates conflict resolution as taught by Thich Nhat Hanh with the knowledge that healthy couples, when they do argue, are still able to show an appreciation for one another and show a commitment to being aware of their impact on one another. In the example David gave of the fire alarm incident, the major elements of this process are evident (see side bar).

Beginning Anew allows the responsible adult within the client to support the places of hurt that exist in them from childhood. It involves bringing non-judgmental awareness and compassion to feelings that arise during a conflict and engaging their partner without blame. The process reminds us that each is responsible for his or her feelings and actions. Ultimately, it teaches us how to resolve conflict without blaming, and with positive energetic vibration.

Who Is In Therapy Now? Over the past 15 to 20 years, the biggest change that Donna and David have observed in couples lives is the invasiveness of technology. It adds stress. Overall, though, the reason couples come to therapy hasn’t changed: They’ve reached an impasse.

“Also, there is more respect and this is especially true for men.” David adds.

“We see many older couples with long marriages coming for help. They are on the brink of divorce.”

“Why?” “It seems that couples in this situation have been living parallel lives. Many have lived so much around their children, that they were distracted from the core issues, weak links in their relationship. They don’t know how to relate to each other to deal with those issues.”

Donna is called away for a client appointment. David and I chat for a few more minutes about successful relationships and parenting.

“We’ve seen people move mountains,” he beams.

“Some clients really surprised us. They rediscovered one another, were willing to learn new ways to cope and to be present for one another and their children. They learn to truly live a relationship.”

“Two people committed to making peace understand that good relationships will include fights, feeling bad and tapping one’s fears. Knowing that our closest human companion is willing to appreciate, love and try to understand us, is the greatest gift we can give a partner.

“When you live a relationship in this way, you also give your children the gift that matters the most: attachment to a loving model of relationship.”

Adapted from the book,

Transforming Relationships 1) One partner becomes aware of being entrenched in a fight and disengages: ‘This isn’t helpful. Let’s take a break.’ Negative energy diffused. Partners take time to reflect.

Positive energy is restored.

2) Partners come back together. First partner expresses appreciation for the other, which acts like a shield against negative energy. Next, this partner express regret about lack of skill in the earlier dialogue. For example, during a recent argument, I stated, “I appreciate how organized you are with projects. I’m sorry I wasn’t listening more carefully. I know it bothers you when I act impetuously.”

3) Express feelings experienced without blaming. For example, “When you said I don’t do things the right way, I felt hurt and unappreciated for my efforts.”

4) The other partner gets a turn through steps 1-3. This may go back and forth until each partner feels understood. (My spouse responded: “This project can’t be done piecemeal. I’m sorry I hurt your feelings. Let me share my plan with you.”)

That is the gift that my spouse and I most want to share with our children. Now, I know better how to do it, even when the potato is really hot. © Karen M. Rider 2010

Karen M. Rider, M.A. is a freelance writer specializing in holistic and metaphysical subjects. Her articles, profiles, book reviews and promotional copy appear in local, regional and national publications including Door Opener, Natural Nutmeg, Angels Among Us, Dream Network Journal and The Writer magazine. Karen also writes fiction centered on the awakening of human-spiritual potential. Her first novel is underway. She is co-writing Eating... The Angel Way with intuitive medium Annie Kelleher due to publish in 2010. Karen lives in Cromwell, CT. Learn more: View Portfolio at www.KarenMRider.com, email: KarenMRider@comcast.net or call (860) 638-8140. Visit Karen's Blog: The Writing Parent www.thewritingparent.blogspot.com

Inner Tapestry's New Mailing address

P O Box 122 East Hampton, CT 06424 June/July 2010 Inner Tapestry 15

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“Live a relationship?” I ask.

Resolve a Conflict without Blame

16

wa nder ing s age w i s d o m

Outer Spirit, Inner Soul

Aya Itagaki

by Aaron Hoopes

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Much is said about spirituality these days. We seem to be perpetually searching for ways to become more spiritual in our lives. Yet, as is often the case with concepts such as this, it is rather difficult to actually define what spirituality is. On the one hand, it appears to be the process of merging with the consciousness of the universe as a whole. On the other hand, it seems to be about self-realization and discovering our personal relation with existence. In fact there are two different processes taking place, both of vital importance to a complete understanding of our purpose in this life.

The first process is one of spirit. Spirit flows through all things. This concept is central to the teachings of Taoism. The Tao is all encompassing. It is the flow of energy through everything in existence. Our connection to spirit grows as we cultivate a life that resonates in harmony with this spirit. Rituals and ceremonies honoring spirit leave footprints that open the pathway to spiritual realization. The more we engage in spiritual practices, the more we are able to maintain a sense of spirit in our lives.

The second process is one of soul. Soul resides within each of us. Our soul is the core of pure being, deep within us, that is unique throughout the whole of creation.

Soul gives us the ability to sense, feel and express emotions. It is the spark of individuality that gives us the belief that we can become something better. Soul work is deeply personal and often very challenging. If we are able to perservere in exploring our soul and work through the barriers we have erected within us, we can begin to understand ourselves and where we are going on this journey.

In many holistic/alternative practices spirit and soul are often used interchangeably.

However, here I’d like to separate the two so that we can more fully understand which of the two we need to cultivate at any given time. One concept I find helpful in this discussion is Yin and Yang. Yin and Yang represent the two poles of existence, which are opposite but complementary. The two aspects are in opposition to each other but they are also interdependent. Yin and Yang can be described as dependent opposite forces that must always be in balance. They flow in a natural cycle, one always replacing the other. Each contains the seed of the other, which is why we see a spot of Yin in the Yang segment and vice versa. They do not merely replace each other but actually become each other. Yin implies shady, secret, dark, mysterious and cold while Yang signifies clear, open, bright, fiery and hot.

16 Inner Tapestry June/July 2010

If we look at spirituality through the lens of Yin and Yang we can see that the soul can be thought of as Yin, while the spirit can be imagined as Yang. The soul can be envisioned as a dark, mysterious part of us that lies hidden deep within us.

The spirit can be imagined as a bright light that exists throughout creation which shines upon all things. The two are intimately intertwined. There cannot be one without the other. Soul without spirit is base, dark and destructive, while spirit without soul is shallow, flighty and pointless. They both need to be cultivated in order to bring ourselves into balance.

Soul work is concerned with our relationship to our self. It is about turning our attention inward and discovering that part of ourselves which never sees the light of day. Soul work can take many years and challenge you to the core of your being.

It is a journey down to the depths of the self to hidden places that may not want to be exposed. However, it is vital work. Until we can process our experiences, heal our wounds, and face our fears, we will not be able to know ourselves fully and completely.

For some this is acceptable. Soul work can be painful and traumatic. It is not for everyone. But for those who are truly walking the path of self-realization this work is essential and mandatory.

Spirit work is concerned with our relationship to everything else. It is about turning our attention outward and seeing the light and energy that exists within all things.

Spirit work is primarily about creating a relationship with the natural world. When we have a relationship with the plants and animals they become more than commodities or resources. When we cultivate a relationship with the five elements (Earth, Wood, Fire, Metal, Water) we begin to realize the unbounded energy they posses. When we honor the sun, moon, stars, wind and the four directions we encourage a dialog with them. This dialog is unspoken yet more powerful than any words could be.

Soul work and spirit work can take place simultaneously. Yoga, Tai Chi, Shamanic Healing, Qigong and the meditative arts are all practices that encourage a deepening of soul and expansion of spirit. Cultivating a relationship with the spirit that exists within all things is recognition of the soul, which resides within us, just as exploring the secrets of our soul opens the door to realization of spirit and the connection between all things.

Soul and spirit are intimately connected. We cannot have one without the other or we are simply going through the motions of spirituality.

Wishing you much peace, The Wandering Sage More Wandering Sage Wisdom at: http://wanderingsagewisdom.blogspot.com.

Aaron Hoopes has spent 28 years studying and teaching martial arts, tai chi, yoga and meditation. He is the founder of Zen Yoga and the author of five books. He teaches an Online Personal Development Course for Spiritual Deepening and holds retreats at the Ledge End Retreat and Healing Center in the mountains of Vermont. His best-selling Zen Yoga Daily Warm-Up DVD is a simple method for integrating breath and movement into daily life. Please feel free to contact Aaron: breathe@artofzenyoga.com. Visit the Zen Yoga Website: www.artofzenyoga.com

17

Vanity Word

by Raja

I

was sitting around the breakfast table with my partner’s family, all of us sipping our afternoon cup of coffee, getting a smooth caffeine high. As the sweet black beverage began racing through our blood, the subject of swearing came to topic.

One of the brothers began explaining some of his moral values “I might swear, but I try not to use the Lord’s name in vain” he said.

“You shall not take the name of the Lord, your God, in vain.”

Catholic Holy Bible “You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God...”

The New Oxford Annotated Bible This is the 4th commandment in the Bible. I too, was taught that this commandment means to not swear using the name of Jesus Christ. In that moment it hit me, as obvious as daylight that the commandment ‘do not use the Lord’s name in vain’ has to do with using words of Truth from a place of vanity/ego. Often, so many of us believe an interpretation given to us. Though word vanity is about “ineffectualness; missing what the original intent is, inflated pride in achievement or possessions.” It is fascinating that, in general, we use this commandment to label against swearing versus the deeper meaning of how our ego works. The Truth has nothing to do with a name (Lord); it has to do with what awareness it is pointing to.

The amount of scriptures written about the human ego are many. We all have Truth and ego inside of us. When Truth is heard, a deep resonance happens internally, thus giving weight to the words used and an opportunity for power and control to those persons saying the words. When Constantine changed the Byzantine Empire and formed the first Christian church, the Catholic Church, only the bishops were allowed to have the Bible. The leaders possessed the words of Truth as power.

Simply, Truth can be used for control and power. I believe that is why the 4th commandment was placed in the Bible. Not so much as a “rule” but more as a guide

When people have come into power throughout history and present day, we have seen the ego take over, some more “extreme” than others. Beyond the coveting of scriptures through religions, we have seen Hitler, who believed he was powerful and knew what was best for the Germans and the world, based on his truth. (He was not the first to have this thought) The witch hunt, the crusades, Rwanda, political debates, segregation, slavery, denial of civil rights, religious wars, wars, all justified by what words we label as Truth. We have even used scriptures as a way to support these actions. The guides are not just for people who have a religion; it is for all of us finding Truth and how we use it. Vanity has been used in all religions and in the “non-religions.” This is because the ego is human, across the board without any dividing line of religion, age, or culture.

Exchanging the label Lord with the label Truth, one may be able to find how many of us have used the Truth ‘s name in vain. I can remember when I first started waking up and seeing myself more honestly, I dropped a lot of old beliefs and found deeper truths inside me. In a very asleep way, I believed I knew something. The ego identified that I knew more than others. I found that I would tell people the things I have learned, some out of excitement and a lot out of an ego wanting them to see where they where wrong and I was right, where I was more awake than them, and that I have the Truth... that, my friends, is vanity and using the name of Truth in vain. The ego believed I possessed the Truth, as if we all don’t already possess it, and it was “inflated pride”. Even when a person tells their story and all I offer is advice, even if the advice feels accurate to me, it still could be vanity. It wasn’t until I began waking up to this ego identity that I noticed love allows people to be the “color” they are, appreciate that color, and even more, see that I am their color.

What a clear, simple Truth the 4th commandment is, yet it points to an enormous pattern of the human ego. These spiritual texts have so much depth to them, and the realizing of their depth happens through the experience of the Truth. There is no scripture or person that can give you Truth, it is an experience within that we all get to have in our own way with all the texture Life offers us. All that scriptures, words, and teachers can do is point to Truth.

Much Love and Freedom to All! Peace, Raja

Nurture Through Nature, www.ntnretreats.com, 207-452-2929.

June/July 2010 Inner Tapestry 17

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For thousands of years, different scriptures, filled with different words pointing to the same Truth, have existed. Our egos and vanity are nothing new to the human consciousness. The Bhagavad-Gita defines our ego as a penance of passion.

“Wavering and unstable, performed with hypocrisy, to gain respect, honor, and worship, that penance is called passionate” (p.133, 17) The definition of ‘passionate’ according to Webster’s dictionary is, “easily aroused to anger”. The Buddhist thought describes what a saint is without an ego dominance “...though he has attained the state of a saint, yet he appears to be in the state of an ordinary person” The Mahayana Religious Ideal, (p.133)

to watch your attachment/ego/vanity in sharing and using words of Truth. When the heart is not involved in the use of these words and only ego is present, and then you see the vanity taking form. The ego identifies with the words of Truth as if it is the individual’s possession/power and that “their truth” is the only way.

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Send Your Pet Good Vibrations!

by Donald and Sara Hassler

D

id you know that pets send out good vibrations and they can feel our vibrations? It’s true! Ever wonder why a dog barks at some people and not others? Did you ever see a rabbit run away from a kind hand, but another bunny might sit to be stroked?

The fact is that the animals of our world, including the wild and domesticated ones, live on a plane full of vibrations. In essence, they sense the vibration of our intentions.

All beings send out a message before they speak, act or move. This is intention.

The intention~Vibrates This is why some animals that would usually want to sit to snuggle someone, might not choose the cranky or uptight or frightened person to lie down with. It’s easy to appreciate how and why animals vibrate, especially our pets. Sometimes hunting down fun facts about companion animals helps us remember just how long they have been part of our world, and how long we have been caring for them.

Next time you reach out to touch your pet, think of your good intentions and send them a good vibration!

The Rabbit Rabbits are sweet and a wonderful pet to keep in your home. They are tender, vulnerable and meek. With soft fur and large perky ears rabbits keep us entertained and mesmerized with their movement, interest and lightheartedness.

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Fun facts about Rabbits: • • • • •

• • • • • •

The Dog

Fun facts about Dogs:

• • • • • • • • •

Dogs were first domesticated from wolves 17,000 years ago.

There are hundreds of breeds, varieties, colors, sizes of dogs.

Large breed dogs can live up to 7-8 years.

Medium breed dogs can live up to 13-14 years.

Small breed dogs can live up to 20 years.

Dogs have powerful muscles, fused wrist bones and a cardiovascular system for sprinting and endurance.

A Dog's teeth are for catching and tearing.

Dogs walk on their toes.

Dogs were thought to be color-blind but we now know that they can see some color, in varieties of purple/violet and yellow shades.

The lenses of dogs' eyes are flatter than humans', they cannot see much detail.

Dog's eyes are more sensitive to light and motion.

They have 220 million smell-sensitive cells and can distinguish air scents and ground scents.

Dogs can pinpoint the exact location of a sound.

Eighteen or more muscles tilt, rotate and raise or lower a dog's ear.

Dogs hear sounds up to four times the distance that humans can.

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Cats have always been beloved pets. Their independence allows us to keep a pet but not to have to worry too much about them. We know they love us when they lift their head to purr in our face. A Cat’s warm body that stretches out across our chest as we watch TV or sleep in bed, is as soothing as being sung a lullaby. The feline has stolen our hearts and offers us companionship that we know we can count on. In the early wake of the morning and late at night when the sun goes down, Cats keep us company, they love us and make us feel loved.

Fun facts about Cats: • • • • •

• • • •

There are 25 different species of the Rabbit.

They are Herbivorous mammals (do not eat meats).

Everyone loves their big ears.

Their large muscular hind legs are built for running jumping, and digging out burrows.

Rabbits have large front teeth that need to be constantly used so they trim down - their teeth grow forever and will overgrow if they don't chew them down.

Their short tale looks like a little ball of cotton.

Rabbits have an excellent sense of smell, hearing, and eyesight.

A Rabbit's eyesight at night is worse than humans!

They vary in size from 1 to 2 feet.

In the wild, a rabbit will live about a year.

A well cared for house rabbit can live 8 to 12 years.

We cherish the well-trained and intelligent dog who is obedient, well groomed and adorable. However there are so many breeds of dogs, that we have now come to appreciate a large variety of dogs, some clumsy, some smart, and some just meant to snuggle us as we lay down to relax. Dogs have been termed as Man’s Best Friend, but the truth is that we don’t need them as much as they need us. Dogs count on their owners to carry them through life by taking good care of them, loving them and giving them a forever home. Once wild, the dog is now a domesticated animal that cannot survive on his or her own. Because we created their need for us, it’s up to us to nurture them from birth to death.

• • • • • •

The Cat

Cats have been domesticated for 3500-8000 years.

They can live up to 14-20 years.

Their size ranges from 5-16 lbs.

Cats have an acute sense of balance.

The Cat 'righting reflex:' means that they can right with reflexes (turn themselves right side up), provided they have time to do so during their fall to land on their feet.

Cats walk on their toes.

Cat claws extend out involuntarily and will extend if stretching or swatting prey.

Tip of a Cat's tail twitches when they are angry or displeased and their tail puffs up when they're scared.

When Cat's are happy they paw or knead with their feet.

The Fish Fish are soothing pets when we house them in our living spaces. They swim back and forth and remind us of how flexible the water is and how quiet life can be underwater. Fish make us wonder what the underbelly of the ocean crest feels like.

Their slow rhythms and graceful glides back and forth help us remember that life can be lived, one stroke at a time.

Fun facts about Fish: • • • • • • • • •

Fish have been on the earth over 450 million years.

There are over 25,000 species of fish.

40% of all fish species live in fresh water.

Some fish like sharks don't have an air bladder to help keep them afloat and have to swim continually or rest on the bottom of the ocean floor.

Fish make sounds by grating their teeth.

Some fish can fly (glide), some skip along the surface and others climb rock.

Fish have a sense organ called the lateral line, radar that helps them navigate in dark murky water.

They have excellent senses of sight, touch, taste and many possess a good sense of smell and 'hearing'.

Fish feel pain and suffer stress just like mammals and birds.

The Bird Birds as a pet can make us feel happy. They sing songs, some talk or mimic us and others enjoy constant communication. Living with someone who is either always or sometimes chirping a happy tune, becomes addictive and we are drawn to their light spirits. Naturally, birds are animals that we do not imagine to be able to house and keep as a pet, but when we do—it’s Magical!

Fun facts about Birds: • • • • • • • • • • • •

There are 9,703 different species of birds.

Some birds can live up to 35 years.

The oldest bird is the Archaeopteryx (size of raven, feathers, wings) and lived about 150 million years ago.

Hummingbird eggs are the smallest bird eggs.

Ostrich eggs are the largest.

Chickens, Ostriches, Ducks and Seagulls hatch ready to move around.

Owls, Woodpeckers and Songbirds need their parents to survive.

Birds don't sweat.

Their hearts beat 400 times per minute while resting and beat 1000 beats per minute while flying.

Birds migrate in a V-shape formation that supports wind increases and helps them save energy.

Pigeons can fly up to 100 mph, Swifts, Doves, Falcons, Sandpipers can fly up to 200 mph.

Penguins, Ostriches, and Dodo birds don't fly.

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American turkey vultures help human engineers detect cracked or broken underground fuel pipes because the leaking fuel smells like vulture food, clustered birds show repair people where lines need fixing.

Pets have been around much longer than we have, once we learn about them and research the facts. We’ve come to think that we can keep them, own them or be their masters. The truth is that a strong human–pet bond will reflect that it actually is our pet that keeps us! Enjoy learning more about your beloved companion and remember to communicate first with good intentions while sending them good vibrations.

Donald and Sara Hassler are co-authors of the award-winning children’s book, Loving Marley, and reside in Connecticut with Marley and Belle the real-life inspiration for the PugTale Adventures storybooks www.lovingmarley.com. The Hasslers are active members of the press and write exclusive feature articles for several publications. Their columns are also published in Pug Talk Magazine.

Donald and Sara and Marley and Belle, write, produce and host their own talk radio show called The Responsible Pet Owner. Visit them online at www.responsiblepetowner.com.

Sweet Vibrations,

by Ruth Kirkwood

T

hese are sweet times for the third orb from the sun. New signs of human evolution are here. People are connecting to their multidimensionality more now than ever, because there is fuller access to all the information of the universe. One of the signs of this evolution is the recent occurrence of miraculous healings all over the planet. Scientific studies suggest these healings are vibratory and recognizable by their unique frequencies that cycle at an entirely different bandwidth. These healings are one of the many gifts of human evolution and are known around the globe as Reconnective Healing.

Pivotal in the emergence of Reconnective Healing is Dr. Eric Pearl. He ran a successful chiropractic business for twelve years in Los Angeles. During that time Dr. Pearl’s patients experienced spontaneous and curative results when he held his hands near them. In the course of a routine day in the early 90’s, seven of his patients declared they felt somebody walking into the room, and two of them actually said they felt as if someone was flying around the ceiling. Another patient of Pearl said, “I can feel your hands before you touch me.” He decided to test this.

He asked a number of patients to close their eyes and name specific parts of their bodies where his hands hovered. It became a game and the patients’ perceptions were uncanny. Around this time, Dr. Pearl’s palms blistered a couple of times and the palm of one hand once bled as if pricked by a pin. “Next thing I knew, people were having healings and getting up from wheelchairs, reporting that vision and hearing were returning. And the cancer had disappeared,” Dr. Pearl recalled. He also recognized that once people interacted with the frequencies, they had access to them. And so, Eric left his booming chiropractic practice to teach and spread the word about Reconnective Healing. It was then the research began.

The name of this healing practice spurs inquiry. What is being REconnected?

Dr. Eric Pearl was determined to find evidence- based explanations about the phenomena that occurred with his patients. Some answers follow the research of Dr. Gary Schwartz, co-director of the Human Energy Systems Laboratory at the University of Arizona. In the mid ‘70s through the ‘80s Gary wrote about the universal connection principle, which at its core acknowledges the wisdom of a system. And when the parts of any system are connected, information and energy flow freely. Therefore, the system is healthy, vital and evolves; this principle also applies to the human system. So, what is being reconnected, are human beings more fully, with a central organizing force that regulates their bodies and the

The arrival and newness of Reconnective Healing could be a symptom of the “Shift of Ages”, a time when the Earth and human beings were predicted by the Mayans, the Incas, Jews and Christians, to undergo rapid evolutionary change. The ancients envisaged the shift surfacing around the time of the Harmonic Convergence, an event that marked the alignment of the Sun, Moon and six out of eight planets all part of the grand trine in 1987. The shift is expected to hit its next level in 2012 and is defined by time moving faster, but not in the linear sense with a beginning, middle and end. Instead, time is moving out into all possible directions like a like a soap bubble. If time is expanding as one dimension of the bubble, then its depth, width and height are as well, and the bubble is reaching further into the universe where more is available such as Reconnective Healing; it’s a comprehensive spectrum that consists not only of energy, but also light and information, whose time has come and exists in a form that’s new to earth and its dwellers. Consequently, life has changed in relationship to Earth’s evolution in time. And human beings can “boldly go where no man (or woman) has gone before.” And that’s no science fiction!

This spectrum of healing likely occurs through the meridians (also called acupuncture lines) of the human body. They are connected by grid lines that encircle the planet linking to a larger grid that spans our solar system, like crossing points to the universe; this grid system is sometimes referred to as the zero point field. Reconnective Healing practitioners are trained to access the healing frequencies in the zero point field, kind of like a high-speed spiritual internet; they guide clients to healing realms beyond those previously available by anyone, anywhere. The practitioners are conduits of energy, light and information for their clients and are directed by the forces and intelligence of the universe.

It’s not exactly known how all of this works, but the results cannot be denied.

People in the greater Portland area, who received Reconnective Healing, have experienced relief from stress, withdrawal symptoms related to addiction and chronic pain. Karl described, “My back issues have all but disappeared, having done some unique therapy with Ruth. I am almost pain-free this morning and seem to be inspired to actually take care of myself in this area.” Another person declared that the chronic pain in her left breast was significantly less, 85% less.

Results are unique to the receivers of Reconnective Healing. C.C. and Darlene for instance, spoke of healings in the heart area. “I felt like something asked permission to cure my heart murmur,” described Darlene. C.C., a recent heart attack survivor said, “I felt a hand probing my heart from the inside out; I was being repaired.”

Others have seen light, color and images. “There was this backdrop of black,” explained Lisa. “I saw cords of white light crisscrossing, like a grid.” And Kavi compared the deeply peaceful and comfortable sense of self after a Reconnective Healing session as, warm syrup on pancakes. Sweet.

Human evolution has shifted what was possible to what now is real. A wave of evolutionary healing is here. Health-giving vibrations are flooding the lives of those who partake. Reconnective Healing is a way to be present to ones' multidimensionality and to have experiences that are out of this world, because… they are. And that’s some sweet vibrations.

A list of practitioners can be found at www.reconnection.com/practitioners/ directory/index/php.

Ruth Kirkwood is a Reconnective Healing practitioner and lives in Portland, Maine; she is also a public school educator. For more information about Reconnective Healing or to book a session, contact her at Reconnective_Healing@yahoo.com or (207) 773-1406.

June/July 2010 Inner Tapestry 19

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The Phenomena of Reconnective Healing

cosmos toward perfect health; this includes reconnecting to the original number of twelve DNA strands as opposed to two strands in a human molecule! Pearl’s miraculous healings are sourced from this force and align with string theory. Dr. Schwartz invited the Reconnective Healing process to prove itself through scientific studies carried out at the University of Arizona Laboratory. Those studies continue today along with other clinical studies, which have consistently matched Dr. Pearl’s observations… that human beings are reconnecting to their multidimensional selves and to the energy, light and information of frequencies that are new to the planet.

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SANKOFA PROVIDING: Neuromuscular Therapy, including but not limited to: Myofascial Release, Soft Tissue Mobilization, Sports Massage, Trigger Point & Deep Tissue Massage

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Helen G. Caddie-Larcenia Licensed Massage Therapist

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Caring therapeutic touch to honor and nurture the total being.

207 845-2707

Washington, ME 04574

June/July 2010 Inner Tapestry 21

22

Spiritual Fast-Food Spiritual Fast Food

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iving and working in a field that is based in spiritual teachings and practice, it is hard to avoid the ever increasing bombardment of commercial new age metaphysical culture. I am talking about the contrived teachings, fads and paraphernalia that has become, ironically, the very antithesis of true spirituality.

Spiritual commercialism is a growing industry, no different to the plethora of processed foods that dominate the aisles in our supermarkets, offering a quick and easy alternative to wholesome food which needs to be prepared ourselves. Fast food possesses little to no nutritional value, and can leave the consumer feeling empty, sick and unsatisfied, not mentioning the health risks. The downfalls of fast food consumption are just too similar to new age commercialism to ignore. We can go into a new age store or shop online for hours (wouldn’t it be better to spend this time in meditation?) for the latest trends in zero point tech, or if you call yourself a Shaman, why not buy the fab Hyperfolded space tetragrammaton exploration and extrapolation Shamans Energy Light tool, it is an extrapolation of Einstein-ean quantum wave front manifestation Mysteries, Kinsey-ean Neuro-biology and the medial preoptic nucleus MPO and other hypothalamic structures. Wow... I want one! Or we can search through the thousands of talismans, oracle cards, or radionics devices all said to either relieve pain, cure illness, attract love, achieve success, improve memory, increase your physical energy, advance your psychic powers, protect you, guide you, bring joy, abundance (money) and the big prize – Enlightenment.

Placing our faith in an “object” to do all of that for us is a sad measure of our gullibility and lack of belief in our Self and it is not only in “objects” we are deceiving ourselves. The same goes for the promise that attending a “weekend workshop” will make a person a Master energy practitioner, or Shaman healer. Attending a workshop is a wonderful way to explore our spiritual nature, open our minds to ancient teachings and connect with like minded people. If you go to one you may end up with a piece of paper certifying your attendance, but in only one weekend can a person truly gain the necessary experience and ability needed to work with, understand and direct the flow of energy to heal others, contact somebody’s spirit allies or grasp and teach ancient wisdom which has been cultivated and learned for thousands of years? This is the same wisdom that sages and healers devote whole lifetimes to practicing before earning recognition and the title... Master.

You cannot give another that which you don’t give to yourself. If you are a healer, apply this to your healing practice. If you don’t mindfully embody the healer within you and devote your self to the healing arts, are you beneficially healing others or are you just going through the motions you were taught? Do you use healing devices in your practice? It astounds me how many bizarre electronic devices and gadgets are available for the alternative healer today. Allowing yourself to believe that some thing outside of you can do the work for you, you are bypassing the true experience and your client is missing out too. We must look to ourselves, not to outside sources, no one and no thing can do the work for us.

The true enlightened state does not occur because we want it to or because we buy something. If it were that easy then everybody would be doing it and most of us would already be there. Which we know is not the case.

If you desire enlightenment, your desire will bring you no closer to it. The way to enlightenment is not found in new age commercialism, conspiracy theories, gadgets or alien tech. Nor is it found in belief structures surrounding feminism, gay/lesbian rights or fundamentalist religions and cults. It is found within You, beyond concepts, beyond behavioral patterns and thought forms. Take your desire and transmute it into conscious choice. Paramount to an awakened spirit is the manifestation of your higher purpose, your dreams and your health through cultivating a balanced connection of mind, body and spirit.

The physical body is a much neglected aspect of spiritual awakening. I have lately experienced an awareness that many wise and unwise spiritual teachers alike (there are ample of both), spend an excessive amount of time residing in their higher chakras.

If such persons are not grounded and by grounded I mean, working with the breath while moving and stretching and nourishing the body with pure food and air refining their Chi, in short, an imbalance occurs where-by experience attained from higher chakra consciousness is obstructed from filtering into our whole Being. It is my belief that this limits our potential to fully integrate with our higher Self.

The work we are doing here all begins with grounding our core, pulling in and rooting down into the Earth/Goddess energy. Practicing Qigong to refine our Chi and energize the body combined with deep stretching and movement, Earth and Heart 22 Inner Tapestry June/July 2010

by Elfeya Hoopes

based ritual and cleansing. The spiraling energy of Kundalini resides in our root chakra until it is awakened and journeys through to the higher chakras and back down again to complete the cycle. We do not climb a ladder by starting at the top, so for the sake of your health, emotional and mental stability, practice grounding techniques, work with your lower chakras and build a strong foundation before seeking out the higher realms of consciousness.

The healing paths of Yoga, Tai Chi and Qi Gong are a path to health, happiness, longevity and enlightenment. These practices will give you all the tools you need, but the work begins and ends with you. It is a life long process where the level of your progression is dependent on your input. Trust and be guided by your Heart.

Learn to recognize your Ego talking and take the higher path. Speak with a soft voice and act with gentle kindness. Allow your body to become supple and flexible, eat pure food and breathe pure air. Love and lead others without imposing your will. When you are able to not react to the words and actions of others, keep your thoughts calm and peaceful and allow events to take their course, you will experience greater happiness and joy.

Elfeya Hoopes is a spiritual advisor from Australia whose work mainly involves Shamanism.

She teaches classes in understanding our connection to animals and interpreting the meaning of their appearance in our lives. She is a Level Three Zen Yoga Instructor and has spent years studying and practicing various healing arts and pagan traditions including Celtic Shamanism. She is the administrator for the Zen Yoga Online Correspondence Courses and oversees the operation of Ledge End Retreat & Wellness Center. Contact: elfeya@artofzenyoga.com.

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June/July 2010 Inner Tapestry 23

24

f e ng sh u i & ge o p a t h o l og y

TheEnergeticPropertiesofWater Part 2

by Werner Brandmaier

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n the last issue we heard about the importance of water for our health and for life on this planet in general. We were in the process of discussing some important parameters when looking for “good” drinking water.

I had described my own method of purifying water in a multi step process, starting with city water, filtering it with a basic carbon filter and running it through a water ionizer for an alkaline pH level and an optimized redox potential.

We also cautioned on the danger of blindly trusting the water quality of bottled water. I have listed some additional resources at the end of this article for your own research. The most interesting aspect of this issue, however, is the method we use for re-structuring and activating the water clusters.

What does re-structuring mean?

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Water is a molecule with 1 Oxygen and 2 Hydrogen atoms, hence H2O. The mineral content of the water, which can be measured as Total Dissolved Solids or TDS, influences the structural organization of water. These dissolved minerals are found in form of ions or electrically charged particles. Water from different locations will have different concentrations of ions according to the types of rock and soil beds to which it has been exposed. Japanese experts determine the best drinking water as water that contains a balance of all essential minerals.

Hexagonal water, as shown in Figure 2, is unique in its arrangement where six H2O units consistently link to form a ring-like structure. Essentially, it is more organized than "normal water", forming a crystalline lattice-like design found in pure rainwater and fresh snow. The hexagonal structure is easily destroyed by contaminants, environmental stress and modern water treatment processes, such as long pipes and installations under high pressure.

Hexagonal water molecules have a unique bond angle, which allows for straighter, stronger bonds. The pictures show that regular tap water has a bond angle of 104.5 degrees between hydrogen and oxygen atoms. Hexagonal water has a 109.5-degree angle - a wider angle that creates a 3-dimensional pattern. This is considered the “perfect” tetrahedral angle for water where each water molecule serves as the donor and the acceptor of 2 electrons.

Distilled water, on the contrary, has all solid substances removed, harmful particles, as well as minerals, and therefore is not appropriate for drinking from a biological and medical point of view. Distilled water is energetically “dead.” Because of the lack of minerals, distilled water cannot be used in an ionizer, which needs the mineral content to separate the acid and alkaline components in their electrodes.

The further away from its natural spring, the weaker the “vitality,” the energy of the water becomes. As a result water molecules typically form groups of large water clusters. Ionization breaks these irregular clumpy chains into smaller sizes, called “microclusters.” Clusters of six molecules in a hexagonal shape seem to be an ideal form and best for transport through cell walls and saturation of body tissue.

There are long lists of claims how structured water can support good health in a natural way, starting with unclogging sticky blood cells, improving the absorption of nutrients, increasing hydration, etc. The benefits of water ionizers in Japan and Korea are so well established, ionizers are common equipment in hospitals there.

Here in the US it may take a few more years before we might see this happen.

Besides ionizers, there are a number of other technologies to generate and assist with a re-structuring process: •

Magnetic devices, using either permanent magnets or electrically generated magnetic fields.

•

Infrared technology with rare-earth components.

•

Crystals in form of granulate powders in water containers or in pen shaped applicators.

•

Activated energetic liquids in pen shaped containers.

•

Spiral shaped flow activators, some of them originated by Austrian water researchers Victor Schauberger (1885 – 1958) and Johann Grander (current).

24 Inner Tapestry June/July 2010

•

Biofeedback and radionics devices can be used to program specific frequencies into a glass of water on a tray.

The latest technologies we work with are specific lasers, which re-introduce subtle blueprint frequencies to water, activating the original informational vibration of a natural spring. The lasers are low energy lasers and act as a carrier wave only.

Similar to a radio signal, the carrier wave (for example 99.3 MHz) brings the desired music program, which has been modulated (superimposed) on the carrier, from the transmitter station into our home, but has nothing to do with the modulation (the music) itself. The laser light is our carrier; the desired superimposed blueprint information is the “music.”

Pointing a BioResonance Laser into a glass of water for maybe 10 seconds charges the water to an astounding capacity. Strength and balance tests, as well as Applied Kinesiology (“muscle testing”) demonstrate significant and recognizable improvements.

We personally like these lasers because they work fast, do not lose their charge over time, do not absorb degenerating frequencies from the environment (as crystals typically do) and therefore do not need clearing. They are very portable, can be tucked in a pocket or handbag and are mainly used to energize food and drinks in restaurants, at work, and during travel. The BioResonance Laser also carries frequencies to discharge the body from Geopathic Stress and EMF related charges.

Our own live blood microscopy research shows significant improvements in blood coagulation after the test person had just one sip of the lasered water. Especially blue light frequencies around 400 nm seem to work best with water.

Live Blood Before Blue Laser

Live Blood After Blue Laser

What can we expect from such treated water?

•

Improved surface tension, therefore a better absorption and more efficient transport of nutrients into the cells, a better hydration and cleansing of cells.

•

Immediate increase in body strength, stamina, and physical balance, (great for athletes).

•

Better, smoother, rounder taste (depends, of course, on the water source we start with)

•

Better overall energy, no need for coffee for a boost.

•

Pollutants and toxins are unable to bond with hexagonal water molecules.

This prevents accumulation of toxins and cellular problems.

•

A slightly higher (alkaline) pH.

•

Water becomes the healthiest (and cheapest) drink available, natural and better than juices, teas, etc.

A long list of health improvements, which I don’t want to repeat in detail, can be looked up in Bob McCauley’s book The Miraculous Properties of Ionized Water.

Websites for further research: •

http://projects.nytimes.com/toxic-waters - Great information on water pollution and the legal situation around drinking water.

•

www.storyofstuff.org/bottledwater - The Story of Bottled Water

•

www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/poisonedwaters - Frontline’s 2009 documentary POISENED WATERS

Werner Brandmaier Dipl.Ing., a medical engineer and a citizen of Austria, studied with prominent international Feng Shui masters and trained in Germany to practice dowsing and geopathology. Werner offers consultations for homes and businesses and teaches workshops and seminars. He is a member of the International Feng Shui Guild and the American Society of Dowsers. You may contact Werner at (207) 772-7888 or office@InstituteOfFengShui.com.

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a b rea th o f he alin g

Good Vibrations

by Donna Amrita Davidge

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honored, and so we continue our yoga practice through it all.

Yogi Bhajan says this: “There is no fulfillment in the mind of a person who does not surrender.

Instead of surrendering you do a very powerful compensatory process – emotional compensation – that takes you through hell. Is there any chance you can be you?

But once you surrender, the karma surrenders, you are free, you are liberated, and you are fine. You are yourself, you say what you feel, you do what you feel, and you are an elevated self.”

And that, my friend, is what creates good vibrations!

This is an excellent 11-minute meditation to work on your vibe:

Synchronization Meditation

\

Taught by Yogi Bhajan

Sit straight. Eyes look at the tip of the nose. Place the fingertips of each hand together with the other hand. Form a “teepee” and place it in front of the torso at the level of the solar plexus. Fingers are spread and facing forward. Inhale deeply through the nose. Hold as you mentally chant “Saa taa naa maa” once. Then exhale by segmenting the breath in eight equal strokes. Breathe out through the rounded mouth. The exhale is not from the tip of the lips; it comes from the middle of the mouth and is generated from the navel. By the eighth exhale, pull the navel point all the way back towards the spine.

Continue for 11 minutes. Increase the time slowly to 31 minutes.

Comments/Effects: Past Projections can tempt, hypnotize, and distract us. A deep memory holds the impact of trauma, of disruptions of our identity. This Projection goes away from that. It is cautious about intensity from the past. Too much of this Projection, and depression, detachment, and lower learning develop. Too little and nostalgia, procrastination, and regrets dominate. When balanced, you become a rapid social learner. You are quick to avoid past temptations, and are able to let go of things that do not concern or serve you now.

The past is dropped. The five elements clear to reveal your real self. You see all without being caught up in any of it. Let go let it flow.

Donna Amrita Davidge owns and operates www.sewallhouse.com in Island Falls, Maine, a small-personalized yoga retreat, since 1997. With over 25 years of teaching and a Masters in Nutrition, Amrita and her husband Kent Bonham, chef and musician, offer a comfortable retreat experience that meets you at your level. July 23-26, 2010 is Belly Dancing weekend again this year with www.reynalive.com and Sewall House is offering its second 200 Hour Yoga Alliance Teacher Training beginning in October, meeting for 3 9-day retreats in total. Toll free 888-235-2395. Amrita also teaches at Golden Bridge NYC and the Open Center, NYC and offers workshops as well. Sewall House was recently featured in Down East books, "Becoming Teddy Roosevelt."

COME AND SEE OUR NEW LINE OF Organic Clothing And Recycled Leather Bags!

June/July 2010 Inner Tapestry 25

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hen the word vibration comes up in yoga practice it can mean the energy we put out to others by our presence (“She has a good vibe”) or our words. It can also mean the beautiful vibrations created by many of the amazing musicians and chanting singers available to us in our yoga practice or meditation. There is no question that the vibration of sound (or silence) alters how we feel. It can shift our consciousness, or mental vibration, so that our mind feels more at peace and our body feels more relaxed, or energized, depending on the sound.

Another type of vibration is that which is felt emanating from parts of the body, referred to as the Chakra System, which suggests specific areas along the spine. At any given moment we may be exuding energy, or vibration, from one center, let’s say the heart, and the next moment, as we tune into our inner voice, the third eye point between the eyebrows. The energies at the top and bottom of the spine are affected by the holes there and what goes in and out of them, giving and receiving energy.

Just as change is constant our vibration is constantly changing too. We think of more evolved humans as having a more constant vibration; for many this is a practice which takes time. One incident can throw us out of the constant calm we might think we have achieved.

The aura, or electromagnetic field, is another aspect of chakra or vibration which is subtle yet extremely important. Things that deplete the aura, and thus what we are radiating out to others energetically and is affecting us internally, would include drugs, alcohol (which is a drug), lack of sleep, poor eating habits and negative self talk or talking negatively about others. A person can literally feel these things drag them down. Our mind is another vehicle, which can bring down our vibration.

Someone might exercise and eat well yet their mind is full or worry and anxiety, tension and fear. Others can sense this. Meditation is a useful and often essential tool for turning this around. With practice, meditation can switch off the trigger and signals of anger, worry, sadness and fear to a better place for our mind to reside in.

We learn ways to be more resilient when these emotions arise, as they do because emotions are normal for any human being.

Asana can remarkably line up our psyche and vibe as well. Often asana practice (physical poses meant to bring ease into the body with practice) can line up the psyche so that not only our body, but also our whole attitude, can shift after good asana practice. By feeling more aligned with yoga practice we can then self examine from a more clear perspective to make real progress with ourselves.

One of the challenges in maintaining good vibrations are the demons from our past. While one person remains mired in old negative emotions, another uses childhood wounds to push to the other side of the darkness to truly clear the way for present moment living. The mind may be our worst enemy but it is not when we realize that we do not have to be a slave to our mind. Yogi Bhajan, master of Kundalini Yoga, said, “The real wealth of a human mind is contentment,” yet many of us need tools and techniques to stay, as he calls it, self exalted. Most people practicing yoga are not enlightened and always content, though some people think it should be that easy. We continue to practice so we can move toward the first sutra of Patanjali with hope: “Yoga is experienced in that mind, which has ceased to identify itself, with the vacillating waves of perception.” One moment we feel betrayed, victimized or less advantaged. The next moment we are joyful, grateful and feel

26

ex plorin g the wor l d r e l i g i on s Exploring Inner Space Via Inner Light and Sound Meditation

by James Bean

“The individual soul has descended from the higher worlds [realms of the Divine] to this city of illusion. 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 (the sixth chakra, the third eye 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.” (Swami Sant Sevi Ji Maharaj, The Harmony of All Religions, published by Maharshi Mehi Ashram)

Meditation Practices

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“The four practices are gross to subtle in an ascending order: manas jap and manas dhyana, Dirsti yoga, Nadanu-sandhana (Sound Yoga), and the Soundless Yoga. The practice of manas japa (mantra) and manas dhyana (visualization) is the worship of the (material) qualified (personal) form of God (God perceived as name and form in the gross realm); the practice of the meditation on the infinitesimally small point is the worship of the subtle qualified form of God (God perceived as the infinitesimal point); Concentration on divine sounds (other than Sar Sabad, the Divine Sound of the beginning, Word, Logos) is the worship of the qualified Formless Divine. And, finally, meditation on the Sar Sabad (the Original Divine Sound) is worship of the Unqualified-Formless (transcendent Godhead).” (Swami Sant Sevi Ji Maharaj)

My Commentary

2) Manas dhyana, is the technique of mentally visualizing a Form of God or the image of one’s Guru. This is a visual form of relaxation, and the repetition of sacred names is the auditory equivalent. One repeats the name their teacher gives them while visualizing. Together, these are a powerful combination, making it possible to get centered and also helps to prepare one for the next stage. “Coupled with this physical stillness and ceaseless repetition of God’s name [Simran practice], the next step is to contemplate the Light within.” (Yogani Mataji)

In meditation, it can appear like one is going through a tunnel, or scenes change from one thing to another, various colors, lights within lights, lotuses within lotuses.

The first paragraph above describes the origin of the soul. The soul is part of the Supreme Being, the Supreme Soul, in the true realm, ultimate reality. Then the soul individualized, and incarnated into various coverings or bodies (mental, akashic, astral and physical) going to various realms, living out separate existences being dominated by outwardly focused senses. God is described as the Nameless State or Soundless One. Then there are realms of Sound and Light, and the relatively dark matter of the physical universe or multiverse. This is where most of us are, or at least where we think we are—this is where own awareness is directed most of the time. We are aware of the world, as we perceive it via the five senses.

In the second paragraph of Swami Sant Sevi Ji above we see a reversal of this process during meditation being advocated, an inversion or going within. The soul, during meditation, begins the journey back to its Source. By merging into the divine Light, then the divine Sound, the soul, transcending the physical world, astral, causal, mental, and etheric realms, eventually returns home. It returns to itself again as the pure naked soul, its true Self.

In the Sant tradition of India, the Path of the Masters of the East, one is trained to watch and listen for certain inner Lights and Sounds of the various planes, Auditory and visionary experiences are at the heart of the meditation practice (Surat Shabda Yoga). In meditation, it can appear like one is going through a tunnel, or, scenes change from one thing to another, various colors, lights within lights, lotuses within lotuses. There are sounds within sounds also. The bell sound morphs into a conch-shell, or thunder/drums, sitar, flute-like sound, bagpipes, vina, and so on.

Beyond all the “veils” of the physical body and the subtle bodies associated with the different planes, is the soul. The awareness of the soul travels from this outer world of the five senses through astral, causal, mental, and etheric realms, and back to itself again. Beyond all these veils of darkness, Light, and Sound, is the Soundless One, the Supreme Soul. The third paragraph discusses the meditation techniques used to “get there from here.”

1) Manas jap: “manas” means mental, and “jap” or, “jappa” refers to the chanting of mantras, sacred names. Thus, manas jap is the practice of mentally 26 Inner Tapestry June/July 2010

repeating names of God with the “tongue of thought”. This practice is also called Simran, and the Sufis call it Zikhr. This is a spiritual exercise one can do within the privacy of one’s mind throughout the day to remember God in all of our activities, and this is also the first technique in Sant Mat meditation.

Using Your Spiritual Senses To See and Hear Within

3) Dirsti yoga: the Yoga of Inner Light: “the practice of the meditation on the infinitesimally small point [bindu] is the worship of the subtle qualified form of God (God perceived as the infinitesimal point).” Other terms for this “infinitesimal point” are: Single Eye, Third Eye Center, Seat of the Soul, and Tishra Til. As one is in the darkness repeating divine names and visualizing the form of their Guru or Ideal, Light may manifest itself: flashes of Light, shimmering Light, lights of various colors, clouds of Light, sparks or fireflies, stars, suns, moons, etc... This is being centered at the Third Eye, which is like a Door or Portal to the worlds beyond. This is our own “Hubble Space Telescope Within,” so to speak.

In meditation, one simply gets relaxed and centered, and notices a shift from an awareness of the five-sense world to our “Within” or Inner Space. With a certain amount of concentration, with the help of the sacred name or names one is repeating, along with visualizing the form of the teacher, one sees the inner Light or Lights. Seeing Light beyond the darkness is what it means to “reach the Third Eye Center.” At the time of initiation, one’s teacher reveals all the details of what kinds of visions and Lights one should contemplate. Certain sights in Inner Space are associated with particular planes and serve as markers along the way.

“At first, Mataji 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 intact and allowing the Light to draw the soul inward.” (Yogani Mataji) 4) As one’s concentration develops at the Third Eye Center, one begins to make the transition from lower to higher, from outer to inner, from visualization of a form, to real-Light-seen, from the sound of Simran words being repeated in one’s mind, to actually hearing Divine Sound. Even as contemplating real inner Light is preferable to visualizations, there is meditation upon inner Sound, which is viewed as a higher or more advanced stage of practice than the repetition of mantra-names. There is a higher “Name of God” or “Mantra” one can encounter. The Divine Word is the True Name or Naam. Nadanusandhana: Concentration on divine Sound—the Yoga of Inner Sound: These are inner Sounds. At the time of initiation one is given instruction on meditating upon certain sounds within. There are many sounds in the cosmos, but certain ones will attract the soul, pulling it up to higher levels of awareness. “The most important step, Mataji 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.” (Yogani Mataji)

Continued on Page 35

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INNER TAPESTRY's Directory of Resources Holistic Practitioners, Products and Resources Each category contains practitioners from various states.

a c u p un c t u r e

counseling & the rapy Maine

Maine

Abigail Lopez, LAc, Dipl.OM

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine Acupuncture guides the proper flow of energy within and stimulates our body’s natural healing response.

more please contact Abigail at The Wellness Solution, 366 US Route 1, Falmouth, Maine, 04105, (207) 899-0727, www.thewellnesssolution.net.

Patricia A. Burke, MSW, LCSW

Holistic Psychotherapy & Spiritual Development Work "When we are fully present to ourselves the light of who we are shines through and like a slow deep breath, fills the world with love." -PB

In over twenty-five years of experience I have merged a variety of psychological, sensate awareness, spiritual and creative practices into a process of deep awakening that can help you heal trauma, addictions and depression, rediscover meaning and purpose in life, build mutually empowering relationships, enhance creativity and embrace the deep stillness of being from within which all experience arises. I have been deeply engaged in my own inner work for over twenty years and call upon my extensive training in spiritual and transformational practices to guide my work with others. I offer individual, group and couples consultation, personal intensives, workshops, supervision and training. Offices in West Baldwin & Yarmouth, ME, (207) 625-7012, pab@patriciaburke.com, www.patriciaburke.com.

a l t e r n a t i v e livin g Maine

Live From Your Center

Greensward Hamlet A Cohousing Community In Buxton, Maine Drawing on the Strength of Community To Live Sustainably.

Maine’s first Green, fossil free, cohousing community is nestled on 30 private country acres. Your 1-, 2-, or 3- bedroom home (& 1- or 2- car garage) will include the amenities of a spacious Common House for weekly community meals & gatherings; organic community gardens and nature trails. Access to the Saco River and hundreds of acres of pristine park land is within walking distance.

Train and international airport services are just a 15-minute drive. Reserve your place in the community now. Visit www.greenswardhamlet.com or www.cohousing.org. Or contact: Françoise Paradis, Ed.D. PO Box 1325, Saco, Me 04072 (207) 227-3678.

Mark Nakell, LCPC Awareness-based Psychotherapy Growth and Self-Realization Individual & Couples Counseling All of life happens in the present moment: Our natural condition is an

open awareness of each moment as it occurs. Increased awareness of this moment—now—and of yourself in the moment, provides an increased experience of life, more joy, and greater fulfillment. Developing the capacity of your own center enables a deeper, more immediate experience of your aliveness and presence now. The result is increased freedom—freedom of choice, freedom of action, freedom of purpose—and deepened participation in the events of your own life. For a FREE introductory session, call (207) 773-4413 or email mnakell@openawareness.com, 25 Middle Street, Portland, ME 04101. Further information can be found at www.openawareness.com.

Three things cannot be long hidden; The Sun The Moon and The Truth ! ...Buddha June/July 2010 Inner Tapestry 27

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In my practice I offer acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine; both have been used for healing for over 3,000 years and are safe, natural and drug-free methods to restore whole body health. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are effective for numerous conditions including: pain, anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, depression, gynecological concerns and preventative care. I am committed to assisting all members of the family to experience total health and well-being. To learn

Greensward Hamlet

Acupuncture ......................................................... page 27 Alternative Living .................................................. page 27 Counseling & Therapy ................................... pages 27-28 Creative Healing Arts ..................................... pages 28-29 Evolutionary Consciousness................................. page 29 Holistic Healing Centers ...................................... page 29 Holistic Publications & Radio ............................... page 29 Hypnotherapy ...................................................... page 29 Integrative Healing ........................................ pages 29-31 Life Mastery ......................................................... page 31 Meditation ............................................................ page 31 Psychic & Spiritual Mediumship ........................... page 32 Reflexology & Healing Massage .......................... page 32 Retreats ......................................................... pages 32-33 Sacred Space .......................................................page 33 Schools & Trainings ....................................... pages 33-34 Shamanic Healing ................................................ page 34 Writing Services.............................................. pages 34-35 Yoga, Tai Chi, Aikido ............................................. page 35

28 co u n s e l i ng & t h e rapy- c o n t .

What is somatic therapy?

Somatic therapy is a self-awareness process with a particular focus on the body. With guided practice to help you remain present in the body, you simply allow thoughts, emotions and sensations to emerge in their natural patterns. This combination – conscious awareness and observation of patterns – allows both increased capability of self-regulation and expanded capacity for awareness itself. Current brain research shows that the part of the brain involved in awareness Douglas Smith also regulates emotions and behavior. So practice of focused awareness actually strengthens and expands the brain cell connections in this area, making the benefit of this work cumulative. The difference between this and mindfulness practice alone is that you also have access to somatic, or body reactions. These come under conscious awareness, creating the possibility of physical as well as emotional healing. Somatic therapy is useful for the resolution of stress and trauma, anxiety, depression, habits, addictions, "stuck" patterns, or can be used to enhance personal growth. For an appointment or more information please call, email or visit me on the web at www.mindmeetsbody.com.

Douglas Smith, LCPC, SEP., 440 Forest Avenue, Portland, ME 04101 (207) 329-3566, smith@mindmeetsbody.com.

counseling & the rapy- cont.

Prana Regina Barrett, B.S., M.I.A., E.R.Y.T., C.Y.T. Prana specializes in Life Coaching, Spiritual Counseling and Therapeutic Yoga, offering private sessions, workshops and retreats in Portland, Maine and world-wide. For more information, visit www.pranaheals.com, (207) 632-6698.

Offerings ~ Life Coaching (healthy lifestyle, transitions, small businesses, Law of Attraction) ~ Spiritual Counseling ~ Private Yoga ~ Yoga Therapy for physical and emotional healing ~ Hands on Healing ~ Tantra Instruction for Couples ~ Individual & Couples Retreats (studio apartment. for rent with healing sessions) ~ Workshops (Tantra, Law of Attraction, Therapeutic Yoga for Yoga Instructors & more). "Prana is an exceptional role model and teacher of yoga and natural healing. She is devoted to healing and personal transformation and gently invites us to join her on the path. Prana guides us to deep places of self-discovery and acceptance, where healing happens and wholeness is restored. Like 'water that wears away rock,' Prana's guidance dissolves physical, emotional, and energetic barriers to being healthy, joyful and fully alive. Her teaching is a gift!" ...Mary Anne Bright, EdD, APRN, BC Professor Emerita University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Author of Holistic Health and Healing.

creative healing arts

Nancy Roberts, Ph.D., Psy.D. Transformational Psychotherapy Cyan Magenta Yellow Black

In my psychotherapy practice I deal with the concerns that bring most people into therapy: depression, anxiety, stress, and challenges with relationships and work. However, my transformational focus goes beyond

this to address the yearning that many people feel for a deeper sense of meaning and joy, and highlights an appreciation for spiritual paths to a more heart-centered life. Offices at 141 North Main Street in Brewer and 5 School Street in Ellsworth. Telephone: 207-852-7656

Maine Surry Music Therapy Center: Alan Wittenberg M.A., CMT Certified Music Therapist, (AMTA) American Music Therapy Association Music therapy opens new channels of communication and contact through the creative and interactive use of music towards self-expression and self-discovery. It goes beyond

words and emotionally, physically, and intellectually touches those with psychological issues and special needs. Music Therapy is a dynamic clinical, educational, developmental, and rehabilitative treatment approach. Alan specializes in autism spectrum disorders, emotional and behavioral issues, speech and sensory integrative delays; as well as work with the elderly and Alzheimer’s.The Surry Music Therapy Center is a unique facility in Maine offering individual and small group sessions, seminars, conferences, in-service training, and workshop programs throughout Maine.

Contact Alan Wittenberg at (207) 667-1308, alan@surrymusictherapy.com.

Visit www.surrymusictherapy.com for seminar and conference information.

A healthy functioning brain is crucial to your everyday cognitive, psychological, AND physical well-being. At Maine Neurotherapy Center, we

provide EEG Neurofeedback utilizing cutting edge techniques and equipment, without the use of medication, to help you achieve your goals. Neurotherapy is a powerful tool which involves exercising and training the brain to function better, manage anxiety and stress better, and improve overall day-to-day cognitive ability. We believe our clients deserve choices in care – whether that involves state-of-the-art neurofeedback or other traditional therapies.

We provide both. In addition, we will work collaboratively with your current providers to develop a tailored neurofeedback program that works for you. For more information contact us at www.MaineNeurotherapy. com., 1051 Washington Ave, Suite 2, Portland, Maine 04105. E-mail: MaineNeurotherapy@gmail.com

Nancy C. Campbell, LCSW (207) 650-9728

Sandra E. Couch Kelly, LCSW (207) 233-3469

Di re cto r y of R es our c e s $375 for 1 year Print & Online Listing with an active link to your website!

Includes 2.8 inch ad space, (approximately 130 words) Initial set-up fee $20

28 Inner Tapestry June/July 2010

Art Therapy & Shamanism

Susan Bakaley Marshall, ATR-BC, LCPC Art therapy is a dynamic combination—powerful artistic creation with the insight of psychotherapy. Art therapy

and shamanic counselling will help you cultivate your strengths like a gardener tending plants. Together we can use imagination to design the garden. We can learn to tell flowers from weeds when your spirit is overgrown. Then we can plant seeds, nurture and water them and reap a new harvest. Everyone has an artist within. Our spirit and soul speak through the artwork. The art never lies; it gently reflects back those areas of life that need our attention, promoting positive change and healing on all levels. The best way to walk into your future is to create it! Board Certified Art Therapist, Licensed Clinical Counselor, Shamanic Practitioner with over thirty years experience. The Thirteenth Moon Center, "ART from the heART," (207) 589-3063. moonarts@gmail.com.

Online listing (without print copy) with an active link to your website. $100 plus an Initial set-up fee of $20

Call 207-799-7995 or email: info@innertapestry.org

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holistic publications & radio

Main e

Vermont Zen Yoga & healing arts center

Zen Yoga is a journey of spiritual deepening that begins with the breath.

Zen Yoga uses deep breathing to gather energy and then introduces soft, flowing movement and stretches to facilitate the smooth flow of that energy throughout the body. Based on the fundamental principles of qigong, tai chi and yoga, Zen Yoga is like nothing you have tried before.

We offer ongoing classes, workshops, therapy and retreats at the Zen Yoga & Healing Arts Center in the mountains of Vermont. We can customize special programs to meet the needs of your group throughout New England.

We also offer a 12-week online program that provides time honored teachings of various spiritual disciplinary arts designed to assist you on your journey of self-discovery. For more information: Phone: (860) 805-6551, Email: breathe@artofzenyoga.com, Website: www.artofzenyoga.com.

WRFR-LP is all-volunteer community radio, on the air at 93.3 FM in Rockland and 99.3 FM in Camden, and streaming world-wide at www.wrfr.org.

We offer a wide selection of live and recorded music, and a wide variety of talk shows. Music genres include jazz, old time swing, classical, country, folk, Celtic, South Seas exotica, classic rock, heavy metal, Broadway tunes, and more. Many shows feature live music with local guests. Talk shows range from news and public affairs discussions to live tarot readings, and often include live interviews and telephone call-ins.

The station is supported by listener contributions and by business sponsors. Contact Jo Lindsay, volunteer

coordinator, to learn more about how you can participate: info@wrfr.org.

Contact Ananur Forma, sales manager, to learn more about business sponsorship: (207) 594-2565 WRFR's studios are located at 20 Gay Street, Rockland, Maine 04841. You are invited to stop by.

hypnotherapy

Main e evolutionary consciousness

Ernest VanDenBossche, BCH, CI - Director Is it time for a change? Let hypnosis work for you in so

The Autognomics Institute since 1992 Norm and Skye Hirst co-founders Transcendental Autognomics (TA); going beyond scientific materialism to discover the emergent epi-principles within lifeitself... doing science the old fashion way.

TA; New Field of Life-Energy and Transcendental Science/Philosophy is based on emergent epi-energy principles now being discovered throughout the Autognomics Research Community and Alliance. The mystery/the miraculous/ the wisdom of life-itself is revealing herself. To receive our email newsletter on how latest revelations are impacting us all, visit us at www.autognomics.org or join us on Twitter @autognomics for frequent tips and insights plus see who we are following. Co-founders – Norm and Skye Hirst, PhD.

holistic healing centers

M a i ne Gardens of Atlantis Healing Arts Center "I love the energy of this place." is what I am told

time and time again. I never get tired of hearing that.

The vibration of this Center is a result of people doing the work they love to do, which helps people feel and be at their best. I love that people are doing work they're passionate about, and that's the energy that creates the fun, the ease, and the safe place to explore who they are. It's the vibration of Love and Compassion for the wonderful folks who come to Gardens of Atlantis. We hope you visit us soon for naturally pain relieving Massage, Energy Work, Meditation, QiGong, Herbal Medicine, Native American teachings, and more! (207) 929-5088, www.gardensofatlantis.org.

many ways. Become a Consulting Hypnotist. Training with Ernest VanDenBossche, Board Certified Hypnotherapist and Certified Instructor with the National Guild of Hypnotists (ngh.net), President Maine Guild of Hypnotists. Take the NGH “Consulting Hypnotist” Certification Training, 100-hour course. Be a Certified Hypnotist.

Learn – What is Hypnosis, Trance Depth Testing, Hypnotizability and Suggestibility, Rapid Inductions, Mind/Body Relaxation, Self-Hypnosis, Goal Development, Smoking Cessation, Weight Management, Stress Management, Pain Management, Age Regression, Reframing Trauma, Ethics for Professional Hypnotists, create customized scripts, and CDs for your clients. You get: NGH Manuals, One Year NGH Membership, Local and International support by other professional hypnotists, supervised in-class practice time to master your techniques quickly, informational Hypnosis CD ROM, and CDs and DVDs for your business. Call: (207) 453-6133, www.hypnotraining.us. Private consulting and other trainings available.

integrative healing Connecticut

Belanger Physical Therapy A neck or back doesn't walk into the office, a whole person does and all their history as well. What we do not

choose to express emotionally will show itself in our bodies through tension, pain, illness and/or dis-ease. Joe invites his clients to welcome and feel, in order to transition, the walls that keep each of us from expressing our authentic selves in the world. Everything you need for what you really desire in your life is right in front of you. All you have to do is surrender to feel what is there. Joe chooses to support people physically, emotionally and energetically through manual therapy (cranial, muscle energy, functional technique, myofascial release), a deep belief in osteopathic philosophy, and heart.

Marlborough, CT (860) 295-0572, or e-mail Joe at joeb.pt@snet.net.

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M a i ne

HypnoWave Hypnosis Training Center

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Ron and Joan

Are You Listening? Through the challenges of our lives

we are being asked to release what no longer serves us; to expand, living with an open mind and heart. Are You Willing? To embody the Truth of living your life as love in action, Ron and Joan support people to live the highest/greatest vision of themselves. Living Visions is a method of support that deepens levels of calm and joy, releasing the causes of emotional and physical trauma, which increases awareness of your true center and grounding. Living Visions is a way of realizing perfect union with one's self. If you are interested in exploring how we may be able to support you please visit www.ronandjoan.com, or call us at (207) 799-7998 with questions or for more information.

"There is more hunger for Love and Acceptance in the world today than there is for bread." (Mother Teresa).

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Susan Ortiz, MD Board Certified Physical Medicine & Pain Management Medical Acupuncture & Energy Medicine Mind-Body Medicine Are you living up to your full potential? If you have joint, muscle, spinal pain, headaches, sleep problems, mood disorders, gastrointestinal issues, stress, fatigue or other troubling symptoms, you do not have to settle for ineffective or toxic treatments.

After 20 years of medical practice, I know that a combination of traditional Western and Alternative methods is usually the best form of medicine.

Having studied many different styles of healing over the years, I combine them with the latest in nutrition, movement and mind sciences to improve your health, function and vitality. Stillpoint Rehabilitation & Wellness,

15 State St., Bangor, ME 04401. Stillptrehab@gmail.com, (207) 990-2934, www.stillpointrehab.com.

M a i ne Roberta Barnes, CHT, Gendai Reiki-ho & Komyo Reiki Shihan (teacher/master) & Herbalist

Gendai Reiki-ho brings balance and harmony to mind/body/spirit, and all areas of your life. Roberta teaches and

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practices as she learned from her Japanese Reiki Shihans, each of whom has only 2 Shihans between themselves and Mikao Usui, the founder of Usui Reiki. Roberta has practiced various forms of natural healing for over 30 years. Her Natural Healing & Learning Center, nestled in a wildlife habitat in Windsor, Maine, is the perfect environment to reflect the balancing and harmonizing essence of Mikao Usui’s spiritual practice.

Encased in harmonizing relaxation, you can... *Learn Japanese styles of Reiki, *Experience Reiki healing sessions, *Learn inward or outward meditation, *Receive a personalized herb report, or *Experience a healing journey into your past. Roberta schedules classes to meet individual needs and travels out-of-State to teach groups. Roberta’s guided meditations are available on CDs. View scheduled classes at www.naturalhealinglearning.com or

Shen THerapy Thai Bodywork

S. Brennan Murphy, CST, CTYB, CYI SHEN Therapy: A highly effective and accelerated

approach to resolving stuck emotions and physical conditions that are directly affected by emotions.

Have you lost direction? Are you stressed? Do you feel disconnected from yourself and those around you? SHEN therapy works by releasing pain, old emotional memories and life scripts/beliefs buried in our unconscious mind. SHEN also helps with release of grief, depression, low self-esteem, panic/anxiety attacks, anger, shame, guilt, hate, eating disorders, bowel problems, sexual problems, PMS, post traumatic stress disorder, pregnancy and labor. Thai Bodywork: is a comprehensive and relaxing approach to opening the physical body, reducing tension, opening joints, stretching muscles, over-all grounding. Excellent for athletes, sciatica and more! For more information on these modalities and Brennan, please email: sowelu@midmaine.com or phone (207) 326-3236.

call (207) 445-5671 today to register for classes or healing sessions.

Sattva

Health and Wellness

Enjoy a Healthy Body and a Peaceful Mind The services at Sattva Health and Wellness are for anyone who is ready to explore the numerous benefits of a holistic ("whole person") approach to health care. Through the wisdom of Ayurveda, you will

learn to make proper diet and daily lifestyle choices.

By living in balance with ourselves and nature, we can experience clarity of the mind while nourishing and nurturing the body.

You are invited to come to know yourself from a fresh perspective, embark on a path of self-discovery, and enjoy optimum health in body, mind, and spirit. Reiki, Quantum Touch, and Therapeutic Touch can be deeply relaxing and restorative, assisting in the healing process. Energy work sessions are an opportunity to decompress and reconnect with yourself. Clients enjoy settling in, letting go of stress, and conclude feeling peaceful and grounded. Please contact Sandra Maguire to learn more about how to begin your personal journey of health and healing through the time tested holistic health care systems of Ayurveda and Energy Medicine. www.SattvaHealthandWellness.com 207-838-1602 sandra@sattvahealthandwellness.com 2 Convenient Locations: North Windham and South Portland, Maine

30 Inner Tapestry June/July 2010

SpiritWings CompassionateHealing and Apothecary

Kevin Pennell, Herbalist/Usui and Karuna ® Reiki Master Teacher/ Hypnotherapist/Shamanic Practitioner/Psychic Empath and Vickie Cummings, Licensed Massage Therapist/Cranio Sacral Therapist/Usui and Karuna® Reiki

Practitioner: Therapeutic, Seated, and Couples Massage, Outcalls available,

Herbal Consultations, and Past Life Regression. We consult with each client to identify the appropriate modalities to achieve Health and Harmony in their life. Classes are offered in Herbology, Reiki, and Karuna Reiki® plus other workshops. Visit the Apothecary for Herbs, Patent Formulas, Teas, and Supplements. Essential Oils, Candles, Incense, and other Accessories are also available. Visit our website www.spiritwingsbethel.com. Apothecary Open Tuesday-Wednesday 10-4 & Thursday-Saturday 10-5. Therapeutic Sessions by appointment SpiritWings, 85 Main Street, Bethel, Maine. Telephone (207) 824-2204. Credit Cards Accepted.

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FERN DYER - Reiki Master/IET Practitioner Reiki with Crystals, Stones, Integrated Energy Therapy, Reading, Write-up. Our intuition guides us to the stones and crystals

necessary for our development. Reiki is introduced to balance the body, mind and spirit so your innate healing ability can be bolstered. If you choose, Integrated Energy Therapy is added.

IET provides a simple and gentle way to open the flow of vital life force within the human body and energy field by integrating suppressed feelings from cellular memory and clearing their associated energy blockages. Your messages are discussed. A write-up (detailing the meanings of the stones, the meanings of the flowers, animals, etc. that I saw/ heard/felt during the session and any other messages received) is then sent to you. Call (207) 415-8638 or e-mail: fdyer@maine.rr.com for an appointment/more information.Visa/MC accepted. Jewelry, nature photos. Now in-town Portland, www.lilysongbird.com.

Massachusetts

intuitive HEALING

"As a healer, I work with individuals in a way that consciously promotes a peaceful and healthy planet. Our

wlm922@wendymarks.com"

life mastery Maine Ocean of Possibilities Life Coaching Deborah Bergeron, CPCC, Certified Life Coach, Prosperity Guide

Create an intentional life… Consider what it would be like to live life fully and authentically, experiencing love, prosperity, ease, freedom, and

fun. In our work together, you will learn to break through limiting paradigms

and create a dynamic vision for your life – a vision that can pave the way to living your greatest potential and sharing your gifts with the world. By weaving in successful coaching principals and the Law of Attraction, you will be guided to access your inner wisdom, to get clear on what you want in your life and learn the tools that will support you in having it. Every journey truly starts with a single step. When you are ready to embark on your mission of life, I would be honored to walk with you. For a complimentary coaching session or schedule of workshops call (207) 797-9007 or email: debcoaches@aol.com. Phone sessions available. www.oceanofpossibilities.com.

TAROTWORKS Jeanne Fiorini A tarot reading is an avenue by which to have an authentic conversation about what matters most in your life. Tarot Works provides numerous ways to

experience the wisdom and beauty of this ancient system of symbols, by offering individual and group readings, classes from beginner's level to "readers in training," ongoing monthly groups, and special events. Phone readings are available.

With 18 years experience as a Tarot practitioner and teacher, and formal training in both mediation and psychosynthesis counseling, Jeanne brings a unique blend of practical guidance and useful information to all readings and classes. She is a contributing columnist for the American Tarot Association's website www.ata-tarot.com/reflections and is currently working on her second book, to be published by Schiffer Publishing Ltd., autumn 2010.

For more information about Jeanne or the TarotWorks offerings, visit www.tarotworks.com or call (207) 799-8648.

Jen Deraspe, MS

Certified Coach; The Institute for The Work, Holistic Personal Trainer, Retreat Facilitator I spent my life searching for truth and happiness outside of myself. All served me on the path and I am

grateful. Because my seeking path was more external, I experienced only temporary relief. What ultimately led me home was the simplest of methods, The Work of Byron Katie. It is a direct, no non-sense path to personal truth, clarity and freedom held within and no teacher is required. I have been humbled and opened through my own personal inquiry into the source of my stress, fear and internal war with what is. If you are seeking sustained peace and experiencing lasting wellbeing, you are invited to join me on an invigorating journey back to you. The tools used are customized for your individual plan and include The Work, Hatha yoga, meditation, holistic nutrition, lifetime fitness and wellness programming. It would be a privilege to be your guide. I am happy to offer a complimentary phone consultation if you are interested in the possibility of working together. www.ntnretreats.com, 207-452-2929, ntnretreat@yahoo.com

meditation Maine

Sant Mat Radhaswami, The Path of the Masters The Maine Sant Mat Society presents the Enlightenment Experience as taught by Sant Sevi Ji Maharaj of Bihir, India,

a series of free lectures, meditations and satsangs around Maine facilitated by James Bean, a local representative of the Sant Mat tradition of Inner Light & Sound Meditation known as Surat Shabd Yoga, in the lineage of Tulsi Sahib.

For More Information call (207) 368-5866, or email: James@SpiritualAwakeningRadio.com, Website: www.SpiritualAwakeningRadio.com/santmat.

Directory of Resources Listings are easy to compose.

Write as though you are speaking to others about the work you do and the services you offer.

For more information call: Curtis at (413) 595-9092 / (207) 799-7995 or email curtis@innertapestry.org / info@innertapestry.org June/July 2010 Inner Tapestry 31

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healing work takes place despite the conflicts that wash over us in our daily lives. By healing ourselves we create Wendy Marks changes that have a ripple effect on M.Ed, C.A.S.,FAPA the world around us." I offer Medical Intuitive sessions, energy healing and integrative therapy. With 30 years of experience in traditional and complementary healthcare, I am here to improve your physical, mental and spiritual health. I work with adults to develop and hone their own intuitive skills. www.wendymarks.com (781) 449-5368,

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retreats

Maine PsychicMediumship, Hypnotherapy

Bonnie Lee Gibson is a professional Psychic Medium, Hypnotherapist, Registered Counselor, Reiki Master, healer, teacher and lecturer with thirty years of experience. She

resides in Fairfield and Northport, Maine.

Her first experience with Spirit was at the age of four. She has connected many people with loved ones who have crossed over, as well as their angels and spirit guides. Bonnie Lee communicates with pets, both here and on the spirit side. She gives spirit readings all over the world by telephone and travels in the US and Canada.

Services include: Hypnotherapy, Psychic Mediumship Readings, Gallery Readings, Workshops, Classes and Lectures, Reading Circles and Private Groups in the comfort of your home. Call (207) 453-6133, cell (207) 649-7089, spirit@bonnielee.net, www.bonnielee.net, and www.hypno.us.

Kat Logan

Intuitive Readings and Healing

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• Intuitive Readings (personal, group, parties, phone or email) • Energy Healing (also offering... Sound, Aromatherapy & Flower Essences) • Sacred Space Design for home and garden • Dowsing and Space Clearing Intuitively aware since childhood Kat has been offering readings and energy work for over 25 years. As a spiritual medium, empath and clairvoyant she lovingly brings the messages from the Divine Energies that are resonating with you, to assist you on your life's journey. My work is not to tell you your future but to intuitively counsel you of the many potentials that are resonating with you.

You have the personal power and will to create the life you want. I want to assist you in that process. I also offer sliding scale fee schedules if money is a problem. Kat also offers other services such as Sacred Space Design, Intuitive Art Work, Medicinal Herbal Teas and Flower Essences.

For more information, please check the website: www.mygreatfullheart.com or email: kat@mygreatfullheart.com. Kat is located in Friendship, Maine. Telephone (207) 226-7446.

reflexology & healing massage Maine Hands on Feet ~ Lynn Danforth, Certified Reflexologist Reflexology is an amazing stress-relieving technique. Relaxation is a skill that most Americans do not practice often. Stress builds

and builds until it becomes a lifestyle. Lynn Marie Danforth has been practicing Reflexology for over 10 years. Lynn specializes in therapeutic Reflexology.

Her greatest success is with tendonitis, plantar fasciitis and relief of tension. Lynn’s Reflexology sessions are quick, effective and could be the answer to your body’s cry for relief. Lynn has been able to show clients that change for the better is possible, that improved health is truly in your hands... and feet. To contact Lynn call (207) 767-5776 or 207-318-0129, or visit www.handsonfeet.net.

Maine

Sewall House Yoga Retreat Enjoy yoga twice daily, meditation, massage, sauna and healthy home-cooked vegetarian cuisine. Near pristine lakes

and Baxter State Park, hike, bike, swim, canoe, kayak or simply porch sit! Five days suggested, weekends, shorter and longer stays arranged. Step back into time in the comfort of this bed and breakfast style retreat listed in the National Registry of Historic Places.

Nature guide William Sewall shared the healing attributes of nature with a young Theodore Roosevelt, who restored his health from life-threatening asthma here. The tradition continues since 1997 with William Sewall's great granddaughter, yoga instructor Donna Davidge, with over 25 years' experience in the healing arts, and her Swedish husband, musician and chef Kent Bonham. Experience the friendly hospitality Sewall House has always offered.

Sewall House Yoga Retreat Island Falls, Maine www.sewallhouse.com.

(888) 235-2395 Open All Year, prearranged retreats available upon request.

The knowledgeable and experienced practitioners at The Wellness Center offer a full spectrum of holistic, traditional and alternative techniques.

Enjoy engaging seminars that will flex your intellect. Join a movement class to tone your heart and spirit.

Experience the skillful touch of artists sensitive to the subtle thread of muscle and mind. Freshen your outward glow from head to toe. For more information about ongoing programs, upcoming seminars and suite availability, please call (207) 465-4490 or visit us on the Wellness page at VillageSoup.com. The Wellness Center, 69 & 71 Elm Street, Camden, ME 04843.

This land is a living resource! The 47 blessed

acres on which “Forest Circles” is located continues to provide visitors with uniquely personal mystical experiences. Overnight solo retreats in the forest are popular. Come for a gathering in a peaceful inside space, a program around the sacred fire pit or a walk. All are invited to experience this parcel of Earth that is eager to communicate and teach you how to find your way back to your heart. At Forest Circles we offer programs which include: multi-cultural spiritual ceremonies, classes for enhancing one’s connection to Earth and inner self, solo and group retreats, classes on native medicinal plants, children’s programs. Strongheart Healing with Regina Strongheart is featured at the retreat center. Self-Retrieval” is a technique developed by Regina that helps you reclaim your personal power and peace. Using healing energy, shamanic journeying and medical intuition, Regina will assist you in finding health and peace. Regina Strongheart, has an MA in education from UNH and experiences including 29 years teaching high school chemistry, 8 years in the medical field and 14 years as a spiritual healer and teacher. She is the owner of “Forest Circles,” Topsham, Me. 207-776-3152, www.forestcircles.com.

TO BECOME PART OF THE INNER TAPESTRY COMMUNITY AS AN ADVERTISER, DISTRIBUTOR, CONTRIBUTING WRITER OR ARTIST

Call 207-799-7995 or visit www.Innertapestry.Org 32 Inner Tapestry June/July 2010

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Maine

Treat Your Feet

Rolling Meadows, a 100 acre yoga and meditation retreat center over-looking the hills of coastal Maine, provides a unique environment for inner reflection away from the stimulation, demands and distractions of daily life. Scheduled silent retreats for up to 10 participants are offered

throughout the year blending meditation, creatively-explored hatha yoga, and guidance in the direct path of self-inquiry. Patricia Brown and Surya Chandra Das teach from 30 years of experience, encouraging students to cultivate intuitive receptivity and openness, guiding them to find the unique expression of their True Nature. They also teach retreats in Guatemala, Mexico and throughout the US. Rolling Meadows Retreat, Brooks, Maine, (888) 666-6412, www.rollingmeadowsretreat.com.

A Very Rewarding Career ~ Nurturing your physical Nervous System through reflex points found within your feet & hands.

Learn about a specific touch technique of applying pressure, using your thumb and fingers, to reflex points of the feet and hands that relate to other parts of the body.

Reflexology is credited with improving circulation and reducing body stress, which

removes blockages along the nerve pathways what we call Zones. A 250-hour certification course for School of Reflexology $3,300 to learn Reflexology and its Application.

Cost includes two Reflexology chairs, all required reading books, foot, hand charts, footbath items & much more.

For more information, call Board Certified Foot & Hand Reflexologist Myra Achorn, Augusta (207) 626-FEET. Classes start in February, May & September, www.treatyourfeet.com. Licensed by the State of Maine Department of Education.

sacred space Maine

surround yourself with natural beauty in a country setting of organic gardens, open fields, woods and water where the land is still a little wild and the animals remember their true names. We are just 35 miles from Portland on 350 acres of very special land, nestled in the foothills of the White Mountains. Inside enjoy the large gathering spaces, both with fireplaces. Outside walk the land, the labyrinth and hiking trails. Many options available. FMI call Pat at

is a non-profit, tax-deductible organization. We teach yoga to elementary school children and their homeroom teachers. We can come to your school and teach

formal yoga classes or we can come to your classroom and help you to initiate a yoga program you can use on a daily basis in your class. We also offer Tools for Teachers, an in-house workshop, which teaches teachers to use four basic yoga tools in their daily teaching. These tools will allow teachers to help children with relaxation, breathing, and stress reduction, which will complement their overall learning and create a harmonious learning environment. Workshops can be scheduled as in-house workdays for teachers in public and private schools.

These workshops are individually tailored, and price varies according to the length. Please contact Lily Goodale at ngoodale@aol.com or (207) 236-6001.

Workshops can be given from Portland to Bar Harbor and are certified and part of the Yoga Ed foundation of yoga for children. www.yogaed.com.

(207) 625-4179 or email: earthrest@psouth.net.

Healing Ways of Kennebunk Reiki Certification Classes

Mahoosuc Mountain Lodge and Husky Farm rests on 60 picturesque acres nestled in the heart of the Bear River Valley of Newry in western Maine.

The lodge is a marvel of Yankee craftsmanship—a traditional New England timberframe structure featuring hand-cut mortise and tenon joinery throughout. We're also home to the Mahoosuc Guide Service and their working sled dogs! (www.mahoosuc.com.) Our Bed and Breakfast is a fully renovated 1903, three bedroom farmhouse fitted for modern comfort, and situated amid Bear River Valley's breath-taking natural vistas. Guests can take in panoramic views of the 3,500-4,000 foot peaks of the Mahoosuc Range. And we're in the heart of it all: just 1 mile to Grafton Notch State Park; 2 Miles to Grafton Loop Trail; only 4.7 miles to the Appalachian Trail; and just 14 miles to Umbagog Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Mahoosuc Mountain Lodge is the ideal retreat destination. We're a great location for weddings, concerts/events, business retreats, family reunions, meetings, and more. Mahoosuc Mountain Lodge is ideal for the traveler seeking relaxation, adventure or both. Call Polly or Kevin at: (207) 824-2073 for more information or visit: www.mahoosucmountainlodge.com.

For Massage Therapists and Bodyworkers Reiki I and Reiki II training offered monthly NCBTMB approved – 8 CE hours per class Learn the ancient hands-on-healing technique known as Reiki. This training is designed to inspire and teach massage therapists to integrate Reiki into their existing practice. Reiki is a powerful yet gentle therapy. Reiki has no contraindications so you will never have to turn another client away. This practical hands-on workshop allows you to work on yourself, others, pets and animals. Reiki is essential for every massage therapist, even if you do not need continuing education hours. Register early – class size limited for individual attention. For more information on class details contact Rachel Pelletier, LMT, Kennebunk, Maine (207) 967-0035 or www.healingwaysonline.com.

“Rachel Pelletier is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a continuing education Approved Provider.”

The Earth has received the embrace of the sun and we shall see the results of that love.

Sitting Bull

June/July 2010 Inner Tapestry 33

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Earthrest offers indoor and outside gathering space for retreats, workshops, spiritual questing, ceremony and celebration. Come,

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Chaplaincy Institute of Maine

Interfaith Spiritual Growth and Ordination World Religions, Art as Meditation, Creation Spirituality, Interfaith Worship

First Year: The Way of Contemplation • Second Year: The Way of Action The next two-year program begins September 2010

ChIME offers a two-year program for Interfaith Spiritual growth and possible ordination as an Interfaith Minister.

Students commit to attending class one evening a week and one weekend a month September through May. Two weekend retreats are also built into the schedule. Some weekend workshops are open to the general public.

Tuition for the two years is $5,400.

Information and applications: ChIME Admissions, P.O. Box 3833, Portland, Maine 04104 (207) 347-6740 • chimeadmin@gmail.com • chimeofmaine.org

D O R Y C OTE

…Follow the Path to Your Own True Essence. At

the core of my shamanic healing practice is the belief that we have the capacity to be whole, stable, and functioning at our highest potential. My healing space is safe, quiet and nourishing. I regularly perform soul retrievals, communicate with the spirits of deceased loved ones and facilitate healing the numerous wounds of life in the 21st century. I have completed a Three-Year The Center for Program in Advanced Shamanism and Shamanic Earth Light Healing Healing with the Foundation for Shamanic Studies and other intensive trainings, including experiences with indigenous shamans from around the world. I graduated from a Two-Year Teacher Training Program with world-renowned shaman, Sandra Ingerman, and this authorizes me to teach beginner and advanced shamanic healing methods. Please see my workshop schedule or make an appointment at www.earthlighthealing.com, email me at dory@dorycote.com, or call (207) 841-1215.

Pacha Works

shamanic healing

Holding New Possibilities.

Working with traditional shamanistic practices for healing.

Maine

Eva Rose Goetz, director

Spirit Passages Allie Knowlton, MSW, DCSW & Evelyn Rysdyk Cyan Magenta Yellow Black

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.

Congratulations to all the graduates of 2010!

May Your Love and Light reach every Corner of the world!

"Healing is a collaboration. I love working with people privately or with groups. By working together we remove energies that may be in the way of our coming into wholeness and balance." Eva Rose Goetz: BFA University of Texas at Austin, MS Ed.

Bank Street College NYC, Medicine Wheel Training with Alberto Villoldo, Ph.D. and Lisa Summerlott. Certified In Light Body Medicine with Alberto Villoldo, Ph.D. Core Shamanism with Evelyn Rysdyk and Allie Knowlton.

Eva gratefully continues her studies with indigenous medicine people in Peru, New Mexico, Canada, Africa and Mexico. Eva hosts workshops, leads ceremonies and has a private Shamanic Energy Practice in Falmouth, Maine.

A new 16-month course in beginning Shamanism begins June 2010. More information about classes, private sessions, or ceremonies can be found at www.pachaworks.com or contact Eva directly at (207) 756-0488. "By

working with intentions of great love and spirit it is believed energy can move. A door opens and there is possibility of something new."

writing services Connecticut

Grow Your Business You need professionally written advertorials, ads, interviews, reviews and web content that align who you are and what you do with your target audience.

A professional writer saves you time and gets you and your business in print.

Ghostwriting: articles, books, columns, advertorials and more Freelance Work: feature articles, interviews, book reviews, web content Coaching: guidance and insight for your own writing Published in local, regional and national print and digital media Portfolio: www.KarenMRider.com Email: KarenMRider@comcast.net

phone: (860) 638-8140

Maine Friends of Haiti is a group of people from all different backgrounds, beliefs and locations throughout Maine that are interested in helping Haiti.

They have developed the "Maine-Haiti Statewide Map Challenge" to share information about something that someone in their town or city has done to help Haiti.

Visit: www.mainefriendsofhaiti.org

34 Inner Tapestry June/July 2010

35 writing services Maine

Yoga ~ T'ai Chi Listings

The Village Scribe The Wellness Center, Camden, Maine

207.344.7070

TheVillageScribe@hotmail.com

Communicate your authentic message.

Writing and Editing services for the Creative and Holistic communities.

Original Copy for: Ads ~ Business cards ~ Brochures Articles ~ Memoirs ~ Websites Writing Workshops Creative Writing ~ Memoir ~ Mythic Structure

Six issues in print costs $160 for 35 words plus logo.

Online placement in the Directory of Resources with a direct link to your website for an additional $75.

Please call: Curtis White at (413) 595-9092 or (207) 799-7995 or Email: curtis@innertapestry.org.

Ducktrap Writers' Round Table ~ Supporting writers in their craft.

Camden Public Library, third Sundays, 2:00pm-4:00pm $15.

Custom crafted words that represent who you are and what you do.

Yoga ~ T'ai Chi ~ Aikido Connecticut

Yoga for Health Marcie Loffredo, RYT ~ No experience needed. Styles of Yoga: Ashtanga, Vinyasa Flow, Hot Yoga, Back Care, Stretch and Tone, Weight Loss, Yoga-lates (combo of Yoga and Pilates), meditation, and relaxation.

Visit our website for details www.yoga-4-health.com or email us at marcialoffredo@sbcglobal.net or call (860) 267-8279.

GLASTONBURY Sacred Rivers Yoga Offers Yoga for Every Body, therapeutic massage and bodywork modalities, acupuncture, nutritional and herbal therapies. We are also a Yoga Alliance 200- and 500-hour registered yoga teacher training school. www.sacredriversyoga.com.

Maine DENMARK, GREATER BRIDGTON LAKES REGION Nurture Through Nature's Donation Based Yoga Center Our intention is to offer the gift of yoga in a sacred space, supporting healing, restoration, and healthy active movement. We offer weekly, quality classes in a beautiful, natural setting. Design your own healing yoga retreat. www.ntnretreats.com, (207) 452-2929, getaway@ntnretreats.com,.

5) Soundless Yoga: Beyond form is Formlessness. Beyond Sound is the Soundless State, God, the Nameless One, the Soundless One, and the Nondual Ocean of Love. Reaching this State of Oneness or Union with God, the Beloved, is the goal of the practice known as Surat Shabda Yoga.

Yogani Mataji once said: “On the journey within, the soul must be guided by a true master so as not to be detained in any of the lower illusory regions.” Why the need for a living master and Initiation into the Secrets of Surat Shabda Yoga? Of course, if it wasn’t for living masters, recent masters and past masters, we would not be having this conversation. There would be no Golden Rule, no Sermon on the Mount, no Four Noble Truths, no Eightfold Path, no Precepts of Ahimsa, no Rumi poetry, no satsang discourses or hymns of Saints, no living Path of the Masters.

There would be no understanding or organized path teaching this as a divine possibility, that human beings can taste something of heaven even now during this present life, in this present moment of time, as a result of following specific methods of spiritual practice communicated from one generation to the next.

There is a spiritual principal that: “we are influenced by the company we keep.”

When we associate with those who experience Divine Light and Sound, there is a spiritual influence, which helps us to open up to Light and Sound too. In India, this is called Satsang (association with the eternal Truth or God). People get together to hear the teachings and meditate as a group. There is a Group Energy that provides a boost or jump-start that helps open us up to our own experience.

“Where two or three are gathered in My Name, I Am in their midst”, as the saying goes. Even better than meditating with other initiates is to meditate with a living master or other advanced meditators, and this is what initiation is, along with complete guidance and instruction on how to meditate, as well as on how to integrate this sort of meditation practice with one’s daily life in a balanced and healthy sort of way. It is a “far out” form of meditation, but we need not meditate all day long or be “blown away,” made off-center as a result of the experience. We are simply adding another level of consciousness to our daily existence. Along with the waking state, the unconscious state of deep sleep, and the dream-state, we are adding the meditative state of inner Light and Sound – Surat Shabda Yoga, to our daily schedule and spend some time in Inner Space, what some call “the Fourth State of Consciousness.”

James Bean interviews guests, reviews books and music for HealthyLife.Net Positive Talk Radio and other stations via a syndicated radio program called Spiritual Awakening, and teaches Sant Mat Meditation and Surat Shabd Yoga in the Bangor, Waterville, & Portland areas. Address questions or comments to James@SpiritualAwakeningRadio.com.

Our thanks to the many who support our community.

SOUTH PORTLAND Sadhana The Meditation Center Sadhana is an meditation and chanting center.

Open all days from 6:30AM to 9:00PM. All people and meditation techniques are welcome. We offer meditation classes, chanting sessions, spiritual gatherings and retreats. Donation based on affordability. www.SadhanaMe.com; (207) 772-6898; info@SadhanaMe.com; 100 Brickhill Ave., South Portland, ME June/July 2010 Inner Tapestry 35

Cyan Magenta Yellow Black

COLCHESTER, CROMWELL, EAST HAMPTON, PORTLAND & WESTCHESTER

Continued from page 26 ~ exploring the world religions

36

Calendar and Classified

Guidelines And Advertising Rates Are Located on Page 38

H eart V isions June 25th-27th Weekend Retreat at the Windham Retreat House In Windham, New York, 12496. Cost $225, per person double occupancy includes yoga, meditation, workshops, mountain hikes, organic vegetarian meals. Contact Divyajyoti@sbcglobal.net.

June 29th-July 12th, Journey Into Oneness

Cyan Magenta Yellow Black

Peruvian Amazon & Andes Mountains, $3,400.00, deposit

by April 7th of $500.00. Call Claudia (207) 324-3276 or email her, cragonesi@hotmail.com. Space is limited: for more information visit www.holisticuniversalhealing.com.

June 12th, 9:00am-4:00pm Healthy Bones, Healthy Life

June 25th-27th Weekend Retreat ~ Gentle Zen Yoga Retreat

All-natural, clinically proven solution to bone and joint challenges. Inventor and Nobel-nominated scientist Dr. Narain Naidu. At USM Abromson Center, Portland, Maine. FMI, barbarajoseph@myfairpoint.net or (207) 873-1927.

Join Zen Yoga founder Aaron Hoopes and his wife Elfeya for a special weekend of Zen Yoga, Tai Chi and Qigong in the beautiful mountains of Vermont. Program includes nature meditations, tai chi, qigong and deep relaxation. Home-cooked meals! Ledge End Retreat & Wellness Center, (860) 805-6551, breathe@artofzenyoga.com, Website: www.artofzenyoga.com

June 13th, 10:00am-4:00pm Spring Workshop on Frye Island, Sebago Lake What are your Chakra's wanting to tell you? $85.

FMI: contact Cindy at (207) 329-8273, www,altmd.com/Specialists/Cynthia-McOsker.

June 18th-21st Women's Summer Solstice Retreat Celebration, Restoration and Community at Nurture Through Nature ~ $350 / $290 Camping, Denmark, Maine www.ntnretreats.com, (207) 452-2929.

June 20th, Sunday, 3:00pm-4:30pm Reconnective Healing Share Reconnective Practitioners are invited to give and receive healing sessions, network and share resources at the Magick Closet, 995 Forest Ave., Portland. FMI contact Ruth, Reconnective_Healing@yahoo.com, call (207) 773-1406 or the Reconnective Maine, Face book page for events and posts about future events.

June 26th, 1:00pm-3:00pm Pet Bereavement Workshop with Jackie Belanger Gardens of Atlantis $25 Includes some materials & tissues, bring photos and stories. FMI www.gardensofatlantis.org or (207) 929-5088.

June 28 - July 2nd, 8:30am - 4:00pm Music as Therapy – Special Needs Children & Youth

May 24th-29th, 2011 Assisi, Italy Know the wisdom of St. Clare and St. Francis and the sacred silence of the stones of Assisi with Megan Don. www.mysticpeace.com.

May 2012 Glastonbury, England Experience the healing waters of the Chalice Well, bringing harmony to your well being. With Megan Don www.mysticpeace.com.

June ~ Maine June Gendai Reiki-ho (Modern Reiki method for healing approved by the Gakkai) Scheduled classes for Level 1 & Level 2 Guided meditation CD Finding Your Solutions, now available.Call 207-445-5671 or visit www.naturalhealinglearning.com for days and times.

June 2nd-6th, Cleanse the Body ~ Celebrate the Soul Mid-coast ~ Women's Retreat: Deep mind-body-spirit healing.

Cost: $310 (includes Cleanse Kit) Hallie Holland, MSW, RMT ~ (207) 751-7537. Awaken Awareness: Reiki, The Polarity Way * Member of Team Northrup.

June 4th-6th Wellness Weekend at Mahoosuc Mountain Lodge in the western mountains. Practitioners offering their services throughout the weekend, evening presenters, comfortable accommodations available. FMI: call Polly (207) 824-2073.

June 5th & 6th, 9:00am-4:00pm both days Welcome to “Shamanism: What’s it all about?”

This workshop will be an introduction to the shamanic practice. We will examine history, practice, and students will experience basic journeying techniques. FMI: Yvonne Thibodeau, Sophia’s Wisdom at (207) 356-2662.

June 6th, Sunday, 1:30pm-7:00pm Lee Carroll & Kryon Live Channelling! Lee Carroll, author of 14 books, explores the 2012 Phenomenon, Quantum thinking and application to practical life, recognizing when we're stuck in 3D. $95, (207) 357-661, kryonportland@kryon.com.

Send all listings to

info@innertapestry.org 36 Inner Tapestry June/July 2010

(3-credit intensive) Explore and study Music Therapy as it applies to Children with Special Needs at the U. of Maine Hutchinson Center, Belfast, ME. No prior musical training is necessary.

For questions about course content etc. please contact Alan Wittenberg (207) 667-1308 or alan@surrymusictherapy.com or the Hutchinson Center Belfast, Maine (207) 338-8000.

June ~ Massachusetts June 5th-6th EOL Visionary Acupressure System Level 1, Module 4 This Acupressure System fuses ancient and modern techniques, making a quantum leap to address the direct frequencies of trauma and illness. Open to practitioners and laypersons; details at (978) 834-0341 or visit www.TheWayToBalance.com.

June ~ Vermont June 11th-13th Weekend Retreat ~ Reconnect with Nature Retreat Join Zen Yoga founder Aaron Hoopes and his wife Elfeya for a special weekend of breathing, gentle movement and meditation in the beautiful mountains of Vermont.

Program includes nature meditations, tai chi, qigong and deep relaxation. Home-cooked meals! Ledge End Retreat & Wellness Center, (860) 805-6551, breathe@artofzenyoga.com, Website: www.artofzenyoga.com.

June 19th, 1:00pm-4:00pm Qigong Workshop ~ 5 Element Healing Qigong 5 Element Healing Qigong uses deep breathing and visualization to enhance energy flow through the 5 yin organs of the body. Practice will also include an in-depth study of the five elements and the 10-Zen Qigong form. Beginners Welcome Ledge End Retreat & Wellness Center, (860) 805-6551, breathe@artofzenyoga.com, Website: www.artofzenyoga.com

ALL EVENTS ARE LISTED ONLINE AT www.innertapestry.org

July ~ Maine July Gendai Reiki-ho (Modern Reiki method for healing approved by the Gakkai) Scheduled classes for Level 1 & Level 2 Guided meditation CD Finding Your Solutions, now available.Call 207-445-5671 or visit www.naturalhealinglearning.com for days and times.

July 2nd-5th Yoga & Meditation Retreat w/Surya Chandra Das Yoga postures, pranayama, restorative poses, meditation, selfinquiry, silence, organic vegetarian meals, free time at quiet 100-acre country sanctuary. www.rollingmeadowsretreat.com (888) 666-6412.

July 2nd, beginning 3:00pm-July4th, ending noon Creative Awakening Weekend 2010, at Camp Etna In cooperation with Edgar Cayce Canada experience; meditation and healing, private readings and healing sessions, workshops and presentations, fun and fellowship. $50 for full weekend, $20 per night accommodations and $50 for home cooked meals. For registration and program information contact Rev. Bob Johnstone, (450) 466-0899, madisonrij2004@ yahoo.ca, www.creativewakening.com or Peter Kendell (450) 676-4203, hopsing555@hotmail.com.

July 9th-11th A Co-ed Yoga Eco-Retreat Adventure $350 – $290 camping. A dynamic retreat to deepen one's experience and practice of Yoga, www.ntnretreats.com, (207) 452-2929.

July 18th-23rd Canoe trip in Grand Lake Stream Region.

Native Plant Study learning wild edibles/medicinal uses.

Finishes with Grand Lake Stream Folk Festival. Women's trip.

FMI: www.mahoosuc.com or (207) 824-2073.

July 18th-24th Yoga & Meditation Retreat w/Surya Chandra Das Yoga postures, pranayama, restorative poses, meditation, selfinquiry, silence, organic vegetarian meals, free time at quiet 100-acre country sanctuary. www.rollingmeadowsretreat.com (888) 666-6412.

July 23rd-26th Sewall House Yoga Retreat Belly Dancing Weekend Island Falls, Maine: Enjoy food, yoga twice daily and New York City Belly Dancing Teacher Reyna Alcala, (888) 235-2395 or info@ sewallhouse.com. Cost of accommodations plus $100 for workshop.

July 30th-August 1st Inner Development Workshop with Master Fong Ha A rare opportunity to study with an internationally respected and beloved Master of the Chinese Internal Arts. Renowned for his power, graciousness and insight, Fong Ha is one of the few I Ch'uan teachers in the West. He will teach selections from I Ch'uan, Ruler Chi Kung, Yang Style Tai Chi and other meditative Qigong styles. Join us for one or more days to naturally develop your inner health and vitality. Register Early, space is limited. Brunswick, ME. FMI: (207) 798-8488 or www.HumanElementCenter.com.

July 30th-August 1st Women's Wilderness Canoe and T'ai Chi Adventure Explore the wilds of Maine by canoe with Polly Mahoney, coowner of Mahoosuc Guide Service, with daily T'ai Chi & Qigong play led by Betsey Foster. www.mahoosuc.com, Betsey Foster, MPH, director T'ai Chi & Qigong for All, LLC., 36 Knoll Rd., Greenwood, ME, 04255, (207) 875-2426.

37

July ~ Vermont July 16th-18th Weekend Retreat ~ Reconnect with Nature Retreat Join Zen Yoga founder Aaron Hoopes and his wife Elfeya for a special weekend of breathing, gentle movement and meditation in the beautiful mountains of Vermont.

Program includes nature meditations, tai chi, qigong and deep relaxation. Home-cooked meals! Ledge End Retreat & Wellness Center, 860-805-6551, breathe@artofzenyoga.com, Website: www.artofzenyoga.com.

Upco m i ng M aine August 1st-7th Women’s Wilderness Living Canoe Camping Retreat Penobscot River and Lobster Lake, North Maine Woods ~ $950, www.ntnretreats.com, (207) 452-2929.

August 15th-21st Yoga & Meditation Retreat w/Surya Chandra Das Yoga postures, pranayama, restorative poses, meditation, selfinquiry, silence, organic vegetarian meals, free time at quiet 100-acre country sanctuary. www.rollingmeadowsretreat.com (888) 666-6412.

September 3rd-6th Yoga & Meditation Retreat w/Surya Chandra Das

Authentic Movement Dance at Bath Dance Works

Earthrest Discussion Series

First and third Saturdays of the month, 10:00am-1:00pm, April 3rd & 17th May 1st & 15th, suggested donation $10, no experience is necessary. FMI: call Kay Mann (207) 725-9997 or email dancingfewl@pobox.com.

Earthrest is offering a series of weekly discussion groups using workbooks developed by Northwest Earth Institute: Sustainable Living, Deep Ecology, Global Warming. FMI: (207) 625-4179 or earthrest@psouth.net.

Kirtan at Portland Yoga Studio, 1st and 3rd Fridays

Nia With Maggie Bokor

Join us on a vocal journey through the sacred sounds of ancient India with call & response group chanting. Beginners welcomed. $5.00 suggested donation. 7:00pm-8:30pm, 616 Congress St., 3rd floor, Portland, ME. FMI: www.portlandyoga.com.

Find bliss in your body! Nia is barefoot movement blending dance, yoga and martial arts. Check out Maggie's Portland area classes at www.dancenia.com, (207) 899-5939.

The Ducktrap Writers’ Round Table

Give yourself the gift of Yoga! Ongoing weekly classes morning and evening for all levels. Call (207) 431-8079 or visit www.ShivaShaktiYogaSchool.com.

meets on third Sundays at Camden Public Library from 2:00pm-4:00pm. A venue for writers who wish to share work, receive feedback and be supported in their craft. Call Teresa Piccari, proprietor of The Village Scribe, at (207) 344-7070 for more info. Suggested fee is $15. Next meetings are June 20th, July 18th, and August 15th.

Qigong and Tai Chi Easy classes starting now Qigong is the gentle Chinese art of movement and breath that has profound health and spiritual benefits. Tai Chi Easy is a series of Tai Chi movements that are easy to learn and promote brain health, physical healing, and relief from stress. Both are starting at the end of January and going through the spring semester at The Awake Collective, The Landing Center, and Meadow Wind. Please call Ann Walker, certified IIQTC Qigong and Tai Chi instructor at (207) 699-4299 for more information.

Reiki - Healing Ways of Kennebunk

Yoga postures, pranayama, restorative poses, meditation, selfinquiry, silence, organic vegetarian meals, free time at quiet 100-acre country sanctuary. www.rollingmeadowsretreat.com (888) 666-6412.

Reiki classes offered monthly. Learn this ancient art of hands-on healing for yourself, loved ones, and pets.

FMI Rachel Pelletier, LMT (207) 967-0035 or www.healingwaysonline.com.

Upcoming~Massachusetts

Taoist Tai Chi TM Internal Arts of Health

September 11th, Saturday, 10:00am-5:00pm Psychic Development, Past Lives, &

Ongoing~Connecticut Sunday ~ Bhakti-Yoga Festival – 5:00pm

Wednesday Women’s Meditation Group All women welcome to a weekly meditation in the Greenfire tradition. Location: Newcastle, St. Andrews Parish House, Glidden St. 6:30pm–7:30pm (not on the 3rd Wednesday of the month).

For more info please call: Angela H. (207) 592-7888 or Mary A. (207) 677-3229.

Sunday Night: Portland Spiritualist Church

Join us for kirtan, philosophy and vegetarian dinner. No charge. Hare Krishna Temple. 1683 Main St. East Hartford CT 06108 (860) 289-7252, www.iskconct.org.

meets at 755 Main Street, Westbrook (Mission Possible Teen Center) for 6:30pm Service, Healing Meditation, Inspirational Talk, Messages from Spirit. FMI call (207) 655-6673 or visit our website at www.portlandspiritualistchurch.org.

Ongoing Monthly Group Reiki Sessions

Fourth Friday of each month - Gallery Readings.

Individual & Group Reiki Sessions, Reiki Shares & Classes.

Please call Carleen, RMT at (860) 642-7410 for more information.

Join us at the Portland Spiritualist Church, 755 Main Street, Westbrook (Mission Possible Teen Center) for an evening of messages from Spirit. 7:00pm $10 event. FMI call (207) 655-6673 or visit our website at www.portlandspiritualistchurch.org.

Holistic Moms Network National non-profit organization for parents with an interest in holistic health and green living. Visit www.holisticmoms.org to find a local chapter.

SunDo Mountain Taoism Classes in Taoist breathwork, meditation and postures for all fitness levels. SunDo Taoist practice enhances the body's qi-energy flow, which promotes health and higher consciousness. (860) 523-5260, www.sundo.org.

ECKANKAR Temple of CT -- a place for all who love God. ECKANKAR, the religion of the Light and Sound of God. Worship services are the second Sunday of every month 10:00am with fellowship and refreshments afterwards.

Corner of Route. 66 and Harvestwood Rd. Middlefield, CT. (860) 346-2226; www.ct-eckankar.org.

On g oi ng ~ M aine

Friday Night: Weekly Psychic Development and Awareness Classes, except for the 4th Friday which is Gallery Readings - see above. Portland Spiritualist Church, 755 Main Street, Westbrook (Mission Possible Teen Center). Classes start at 7:30pm. Most classes are by donation. FMI call (207) 655-6673 or visit our website at www.portlandspiritualistchurch.org.

Satsang/Meditation ~ Camden/Lincolnville.

Silent meditation based on works of H.W.L. Poonja & Ramana Maharshi. Tapes, Readings & Films too. Meetings Tuesday evenings at 6:30pm. Info Call: (207) 763-3860.

Meditation and Buddhism: Nagaloka is a spiritual community that provides space for individuals to explore and practice Buddhism. Weekly meditation sessions, retreats and introductory classes on meditation and Buddhism are scheduled regularly. Bookstore, too! www.nagalokabuddhistcenter.org, (207) 774-1545.

KIRTAN, on third Saturday of each month

The New Moon Rituals with Chief Oscar Mokeme

at Universalist Chapel, N. Fryeburg, ME. Located junction of Fish St. and Rt. 113. 7:00pm-9:00pm. All are welcome. FMI: Kathleen (207) 925-3133, Suzanne (207) 831-0868 email: indigo.8.yoga@gmail.com. Namaste'

www.museumafricanculture.org and the class "Developing Your Personal Healing Gifts" with teacher, healer and medical intuitive Regina Strongheart at "Forest Circles," Topsham, Maine, www.forestcircles.com.

Have a problem with food?

Tuesday Buddhist Meditation

Does your eating behavior make you or others unhappy?

There is help available in OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS! Check out oamaine.org to learn more, or call 211 for meeting times.

We practice Natural Wisdom and Love and Natural Wisdom and Compassion. All practices are for beginners and long-time practitioners, 25 Middle Street, Portland. 6:00pm-7:00pm. Jane Burdick, janeburd@maine.rr.com or (207) 773-6809.

Serene Healing Arts Center offers Wellness programs at Topsham Medical Building. Qigong, Chair Yoga, Macrobiotics cooking classes and Ayuverdic cooking classes starting March 16, 2010. For more information please call Serene Healing Arts at (207) 721-9919.

MOOSE Open Microphone-Spoken Word The Maine Organization Of Storytelling Enthusiasts serving the Storytelling Community of Maine meets monthly on the second Wednesday from 7:00pm-9:00pm at the North Star Cafe in Portland. http://mooseevent.bravehost.com.

Kripalu Yoga Class in Windham Mondays 9:15am-10:30am and Wednesdays, 5:30pm-6:45pm at the Masonic Hall on River Road. Contact Rebecca at (207) 749-4150 for more information, www.lawindwellness.com.

Spiritual Horizons Maine Meets every other Tuesday at 7:00pm, 75 State Street, Portland. Alternate weeks group on A Course in Miracles.

Contact: Tom Peterson (207) 310-0030 or John Moulton (207) 874-7602, www.spiritualhorizonsmaine.org.

Tarot Readings - Third Thursday each Month Gallery-style Tarot readings for all those in attendance. South Portland location 6:30pm-9:30pm. $25. Group size limited; register early! FMI/Register Jeanne Fiorini (207) 799-8648.

Energize! A holistic approach to performance Energy balancing sessions for artists, actors, and performers, recover your highest creative self. Post-performance rebalancing. $80 ($70 students) Holistic Pathways, Gorham, (207) 839-9819 www.starlightacting.org.

The Womanly Art of Self Defense and Empowerment Ongoing course for women, awareness & prevention skills, verbal self-defense & empowerment, basic self-defense techniques.

(207) 266-4902, Trenton Family Karate, Trenton/Ellsworth area.

Hatha Yoga, Meditation, Satsang Classes in Psychological & Spiritual Development & more.

Based in the Tradition of the Himalayan Sages. North Yarmouth.

For full listing, see www.TurningLight.org (207) 829-2700.

The Path of Celtic Buddhism Celtic Buddist meditation in Rockland, ME. Group practice on Sunday mornings at 8:30am. Please call for information (207) 701-5022, heartln@sover.net, www.celticbuddhism.org.

"Yokids" Yoga Ed Tools for Teachers Workshops Yokids instructors Lily Goodale and Lynnette Moore will come to your school and train homeroom teachers to use simple, yoga-based mind/body integration techniques to enhance their teaching and support a harmonious teaching environment.

Please contact Lily Goodale, ngoodale@aol.com, (207) 236-6001.

Thank God It's Grace: Women in God, Women in Good Please join Women In God each Thursday, 4:30pm-5:30pm at Meadow Wind 100 Gray Road, Falmouth, for an hour of peace, grace and spiritually-based conversation. Women in God is a non-denominational spiritual support group that welcomes all women on a path of love, hope and inspiration. For more information call (207) 233-7658, or visit www.womeningod.com.

The Birth House Bridgton's new freestanding birth center hosts monthly tours on the first Thursday, 6:30pm-7:00pm. Stay for free informational sessions. www.birthhouseme.com or (207) 647-5919.

Wavelengths Hypnotherapy ongoing classes: Self-Hypnosis, Weight Management, Smoking Cessation, Relaxation, Guided Imagery Classes. Bonnie Lee Gibson, CH and Ernie VanDenBossche, BCH, CI; www.hypnowave.com (207) 453-6133, (207) 649-9655, Waterville, ME.

Real-ize Your Integral Potentials Real-ize your multidimensional self! Integral Energy Healing ~ Explorations in Consciousness ~ Leadership in Consciousness ~ Life Transformations. We offer sessions, classes, circles and workshops. Elizabeth@IntegralPotentials.com (207) 873-3514.

Kittery, ME: Rawfood Potlucks, 5:00pm Third Saturday of each month, with guest speakers from the rawfood community. Support, learn, share, and build a local rawfood community. Call Aimee, (207) 409-0899.

Center of Inner Light, Rev. Gloria Nye Located at 267 Congress Street, Portland, ME (within the synagogue). Sunday Services: 10:30am-12:00pm followed by fellowship. FMI call (207) 786-4401, visit www.RevGloriaNye.com.

Continued on page 38 June/July 2010 Inner Tapestry 37

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Angel Communication Workshop with Ross J. Miller, psychic healer, medium, regression therapist, Newton, MA. To register for the workshop or to schedule a psychic or past-life reading or healing session in person or over the phone, visit our website: www.TheMysticWay.com or call Ross J. Miller (617) 527-3583.

Sustain or reclaim your good health with the Taoist Tai Chi Society® internal art of Tai Chi Chuan. In more than 25 countries around the globe, people of all ages and abilities enjoy the many benefits of practicing this art of holistic health.

Classes are offered in Westbrook, Bridgton, Brownfield & Blue Hill. FMI: (207) 329-4346, or email: portland.me@taoist.org.

ShivaShakti School of Yoga, Rockland

38 Ayurvedic Massage

Kripalu “DansKinetics”

Experience Abhyanga, Garshana and Shirodhara, the ancient healing bodywork techniques of India. Ruthanne Harrison, LMT. Located in Richmond, ME (207) 737-8593.

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.

Reiki Works offers all levels of Reiki

Sacred Circle Dance

Classes, sessions and free clinics. For schedule please contact Andrea Smith, B.S. Rehabilitation at reikiworks@beeline-online.net (207) 474-9962.

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.

Dragonfly Taijiquan, Larry Ira Landau Group & Private Instruction in T’ai Chi Ch’aun (taijiquan) & Chi Kung (qigong) for beginners & experienced students.

Studios in Portland and Kennebunkport. Ongoing classes, workshops & retreats. FMI: (207) 761-2142 or (207) 967-4070.

SpiritWings–Workshops, Reiki Classes in Bethel ME

Experience the healing of Love without conditions Ongoing classes. Learn the freedom of healing without limitations. Shamballa 1-4 and 13D Certification. Contact Elizabeth, Center of Momentum, (207) 873-3514, or centerofmomentum@hotmail.com.

Ongoing~RhodeIsland Bridge Between Two Worlds Radio Show Mediumship, Physical Phenomena and more. Contact Talk Radio Mondays 8:00pm-9:00pm EST, Listen Live www.bridgebetweentwoworlds.net. Host Pamela Marie Edmunds, (508) 273-0022.

Ongoing ~ Vermont Zen Yoga Breathing, movement, stretching and deep guided relaxation meditation. Every Wednesday evening. Beginners 6:00pm7:00pm. All levels 7:00pm-8:30pm. $10 per class. Location: Studio Time and Space in Springfield, VT. Everyone welcome. www.studiotimeandspace.org, phone: (802) 591-0990.

Reiki Share second Tuesday of every month. Well-Being and Healing Classes Regularly. Offering Tibetan/Usui and Karuna® Reiki-Meditation Classes and Ancestral Healing, which examines various methods of healing employed by our ancestors. For further information call (207) 824-2204 or visit website www.spiritwingsbethel.com.

Short-term Solutions-oriented Couples & Family Work

Doula tea, meet with doulas in person

Ceremonial Wisdom Circle honoring our Inner & Outer Seasons & Cycles. Sliding Scale. FMI: www.spiritualrenaissance.com, www.templeoftheheart.com or call Deborah, spiritual guide, priestess: (207) 883-1081.

Classified Listings

Belfast Yoga Studio. Iyengar style Hatha Yoga

HOLISTIC HEALTH CENTER FOR SALE

Learn how doulas help families during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. We meet Sundays at the Birth Roots, 101 State St., Portland from 4:00pm-5:00pm. There is no fee, pre-registration is required. Call Rebecca Goodwin at (207) 318-8272.

Stretch, Relax and Recharge Through YOGA A gentle way to reduce stress, tension and pain, while increasing vitality, flexibility, strength, a positive mind and balance on all levels. Ongoing Iyengar Yoga Classes (20 years of teaching) Kennebunk: Monday 5:00pm continuing level & 7:00pm beginners, Thursday 5:15pm continuing level 8 weeks at $99, frop in fee $15. In Portland: Saturdays 10am continuing beginners. Yoga Vacation in Virgin Gorda February 14th-21st, $700 plus airfare FMI: call Jeanette Schmid Lakari (207) 282-5528 or email at yogajs@maine.rr.com.

USM Center for Continuing Education.

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Ongoing classes in Complementary Therapies, (Traditional Chinese Medicine, Aromatherapy, Reiki, etc.) Visit www.usm.maine.edu/cce for course & registration information or call (207) 780-5900 for catalog.

Planetary Activation Organization in Maine Is actively looking for people to join this group. For info visit www.paoweb.com. If interested, call (207) 743-2613, E-mail bobham@adelphia.net, or write Maria Ham, 51 BumpTown Rd, South Paris, ME 04281.

Guiding Couples & Families from conflict to communication, from disengaged to connected, from hurting to resolution.

Group and private sessions. Call Maureen McCarty-Darling at (207) 975-5200.

Wise Women Daughters of the Moon

All levels including, Beginner, Level I, Level II, Gentle & Private classes & workshops. For more info and schedule see www.belfastyoga.com or call (207) 338-3930/338-4256.

Aaminah School Of Middle Eastern Dance All levels of belly dance classes taught by experienced and caring instructors. Bangor and Waterville classes. Visit our website: www.aaminahdance.com or jeason@pivot.net.

“SANT MAT RADHASWAMI SATSANG” Inner Light & Sound Meditation. Surat Shabd Yoga. For a Bangor, Waterville, & Portland meeting schedule, call James at: (207) 368-5866 or James@SpiritualAwakeningRadio.com.

Ongoing~NewHampshire Sunday Service weekly at 10:00AM for all ages

Josiah Bartlett Elementary School in Bartlett NH, The Ballroom in Harrison Maine, Water and Stone Yoga Studio in Conway, NH, Contact Jane Biggio for more information at (603) 374-6326 or email at bamboomountain@ncia.net.

Unity of the Seacoast, both church and spiritual community, honors all paths of God. Affiliated with the publishers of Daily World magazine and the Silent Unity prayer line, we are a positive, practical, New Thought Christian movement that values personal transformation and conscious connection with the loving Presence of God. Everyone is welcome to join us for a celebration of life, love and joy! Unity of the Seacoast, 3 Front St., Salmon Falls Lower Mill Building, Rollinsford, NH 03869, (603) 749-0677 or info@Unityoftheseacoast.com.

Artists Support Group, Inner Balance, Belfast, ME

Tai Chi for Health

On 156 High Street. Third Tuesday of the month from 7:00pm-8:30pm. Call Elliot Benjamin at (207) 338-4576.

Thursday, 5:30pm-6:15pm, $15 pay as you go. Zev Yoga, 16 Market Square, Portsmouth, NH. Age 14 and older.

Mindful Meditation™ Thursdays, 12:00pm-1:00pm

NESHHA Educational Presentation

All are welcome, no experience necessary. $15 or 4 classes for $50. Mind/Body Therapy at Cancer Community Center 778 Main Street, South Portland, Maine, (207) 650-3964, FMI www.mbtherapy.org.

The New England Seacoast Holistic Health Association (an organization of Healthcare Professionals), has meetings monthly, third Thursday, Potluck 6:30pm, Networking 7:00pm at the Herbal Path, 839 Central Ave., Dover, NH. www.NESHHA.org.

The Rose Cottage

Eaton Satsang

Teaching Reiki Master, Transformational Breath, Crystal Healing, Hypnotherapy, and Hypnobirthing. Private sessions by appointment. Gift certificates. Ongoing classes. Contact Vicki Kupferman 14 Weed Rd., Knox, Maine. (207) 568-3782.

An informal gathering to discover and welcome the truth of one's inner nature. Eaton, NH is near the Maine/NH border.

Most Wednesday evenings. www.eatonsatsang.com or (603) 447-5401.

Children’s Aikido Kokikai Class

Calendar of Events

Ledge End Retreat & Wellness Center Ongoing morning and evening classes in Tai Chi, Qigong, Yoga and meditation. All levels. www.artofzenyoga.com (802) 685-4448.

Established therapeutic and holistic health center for sale in Western Maine. This is a turnkey operation. The present owner would stay on as a consultant to help the new ownership for a short time and continue to offer established services to local and visiting clientele. The business's staff massage therapist is also open to continuing their services as well. The sale includes all retail store fixtures and inventory and is available at $72,000. Therapeutic fixtures will remain the property of the therapists and practitioners. Serious inquiries only. Please reply to Inner Tapestry PO Box 122, East Hampton, CT 06424 or email joan@innertapestry.org.

HEALING PLACES

Eco-Retreat in a Solar-Powered, wood-fired cabin.

Experience deep quiet and nature's beauty in a solar-powered, wood-heated eco-cabin getaway at Nurture Through Nature Green Retreat Center in Denmark, Maine, only an hour from Portland/Freeport/Lewiston, ME and 2 hours northwest of Portsmouth. Cost 3 days/2 nights stay for $149 for 1 or 2 people. Add $20 each additional person. Two cabins available, both sleep four. www.ntnretreats.com, (207) 452-2929.

SACRED RENTAL SPACE Green-Certified Eco-Retreat Space available for rent.

Nurture Through Nature offers three solar-powered eco-cabins, private camping, wood-fired sauna, yoga studio, hiking trails, mountain brook, Denmark, Maine ~ Greater Bridgton Lakes Region, www.ntnretreats.com, (207) 452-2929.

Space Available for Gatherings, Ceremonies, Presentations.

At Earthrest, Cornish, ME. Call (207) 625-4179.

A Place In The Heart Energetically clear, beautiful spaces for classes, workshops, celebrations, and ceremony. Outdoor ceremonial space available. Located in Falmouth. Reasonable rates. FMI call The Vywamus Foundation (207) 797-6106.

~ Ongoing Event Listings ~

Classified Ads

Inner Tapestry 's ~ calendar of Events and Classified Guidelines ~ Date Sensitive Listings ~ $12 per issue for 30 words, additional words are 50 cents each.

Please follow the format found in the journal and online, (Date information, title, description, location and contact information.)

A six-month (3 issue) listing is $25 for 30 words, additional words are 50 cents each.

Classified ads are $20 for 30 words, additional words are 50 cents each.

Please follow the format of our Ongoing Listings found in the journal and online, (Title, frequency, description, location and contact information.)

Please send formatted listings.

We do not publish press releases.

w w w .in n e rt ape st ry.o rg 38 Inner Tapestry June/July 2010

All Calendar and Classified Listings are listed on the Inner Tapestry Website!

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Book Review And Then There Was Heaven

By Roland Comtois ISBN:9780982453605 Publisher: Chalice Communications www.chalicecommunications.com I'm sure at one time or another you have pondered the questions that arise around the concepts of heaven. Where is heaven exactly? How does one attain connection to or with it? Who will be in heaven?

Throughout the life of Roland Comtois there has been an ever unfolding message that this concept certainly does exist and we are all invited to experience it.

Within the pages of And Then There Was Heaven, Roland takes us through his personal journey of love, life and heaven in a wonderfully warm and embracing narrative that will keep you reading and wanting more...

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REVIEWS and more

This book will allow you to experience what that has meant to him and how he was able to integrate this "gift" into his life.

You are able to follow him through his sessions with people who have come to that time in their lives of transformation and for those who are supporting their loved ones in that transition and how their journey of healing the grief and loss of a loved one begins. Roland also shares how we can begin the process of becoming aware of the messages that we are all capable of hearing and seeing from beyond—the synchronicities and coincidences that are a part of life.

Through our silence within our stillness we will hear the messages that are there for us. As I read I found myself smiling and nodding feeling the similarities of life lived through awareness experiencing the feelings of connection and the knowing that there is absolutely, beyond a shadow of a doubt, more to life than we know it—rather—think it to be. This is the message that Roland conveys to us... there is more to life and each of us can if we choose connect to that love.

I was inspired by Roland's childhood experiences. Having a father who walked out on his family when he was ten, dealing with seeing his departed grandmother, knowing that he was different than other children living in a city neighborhood where kids were tough, he found the joy in life listening to a church choir as he passed by walking to school. Again, life would change.

As a young boy Roland started attending church on his own, drawn to the music that brought heaven to him. Even though this brought him great joy, it wasn't enough. He knew he wanted to sing so he befriended the choir director and soon he began singing to heaven.

With a new found purpose, he wondered if this could make a difference in the lives of the children that lived around him in the tenements. Thus, the "Singing Hearts Choir" was created. Finding their most appreciative audiences at nursing homes, these experiences taught these children at a young age that "to grow in a spiritual way you must give of yourself."

This is a sample of what is in store for you as you read this book, filled with pearls of wisdom, nuggets of comfort, hope and advice to ponder and guide us as we travel through our own journeys' in life.

I have had the opportunity to attend and see various channels. They are all extremely talented individuals and have a remarkable ability to convey the words of those of us who have made this transition. But this one night, when I was asked to attend Roland's "Channeled Messages for the Soul" I was excited to be in the presence of such an abundance of love and warmth throughout his channeling.

I was aware that this was more than a conveyance of words, it was the beginning for many on their journey to healing a wound that was very painful.

Roland before his channeling, writes on large paper the messages from those who wish to speak to him from the other side, these have become his trade mark. Many papers find their way to loved ones in the audience. Some find their way to people as they are gently carried to each meeting sometimes years later as people are guided to him to receive their "Letters from Loved Ones."

You can visit Roland's website: www.rolandcomtois.net to obtain a copy of his book, information and appearance schedule. But most of all you'll be guided to find your path to... And Then There Was Heaven.

CD Review by Dory Cote Wavepool

By Robert Rand Label: Mercury 29 Music This masterpiece began as a vision that came to Rob while he was working in his acoustics studio one day in 2008. He saw a lagoon with surf breaking slowly nearby. In the water shimmering globes radiated waves of deeply soothing melodic sounds. That prompted him to assemble his recording gear and head out repeatedly over the five months, searching the coast of New England for that surf sound he heard in his visionary experience. Then he mixed in those melodic sounds using his acoustical and musical abilities in the studio.

I was first introduced to Wavepool when it was still in its "beta" version. I instantly fell in love with it as a sound that buoyed my shamanic transmutation work. I sent my feedback to Rob with the encouragement that he really 'go for it' and get this produced.

So, here it is! And it is quickly becoming acclaimed, around the world, by many massage therapists, yoga instructors, shamanic practitioners, polarity therapists, reiki masters and others as a transformative sound that is soothing, relaxing and yet very earthy.

I was prompted to send a copy of this CD to Sandra Ingerman, who most of you know is my esteemed teacher, www.sandraingerman.com. She was quick to respond to Rob with this endorsement: "Wavepool is not just a beautiful CD to listen to but it also supports a deep and profound spiritual state. When listening to the CD I personally find myself going to a deep inner landscape where I can experience my spiritual light and divine nature while staying in my body. I have found that many CDs that are made for spiritual work leave me feeling ungrounded. This is definitely not the case with Wavepool. It leaves my energy feeling smooth and filled with light. What a gift!"

Dory Cote is the founder of The Center For Earth Light Healing. She is a shamanic practitioner from Brunswick, Maine. She can be reached through www.earthlighthealing.com, June/July 2010 Inner Tapestry 39

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BO O K

At the age of ten, Roland, had his first visit from his grandmother shortly after her death. She appeared to him with three angels and from then on as you might surmise, life had unfolded in a direction that would lead him to be the gifted channel that he is.

by Joan Emmons

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