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A Holistic Journal Celebrating & Supporting LIFE! June/July 2011
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Volume 10, No. 1
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Tapestry Here, Me
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Change ~ Part 3
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Working To Save - Loving To Heal
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Super Powers: A Flashy Distraction
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The Way of Life It-self ~ Ahhh Life – What Is It?
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A Breath of Healing ~ Kundalini Yoga The Yoga of Awareness
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Wandering Sage Wisdom ~ Vibrational Changes
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Modern Shamanic Living ~ A Consciousness of Reverent Participatory Relationship
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Exploring the World Religions ~ New England Needs New Satsangs and Sanghas Spiritual Gatherings
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Awareness and The Art Of Seeing ~ Make Your Trip Count
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I nner Tapestry Contents
This Issue's Theme
UP COMING THEMES August/S eptember 2011
June/July 2011
Super Consciousness
Are We There Yet ? O c tober/November 2011
Features
M ov i n g At The Sp eed o f Grace
Super Consciousness
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5
D ecember 2011/J anuar y 2012
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Let t i ng G o o f I t All
by Jill Marie Langdon
Super Powers: A Flashy Distraction by Anna Allocco
How To Tell Little Red Riding Hood...
Page 14
by Karen M. Rider
Working To Save - Loving To Heal
Page 17
by Donald and Sara Hassler
Here, Me
Page 18
by Holly Howley
How Do I Love Me? Let Me Count The Ways
Page 21
by Kat Logan
Change ~ Part 3
Page 22
by Maria Harrison
Page 26
by Nanette Giacoma
Write From The Heart
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And S o I t B egi ns
Submission Dates August/September 2011 Articles – June 15th Display Ads & Directory of Resources To Reserve Space – July 1st For Ad Copy & Graphics – July 5th Calendar & Classified Ads –July 5th
by Bonnie Mason
Herbal Brain Boost How Brahmi Can Help
Page 31
by Wendy Weissner
Practitioners Building Business Today...
Page 32
by Barbara AmEnde
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Departments Modern Shamanic Living ~ A Consciousness of Reverent by Evelyn C. Rysdyk
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Participatory Relationship
Wandering Sage Wisdom ~ Vibrational Changes
Page 11
Publishers
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Joan Emmons Ron Damico Betty Close
by Aaron Hoopes
Awareness and the Art of Seeing ~ Make Your Trip Count by Jen Deraspe
Reflections Of An Amateur Spiritual Spelunker ~ by Curtis White
Page 19
Cloned Sneakers, Mount Doom and The Tyranny
A Breath of Healing ~ Kundalini Yoga - The Yoga of Awareness
Page 20
by Donna Amrita Davidge
The Way of Life-Itself ~ Ahhh Life – What is it? by Skye Hirst, Ph.D.
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Feeling it, Reconnecting To it!
Welcome Home ~ Ask Asrianna
Page 29
by Asrianna Dameron
Exploring the World Religions ~ New England Needs New by James Bean Satsangs and Sanghas... Mixed Media ~ Book, Website, Music and Product Reviews
Directories
Directory of Resources Yoga, T'ai Chi, & Meditation Directory Heart Visions, Calendar of Events, Classifieds
T apestry
Page 30 Pages 46-47
Pages 33-40 Page 41 Pages 42-45
Advertising & Distribution (207) 799-7995 (203) 779-0345
info@innertapestry.org
(207) 799-7995 ~ (203) 779-0345 Email: info@innertapestry.org Or Visit: www.innertapestry.org Subscriptions ~ $20.00/year, 6 issues Inner Tapestry can be found in over 500 locations, but to ensure you don’t miss an issue, subscriptions are available.
Payments and Correspondence To: P O Box 122, East Hampton, CT 06424 June/July 2011 Inner Tapestry 3
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The Creative Opposites
Februar y/M arch 2012
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I nner W orkings by Joan Emmons
NEW THIS ISSUE: As we step into our tenth year of service and support we are excited to share with all our readers the newest additions to our offerings. We have added a new columnist, Curtis White, who has returned to the journal in a new way. His column, titled Reflections of an Amateur Spiritual Spelunker, brings to our readers the spiritual passages of the everyday person on their quest for enlightenment. We hope that you enjoy this new column! Our next exciting addition is Inner Tapestry Radio, which will be airing online as part of the PWRN Radio Network's family (Positive World Radio Network) line-up this summer. PWRN Radio is the creation of Alan Hollander and Michael Sellers who are both committed to bringing the world a positive message and have a wonderful group of hosts committed to that vision. Ron and I feel blessed to be included in this family. For the both of us Inner Tapestry Radio is an extension of Inner Tapestry Journal with an expanded focus of interviewing people and sharing information. Both the journal and radio show hold the vision of helping humanity recognize, realize and live their full potential. Ron and I will be hosting ITR's weekly show and are both looking forward to sharing our guests' visions with the global community. FYI: this will also be another venue added to our expanding ways to advertise your offerings to our ever expanding community. Updates will be available on our website, www.innertapestry.org and through our newsletter. On another exciting note we are sending our best to Pat Foley who has been in the past year or so going through a transition of retirement, first with Earthrest, her center and now Loving Earth, her column. In my email correspondence with Pat, she states:
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"I've been writing 'Loving Earth' for about 5 years now and have enjoyed every minute of it. The time has flown along so quickly it's hard for me to believe it's really been that long. But it has. It's time now for me to step aside and let somebody else continue in my place. I've appreciated the freedom you've given me to address the topic of loving earth broadly and your light editorial hand! That has been a real gift, a writer's dream come true, and I thank you.
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I also appreciate the many people who have called and emailed me in response to my articles. It's heartwarming to know how many of us there are who really care about the welfare of the planet, and to learn about the many small and large actions people are taking to make this world a better place. Working, playing and creating together, I believe we truly can effect positive change. Certainly the need has never been greater. What will I be doing next? In addition to continuing to be as green as I possibly can, I've been interested in the possibilities of local, healthy and ecologically sustainable food systems, from growers to distributors to consumers. I'll probably take some time to explore this topic more thoroughly and see what emerges. We're uniquely positioned here in northern New England for access to local, healthy food and I'd like to learn more about this. With very best wishes to you individually and IT's community collectively, ...namaste, Pat" We are looking forward to Pat's new adventures and experiences and have asked that she share when drawn to the new information that she acquires. If you would like to connect with Pat, she can be reached at earthrest@psouth.net. This coming year will hold many challenges and accomplishments for everyone. We remain focused on being the support for the transitions that the world will be experiencing. It is important that we all remember that transition needs integration. A time to be with those who are focused on the same visions, time to take care not only of our spiritual expansion but to allow our physical bodies to rest. To be in our self-love and know that we just can not access things in the same way. Time with ones-self allows those new pathways to be accessed without the activities and chaos that lead us back to our "auto-pilot" responses. Find a friend in a tree, a large rock cropping in the woods, a quiet chair in your favorite room. Within these connections you will find your best friend—you. Be well, enjoy this issue and the upcoming tenth year of this wonderful group of writers, advertisers, distributors and fellow readers who combine to bring into form the world's Inner Tapestry.
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Super Consciousness by Jill Marie Langdon
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beauty in general, her works can be seen at: www.wix.com/jill_marie/artscape_studios
We Hope You Enjoy reading this issue of Inner Tapestry! June/July 2011 Inner Tapestry 5
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ow to describe the indescribable? The great teachers have said it best. Buddha Playing like a child – pretending – is another way into the state of no-thing. When has called it the “no-thing” and Jesus stated, “It’s the peace within.” Super we begin to utilize our imaginations, the Ego has to step aside. It has no base to come consciousness is the opposite of the unconscious. Isn’t unconsciousness when from. The Ego can only work from what is in your memory. It doesn’t believe what you you’ve had your lights knocked out and you have to go to the hospital? Not really. But are pretending to do and it begins to lose some of its power over you. yes, your inner light is turned off. Let me explain. Many artists when they are in the throws of creating will state that they began with An unconscious person learns from an early age that when their parents call their an idea, but as the project progressed it seemed to take on a life all its own: one better name, it is “I”. That child then grows a bit more and receives things which are “mine.” than I had imagined. This is the super conscious at work. With music, it is in the The child then learns whether it is a girl or a boy and thus becomes identified with pauses between the notes when the true genius of the selection is realized. Genius is the roles of the society and culture in which it finds himself or herself. Every child has another name for the God-mind or super conscious. been raised this way. We are all in an unconscious state for the majority of our lives. Julia Cameron, in The Artist’s Way, gives suggestions to creative minds to unblock by This is the collective unconsciousness of society. writing out three pages of random thoughts. This is one way to clear your mind and begin It is only by coincidence that a person to recognize that you are not your thoughts. becomes awakened at a youthful age or is able Dr. Wayne Dyer talks in his books about to remember who his or her inner self is. The getting into “ the Gap.” He says this place majority of society set the norms to follow and is between your thoughts. Echart Tolle also decide what role you are to play in their grand states a similar idea in his book, The Power of scheme. Unwittingly, your parents played right Now, when he recalls his spiritual awakening along, found out your skills and talents and one night and realizing that there was two educated you in the most prestigious field that of himself. He wondered which was real. you could fit into for your life’s work. When a Then he fell asleep. When he woke the next child is creative: artistic, or musically inclined, morning, his whole world changed, literally. parents don’t understand that their child is He was aware of life in everything. His ego already awakening and try to squash their self was gone. He followed his heart, changed yearnings towards creativity. They tell you that his outer circumstances and proceeded to you will starve as an artist. Musicians never write about his experiences and teach others make a decent living… etc. what life is all about: evolving. These special children have connected to Through the process of evolution, species their deeper selves and have a knowing about have jumped to a higher state of being when what is. They may not understand how to fit in there was a need to leave behind what there with everyone else’s charade, but they see the was. The ocean was teaming with water beings. charade for what it truly is: a false image. It got too crowded, so one species began The structure is enormous. From the exploring the edge and learned to breath air government, to corporations, institutions and grow legs to walk on the land. Plants made such as schools, there is no escaping the lie. room for flowers. Flowers enlightened many The Flower has played an integral part in the Every person has a false self referred to as the humans who were drawn to them and fascinated evolution of our consciousness. Ego. This monster inside everyone is a master by them. Jesus taught us to learn how to live by of deception and is out to protect its own observing the flowers. “The lilies of the field are interests. It is a major leech and it has taken over your mind. It is the constant flow of clothed more beautifully than you. They don’t work or toil.” It was said that the Buddha thought in your mind. It is usually negative. It dwells in the past and harps on hurts gave a silent sermon by gazing at a lotus flower. Humans have been increasingly drawn to and suffering. It has now created you, instead of you having control over it. You are flowers. Artists, musicians, poets and mystics find inspiration through them. The flower identified as the work you do, not for the true person that you are. It has the fear that has played an integral part in the evolution of our consciousness. when you find it out, that you will kill it; therefore, it seeks to protect itself in any way Super consciousness is the state of being One with everything. It is the cessation or means possible. of the thinking mind. The Ego no longer exists in the person. Direction on how to When a person lets down their guard and stops looking over their shoulder, they live comes through our hearts, not our minds. Our whole focus is redirected and can just be in the moment. This beingness is your true identity. It is the sense that all there comes the urge to be kind and loving to every living being. Through the super is well and at peace. It is a blending or merging with the natural world. There is an conscious person love flows out into the world and heals the broken places. When essence that is in every living form and we connect with it. All life is important. The more people are sick and tired of being sick and tired, they will choose to evolve. It is natural world is a happy place, full of joy. When we are totally awakened to our higher the solution to all our collective suffering. consciousness, we are then in a state of bliss. The Ego constantly keeps you in a state Center art work by Jill Marie Langdon. of stress. The hurry and multi-tasking skills were perfected by the Ego to ensure that Jill Marie Langdon is a freelance writer, fine artist, and a studio teacher on the practice of "letting it wouldn’t be found out. With all the events people have on their personal calendars, do," where her students learn the Tao of painting in the Mid-Coast Maine area. Inspired by flowers and there is no time left to relax or play.
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Super Powers: A Flashy Distraction
by Anna Allocco
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efore writing this piece, I was not familiar with the term “Super Consciousness,” and assumed it referred to an Attention so Vast, perhaps Infinite, where all things are possible.
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At brunch the other day, I asked my husband what Super Consciousness brings to his mind. He’s an avid graphic novel fan and referenced how Miracle Man, by Alan Moore, treats the theme of Super Consciousness. In Miracle Man, a scientist hijacks an average kind of guy, sedates him, and sends his consciousness into an alternate reality. In this new reality, the man can fly, heal people, and rearrange matter; he’s Miracle Man. The skills Miracle Man exercises when sedated, are skills we imagine possible when in a state of Super Consciousness. When we aren’t hemmed in by habituated ways of experiencing the world, when liberated from the rational mind, anything is possible – even Super Powers! The thing is, Miracle Man has no idea that he is kidnapped and lying drugged in a laboratory. In this story, then, the Super Powers are revealed for what they are – the trappings of spiritual awakening, not the awakening itself. As the plot unfolds, Miracle Man connects with an undercurrent of subconscious remembering that facilitates his awakening from sedation into his body on the lab table. Once back in “average” reality, Miracle Man discovers that anytime he says “Kimota,” the Super Powers he had in the alternative state manifest in his “normal” reality. The Super Powers, then, become a reflection of awakening! Part of the human experience is the longing to awaken to who we really are, a particularized manifestation of Divine Consciousness. Any practice we engage in – meditation, yoga, prayer, chanting, breath-work – is an expression of that longing. When re-connected with Divine Consciousness/God/The Universe, we might levitate in meditation, hear God’s answer in prayer, harness miraculous healing powers, shape shift into our spirit animal or realize Super Powers. We might.
him a rope, which he refuses. “God will save me.” When the faithful man reaches the pearly gates, he finds St. Peter and implores, “I’m a faithful man, why didn’t you spare me?” St. Peter replies, “What do you mean? I sent you a car, a boat and a helicopter.” We wonder: was that swirling cloud of orange dust and that cool wind on my ankles Super Consciousness/Divine Mind/God? There must be something more. Carolyn Myss, respected medical intuitive and teacher, addressed a similar wondering – whether the “Average Joe” can develop intuition. In her characteristic straight shooting style, she says we all have intuition we just don’t listen to it: •
“Don’t eat that second cupcake” – Intuition
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“Give your Great Aunt a call” (she dies two days later) – Intuition
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“I probably should go home, now” – Intuition
We don’t always listen to our intuition, imagining something sexier will be communicated like the winning lottery numbers, what our boss is thinking, or that we would be wise to fly to a particular island on a specific date to meet our soul mate. Myss says that the practical approach to developing intuition is to listen and honor the humble voice of intuition that speaks. Super Consciousness is not a place to get to. It is not a particular expression. It is a field of awareness where washing dishes, sweeping floors, and changing tires, can be powerful expressions of awakening. As can Super Powers.
Anna Allocco is a Reconnective Healing Practitioner (www.mainereconnectivehealing.com) and Yoga Teacher (www.portlandpoweryoga.com) in Portland, Maine. She loves her family and friends, reading and writing, and outlandish antics.
Of course, we might not. We might become less reactive, more compassionate, or forgive more quickly. We might listen more attentively. Not as sexy as Super Powers, certainly, but transformative all the same. After exploring Super Consciousness with my friends and family for several days, I did a little internet research. Online, I learned that Super Consciousness refers to a state of elevated awareness. I read Autobiography of a Yogi last month and I imagine that each time Yogananda went into a state of meditative bliss, he was experiencing Super Consciousness. It’s easy to see, right? Likewise, when I read Carlos Castaneda’s excursions with his Toltec teacher, it was evident when he was in a state of Super Consciousness. In some traditions, Super Consciousness is flashy. Not flashy, like bling and superficial. But, flashy like meteors rocketing across the sky. In other traditions, and who comes to mind is Thich Naht Han meditating while washing dishes, or Mother Teresa caring for sick people in Calcutta, Super Consciousness is more humble. Not humble like boring and mundane. But, humble like crocuses breaking ground to little fanfare. How many of us get side tracked looking for flashy signs of Super Consciousness? I do, sometimes. How many of us forget to recognize the moments of Super Consciousness that were not met with applause? Me. Then, I remember. I practice a healing modality called Reconnective Healing. In a session, people access the energy, light and information that reminds them of who they are—connected to all that is, including Super Consciousness! It’s not uncommon for clients to wonder if a healing happened if they did not, for example, hallucinate a Pegasus with the face of their deceased grandfather leaping through their heart chakra. It’s like the parable about the flood. First, there is a warning on the television, warning people to move to higher ground, the water is rising. A faithful man is offered a ride out of town by a neighbor and the man replies, “No thank you, I’m waiting for God.” The waters begin to rise, the man moves to the second floor and another neighbor comes by in a boat, “Want a lift?” “No, thanks, God will take care of me.” Eventually, the man is standing on his roof and a rescue helicopter throws 6 Inner Tapestry June/July 2011
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mod er n s ham an i c l i v i n g
A Consciousness of Reverent Participatory Relationship by Evelyn C. Rysdyk
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am so grateful to be living in a time when our most ancient ways of understanding the world are being joined with the most advanced way of perceiving reality. The combination of these is creating a new paradigm for stewarding the Earth and also providing a new template for being a whole human being. This new paradigm has deep parallels to the way of being exceptional tribal shamans also exhibit. Each of the ones with whom I have been fortunate to study constantly expressed their spirituality not only while teaching, healing or leading ceremony but also during the everyday, mundane aspects of their lives. When I studied with the late, Grandfather Mikhail “Misha” Duvan, he was a ninety-four year old man visiting a place a world away from his home in Southeastern Siberia. While his teachings were profound, it is the personal time I spent with him that showed me how congruent his practice was with his life. In the traditions of the Ulchi, the shaman is always gracious with the spirits—attending to their needs and treating them as revered elders. Much in the manner of Native American peoples, the many spirits Grandfather worked with were addressed with titles such as “Old One,” “Grandmother,” “Uncle,” “Elder Sister” and so forth. The spirits of Nature and the Ulchi ancestral human spirits were all fed good food and offered songs and vodka to nourish them. This was done in the same fashion and with the same energy that one might care for one’s treasured, living family members. Indeed, a sense of humble and gracious reverence was expressed in all aspects of Grandfather Misha’s life-practice. He bowed when encountering a person and was equally respectful during his interactions with the spirits of place. As he walked along with his staff, he would converse with the plants and stones. Since his home was far from where he was teaching, he would ask the spirits of place to forgive him for not fully understanding their customs. He requested that they be especially gentle with those of us who were his students as we were “still learning.” He fed them food and vodka and, in turn, asked them to share some of their power with him while he was in ceremony. Through his action, Grandfather Misha was expressing what I call, Reverent Participatory Relationship and this is the way the really powerful shamans I have met always live their lives. Like he, they approach the world feeling a profound respect—expressing consideration and appreciation for all beings. They participate not simply with thoughts, but with coherent actions. Their actions arise from a deep sense of obligation that is in no way burdensome, but rather a form of reciprocity in motion. Shamans understand very deeply that everything in the world is inspirited and that no one can exist without the complex interactions of the others with whom we share the planet. As such, the shaman feels a deep sense of responsibility to give back with gratitude for all that is given. In other words, caring for those with whom he or she is already in relationship. This way of being has tremendous power to transform and heal. Consulting physician for the Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital and renowned medical conference speaker, David Reilly, MD, has proven that an effective therapeutic encounter—that is, one where a healing response has been engendered—is based in such an understanding of relationship. In his April 2005 presentation for the Academic Departments of the Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital, Creating Therapeutic Encounter, Dr. Reilly suggests that “traditional and indigenous healing systems including shamanism have spent a long time learning about these things - translating it to our world is the challenge.” In regards to our own bodies’ capacity to heal, Dr. Reilly noted, “We know a human recovery reaction is a built in potential, we have seen that it can be modified for good and bad by human interaction.” I believe that the very same may be said for how our human interactions impact the non-human beings around us, too. When Reverent Participatory Relationship becomes ingrained enough to be a person’s framework for living, remarkable coherence is exhibited across all aspects of life. The typical separation most people feel between the spiritual and mundane worlds simply does not exist. Indeed, everything is felt to be and treated as sacred and beloved.
Another one of my teachers, the late Ai-Churek, said in a 2007 interview that, “Shamanism is like a gift, and for me... it is for life.” She was someone who worked tirelessly on behalf of her people and the natural world believing that, “...the main thing in shamanism is the Earth, Nature, and my connection....” Her focus when doing rituals was to “help to people who are not indifferent to the fate of trees, the fate of living nature.” The same fierce respect was bestowed upon the people who worked in her shamanic clinic in Kyzyl, Tuva. She lobbied the government to make sure her shamans received appropriate respect and challenged anything she felt was unfair. Thanks to her hard efforts, both men and women healers at her clinic receive government maternity leave. This was a feat she shared delightedly with us! For her, this work was as holy an action as performing an ancestral fire ritual as they stemmed from the same root of sacred interaction and deep caring. Nepalese shaman, Bhola Banstola, who will be with us again at the end of June, is another great example of someone who practices Reverent Participatory Relationship. He is a twenty-seventh generation shaman and the thirtieth generation in his family history to be a practicing shamanic healer. As we are friends, Bhola lives with my partner and I during his visits to Maine. From so close a relationship, we are able to see him in all of life’s situations. Whether ironing his costume, preparing a meal, doing e-mail or negotiating with airline personnel when a flight was canceled, Bhola consistently maintains his focus to remain kind, grateful and in spiritual harmony no matter what is happening. In other words, he lives his practice. It is too easy in our culture to allow anything of importance—even our spiritual practice—to become an intellectual or theoretical exercise. In reality, while many people can have high ideals, it is in the living of one’s life that the “rubber meets the road.” That is, it is through expressing one’s spirituality in every day life that true real power is achieved. To be sure, this is a disciplined way of life. It means truly “walking the talk”—that is, following through on spiritual beliefs by taking concrete actions. It means living in gratitude, being completely faithful to our word and keeping our words and deeds in complete alignment. It means eliminating the erroneous ideas of separation from the mind and stepping up to care for the beings around us that give and sustain life. It means treating all beings as you might a treasured friend or loved one. It is my profound belief that this is how we all must learn to live our lives. In so doing, we support a renewal of the Earth and ourselves. As an added benefit, we also develop the level of spiritual potency that a truly powerful tribal shaman exhibits. In our spiritual practices, learning the nuts and bolts of metaphysical techniques and methods of transformation are just the very beginning. It is only through deliberate practice of loving the world and being in Reverent Participatory Relationship with all, that our lives transform. Through this way of living our practice, we develop ourselves into beings who are able to provide healing and balance through our daily interactions. Thankfully, this way of being is slowly gaining more credibility even though it challenges the typical ideas our culture has about power. This is marvelous, as unfortunately, too many people in our culture still feel powerless, whether they express these uncomfortable feelings or not. From a place of emptiness, they seek to fill themselves with ever “more” in hopes of one day feeling complete, worthy or happy. This addictive behavior keeps them in a constant cycle of temporary highs that are followed by feelings of an almost desperate hollowness. It creates a lifetime of desperately seeking and never really finding peace. In stark contrast, those that are willing to step into deep relationship with the spirits of nature, other beings and themselves are able to feel that they are a part of the divine. In essence, through behaving as our ancient shamanic ancestors did, we are more able to perceive the nature of reality that quantum physics proposes—that is, that we are always intimately and irrevocably interwoven with everything and everyone.
It is too easy in our culture
to allow anything of importance —even our spiritual practice— to become an
intellectual or theoretical exercise.
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9 At no other time in history, have we been offered so many opportunities to truly comprehend and act from this understanding of the world. In diverse corners of our culture from business, to science, to healthcare and education we are seeing a convergence of knowledge that is extraordinary. All paths seem to be coming together to show us the nature of the cosmos is one of connection. Furthermore, these connections are best nurtured and healed through heartfelt interaction. For instance, a recent article in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) by Helen Riess, MD titled, “Empathy in Medicine—A Neurobiological Perspective,” stated that “...new generations of physicians must understand the emotional, physiological, and practical consequences of... empathy.” The author goes on at length to describe the actual, positive neurobiological, psychological and physical changes that occur when we choose to be in an empathetic relationship. In other words, when we realize that we are actually part of one organism—sharing the same experience, we are able to transform every moment into opportunities for healing, renewal and an even deeper connection. This premise has become the foundation for my and my partner’s life. It is at the heart of our healing practice as it is our belief that our being in Reverent Participatory Relationship with our clients supports them to become healthier individuals. We follow this ideal in our teaching practice, as we believe that it is the only road to becoming a truly powerful shaman. We believe this so strongly that our shamanic graduate level training is especially focused on immersing advanced students even more deeply into relationship with All That Is through the deliberate, heartfelt practice of Reverent Participatory Relationship, expressing one’s own inherent sanctity and being consistently grateful.
It is also why we continue to host Bhola Banstola’s work in Maine. He is not only a wonderful teacher; he models a spiritually integrated way of life that infuses all of his interactions. In his presence, his students are reminded again that as each of us takes steps to embrace the world with reverence, allowing our hearts to be open, grateful and loving—we are reshaping our human existence into something truly and wondrously powerful. © 2011 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. Spirit Passages’ Fifth Graduate Program in Advanced Shamanism and Dreamscaping the New Earth begins September 29 – October 2, 2011 and applications are being accepted now. The program is open to those that have graduated a thorough shamanic training such as the Spirit Passages Apprenticeship, FSS 3-year Program, Sandra Ingerman’s Teacher Training or comparable training. More information may be found at: http://www.spiritpassages.com/initiatorytrainingprograms.html Nepalese shaman, Bhola Banstola will be teaching in Falmouth, Maine on June 25 & 26. There are also opportunities to have a private healing session with Bhola still available. Contact Spirit Passages: info@spiritpassages.com or call: (207) 846-6829.
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ON THE COVER
Rising Phoenix by Marina Petro Super Consciousness... What is it and what does it have to tell us. As we listen quietly to the weather, world events and our own hearts we will feel that we are approaching the largest transition of our existence. Marina Petro's picture of Phoenix Rising is the vision of this transition that we are all in the process of. Some call it life, some feel it is something that we have never experienced before. So if the latter is a truth, would we not have to rise from the past to experience a new way of life? This work of art in it's depth and richness of color and symbolism reminds us that throughout our humanity we have gone to the place of ashes many times before and have risen from these ashes. It is this symbol of humanity that says we can change, we can be different and we can open to the grandest possibilities; that we are willing to go to the ashes to rise to the fullest potential of our existences and that we are in that process.
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Marina Petro is a psychic/intuitive consultant, visionary artist and educator. Marina is widely recognized for her gift of precise intuitive insight and clarity. She has maintained a private practice as a psychic/intuitive consultant and directed Intuition Training Seminars since 1977. Former vice-president of Awareness, Inc. of NYC and Connecticut, she has an extensive regional and international clientele. Her original oil paintings and prints are in collections all over the world. "Relax awhile... and immerse yourself in the colors, shapes and forms that evolve from the spontaneity of intuitive, visionary art. Delving deep into the essence of my clients, I see the colors, auras and visions that surround and emanate from their very soul. In this intuitive state, I bring forth and present what I see and feel in each individual. I move through life immersed in a world of soft and brilliant colors that warm me, touch my creative art and transform my abilities into an explosion of awareness on all levels! It is at the very heart of what I do and transforms itself into the works of Art that I create and share in my galleries. It is Art at the most personal of levels... a psychic level... in which I employ my gifts to enrich the lives of others either through my art or in helping them experience clarity and healing in their lives or develop their own intuitive gifts. Come, be my guest on this creative and personal journey! Learn how to tap into your intuitive gifts and enrich your life beyond what you thought was possible!"
ACCESS YOUR INTUITION
The purpose of activating the intuition is that of putting at the disposal of the individual a precious function which generally remains latent and unused, thereby leaving the individual incomplete in his or her development. -Roberto Assagioli Science tells us that we are using 10% of our brain capacity. Wow! Does that put a new perspective on all the "experts" out there! How much do we really know about anything? Do you ever wonder what possibilities exist if you were using the full capacity of your brain? Intuition is an integral part of your receptive thought process. You are receiving intuitive impressions all the time... yes, even in this moment! Developing your intuition can open the door to utilize more of your brain’s potential. It will enable you to access information, insight and guidance beyond your rational thought process about anything you choose. You can
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know more about anything by consciously developing your intuition. Most people have had intuitive experiences. I believe that most of us are in a state of anticipating those wonderful out-of-the-blue hits of insight and enlightenment much of the time, simply because we are always wondering about something. Think about it. Aren’t you wondering about a situation, person, outcome, or decision you’re trying to make in your life right now? This is where consciously cultivating your intuition can be of great assistance. You do not have to wait for those enlightening experiences. If you are aware of the simple principles that activate intuition consciously, you can receive information and insight whenever you choose. When you decide to follow your intuition as it unfolds in each moment, you have stepped onto the magical path of adventure, creativity and discovery. You awaken each day anticipating the guidance you will receive to direct your life. Consciously accessing your intuition implies becoming aware of what is already there—paying attention. If you know your intuition is always present, rather than a sporadic, transcendental event, it makes it much easier to identify its subtle presence. Intuition follows the flow of your attention and intention. One of the principles governing conscious access of intuition is focusing your attention. A focused mind will access strong and clear impressions. A scattered mind will produce scattered impressions. When you are focused, your intuition is very present to serve and guide you in greater and more specific ways. Focus your attention on anything and whatever you are focused on will reveal its nature. The more you keep your attention focused, the more is revealed with deeper and deeper insight. The keys to consciously access your intuition can be put into a nutshell. They are... Stillness Quiet the body and anchor yourself in the present. Focus your attention and intention on what it is you want more insight into. Empty the mind of pre-impressions. Receptivity – Sustain an open, receptive state to receive impressions. Try this exercise I teach in my Master Your Intuition workshops when you’re seeking intuitive insight into someone. Close your eyes and sit quietly the first few times you attempt this. With practice, you will be able to focus on anyone, even when you’re up and about, and receive impressions easily. Another suggestion: try this with persons you know and with persons you don’t know anything about. Happy discoveries! 1. Sit quietly and close your eyes. Take in a few deep slow breaths and relax. 2. Bring the person you want more insight about into your awareness and gently focus on them. 3. Ask your intuition: If this person were an animal, what would (he/she) be? Allow your creative imagination to transform them into the image/impression of an animal. 4. Stay focused on the animal and allow it to reveal its nature to you. Notice the environment it is in. What is it doing? How is it moving? Ask it to reveal its nature to you and just continue to observe what emerges in your inner vision. After a while, ask the animal any questions that come to mind. It will respond. Each impression conveys intuitive insight. This is the language of intuition. If you stay focused and allow the animal to reveal itself, you will come away with understanding and insight that could not have been realized through your ordinary impressions and analytical faculties. This is your intuition communicating. Try this with as many persons as you can. Only with practice and observing differences, can you extract the full benefit and insight this will bring to you. Join me as we tour my galleries. Immerse yourself in the soothing power of my Healing Art. Enjoy the revelations of my Visionary Art. www.marinapetro.com.
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Vibrational Changes
Aya Itagaki
by Aaron Hoopes
E
vents of the world appear to be moving quite rapidly. This phenomenon has been called the Quickening or Earth Changes. Whatever name you decide to give it, the bottom line is that for many people there is finally a dawning recognition of the dramatic changes we are facing in the world as events begin to impact daily life. This brings with it a palpable sense of upheaval and disturbance that can breed fear and uncertainty. And while many people are scared or confused at the disruptions that are taking place, they fail to recognize their own behavior that continues to contribute to the situation.
People in the spiritual community have more skills to deal with these vibrational shifts than the average person. They usually have some type of meditative and/or healing modalities that help to counter-effects of shifting vibrational energy fields, yet even those who are grounded in spiritual practices can be knocked off balance by people or events beyond their control. In addition, modern technologies including phones, computers and televisions create their own vibrational fields that disrupt our connection to the planet. Becoming aware of these vibrations is imperative if we are going to move forward towards a more enlightened way of being. Modern society appears to have reached another important crossroad. We have had a number of opportunities in the recent past and it is hard to know how many more there will be. Like the pendulum that swings from one extreme to the other, our way of living has reached the point where going forward in our destructive all-consuming manner is no longer feasible. As a civilization we have come to consider the Earth, the plants, the animals, other human beings and everything else, whether it is nailed down or not, resources to be exploited. This no longer serves us (it never did to begin with) and we must do something different. Long ago humans lived in harmony with the world around them. They had a relationship with spirit, and an underlying reverence for the life-force that flowed through everything. They entrained with the vibrations of the Earth. From the Celtic concept of dana to the Chinese tao, people used to live in reverence of the world and
Global awakening was never going to come from the top down. It must start with each of us as individuals. We can continue headlong over the edge of the abyss or step back and turn down a different path. And while many have chosen to relinquish their will and courage to embrace the excessive materialism of today, many others are starting to feel unsatisfied with that world. It is imperative we regain our sensitivity to the vibrations, lest we become like those doomed animals in Pink Floyd’s “Sheep.” Meek and obedient we follow the leader down well-trodden corridors into the valley of steel. I have always believed that if you always do what you’ve always done you will always get what you have always gotten. The logical conclusion to this is that if you are unsatisfied with what you have then in order to change that you need to do something different. This is easy to say but can be extremely difficult to put into practice. This process starts in the mind. You have to make a mental commitment first if you want to succeed at this. A great cycle is coming to an end and a new age is dawning. It is time to turn away from the lower vibrations. It is time to focus on our spiritual development and vibrate on a different wavelength. 10 Things to Do To Change Your Life 1.
Turn off the television. Unplug it. Toss it out the window. Everyone enjoys a movie or show sometimes, but end your relationship with commercial television today.
2.
Spend at least one day a week away from the computer, phone and internet. No calls, no emails, no Facebook… just leave it alone for a whole day and see if you can notice a vibrational difference.
3.
Grow a plant from a seed. Water it, nurture it, and experience it growing.
4.
Cultivate a relationship with a tree. Sit with it and see if you can learn something.
5.
Give up junk food. No excuses just stop eating low vibration food.
6.
Give thanks to spirit at mealtimes for the blessing of having food to eat.
7.
Learn a new spiritual discipline like yoga, tai chi, meditation, tea ceremony, or anything that teaches you to be more mindful.
8.
Learn to play a musical instrument. It doesn’t matter if it is a harmonica, drum or trumpet, allow the vibration of music to move through you.
9.
Walk outside in nature everyday. Feel the vibration.
10. Make someone else feel good about themselves. We stand on the threshold of a profound shift in our world. Wake up, strengthen your body and clear your mind. There is much work to be done. Wishing you much peace.
Please visit my blog to share any comments you may have. 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
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At a fundamental level these changes are vibrational. Everything is vibrating. We are all in a state of energetic vibration. However, as the finite limits of the planet are neared these vibrations are starting to shift and grow in intensity. With the increasing intensity we start to become more aware of the vibrations. These vibrations can affect our lives in many ways, but most often it results in higher levels of stress and tension during the daily interactions we have. Dealing with these vibrations can be a challenge as they can often be very destabilizing to our inner equilibrium. At times, it can even seem as if everything is on the verge of falling to pieces.
pay homage to the spirit that exists within all things. And that spirit was strong within them. We need to return to this way of being. Our connection to the world is vital to our survival. We need to break out of the shell created by the vibrations of the technological distractions of the world. We need more time with the trees and the animals. We need to listen to silence.
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ArcSounds
Awaken... REALign Consciously with Sound
Harmonic Sound Immersion Cyan Magenta Yellow Black
an evening of sound healing with alchemy crystal bowls, gongs and vibrational instruments.
Join us Fridays at 7:00 PM $20 June 17th, July 29th, August 26th & September 16th Goff House, 2 Barton Hill Rd., East Hampton, CT Reservations necessary call 203 779-0345 Join us at 7:00 PM $20 June 11th, July 15th, August 12th & September 30th Unity Church, 919 Ellington Rd., South Windsor, CT Reservations necessary call 860 289-8963 Join Peter & Linda ~June 23rd, Thursday at 6:30 PM $20 Voluntown Peace Trust, 539 Beach Pond Rd., Voluntown, CT Call 860 376-9970 for reservations
Wear comfortable clothing. Bring plenty of water, eye covering, a pillow, blanket and something soft to lie on. Please no scents ~ perfume or cologne.
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Channeled Messages for the Soul with
Roland Comtois Roland Comtois, a Rhode Island native is widely known locally and abroad as a Spiritual and Intuitive Consultant, who channels the world beyond. Every message is channeled from the Divine Energy in honor of your spirit and your life.
A NEW DATE Saturday ~ June 10th 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Banner Total Fitness 1 Banner Rd., Moodus, CT 06469 Tickets are : $70.00 For more information and to reserve your seat: A Simple Truth at 203-779-0345
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A Simple Truth
Offers the following workshops Middlesex Hospital Cancer Center Wellness Room 536 Old Saybrook Rd. #280, Middletown, CT
June 4th & 5th ~ Cranial Sacral Philosophy & Practice Part One with Joe Belanger, PT 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
$275
June 9th ~ Resumé through Acceptance Prepare For Your Next Job With Confidence with
Barbara AmEnde, AmEnde Human Resource Consulting LLC
6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
$20
Prepare For Your Next Job With Confidence. Creating your resume, tips for responding to online job postings and how to handle personal interviews. Practice answering interview questions in a safe support environment. FMI and registration: call Barbara at (860) 646-0416.
June 15th ~ Discovering What Matters Balancing Money, Medicine and Meaning with Lizz Milardo 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM $25 Find help to live a balanced life with both positive and negative challenges. Understand how money works and how these beliefs overlap into the areas of your life. FMI and registration call Liz at (860) 345-8212 or email lizzmilardo@yahoo.com.
Freedom and Flow - The Art of Letting Go and Letting In with Donna Lombardo June 17th ~ Laughter and Silence July 15th ~ Say Yes To Life 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM $30 for individual sessions Focus will be on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual body. Through Yin Yoga, Polarity Yoga, meditation, breathing and discussion of food and nutrition expand your awareness of self. FMI and registration call Donna at (860) 462-1031.
The Unseen/Unspoken Essentials of Parenting Introductory Workshop with Ana Smith
As a group we will explore the dynamics of parent/child relationships. We will discuss aspects of a child's developmental stages and how children interpret their world. We will also explore how your upbringing influences you as a parent. For time, dates and more information contact Ana at (860) 682-4640 or email asmith5109@sbcglobal.net June/July 2011 Inner Tapestry 13
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Take the mystery out of cranial technique. A course to introduce you to the basics and philosophies of cranial sacral technique and how it can be used in your life. FMI: and registration call Joe Belanger, PT (860) 372-8236.
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How to tell Little Red Riding Hood that we killed the Big Bad Wolf?
Answering curious 5 year old’s questions about bin Laden no easy task for mom.
by Karen M. Rider “What’s a binLaden, Mommy?” My five year old asked with the same curiosity she would have approached any of a thousand other new encounters with the world around her.
no one could take away our freedom to think and to act in really good and loving ways toward other people. You know to help our friends and family and neighbors here in Cromwell and other parts of the big world we live in.”
I was driving at the time. Her timing could not have been worse.
The heavens intervened once more as my daughter spotted a butterfly dancing across the stone walkway. She dashed from the car, leaving with “be right back Mom.”
My first thought was how do I explain evil to a child. In this case, the explanation of one concept was not going to be served by describing it in relation to its opposite, in this case, goodness. It must have seemed to her like an eternity passed, or maybe she thought I was ignoring her question (was I?). She persisted. “Did you hear me, Mama? What’s a binLaden?”
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I did not want to answer too quickly. From her tone, and the fact that her little sister was napping in the car seat next to her, there was no chance of escaping my older daughter’s inquisition. What I can only now assume was an avoidance tactic, I asked my daughter where did she hear about ‘a binLaden.’ “They talk about it on the radio. And on Daddy’s news show. So, what is it?” Bear with me while I share the rest of the conversation: “bin Laden was a person. A few years ago—before you were born—this man did a very bad thing. Now, he is dead.” By this time we had pulled into our driveway. Still, her questions came at me like a round of gunfire. “What bad thing did he do? How did he die?” “He made a plan to send airplanes crashing into the big buildings in New York City and a few other cities. The buildings in NYC were called the World Trade Center.” “Were there people in the buildings or on the airplanes?” “Yes. Thousands of people.” “Did those people die?” “Yes, they died.” “That’s sad. Why did he kill those people?” I knew it would come, the dreaded “why”. Her gaze was intent upon me. Her attention hung on my every word. I was in dangerous territory. I proceeded with extreme caution. I didn’t want her to only know of Osama bin Laden the terrorist who orchestrated an attack on America and her people. There had to be a lesson here. Didn’t there? “It’s hard to understand, even for a grown-up like me, sweetie. But there are some people in the world who don’t have goodness in their hearts. When they don’t agree with the way things are going in the world, they try to change them to the way they think it should be. Sometimes, instead of talking about differences or problems, some people get very upset and they act very badly. Mr. bin Laden was part of a group of men who wanted the rest of the world to see and do things their way. They thought the best way to get people to understand what they wanted was to hurt them in a really big way.” “Like when my little sister hits me because she doesn’t understand she can’t have my things in my room?” “Yes. Kind of like that. Mommy and Daddy teach you and your sister to make better choices to work out problems instead of hitting or throwing things, right?” “Yea. But she doesn’t always listen. But why did that man want to kill all those people?” I had no idea what wisdom was about to pass over my lips but I thank the stars in heaven for what I did say. “I don’t know why he thought that but I do know one thing for sure: After that terrible thing happened, the people in our world came together to help one another. Instead of getting afraid, which is one thing I think Mr. bin Laden wanted, for us to become scared of living in the world, we were brave. So, while that man did a very bad thing, and it is sad so many people died, we learned 14 Inner Tapestry June/July 2011
She stared out the window for a moment. I asked if she was ready to get out of the car. “One more thing, Mommy. Who killed the bin Laden man?”
I was relieved that I did not have to explain the only answer that I could have given to her last question: “We did.” My daughter hasn’t brought up bin Laden since that week in early May. Consequently, I don’t know if anything I said made any sense to my little girl. And I don’t know exactly what I will say to her if (when) she does ask me why our country sent in Mystery S.E.A.L. Team 6 to kill him. After all, there isn’t a child development book in the world that deals with how to tell Little Red Riding Hood the Big Bad Wolf is dead. And, maybe those are the terms my husband and I will have to use; the conversation with my daughter going something like this: “Sometimes people in real life act like the monsters in fairy tales. And sometimes, in real life, we have to send in heroes and warriors—men and women—to help get the monster under control. But when the monsters keep fighting, because there is so much evil in their hearts, the good guys and gals have to get really tough. They may try to catch the person and put them in jail for a long time. But if that person keeps trying to hurt others, then the heroes have to stop him and that may mean hurting this other person the way the hunter kills the wolf in Little Red Riding Hood.” Maybe my daughter asking these questions is not so much about what I teach her. Maybe the lesson is for me. Maybe for all of us whose students, children and grandchildren will undoubtedly ask these questions again and again throughout their development, the lesson is to look at what is going on in the world through the eyes of a child. How absurd it must all seem to them. From my little corner of the world in Cromwell, CT, I know only this to be true: Until all of us who inhabit this planet collectively move beyond tolerance and come to an understanding and acceptance of one another, no answer will ever, truly, be good enough.
Karen M. Rider writes about all things holistic and metaphysical. She has interviewed many pioneers in the fields of natural health, consciousness studies and energy medicine including Wayne Dyer, Caroline Myss, Judith Orloff and Joan Borysenko. An accomplished copy/ghostwriter, Karen is passionate about helping holistic health business owners promote who they are and what they do -- with clarity, integrity and creativity. She is working on her first novel, The Gathering, a tale of metaphysical suspense set at Gillette Castle. Learn more: www.KarenMRider.com.
It's not only children who grow.
Parents do too. As much as we watch to see what our children do with their lives, they are watching us to see what we do with ours. I can't tell my children to reach for the sun. All I can do is reach for it, myself. ...Joyce Maynard
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Holistic Moms &
&
I am looking for like-hearted moms who would like to get together for a weekly play group for pre-school age children in the Columbia, CT or surrounding areas. My intention is to create, with your participation, a supporting, loving, safe and healthy environment for our children to play, socialize and interact with new friends as well as their parents. We can determine the details regarding time, place and frequency once we establish the group participants. If this plan feels right for you and you would like to participate, please call me, Nela, at 860-228-3692.
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Awareness and the Art of Seeing: Contemplations on the environment and interconnection by Jen Deraspe
Make Your Trip Count
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One of my mother’s many mottoes was, “Make your trip count.” If I was running upstairs to my bedroom, her voice would echo off the walls, “Take up the laundry, Jenny. Make your trip count!” If I was heading down the cellar (Old school Mainer’s don’t call it a basement.), I had to bring down some random items she wanted down there for storage. I would roll my eyes and follow her demands. As it turns out, I realized she had a good point. I say and do the same thing. No surprise. The motto has found its way into my green living schemata. Her voice still rings in my head, making all my trips up and down the mountain, to and from town into some vast, greater purpose and project. It is so rare that I travel anywhere without a backpack and a cloth bag in each hand filled with random, unrelated items, making my trip count. This practice got anchored even more deeply by the reality that I live a bit up Pleasant Mountain and my cabin is accessible only by foot half the year, depending upon snow and mud season. Making my trips count for groceries, recycling returnables and trips to the mailbox are real considerations in the name of convenience and ease. There are big issues on our big planet beyond individual conveniences. Notice our lovely home, planet earth, from which we source everything. All that we need comes from this floating, evolving, mass of organic matter and energy. Even the artificial ingredients of life, transmuted through chemical reactions, fires and laboratory cauldrons have given birth to credit cards, the leaf rake, the fishing pole and all the trash I see on the roadways. Great is the community effort uniting to pick up the future artifacts of our times rearing itself from underneath the receded snow and ice. Seeing the containers, drinking straws and grocery bags hanging from the tree limbs, swaying in the wind acutely reminds me of our consumption and its effect. A lovely effort, indeed, to clean up after ourselves. Are our individual efforts enough to make a difference? According to the US government, the answer is yes. Recycling just one aluminum can reduces waste and saves enough energy to run a computer for 3 hours. Multiply that by 10 cans, 100 cans… small steps can become pretty big. And still, is there more we could do on a broader scale that wouldn’t be too bothersome or inconvenient, and perhaps even fun? My mom points to that option and I invite you to join me in it. “Make your trip count.” The next time you need to drive to town, hesitate and contemplate… can it wait until more errands accumulate to save multiple trips? Going to town has become a weekly event for me. I do all my errands on one trip, saving them up for the big adventure. Benefits of making your trip count: You get to stay home more, consuming less non-renewable resources. You are lessening vehicle traffic and adding to foot traffic. You can make more contact with community members. Less carbon is being burned and released. I tried it all on a bicycle one time and it took a whole day and most of my personal energy. So, for now, I use the gas-powered car until I find my way into something greener. Anyone want to share their Prius? Jen Deraspe, is the founder of Nurture Through Nature, an eco-retreat center in Denmark, Maine. Jen is a certified yoga instructor, a licensed Maine guide, and a certified coach and facilitator of The Work of Byron Katie. She has been leading holistic nature retreats since 1999. www.ntnretreats.com, (207) 452-2929.
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Working To Save – Loving To Heal The Natural Instinct To Heal by Donald and Sara Hassler
W
e know that both people and animals suffer great pains in their life. But what we may not fully understand is what happens when we choose to step in to save someone who is or has been suffering. The only way to describe a person that is instinctively drawn to saving another Be-ing, is to call them a healer. What is a healer? A healer walks to the gates of heaven’s door. They run and race with unbelievable speed to save a bruised and broken body from certain death, all while knowing, that no matter how hard they might work, it’s ultimately the soul’s choice to make the long journey home to health. They give when there’s nothing to receive. They open themselves up to taking on whatever is necessary to see sickness through to health. Healers put their own life on the line and many offer and hope to take grief, pain and suffering into their own bodies, in order to save the one who needs them.
Healing isn’t an ancient art science. It’s actually an instinctive response to care for what’s important to us. Our natural abilities to heal have often centered around our animals and for good reason. Animals have always looked out for us, so it’s a very common feeling to want to look out for them too. Historically animals have been an important part of our lives and the instinct to take care of them, heal them and honor their health was a prominent concern. People, who lived with animals long ago, knew that animals were an essential part of their lives. Back in the nineteenth century, the family cow was often the main source of nourishment. That cow had a name, lived a good healthy life and the care of that animal was of great importance because it meant an entire family would be able to eat and continue to live. When cats guarded barns and hunted rats, the cat’s health and the health of her kittens were important because rats carried diseases that jeopardized food crops. Dogs also were relied upon to help hunt, provide protection and herd cows, sheep and baby-sit toddlers. The health and well-being of the family dog was as important as all human family members’ health. In fact if we take a step back further in history, when people lived in European villages, it was often the village midwife, who was also the village veterinarian. Because of their heritage, women have naturally adapted to being healers to both humans and animals.
It’s these pets that most healers work to save because they are the ones that have held out for a better life, almost as if they were waiting in hopes of being saved. Like any healer knows, they cannot save them all, simply because no one knows where all the pained and dying really are. Naturally spirited people who save animals have an extra-sensory instinct. They are attentive and watchful. They see warning signs and read signals. Healers can hold an animal and feel their bodies. They connect with their pet’s mind and are often guided by a spiritual ability to recognize when an animal needs help. When they take broken bones to the doctor’s office they return home and emotionally care for their pet because deep down inside they know it’s the spirit that heals the body. Healers touch and caress the heart of their pets and make them feel safe. They push themselves to stay up all night as a health guardian if needed. These soft individuals work tireless hours to earn the money needed to pay for expensive medical bills and whatever food and prescriptions are necessary to restore health. Animals feel this type of love and intention to heal on a level so deep that it can drive them into the desire to get well. It’s this desire, combined with a healer’s intentions, that persuades an animal’s body to heal itself. Sometimes, when a human tries, and it’s found to be too late, our animal friends know that the intention is there and in their last hours, the gift they keep inside their heart, is knowing they will be walked across the bridge in the arms of someone that loves them. It’s an amazing job, rescuing the innocent. It carries an incredible responsibility of joy and grief. For some, they are able to move on, knowing that although they might not be able to save every animal, the one’s they do, get a second chance at love. When you learn about stories of amazing animal rescues, remember that it takes two to rescue. Someone in need — Needs — someone to save them. To all the healers of our world, we give thanks for your strength, honor your burdens and admire your instinct to commit your life to the life of another.
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, which airs live on Good Company 14/WILI in Connecticut. Visit them online at www.responsiblepetowner.com.
Today it’s common for animals to be kept for companionship, sportsmanship and sadly financial gain. It’s this removal from us needing our animals to live that seems to have led to a mass confusion of how important they are in our lives as a whole. However what hasn’t changed is the knowledge to some, that they are worth caring for and saving. Does it take a special person? Do they need to be educated in the techniques of physical health practices to heal and save? The answer is no. All they need is — Love, Compassion & Commitment. It’s the desire to do good that really brings a person to do something wonderful like rescue an animal in need. A person reaches out and touches another life and through that single act — their world changes. They might adopt their new rescue or maybe they help an animal in the interim and bring that pet to someone who they know can save them. Either way their world has changed because they’ve changed the course of someone else’s world. In our sometimes cruel and confusing world, it’s been left up to these healers to undo the harms of human emotions, because that’s the root of most abusive situations. Whether physical or mental, abuse and neglect resides in the under-developed hearts of those that beat, starve and kill animals. Pets suffer emotional abuse as much as June/July 2011 Inner Tapestry 17
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It’s an amazing sacrifice if you really think about it. There are so many who travel the world, some their own towns, saving and healing and we often never know it’s going on. Healing is a part of most everyone’s daily life, whether they know it or not. Some heal on a miraculous level, others simply swoop down and save and re-designate the job to a more sophisticated healer. There are many out there in the world, your town, probably even your own family. Many healers are quiet about their work on the outside and though they might tell a story about how they picked up a stray cat, they may not openly share that they healed that animal to health.
humans do and without a reason to live, often choose to die rather than endure more abuse. At the same time, some animals adapt to their surroundings and can survive un-imaginable living situations.
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Here, Me by: Holly Howley
a PASSION: Something that makes your toes tickle with excitement, barely containable. Seizing the ease in the air. Problems become puzzles and determination guides logistics. Time melts. The world looks bigger, brighter, 3D. the PURSUIT: Moving toward a passion, especially in the beginning, is rarely easy. To the conscientious mind it can feel like sleeping in, two days in a row. Or eating a candy bar for breakfast. Finding the time, moving in a direction, even talking about a passion can hurt. Physically and emotionally. It is core shaking to really want. When that feeling of hurt or confusion comes, there is a desire to push it away. To rid the passion of its validity. To run toward something more predictable even more difficult. Nothing in life is easy, right?
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BUT pursuing a passion takes courage. Moments of fearlessness. And a will to start, again and again. “I’m Holly Howley and I am here today because I took a leap two years ago. I stopped working to stay home with my two boys and it’s hard to hear your voice when you are by yourself all day,” I said in a weak, quivery voice. Dear God, did I really just say that? It sounded like a train full of emotions was on my heels ready to run me over. I had battled that voice so many times and won, or so I thought—years before in journalism school, then later in the corporate world and still later in the fundraising world. Each time I began with a quiver and departed with a confident, accomplished roar. But the voice kept coming back, usually in moments when I cared too much. The day was a birthday gift to myself, a writing workshop with a well-known author at a big name university in Boston. An opportunity to spend an entire day writing with other writers. It was also an opportunity to spend a day with myself by myself. Of course now, in this moment, the concept seemed entirely overrated and I was craving the usual distractions. “Wonderful,” I thought, not listening as the participants continued to introduce themselves. “I am sitting in a room full of people who are probably working on books about the psycho dynamics of something and I have just admitted that I am a stay at home mom. Worse they think I have that oh so typical fear of public speaking that most mousy suburban moms with short bob hair cuts have!” Writing was one of the few things keeping me sane, allowing me to hear myself. Only now I heard myself loud and clear and it was painful. “Write about your dinner table growing up,” the author said. Somewhere over the last five minutes, as I was obsessing about my introduction, the group had finished making their introductions and it was time to get down to the writing. The reason we all were there. My insides groaned. I didn’t feel like writing about my dinner table growing up. “What kind of stupid topic is that?” my injured, vulnerable, self-loathing self asked. I began describing the actual table I used to sit at night after night with my family. The curve of the walnut stained legs and the heavy layer of furniture wax on the tabletop. Clever was the best I could hope for in this moment, I decided. I didn’t want to write about my dinner table and I was sure no one in the room wanted to hear about it either. But then something in me surfaced. A stirring of inner thoughts and ideas. For the next ten minutes images from my dinner table poured out. Somehow I pierced the layers and found the will to care: too much. When it was my turn to share, I began, “Most nights dinner took my Mother by surprise.” It was a relief to hear sprinkles of laughter, recognition around the room. It was a relief to hear me. I spent the next six hours, daring to care too much while letting go of trying too hard. Along with eight strangers, I gathered inside scraps and desires, and felt the 18 Inner Tapestry June/july 2011
melting of ego and worldly pull. By the end of the day I felt free. Momentarily found. I wanted the feeling to stay, to build. For the certainty of purpose to fill in the lonely gaps that come with being lost and confused, as a writer, as a person. But as I gathered to leave that day, the inclination to collect e-mails, to connect the day with something larger going forward was not there. I knew I’d probably never see anyone from this room again. Only now I understood that it wasn’t because they were writing books and I was changing diapers. I was leaving with the person with whom I most needed to connect. I was leaving with my voice, the weak quivery one. And for once I was glad. She had a lot to say.
Holly Howley is a freelance writer. She leads writing workshops in Glastonbury and West Hartford, Connecticut and can be reached at hollyhowley@cox.net.
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r ef lectio ns o f an a m a t eu r s p i r i t u a l s p el u n ker
Cloned Sneakers, Mount Doom, & theTyranny By Curtis White
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I’d be wearing cloned sneakers, in effect. This leads me to a little dystopian fantasy. Imagine if I were a multi-billionaire and had controlling interests in Puma, Nike, all the big sneaker companies. Forgive me for not naming more, but my condition naturally limits the brands I am even aware of. I know of Nike, because they’re Nike and they’re everywhere. They probably own at least two of the lesser moons of Saturn, so they’re on my radar. Anyway, imagine I was this mega billionaire and I had the power to have it all: the consistently crunchy raisin bran; the cloned black and white Puma’s; a brand of cigarette specifically made for me with no tar, or chemicals. I’d be deeper into sameness and safety and boredom than I already am, except now I’d have the wherewithal to enforce this sameness and safety and boredom on others! Whoo hoo! I would climb to the top of Mount Doom and declare, “One Sneaker! One Sneaker to rule them all!” The crowd of Orks below would shake their spears and cheer, and Adidas wearers throughout the shire would drop their spoons into their cluster-laden bowls of raisin bran and shudder. There are plenty of examples in real life where people or corporations or countries, are able to achieve this kind of full spectrum dominance by enforcing sameness. Ultimately, this drive is anti-creative, antiseptic, and in its extreme, it has more in common with death than with "survival." But sometimes, standing in a bathrobe out in front of my apartment, smoking, I don’t see or appreciate this, because I’m stuck on the thought of getting back inside for breakfast. Sameness is the secret urge behind any totalitarian state or tyrannical system—no matter how polite or cheerful it may appear on its face. If its chief goal is the relentless pursuit of security through sameness then you can bet it’s not a healthy system. One of the great things about the world is the potential to fall in traps, get blown up, have a great day and have your breakfast ruined. I don’t say this because I always feel this way, but because, through the process of writing this piece, I’ve remembered it. And I hope I will continue to remember it tomorrow or at least for the rest of this afternoon. I’ve also come to the conclusion that my life should have more in common with my writing. It should be open and exploratory. There should be pit-stops, asides, unexpected disappointments, false starts, funny discoveries and detours. It should be creative, decidedly-bacterial, and above all, free. (Announcer Voice) “What will happen to our Spiritual Spelunker Next...? Will he escape the icy clutches of cluster-filled breakfast cereals...? Can he overcome the twin villains... Coffee and Nicotine... Will he go on a Spirit Walk... without his beloved Puma’s... Stay Tuned... Curtis lives and works in Western Massachusetts. He gets grumpy when he’s not writing or when he looses at Scrabble. Otherwise he’s alright. Please feel free to contact him with comments on his work, or with strategies on achieving triple word scores using letters, Q, X, and Z. And Please feel free to email him at: cwwhite78@gmail.com.
"When you find yourself in a hole, stop digging." ~Will Rogers June/July 2011 Inner Tapestry 19
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riting, for me, has a lot in common with a destination-less trip where I get in the car, turn the key and take off in a random direction and end up someplace totally unexpected. Forgive me if this sounds irritating. I don’t mean for it to. In my day to day life I’m nothing like this. Really, I’m more of a habit-bound little man who would sooner lose a limb than break routine. I have rituals. I will get up and make coffee and go outside to smoke, come back inside and beat myself up for not being quit. Then, I will have my cereal--most often some variation on raisin bran. Like clockwork. Sometimes I will accidentally buy the kind with the clusters, and it really pisses me off when I pour it out and see them. I instantly remember how I hate chewing through these dense, hard, saw-dust clumps, and how they soak up all the milk and thwart the sweetness of any bite of raisin within 100 miles. But honestly, even the accident of winding up with the wrong kind of raisin bran is sort of a routine for me, because it happens often enough. It’s a routine within a routine. Someone, somewhere, could draw a diagram of this and it might just be either the funniest or the saddest thing ever. Thankfully, this bears no resemblance to my writing process. Once the inner critic is hog-tied and left for dead in some dusty corner of my mind, I am free to head on down the road. I am not bound by ritual or habit. A left turn here, a right turn there, a freeway here, a random exit to look at the world’s largest ball of twine… and then, Blam, I’ve discovered new territory. I’ve added some new geography to my internal map. I’m not saying I find El Dorado or even Euro Disney on these little word-journeys, but I often find small little places that keep it interesting. That’s the analogy. But what is it about ordinary everyday life that makes it difficult for me to let go and follow this process? Why can I do this when I write, but not when I’m out in the world choosing breakfast cereals? In ordinary, walking around life I am not so comfortable with novelty—as much as I like to tell myself I am. I’m stubborn and obstinate about small things like choosing a meal, or choosing a new pair of sneakers. In fact, I actually have the same exact pair of Puma’s (black suede with a white leather swoosh, and white leaping puma figure on each big toe) that I had five years ago. I’m now three pairs down the line, but it’s the same pair of sneakers. And I’ll tell you something else, when they made slight modifications in the third iteration of my sneakers, I noticed. I stood in back of the leather-smelling shoe warehouse in the mall and actually hesitated buying them. I looked around irrationally for the ‘old pair’. Thankfully, my little routine doesn’t enter into Puma’s design decisions. And God help me if it did, or I’d have a carbon copy of the same sneakers I wore in 2006, instead of the slightly hipper version I have now.
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a b rea th o f he al i n g
Kundalini Yoga The Yoga of Awareness by Donna Amrita Davidge
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he word awareness can be called consciousness. When we see someone doing something that we think is sad or bad, it would behoove us to take notice that this person may not be aware of the thing they are doing to harm themselves or someone else. We would say they are unconscious. When I first started being involved deeply in yoga in the 1980’s, having dabbled in the 70’s, Yoga Journal was called The Journal of Conscious Living. I had the great good fortune to discover my teacher Yogi Bhajan during that era of yoga. In the early 1990’s Rodney Yee and Yoga Journal videos came on the scene. More people slowly came to yoga. As Yogi Bhajan predicted back then, things started moving very quickly in to the information age. Not only were our systems overloaded with computers, cell phones, texting and the next new thing—people began to search more. Not everyone searched, but more and more people did and still are. Oprah added a segment to her show in the 90’s called "Remembering Your Spirit." Whatever way you came to it, people were looking to become more aware. Some people went to India, like the Beatles had. Yogi Bhajan came to the United States when people were seeking higher consciousness through drugs and hallucinogens. He began to substitute yoga, breath and mantra, as did his colleagues like Swami Sachidananda, who also came to United States in 1969 and taught Integral Yoga. Their message was the same. We are all one. It sounds simple to some, impossible to others. Whether we believe in these principles or not, most of us cannot argue that there is much change going on and quickly. Yogi Bhajan, who passed from this world in 2004, predicted that our nervous systems would be taxed to the hilt and unless we had a system of self exaltation we ourselves could not be as strong as he knew we could. It required work, commitment and awareness.
If we believe in group consciousness, that we are all connected, then each tragedy in every part of the world, whether caused by nature or man, (and plenty of both seem to be accelerating,) every one is affecting each and every one of us. If we put our thoughts toward healing ourselves and others by the way we think, live and view our lives, the belief is that this will raise the consciousness of the planet in these times of transition in the hopes of transformation. Is this overoptimism? Life is a short mystery and so to make the most of cherishing our own and others makes sense. Another of our teacher trainers said she thought that belief system was not valid until one night when she ate a steak in a very popular restaurant in New York City. She did not sleep the entire night and felt a terrible feeling inside her; not an indigestion. Her partner suggested that something horrible had happened to the animal and she had taken on its energy. The fact is that the animal had been murdered. We kid ourselves to think that animals have no feelings. Recently someone sent me a photo essay of two small birds – one had been killed. Its partner tried to nudge it, to feed it and began to wail. To anyone sensitive to loss and life it was a tear inducing photo essay.
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There are many facets to raising consciousness. In this coming era, which he called the Age of Aquarius (remember the musical "Hair" from the 60’s? It is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius?) we may all still have areas of our lives that we are not fully awake and aware in; we can keep working on it – aspiring to it – and moving towards it. The Kundalini mantra is Keep Up. Yogi Bhajan also said there is no liberation without labor. If we want to come to a higher plane in our thoughts we have to be aware of them first. One of our teacher trainers at Sewall House shared with me that her father, a Buddhist, had written her that 80% of our thoughts are negative. I suggested that if we become aware of them we can work to change them. It may not happen overnight or quickly.
It is so true we are all creatures of habit, especially set in our ways, which starts in the mind. Living in a quick fix society, not everyone will do the work to truly shift. Everyone wants to be happy—even the drug addict or the person with the lowest self esteem wants to be happy, to be loved, to be understood and to know how to love another. There are so many practitioners hoping to help heal the planet with a shift in energy. Duality will always exist. Pain will exist. The shadow, the dark side, is always there. But it does not have to prevail. We can zap the negative thought – the fear, the what if's, wit an brighter thought – with practice and awareness. I have heard that 80% of the things we worry about never happen.
In Yoga the Yamas (principle), Ahimsa is the first one to learn. It goes beyond not injuring yourself in your yoga practice. Technically it means non-harming. It means kindness. Is it kind to murder an animal? I think not. Others may think differently. This is what I believe. There is too much proof that animals have feelings – dogs that save their owners, elephants that never forget someone who has harmed them. The stories are endless. The story of awakening of our individual and group consciousness to a super consciousness requires much self examination and self study. It is most effective if we set an example, not preaching to others but living in a way that we believe supports life. Spiritual seekers and leaders have always existed. Just as there is more information in our world, there are more and more channels of the message that we are awakening to, the possibility of this, the era of super-consciousness. Yoga and meditation are just one of the many ways to get there. For my part, I am so glad the 5,000 year old tradition has survived to help us survive emotionally and physically in these challenging times of transition. And that people like Yogi Bhajan had the foresight to teach us to seek the guru within – to learn from our own experience and then become more aware and internally strong using the techniques of Kundalini Yoga.
Donna Amrita Davidge owns and operates www.sewallhouse.com in Island Falls, Maine, which was chosen Top Ten Yoga Retreat worldwide in 2009-2010 and has been featured in many publications. Special Events: Please see the Events page at www.sewallhouse.com for details. Belly Dancing and Yoga weekend July 15th-17th ~ Raindrop Technique with Essential Oils for Healing and Wholeness July 23rd ~ Umbria Italy October 22nd-29th ~ 200 Hour Yoga Alliance Teacher Training September 6th-27th, call (646) 316-5151 or (888) 235-2395.
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How Do I Love Me? Let me Count the ways... by Kat Logan
Elizabeth Barrett Browning had a very different intention with her lovely poem but it brings up a question that I hear from my clients all of the time.... How do I love myself? This is, of course, to be a very personalized answer and I feel is the biggest question that we can ask ourselves each day of our lives. So many of us being caretakers for everyone else in the world, have forgotten how to care for ourselves. We have learned to respond to the needs of others first and put our own needs behind. After years of doing this, we forgot what things fuel us, lift our spirits and make us happy. Disappointment, resentments and frustration, too often then leading to depression, bring our energy down and take the luster out of our beautiful lives. We are lowering our energetic vibration when we lose consciousness of how to love ourselves. There is a cure, a rather simple one, to ignite the spark to love yourself.
Perhaps put it up where you can see it as you start each day.... take yourself on some good dates.... lavish yourself with self-Love... and enjoy! 1. Say...”I love myself today and will give myself what I need,” when you rise in the morning and do it. 2. Become more present in each moment. Awakening the senses in the body is a wonderful way to do this. Make the agreement with yourself that what comes into you, through your senses, is the very best for you. Become conscious that all that comes into your senses is beautiful. Raise the bar of your standards to meet what you truly need and appreciate. For your eyes, a beautiful environment... places and things that you love to look at... soothing views... happy environments that please you, whatever it is. My husband enjoys a barn full of his old tools, I enjoy a room full of flowers, candles and crystals…. what do you love to look at and be with. For your ears, beautiful sounds... music that you love, sounds that sooth and fill you.... for your lips, eat delicious, healthy food, that you love, only let the best come into you. For your nose, fill your environment with your favorite scents and fragrances, or take yourself to nature for that wonderful experience of enjoying your favorite smells. For your touch, wear fabrics that reflect you and your comfort, colors that make you feel good... expressing your true inner self on the outside of your beautiful body. Being in your senses, you become much more aware of the present moment and this is the best posture to have for loving yourself. Your home environment is a place that wants to reflect your inner needs and desires... your car, your work place, all can reflect more of your inner self. 3. Make the agreement with yourself that you only allow positive and uplifting experiences to come around you. I have what I call the “thumbs
4. Rekindle your relationship with your inner child. If you were to ask the five year old within you, what you wanted to do at this moment, what are those things? I believe that there is part of our true nature that we are born with and it lies within waiting to be rediscovered by our sometimes-laden adult selves. For me, my five year old would play in the mud for hours.... now working with clay and pottery I completely fill that early, earthly delight. Sometimes a good way to access this information is to ask yourself the above question and answer it by writing with your non-dominant hand. Again, we have the answers within and this may bring up surprising and delightful answers. 5. Allow yourself time to just be. Use meditation, walking in nature, whatever helps you to turn off the inner chatter.... turn off the electronics... and find some one to one moments with the most important person in your life...YOU. Sometimes what we need is right on the end of our nose, where it is hardest to see because we walk around with it all of the time. Sometimes it seems way too easy and simple because we are used to making things more complicated for ourselves. Ask your inner knowing what it needs and you will get answers. Clearing time away to listen for this is very important. 6. Create your own bucket list (a list of your life desires) and pick one and do it... just do it. Love yourself enough to give your life what it wants. Don’t wait for an illness, or difficulties to make your desires a priority... do it now. Today is what you have—delight in it. This is a huge way to love yourself. There are plenty of reasons why to put things off... can you change this to plenty of reasons why to do it now? Start with small things if you need to.... but allow yourself this and you will begin to grow in love with yourself more and more. My Guides have shared that if we all truly can live in our bliss, then our world will become in perfect balance. How can you live in yours? I ask you to work on your own list now.... I hope that this has fueled some thought and feeling of the importance of you loving yourself. We are in the driver's seat of our lives… make it a beautiful ride. With Love and Blessings, Kat
Kat Logan is a psychic medium and healer with her practice in Friendship, Maine. She also has a regular schedule doing readings in Freeport, at Leaping Lizards and in Brunswick at the Soul Sanctuary and may be reached by emailing her: kat@mygreatfullheart.com. You may find out more about Kat and her work by visiting her website at www.mygreatfullheart.com.
“Love is but the discovery of ourselves in others and the delight in the recognition.” ...Alexander Smith June/July 2011 Inner Tapestry 21
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To be in love with who you really, truly are, you need to allow all of your needs to be given a priority. Our inner spirit knows what it needs… our divine being within. I will begin the list with some information that has come from my Guides during sessions that address the importance for love and care of the human soul. I ask you to fine tune this and make it your own.
up rule.” If the experience, thing, relationship, and conversation... whatever... is uplifting to me, raising my energy, making me feel better...I involve myself with it. That’s a thumbs up. If it pulls me down, makes me feel bad, lowers my energy.... I call that thumbs down and excuse myself from it with love. This is a very simple rule to follow and I have found it very helpful in my self-love regiment.
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Change Part 3 by Maria Harrison
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he unfolding of this phenomenon called “change” continues as we stand at the cusp of summer. Are you wondering how many more profound changes await us for the summer months? As if the changes we heard about, experienced and witnessed during spring weren’t enough to rattle us out of complacency, and perhaps creating not only wonder but also anxiety and fear about what’s next. It sure didn’t feel like a gentle or gradual unfolding of a spring blossom. So let’s review and continue our exploration on "change." In the first part of this series we examined some of the phenomena of change for the purpose of producing a new understanding for effective action. In the second part we were invited to become different observers of ourselves, others, things going on around us in our back yard, and the happenings in the world that produce the magnitude of change we are constantly experiencing and navigating through. In this third part of the series, we will take a closer look at Emotional Illiteracy in the workplace and "Change as a process," which consists of several stages. The journey continues as we examine this aspect and new face of "change." Enjoy!
Emotional Illiteracy
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Some older and new research points to what is being called "emotional illiteracy," observed in the workplace. What is meant here is that there is no understanding of the complex emotional dynamics people face with drastic and total shifts in the nature of their work. It is still believed that if people are told (or ordered) to change they will. Surveys found that in the past, people were motivated by appropriate reward and punishment. With money, or the threat of termination, they will go along but leave their spirit and potential at home. Bodies show up but do not produce quality in their performance or creativity in their thinking. Individuals go through an internal struggle with the emotional dynamics and upheaval in the nature of the learning process. Change is terrifying for people. Lack of understanding about the human emotional structure produces actions which actually increase alienation, anger, frustration, and add to the already emotional upheaval. Human beings need a renewal process to incorporate learning and change. Change is a learning process that human beings undertake through a mental and physical process like nature itself. Since we are biological beings, change is a process that must be incorporated into our biology. Any attempt to bring about change without going through the biological nature of human beings causes severe alienation, stress, sickness, and emotional instability. How can this be incorporated into the fundamental structure of business? There needs to be a design that allows people to learn and act from a new interpretation of "change." This learning takes place in the creation of a new emotional space where people can express their feelings and concerns openly as part of the process of learning and recognizing what change has meant to them in the past. So there must be an invitation to the incorporation of a process to reveal past traditions and their value in the rituals, forums or ceremonies to give people a reference point from which to move and design away from. Yes, in some organizations there has been recognition of the need for renewal and for human beings to have an emotional space to shift from what was to what will be by designing ceremonies when closing a division, or rituals that precede the transferring of people from one place to another. Forums, rituals, and ceremonies create the emotional space needed for the renewal process to move forward. We, as human beings, evolve emotionally through this renewal process. It is this renewal process that allows the shift, so change can take place. Declaring change does not set it into motion. Change is a process.
The Reality of Change
Have you ever observed that people’s reactions to change regarding the same event can be totally different? One person will perceive the change as negative while the other will perceive the very same change as positive. Why does this happen? We are always automatically matching our capabilities against the challenges we face. By capabilities we mean the abilities and our willingness to apply them. We are defining challenges as the dangers we see and the opportunities we acknowledge. It seems that people tend to be more comfortable with change when the ability and willingness to change can determine the events and happenings around them. To begin to understand this phenomenon that occurs between people and the changes 22 Inner Tapestry June/July 2011
in life they face, it helps to understand the fundamental need human beings have to control their environment. My work over the years in studies such as "What it means to be Human" and "Human Response and Reaction to the World" has shown that human beings are the most control-oriented animals in this world. For this reason, I claim that it is very important to become an educated observer of how and when people feel the need for control in their environment in order to introduce, execute and manage change. When one can hear and see that people are feeling the need for control in certain areas of concern, the introduction of change can be designed to address this apparent need for control.
Human Need for Control
The methods different people use to meet their control-needs differ and, at times, are not easy to observe. People often express their need to control—or at least influence—their own future in subtle ways. For example, buy a new software package to manage finances or increase productivity, go back to school to acquire a new skill or more education for a different job, end a long-term marriage or hire a financial advisor to plan for the future. Entrepreneurship is a classic example of individuals or groups of people willing to take risks in order to have more control over their lives, only to find out that the new environment of control presents problems of its own. The need that human beings have to control their environment and the outcome of their future influences their control-needs and has a great deal to do with how they may view change. There appears to be a direct correlation between the need for this basic understanding and the successful implementation or acceptance of change(s). Notice how people become disoriented when their basic control-needs are not met. On the other hand, when these needs are met, there is a gained feeling of security, stability and psychological comfort that is so important that achieving this state is one of the most powerful motivators of human behavior. To better observe this, I invite you to pay attention to how much energy is dedicated to learning….. What happened after the events took place that are meaningful to you as an individual, i.e., “Why was I blamed for that mistake?” “Why was my loan rejected?” “Why did this client reject my sales proposal?” What is happening, i.e., “How does this app work when I install it on my phone?” “Are you still angry with me?” “What’s happening in this company?” What will happen, i.e., “If the stock market goes up more, should I sell my stock?” “If the interest goes up I may not have enough money for a down payment on a house”. Observe how much time in your life you automatically devote to gaining enough information to control your environment!... and you will get a good idea of how important the need to control is in human beings. Can you see how that might influence their perception of change that they are asked to deal with? When people can match expectations with perceived reality, they feel they have gained a sense of control over their lives. It is not the volume, momentum or complexity of the surrounding events that cause the difference between people being in balance or in chaos, but the degree to which their expectations can be met. Expectations always are attached to a specific outcome, whether real or illusionary. I believe that change is not interpreted as negative because of its unwanted effects but rather because of our ability to control and control it. If we could stop bad events as they occur or at least anticipate them, and then have time to prepare for the consequences, they wouldn’t be so unpleasant. People view change as negative when they are unable to foresee it, dislike its implications and feel unprepared for its effects. Therefore, perceptions of change as positive or negative will depend on the degree of control people exercise over their environment. Accurately predicting the future greatly reduces the discomfort of uncertainty. Then it stands to reason
23 that disrupting someone’s expectations about important issues or events brings about a strong reaction. It doesn’t matter if the change is a "big" or "small" one. It doesn’t even matter if it is initially seen as positive or negative. What really matters is how disruptive it is to those who are affected. People feel most vulnerable to change when they are surprised by it! From a human point of view, change is minor when it does not significantly disrupt what you anticipated would happen. You simply fine-tune your expectations and adapt to the change. Many times these adjustments are so common that they go unnoticed leaving the impression that no change has occurred. If the disruption is major and expectations are completely altered, confusion, fear, anxiety, anger and a loss of emotional balance is created. Major disruptions often create disabling consequences, costly in both time, and resources. If you’ve read this far, and feel overwhelmed by perhaps the abstractive description of the phenomenon of change, just reflect on the tremendous "unexpected" changes around the globe over the last few months... floods in Australia, earthquakes in New Zealand and Japan, the nuclear crisis in Japan, the devastations by tornadoes in many Midwestern and Southern states here in the US. I would love to hear from you... how has change affected you? Let’s start a continuing conversation... all sharings are welcome. Send me an email, or go to my blog www.tapestryoflifecoaching.com. And so, we’ll finish this journey this summer… in the next issue. We’ll wrap up the Process of Change with stops at Micro/Macro Change, Absorbing Change, and the three different phases of the change process. Have a wonderful spring and Summer Solstice!
Harmonic Sound Immersion Discussion and Vibrational Sound Meditation Gongs and Crystal Bowls create a harmonic resonance that vibrates through each cell of the body. When in harmonic resonance, resistance no longer exists as a dis-ease factor within the body. This allows harmonic tones of our body, emotions, mind and spirit to produce a harmonious resonance within and without creating life as abundant joy. All sessions are energetically supported.
Wear comfortable clothing. Bring plenty of water, eye covering, a pillow, blanket and something soft to lie on. PLEASE no scents ~ perfume or cologne.
Join us Thursday ~ June 16th, August 18th, September 22nd
at 6:30-8:30 PM $20 Maria Harrison is a professional certified life coach. She is certified as a Core Energy Life and Ontological (The Power of Language) Coach by The Newfield Network and ICF, is a Reiki Master, certified EFT and Prosperity Guide. Maria offers transformational principles and tools as a foundation of her practice. Maria can be reached through her website: www.tapestryoflifecoaching.com, by calling: 207 358-0311 or email: maria@tapestryoflifecoaching.com.
Leapin' Lizards, 123 Main Street, Freeport
FMI & Reservations (required) 207 865-0900
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August 5th 7:00 PM $20 Harmonic Sound Immersion Concert August 6th 1:00 - 5:00 PM Workshop $75 Experience the Healing Nature of Sound
Riley School WarrentownRd., Rockport,Maine
Reservations & Information Ananur Forma, (207) 594-2565 or email ananur@AstrologyWithAnanur.com.
June/July 2011 Inner Tapestry 23
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A WEEKEND OF SPIRIT IN FREEPORT JULY 23rd 1:00 - 5:00 PM Workshop Experience the Healing Nature of Sound JULY 23rd 7:00 PM Harmonic Sound Immersion Concert Freeport Community Center FMI & Reservations (required) 207 865-0900
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www.rootsenrichmentcenter.com
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O P E N H O U S E
AUGUST 9TH June/July 2011 Inner Tapestry 25
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The Creative Opposites by Nanette Giacoma
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ccording to new physics, our bodies and everything in the universe consists of energy. At the core, we are all made of the same substance. We only exist as patterns of energy, not as solid matter as previously believed. Not only that, but everyone and everything exchanges energy all the time. So, while conversing with each other, we exchange energy as well as the words and ideas. How many times have you walked into a room and you could feel the mood. Nobody said anything in particular, there was nothing obvious, but you had a feeling about the room. When that happens we are participating in the “energy” of the room. This belief used to be only the domain of the mystics, but with the scientific experiments of new physics, we now know this is not only a mystical idea, but also a fact. Fritjof Capra embraces this notion in his statement: “The new concepts in physics have brought about a profound change in our world view; from the mechanistic conception of Descartes and Newton to a holistic and ecological view, a view which I have found to be similar to the views of mystics of all ages and traditions.” 1 Inherent in new physics, is the concept of the creative opposites. The creative opposites consist of contrasting, but complementary modes of operating. Each opposite is necessary for the other to survive. In traditional Taoism yin and yang are considered creative opposites; they are converse types of energy. Neither is better nor worse, one is not more powerful than the other. Both are important and necessary for balance in our lives, our organizations, the world and the universe at large. These terms have been used frequently in our culture and many of us know the yin-yang symbol. Yet, I find there is still quite a bit of confusion about what yin and yang are all about. In the Shambhala Dictionary of Taoism it states that yin and yang are: “two polar energies that, by their fluctuation and interaction, are the cause of the universe.” Our society has consistently favored the yang mode over the yin. The emphasis is on competition, aggression and expansion. Very little attention is given to intuitive and responsive ways of being. It is no mistake, that this has been the age of reason, rather than the age of intuition. As such, technology and science have been immensely successful. Intuitive ways of being have decomposed in favor of our society’s climb towards money and power. We have become so entrenched in yang energy that a shift is needed. Fortunately, there are people who are pushing us in a new direction. While things yin are still considered less valuable than things yang, there is a quiet revolution going on and there is hope for change to a more balanced approach. There is more talk of spirituality, creativity, intuition and whole brain thinking. All these begin to acknowledge the need for change in the present model. Our whole society needs a lesson in yin power. We need to acknowledge and celebrate yin ways of being. We need to bring in images such as bounty, mercy, compassion, creativity and cooperation into our organizations and our communities to bring about a more holistic way of working and living. That does not mean we throw out analysis, rationalism or structure. It does mean a transition that will incorporate both yin and yang ways of living. Where would Albert Einstein be if he did not delve into his feminine side to dream how molecules work and then to put that notion into practice through experiments? Where would Georgia O’Keefe be without her creative feminine sight and her masculine side to execute a tremendous work of art? The current yang focus, at the expense of the yin counterpart, separates us from a part of ourselves and from some important elements in our world. This had led to some very detrimental situations in our society. Capra laments the imbalance in his statement: “…Rational knowledge over intuitive wisdom, science over religion, competition over cooperation, exploitation of natural resources over conservation, and so on. This emphasis, supported by the patriarchal system and further encouraged by the dominance of sensate culture during the past three centuries, has led to a profound cultural imbalance which lies at the very root of our current crises-an imbalance in our thoughts and feelings, our values and attitudes, and our social and political structures.” 1
Also lost in a strictly yang model, is the creative interplay between yin and yang. When creative intervention is not part of our lives chronic problems frequently arise. In our society, there is a poor understanding of the role that the opposites play in our existence. Unfortunately, this ignorance has led us to a society entrenched in polar thinking. Most people in our society are not even aware of their polar thinking. It is such a part of our “normal” existence. Language is a good gauge of social paradigms, and our language is filled with polar idioms. We talk about things being black or white, good or bad, positive or negative.2 A more holistic view of the opposites would be to realize the creative connection between the polarities. They exist in relation to each other, rather than separate from each other. This relationship is explained in the systems approach to the world, as stated by Capra: “The systems view looks at the world in terms of relationships and integration…form becomes associated with process, interrelation with interaction, and opposites are unified through oscillation.” 1 It is the “oscillation” between the opposites that is so conducive for creativity. It is the push of yang and the pull of yin that causes a dynamic situation. Remaining flexible and open to the shifting opposites serves as a springboard for creativity. When we do not respond to the fluctuations, when we try to maintain one direction, is when we stagnate. For an individual to access their full creative potential, opposing modes of operating must be allowed. They are interdependent upon each other for balance. Balance is a dance, yang pushes that way; yin pulls this way. In the process something creative happens, something comes to fruition. Balance is about movement. It requires that we check in with ourselves, our organizations and the greater community to see that we are moving forward, but in a responsible, humanistic manner. If one mode of operating is used continuously, an imbalance is created. Ultimately, there would have to be a shift towards the opposing force to correct the perpetual imbalance. For years I have been working to heal the energy imbalance within myself. Many of us are energetically imbalanced and may be unaware of it. We’ve been socialized to accept it as normal. I was aware of an energy split in myself from the time I was a young woman. It has been the subject of my work, my journaling, my poetry and my art. I have lived through each side and become acquainted with each intimately, ignoring the other for a time until the imbalance became unbearable. I now find more peace and balance and the divide is less intense (well most of the time). It seems the split has fused. Truly, there never was a split, except within my own mind. The energy split in me was due to my polar thinking. Becoming conscious of the opposing forces and integrating them has been essential for me in finding inner peace. The exploration of various Goddess traditions, including the divine feminine of my own Christian background, was essential for me in healing my energy split. I had to acknowledge and celebrate the feminine. I needed to dispel some of the myths surrounding yin energy, as well as, heal some of the anger about all the yang energy in our society. One of the most powerful images of the divine feminine is the Earth Mother Goddess of the Paleolithic era. Many of us have some knowledge of this spirit, albeit distorted at times. Thousands of years ago, celebrations and rituals connected us with the earth, the heaven and the flow of life. People were connected to the earth in very tangible ways. The Earth Mother Goddess is one representation of this connection. She represented the fecundity of the earth itself in all its abundance, bounty and creativity. Archeological discoveries have uncovered shrines and evidence of rituals in honor of the Earth Mother and her power.3 She is in tune with the wisdom of the universe. She envelops precisely some of the elements that are lacking in our world today. She would never do anything that would deplete resources because true bounty means sustainability, not just short-term profits. When considering matters of the soul, our society has largely ignored the archetypal, divine feminine. In Christianity, the feminine spirit has largely been forgotten or undermined. Susanne Schaup in her book Sophia looks at the loss of the feminine
Our society has consistently favored the yang mode over the yin.
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27 aspect in the Christian and Jewish texts. Sophia is another name for Wisdom and the “Gnostic heresy” worshipped Sophia as the feminine element of God in Hellenistic times, but this practice was outlawed later on by the orthodoxy. The spirit of the day was against Sophia’s intuitive wisdom and the Greek logos’ logical knowledge became the model.4 This attitude prevails in modern times. A one-sided approach deprives men and women of the archetypal feminine spirit. We become limited in our ability to respond to the world in a holistic way, creating a situation where some important elements are lacking in our sphere of knowledge and experience. Yet, the Judaic/ Christian religions are not bereft of the feminine spirit, rather the focus has been on her masculine counterpart for centuries. In the last couple of decades there has been renewed interest in the feminine spirit. The relatively recent attention given to Sophia and the Black Madonna, are a couple of examples. The revival of the Goddess religions is happening throughout the nation. The need for reintroducing the archetypal feminine into our personal spirituality stems from the same argument for including the opposing modes of operating into our lives—both are necessary for balance. For the human spirit to remain truly alive, we too must be dynamic. We too, must contain the creative elements necessary to move into new realms of discovery. We must have the flexibility to move in new directions. By fully embracing the creative opposites we can get in touch with a more holistic way of being. This is our path to balance in our life, our
work and the path to our higher power. 1. Capra, Fritjof. 1982. The Turning Point; Science, Society, and the Rising Culture. New York: Simon & Schuster. 2. Whyte, David. 1994. The Heart Aroused; Poetry and Preservation of the Soul in Corporate America. New York: Doubleday. 3. Gadon, Elinor. 1989. The Once & Future Goddess. San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco. 4. Schaup, Susanne. 1997. Sophia; Aspects of the Divine Feminine Past & Present. York Beach, ME: Nicolas-Hayes, Inc. Nanette Giacoma brings her passion for art, writing, personal transformation and mentoring into her work as a transformative artist. She has over 25 years of experience as artist, writer, leader, mentor, coach and consultant. She has worked with people from all walks of life and finds great pleasure in helping others achieve new levels of awareness and make personal shifts. She comes from an eclectic background of corporate business, transformative art, healing and spirituality. She is a poet, mask-maker, businesses coach and sustainable living advocate. As a part of her own health and healing, Nanette does art, writing, nature walks and practices Tai Chi, Yoga and Reiki. She has an MBA and a MA in Transformative Art. For more information: www.newmoonrisingarts.com; www.truebalanceconsulting.com.
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Write From The Heart When you write do you hear angels whispering in your ear?
by Bonnie W. Mason
Do your thoughts flow like silken rivers of words? Does your pencil dance with punctuations of joy and weep with exclamations of anguish? No? You're too tired to think, let alone write? And besides, writing is too hard, anyway. Relax. Breathe. It doesn't have to be hard if you write from your heart. Ask your angels for help. Thoughts will cascade from a part of you that you have almost forgotten: your Divine Self: the self of your heart. More fun than writing only from the left brain, no part of you will be left untouched Recent research shows that writing from the heart strengthens your immune system and helps heal emotional traumas. But it is also a joyous way to celebrate life.
Try this. Go to the most peaceful spot in your home. Light a candle. Play some soft, background music such as "Enhancing Creativity" by Halpern or "Piano Whispers" by Thweatt. Now lie on your back, on your floor or even on your bed. Place your writing pad next to you.
Look into your heart and see all the diamonds. Your first kiss. Your first job. The first person you ever loved. The first person you lost through death or divorce. Write from the heart—your joys, your angers, your fears, your tears. All are diamonds waiting to be mined, to be cleaned and polished.
Close your eyes. Relax. Breathe deeply. Visualize a beautiful golden white ball of light above your head. Ask your guardian angels to bring the light with its healing rays down over your heart. See the golden light enter your heart chakra. Feel your heart area glow as though made of amber burning embers. With each beat of your heart, know that you are loved and that you are love. When you are ready, lean over to your writing pad or journal and write.
Bonnie W. Mason is a journalist and a spiritual writing coach. She enjoys working with small groups: 4 to 7 people. You can contact her at 207-729-0939, www.bonniemason.com or Scribbler8@gmail.com. June/July 2011 Inner Tapestry 27
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Ahhh Life – What is it? Feeling it, Reconnecting to it! by Skye Hirst, Ph.D.
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It’s such a wonderful theme, Super Consciousness – I could write volumes on the topic but with my time constraints and my reality constraints, I will share with you but a few key quotes from great philosophers. Hmm! Constraints? I wonder what those are? I’m reminded of the work of Jane Roberts who channeled the Seth Materials in the 60s and 70s – and was one of the first who brought us the notion that we create our own reality and what the “Oversoul” might be. I’m sure many of you were influenced as was I by the breakthroughs in thoughts and possibilities the Seth Materials gave us. In working with Norm over the past 25 years, I’ve learned of philosophers who have worked deeply and with great stretches in consciousness over centuries of human development to get at the rudimentary foundations of what is most fundamental about reality... what is the ultimate reality – the most basic assumptions about reality from which all life combines and removes. At first I thought it all too abstract, too removed from experience, too “heady” as some would call it, that I didn’t bother to read, to look into these great philosophers but now I’m reading and studying and finding to my surprise so much clarity and meaning and yes, simplicity. This is what Norm has committed his life to – the understanding of life – of God – if you will – not to name it, explain it or reason it, but to expand what we can know of our existence. Each of our lives is in some way this journey of such expansion. Norm’s focus has been on the unfolding of Process philosophers – Alfred North Whitehead who wrote Process and Reality in the 1930s and Charles Hartshorne, a Process Theologist – the founder of Panenthesim in 1950s, and Robert S. Hartman, discoverer of value intelligence in the 1950/60s, and Charles Peirce who goes back to 1870s, creator of Semiotics. Beyond these roots we explore Paul Tillich whose writings spoke of: “God is not a being.” “As the ultimate is not a being (besides others), neither is God a ‘thing’, an object, a natural object, a person, a reality, a meaning, one level, a power, or a cause, nor a part ...” David H. Nikkel summarizes in his Creative Synthesis on Panentheism in Hartshorne and Tillich: where Tillich speaks of our awareness of ultimate reality in terms of: Such awareness is not a ‘state of mind’ or an encounter standing apart from others. Instead it is ‘in, with, and under’ other states of mind and ‘within’ other "encounters." There is much opening in all life right now as we encounter reality at many new levels. We are being stretched and for many who have forgotten the greater reality beyond materialism, it seems like there is little “light” to anchor us. It can get really scary. However, there seems to be no answer, thing or state on which to land, instead we get to “feel,” “re-connect-with” the “felt sense” within us to experience this ultimate consciousness. So as we each are opening to this awareness, Norm and I add our perspectives to the mix with looking at What is Life and exploring how it creates togetherness, novelty through us and with us. I share with you here some of the quotes that have inspired me: Whitehead – That the actual world is a process, and that the process is the becoming of actual entities. That an actual entity... is a concrescence of prehensions which have originated in its process of becoming. The ultimate abstract principles of existence are “creative synthesis” or “creativity. Each fact is more than its forms, and each form participates through the world of facts. The definiteness of fact is due to its forms; but the individual fact is a creature and creativity is the ultimate behind all forms, inexplicable by forms, and conditioned by its creatures... The many become one, and are increased by one. In their natures, entities are disjunctively many in process of passage into conjunctive unity. The pragmatism of Peirce and James – Ideas must be expressible in living and behavior or they are merely verbal. Hartshorne – The problem is to find or create a view of first principles that is livable and rationally defensible. 28 Inner Tapestry June/July 2011
A philosopher, however, should also have a sense for the non-logical side of awareness. Ideally he should have more in common with poets... The most essential metaphysical lesson of all, perhaps a lesson the Buddhists had learned long before. This was to detect the element of illusion (or if you prefer, confusion) in the idea of a plurality of selves mutually external to each other. The notion that self-preservation is the law of nature is poor biology. Species preservation is closer to the true law and rather the basic motivation is the appeal of life for life. Why is one interested in oneself? A) Because like other selves one is an interesting, complex and more or less harmonious or beautiful reality, B) one is intimately, acquainted with this reality, one has power to change, guide, protect and help it in its successive adventures. (To do this is satisfying in the doing, but this – the only essential "reward" of virtuous action is in the action, right now, not in the future.) One may add that social customs expect and inculcate a measure of self-concern. But all these reasons justify being interested in valuing and wanting to help various other persons. The degree may differ, not the principle. The basic motivation however, is neither the appeal of a self for the same self, nor even the appeal of other selves for own self... Rather it is something more general and yet, in its instances, more specific or concrete: the appeal of life for life. Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee says on Spiritual Ecology: Those of us who have been given a knowing of the sacred within ourselves and within the world have a responsibility at this time. We may ask ourselves, “What can I do?” but the inner world primarily requires consciousness rather than action. It is the lack of an awareness of the sacred that is at the root of this crisis. Therefore we first need to bring the light of our spiritual awareness into the present predicament. We need to recognize what is really happening within the inner world as much as the outer, within our own soul and within the soul of the world. Only then can we begin to redeem the sacred and open the door to any real change or transformation. Only then can we begin to heal the world and bring it back into balance. And from Joseph Campbell’s conclusion to his lecture series as shared in The Mythic Dimension: Can one treat of such things with the balanced vision of an artist? Has a human heart such magnitude? “Love bears all things,” Saint Paul has said. “Judge not that you may not be judged,” said Christ. The limitation comes where your judgment comes. The revelation of art is not ethics or a judgment – not even of humanity as one generally thinks of it – but a marveling recognition of the radiant Form of forms that shines through all things; and as our own great American master, Nathaniel Hawthorne has said, (telling of what dreams and fancies show of the innermost truth of each of us): “Man shall not disclaim his brotherhood even with the guiltiest.” And Skye says, each of us is real potentiality – we are connected to all that is and potentially is. We sense, feel the “prehensions” of all this through our intuition, our individual and unique “self-knowing” ways. The power of our creative togetherness is truly a Super Consciousness. Autognomics means the self-knowing processes of Life – the self-knowing of individual self, and the self-knowing of the many as one. Such becoming can lead us back to the direct “felt sense” experience of sacred Life and that of unconditional love. Whitehead – The exactness of logic is a fake. Hmmm, now that’s exciting! And That’s Life!!!! 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
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ask asrianna Questions and Answers on Relationships, Spirituality and Conscious Living
Dear Fed Up, Congratulations on being one who appreciates the pleasurable aspects of your work. Noticing the elements you enjoy allows you to focus on those treasured spans of time, giving them the weight and importance they deserve. By flexing and strengthening the “muscles” of attentiveness to what is joyful, we encourage growth in gratitude which in turn becomes a habit of seeing each moment’s fullness. Too often we train ourselves to see only the difficulties in our lives. Actually, to be fair, we’re often trained long before we have the ability to make those decisions for ourselves. I’ve mentioned it before in a similar way and I call it the survival response. When a beautiful doe steps carefully to the edge of an inviting clearing, she isn’t looking for the normalcy of a blue sky, the green grass or the golden tufts of grain. She isn’t really paying attention to a familiar trunk of a nearby tree, or the mound of dirt she travels around every day. No. She’s looking for what is out of place, for the span of wing against that blue sky alerting her to the eagle threatening her fawn, for the brown fur of a circling coyote among those blades of grass or wheat. In other words, she’s looking for danger, for what is harmful. In order to survive, she’s cultivated a habit of looking for what is out of place in her world. Although my heritage has made me very aware of the wisdom of our winged-ones, four-leggeds, finned and crawling ones, all of us can gain knowledge from the natural world. In this case, it helps to understand that we’re not so different from that deer. We come into this world with unique souls. You don’t have to raise children to realize that far from being a blank slate, they’ve personalities and characters all their own. Some are born outgoing, with an extroverted nature, entering this world with gusto. Others are more introverted. They contemplate what’s before them, in their own way mulling over sensory input before responding from an inner place of comfort, and doing so in their own time. These and other personality traits comprise what I call the inherent nature of an individual and while we can learn to grow into other ways of interacting with the world, they often form the core of who we are in our lives. Then we are given beliefs from the adults around us. If, for an example, one parent has learned that the world is unsafe, we are taught fear. If an adult raises us to believe that potential romantic partners are untrustworthy, we unconsciously incorporate that into our own manner of judging others. Perception is created by the union of our nature and our beliefs. It is this perception by which we see the world around us. Like that attentive deer, we search our environment for what is dangerous to our survival. We often run away from what is unpleasant. We learn to search our environment for what we don’t like, seeking to avoid it and so escape discomfort. In doing so we strengthen the muscles of seeing only the negative around us. So you see, Fed Up, why you are to be congratulated on noticing the enjoyable aspects of your work. Perhaps now you also see why you find your co-worker so unbearable. One of the first things I’d suggest is that you notice your emotional responses to his
words and behavior toward you. Do they feel familiar? Keep in mind that what your co-worker does now may not be similar to what others have done to you in the past; it’s how you currently feel in response to his behavior that matters. You mentioned him telling you how to do work you’ve done for five years. Does this make you feel shamed and inferior? Angry? Unheard? Awkward and inexperienced? You also brought up your concern about your boss overhearing and then believing you still need guidance. Why spend time on this? Because quite often our responses are made from an already formed perception, a belief about ourselves and others created long before the person now standing before us arrived onto the scene. With this in mind, can you think of previous times in your life when you felt inexperienced and unknowledgeable? When you were diminished or shamed? All of this is important because in life there is all too often one person who pushes our buttons of pre-conceived perceptions. Usually the emotions we feel are accompanied by disempowerment. We not only experience the unpleasantness, but we can believe in the lie of being unable to change the moment. The truth is that while you may be unable to change your co-worker's manner, you always have the power to change your response. And while this doesn’t excuse his treatment of you at work, another thing to consider is that if you felt inherently strong, confident and worthy of respect, competent and skilled, his behavior wouldn’t sting so bitterly. Again, it can be very beneficial to study your history in order to understand why this person has so much power over your daily life. From your letter, you’ve expressed that others are able to simply shrug off this man’s behavior, thus while they seemingly agree with your assessment they don’t share in your emotional responses. This may or may not be true since you’ve no way to know what they take home in emotional baggage, but it’s valuable as you assess the situation. For instance, why worry about how his behavior makes others see you when they appear to understand that he interacts that way normally? You spoke to your boss and shared your concerns and it was suggested that you speak personally to your co-worker. You mentioned you’d already done so to no avail, but it’s quite likely that your manner of doing so wasn’t going to be heard. Often we approach such situations with accusatory words and in doing so we create defensiveness in the other. Perhaps the next time your co-worker tells you how to do a well known task you could smile, and say, “Thank you so much for your suggestions. The way I’ve been taught and grown accustomed to using has worked beautifully, but I appreciate your willingness to share your knowledge.” Then confidently continue with your way of completing the task. It also means, however, that you’re open to the possibility that this person, having worked there “forever,” may indeed have a more beneficial way of doing something. If they criticize you, simply remind yourself this arises from their perceptions, not your own, and has very little to do with you at all. From this place of confidence you can listen and then respond with something like, “It’s nice of you to take time from your own tasks to notice mine, I know how busy we both are. This way works great for me.” Then continue with your work and focus not on the danger of your co-worker’s words to you, but on the part of your work you enjoy and so beautifully articulated in your letter. Finally, if you truly cannot overcome this person’s behavior you are certainly free to find another job. Just keep in mind that we take our perceptions wherever we go and it’s not unlikely that there will be someone else who becomes the hawk or coyote to our doe and fawn. You can always leave a position you deeply enjoy, but how much more empowered would you feel if you did so from a place of personal choice rather than from a sense of fleeing danger? Many blessings in your choices, Asrianna
To have your questions answered, please email your letters or comments to
Asrianna at Asrianna@Asrianna.com
June/July 2011 Inner Tapestry 29
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Dear Asrianna, I’m one of the lucky people who, while maybe not exactly loving my job, likes it very much. Let’s just say that if I won the lottery I wouldn’t keep working, but barring that, it’s a great job. The problem is that one of my co-workers basically ruins my day. He’s not my boss but he tells me what to do as if I haven’t done it for the last five years. When I don’t do it his way, he criticizes me. This is really frustrating and worries me because I don’t want my boss to overhear and think I’m incompetent. If that isn’t bad enough, he’s extremely negative. Nothing is done right, forget trying anything new because it was done before and didn’t work then either, and someone else is always wrong. I’ve tried to talk to my boss but this person has worked there forever and my boss just suggested that I try talking to my co-worker first. I’ve already tried this and it didn’t change a thing, but I don’t want tell my boss because it might seem as if I’m not a good communicator. I’ve also mentioned it to some other work peers but although they agree they just shrug and say they’re used to it. Well I’m still not used to it and it’s gotten so bad I’m thinking of looking for another job. Any advice for handling this situation? Signed, Fed Up and Stressed Out
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ex plorin g the wor l d r e l i g i on s New England Needs New Satsangs and Sanghas spiritual gatherings Instructions For Holding Satsang (meEtings) by James Bean
T
here are so few satsang meetings of any kind in New England, whole regions with little happening, where there has never been much for meditation groups connected with any Eastern spiritual path. There is room for new satsang activity, expansion, and development. Used in Hinduism and related paths from India, "Satsang" or "Satsangha" is a combination of words from Sanskrit. "Sat" refers to the "Eternal Truth," and Truth is another name for God. "Sang" means "association." Thus, a sat-sang can be defined as a meeting, association or spiritual gathering in the name of exploring and experiencing the Eternal Truth or God. "Sangha" is an equivalent term from Buddhism – also used in Jainism – for spiritual "association," "company," or "assembly" with a common vision, goal or purpose.
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Satsang is the name given to meetings associated with a certain spiritual master, his or her lineage of gurus, and the spiritual disciple or yoga practiced by the group connected with this master or teacher. In India, there are tens of thousands of satsangs conducted on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Satsang is a word used, to some degree, in a similar way to "church" or "temple," but not necessarily in an institutional sense. A genuine satsang is not defined by buildings or temples made of wood, stone, plumbing, and parking lots. Rather, a satsang is a gathering of souls – that's what gives it the potential of being a real genuine expression of Sat or Eternal Truth. That saying of Jesus often quoted from the New Testament would be a fairly good basic description of a satsang: "Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am in their midst." Most spiritual paths with roots in Indian spirituality or mysticism call their spiritual gatherings "satsangs." A satsang usually is conducted in the name of a certain spiritual teacher, and is supposed to be one hundred percent focused upon the teachings and meditation practice of that particular school of spirituality or yoga discipline. In other words, there is an etiquette that comes with traditional satsangs organized in India. There is a reverential, warm and loving atmosphere permeated with peace and tranquility. Someone gives a talk that is always based upon the spiritual teachings of the group. It would not normally be considered proper to share materials from living teachers of some other path or tradition, or for there to be way-off-topic discussions about crop circles, emotional freedom techniques, flying saucers, politics, and conspiracy theories of one sort or another, or some other subject not directly related to the intended focus of the satsang. The idea behind satsang is to create an oasis of peace, a sacred space where the Truth (as one defines or experiences it) becomes celebrated, and is always to be the sole focus of one's attention. Satsang serves as a space for Truth in one's life, a weekly, monthly, or daily reminder about the important things, a Call to Spiritual Remembrance in a world of distractions and forgetfulness. The format of a satsang can include several elements: 1) silent group meditation practice; 2) chanting or the singing of bhakti/devotional hymns (kirtans, banis, bhajans); 3) the recitation of certain key prayers as well as passages that define the central principals of the group; 4) a spiritual discourse, or readings from scriptures and the writings of spiritual masters; and, 5) perhaps a community meal. The Langar or Shared Meal According to Wikipedia: "Langar is the practice, common to a number of Asian religions, of a community meal." So also in the history of the West, there has been the tradition of the "Agape feast" or communal meal. For instance, in the Nag Hammadi books found in Egypt, in one of the Gnostic scriptures known as, "The Prayer of Thanksgiving," there is a wonderful example of a shared vegetarian meal as the concluding event of a Hermetic gathering! For an example of a recited text or "creed," see The Seven Principals – those are recited at each satsang by some in India: http://on.fb.me/ekrYJk The Spiritual Discourses Given At Satsang Gatherings Spiritual instruction is always the central part of any traditional satsang. This can take several forms. One could share a talk of a spiritual master transmitted 30 Inner Tapestry June/July 2011
via satellite, or via the web, perhaps by Skype (internet chat), or Phone, DVD, CD, MP3, old VHS tape, cassette, or e-book – whatever your technology might happen to be. Someone is likely to do readings from various books authored by spiritual masters. The standard here is: the words spoken must be coming from the highest level. They are intended to be the spiritual instruction of enlightened masters... and only that. One must avoid much for opinion, home-grown "wisdom," sharing from the level of ego, in other words, even if this means reading from a book for forty minutes instead of attempting to "be a great orator" – so be it. The satsang usually does not include an open floor, "open mic" type discussion as part of the format, as that would simply represent a built-in repetition or parroting back of old information (following the dictates of the mind) instead of learning something new. Satsang is about course correction, change, growth, expansion of horizons, exploration. The goal should always be to communicate the purest teachings from the most advanced and enlightened beings available, unfiltered, in a receptive atmosphere of learning. Between an ocean and a river, choose the ocean. Between a river and a tributary, follow the river. "The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires." (William Arthur Ward) As Rumi says, "If you seek to know God, sit at the feet of the Saints." An Ode to the Sant Sat Guru In Praise of the Sant-soul of love who has reached the Spiritual Realm above, and merged in God. Hail to the Competent Living Master, the Qualified Teacher, rare to find in this world, so few and far between, the True One, a genuine mentor of souls, righteous and worthy Guide, a Fearless Being, Light-giver, leader of a spiritual community. With gratitude to the Competent Living One! In a Sea of Samsara -- illusion and world of changes, of falsehood and posing, there is a bright Light in the darkness. A silent Music becomes audible. At the feet of such a Loving, Radiant One, the soul can not help but find inner Light and slip into deep samadhi meditation. In the eyes of a Saint are love, wisdom, light, compassion, grace, a reflection of God in this realm of the material plane. The Master-Power connects the soul with the Supreme Lord of Love. There are degrees or levels of satsang: 1) Experiencing God within directly in meditation (Associating with God); 2) A satsang gathering presided over by a living teacher (Associating with a Sat Guru); and, 3) Studying the scriptures and spiritual writings of masters of the past and present (Associating with Knowledge). See my Facebook Note titled, The Three Levels of Satsang (Associating with Eternal Truth) excerpted from the book, Harmony of All Religions: http://on.fb.me/iaHvRp For an example of a traditional "Satsang Template" of materials one can drawn upon for satsang readings, see the Shabdas, Ramainis, and Sakhis, which are chapters of Kabir's spiritual classic known as the Bijak, used for centuries in the satsangs of the Kabir Panth. Those volumes are in book form, and some of them are online at this website: http://www.Kabir.ca
Conintued on Page 40
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Herbal Brain Boost
How Brahmi ( Bacopa monniera ) Can Help by Wendy Weissner
I
s learning and absorbing new information difficult for you? Do you ever feel that a fact or memory is on the tip of your tongue, but you cannot recall it? Do you find it challenging to remember driving directions or information you have just read?
Cognition is what helps people to function in everyday life. It includes attention, concentration, learning, strategizing, execution of plans, comprehension of language, self-expression, memory and recall. When it’s not working, it may result in the inability to pay attention, process information quickly, remember or recall information, respond to information, or think critically and solve problems. More and more people who want to increase their mental powers, including those with moderate-to-severe cognitive deficits (i.e. Alzheimer’s Disease or Age-Related Dementia) are turning toward natural products for help.
According to Ayurveda, Brahmi is characterized by lightness, peace and clarity and is good for most people to use. Especially well known for its special actions, Brahmi both increases the power of the mind and is good for the heart. This herbal has been known to enhance the three basic components of the mind - power of learning, power of retention, and power of recall - independently, and also by improving their interaction with each other. Secondly, Brahmi is capable of strengthening and fortifying the mind to withstand the senses, which leads to a balanced and blissful heart (considered the seat of psycho-spiritual development in Ayurveda). Ayurvedic healers consider Brahmi a very valuable herb for treating insanity, epilepsy, nervous breakdown, and other mental disorders. Historically, Brahmi was used to improve memory, learning ability and concentration and recharge the mental faculties with specific benefit for students and intellectuals wishing to tone the mind and improve mental power. Brahmi serves its highest purpose when it balances and coordinates brain function such that the brain can fully reflect the inner wisdom and light of consciousness, which contains true knowledge. According to the Sushruta Samhita, which is the authoritative text of Ayurvedic medicine, Brahmi is best taken after cleansing the body with proper emetics and purgatives so that the herb will work properly. Recognized as a brain tonic, after seven days of use, expansion of intellectual faculties begin to appear and the complexion is improved. After 14 days, old and forgotten memories are revived. Twenty-one days of supplementation “enables a man to reproduce from memory as many as one hundred words.” Most strikingly, by 42 days, Brahmi “removes all inauspicious features whether of the body or of the mind… and all kinds of knowledge come rushing into… memory.”
Brain Boost: Does Brahmi Really Work? As more and more individuals are using herbal remedies, there is concern in the conventional medical community about what herbs like Brahmi really do. Most pharmaceuticals have multiple clinical trials behind them before they reach FDA approval. During these trials we learn whether they are effective or safe. We learn what dosage to use for maximum safety and effectiveness. Herbal remedies have been largely untested because they have been used for thousands of years. Now, herbs are also being tested in this same framework to assess their safety and efficacy. Brahmi’s use as a brain tonic and booster is supported by several clinical trials that found significant changes in cognitive tasks after 12 weeks of supplementation. In two clinical trials published in 2008, Calabrese and colleagues found improvements in short-term memory {Calabrese, 2008}, and Stough and colleagues noted increases in working memory and reduction in error making. One theory is that improvements in these individual cognitive processes (learning, memory or recall) ultimately lead to improved nerve impulse transmission, leading to faster learning and better mental power. This theory is supported in part by
Though the majority of clinical trials seem to show consistent improvements around 12 weeks of supplementation, some trials have had different time frames. Roodenrys et al. (2002) reported significant improvements in delayed recall six weeks after the 12 weeks of Brahmi supplementation had ended. And in another 12-week study investigating Brahmi, Raghav et al. (2006) reported significant improvements in mental control and memory as early as four weeks
Dosing and Safety Brahmi can be taken by itself or with other similar herbs, such as Gotu Kola, to improve memory and retention of information. Doses are most effective when taken regularly for several weeks vs. in one acute dose. The whole plant or leaves may be taken depending on intended effect. Based on a review of six clinical trials, 300-450mg of Brahmi per day, taken in single or divided doses for 12 weeks is generally well tolerated. Stomach upset, nausea, abdominal cramps, increased stool frequency and diarrhea are the most commonly reported side effects, although these are infrequent and considered minor. KeenMind® is one example of a Brahmi product that contains a standarized amount of bacosides in each tablet. Made in Australia, KeenMind® has been found effective in clinical trials. Historical and Current Evidence – Based Medicine Agree Both historical information and recent clinical trials suggest that Brahmi is a useful herb for increasing cognitive function. In addition, it is relatively safe for use in healthy adults. However, there is some disagreement regarding how long it takes for Brahmi’s effects to be noticed. There are several possibilities that might explain this phenomenon: 1) All of the studies analyzed in this report used generally healthy human adults, but the description of “healthy” is unclear and may be in disagreement from an Ayurvedic perspective. 2) Brahmi is considered a heavy tonic that may be difficult for some individuals to digest without proper digestive stimulants. 3) Most studies used a standardized Brahmi formula, which means the percentage of a certain chemical constituent (bacosides) in the formula was made equal in all tablets. According to Ayurveda, when one plant chemical is isolated, or increased disproportionately, the formulation loses the balancing factors that exist in the remainder of the plant chemistry.
A Final Thought Herbal medicine and natural products are becoming more prevalent in today’s Western culture. Often, there is a tendency to review only historical, traditional information, which is often discounted by pragmatists as well as the medical profession, or to rely on current, evidence-based clinical trials which often miss the wisdom of the past. Collective thought, or the average of all thoughts, is often more correct than any individual acount. To honor both the historical information on Brahmi as well as current clinical “evidence-based” observations will bring us closer to the truth of its properties as well as its efficacy in today’s world. As an Ayurvedic Consultant, Wendy Weissner educates and empowers individuals about diet and lifestyle modifications as a primary way to uproot disease and restore natural balance and harmony in the body, mind and spirit. She has published numerous articles on herbs and continually seeks to collaborate and integrate modern research with traditional health practices. Email: AyurvedicConsulting@gmail.com
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The Totality Of Life ~ Brahmi Ayurveda, a 5,000-year-old medical system, claims that Brahmi (Bacopa monniera) is one of the best-known herbals for improving learning, memory and recall. The Ayurvedic herb known as Brahmi comes from the Sanskrit term, brahman, which translates to “the totality of life.” Brahman is the knowledge that the whole expanse of life is nothing other than the play and display of our own inner awareness. The reference to Brahma, the lord of Creation in the Hindu mythos, suggests that this herb represents the creative energy of this universe and has the ability to facilitate divine consciousness.
animal research by Singh et al. (1982) showing that rats subjected to learning performance tests provided better acquisition, improved retention and shortened reaction time than controls. In 2001, Stough et al. reported significant improvement in speed of visual information processing, learning rate, memory consolidation and decreased forgetting rate. Furthermore, in a 2010 study by Morgan and colleagues, significant improvements were found in all three areas of verbal learning (learning rate and acquisition), memory acquisition and memory retention (delayed recall).
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Practitioners Building Business Today: Is Networking Part of Your Business “Boat?" by Barbara AmEnde
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hink appearing at an occasional Chamber of Commerce meeting or an organized “networking” group meeting is sufficient for success for today’s business owner? For a minority few, it may be. For the majority of business owners today, networking is far beyond what just a generation ago knew. It used to be understood that networking meant communicating by phone or the periodic lunch with a colleague. This was a time where there was some competition, but enough room in the proverbial business boat for everyone. A pleasant long lunch with a colleague to discuss the state of each other’s businesses, perhaps some strategy discussion for business development, an alcoholic beverage or two, and the colleague sent business your way. That was the extent of the networking done. Today, many business owners have foregone lunch and even expect their management to do so also. Time now is more limited and stressful. Competition is much fiercer with the business boat becoming more like bloat with an abundance of similar products or practitioners in some fields (think financial and service industries) staking their ground. For the most part, choices abound for those consumers who chose to do business. Even where a business is in a niche market with few competitors, the competition is fierce Networking today has taken on a whole new look and meaning. So how does networking differ today? It has moved from a leisurely social activity to a focused, strategic component of business operations. Those who think networking is for spare time or an excuse to avoid work, are significantly out of synch with today’s business world. To potential customers, those businesses that do not engage in various networking tools, may appear as dinosaurs or obsolete. Many business owners today claim 10-25% of their time is devoted to focused networking activities. The social aspect is still there, just in a more compact form – 140 characters or less in some instances. Trusting Who You Are What are the key elements in networking today? Bookstore shelves are filled with advice about “building relationships” as the key to networking. This is true to the extent that strong relationships are built when people present their authentic selves and consistently operate from that state of truth. The customer perceives the authenticity, which naturally translates to trust. Primarily, it is necessary to recognize that all things build on customers or clients trusting who you are. Leading with a business card in a quick, high volume hand-off at a group function likely will find the card in the trash on the way out the door. So, what to do? Consider the multiple avenues for networking today. Off-line networking requires knowing and showing your authentic self. For example, physically getting out and participating in association and business owner group meetings. Look for opportunities to conduct presentations or participate in or sponsor some type of community activity. When it comes to community involvement, choosing an activity that strikes a personal chord will provide an additional level of satisfaction that echoes your authenticity. On-line networking, requires knowing and showing your brand. For example, social media sites such as LinkedIn and FaceBook can literally put the face of your company in the eyes of potential customers. Blogging, twitter, professional groups, etc. are also effective resources to disperse your message while creating a connection with your audience. While keeping in mind that this is a professional activity to build business, the connections made through social media can be quite enriching and fun. 32 Inner Tapestry June/july 2011
Don’t Fear It, “Like” It Although social networking is a fun way to connect with friends and build business relationships, the casual context can deceive you into forgetting the importance of demonstrating your competency with this form of communication. Inappropriately referencing buzz words or acronyms will cause your credibility to fizzle away like the New Coke of the 80’s. Utilizing on-line networking requires a strategic approach or this could easily become a time vampire. If starting from scratch to become knowledgeable on how to create a business LinkedIn or FaceBook page is daunting, there are consultants for hire who will handle on-line social media set up and ghost write on the owner’s behalf to maintain company brand presence. Understanding that the internet creates opportunities to reach customers from next door to around the world is a concept for those who wish to compete and grow now and in the years to come. The old days of periodic phone calls and a lunch or two as the total business networking plan are long gone. Networking today requires “knowing and showing” – knowing what your business is and showing yourself and your brand through the multitude of networking tools available. Strategic use of the networking opportunities today have the power to propel your business forward – and the best part is, with strategic implementation and a professional approach, you can enjoy the ride. Barbara AmEnde is President of AmEnde Human Resource Consulting, LLC. Her specialty as Conservator of Human Assets® is supporting owners of small to medium-sized businesses with their human resource function. Barbara utilizes leadership experience in private and non-profit arenas plus current tools and resources to create custom solutions for her clients. Barbara can be reached at amende@hrconservator.com .
"There is no way to peace, peace is the way." ...A.J. Muste
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INNER TAPESTRY's Directory of Resources
Holistic Practitioners, Products and Resources Each category contains practitioners from various states. a l t e r n a t i v e livin g
counseling & the rapy -cont.
Maine Greensward Hamlet
Alternative Living .................................................. page 33 Counseling & Therapy .......................................... page 34 Creative Healing Arts ............................................ page 34 Evolutionary Consciousness................................. page 35 Holistic Healing Centers ...................................... page 35 Holistic Publications & Radio ............................... page 35 Hypnotherapy ...................................................... page 35 Integrative Healing ........................................ pages 35-37 Life Mastery ......................................................... page 37 Living Spaces ...................................................... page 37 Meditation ............................................................ page 38 Psychic & Spiritual Mediumship ........................... page 38 Reflexology & Healing Massage .......................... page 38 Retreats ......................................................... pages 38-39 Schools & Trainings .............................................. page 39 Shamanic Healing ......................................... pages 39-40 Writing Services.................................................... page 40 Yoga, Tai Chi & Meditation ................................... page 41
Maine
Greensward Hamlet A Cohousing Community In Buxton, Maine Drawing on the Strength of Community To Live Sustainably.
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.
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 in 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.
cou ns e l i ng & t h e r apy Connecticut Introspective Psychotherapy & Life Counseling
Live From Your Center
Licensed Professional Counselor
Mark Nakell, LCPC
Jim Govoni
M.A.Ed., S.Y.C., R.Y.T., L.P.C.
"There is a crack, a crack in everything, that' s how the light gets in, That's how the light gets in." ...Leonard Cohen
The seed for growth is often in our shadow self and addressing what hides inside us can be knowingly and unconsciously scary. The therapeutic process necessitates a willingness to address acceptance of our shadow, embrace the totality of who we are and to make change, if necessary. I promise to provide you with the safe harbor of objectivity, warmth, respect, honesty, empathy and positive regard to explore the issues you wish to bring forth. Remember your Life has its own Story to tell and the right to be heard. The telling of your Story may be done in the security and convenience of your home or at my home/office. Licensed Professional Counselor Since 1994. Professional Affiliations: Connecticut Association For Jungian Psychology (Board Member) Connecticut Counseling Association Connecticut Mental Health Counseling Association Yoga Alliance-Registered Yoga Teacher 17 Parker Road, Marlborough, CT 06447, (860) 295-6491 or email:jagovoni@comcast.net
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.
It takes great courage to engage with your soul. ...Carolyn Myss
June/July 2011 Inner Tapestry 33
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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
Patricia A. Burke, MSW, LCSW
34 creative healing arts
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 also regulates emotions and behavior. So practice Douglas Smith 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.
Maine 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," www.thirteenthmooncenter.net, (207) 589-3063. moonarts@gmail.com.
Surry Music Therapy Center: Alan Wittenberg M.A., CMT Certified Music Therapist, (AMTA) American Music Therapy Association Music therapy opens new channels of communication and contact through the creative and interactive use of music towards self-expression and self-discovery. It goes beyond
Gestalt Your Life Angela Hassenpflug Body-Mind Life Coaching Specialist
TM
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Gestalt Practitioner This experiential and body-oriented approach supports you to
- - - - -
reconnect with your body, its language and wisdom learn to relax, reduce stress and practice being fully present enhance your relationships, both with yourself and others reinforce your strengths, passions and skills make sustainable life changes happen
Dynamic life coaching tools combined with Gestalt Therapy elements build the foundation of this life coaching approach. We can meet in person or on the phone. Groups offered on a regular basis. Call (207) 592-7888 or email angela@gestaltyourlife.com for more information and to set up a free introductory call. www.gestaltyourlife.com.
All the powers in the universe are already ours. It is we who have put our hands before our eyes and cry that it is dark.” ...Swami Vivekananda
Di recto r y of R es ourc e s $375 for 1 year Print & Online Listing with an active link to your website! Includes 2.8 inch ad space, (approximately 130 words) Initial set-up fee $20 34 Inner Tapestry June/July 2011
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.
Vermont LEDGE END RETREAT & NATURE HEALING CENTER At Ledge End we offer private and group retreats to enable you to reconnect with yourself, your breath and the natural world.
Primary practice at Ledge End is based on the principles of Zen Yoga. Zen Yoga blends Tai Chi, Yoga, meditation and Qigong together to encourage energy flow through the body. Programs include day workshops, classes and weekend retreats. We customize our programs to meet the needs of each group or individual. Set on 150 acres of pristine woodland and rock ledge, we offer the opportunity to withdraw from the busy world and cultivate an inner space. In addition to our Zen Yoga Instructor Training Program, we also offer a 12-week online course that provides time honored spiritual teachings designed to assist anyone on their personal journey of self-discovery. For more information: Phone: (802) 685-4448, Email breathe@artofzenyoga.com, Website: www.artofzenyoga.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 203-779-0345 email: info@innertapestry.org
35 evolutionary consciousness
holistic publications & radio
M a i ne 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
Main e WRFR-LP is all-volunteer community radio, on the air at 93.3 FM in Rockland and 99.3 FM in Camden, and streaming world-wide at www.wrfr.org.
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
M a i ne Gardens of Atlantis Healing Arts Center facing need our full selves to be present, awake and supportive to all on our planet. Seek to find your special gifts to contribute! It’s our mission to assist you in your search of your higher self. Heart Wealth Creation is being offered June 5th & 12th, Reiki I on June 11th, Pendulums, and Sacred Sound Healing June 25th, Angel Healings with Peg Losee. Take a Plant ID Walk and learn about healing plants in nature. There are so many ways to explore yourself and new interests while making friends. Many other events are being offered. We hope to see you soon! Join us! (207) 929-5088, www.gardensofatlantis.org.
the awake collective We are a co-creative community platform in support of awakening. We offer massage,
hands-on healing, classes, workshops, yoga, dance, and space rental. It is our intention to create a supportive and nourishing space for our collective awakening. You're invited to come to events, enjoy our healing arts services, or rent space at the collective as a micro-enterprise, teacher, or practitioner. We value creating accessibility and sustainability within our community so we have made a commitment to providing affordable high quality healing arts services. We offer all of our basic services, like massage and life coaching at only $40 an hour. We also offer membership and monthly massage packages that will save you even more on our services. If you are wanting to create a conscious work space for your practice or you want to experience some of our services, then you should check out our website and join us in co-creating this amazing awakening. www.theawakecollective.com info@theawakecollective.com 207-318-1931, 509 Forest Ave., Portland, Maine. Stay connected FaceBook http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Awake-Collective/ 102331896486384?ref=ts
Ernest VanDenBossche, BCH, CI - Director Is it time for a change? Let hypnosis work for you in so
many ways. Become a Consulting Hypnotist. Training with Ernest VanDenBossche, Board Certified Hypnotherapist and Certified Instructor with the National Guild of Hypnotists (ngh.net), President Maine Guild of Hypnotists. Take the NGH “Consulting Hypnotist” Certification Training, 100-hour course. Be a Certified Hypnotist. Learn – What is Hypnosis, Trance Depth Testing, Hypnotizability and Suggestibility, Rapid Inductions, Mind/Body Relaxation, Self-Hypnosis, Goal Development, Smoking Cessation, Weight Management, Stress Management, Pain Management, Age Regression, Reframing Trauma, Ethics for Professional Hypnotists, create customized scripts, and CDs for your clients. You get: NGH Manuals, One Year NGH Membership, Local and International support by other professional hypnotists, supervised in-class practice time to master your techniques quickly, informational Hypnosis CD ROM, and CDs and DVDs for your business. Call: (207) 453-6133, www.hypnotraining.us. Private consulting and other trainings available.
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.
Directory of Resources Listings are easy to compose. Write as though you are speaking to others about the work you do and the services you offer. For more information call: (207) 799-7995/(203) 779-0345 or email: info@innertapestry.org June/July 2011 Inner Tapestry 35
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In this rapidly evolving world, we’re being called to become all we’re meant to be. The challenges we are
HypnoWave Hypnosis Training Center
36 integrative healing–cont. Connecticut & Maine
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/(203) 779-0345 with questions or for more information. Sessions and groups available in Connecticut and Maine (call Leapin' Lizards for schedule in ME (207) 865-0900)
"There is more hunger for Love and Acceptance in the world today than there is for bread." (Mother Teresa).
M a i ne Roberta Barnes, CHT, Gendai Reiki-ho & Komyo Reiki Shihan (teacher/master) & Herbalist Cyan Magenta Yellow Black
“Secret to Health and Happiness,” is what Mikao Usui said of his spiritual practice to bring balance & harmony to mind/ body/spirit. Japanese styles of Usui Reiki
go beyond hands-on healing to help improve the quality of your life and the lives around you. Roberta R. Barnes, CHT, Gendai Reikiho & Komyo Reiki Shihan (master teacher) & Herbalist, teaches how to let go, connect with love and harmony. Roberta has practiced natural healing for over 30 years and one of her Shihans is a member of the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai. Nestled in a wildlife habitat, Natural Healing & Learning Center is the perfect environment to reflect the healing essence of Usui Reiki. In this harmonizing relaxing atmosphere you can – *complete one of 5 levels or enjoy healing sessions in Japanese Usui Reiki, *learn meditation, *go on a meditative journey into your past, and *receive herb consultations. Two of Roberta's original guided meditations are available on the CD “Finding Your Solutions.” For more information on classes and healing sessions call (207)
integrative healing–cont. Lilysongbird Healing Jewelry, Sunsets & Flowers, etc. A Healing Session includes, Reiki, Integrated Energy
Therapy, Stones & Crystals, Chakra Balancing, Angel Work, Mediumship, Psychic Messages, Animal Guides, Flower Guides, Cord-Cutting. It is followed by a reading and write-up. Selling many stones and crystals in the office location and at outside events. Jewelry is made from beaded stones for their healing properties and is available in gold-filled & sterling silver. Earrings, Bracelets, Pendants/Necklaces. Photos are derived intuitively. Available in greeting cards, matted & framed prints. Learn Reiki and help yourself and others kickstart your body's ability to help heal itself. Now teaching all levels including Master/Teacher. I am now teaching Integrated Energy Therapy as an IET Master./Instructor Fern Dyer, Reiki/Master Teacher, IET Master/Instructor Call (207) 415-8638, fdyer@maine.rr.com, www.lilysongbird.com Located in Portland.
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@myfairpoint.net or phone (207) 326-3236.
445-5671 or visit www.naturalhealinglearning.com.
Susan Ortiz, MD Board Certified Physical Medicine & Pain Medicine Medical Acupuncture & Energy Medicine Mind-Body Medicine Are you living up to your full potential? Do you have
symptoms that keep you from feeling peace? Have you been discouraged after seeking out the usual medical treatments? The most effective medicine is that which honors your unique essence while allowing for the integration of your mind and body. That is where the transformation begins. Stillpoint Rehabilitation & Wellness, 15 State St., Bangor, ME 04401. Stillptrehab@gmail.com, (207) 990-2934, www.stillpointrehab.com.
Innovations in Recovery
Are you ready to make a profound transformation from addiction to fully engaged living? Based on feminist and Buddhist principles, our programs focus on building a life of long-term, sustainable recovery by addressing the fundamental human need for relationship and genuine intimacy – the basis of well-being.
FirstSteps™ is an intensive outpatient program that includes meditation, detoxification, acupuncture, and bodywork therapies. Participants meet in small, confidential groups three evenings a week for eight weeks. Footpath to Recovery™ is a two-week journey along Maine’s Hundred-Mile Wilderness section of the Appalachian Trail. Rather than dwelling on pathology, the focus is on restoring health and balance. For further information or to schedule a free evaluation, please contact: Peter Wohl, MA, LADC, CCS (207) 619-2989, www.innovationsinrecovery.com.
"You change for two reasons: Either you learn enough that you want to, or you've been hurt enough that you have to." ...Unknown 36 Inner Tapestry June/July 2011
37 integrative healing–cont. Massachusetts
intuitive HEALING
"As a healer, I work with individuals in a way that consciously promotes a peaceful and healthy planet. Our
healing work takes place despite the conflicts that wash over us in our daily lives. By healing ourselves we create Wendy Marks changes that have a ripple effect on M.Ed, C.A.S.,FAPA the world around us." I offer Medical Intuitive sessions, energy healing and integrative therapy. With 30 years of experience in traditional and complementary healthcare, I am here to improve your physical, mental and spiritual health. I work with adults to develop and hone their own intuitive skills. www.wendymarks.com (781) 449-5368, wlm922@wendymarks.com.
Peaceful Energies Balance your Energetic Body, Physical Body, Emotions and Spirit As a certified MCKS Pranic Healer, I balance your body’s energetic system by intuitively sensing and removing stagnant, diseased energy and strengthening depleted energy with specific healing frequencies and techniques. All aspects of your being are treated: energetic,
at mgsenergy@comcast.net or (978) 683-6129. www.PranicHealingNE.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.
Cent$ible Living Money Program for Couples and Individuals Jane Honeck, CPA, PFS Certified Empowerment Trainer "You can't solve a problem at the same level of consciousness that created it." Albert Einstein.
Combining 30 plus years as a CPA and Personal Financial Specialist with insight as a Certified Empowerment Trainer, I developed the Cent$ible Living Money Program. Using the concepts in my award-winning book, The Problem With Money? It’s Not About the Money! we will embark on a personal exploration of your core beliefs and how these beliefs impact your financial and life choices. Together we will build a clear picture of how and why you got to where you are financially. We'll identify your own money values and priorities, not those given to you by parents, peers, society or the media. You will arrive at a new level of consciousness moving you through a process of financial change and solving your money problems once and for all. The result? Together, we'll create your own healthy financial approach to Living. For a free 15 minute phone consultation, contact Jane at (207) 797-4100 or Jane@janehoneck.com or through her website www.janehoneck.com.
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 to experience 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
living spaces Maine
Feeling Stuck? Let us:
• Clean & Vibrate your home's energy • Energetically prepare your home for sale • Clear the energy of past relationships • Balance toxic earth energies Let us support your intention for change! For more information please visit: www.GoldenRayEnergetics.com/Clearing.php
What is your meaning of life?
or call David Dobson and Kristine Schares at (207) 892-0221.
June/July 2011 Inner Tapestry 37
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physical, emotional, and spiritual. Treatment sessions offer blissful stress relief, alleviation of pain, and support in the healing of acute and chronic health complaints. Treatments are equally effective in person and at a distance. No distance is too far to receive a totally effective treatment. Pranic healing supports traditional and alternative healing methods. Contact: Miriam Smith
life mastery -cont.
38 reflexology & healing massage
meditation Maine
Maine
Sant Mat Radhaswami, The Path of the Masters
Hands on Feet ~ Lynn Danforth, Certified Reflexologist Reflexology is a science-based, non-invasive method to rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit.
The Maine Sant Mat Society presents the Enlightenment Experience as taught by Sant Sevi Ji Maharaj of Bihir, India,
The deep relaxation found through this wonderful technique comes through the delicate manipulation of nerve centers in your feet and hands to send messages to the brain, which in turn sends the signals to the rest of your body. Many find the experience to result in a meditative, cleansing state, which can last days. Problem areas and issues are easily and gently relieved and reduced, from plantar fasciitis and arthritis to basic tension and foot pain.
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) 358-9381, or email: James@SpiritualAwakeningRadio.com, Website: www.SpiritualAwakeningRadio.com/santmat.
Don't force yourself to stress another minute, contact Lynn today: call either (207) 767-5776 or (207) 318-0129, or visit www.handsonfeet.net.
psychic & spiritual mediumship retreats
Maine PsychicMediumship, Hypnotherapy
Maine
Bonnie Lee Gibson is a professional Psychic Medium, Hypnotherapist, Registered Counselor, Reiki Master, healer, teacher and lecturer with thirty years of experience. She
The knowledgeable and experienced practitioners at The Wellness Center offer a full spectrum of holistic, traditional and alternative techniques.
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resides in Fairfield and Northport, Maine. Her first experience with Spirit was at the age of four. She has connected many people with loved ones who have crossed over, as well as their angels and spirit guides. Bonnie Lee communicates with pets, both here and on the spirit side. She gives spirit readings all over the world by telephone and travels in the US and Canada. Services include: Hypnotherapy, Psychic Mediumship Readings, Gallery Readings, Workshops, Classes and Lectures, Reading Circles and Private Groups in the comfort of your home. Call (207) 453-6133, cell (207) 649-7089, spirit@bonnielee.net, www.bonnielee.net, and www.hypno.us.
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.
Kat Logan
Intuitive Readings and Healing
• Intuitive Readings (personal, group, parties, phone or email) • Energy Healing (also offering... Sound, Aromatherapy & Flower Essences) • Sacred Space Design for home and garden • Dowsing and Space Clearing Intuitively aware since childhood Kat has been offering readings and energy work for over 25 years. As a spiritual medium, empath and clairvoyant she lovingly brings the messages from the Divine Energies that are resonating with you, to assist you on your life's journey. My work is not to tell you your future but to intuitively counsel you of the many potentials that are resonating with you. You have the personal power and will to create the life you want. I want to assist you in that process. I also offer sliding scale fee schedules if money is a problem. Kat also offers other services such as Sacred Space Design, Intuitive Art Work, Medicinal Herbal Teas and Flower Essences. For more information, please check the website: www.mygreatfullheart.com or email: kat@mygreatfullheart.com. Kat is located in Friendship, Maine. Telephone (207) 226-7446.
PWRNRADIO
Rolling Meadows, a 100 acre rural retreat center in Brooks over-looking the hills of coastal Maine, two hours north of Portland, offering silent residential retreats for the purpose of nourishing—awakening to Awareness.
Patricia Brown and Surya Chandra Das have been teaching for 30 years and are the resident teachers offering guidance in meditation, yoga and the direct path of self-inquiry. Students are supported to open and be present for whatever is arising and to recognize the ever-available nature of Presence when we are simply here as we are in each moment. Intimate small group experience. Retreats are scheduled thru the year in Maine and in the winter months in Mexico and Guatemala. www.rollingmeadowsretreat.com, (888) 666-6412.
Radio For The Intelligent Optimist
POSITIVE WORLD RADIO NETWORK– www.pwrn.com 38 Inner Tapestry June/July 2011
39 schools & trainings-cont.
retreats-cont.
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.
This land is a living resource! The 24 blessed
“Forest Circles,” Topsham, Me.( 207) 776-3152, www.forestcircles.com.
schools & trainings Maine
Treat Your Feet
A Very Rewarding Career ~ Nurturing your physical Nervous System through reflex points found within your feet & hands.
Learn about a specific touch technique of applying pressure, using your thumb and fingers, to reflex points of the feet and hands that relate to other parts of the body. Reflexology is credited with improving circulation and reducing body stress, which
removes blockages along the nerve pathways what we call Zones. A 250-hour certification course for School of Reflexology $3,300 to learn Reflexology and its application. Cost includes two Reflexology chairs, all required reading books, foot, hand charts, footbath items & much more. For a reflexology session, call Denise Johnson in Rockland at (207) 701-1028. For more information, call Board Certified Foot & Hand Reflexologist Myra Achorn, Augusta (207) 626-FEET. Classes start in February & September, www.treatyourfeet.com. Licensed by the State of Maine Department of Education.
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.”
Have you ever thought about how nice it would be to treat minor ailments and injuries with safe, natural and gentle medicine, but are not sure where to start?
Have you tried using homeopathy in the past and been discouraged with the results? Or maybe you’re interested in expanding the scope of your existing practice to include more natural alternatives. Homeopathic remedies are safe, non-toxic, inexpensive, ecologically sustainable and available without prescription. At Baylight Homeopathy Courses in Portland we offer two types of educational opportunities. The first is a one-year course, Introduction to Homeopathy, for the individual interested in learning how to use homeopathic remedies for first aid and acute illness. The second is a comprehensive four-year program for the student who wishes to become a Homeopathic Practitioner. Please call us at (207) 774-4244, or visit us on the web at www.baylighthomeopathy.com for more details, and to find out how to register for fall classes.
shamanic healing Maine Spirit Passages Allie Knowlton, MSW, DCSW & Evelyn Rysdyk Spirit Passages is the partnership of nationally recognized shamanic teacher/healers, Evelyn C. Rysdyk, author of Modern Shamanic Living: New Explorations of an Ancient Path and C. Allie Knowlton, MSW, DCSW. Whether through powerful heart-to-heart contact with individual patients or with workshop groups and conference participants—Evelyn’s & Allie’s extensive experience ensures you of safe shamanic healing encounters, as well as opportunities to train in shamanism with confidence. They are committed to help you increase your personal power, feel your intrinsic sacredness and expand your connections to All That Is! www.spiritpassages.com.
“Only a life lived for others is a life worth while.” ...Albert Einstein June/July 2011 Inner Tapestry 39
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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 and 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
Healing Ways of Kennebunk Reiki Certification Classes
40 shamanic healing D O R Y C OTE
writing services
‌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. I work with adults, couples, animals & specialize in working with gifted, autistic, aspergers, sensitive and ADHD children. Please see my workshop schedule or make an appointment at www.earthlighthealing.com, email me at dory@dorycote.com, or call (207) 841-1215.
Pacha Works
Holding New Possibilities. Working with traditional shamanistic practices for healing. Eva Rose Goetz, director
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"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 2011. More information about classes, private sessions, or ceremonies can be found at www.pachaworks.com or contact Eva directly at (207) 756-0488. "When working with intention
and holding the blessed energy of gratitude, with spirit's help, energy moves. A door opens and new possibilities are now available."
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
The Village Scribe The Wellness Center, Camden, Maine
207.344.7070
TheVillageScribe@hotmail.com
Communicate your authentic message. Writing and Editing services for the Creative and Holistic communities.
Original Copy for: Ads ~ Business cards ~ Brochures Articles ~ Memoirs ~ Websites Writing Workshops Creative Writing ~ Memoir ~ Mythic Structure Ducktrap Writers' Round Table ~ Supporting writers in their craft. Camden Public Library, third Sundays, 2:00pm-4:00pm $15.
Custom crafted words that represent who you are and what you do.
Continued from page 30 ~ exploring the world religions ~ New England Needs New Satsangs...
Also see my blog, which from 2006 to the present, mostly represents excerpts culled from hundreds of rare writings from India in the satsang discourse category: http://SantMatRadhasoami.blogspot.com Group Meditation Practice Though meditation is for the most part a solitary practice done alone at home, the weekly or occasional group meditation with other devotees can be very beneficial for one's spiritual growth. There is a wonderful group energy that is an indispensable helping factor on the spiritual journey. When seekers-after-Truth meditate together, one can notice significant improvements, an acceleration in inner progress, more experiences of inner Vision, Lights and inner Sounds. This, in turn, will help deepen one's own regular daily meditation practice at home. Satsang is a positive influence in one's life, a series of opportunities for spirituality to "not only be taught, but caught", as the saying goes. There is a great need to belong to a spiritual community, and few can maintain a quality spiritual practice in isolation, without sharing the journey with other kindred souls and spiritual friends on the path. Satsang should always be a joyous occasion dedicated to celebrating the Eternal Truth, and never become held captive by a "controlling", cultish leadership structure, or governed by an ever-growing heavier and thicker book of burdensome "rules and regs." I will leave you with these benevolent and noble thoughts by Huzur Baba Sawan Singh, who taught that satsang is a simple process that 40 Inner Tapestry June/July 2011
should always remain drama and politics-free, and is intended to abide by the motto, "The less organization, the better". Hazur Baba Sawan Singh: "'Satsang' has more than one meaning: First, it means the meeting of the Master and a disciple. Second, it means the meeting of all Satsangis who may attend, whether the Guru is present in body or not. There is no formality about it, none at all. It is a simple meeting of all disciples who can attend. We avoid formality and anything that may have the appearance of a rigid organization. The less organization, the better. And there must be no idea of leadership. The only leader in Sant Mat is the Guru. Just the Master and His disciples meeting together is the only organization we have." For more on creating a local satsang meeting, see, Instructions for Holding Satsang, by Kirpal Singh, posted at the Kirpal Singh Satsang Yahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Kirpal-Singh-Satsang/message/96
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, (207) 358-9381..
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Yoga ~ T'ai Chi ~ Meditation-cont.
Yoga, T'ai Chi & Meditation Listings
GORHAM Wai Nei Academy of Health
Six issues in print costs $160 for 35 words plus logo. Online placement in the Directory of Resources with a direct link to your website for an additional $75. Please call: (207) 799-7995 / (203) 779-0345 or Email: info@innertapestry.org.
Yoga ~ T'ai Chi ~ Meditation Connecticut
Radiant Yoga Offering all level group classes, private sessions, workshops and yoga hikes. Classes are a blending of styles with attention to alignment, fluid movement, pranayama (breathing), and relaxation. Erin McGuire, RYT. Check us out on facebook at Radiant Yoga, CT - Life Illuminated, call (860) 267-6388 or email radiantyoga@sbcglobal.net.
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
Midcoast Maine Wicked Good Yoga Awaken your own personal power with heart pumping Baptiste inspired power vinyasa yoga. Become lighter as you shift your energy, peeling away layers of physical, mental, and emotional toxins. Our studio (with changing rooms and showers) is conveniently located off Route 1 in Wiscasset at the Snow Squall Inn. Daily classes are all levels and drop ins are welcomed. Massage is also available by appointment. New Baby and Me classes. Thursday mornings 10:30am-11:30. Website: www.wickedgoodyoga. com. We are also on Facebook or call us at (207) 882-6892.
SOUTH PORTLAND Sadhana The Meditation Center Come to Sadhana to experience yoga asanas as a pathway to meditative bliss. Whether you are looking to begin a yoga practice, or deepen spiritually through a continuing practice, Sadhana teachers will work with you to take your next step. Our space is clean, quiet, beautiful, and just waiting for you! A summer pass including yoga, chanting and meditation options is $99. FMI: www. SadhanaMe.com; (207) 772-6898; info@SadhanaME.com; 100 Brickhill Ave.
WINDHAM www.ReDefiningYogaandPilates.com In the hustle of this modern day, technologically, media manic world, there is a place of balance. Yoga, Pilates, Massage, Nutrition, Reiki and Community. 725 Roosevelt Trail, (207) 892-0964.
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,.
The least movement is of importance to all nature. The entire ocean is affected by a pebble.
Calendar and classified listings submission deadline for August/September's Issue is July 5th Time flies don't forget! Please send your formatted Calendar and Classified listings to info@innertapestry.org
...Blaise Pascal
June/July 2011 Inner Tapestry 41
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EAST HAMPTON, HEBRON, MIDDLE HADDAM & MOODUS
What does the Tao, Chi and Traditional Chinese Medicine have to do with it? ...Everything. Come and experience authentic, genuine Taoist healing and protective arts. Chi Kung, Tai Chi, Kung Fu, Pakua, Tung Pei, Ching I. Study ancient Taoist Cannons, learn how to heal yourself and others. Experience a chi transmission treatment, eastern “wu” shamanic sound healing, or receive private self protection teachings. “Teaching those to teach themselves.” Do you have what it takes to “walk through the gate?” info@integrated-performance.com; (207)839-LIVE(5483).
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Calendar And Classified
Guidelines And Advertising Rates Are Located on Page 45
H eart V isions
June 13th-22nd Pilgrimage to Ireland ~ Exploring the Divine Feminine July 15th-24th Pilgrimage to Ireland ~ Living As An Elder with Megan Don, www.mysticpeace.com.
August 4th-10th Mayan Pilgrimage, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala Seven day silent retreat, amplify the authentic self. Ceremonies with Mayan Elders, maximum 4 participants each pilgrimage. www.retreatatitlan.com, email: Retreatatitlan@yahoo.com. 15 years in residence with the Maya.
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September 11th-17th Pilgrimage to Avila ~ Knowing Your Spiritual Self-Worth with Megan Don, www.mysticpeace.com
May 2012 Glastonbury, England Experience the healing waters of the Chalice Well, bringing harmony to your well being. With Megan Don www.mysticpeace.com.
June ~ Connecticut June 4th & 5th, Saturday & Sunday, 9:00am-5:00pm Cranial Sacral Philosophy and Practice Part One Take the mystery out of cranial technique. A course to introduce you to the basics and philosophies of cranial sacral technique and how it can be used in your life. To be held at Middlesex Hospital Cancer Center, Wellness Room, 536 Old Saybrook Rd. #280, Middletown, $275, Sponsored by A Simple Truth. FMI and registration call Joe Belanger, PT (860) 372-8236. (Part Two September 17th & 18th.)
June 9th, Thursday, 6:30pm-9:00pm Resume through Acceptance Prepare For Your Next Job With Confidence with Barbara AmEnde, AmEnde Human Resource Consulting, LLC, Sponsored by A Simple Truth. Creating your resume, tips for responding to online job postings and how to handle personal interviews. Practice answering interview questions in a safe support environment. Middlesex Hospital Cancer Center, Wellness Room, 536 Old Saybrook Rd. #280, Middletown. FMI and registration: Call Barbara at (860) 646-0416.
June 11th, Saturday, 7:00pm Harmonic Sound Immersion ~ With ArcSounds Unity Church of Hartford, 919 Ellington Rd., South Windsor, $20. Come immerse yourself in vibrational sound healing through the tones of gongs and crystal bowls. Reservations necessary and FMI: call (860) 289-8963 or email vibrations@unityhartford.org.
June 15th, Wednesday, 6:30pm-8:00pm Balancing Money, Medicine and Meaning With Lizz Milardo, Sponsored by A Simple Truth. Find help to live a balanced life with both positive and negative challenges. Understand how money works and how these beliefs overlap into the areas of your life. Middlesex Hospital Cancer Center, Wellness Room, 536 Old Saybrook Rd. #280, Middletown. FMI and registration call Liz at (860) 345-8212 or email lizzmilardo@yahoo.com.
42 Inner Tapestry June/July 2011
June 17th, 7:00pm Harmonic Sound Immersion ~ With ArcSounds
June 25th-26th Gentle Kripalu Yoga Weekend
Joseph N. Goff House, 2 Barton Hill Rd., East Hampton.$20 Come immerse yourself in vibrational sound healing through the tones of gongs and crystal bowls. Reservations necessary and FMI: call (203) 779-0345 or email joan@ronandjoan.com.
Kripalu Master Teacher Sudha Carolyn Lundeen – 2 workshops Saturday $90. Teacher training Sunday $75. $150 for the weekend, individual classes also available. Sadhana, the Meditation Center, 100 Brickhill Ave, South Portland FMI (207) 772-6898 or www.SadhanaMe.com.
June 24th, 6:00pm Harmonic Sound Immersion Group With Ron and Joan at Middlesex Hospital Cancer Center Wellness Room, 536 Old Saybrook Rd. #280, Middletown. $20 Come immerse yourself in vibrational sound healing through the tones of gongs and crystal bowls. Reservations necessary and FMI: call (860) 358-2041 or email joan@ronandjoan.com.
June ~ Maine June 1st-5th, Mid-coast Women's Retreat: Cleanse The Body ~ Celebrate The Soul Deep mind-body-spirit healing . Cost: $335 (includes Cleanse Kit) Hallie Holland, MSW, RMT, (207) 751-7537. Awaken Awareness: Reiki, The Polarity Way ~ Member of Team Northrup.
June 10th, 10:00am-4:00pm Rituals for Renewal Workshop Engage the mind/body/spirit through meditation, music, movement and color on your path to renewal. Create a personal altar. Complete the experience with homemade chocolate. Cost: $90. Fort Andross, Brunswick, ME. Registration: (207) 319-6325 or www.newmoonrisingarts.com.
June 10th, 7:00pm-8:30 pm Gong Meditation with Todd Glacy and Friends Suggested donation $15-10. Sadhana, the Meditation Center, 100 Brickhill Ave., South Portland, FMI (207)772-6898 or www.SadhanaMe.com.
June 11th, 9:00am-1:00pm Learn to Meditate with Master Mindfulness Teacher Terry Fralich. Suggested donation $35-$25. Sadhana, the Meditation Center, 100 Brickhill Ave., South Portland FMI (207) 772-6898 or www.SadhanaMe.com.
June 11th & 12th, 9:00am-4:00pm Council of All Beings: Shamanism and the Spirits of the Earth. This workshop is based on Joanna Macy’s and my own work, and is a way to connect with earth/animal spirits shamanically, and how this can be healing for all, including our Earthly Mother. It is a movement towards balance and peace. Should have a basic knowledge of shamanism. FMI-Yvonne Thibodeau, Sacred Heart of the Wolf at (207) 356-2662.
June 14th and July 12th, 6:45pm-7:45pm Monthly Laughter Club with Levity Coach Katie West Suggested donation $10. Sadhana, the Meditation Center, 100 Brickhill Ave., South Portland. FMI (207)-772-6898 or www. SadhanaMe.com.
June 16th, 7:00pm-9:00pm Workshop with master spiritual teacher Shyam Das Suggested donation $15-10. Sadhana, the Meditation Center, 100 Brickhill Ave., South Portland FMI (207) 772-6898 or www.SadhanaMe.com.
June 16th, Thursday, 6:30pm Harmonic Sound Immersion Group With Ron and Joan at Leapin' Lizards, 123 Main St., Freeport. Come immerse yourself in vibrational sound healing through the tones of Gongs and crystal bowls. Reservations necessary and for information call: (207) 865-0900. $20
June 17th, 7:00pm-10:00pm Deep Kirtan and Teaching
June 25th, 10:00am-4:00pm Faces of The Soul Workshop Journey beneath the mask you wear everyday. Using guided imagery to access ancestors, spirit guides and totem animals, make a mold of your face and sculpt a mask in your soulimage. Cost: $90. Fort Andross, Brunswick, ME. Registration: (207) 319-6325 or www.newmoonrisingarts.com.
June 25th, Saturday, 1:00pm-6:00pm Celebrate The Solstice Sandpaintings, Earth Mandala, Fire Ceremony, Potluck. Located at Forest Circles, Topsham, Maine. With Jaclyn Ouillette, Full Mesa Carrier, Munay-Ki Mentor www.Jaclyn-O.com, (207) 319-4116.
June ~ Massachusetts June 9th Re-Activate the Pyramids & Temples of Ancient Egypt Pre-Convention Workshop at the American Society of Dowsers (ASD) Convention, Lyndonville, VT. Aaron and Sue Singleton combine ancient energy technologies and their net-neutral ionic technology with Sacred Geometry for a powerful reactivation of ancient Egyptian sacred spaces! The Singletons apply a variety of “device-less dowsing” techniques. View talk schedule, register and pay at www.Dowsers.org.
June ~ Vermont June 11th-12th True Heart of the Warrior - Shamanic Apprentice Program to cultivate the courage and skills needed to work with the vibrational forces of the world. These forces don't just lie outside us, but within us as well. In this program you will learn to work with these forces and bring them into balance through powerful rituals, ceremonies and practices. Location: Ledge End Retreat Center, Vershire, Vermont. Website: www.artofzenyoga.com, (860) 805-6551.
June 24th-26th Reconnect with Nature Retreat Immerse yourself in Mother Nature. Ledge End Retreat Center is situated on 150 acres of Maple and Birch woods, spectacular rock ledges and vernal pools. Our program is grounded in the essence of Earth and Heart-based teachings, honoring the sacred nature of the external and internal. Practices include a mix of ancient Chinese, Celtic, Lakota and Eastern Shamanic traditions. Location: Ledge End Retreat Center, Vershire, Vermont. Website: www.artofzenyoga.com, (860) 805-6551.
July ~ Connecticut July 8th, 9th, & 10th Spiritual Seminar “The Awakened Heart.” We invite you to the annual Connecticut Eckankar Regional Seminar where we meet to explore the spiritual nature of ourselves as Soul through workshops, group discussions, talks and creative arts. Come share a weekend filled with opportunity to explore your inner worlds. Eckankar Temple of CT and Crowne Plaza Hotel, Cromwell. www.ct-eckankar.org or email eckinfo@ct-eckankar.org. Free to newcomers.
with Radanath Swami, Shyam Das. Suggested donation $20-15. Sadhana, the Meditation Center, 100 Brickhill Ave.,South Portland FMI (207) 772-6898 or www.SadhanaMe.com.
June 18th or August 6th, Hallowell, Maine “Awaken Your InnerGlow” Retreats Treat yourself to a day of self care. Readings, workshops, nurturing activities, lunch. FMI: call (207) 441-3060 or visit http://deepbluetruthnow.com/innerglow/.
ALL EVENTS ARE LISTED ONLINE AT www.innertapestry.org
43 July 9th, 10:00am-11:30am An Introduction Workshop to Eckankar:
July 1st-4th Yoga, Meditation & Self-Inquiry Retreat
July 29th-31st Gentle Kripalu Yoga Weekend
Principles and Practices for Spiritual Awakening. Crowne Plaza Hotel, Cromwell, CT. For information email: eckinfo@ct-eckankar.org. Free.
with Surya Chandra Das. Yoga, meditation, silence at quiet 100-acre country sanctuary in Brooks. www.rollingmeadowsretreat.com, (888) 666-6412.
July 15th, Friday, 6:30pm-8:30pm Reiki Share
July 2nd, 10:00am-4:00pm Women, Art & Mystery Workshop
Kripalu Master Teacher Rudy Peirce – 4 workshops, including yoga teacher training. $150 for the weekend; classes also available separately. Men’s class Saturday am. Sadhana, the Meditation Center, 100 Brickhill Ave., South Portland FMI (207) 772-6898 or www.SadhanaMe.com.
Facilitator: Carleen Wells, Reiki Master Teacher, (860) 884-3125. Centerspace Wellness Studio at Meiklem Kiln Works, 46 Lebanon Rd, Bozrah, CT. $10. To Register: www.meiklemkilnworks.com or call (860) 886-8562.
Reinterpreting our stories and exploring other feminine archetypes, we will share sacred stories, make divine art and journal as we explore feminine wisdom. Cost: $90. Fort Andross, Brunswick, ME. Registration: (207) 319-6325 or www.newmoonrisingarts.com.
July 15th, 7:00pm Harmonic Sound Immersion ~ With ArcSounds Unity Church of Hartford, 919 Ellington Rd., South Windsor. $20 Come immerse yourself in vibrational sound healing through the tones of gongs and crystal bowls. Reservations necessary and FMI: call (860) 289-8963 or email vibrations@unityhartford.org.
July 11th-14th Children's Spirit Camp, Brunswick, Me For children ages 6 to 10. Led by Dory Cote, Shamanic Practitioner and Maggie Perry, home school teacher. Details at www.earthlighthealing.com.
July 20th, 4:00pm-7:00pm Open House at Crossroads Wellness Center
July 15th-17th Belly Dancing Workshop/ Island Falls
Come to Crossroads Wellness Center's Grand Opening. Meet our eclectic group of professional practitioners who provide a full range of wellness services. 10 Crossroads Plaza, West Hartford (860) 236-2166.
Enjoy two hours a day with Reyna live! Our special guest for the third year, liberate your body while enjoying a yoga retreat with us. Donna/Amrita (646) 316-5151, info@sewallhouse.com, www.sewallhouse.com.
July 22nd, 6:00pm Harmonic Sound Immersion Group
July 17th-23rd Yoga, Meditation & Self-Inquiry Retreat
With Ron and Joan at Middlesex Hospital Cancer Center Wellness Room, 536 Old Saybrook Rd. #280, Middletown. $20 Come immerse yourself in vibrational sound healing through the tones of gongs and crystal bowls. Reservations necessary and FMI: call (860) 358-2041 or email joan@ronandjoan.com.
with Surya Chandra Das. Yoga, meditation, silence at quiet 100-acre country sanctuary in Brooks. www. rollingmeadowsretreat.com, (888) 666-6412.
July 27th, Wednesday, 7:00pm- 9:00pm "For The Health of It" Lecture:
With Ron and Joan at Leapin' Lizards, 123 Main St., Freeport. Come immerse yourself in vibrational sound healing through the tones of Gongs and crystal bowls. Reservations necessary and for information call: (207) 865-0900. $20
Eating healthy: from refined to real foods- Michele Maclure & Lisa Viele. Willimantic - Windham Hospital Integrative Health Services. Check Website: http://www.windhamhospital.org/wh.nsf/view/ ihslectures. Bernard & Desrosier rooms, 112 Mansfield Ave. For more information call (860) 456-6002. Cost: free.
Joseph N. Goff House, 2 Barton Hill Rd., East Hampton. $20 Come immerse yourself in vibrational sound healing through the tones of Gongs and crystal bowls. Reservations necessary and FMI:call (203) 779-0345 or email joan@ronandjoan.com.
July 30th, Saturday, 10am-6pm Learn “Access Bars” with Dr. Gene Ang, Ph.D. Create or grow your successful businesses with this unique, gentle-touch therapy. In this experiential, full-day class, learn about the 32 bars of energy that run through and around the head which store the electromagnetic component of all the thoughts, ideas, attitudes, decisions and beliefs that one has ever had about anything. Hilton Garden Inn, 85 Glastonbury Boulevard, Glastonbury, CT. Cost: $200. To register for the course, please contact Gene Ang at gene.ang@gmail.com or (805) 410-0756 (www.geneang.com).
July 21st-25th Spiritual Retreat Four days/three nights on the sacred, magical land of Borestone Mountain Sanctuary in the north woods of Maine. Led by Dory Cote, Shamanic Practitioner and Teacher with the Center for Earth Light Healing. Comfortable lodging; hiking, swimming, kayaking/canoeing, evening fire ceremonies, free time for art, writing, gazing, quiet, and community. Details at www.earthlighthealing.com. Facilities at http://www.maineaudubon.org.
July 22nd, Friday, 7:00pm-10:00pm The Hanumen At the Awake Collective, 509 Forest Ave. Portland, ME, Lisa Silverman presents The Hanumen who are Benjy Wertheimer, John de Kadt and Gaura Vani. These diverse artists present a unique experience of world music, mystic poetry and mantra chanting - a musical journey to the deepest part of the soul. FMI about the group, visit www.hanumen.com and for tickets go to www.theawakecollective.com. Advanced tickets $22 or $27 day of show. FMI call Lisa Silverman at (207) 233-6846.
July 31st, Sunday & August 1st, Monday 8am-6pm Presence Healing Sessions With Gene Ang, Ph.D
July 22nd-24th, Friday 6:00pm-Sunday 3:00pm Munay-Ki Intensive, Camping & Nature Retreat
Based on a number of different cutting-edge healing modalities, each session can be tailor-made for each client based on his or her needs, intent, and goals. You may request the type of modality you desire or Dr. Ang will make a recommendation, based on the issues or conditions you desire to heal. Sessions are held at The Center for Integrative Health and Healing at 533 Cottage Grove Road, Bloomfield, CT. $200 - Access Bars, Vortex, Pranic, Reconnective, Shamanic Healing, or Shamanic Counseling (1 hour). $333 - The Reconnection (includes two 1-hour sessions, on separate days). For more information on the various modalities, and to sign up for a session, please contact Gene Ang at gene.ang@gmail.com or (805) 410-0756 (www.geneang.com).
The rites of the Munay-Ki come to us with blessings from Q'ero Shamans of Peru. Receive and learn to gift all 9 energetic transmissions of transformation, enlightenment, and initiation into the medicine way. Located at Forest Circles, Topsham, Maine. Led by Jaclyn Ouillette, Full Mesa Carrier, Munay-ki Mentor. www.Jaclyn-O.com (207) 319-4116.
July ~ Maine July 1st through the end of August Etna Spiritualist Association Summer Camp starts its summer camp season at Camp Etna. Planned for the summer are many seminars and workshops that will enable anyone to become more in tune with their true self. Come for a private reading with our “Medium in Residence” or attend one of our Mediums Days. Sign up for classes or drop in on a Yoga, Meditative Dance class, Somatics, or Energy Healing. Church Services Friday evenings and Sunday mornings. For more information please go to: www.campetna.com, info@campetna or call (207) 269- 2094.
July 22nd–August 7th Footpath to Recovery™ A two-week addiction recovery retreat along the Appalachian Trail in Maine’s Hundred-Mile Wilderness, culminating in an ascent of Mount Katahdin. Reserve now: www.innovationsinrecovery.com/footpath.html
July 23rd, Saturday, 11:00am-4:00pm Rainbow Technique with Essential Oils Using the Young Living High Quality Essential Oils Amba Winkler, owner of Shakt NJ and long tine yogi and essential oil expert, will guide us through a day of delightful healing oils along the spine. Donna/Amrita (646) 316-5151, (888) 235-2395, info@Sewallhouse.com.
July 23rd & 24th, Saturday and Sunday A Weekend of Spirit in Freeport Saturday - 1:00pm-5:00pm Experience the Healing Nature of Sound with Gongs and Alchemy Crystal Bowls, $85. Saturday - 7:00pm,, Harmonic Sound Immersion Gong & Crystal Bowl Healing Concert both at the Community Center, 53 Depot St. Sunday - An afternoon of Mediumship and Psychic Readings with John Holland and Colette Baron-Reid, Hilton Garden Hotel, FMI and Reservations call Leapin' Lizard at (207) 865-0900.
July 9th-10th True Heart of the Warrior - Shamanic Apprentice Program to cultivate the courage and skills needed to work with the vibrational forces of the world. These forces don't just lie outside us, but within us as well. In this program you will learn to work with these forces and bring them into balance through powerful rituals, ceremonies and practices. Location: Ledge End Retreat Center, Vershire, Vermont. Website: www. artofzenyoga.com, (860) 805-6551.
Upcoming~Connecticut August 7th, Sunday, 10:00am-4:00pm Reiki Level I Instructor: Carleen Wells, Reiki Master Teacher, (860) 884-3125. Reiki is a simple, natural means to relieve stress, reduce pain and promote balance, harmony & wellness. Class will include history, principles, benefits, the chakra system, self-treatment and Level I attunement. Centerspace Wellness Studio at Meiklem Kiln Works, 46 Lebanon Rd, Bozrah, CT. $150. To Register: www.meiklemkilnworks.com or call (860) 886-8562.
August 12th, Friday, 7:00pm Harmonic Sound Immersion ~ With ArcSounds Unity Church of Hartford, 919 Ellington Rd., South Windsor. $20 Come immerse yourself in vibrational sound healing through the tones of gongs and crystal bowls. Reservations necessary and FMI: call (860) 289-8963 or email vibrations@unityhartford.org.
August 19th, Friday, 6:00pm Harmonic Sound Immersion Group With Ron and Joan at Middlesex Hospital Cancer Center Wellness Room, 536 Old Saybrook Rd. #280, Middletown. $20 Come immerse yourself in vibrational sound healing through the tones of gongs and crystal bowls. Reservations necessary and FMI: call (860) 358-2041 or email joan@ronandjoan.com.
August 26th, Friday, 7:00pm Harmonic Sound Immersion ~ With ArcSounds Joseph N. Goff House, 2 Barton Hill Rd., East Hampton. $20 Come immerse yourself in vibrational sound healing through the tones of Gongs and crystal bowls. Reservations necessary and FMI:call (203) 779-0345 or email joan@ronandjoan.com.
September 16th, Friday, 7:00pm Harmonic Sound Immersion ~ With ArcSounds Joseph N. Goff House, 2 Barton Hill Rd., East Hampton. $20 Come immerse yourself in vibrational sound healing through the tones of Gongs and crystal bowls. Reservations necessary and FMI:call (203) 779-0345 or email joan@ronandjoan.com.
September 23rd, Friday, 6:00pm Harmonic Sound Immersion Group With Ron and Joan at Middlesex Hospital Cancer Center Wellness Room, 536 Old Saybrook Rd. #280, Middletown. $20 Come immerse yourself in vibrational sound healing through the tones of gongs and crystal bowls. Reservations necessary and FMI: call (860) 358-2041 or email joan@ronandjoan.com.
September 30th, Friday, 7:00pm Harmonic Sound Immersion ~ With ArcSounds Unity Church of Hartford, 919 Ellington Rd., South Windsor. $20 Come immerse yourself in vibrational sound healing through the tones of gongs and crystal bowls. Reservations necessary and FMI: call (860) 289-8963 or email vibrations@unityhartford.org.
Upco mi n g M ai ne August 5th, Friday, 7:00pm Harmonic Sound Immersion Group With Ron and Joan at Riley School, Warrentown Rd., Glen Cove Section of Rockport, $20 Come immerse yourself in vibrational sound healing through the tones of gongs and alchemy crystal bowls. Reservations necessary and FMI: call Ananur Forma, (207) 594-2565 or email ananur@AstrologyWithAnanur.com.
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July 29th, 7:00pm Harmonic Sound Immersion ~ With ArcSounds
July 21st, Thursday, 6:30pm Harmonic Sound Immersion Group
July ~ Vermont
44 August 6th, Saturday, 1:00pm-5:00pm Experience The Healing Nature Of Sound With Ron and Joan at Riley School, Warrentown Rd., Glen Cove Section of Rockport, $75 Our focus will be on the use of harmonics and vibrational healing to heal your mind, body, emotions and spirit with the use of gongs and alchemy crystal bowls. Reservations necessary and FMI: call Ananur Forma, (207) 594-2565 or email ananur@AstrologyWithAnanur.com.
August 13th, 10:00am-4:00pm Holistic Wellness Fair
ECKANKAR Temple of CT -- a place for all who love God.
Wednesday Women’s Meditation Group
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. (860) 346-2226; www.ct-eckankar.org.
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.
Ongo ing~ M aine
Birchwood Yoga Studio
Sponsored by the Healing Connection Cooperative at American Legion Hall Post 24, 184 Congress St., Rumford, ME. Psychic medium & Tarot Card & Aura & Past Life readings, Sound Healing, farm fresh local foods and much more. FMI or vendor registration, call Annette Marin (207) 562-7094 or www.healingconnectioncoop.webs.com.
Sukha Yoga by donation Tuesday's 7:00pm-8:15pm and Saturday's 3:00-4:15pm. Offering Meditation, Sukha Yoga, Kirtan and Sadhana's, 81 Benson Road, West Gardiner. Phone: (207) 724-3658, Web: http://birchwoodyoga.org, Email: info@birchwoodyoga.org.
August 13th, 9:00am-3:00pm Holistic Mystic Fair ~ Auburn
Every other Monday noon-1:00pm at Meadow Wind in Falmouth. Newcomers welcome! FMI and dates contact Jane McGrady, janemarie44@live.com or www.meadowwind.org. $10-$15.
Hilton Garden Inn, A Magical and Mystical Event! $5 Entrance Fee. Individual services priced separately. Free Workshops every half hour. Mary Alderman (207) 446-7868, http://theenchanteddragon.shutterfly.com/holisticmysticfair, holisticmysticfair@gmail.com.
August 13th-21st Wilderness Living Canoe Trip for Women Connect to your roots in the North Maine Woods with Nurture Through Nature. Cost: Early Bird fee by June 20th: $1195 includes all meals, equipment and holistic programming. www.ntnretreats.com, (207) 452-2929.
August 21st-27th The Wisdom of the Body with Surya Chandra Das Yoga, meditation, silence at quiet 100-acre country sanctuary in Brooks. www.rollingmeadowsretreat.com, (888) 666-6412.
September 2 - 5 The Undefended Heart with Surya Chandra Das Yoga, meditation, silence at quiet 100-acre country sanctuary in Brooks. www.rollingmeadowsretreat.com, (888) 666-6412.
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September 15th-18th Got Fear? Are you tired of the way that fears pervade your reality and steal away your peace? This workshop will address those fears and offer specific opportunities to step into them and through them through this powerful Inquiry process, The Work of Byron Katie. $750, www.ntnretreats.com, (207) 452-2929.
Upcoming~Massachusetts September 17th, Saturday, 10:00am-5:00pm Dream Interpretation Workshop, Newton, MA with Ross J. Miller, psychic healer, medium, regression therapist & dream interpreter. In this experiential workshop, you’ll learn how to interpret all types of dreams. You’ll also learn how to program your subconscious so that you can remember your dreams. To register for the workshop or to schedule a psychic or past-life reading or healing session in person or by phone with Ross J. Miller. (617) 527-3583 or visit: www.TheMysticWay.com
Ongoing~Connecticut Second Wednesday, Meditation with Clare Vidich Willimantic - Windham Hospital, Women's Center for Health, 7A Ledgebrook Drive, Mansfield Center, CT (behind the East Brook Mall). For more information call (860) 456-6766, Time: 6:30pm. Cost: Free
A Course In Miracles
Wai Nei Academy of Health Every Tuesday and Thursday at 6:00pm we study ancient and sacred Taoist healing arts, martial arts and meditation. Come by and join us for free! Facilitated by Shifu Kelcey Hart. FMI call (207) 839-LIVE (5483). Also offering private teaching, healing and consultation.
Holistic Gatherings The Healing Connection Cooperative of Rumford, Healing/ meditation circles, Chakra balancing/cleansing Reiki, psychic games, June 25th, July 16th, August 13th, September 17th from 10:00am-4:00pm. Call: (207) 562-7094, www.healingconnectioncoop.webs.com.
Etna Spiritualist Association Celebrates it's 135th Season in the summer of 2011. Please plan to join folks of all spiritual backgrounds for seminars, workshops, meditation, healing, relaxation and renewal. Camp Season runs from July through August. Affordable lodging available. More information on our website: www.campetna.com or call (207) 269-2094.
Bhava Yoga School 496 Congress St, 2nd Floor, Portland, Maine. Weekly by donation; meditation, chant, and yoga classes. For more info www.bhavayogaschool.com, (603) 937-1163.
Peace & Meditation Group - Camden/Lincolnville Tuesdays at 6:00pm. Readings, Films & Audiotapes based on the works of H.W.L. Poonja. Ramana Maharshi, Nisargadatta Maharaj, Jean Klein and other inspired teachers of Reality. All Welcome. Contact Michael at (207) 763-3860.
Healing And Prayer Circle ~ Free 2nd Thursdays of each month, 7:00pm-8:30pm. Come in community to pray, meditate and send love to those who you are concerned about, or ask for healing for yourself. Open to all! Bring a goodie to share for refreshments after. Sacred Circle Studio, Friendship. Contact: Kat Logan, (207) 226-7446, or email kat@mygreatfullheart.com.
Have a problem with food? Does your eating behavior make you or others unhappy? There is help available in OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS! Check out oamaine.org to learn more, or call 211 for meeting times.
Kirtan at Portland Yoga Studio, 1st and 3rd Fridays Join us on a vocal journey through the sacred sounds of ancient India with call & response group chanting. Beginners welcomed. $5.00 suggested donation. 7:00pm-8:30pm, 616 Congress St., 3rd floor, Portland. FMI: www.kirtanandyoga.com.
The Ducktrap Writers’ Round Table
Join us for kirtan, philosophy and vegetarian dinner. No charge. Hare Krishna Temple. 1683 Main St. East Hartford (860) 289-7252, www.iskconct.org.
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.
Ongoing Reiki Offerings
Reiki - Healing Ways of Kennebunk
Individual Reiki Sessions, Crystal Healings, Reiki Shares & Classes in Eastern CT. Please call Carleen, RMT at (860) 884-3125 for more information.
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.
Sunday ~ Bhakti-Yoga Festival – 3:00pm
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.
44 Inner Tapestry June/July 2011
Taoist Tai Chi TM Internal Arts of Health 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.
Sunday Night: Portland Spiritualist Church meets at 755 Main Street, Westbrook (Mission Possible Teen Center) for 6:30pm Service, Healing Meditation, Inspirational Talk, Messages from Spirit. FMI call (207) 655-6673 or visit our website at www.portlandspiritualistchurch.org.
Fourth Friday of each month - Gallery Readings. Join us at the Portland Spiritualist Church, 755 Main Street, Westbrook (Mission Possible Teen Center) for an evening of messages from Spirit. 7:00pm $10 event. FMI call (207) 655-6673 or visit our website at www.portlandspiritualistchurch.org.
Friday Night: Weekly Psychic Development and Awareness Classes, except for the 4th Friday which is Gallery Readings - see above. Portland Spiritualist Church, 755 Main Street, Westbrook (Mission Possible Teen Center). Classes start at 7:30pm. Most classes are by donation. FMI call (207) 655-6673 or visit our website at www.portlandspiritualistchurch.org.
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! 54 York St., Portland, www.nagalokabuddhistcenter.org, (207) 774-1545.
The New Moon Rituals with Chief Oscar Mokeme www.museumafricanculture.org and the class "Developing Your Personal Healing Gifts" with teacher, healer and medical intuitive Regina Strongheart at "Forest Circles," Topsham, www.forestcircles.com.
Thursday Buddhist Meditation We practice Natural Wisdom and Love/Compassion and Tonglen. 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.
ShivaShakti School of Yoga, Rockland Give yourself the gift of Yoga! Ongoing weekly classes morning and evening for all levels. Call (207) 431-8079 or visit www.ShivaShaktiYogaSchool.com.
Spiritual Horizons Maine Meets every other Tuesday at 7:00pm, 75 State Street, Portland. Alternate weeks group on A Course in Miracles. Contact: Tom Peterson (207) 310-0030 or John Moulton (207) 874-7602, www.spiritualhorizonsmaine.ning.com.
EnergizeTM Sessions with Emmanuelle Chaulet Stress relief, energy clearing and balancing, RYSE®. Self-confidence, boundaries and empowerment issues. For artists, performers, women, body workers. $80 ($70 students) Holistic Pathways, Gorham, (207) 839-9819 www.emmanuellechaulet.com.
The Birth House Bridgton's freestanding birth center is available for free tours. FMI: contact heidi@birthwisemidwifery.edu, www.birthhouseme.com or (207) 647-5919.
Wavelengths Hypnotherapy ongoing classes: Self-Hypnosis, Weight Management, Smoking Cessation, Relaxation, Guided Imagery Classes. Bonnie Lee Gibson, CH and Ernie VanDenBossche, BCH, CI; www.hypnowave.com (207) 453-6133, (207) 649-9655, Waterville.
Oneness Blessings/Oneness Deeksha A Direct Experience of the Divine ~ Living in Oneness. Regularly scheduled circles (free). Become a Deeksha giver. Oneness Trainers Elizabeth and Maha'al. Contact Elizabeth@IntegralReal.com or (207) 619-1663.
Locavore Potlucks, 5:00pm York Locavore potluck (local and/or wild food from animal and plant sources) takes place every third Saturday at Aimee's Livin' Magic, 254 Cider Hill Rd., York. Occasional speakers from the health and nutrition field. Emphasis on connecting to local farmers. Call Aimee at (207) 409-0899 or visit www.liveinmagic.com for details.
Center of Inner Light, Rev. Gloria Nye Located at 267 Congress Street, Portland, (within the synagogue). Sunday Services: 10:30am-12:00pm followed by fellowship. FMI call (207) 576-7276, visit www.RevGloriaNye.com.
45 Dragonfly Taijiquan, Larry Ira Landau
Ledge End Retreat & Wellness Center
Intuitive Readings, Space Healing, SpiritKids & Dowsing
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.
Ongoing morning and evening classes in Tai Chi, Qigong, Zen Yoga and meditation. All levels. Vershire, VT. www. artofzenyoga.com (860) 805-6551.
Doula tea ~ meet with doulas in person
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. Homecooked meals! Ledge End Retreat & Wellness Center, (860) 8056551, breathe@artofzenyoga.com, www.artofzenyoga.com.
Classes. Check in with your intuition and guides through a reading. Space and Earth Healing through dowsing and earth acupuncture. Dowsing and SpiritKids Classes at Leapin' Lizards. Paul Knoll at (207) 332-9681 or www.trustyourspiritorg.
Learn how doulas help families during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. We meet one Sunday each month at the Birth Roots, 101 State St., Portland from 9:00am-11:00am. There is no fee, pre-registration is required. Call Rebecca Goodwin at (207) 318-8272.
USM Center for Continuing Education. Ongoing classes in Complementary Therapies, (Traditional Chinese Medicine, Aromatherapy, Reiki, etc.) Visit www.usm.maine.edu/cce for course & registration information or call (207) 780-5900 for catalog.
Private Individual/Couples Retreat Getaway
Classified Listings HEALING PLACES & SPACES
Stretch, Relax and Recharge Through YOGA
Nurture Through Nature
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, drop 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.
specializes in holistic personal retreats. Experience peace, healing and connection with self and nature in a simple and earth-friendly environment. Enjoy yoga, body work, a Finnish wood-fired sauna steam bath, dips in the mountain brook, hiking, meditation, The Work of Byron Katie, canoeing, kayaking... create your own getaway for individuals, couples and small groups. Bridgton Lakes Region, Denmark, (207) 452-2929, www.ntnretreats.com.
“SANT MAT RADHASWAMI SATSANG” Inner Light & Sound Meditation. Surat Shabd Yoga. For a Bangor, Waterville, & Portland meeting schedule, call James at: (207) 358-9381 or James@SpiritualAwakeningRadio.com.
Ongoing~NewHampshire
Dancing Angels Wellness Studio & The Maine Center for Pranic Healing We are happy to provide you with tools for Mind, Body and Soul Expansion! Angel Therapy®, Pranic Healing, Reiki and so much more! www.dancingangels.us or e-mail dancingangels@dancingangels.us.
PRACTITIONERS ~ Maine Transformational Workshops
Eaton Satsang
Ongoing ~ Vermont Zen Yoga Breathing, movement, stretching and deep guided relaxation meditation. Every Wednesday evening. Beginners 6:00-7:00pm. All levels 7:00-8:30pm. $10 per class. Location: Studio Time and Space in Springfield, VT. Everyone welcome. www.studiotimeandspace.org. (802) 591-0990.
Art Workshops, Munay-Ki Mentoring, Shamanic Energy Movement, Crystal Bowl Sound Healing. 3rd Friday Artwalk Open Studio 5-8pm. Gallery of paintings, photos, and jewelry to uplift your soul. 786 Middle Street, Bath, Maine. Jaclyn Ouillette www.Jaclyn-O.com (207) 319-4116.
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.
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, ~ Greater Bridgton Lakes Region, www.ntnretreats.com, (207) 452-2929.
Gardens of Atlantis Rental space available to practitioners/teachers. We are committed to providing our best to our community to support growth, beauty, healing and Love. Call Linda at (207) 929-5088.
Practitioner Space For Rent Complementary therapy/ practitioner to join a thriving Massage practice, located in an historic farmhouse on route 302 in Bridgton, Me. For details call Maria at (207) 408-5971 www.FourWindsHealingArtsCenter.com.
SACRED RENTAL SPACE ~ Vermont Private Individual/Couples Retreat Getaway 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, www.artofzenyoga.com.
Reconnective Healing & The Reconnection! Spring Special! Book a session, $50.00 in June 2011 and score a complimentary bottle of hand-mixed Sage MistTM! Contact Ruth Kirkwood (207) 773-1406 Portland, Maine, someherthyme@yahoo.com. Free Consultations For The Reconnection!
Baylight Homeopathy Courses Join us in learning how to use this gentle and effective medicine. We offer on-going classes, workshops and seminars. FMI call (207) 774-4244 or visit us online at www.baylighthomeopathy.com.
Send all listings to: info@innertapestry.org
~ Ongoing Event Listings ~
Inner Tapestry ' s ~ Calendar of Events ~ 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.)
Calendar of Events and Classified Guidelines
A six-month (3 issue) listing is $25 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.)
w w w .in n e rt ape st ry.o rg
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All Calendar and Classified Listings are listed on the Inner Tapestry Website!
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Near Conway, an informal small group meets Wednesday evenings to support meditation, awakening to nondual (Advaita) awareness and spiritual understanding. All are welcome. Details at. www.eatonsatsang.org or (603) 447-5401.
SACRED RENTAL SPACE ~ Maine
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m ix ed m e dia
Movie Review
by Arden Santana
Journey of the Universe Brian Thomas Swimme & Mary Evelyn Tucker www.journeyoftheuniverse.org
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WEB SITES
O I D RA MUSIC
DVDs S E I V O M HEALI NG TOOLS
AND F OO D EWS R E V Iand more 46 Inner Tapestry June/July 2011
I recently had the privilege of watching a film titled Journey of the Universe. The film presents the research and scholarship of Yale professors Mary Evelyn Tucker and John Grim. Brian Swimme, a professor of humanities at the California Institute of Integral Studies and devout student of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, hosts the film. Journey of the Universe is the story of complex phenomena – the emergence of the universe, our earth and the development and evolution of life upon it. The story is simply told, intentionally, as Swimme himself explains, in order for children to “know who they are.” But beyond that, the simplicity of this phenomenal story will aid in many more inhabitants of our great earth being able to understand events that most usually can’t be explained! Many of the facts presented resonate with me. But one in particular inspires this reflection. Swimme illustrates how the origination of earth is more accurately explained by the ignition of fire, as opposed to a “Big Bang,” and he refers to the stars as our ancestors! As Swimme explains how stars combust and their particles actually become us, illustrations that depict how the stars’ significance has been symbolized throughout history in art and story capture viewers’ attention. What an honoring of mythology in the ontological context of its meaning to culture and collective identity! To hear this reference outside sources of African cosmology shocked me into the integrity and credibility of the film’s content. More significant though, for me personally, was the “remembrance” and meaning generated from the statement, “the stars are our ancestors.” Allow me to share two cosmological stories here, as derived from indigenous African societies. First, for the Dagara [of West Africa]: cosmology begins with the story of creation. In the beginning there was no earth as we know it. In its place was a burning planet, a ball of fire combusting at high speed… Fire is present in everything, and everything needs fire. It was not until this moving and burning sphere encountered a huge body of water that things began to change… The shock resulting from the collision of fire and water not only slowed the combustion process, but also chased fire into the underworld, leaving the surface as a hot steamy place, fertile for the breeding of all kinds of life forms. This surface, hospitable to life, is what is known as earth... The story, taken from Malidoma Somé’s book, The Healing Wisdom of Africa, goes on to explain the significance of water in the development of life on earth. Secondly and according to Queen Afua in Sacred Woman: A Guide to Healing the Feminine Body, Mind and Spirit, the people of Kemet, better known as Egypt: viewed the Creator as the undifferentiated One/ All-Divine from which all life emanates. However, NTR [neter or netcher] has many wondrous divine attributes, and all of these manifesta-tions-the NTRU [neturu or netcheru]-are aspects of Its whole-ness… The [Kemetic people] believed that within the heavenly realm the presence of the Divine is reflected in the balanced worship of NTR-the Mother/Father Creator, where both aspects in One are given equal respect… They saw Nature and their environment as an expression of NTR… The aspect of Netcher that the film reminded me of is Nut, as she is the “cosmic womb.” Nut gives birth to all the “fiery orbs-stars, planets and constellations.” She is visually represented as a healing, life-giving mother whose body arches over to nurture life on earth with the milk of her breast. She is symbolized by a blue, starry sky. The spirit and energy of Nut dwelled upon my sacred alter last spring as I performed Queen Afua’s 27-day purification and rejuvenation
ritual for womb healing. As I sat through the images in the film of stars and starry nights, I was reminded of recent nights in Jamaica. On that beautiful, yet ramshackled Caribbean island, where I witnessed, through my husband’s reaction to the land erosion and “development” of his home town, the harrowing effects of modern man using nature to suit his needs, I stood – mesmerized and entranced – under the most brilliant and multitudinous stars a night sky can hold. I recall the awe, the beauty, the vastness of the universe’s self-organizing! Two weeks after our return to the states, I saw that same bright, starry vision in my mind’s eye. As my husband and I generated the heat that erupts from constant motion in rhythm and our cosmic bodies organized themselves to create of collision of fire and water, I conceived! Almost twelve weeks later, life is expanding within my womb – in the same fashion that life perpetually expands within the womb of our awesome universe! Journey of the Universe Film & Companion Book will be available for Release July 1, 2011. The 13-part Educational Series will be available for Release July 20, 2011. To purchase a copy, find a local screening, or to view the trailer online, please visit: http://www.journeyoftheuniverse.org.
Arden maybe reached at opusconsulting@att.net.
I Love My New Job!
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Product Review
by Ron Damico
Far-Infrared Radiant Heat Saunas And Your Health
People are constantly searching for tools and methods for supporting the body in being "healthy." Healthy is as individual as each of us. We all have our ideas, beliefs and opinions of what this is. There are inevitable Truths which we all will come to in our own time and ways, but it is helpful to look at all the information available, to connect, become aware of, thru our own experiences, what is Truth for us. Therefore, there are an infinite number of ways to move into a state of "health." With each choice and experience awakening each of us to honor and follow our guidance of embracing Truth.
Heat enhances blood circulation and promotes oxygenation of body tissues. It provides proven relief of aches, pains and stiffness. Heat also increases energy production in the body. This facilitates healing and requires the burning of calories, which results in effortless weight loss. It also causes an increase in heart rate, which results in an effortless cardiovascular workout. The skin is a major eliminative organ for toxins and waste. Sweating enhances the skin’s elimination process. An infrared sauna heats the body with radiant heat and profuse sweating begins quickly. The surrounding air in the sauna, however, remains cool. The experience is both comfortable and pleasant. Traditional saunas, steam baths, hot tubs and exercise are other means of sweating. Steam, hot water and traditional saunas that operate at over 170oF are difficult to tolerate for more than a few minutes. Infrared saunas remains at 110oF to 120oF and one can spend longer periods in the healing, relaxing, listening to favorite music and reading. While hot tubs are good to a point, sweating is less than in the infrared sauna and the body absorbs chemicals from the water. Exercise vigorous enough to produce copious sweating is too exhausting for most and very challenging if not impossible for others with deep and long existing, injuries, illnesses and debilitating imbalances. Everyone today is exposed to some form of toxic chemicals and heavy metals. Regular use of an infrared sauna is an excellent way to detoxify the body, improve circulation and help the body awaken its own natural healing process. Infrared heat penetrates several inches deep into joints and muscles. This increases the metabolism and circulation as well as supporting the body cells in eliminating toxins more readily thru the sweat. Infrared light is completely natural and safe. Its dry, warming energy is highly compatible with human tissue. Its wavelength is the same as the radiant heat from the sun and all life requires sun light. Infrared saunas provide all the benefits of natural sunlight without the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. The warmth of the sun and the warmth you feel when you rub your hands together are forms of infrared heat. Far Infrared rays should not to be confused with Ultraviolet rays that cause sunburn and skin damage. FIR is a form of energy that directly transmits, or penetrates, into objects and our bodies because of its specific wavelength. There are near (NIR), mid (MIR) and far (FIR) infrared waves. “Far” means that the infrared waves measure in the “far” range of the light spectrum. Far-infrared waves have no visible light. “Infra” means below and describes the rays as those that are below the “red” visible and damaging rays of the light spectrum. Farinfrared heat waves are used to safely warm newborn babies in incubators.
Far-infrared heat waves are gentle and comfortable. The waves are absorbed by your skin and penetrate as deep as 1-2 inches into your body to warm you directly and quickly. Because it heats you and not the air, the heat in a far-infrared sauna is not harsh on your lungs or skin like old-fashioned traditional steam and rock saunas. The warmth that you feel relaxes muscles, reduces stress, increases circulation and burns calories. Also, because of the deep penetration of the rays, you will sweat more toxins out of your body than you would in a traditional sauna. Far-infrared sauna sessions are widely accepted as one of the most effective ways to detoxify your system from toxins, heavy metals such as mercury and aluminum, pesticides and other impurities. Ceramic far-infrared heaters emit far-infrared rays that measure in the 5-14 microns range, which best matches the measurement of our bodies’ infrared wavelengths. Therefore, far-infrared heaters that are made with ceramic are considered to be the most natural, safe and effective type of far-infrared heaters. Not all far-infrared heaters are made with ceramic, so it is very important to ask what the heaters are made of when shopping for a far-infrared sauna and settle for nothing less than 100% pure ceramic. FIR saunas are not only for supporting your body to "re-member health," but they are simple and easy to use for most people as a tool to cleanse and awaken their bodies innate ability to heal and harmonize. The above information was collected by our colleague and friend, Bryan Kravitz. He did extensive research in the area of FIR saunas looking at viability, effectiveness, quality and cost. The product he found to be most in alignment with his focus are saunas created by SaunaGen. These units are portable, very reasonably priced, easy to assemble and home use suitable. If you are interested in offering yourself a simple and supportive form of helping yourself improve your health, FIR saunas are a beneficial option. For more information about SaunaGen and FIR technology please contact Bryan Kravitz directly at (215) 941-7269, bryan.kravitz@hotmail.com or www.bryankravitz.com.
To have your products reviewed, please email your requests to Ron at
ron@innertapestry.org
Article submission deadline for August/September's issue "Are We There Yet?" is June 15th Please send articles to info@innertapestry.org
Far-infrared heaters, such as those in SaunaGen saunas, simulate the
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One form of technology being used to heal and cleanse the body is Far-Infrared Radiant (FIR) heat delivered in a sauna. Saunas have been around for hundreds of years in Europe, especially Northern Europe. In America, some of the earliest inhabitants developed the tradition of “sweat lodges” for both health and spiritual benefits.
conversion of the energy of the sun into penetrating warmth that naturally heats objects without heating the air around them.
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COMING THIS SUMMER! INNER TAPESTRY RADIO!
Celebrating life and sharing with you the people who hold our world's vision.
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PWRNRADIO
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