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A Holistic Journal Celebrating & Supporting LIFE!
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Tapestry u Contact Healing
u The Healing Power of Nature
u An Interview With Robert Moss
u The Way Of The Spiritual Entrepreneur
u Loving Earth ~ Transformative Journeys
u Modern Shamanic Living ~ Shaman Tree
u Wandering Sage Wisdom ~ Diverting the River
u The Way Of Life It-Self ~ A New Cosmology
Aug/Sept 2012
Initiation Of The Way
Volume 11, No. 2
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u Are You Listening?
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I nner Tapestry This Issue's Theme
UP COMING THEMES O c tober/November 2012
St ay i ng Healt hy
Contents
D ecember/J anuar y 2012/2013
August/September 2012
Initiation Of The Way
Februar y/M arch 2013
Sta r t i ng O ver... Again
Features Are We There Yet?
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6
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by Bob Svihovec
The Way Of The Spiritual Entrepreneur by Bill Paglia & Deborah Wilson
Initiation Through Naming by Divya Jyoli DiFazio
Contact Healing by Gordon Edward Waite
The Healing Power Of Nature
Page 11
by Beth Lapin
An Interview With Robert Moss
Page 14
by Karen M. Rider
Classroom Mothership Earth ~ Climbing Onward
Page 29
Submission Dates October/November 2012 Articles – August 10th Display Ads & Directory of Resources To Reserve Space – August 20th For Ad Copy & Graphics – September 1st Calendar & Classified Ads – September 1st
Page 31
by Sitaji Devi
Are You Listening?
Page 37
by Diane Emery
Columns Modern Shamanic Living ~ Shaman Tree
Page 16
by Evelyn C. Rysdyk
A Breath of Healing ~ The Way Of Initiation
Page 18
by Donna Amrita Davidge
Wandering Sage Wisdom ~ Diverting The River: by Aaron Hoopes
Page 19
Creating A Daily Practice
Awareness and the Art of Seeing ~ Runaway Train Contained
T apestry
Publishers: Joan Emmons Ron Damico
Advertising, Billing & Distribution: Betty Close ~ betty@innertapestry.org
Page 20
by Jen Deraspe
Loving Earth ~ Transformative Journeys
I nner
Page 21
(207) 799-7995 ~ (203) 779-0345
by River J. Lee
Reflections of an Amateur Spiritual Spelunker ~ by Curtis White
Page 23
Eden & The Apple - the bite heard 'round the world.
The 21st Century Bohemian ~ Initiation - Fire Of Creation or Descent Into Chaos?
by Teresa Piccari
Perspectives From The Sky
Page 26
Karen M. Rider karen@innertapestry.org
Page 30
Email: info@innertapestry.org Or Visit: www.innertapestry.org
Page 36
Subscriptions ~ $20.00/year, 6 issues
Page 28
by Leo Knighton Tallarico
The Way of Life It-self ~ A New Cosmology
Media Coordinator/Staff Writer:
by Skye Hirst, Ph.D
Exploring the World Religions ~ Changing Your Destiny by James Bean
Behind The Book ~ Bloodlines: Touch Not The Cat Amanda's Room
Pages 22 & 13
Directories
Directory of Resources Yoga, T'ai Chi, & Meditation Directory Heart Visions, Calendar of Events and Classified Ads
Pages 38-46 Pages 47 Pages 32-34
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 Aug/Sept 2012 Inner Tapestry 3
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by Ari Joshua Bouse
The Benefits Of Detoxing The Body
D e ath and R esur rec t io n
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I nner W orkings by Ron Damico & Joan Emmons NEW THIS ISSUE: Our theme this issue is initiation, more precisely initiation of "the way." My first response was; "What way?" To be initiated is to be accepted into a group, society or culture, but what does that really mean? Are you truly accepted for who you are or do you have to abide by the rules and guidelines of a certain "way of being" to be accepted? Is there anywhere where we accept without the stipulation of guidelines or rules? Many societies and cultures create rites of passage, initiations into a certain "way of being." Within an initiation a person can be transformed or "reborn" into a new role. They are guided by a mentor, someone with more knowledge, who is willing to share this knowledge with the initiate. This process is to allow the initiate to let an old way of being release as the acceptance of the new role by the initiate continues to expand. In its definition, initiation, at its core is acceptance. But can this acceptance be without conditions? Is the initiation or acceptance into a group determined by the guidelines or guidance of a initiator? True initiators are to be "the ones" of higher knowledge and to expose a person about to be initiated, to that knowledge. Ok, do we all have a headache yet? If we believe in initiation are we keeping in place the separation that we are experiencing in the world? Having to accept as well as be accepted by something or someone? Initiation may not be what you think. Is this all that there is to initiation? What if initiation is something different, something more.
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When I sit in quiet holding space for this particular word there is a level of acceptance and love that is felt that a minds definition does not take into consideration. If initiation is truly about love and total acceptance how often can we experience it? Are we all not going through such an initiation in evolution? Do we not release the old within every breath and accept and welcome the new life that each breath brings? Somewhere within us we must, so that breath can be brought forth to birth new life, within cells, thoughts, ideas, and feelings. What if we began to realize that each time we step into any moment with the will to be more than we
have been, this is initiation. Not because we need or want or are expected to be more or better, but because we can not imagine living and being any other way. Each person will find their "way of being;" like our finger prints, it is our unique differences that is our most similar characteristic. But to allow ourselves to bring awareness and insight and a "knowing" of self into that expression is what brings the potential that initiation carries into existence. Sit quietly for a moment and welcome into your awareness your own initiation, your own acceptance, your own growth honoring all that you are and will become through this moment by moment process of initiation. Our feature artist, Leslie Baumgartel's work has helped her through her initiation of self and she has graciously "accepted" the opportunity to share that story with you. Columnists and feature writers also share with you some inspiring articles on ways to experience initiation, in support of connection to your "way." We have lots going on, we have made changes to our advertising offerings and now you will find a more in depth look at our latest book releases in "Behind The Book." Our authors and publishers are now supporting us in our expansion with an advertorial, giving the readers more information about new releases and ITJ the opportunity to expand our readership. (This issue we have our first subscription to Taiwan!) This is also being offered to locations, centers and healing destinations to bring a wider scope of information to our readers. Please do check online, we will be having more columnists added to the online offering of the journal, I just can't keep up in print with so many talented people contributing to the journal. Our newest online column is "Tarot Wisdom" by Karen Hollis who will be bringing the insight that is tarot into our daily lives. As we increase our advertising, we can incorporate more offerings both in circulation and features. It is an expansive initiation that we are moving through. We also will be coming into our fall season next issue, that means great opportunities to enjoy, embrace and be with each other. Great events happen in the fall, we hope that you can find the time to enjoy some or all of them.
Let Me Read You, Then Heal You
Ross J. Miller Psychic, Medium Healer 4 Inner Tapestry Aug/Sept 2012
Ross J. Miller has been giving psychic and past-life readings and healing sessions worldwide for over 25 years. During a reading he communicates telepathically with his numerous angels and spirit guides who read and interpret the client’s aura (the spiritual light surrounding one’s physical body). Ross also communicates with the client’s own angels and spirit guides (most people have several of each). These angels and spirit guides then convey the information that is most needed or desired by the client. All of Ross’s readings are positive and constructive in nature. In addition to answering all of your personal questions pertaining to love, health, relationships, soul mates, business, career, relocation, dream interpretation, parents, children, and pets, he covers topics as diverse as: your life’s purpose, your undiscovered talents, as well as your past incarnations and how they relate to this life. Ross can also help you to identify and . communicate with your own guardian angels and spirit guides. After your psychic or past-life reading, Ross can then heal the various issues that come up during the reading. Ross is well-known for healing people of migraines, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety attacks, anger, grief, abuse trauma, drug and alcohol abuse, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, phobias, ADHD, anorexia, bulimia, PTSD and more. . Ross is available for psychic and past-life readings as well as healing sessions in person or over the phone. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit my website at www.TheMysticWay.com or call (617) 527-3583 1075 Washington Street, Newton, MA 02465
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Are we there yet? by Bob Svihovec
“Are we there yet,” or should we say, “Are we here yet?” How do we know we’ve arrived? What and where are the signs of humanity’s spiritual paradigm shift?
On December 22, 2012 we enter the sign Capricorn, gateway to the Hierarchy, the fifth kingdom of Soul life. We stand at the door of humanity’s first initiation, a birth in consciousness of our indwelling spiritual reality of the One Life. All men share the spark of divinity. Initiation is a “Baptism of fire” becoming a “band of brothers” born of pain and suffering. We move from the long dark ages of evolutionary bumbling into a spiritually magnetized development. We long have struggled with the concept that we are a portion of infinity. As our spiritual legacy becomes clearer, we realize and know in truth we are an expression of divinity on the outer plane. Initiation is humanity’s birth into the spiritual kingdom. We identify less with the form and more with the group consciousness. “Initiation is essentially an expanding series of inclusive recognitions.” [The Rays and the Initiations, p.341] “One of the marks of readiness for initiation is the ability to see the expanding and inclusive Entity, and to note the law which is transcended when the part becomes the Whole.” (Discipleship in the New Age II, pg.420) That Law is one of the fundamentals of matter itself, as it follows the evolutionary path of least resistance. That law no longer sweeps us along. Instead we are drawn toward our spiritual destiny. On the individual level, the first initiation involves the heart center, which is vivified with Divine Love. The impulse results in improving control of the astral/ emotional vehicle, and the capacity to render greater service to humanity. On the group level, the sensed divine expression of love/wisdom is intelligently recognized. Fusion in the Group heart establishes the implementation of right human relations. As we stand together, my strength is the strength of ten. We are in the midst of it all, experiencing the process: tension, crisis, finally on, hopefully, to renunciation of our selfish ways. Humanity’s pain and suffering is obvious by the myriad of problems facing us. Right use of Money; Fundamental
“The unleashing or application of spiritual energies is ever followed by crises. The light ever draws forth the shadows or that which is not of the light. The potent spiritual energies ever burn up in the fires of destruction, which would impede the free flow of that energy. The dross, which would limit and distort the new possibilities, must be brought forward so that it can be known and then eliminated by the fires of consciousness.” (Discipleship in the New Age I, pg.678) All that stands for the illusion of separatism is a barrier to Soul expression and human betterment. There are no unilateral or individual solutions to our problems. What’s holding us back from embracing the new vision? What’s the cause? Some say it’s our evil twin, our Dweller on the Threshold. It must be them. It’s not me. The reality is it’s us. From our limited point of view we can’t comprehend the bigger picture. We are fearful and grasp to hold on to what we know. We cannot see the end to the burning ground. We disconnect from each other to preserve what is ours. A simple example is our cars. While driving we are isolated from other drivers. So when two lanes merge into one it’s easy to enforce our will to be first. Yet the same drivers would probably hold the door open for each other while entering a building. We need to move from “I win you lose.” to “Together we can solve this.” The more we sense our potential as points of light in the One Life, the more we are aware of our restrictions. The conscious aspect of initiation is the everexpanding series of inclusive recognitions. The danger and difficulty to humanity’s progress is the corruption of the sensed group unity into a totalitarian organization, be it a nation, a religion or a movement as in labor. If you are not with my vision then you are my adversary. What one group proposes as the highest good for humanity might be offensive to the other. We are not debating good or bad but the fact we are thinking in terms of the betterment of humanity and trying to find solutions to our present problems. Goodwill involves planning and vision, using the mind, not just our desires. It is fact that two men describing an elephant, one viewing it from the back-end, the other from the front, would describe what appears to be two different beasts. Yet it is the same elephant. If the world was black and white it still might be considered beautiful. Look at Ansel Adams' great works of art. But to capture the fullness of a rainbow or a southwestern sunset, the rich diversity of color adds to our appreciation of beauty. Unity encompasses diversity. Finding the path leading toward the future from first initiation requires a sense of inclusive vision. There are hopeful signs of our renunciation of the untrue motives rooted in the past. Many global movements are working to address our problems:
Continued on page 35 Aug/Sept 2012 Inner Tapestry 5
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We should all recognize we are in the midst of a spiritual reorientation. Perhaps the Mayan Calendar suggests a new beginning, an awakening to our collective heritage. The Mayan Calendar keepers tracked celestial events with the goal of aligning sacred rituals with the available heavenly influences. December 21, 2012 is the beginning of a Sacred Great Cycle, a 26,000-year event, the time it takes our sun to orbit Pleiades. The earth, the sun, our solar system, will be crossing the galactic mid plane of the Milky Way. The Mayans called the Milky Way the World Tree, the giver of life. In the early symbolic drawings, the tree itself represents a cross, heaven and earth crossed by the horizon of the earth plane. In its roots lives the K’awak Monster, also described in ancient writings as a mountain. A sacrificial bowl containing a flint blade rests on its head. At the top of the tree dwells Itzam, the celestial bird a Principal Bird deity. The symbolism suggests to manifest our spiritual selves and attain the freedom of the heavens, we must mount the cross sacrificing the lower self and climbing the mountain to become the immortal bird depicting spirit.
Religions; Nationalism; International Technological Race, void of humanity’s need resulting in: hunger, poverty, disempowerment, ignorance, illness, and disease. “Suffering.”
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THE WAY OF THE SPIRITUAL ENTREPRENEUR by Bill Paglia Scheff & Deborah Wilson
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he one item that we find essential for the development of a spiritually founded and guided business is that the principal(s) find a practice that allows them to open to the guidance that is available to them on-going-ly. This means getting open and in the mindset of “knowing” that what they seek to create, manifest and sustain is truly viable, available and possible and that they are, in fact, being guided in the positive direction of their inspiration. Oh yeah, there is the possibility, that it may not look exactly how they planned it to look. This last sentence is the part that seems to throw most spiritual entrepreneurs into a tizzy. You may also find yourself struggling with this. You may have created your written business plan and find yourself gung-ho to stick to it and manifest that plan come hell or high water. Well, if you are really open to the spiritual guidance, you may find that there are prompts for changes or enhancements to your vision (or its implementation) coming to you in a variety of ways if you are open to them. If you keep your head down and plow through your written or tightly held plan or literally “keep your nose to the grind stone,” you might miss some or all of these divine cues.
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A personal interpretation of a “New Thought” spiritual idiom, “all is designed and delivered for my good” is, in his knowing, one of the most powerful mindsets and personal spiritual acquisitions that a person can take on and own. “Owning” this basis of observation (vantage point) can do more for a spiritual entrepreneur than most any other. One insight for that is, that if you are viewing your life and your world from this place you are automatically coming from the place of receiving and interpreting all that arrives in dream, inspiration, thought, people or through any of the myriad of delivery options, as purposefully designed to enhance and expand your potential and success. What a powerful place to take a business life on from.
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Don’t Be A Martyr – You do not have to sacrifice yourself or your life to have a successful thriving Spiritual Business – In fact it is counter intuitive and not in alignment with the universal laws of abundance and flow ease. If this happens – Go to your action plan (see below) and get back in step with your top priority action items for each day.
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Work in small segments – Declare your intention for each segment, get to know intuitively how effective you can be in what period of time and stick to completing your work in each step in this way. Plan in and take determined timed refreshing and revitalizing breaks in an organized structure, determined with your coach, then move on to the next intentional segment.
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Dance Like Nobodies Watching – You have to have faith, commitment and complete alignment with your Divine Spiritual Business Path and then you have to go for it like it is what you are here for – because, this expression of creativeness and joy, is what you are here for and truly is your source derived personal core expression. It is the reason you came here and what you agreed to express for the joy of it and for the betterment of the experience we call life, for all involved. The truth is that for those who do dance like nobodies watching – Everybody is watching and they are hoping you’ll be wildly successful! Everyone wants to see you succeed because it fortifies their belief that it is possible for all and that there is hope and possibility for them too, to participate in life through passionate, joyful expression and that their life also has true purpose and meaning.
If you keep your head down and plow through your written or tightly held plan or literally “keep your nose to the grind stone” you might miss some or all of these divine cues.
This does not fly in the face of conventional business plan writing or implementation. In fact it is the very next step that a spiritual entrepreneur should take on after creation of the Divinely Inspired business plan. The writing of the plan brings the inspired idea from the ethereal (idea or thought) to the physical world (written words on a material paper). Once written, the personal absorption and the continual practice of holding the implementation and subsequent movement of the plan in the light of divine guidance and discerning those, sure to come, incoming messages from the place of, all is designed for your good, can exponentially increase your effectiveness and even more importantly make your life and the experience of your endeavors amazingly easy and full of joy. Simply said, if you can own this philosophy, methodology and practice, you can ease (or eliminate) your stress, allow for abundance and truly thrive and enjoy your business life in a way previously unknown to you.
There are certain methods that require implementation on your part in order for you to obtain success in your passionate endeavor to establish yourself as a spiritual business person. The following guide will activate the process and set you up to mobilize your dream of having a business that makes a difference for you in your life and those whom you serve. That mutual alignment is the true essence of a spiritual business and the ultimate goal of a spiritual entrepreneur. 1.
Get a coach – Find “The One” It will be worth the effort and the investment on your part to do this first and foremost. If you do this step, up front, you will save yourself a lot of wasted time and pointless frustration. Your Spiritual Business coach's main intention should be to fully understand and integrate with your vision and mission so clearly that he or she can stand in the possibility of your business as if it is already achieved while guiding you along in the inspired action process required to bring it to successful manifestation in the world with joy and relative universal ease. With your carefully selected coach’s expert guidance and passionate oversight, you will be able to get into and remain focused on what you do best – Come from your heart with your true personal passion derived from your discovered and expressed core purpose – to develop your Spiritual Business Action Plan. By selecting the proper and proven Spiritual Business Coach you will not have to reinvent the process from the start and can immediately begin the formulation of a successful divinely inspired Spiritual Business model, plan and actions.
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Create an Action Plan – One that comes from your heart and other places too. With your coach as guide, you must flush out all of the specific details
The following are the essential action aspects of creating and manifesting your Spiritual Business: 1.
Build The Foundation First – Discern and Master the basic elements of your Spiritual Business
2.
Believe It – You must really believe in your Spiritual Business. This creates the required willingness and abundant alignment of the universal principle of abundance and flow. If you do not own the premise, the vision and mission you must discern and get clear on what you need to do to own your passion expression internally or modify it until you do.
3.
It’s All Practice – and all about being open to and allowing for unique Divine Inspiration and Intervention
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7. Build your Spiritual Business – Step by Step, Intentional Segment by Intentional Segment, Day by Day by listening, discovering and being inspired to allow self/source received and determined prioritized action steps.
7 of your distinct Spiritual Business, from start to finish and get them in writing from the outset. Most importantly though is your ability to discern and create those details in such a way that you believe in them so purely that you take them on as though you own them and that when you read through them and implement them you experience your heart expanding (This is a critical awareness for the Spiritual Entrepreneur). In the creation of your “Action Plan” it is important to stretch yourself beyond your comfort zone and into the true Divine Calling for your business. Your effective coach will be able to hear and understand when this is on track or not and guide you to your Divine clarity and assist you in discerning your on going divine intervention. 3. Get in Action – Set up a structure that calls you into action and accountability. With your coach you will determine for yourself, from where you are, the very next step. With his guidance and your vision work it will become so clear that it presents itself as the inevitable next step. You will then repeat this process to discern the very next top three to five things to promote, support and move your Spiritual Business forward. You must then commit to do this work in advance, daily, for the upcoming week and complete them each day as your top priorities before any other actions are addressed or worked on. Finally, there are specific business infrastructure – core aspects that also have to be addressed that are consistent in any type of business. They are especially accurate in the development and operation of a spiritual business in today’s (seemingly instantaneous) fast paced business environment. There is a need to focus on the ability of those involved to learn, establish and practice those essential core aspects for the purpose of manifesting true personal satisfaction for all involved in the Spiritual Business expression. There is a quickening to what we do, say, think, and act upon. Technology has created “rushology.” It has connected us more and equally divided us at some level. We have immediacy not intimacy; hurriedness not sturdiness. In many businesses, the very foundation of human interaction is fracturing. Nearly one out of every seven people in this country is now on anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medicine. The answer is not to keep going faster in life or in business but to go stronger and wiser.
The seven pillars that make or break any business are: 1) Quality, consistency and level of communication 2) Ability to manage stress and emotions 3) Ability to resolve conflict and issues 4) Time management 5) Leadership skills displayed 6) Presentation skills 7) Delivery of customer service
What this translates into specifically means that within the terrain of human interaction, there has to be a recognition that conflict will occur and an understanding of how to stay on the path of responsiveness versus reactivity. This is not always easy which is why coaching and mentoring can keep a business on its charted course of success instead of heading towards the shores of disaster. Many businesses do not allow for expression of emotions or frustration which only leads to buried stress and tension. Emotions are there for a reason and it can be learned how to manage emotions, not eliminate them, as well as re-framing and re-patterning so that energy is moving in a constructive direction and the flow of communication and ideas can still occur. Successful businesses also need to understand the different terrain of personalities, and the strengths and pitfalls of each so that there are effective strategies for building bridges not barriers. Differences are good but need to be understood. Managing time means to learn effective prioritization, goal setting, scheduling, delegating, handling interruptions and running meaningful meetings. The owner, manager, leader of the business has to learn appropriate management styles depending on the situation, person, skill set and desired result. Presenting ideas to customers or to employees is an acquired skill, which can either lead people to a clear understanding or confusion. Above all, there has to be the unwavering ability to understand the needs of your customers, those seeking your services. People have the world at their fingertips via the Internet and mastering the skills of excellent customer service determines the fate of any business. When guidance, coaching and mentoring is delivered into these seven pillars of business, then internal success manifests into external success of growth and prosperity.
Deborah Wilson is an international trainer, consultant and motivational speaker. She has traveled extensively throughout the United States working with organizations and corporations with a diverse set of occupational, cultural, educational and situational needs. She has consulted with some of the largest companies in the world including: Mercedes-Benz of North America, CNN, Johns Hopkins University, Yale University, NASA Space Flight Center, The Culinary Institute of America and the National Institute of Health. Deborah also delivers customized keynote addresses for clients throughout the country. She can be contacted at (860) 646-5249. Bill Paglia Scheff works with seekers in relationship, life and business transformational coaching through his Big Bang Coaching Company (bigbangcoaching.co) from his beautiful river front home city of Middletown, CT. He has been a highly successful and joyous spiritual entrepreneur for 30 years. Bill expresses his passion as an entrepreneur in specialized individual and group coaching (through his Radical Miracle Program©), corporate and private training, and as faculty – Business Development Director/Trainer – for The Relationship Coaching Institute. He can be reached at (860) 704-0639 or via email at bill@bigbangcoaching.co
Aug/Sept 2012 Inner Tapestry 7
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Businesses are starting to look at the fractures of stress and illness and consider the critical factors that can no longer be ignored. Entrepreneurs can learn from what is not working and proceed in a healthier, more grounded, spiritual direction.
Coaching provides support and back up for individual entrepreneurs and also for leaders and staff of larger organizations, so that everyone is swimming in the same direction towards the same goals and vision.
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Initiation Through Naming by Divya Jyoti DiFazio
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bout 15 years ago, I was singing on Maha Sivarathri (an auspicious night of fasting and worship devoted to Lord Shiva.) The power of the singing put me into a deep meditative trance, when the words came to me. “You are Jyoti.”
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I heard the words of my guru Sai Baba. Sathya Sai Baba is a holy man from India that many believe is a modern day avatar. Although my guru was not present in the room, his words were clear to me and I pondered these words all night. “Are you telling me that I am the light, Baba?” I asked.
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“You are Jyoti” was the response that I heard.
Susan Bakaley Marshall ATR-BC, LCPC board certified art therapist, licensed clinical counselor, Shamanic practitioner
ART from the heART
Art Therapy & Shamanism Studio ~ a light filled circular sacred space surrounded by fields and trees ~
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About five years later, Swamini Lalitananda, a Hindu monk with whom I had been working, gave me an initiation as a spiritual teacher. In this naming ceremony that honored Sai Baba, I was given the spiritual name, “Divya Jyoti”.
(207) 589-3063 moonarts@gmail.com
Divya Jyoti means divine light. When people call me Divya Jyoti, it is Divya Jyoti who responds to them. They get my highest and brightest self.
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SANT MAT MEDITATION An ancient spiritual path from India called Sant Mat or Radha - Swami, the Path of the Masters, the Inner Light & Sound of God — Surat Shabd Meditation. Bangor, Waterville, & Portland Areas For a Satsang schedule, call: James, Maine Sant Mat Society, (207) 358-9381. or email: James@SpiritualAwakeningRadio.com Website: www.SpiritualAwakeningRadio.com/santmat 8 Inner Tapestry Aug/Sept 2012
Baba never gave spiritual names to his devotees, but I felt that he was calling me “the light” and that I should call myself the light. I told others to call me Jyoti. This did not happen because no one else felt that this was real. Nobody else heard Baba give me this directive. I remained Patty to all who knew me and it was Patty who responded. My teacher had initiated me on that auspicious night, but no one recognized my transformation.
There is power and vibration in a name. Different names conger up different images and emotions. When we repeat the name of a chosen entity, that energy is attracted to us. As individuals, we play different roles in our lives and sometimes those roles are given names, such as Doctor, or Professor. To my husband, I am Patty. To my kids I’m Mom. To my grandchildren I’m Nonnie. To those who come to me for the highest teachings, I am Divya Jyoti. Swamini Lalitananda gifted me with my new name in a beautiful naming ceremony at the Satyanarayana Temple in Middletown, CT. Just as a new baby is given a name, her first taste of food and new clothes, Swamiji offered puja and whispered my name in my ear. “Divya Jyoti” she whispered. “Divine Light.” My new name was then written in Sanskrit, in sand by my spiritual mother, Swamini Lalitananda. Then she fed me honey and showered me with rice and gifts. Many of my yoga students were present at this initiation, and followed suit feeding me honey, offering gifts and repeated my name. To this day, whenever I’m called Divya Jyoti, that is who responds. The vibration of that powerful Sanskrit name resonates with my soul and my highest self emerges in response. Yes, there is power in the name and you will be rewarded with the highest of vibrations.
Patty (Divya Jyoti) DiFazio teaches yoga at the Hindu Temple in Middletown, and local yoga studios. She teaches yoga teacher training at the Sacred Rivers yoga studio as well as organizing and running yoga and meditation retreats. Divya Jyoti has recently published her first book entitled Living Yoga and can be reached at Divyajyoti@sbcglobal.net or (860) 613-0373 for book orders or to schedule a book discussion.
9
Contact Healing by Gordon Edward Waite Healing through the power of the Holy Spirit
Saturday, October 13th, 10am-3pm
Auric Photography Rocks & Gems Food Raffles and more
15 minute readings for $15.00 Location: American Legion Building 17 Dunn Street, Westbrook, ME FMI: (207)655-6673 or pschurch@maine.rr.com
Down to Earth The Shamans Circle Foundation for Shamanic Studies Workshops
Shamanic Extraction Training
August 11 - 12, 2012 Montpelier area, VT Contact: Sue Jamieson 802-223-2521 sue.jamieson@transcendencies.com
Shamanism, Dying and Beyond
September 8 - 9, 2012 Port Clyde, ME Contact: Down to Earth, 207-593-6016 info@shamanscircle.com
Shamanic Training in Creativity September 29 - 30, 2012 Cape Ann, MA Contact: Michael O’Leary 978-283-0495 moleary222@gmail.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Way of the Shaman® Originated by Michael Harner, this is the FSS Basic workshop, pre-requisite for all advanced work with the Foundation.
November 11 - 12, 2012, Boston area, MA Contact: Dave Perry 508 376-6298 david_perry@parkschool.org
All Taught by Nan Moss and David Corbin FSS faculty and authors of
Weather Shamanism: Harmonizing our Connection with the Elements For full schedule of programs see: www.shamanscircle.com Private sessions available 207-593-6016 info@shamanscircle.com
Aug/Sept 2012 Inner Tapestry 9
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A human being or an animal can receive healing through the use of a human hand. Everyone has an invisible aura or electromagnetic field surrounding him or her, which plays an important role in the healing process. Gifted healers and mediums can see and rebalance the aura that heals and balances the physical body. It is a healer’s privilege to have this gift and be able to use it to bring about improvements in people and animals. Some people believe that healing “should” be practiced through an established church or religious organization. This is not true. Healing is a divine power given by god to an individual, who through this knowledge can use it to alleviate the suffering of others. The healer is really the physical instrument being used to transmit spiritual energy, resulting in a patient’s recovery. Contact healing, or the use of hands for healing, is a process whereby the healer’s hands are placed close to the affected part of the patient’s body. During the process of using the hands, one visualizes the person receiving the healing as whole and well and any symptoms lessening in severity. Usually the patient will feel better during this experience. When energy is flowing through the healer’s hands, normally a warm or hot sensation is sensed. The degree of heat is commensurate with the severity of the illness. Various types of illness cause different reactions. For instance, patients with broken bones do not usually feel any pain during healing, although they may feel a tickling sensation as the healing energy from the healer’s hands flows through the affected bones. Some say they can feel the bone readjust to a perfect position during healing even when the bone is encased in plaster. Cancer patients often break into heavy perspiration during their treatment. This is the body’s mechanism for releasing heat and toxins. As the patient responds to healing, the heat flows and toxins diminish, as does the pain, while the cancer starts to disappear. Patients with heart trouble can and often will perspire heavily during healing. Many positive testimonials bearing witness to excellent results have been received. After the final session, the clients are asked to visit their doctor to request dietary guidance and exercise to maintain their already improved health. They are asked to abstain from alcohol and smoking as well. There have been great success treating patients with migraines. This painful and debilitating condition may persist for days. Everyone treated for this condition has quickly improved to the point where his or her migraine has disappeared, sometimes after only one treatment. Many migraine sufferers feel cold, as opposed to the feelings of heat experienced by other patients with other types of diseases. As the healing continues, the head and body temperature decreases. During healing one can be thinking or conversing on any subject because the healing takes place on a higher level of consciousness. Depending on the condition, rates of progress may vary and this may be the case with patients suffering arthritis, which develops insidiously, and may be in the body for years before it is detected. Healing offers relief and often a cure, though many sessions may be required before noticeable improvement occurs. When transformation happens, the swelling will have reduced and often the reshaping of the bones can be perceived. There has been success in alleviating eczema and asthma. Both conditions respond very well to the process of healing with varying time periods of healing. On a healing tour in India, thousands of sick people were treated, though treatment was limited to a few seconds per person. Nevertheless, large numbers of sick people received healing benefits. It must again be emphasized that the healer is just the instrument in transmitting the flow of healing energy. The actual healing miracle comes from the power and spirit of God. If a patient requests that a healer travel to see them at home or in hospital, then this is done willingly. Unfortunately, this is often requested when all other forms of traditional and alternative/complementary treatment have been exercised. It must be stressed that while one does not refuse to see a patient in a state of extreme decline, far more benefit would be derived from making an earlier appointment. By visiting a healer twice a week for one month, you can be assured of real progress in your health. It can honestly be said that a healer’s commitment to practice healing is total. The length of a session is usually half hour. The super-conscious mind of the healer advises on how much time is required to give the best help. It is continuously shown that the true mechanism of healing is through the power of the Holy Spirit. If a car battery is low, it responds quickly to a jumpstart from a stronger battery. Our bodies work in a similar way through the power of healing. Gordon Edward Waite is a caring and compassionate Healer with more than 30 years experience in helping people with their own healing and transformational process. His practice has taken him all over America and to many countries. Treating all ailments and serious illnesses, Gordon Edward believes that everything is possible to heal and that affordable healing should be available for all. Gordon Edward Waite is available for personal healing, workshops and lectures. Please call (508) 529-6177, www.gordonedwardwaitethehealer.com.
Mediums Day Fair
10
On The Cover Connections by Leslie Baumgartel
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Inner Tapestry would like to welcome Leslie Baumgartel as our featured artist this issue. Leslie had sent me her drawing of trees and I connected to her story and cover art titled "Connections." Leslie took a chance in sending her art to ITJ asking if we would consider using one of her pieces to accompany any one of our articles. Her words were " "I'm new to all this, but many of your articles tell of reaching out, trying new things. So I thought I would try. I feel my art would fit right in with Inner Tapestry. I'm a shy Artist, and I'm wondering how to have my art accompany an article? Wow, can't believe I'm writing this! At-least I'm trying to get out of my comfort zone!" How many of us actually work, live and play within our discomfort zone? Many people that we speak with do communicate their discomfort with self in life, maybe not in every moment, but there are always moments that we are pushed beyond what we know to be initiated into another way of being in relationship with ourselves. Thank you Leslie for taking that chance and allowing us to share your work with our readers. For taking not only the step to share your work but to actually write about it and yourself. "I am Leslie Baumgartel, I live in the small town of Bryant Pond, in the peaceful state of Maine. I'm 50 years old. I have taken a few art classes over the years. I know that people can use therapy, meditation, medication, dance, music and gardening to support their healing process, art is my way through. I've always doodled for as long as I can remember. In my teen years, it started to become my way of expressing myself, in whatever form of art I could find. Never thinking of myself as an artist, I just created because I felt I had to. It was the only way to get my feelings out that I couldn't put to words. My art was truth, It couldn't be doubted. My work is done in pen and ink. It is permanent, when I place a line I need to be fearless and courageous, I need to trust. When I started to live with art at the center of my life, because I gave up all hope in anything else, I found life. Over the years my art was the way through emotionally rough times. I could let go of the tight control I kept on my feelings and allow them to roam free on the paper. I'd step back and would be amazed that came out of me. I was very shy about sharing most of my work, because it felt like I was exposing my soul. I always assumed that no one would "get" my work, that people just didn't get me. I'm not sure what got me to start showing my friends my art, I think it was myself being pushed forward to reach out of my self imposed shell. The more I showed my art, it seemed the more I grew. I came to a point in my life where I went back into my shell. Depression, isolation and desperation filled my days. Through the support of another woman who believed in me and my art, I came up with a mantra of, Art is the center of my life and Art is my way though. I started to draw my way through and my way out. Through that step came, "Connections." It started out with me reaching out more and finding out that I was not alone in my feelings. The two trees represent my new found friend. The roots are intertwined, showing we have experienced a lot of the same traumas. In the center of the trees shows where we have been stunted in our growth. The branches are growth, reaching out, stretching beyond the past. The owl is the wisdom learned and learning along the way. The heart is unconditional love for all the pieces of me and others. At the top are people connected. The drawing took a couple of months to complete, in that time connection starting happening all over the place and they were woven into the branches. This piece is all of the connections that have happened because I had support and the courage to reach out, to keep going and not give up on myself. The "Argument" was the part of my healing process where the old negative thoughts were trying to pull me back, to keep me stuck in the past. The positive possibilities were trying to take me forward. What's seen here is the battle that went on in my head between the two. After finishing the piece, I understood that I needed both sides to keep me balanced. With support, I showed my work at the Shy Novice and Closeted Art Show in Bethel Maine. People responded. I started to let other people see, I saw that it touched them, they could feel it. Later, I joined, The Western Maine Art Group. Their support and wisdom has been priceless to me. Reach, stretch, and grow. Be fearless, courageous, take risks. Those were my mantras to get me through many hours of work. My Art has allowed me to reach out and connect with people. It has saved my life, it has given me hope. Thank God for that. Through the art process I have become me, The Artist." Leslie's art is available by connecting with her directly through email: lavender@megalink.net. Thank you again Leslie, for taking the risks to find your "Initation of The Way," that has brought you to a integrated, wonder-filled way of being with self.
10 Inner Tapestry Aug/Sept 2012
TheArgument
11
The Healing Power of Nature by Beth Lapin
H
ave you ever headed out for a brisk walk when confronted with a difficult decision? Before long, you start noticing the birds calling or your neighbor’s flowers and you return home with clarity about your situation. Or have you calmed yourself by heading to the ocean or river? The sound of water rushing over rocks or washing on the shore brings a sense of exhilaration and joy that puts your problem in perspective.
...spending time in nature has positive impacts
on those dealing with
What are the benefits? Some of us have intuitively known the healing power of nature—and research is proving us right. Investigations during the past thirty years provide insight into types of advantages that nature provides. Highlights of these studies include: Medical benefits: research studies corroborate that medical patients heal faster, experienced less pain, and are more pleasant when their hospital experience includes views or sounds from nature (both natural and artificially induced). Patients with rooms that faced trees benefited, as did those who looked at murals of natural scenes or listened to recordings of nature sounds. Nature can also keep us healthy, if we can generalize from the fact that Michigan prisoners whose cells faced courtyard had 24% more illness than those who faced farmland. Emotional benefits: several studies have demonstrated that time in nature contributes to emotional well-being. For example, people report they feel more relaxed and their blood pressure levels drop after being outdoors. Adults and teens both report increased selfesteem and are more cooperative and kind, with a positive outlook and view of other people, more self-confidence and patience. These changes occur when people partake in a wide range of activities such as jogging outside, living in apartments near green spaces, and participating in outdoor camps or wilderness experiences. Therapeutic benefits: spending time in nature has positive impacts on those dealing with more serious issues such as depression, anxiety, and ADHD. For example, in Holland, people who live within one kilometer (just more than a half mile) of a park or wooded area experience less anxiety and depression than those living farther away. Participants in a study in England reported declines in their levels of depression when they spent time walking outside. Interestingly, they reported little benefit and occasional worsening of their symptoms when they did the same amount of walking in shopping malls. Research also shows that being in nature can help those with concentration problems such as ADHD. Office workers pay more attention to detail if they have a window. Backpackers improve their proofreading ability. Time in nature enhances our ability to focus and perform better academically, as several studies of school children have shown. In some towns, teachers are taking hyperactive children outside for a quick walk before class to help them concentrate during the school day.
more serious issues such as
depression, anxiety, and ADHD.
Why does it work? Numerous reports suggest the healing power of nature. But why does it work? That is more difficult to tease apart, but some options have been suggested.
What is our role? Nothing is a one-way street. When we get so much from being in nature and interacting with other living beings, it’s important for us to reciprocate and return something to them. Awareness of the contribution from our air, water, land, plants, and animals motivates us to give back. When we realize the value of pure flowing water or crisp, fresh air, we will feel the strong urge to keep them both clean.
Give it a try! If you’d like to try a brief exercise, head outside to a relatively level place where you can walk in comfort and peace. If appropriate, do this exercise barefoot. Visualize our beautiful planet earth, its majestic mountains and flowing streams, the myriad of creatures and plants that inhabit this space with us. Imagine all the connections, strung like spider webs, between each of us, and how our actions trickle out to the rest of the earth. Now, for ten minutes, take mindful steps in silence, concentrating on each step. Use the following words of Thich Nhat Hanh to focus on your task: “Be aware of the contact between your feet and the Earth. Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet. We have caused a lot of damage to the Earth. Now it is time for us to take good care of her.” To complete the process, it’s important to give something back to the earth. When you have finished with your walking meditation, make a commitment to take a small step to improve the health of the ground that supports us. Adding less garbage, destroying less topsoil, using fewer pesticides—each of these will reduce the earth’s toxicity. Summary In review, the natural world around us has the capacity to help us physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. We, on the other hand, have a chance to give back to nature in ways that will benefit us all, now and for future generations. (Reference citations available upon request.) Ecotherapist Beth Lapin brings 20 years experience as a field biologist and an equal amount as a social worker – and master’s degrees in both – along with decades of experience leading outdoor excursions and therapeutic groups. She conducts ecotherapy workshops and sessions in southern New England and is co-developing an ecotherapy referral process. Learn more at: www.HealingNatureCT.com or email at Beth@HealingNatureCT.com. Aug/Sept 2012 Inner Tapestry 11
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What is ecotherapy? All of this is captured in the emerging field of ecotherapy, which promotes mutually beneficial relationships between people and nature. Ecotherapy encourages us to use our senses and heart to experience and interact with the rest of the world. Howard Clinebell, the first to use the term, defined ecotherapy as “healing and growth nurtured by healthy interaction with the earth.” Ecotherapy involves getting out in the woods or parks, sitting by flowing water, or watching the scenery out the train or car window. It includes interaction with domestic animals such as horses, dogs, or cats. It embraces gardening with either houseplants or outdoor gardens, just watching or tending them. In essence, it is anything that gets us involved with living species other than our own.
Restorative. Some propose that continued focus on tasks leads to “direct attention fatigue” which can drain and debilitate us, leading to impulsivity, distractibility and irritability. This can be combated by the restorative environment found in nature. Small details, broad landscapes, miniature creatures, large plants – all provide a safe place filled with high fascination. This intriguing atmosphere allows our minds to relax and restore. Spiritual. Eckhart Tolle suggests we “move beyond the ‘interesting’ aspects of nature to see its magic, mystery, and majesty.” We don’t look at a sunset and say, “Oh, how interesting.” Instead, we comment on its beauty and vibrant colors, and experience a welling of amazement and ecstasy as we watch it change and develop. Have you ever looked out at a dark sky filled with stars and thought both how small we each are and how we belong to a part of a huge universe? Natural. Humans have been part of the natural world for millennium, more time than not. Some of those involved with ecotherapy have even proposed that our high rates of depression and ADHD might have developed from our disconnect with nature, but, of course, this hasn’t been rigorously documented as yet.
12 Reiki Healings
MASSAGE THERAPY BY DAVID
Harmonizing the mind, body & spirit with Reiki
Gentle Swedish Massage In The Privacy Of Your Home Or My Studio In West Hartford, CT
Mindy Schroeder Reiki Master/Teacher Access Bars Practitioner For appointments or questions please call: 860-707-5211
Call 860-818-7190 To Leave A Message
Mindy6780@yahoo.com Wallingford, CT
$50 Per 90 Minutes
Center for Survivorship and Integrative Medicine
Community Well-Care Days Starting In September
Dates:
Second Sunday of each month
Time:
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
pbphotorestore.com 860-638-0890
Location: Middlesex Hospital Cancer Center Atrium
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536 Saybrook Road Middletown, CT 06457 Cost:
Free to everyone
The Center for Survivorship and Integrative Medicine is offering an opportunity to the community to feel grounded, balanced, healthy, less stressed and joyful. The Center’s practitioners have chosen to offer, free of charge, their gifts and caring to all those who may not be able to afford them, the following modalities: harmonic sound healing, reflexology, massage, Reiki, healing touch, cranial therapy and acupressure. All services will be by appointment and require advanced sign-up. Appointments are based on the availability of practitioners. Please call or email for a list of services for a particular day. For those interested in dropping in, or while you wait for your appointment, there will be offerings of other healing tools and sound for you to experience. Our focus is to do our best to make certain all receive some form of support. To register for services, call (860) 656-9665 or e-mail MHWellcareDays@yahoo.com 6/2012
12 Inner Tapestry Aug/Sept 2012
MIDDLESEX HOSPITAL
Professional digital restoration & retouching of damaged photographs including: cracks and tears fading and darkening water, mold, smoke and fire missing or stuck pieces and more
13 behind the book Amanda's Room Author: Chuck Miceli
Jacqueline Cone, Registered Dental Hygienist
I am excited to be welcomed as a new member of the team at Dr. Steven Balloch's office located in Glastonbury, CT.
I invite you to join me as I support your dental hygiene needs with the utmost comfort. With 12 years experience as a dental hygienist, I have learned the importance of a gentle touch and building trust between patient and practitioner. Dr. Balloch and his team focus on supporting the whole person. His office is known for its biologically friendly standard and the use of the highest quality health conscious materials. We are located at 300 Hebron Avenue in Glastonbury, CT. If you have any questions you can call the office and speak to Aimee or Jen at 860-659-8660 or visit our website at:
www.hartfordcosmeticdentist.com
What Happens When a Poltergeist Gets Control of the Weather? Author Chuck Miceli imagines the answer in his new novel Amanda’s Room.
We are grateful and honored to welcome new patients.
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When death came for Amanda Reynolds, it could not pry her from her home. The innocence of her tiny soul was not ready to leave, so Amanda waited patiently. For eighteen years, the abandoned mansion decayed, but not Amanda’s room. It remained immaculately clean, completely comfortable and constantly bathed in a perfect pink glow. When Katie Jarvis and her fellow Nadowa Collage students enter it, they discover a perfect environment. With the help of their college professor, world-renowned physicist Bertrand Myers, they learn that the room’s characteristics defy explanation. Light, temperature and sound levels remain ideal regardless of outside conditions and without any detectable source of power. The room also exerts an emotional and psychological calming influence on all who enter it. Inside a baby’s room, it seemed as though they found Shangri-La; but had they? When Katie discovers that the room also affects the weather for miles around, the team delves into the house’s history for answers. As they do however, disaster strikes. Katie’s friends Chris and Drew disappear in a waterspout that “was aiming for them,” and Chris’s research on the house’s history vanishes with him. The surviving team members rely on a few cryptic notes Chris left behind to try to unravel the mystery. When another member is arrested for murder, only Katie and Bert remain. Through it all, Katie’s relationship with Amanda deepens. Katie believes that Amanda still inhabits the room and is manipulating the weather in a desperate attempt to communicate, but Katie can’t decipher what or why. Bert remains skeptical and cautions that if Amanda possesses that kind of power, no one on earth is safe. Meanwhile, Amanda grows more impatient and the weather, more violent. When a monstrous late-season hurricane traps Bert and thousands of others on Cape Cod, Katie faces a tormenting decision. To save one friend, must she sacrifice another, and can she stop Amanda in time? What Katie does not realize is that something is out to stop her. While frequently called a thriller, Amanda’s Room didn’t start out that way. “In the early drafts of the novel,” says Chuck, “all of the room’s aspects were positive, but the story felt like it needed something to make it more dramatic. During the rewrite process, I decided to make the scope of the story bigger, and there’s not much bigger than the weather!” Each chapter begins with a weather-related fact, but there’s much more to these introductions than science. “In some cases, the statements foreshadow what is about to happen in the story. In others, they reveal something about an event or Amanda’s nature. Frequently, they’re a metaphor for what is going on in the lives of the characters.” About The Author – Chuck Miceli’s background is in criminal justice. He brings this experience into Amanda's Room, blending it with his knowledge of how paint color effects mood, from prison cells to the color used in Amanda's bedroom. In the book the manipulation of color sets the stage for supernatural events. Chuck is Board Chairman of Every Dollar Feeds Kids and donates a portion of sales of Amanda’s Room to this charity.
Ever wonder . . . Where your life is headed? About relationship issues? About work, family, and loved ones?
Amanda’s Room is available on Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/Amandas-Room-ebook/dp/B007APB8F4 paperback $12.95 plus shipping – eBook for the Kindle for $2.95. Bring the Power of Amanda’s Room to Your Neighborhood! Author Chuck Miceli is touring New England. Contact him regarding appearances at bookstores, libraries, book clubs and metaphysical retail shops. authorchuckmiceli@gmail.com Readers React to Amanda’s Room – “I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I hated for it to end!” “Amanda’s Room is full of all the things I like in a book; suspense, mystery, intrigue and a little bit of romance!” “An intriguing thriller. Certainly recommended!” – Matt Plourde author of the novel Eden
Call Today
860-665-8024 Follow Karen on Read Karen’s column Tarot Wisdom in Inner Tapestry Journal!
www.readingsbykaren.com $50 per half hour - $100 per hour To make an appointment for your reading please call between 9:00a.m - 7:30p.m.
Karen accepts these major credit cards.
Aug/Sept 2012 Inner Tapestry 13
14
An Interview With Robert Moss by Karen M. Rider
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Robert Moss is the pioneer of Active Dreaming, an original synthesis of shamanism and modern dreamwork. A prolific, lifelong dreamer, scholar and self-professed bibliophile, Moss survived three near-death experiences in childhood. These experiences brought about profound awareness that the physical world is not the only reality. An Australian native, Moss describes himself as “a dream teacher, on a path for which there has been no career track in our culture.” Even so, he has traveled convergent paths in life: lecturer of ancient history at Australia National University, investigative journalist, best selling novelist, and dream shaman. In this interview, Robert shares from his vast dream experiences and explains how dreaming is waking up to sources of guidance, healing, and creativity beyond the reach of the everyday mind. What was your dream life like as a child? With every near-death experience, I came back from another place or dimension. It was hard to talk about these things in a military family. The first person I knew who was able to confirm my experiences was an Aboriginal boy. The traditions of his people, which he shared with me, teach that the dream world may be more real, not less real, than the world of ordinary physical existence. Our true spiritual teachers – and the nature of our soul’s purpose – are to be found in the Dreamtime. When I was in high school, I found that I could sometimes dream exam questions before I took the exams – which certainly eased my way! I came to recognize that our dreams are constantly coaching and rehearsing us for challenges and opportunities that lie in the future. Growing up – childhood, adolescence, young adult – what was the comfort level of people around you relative to your interest and study of dreams? It was a very conservative time in Australia when I was growing up. It wasn’t approved of, in my social class, to interact with the Abos (Aborigenese). I learned to lay low. It was a tremendous confirmation for me to return to Melbourne in 2002 to speak to 600 people about Active Dreaming. How can we know the difference between dreams meant to guide us versus the ramblings of our sub-conscious mind? Don’t throw anything out, initially. Don’t categorize. Every school of dreaming recognizes big dreams and little dreams. Work and play with all of it until you learn discernment. Discernment comes with practice. I encourage people to play with fragments of dreams if that is all you have. What was one of your Big Dreams? Although dreaming has been central to my life, I did not make the decision to become a dream teacher – a path for which there is not (yet) a career track in Western society – until I moved to a farm in upstate New York in the mid–1980s. I started dreaming of an ancient Iroquois Indian arendiwanen, or “woman of power.” She insisted on communicating with me in an archaic form of the Mohawk language. I needed interpreters to understand it. [She taught me] that dreams show us what the soul wants, as opposed to the clutter of the everyday mind and the petty agendas of the ego. It is the duty of decent people in a humane society to create and hold a space where dreamers can tell their dreams and can then be helped to take action to honor the wishes of the soul. The dream– state interactions with this ancient woman healer… led to a big dream – a watershed dream - that finally gave me the courage to give up previous definitions of success. How has working within the Dreaming disciplines enriched your life, personally? I have kept dream journals for most of my life, and have always used dreams and coincidence for guidance on an everyday basis. Navigating by synchronicity is the dreamer’s way of operating in everyday life. Coincidence has guided my life at every turn. I was invited as a keynote presenter at an international conference in the Netherlands in 1994 – the first world platform for my original Active Dreaming techniques – because I missed an airport shuttle and met someone on the “wrong bus.” As a writer and teacher, I very frequently find direct inspiration in my dreams, and the solution to practical problems, such as choosing a publisher or selecting a workshop venue or rehearsing for issues that will come up within the workshop itself. I believe that dreams have saved me from possible death in car accidents on at least three occasions by giving me specific travel advisories I was able to use to avoid those accidents. What are the components of an Active Dreaming practice? Active Dreaming emerged from my personal practice and from teaching over several decades. Above all, is the recognition that the only “expert” on dreams is the 14 Inner Tapestry Aug/Sept 2012
dreamer herself? The main areas of practice include: (1) a lively and helpful way to share dreams and take action to embody their energy and guidance in everyday life; (2) a method of embarking on conscious dream journeys, including shared dreaming and group dream travel; (3) a way of conscious living. Within this approach there are a number of techniques and levels of practice, ranging from methods to assist with dream recall, working with precognitive content, dream tracking, group dreaming and conscious dream travel, to name a few. Understand Your Dreams—Tips from Robert Moss (Adapted from Conscious Dreaming, by Robert Moss) 1. Trust Your Feelings Always pay attention to how you feel when you wake from a dream. Your feelings and bodily sensations may be your best guide to the importance of a dream, and its positive or negative implications. 2. First Associations In keeping a dream journal, get into the habit of jotting down your first associations with the dreams you record. What floats to the surface of your consciousness in the first minutes after waking may come from deeper levels of dreaming. 3. Reality Check Though dreams are inner experiences, they often contain accurate information about external reality. In both subtle and unsubtle ways, dreams incorporate signals from the outside environments. 4. Dream Re-Entry Dreams are real experiences, and a fully remembered dream is its own interpretation. The meaning of a dream is inside the dream itself. By learning how to re-enter dreams, you develop the ability to clarify messages, resume contact with inner teachers and resolve unfinished business. 5. Dialogue with Dream Characters One of the best ways to work out what your dream characters are telling you is to ask them. 6. Tracking Your Dream Self Who are you in your dreams? Are you the protagonist or simply an observer? The character, who appears in all of your dreams, even if only as a witness, is you. 7. Symbol Exploration The dream source must often speak in symbols in order to carry us beyond the limitations of the everyday mind. Explore all such images. 8. “What Part of Me?” Dreams show us the many aspects of ourselves and help us integrate them. It is useful to ask “what part of me” different characters and elements in a dream might represent. Work with Dream Imagery: Write a dream motto: Write a one–line statement that summarizes what the dream is telling you. Confirm dream messages: Especially if your dream seems to contain a warning about a situation in external reality, you may want to take steps to check the information. Dream fulfillment or avoidance: If your dream seems to promise good things, try to figure out practical ways you can help to bring them to pass. If you don’t like a future event you have glimpsed in a dream, then consider how to get off the path that is leading you toward it. Rituals: Write a poem or story based on the dream, draw or paint the images, or construct a personal shield or dream talisman. Robert Moss leads popular seminars all over the world, including a three-year training for teachers of Active Dreaming and an online dream school. Blog: BeliefNet.com. Books by Robert Moss Conscious Dreaming Dreamways of the Iroquois The Three “Only” Things: Tapping the Power of Dreams, Coincidence and Imagination The Secret History of Dreaming Karen M. Rider is a freelance writer and sought after writing coach. She has published 200+ articles covering topics such as dream–work, shamanism, energy medicine, natural health and creativity. Karen has interviewed many visionary teachers and healers. Portfolio: www.karenmrider.com for guidance and insight on your writing project, connect with Karen: karenmrider@comcast.net On Facebook: www.facebookcom/kmriderauthor
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mod er n s h am an i c l i v i ng
Shaman Tree by Evelyn C. Rysdyk
O
ne of the ways that you can ground your spiritual practice into your everyday life is to dedicate a special place in your own yard as a sacred space. One wonderful way to do this is to create a shaman tree that will become your place for offerings, for your gratitude prayers and for honoring the spirits in all the realms Across Siberia and Central Asia, people have dedicated trees to be special places on the landscape that become the focus for prayer and making offerings. These may be located in a prominent place near a powerful mountain, a crossroads, the site of a spring, a river bank, the clearing in a forest or any location where there is a strong sense of the spirits of the land. These spirits, referred to as Cher Ezed in the Tuvan language, are thought of as masters or owners of these places. The shamans negotiate with these owners, or ezed, so that their people and the livestock under their care are able to thrive. To insure that the spirits of nature feel treasured and honored, the Tuvan people dedicate places on the landscape as places through which the ezed of nature may be honored.
Once the master braid is in place, the shaman again blesses the tree by dancing and singing around the tree while drumming or rattling. The shaman’s song, or algysh in Tuvan, is sung to praise the tree and, as a representative of the World Tree, its place in the Center of the Universe. Here is a translation of a typical algysh for the shaman tree shared by Mongush B. Kenin-Lopsan in his, Shamanic Songs and Myths of Tuva:
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Depending upon the local customs, these specially honored trees may be a pine, a birch or larch. The tree is chosen for being especially tall or for having a special shape, unusual branches, or an auspicious number of trunks. Trees with three trunks are thought of as money or abundance trees in Tuva, whereas a tree with two trunks might be dedicated to honor a marriage or the union of two clans. Trees with nine trunks are especially sacred across the region as nine is the most sacred number. Other times, a tree is chosen simply due to its proximity to a place that is to be honored, such as a sacred spring or waterfall. In this case, the tree may be of any species. Once a tree is chosen, the shaman performs a special blessing ritual. This ceremony is done to sanctify the tree as a place for ritual. This ritual dedicates the tree as a place where prayers may be carried directly into the spirit worlds. This is possible as all trees are echoes of the great World Tree that unites all the realms of the spirits and connects the heavens to Earth. In addition, offerings made at this special shaman tree help to strengthen the spirits of place and support fertility of the land of the livestock, as well as encourage harmony, luck and good health for the people. Here is a prayer from Tuva that communicates the sense of how important the spirits of place are to the well-being of all beings: From the ezed of the mountains that stand imposingly, From the ezed of water that rushes noisily, From the ezed of mountains that are many-peaked, From the ezed of grasses and trees that grow multi-branched, We beg good fortune. From the ezed of flowing waters, the ezed of whirlpools at river bends, the ezed of airy winds, the ezed of lying stones, We beg good fortune. When Ai Churek facilitated a shaman tree ceremony for our students in 2004 she demonstrated how a tree is dedicated by first journeying to the spirits of the land tree to honor them and to ask permission for the ceremony. Then the area beneath the tree is prepared by clearing brush and grasses away so that it is possible to walk all the way around the tree. The tree and the area around its base are then fed with sprinkled milk. The milk is tossed toward the tree, onto the ground and up into the air with a spoon dedicated to sacred purpose. Next, four or more yards of cotton cloth in three solid colors, red, yellow, and blue, are braided into a master chalama or prayer ribbon that is tied around the trunk of the tree. If the tree were especially large, nine yards would be used. While the shaman braids the fabric, the other end is held firmly by the oldest member of the community. This person is either kneeling on the ground or if that isn’t possible seated on a sacred cloth. The elder person’s role as an anchor represents the spirits of the ancestors being “woven” into the chalama to reflect their ongoing connections to our world and to access their blessings for the tree and the community. When the braiding of the fabric is completed, the cloth is tied around the trunk of the tree. The chalama must be long enough to leave “tails,” after it is knotted. These may be anywhere from a foot to about three feet long. This master chalama braid will become the vessel that holds the smaller chalama that people leave as offerings to ask for blessings and to honor the spirits. 16 Inner Tapestry Aug/Sept 2012
The author supporting her mother Agnes Rysdyk as the late, Ai Churek braided the master chalama during a shaman tree dedication ritual in 2004 (Photo Courtesy of Carl A. Hyatt)
Shaman tree you are the most wonderful tree on the earth; Shaman tree, they say you are the most beautiful tree in the world; Shaman tree, they say you are the goodness of an animal; Shaman tree, you embody all the spirits; Shaman tree, they say all the people’s lives are tied together in you; Shaman tree, they say you preserve among your beautiful branches people’s fortunes; Shaman tree! They say you give your healthfulness to the animals, Shaman tree! They say you give children a happy life, Shaman tree, sacred tree. At this point, the chalama and the tree would again be fed with milk and small fingers full of uncooked rice. These offerings are made with gratitude for the blessings the spirits provide. As it is with other indigenous cultures around the world, the offerings not only give thanks for what already is in place in our lives, but in advance for the blessings to come. Once dedicated in this fashion, the subsequent offerings at these trees would include tying smaller braids or strips of cloth to the master chalama. The offerings are either smaller braids made from three colors of ribbon, or simple strips of solidcolored cloth. These cloth offerings are threaded into the braided fabric of the master chalama and securely tied. If there are low branches, the smaller chalama or strips of cloth may be tied to the tree itself. When tied directly to the tree, these cloth offerings are only tied in a half knot and never too tightly so as not to choke the growth of the sacred tree. Other typical offerings include milk, clear alcohol such as vodka, cooked rice and sometimes sweets. Whichever form of offering is used, the person making the offering always walks around the tree three times clockwise, while chanting and praying thanks to the spirits. © 2012 Evelyn C. Rysdyk
Nationally recognized shaman teacher/healer, speaker, and author of Modern Shamanic Living: New Explorations of an Ancient Path and the soon to be published Spirit Walking a Course in Shamanic Power, 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. Join Evelyn for the workshop, Tuvan Shamanism, The Shaman’s Tree on November 10th & 11th. Go to: www.spiritpassages.com/calendar.html for registration.
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A Breath of Healing by Donna Amrita Davidge
The Way of Initiation Wikipedia: Initiation is a rite of passage ceremony marking entrance or acceptance into a group or society.
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It could also be a formal admission to adulthood in a community. In an extended sense it can signify transformation in which the initiate is reborn into a new role. Example: Hindu Diksha, Christian Baptism, Jewish Bar or Bat Mitzvah, fraternities (interesting they do not mention sororities), secret society or religious order, graduation from school, recruit training. From the Latin word “initium” – entrance, beginning, literally a going in. English related verb is to initiate – to begin a happening. Spiritual initiation – shepherding processes where those at a higher level guide the initiate through a greater exposure to knowledge (brings to mind yoga teacher trainings, depending on how they are taught). An initiation is considered to cause a fundamental change to begin within the person being initiated. Wikipedia even mentions Yoga in this context: In yoga it denotes acceptance by the Guru and implies that the chela (student or disciple) agreed to the requirements such as living ethical lifestyle, meditating etc. Reasons for and function of: 1) Conquest of the fear of real death 2) Reveal the deep meaning of existence 3) To open one to spiritual values 4) Opens one to the transcendental world 5) In our culture it can involve hazing which entails harassment, abuse or humiliation (We will see later how that happens in the yoga/meditation world) What are the ways of initiation of yoga? Are they real? Can they be? Many who do yoga are seeking answers outside themselves. While it is true that we can gain insights from the wisdom or elders and more experienced teachers in the Western World we should be cautious of those who use the title Guru too loosely or allow themselves to be called what they are not. Stories of teachers who grew to fame, only to be discovered for their hypocrisy (as human being we all must live with our contradiction as well as our flaws – yoga asks us to do this through self study) abound. People also look to historical teachers as Gurus such as Jesus Christ and Buddha. Little is known about Christ’s personal quest for guidance but some believe he meditated with Gurus in India. Buddha lived as wealthy royalty and chose to then live as a pauper as a richer way to go inward away from the trappings of external riches and responsibilities. They were not born Gurus but humans as you or I who likely had no desire to be called Guru or establish a religion. Certainly the way of initiation is not a hasty one. Recently, yet another “Guru” started a retreat after writing an inspiring book about his use of Buddhist principles to create a lucrative diamond business. When starting my own retreat I read the book with interest, underlining and contemplating how I might incorporate those principles. Fast forward to 2012. He has exiled a woman he was previously secretly married to and her husband from the group and sent them to the desert. The husband dies and the woman is saved. This brings up the benefit of blindly following a Guru. All too often we discover that Guru has less integrity than their followers, who are living in more truth and well meaning than the teacher. Many Gurus go against their own rules, lying in secrecy. Another recent teacher who had amassed a huge global following by creating his own form of yoga, came tumbling off his pedestal when it was discovered he was seducing married woman in a tantric initiation of some sort, as well as freezing his employee benefits to use funds inappropriately. People come to spiritual and yoga teachers often looking for guidance. If the teacher walks their walk they will simply live by example. Years ago a fellow teacher who reads palms and incorporated Kabbalah into his form of yoga made two predictions for me that he said would happen by the time I was forty. Neither happened. I heard recently he was in Mexico City teaching to a crowd of over one thousand and possibly several thousand eager followers. I never thought it was a
good sign that he could not look anyone in the eye. One young woman attended a class I taught a couple of years back and shared how she did not practice for a year or more after his teaching had affected her in a damaging way energetically. When I first started serious spiritual searching I was led to a teacher who claimed not to be a Guru. He came from India to America, he said, to create teachers not disciples. He made it clear that he was very human, though at a Master level, and did not initiate anyone. Those of us who taught his teachings did so as ongoing students of the practice and life. After his death in 2004 the organization became split. Lies, deception and egos ensued. (Including court cases where some claimed he had not been their teacher as they grabbed greedily to confiscate control of the businesses he had helped them build with principles he taught them). These were longtime followers that seemed to be following the Master and you would least expect to act this way. Every time it is the behind the scenes we find those contradictions of walk versus talk that are uncovered. To develop the attributes of a true Guru is rare, which is why I liked how our teacher Yogi Bhajan reminded us to learn to be self-reliant. When it comes to our inner truth only we know what is there even though through millennium people look to sorcerers and spiritual Masters to guide them to that truth. (Or to know it is there). In your life what might initiation look like? If you did all the yoga and meditation practices you could you might see things more clearly and brightly, sometimes. In the end I believe life itself, in every moment, is a type of initiation. Rituals are a fine way to define these rites of passage from marriages to funerals. Life can have many rites of passage depending on how many changes you choose or are thrown at you by life. As a yoga instructor sometimes people may come to me or other teachers looking for answers, physically, mentally or spiritually (as Yogi Bhajan suggested they would). The various phases of my life experiences, some foolish, some wise, some challenging, some rewarding have all been initiations in my own life that I may then become a bit wiser through them. (If you live a conscious life this would be the same for you). With this I might impart some wisdom to help another on their way. This is far from being a Guru that initiates. A Guru in yoga works one on one with you, starting with your mind, puts you to tests that you can learn from and come out the other side (as Yogi Bhajan put it – they poke. provoke and elevate you)- not by abuse by or even, God forbid, losing your life. The best initiation may be learning from your life experiences along the way with no regrets. • The teacher or Guru takes you from the darkness to the light • The teacher is not your personal friend. • The teacher does not seduce you sexually or emotionally. • The teacher does not claim to have the answers for you (even if he knows them; he helps you discover them on your own and his words help carry you there). • The teacher does not take advantage of you in any way. A true GURU only asks of you the things that will help you to grow spiritually and in wisdom. Yoga is full of teachers and all types of yoga these days. A recent article a student in New York showed me talked about how the yoga movement is moving into nightclubs with sober parties. The article ended with a class being led by a twenty four year old teacher. We can only assume her journey had just begun, as it did one day for Jesus Christ and Buddha as they started to search and later share what they had learned. “ You have to learn to be a student, and you have to become your own teacher before you become a teacher of anybody else. And you have to teach yourself first that you are a teacher.” Yogi Bhajan Maybe in the end the best way of the yoga initiate lies within.
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Donna Amrita Davidge has been teaching yoga in New York City since 1985 and at her Yoga Retreat Center Sewall House in Island Falls, Maine with her husband Kent Bonham Chef, massage therapist and musician, since 1997. www.sewallhouse.com, info@sewallhouse.com and 888 - 235 - 2395 for questions about yoga or the retreat. Their next small teacher training will be offered Sept 8-30 2012. Check website for other events and ongoing retreat through Columbus Day. Donna’s teachings can be found on Daily Om and Udemy online.
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w and erin g s age w i sd o m Diverting the River: Creating A Daily Practice
Aya Itagaki
by Aaron Hoopes
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Doing something over and over each day rewrites your internal programming and provides a structure designed to ground and center you within your being. From there you can think more clearly, your body feels better and you are able to react to disruptions in your life with mindful attention. Repetition also builds muscle memory that enhances your ability to improve. You grow stronger without putting strain on your body. Imagine a small river flowing through a forest, along its course. If you take a stick and drag it through the dirt off at an angle from the river, a small stream of water flows into your little trench. But the river continues to flow on its way. If you were to get a shovel and dig patch of earth out of the riverbank, it would fill with water. If on each day after that you dug some dirt out of the riverbank, in a week you might have a small pool of water filling your trench. In a month the trench would be longer and deeper and the water flowing through it would be growing in strength. A year of digging would find you with a significant stream of water flowing stronger each day. And eventually, after years of digging a little each day, you would find that you have managed to divert the course of the river. That river is the flow of your life. Sometimes calm and peaceful, sometimes a wild ride. And other times it may even be a challenge to keep your head above water. The shovel is your regular, daily practice. If you are not satisfied with the course of your life or you want to feel better… start digging. Diverting the course of your river is a practice of retaking control of your life and responsibility for it. You are not going to divert the river in a single day. Only a daily practice, repeated again and again, is going to build up the strength and energy inside you. It is not necessarily difficult, but may be the hardest thing you’ve ever asked yourself to do.
So what comes next, after that first step? You may have started yoga classes, or learned some tai chi movement, or attended a qigong workshop. You now understand that the benefits of holistic health practices can have a profound effect on your physical, mental, spiritual and energetic bodies. You have started on your journey and feel these practices affecting every level of your being. You see that they can bring dramatic changes to your outlook on life as a whole. But the problem is that you keep getting caught back up in the insanity of daily life. The stresses and tensions that you face each day in your busy world sap your energy and distract you from what is important. You lose momentum, miss a few classes and six months later find yourself back at the beginning of your thousand mile journey with nothing to show for it but a few more aches and pains, some peaceful memories and some excellent excuses as to why you stopped.
We live in a culture of instant gratification with too many options. Many people need to see amazing results the first time they try something or they quickly grow bored and move onto something else. Others rack up hours on ridiculous treadmill-ish machines watching tv. And a large number of people simply have not learned that they need to take care of their body so that it continues to function to the best of its ability.
So how do you keep the momentum going? There are many paths up the mountain, but the only one that leads to where you are going is the one you make yourself. I want to let you in on a little secret known by yogis, tai chi masters, and most enlightened sages of the spiritual arts. This secret is not a special training method that will provide you with magical energetic powers to levitate or walk through walls. It is not a miraculous technique that can allow you to fend off multiple opponents in battle, nor is it a way to get everything you ever wanted without any effort. It is, however, a method for bringing your body mind and spirit into alignment and getting yourself moving along that path up the mountain. The secret I’m talking about is maintaining a regular, daily practice. The practice should involve, in some form or another, deep breathing, gentle movement, easy stretching and a few moments of sitting in stillness. We call this training - Shen Qi. (pronounced shen chi) Shen Qi opens the path towards improved health and well-being, It provides calmness and clarity of mind which reduces stress and makes decision-making much more effective. It also reinvigorates the energy supplies of the body and brings us back into balance both physically and emotionally. It encourages a healthy, efficient metabolism, more deep and restful sleep and a healthier outlook on life in general. But it must be done on a regular basis. Why? The answer is - Repetition.
Whether you are going up the mountain or down the river, you will not make it very far with a body that is neglected and a mind that is bored or distracted. A simple daily practice of breathing, movement and meditation will open a whole new vista of possibilities for you. You don’t need books or videos with complicated practices. You don’t need more time, or more energy. You simply need to start doing it today…and tomorrow and the next day. People who devote time to a daily training of breath and movement understand the benefits come from a lifetime of practice. And those benefits accumulate into something profoundly wonderful. It is very possible that you have felt the benefits of this kind of practice. However, it is often the case that maintaining that feeling of well-being becomes progressively more difficult when we are assaulted by the stresses and tensions of daily life. The only option is to make daily life something else. Integrate a daily practice into your life and you will find amazing things happening. Take another step along your path each day and you will get where you are going. It is good to have an end to journey towards, but it is the journey that matters in the end. 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 30 years studying and teaching martial arts, tai chi, yoga and meditation. He is an author, retreat facilitator and the founder of Zen Yoga. Zen Yoga offers online spiritual deepening and personal development courses as well as summer retreats at the Shen Qi Retreat and Yoga Center in the mountains of Vermont. The Zen Yoga Daily Warm Up DVD is a simple method for integrating breath and movement into daily life. To contact Aaron or to find out more about Zen Yoga, please visit the Zen Yoga website: www.artofzenyoga.com
August /September
Tarot as Tool for Initiation into the World of Spirit online at www.innertapestry.org Aug/Sept 2012 Inner Tapestry 19
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I have always found this quote to be valuable for students as they begin their training in Zen Yoga, tai chi, qigong or the martial arts. They have come to a point in their life when they realize they want something beyond what they have at present, something deeper and more meaningful. They have taken that first step to make the necessary changes in their life to bring that into reality.
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Awareness and the Art of Seeing: Contemplations on the environment and interconnection by Jen Deraspe
Runaway Train Contained
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The heavy rains raised the water table. The spring spilled over and sent the mountain brook running to the sea. I watched the rising waters course down the granite sleuths and turns. The water appeared white with movement, agitation. There is a turn in the stream where the water crashes into the granite wall. With the same momentum that brought it there, it simply adjusts. It hit the wall without conflict or complaint and shifted to an equal and opposite option, still in the flow. In the adjustment there was a softening, the color more clear, the turbulence mellowed. As the water continued down the path of least resistance, it dispersed into a wide, clear and deep pool of stillness. I saw my life in the making. I had just hit the wall I name “Overwhelm.” I adjusted. Softening followed and then a dispersing of life energy took hold. As I re-entered life as I knew it following a 7 month sabbatical, I noticed new seeing and feeling in this world of beauty. I noticed a stronger witness to the affect of thought. I watched a train heading straight for a wall and adjusted the pace and direction just in time before it really hit. The track led to ease and peace. My first week back was filled with space, calculated visits, woods walks, smiling and an occasional surprise encounter with deers, a bear, neighbors and friends. Not to mention a new vibrancy and connection to this tree blanketed world. Then Life happened (work). Overwhelm visited and began to take hold. I was like a bear heading for the bait near the steel claw trap, missing what was right about to be underfoot. I saw it coming. Whatever the eyes missed, the body feelings filled in with constriction, anxiety. The bear paused, noticed, breathed, and witnessed the play. Bear was believing she had to get it all done and had to do it alone and did not have enough help and did not have enough time to do the deeds that needed to get done in time for retreaters’ arrival. Those bear thoughts sent her into Overwhelm. Witnessing the old thought patterns was enlightening. There was a palpable softening following the adjustment. Calm presence showed up. Bear went on rambling through the woods with ease, occasionally sitting to watch and listen. It’s a worthwhile practice...practicing presence and strengthening the witness. Overwhelm is neither efficient nor kind. That’s what’s so great about the concept of time... we get to begin again, over and over and have a wonderful life along the way. Jen Deraspe, founder of Nurture Through Nature Retreat Center, is a life coach, yoga teacher and retreat leader finding her way each step in the journey home. FMI please visit www.ntnretreats.com or www.thework.com.
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lov in g ear t h
T rans f o r ma ti v e Jou rn e ys by River J. Lee
Photo Courtsey of Yankee Post and Beam
Our deep love for life and this planet makes many of us want to live intentionally connected to the earth in good stewardship. In that vein, this column explores sustainable living, practical skills for nurturing the inner hunter/gatherer and stories from the wilderness.
On December 21, 2010, the winter solstice, I bid farewell to my friends and family and rode south. The pavement was dry but snow lined the streets. It was cold and I was dressed to the gills with my high altitude mountaineering clothes. It was hard to imagine that I would experience hot temperatures as I rode across the equator and crossed thousands of miles of barren dessert. In a Texas border town, I joined my friend whose dream had initiated this journey. We spent a day obtaining the required insurance and permits. The next day we crossed into Mexico’s Latin American culture and were immersed in the colors, smells and chaos that were to become so familiar during the journey. It was shocking to my system as I tried to adjust. In addition to the dogs and farm animals that wandered on the roads, the rules were different. Passing vehicles seemed to have the right away. If the slower vehicles didn’t yield the passing vehicle would drive down the middle of the road and force everyone off. Turn signals were used to indicate when it was OK to pass. We passed through Mexico and into Guatemala in the course of eleven days. We intended to study Spanish in the small town of San Pedro, Guatemala. This town was on the edge of Atitlan Lake which was ringed with volcanoes and in the early morning hours I would watch fishermen cast their nets over the misty waters. I had read a book by Martin Prechtel called Secrets of The Talking Jaguar in which the author chronicled his experiences with the indigenous people of this lake. I wondered how many people lived in the old ways. My friend decided to stay at the lake for a while longer and I felt a need to continue. I decided to continue alone. Although traveling solo had its risks, I would be free me to follow my own impulses and connect with people in my own way. In a remote village after a wrong turn I met a man with kind and spirited eyes. He was bouncing a toy owl from a rubber band as we spoke. I felt connected. I sensed that the people recognized my vulnerability and honored me by going way out of their way to give me directions and even lead me places. During these times, I felt supported and embraced.
In Costa Rica I left the pavement and followed a dirt road into the jungle. I saw beautiful and strange butterflies eating on the ground. Further on, I met a man who gave me a mango and advised me not to camp. He seemed to say something about crocodiles and other dangerous critters! I finally reached Panama City which was the end of the road for Central America. It is not possible to drive between Central America and South America because there is a hundred mile swamp called the Durian Gap in the way. Research had shown that it was possible to either take a boat or airplane around the Durian Gap to get to South America. There were no boats available when I was there, so I opted to fly. My motorcycle flew on a cargo airplane and I flew separately on a commercial flight. It felt difficult to be separated from my trusty motorcycle. When I picked up the bike in Bogota, Columbia, it was in a building with a loading dock. The only way out was down some steep stairs. I eased the bike down the stairs controlling the brakes while some workers kept the bike from tipping over. I had decided in advance to pass quickly through Columbia and spend time exploring Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. Ecuador felt like a homecoming because I had guided a couple of mountaineering trips there in years past. I rode up to the climbers hut on Chimborazo which is at an altitude of 14,500 feet above sea level. The motorcycle lost some power and I could feel the lack of oxygen in my body. I had reached the summit of Chimborazo with a client in 2003. This place was a marker in my life and I contemplated how much had changed since and where I was going with my life. Though I didn’t reach any conclusions, this experience felt significant. I had a spill while descending a washed out track in the mountains. I broke the emergency shutoff switch and would need to figure out how to bypass it. In my research, I had come across directions on how to bypass this if it malfunctions. So there, in the middle of a mountain range, with no people or civilization for miles, I turned on my computer, found the instructions and repaired the switch. I found myself smiling and chuckling at my careful planning and resourcefulness.
In Argentina I happened upon an ancient Unesco World Heritage Site called the Cuevas de las Manos or Cave of the Hands. The experience of walking down into the valley floor and up to the overhangs that preserved the cave art brought tears to my eyes. This wasn’t on my list and I just got lucky enough to find out about it. As I looked at the art I had vivid imaginations of the people who lived here and drew the paintings.
Continued on page 35
Aug/Sept 2012 Inner Tapestry 21
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Great journeys can be keystone experiences that enlarge and alter the trajectory of life. One such experience for me was a 2010 motorcycle trip from Maine to the southern tip of South America. I had no idea how this trip was going to transform my life… but I felt that something was waiting for me. A couple of years before the journey manifested a friend told me of his dream of traveling to South America on a motorcycle. I was intrigued and got my motorcycle license and a dilapidated old motorcycle. The first time I attempted to ride the motorcycle I dropped it in the driveway, but picked it up with help and tried again. I learned quickly and was proficient before long. As the plans for the trip solidified my thinking changed. I had great excitement and energy which I used to prepare for the trip. I spent a year fund raising and selling off stuff that I didn’t need any more. I bought a more suitable motorcycle and outfitted it for overland travel and rough terrain. I downloaded as much information about the motorcycle, border crossing requirements, and so forth onto my net book. I got the required immunizations and studied the political situations in the various countries that I would be traveling in. The amount of information that I amassed was equivalent to a couple semesters of college.
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behind the book
Bloodlines - Touch Not the Cat Thomas McKerley & Ingrid Schippers When American homicide detective Cathy Stewart reluctantly agrees to join her husband David on a trip to Ballindalloch Castle in the Scottish Highlands, she does not expect to solve a mystery set in motion by her own ancestors. The novel moves back and forth between late Victorian times and 2011, when Cathy uncovers a family skeleton with a story to tell and wounds to heal.
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“Yes, David plans to arrive on Sunday,” Cathy answered. “I’ll look forward to your tour of the grounds, John.” “Maybe you’ll even get to see our ghost,” George cut in. Cathy couldn’t help notice how Angus gave George a quick glance. John saw his father’s unease, and satisfied Cathy’s inquisitive eyes by saying: “You definitely don’t have to take this sort of thing seriously, but some of us Celts claim they have seen ghosts in the castle.” “You mean Gordon Macpherson?” Cathy asked, astonishing all present. Before giving David the final green light to have her tickets booked, Cathy had done some research and read about the apparition. “I met your ghost on the castle’s website,” she said. “He went missing while fishing in a nearby river, I believe?” “Well,” John said, glancing at his father for a moment, “In fact, he mysteriously disappeared in 1895. Some say he was murdered, some say he had an accident. In any case, be it a ghost or a shadow he left behind, he’s caused quite a bit of trouble in our family over the years; that much is certainly true.”
The smile on Cathy’s face froze as she looked at Angus. She made a mental note to question David about sending the picture. He sure was a lucky man not to be here right now. But she also resented how Angus had simply used the picture without even consulting her. She had spoken to him on the phone! He could have asked her consent. Was he one of those old fashioned patronizing family patriarchs, who simply went about their business, not bothering to ask the opinion of the people they were impacting? She hated that. She wasn’t even family, just carrying the same surname. Noticing Cathy’s awkward smile, Angus turned his back to her to hide a frown and a feeling of unease with the American lady. He focused on pouring a Cragganmore single malt whiskey into two large chunky crystal glasses that stood displayed on a drinks cabinet. He really hadn’t thought beforehand about what Catherine Macpherson would be like. He had simply wanted to Authors chat with Karen M. Rider entertain and hopefully impress the wife of the travel journalist How did you get the idea for Bloodlines: Touch Not who would write something complimentary about his castle in the Cat? the travel guide. Observing Catherine now, Angus wondered how Tom & Ingrid: Tom had been researching his family history easy this lady would be to impress. for years, going as far back as 1820. Ingrid had a dream in Trying to stimulate the atmosphere, he turned back to her. which she had been assigned to right a wrong that had taken “Here you go,” he said, handing her the glass with a generous place in her family 7 generations ago. We talked about how amount of whiskey. something that happened generations ago can influence “I hope you can appreciate this, as I think we need to someone’s life in present. Tom suggested that would make celebrate this special gathering in style. It’s distilled only a few a great short story. ‘For the fun of it’ he wrote a synopsis minutes from here,” he added, smiling. incorporating his own Scottish cultural inheritance. At that “Let’s see if my alleged Scottish genes will co-operate on this time, we weren’t thinking of writing a book together. one,” she said jokingly, raising the glass to her lips. How did you go from short story to novel? To heal the present, you sometimes need In fact, she had to admit she was truly amazed at how normal Ingrid: I was inspired by how Tom had given substance to my to go into the past… it felt to sit in a Scottish castle surrounded by Macphersons. She dream. His creation of American detective Cathy Stewart, who thought about the hours of work David put into his research and We are all One and part of each other, finds herself on a plane taking her back to her Scottish roots, here she was, freeloading Macphersons with no effort on her part. no matter the time and place. was surprisingly vivid for me… summoning visions of what the Angus’s sons had all been quiet and attentive so far. John stepped life of Cathy’s ancestors must have looked like. in to help his father steer his way through the hospitality show. Tom & Ingrid: Ingrid’s flashback scenes inspired me to write about Alexander’s “Speaking of genes” he said, “Have you researched your family background at all? We 1895 journey to America where he became a journalist for the Boston Globe. Then, have had family from Ballindalloch going to the USA. In theory, you could descend peculiar things started to happen: Tom would bring articles he had found in Scottish from one of them.” newspapers to our writing sessions. Events we had written about turned out to have “John, there must be thousands of Macphersons in the USA…” George jumped in. happened in real life! It is sometimes said the storyteller does not seek the story but “I’ve never done any research myself,” Cathy said, remembering how she had joined the story seeks the storyteller. That’s exactly what it felt like for us. It was as if the David on a trip to New York some years ago. They had done a boat tour to the Statue of story was urging us to write it down on paper. Liberty and the old immigration building on Ellis Island. David had spent a lot of time Touch Not the Cat but a glove—What’s it mean? in the research centre on the island. She, meanwhile, had bided her time watching some entertainment show somewhere else in the building—about the life of Bela Lugosi, one of Tom & Ingrid: The phrase is the Macpherson clan motto. In the book, it’s authentic meaning is fully explained and we’ve added a little extra dimension: “Your actions America’s immigrants who went from being a Hungarian refugee to living the Hollywood influence more than one lifetime.” dream as one of the most famous Draculas the world ever knew. The show had been fun, but other than that, she hadn’t really enjoyed the excursion. It had been crowded Would you like to invite the authors to speak at your bookstore, library or museum? with masses of people going on and off ferries with little protection against the pouring Contact the authors at info@touchnotthecat.com. rain. She had been forced to buy one of the cheap plastic rain capes they sold on board, Bloodlines: Touch Not the Cat is a gripping combination of mystery, romance and depicting the Statue of Liberty on the back. She had actually brought it with her to genealogy that will appeal to fans of historical fiction, suspense and family history. Ballindalloch, as it made a handy travel bag item and she’d heard the weather conditions could change rapidly in the Scottish Highlands. For more information on the book go to: www.touchnotthecat.com. “I’m not really interested in all that family tree stuff, unlike my husband David, he’s a The book can be purchased on Amazon and is available in fanatic,” she said to John. “But anyway, it’s very kind of you to invite me here." paperback and Kindle, as well as with all good booksellers. “I’ll give you a tour of the castle grounds tomorrow,” John said, “before the tourists Look for the authors on Facebook @ Bloodlines Touch Not the Cat. start arriving at ten. That will give you more time and space to enjoy it better. Is your husband not joining you?” 22 Inner Tapestry Aug/Sept 2012
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re f l e cti on s of a n amat eur spir it ual spelunker
Eden & The Apple: the bite heard 'round the world by: Curtis White
W
hy is it that whenever I’ve just taken a bite of an apple I have a sudden urge to projectile sneeze? If most sneezes are about a factor three or four, these apple sneezes are in several classes of sneeze more powerful than that—a factor seven, at a minimum. It may be that I’m allergic to apples. They are, after all, healthy, and it hasn’t been too long since I’ve been swallowing cheeseburgers and French fries on a regular basis. So part of me thinks my system, in a kind of perverse sense of what is good for it, is rejecting the healthy fruit, mistakenly thinking it to be poison.
You didn’t even need clothing then. You didn’t need to worry about where the next meal was coming from, either. That was being provided, gratis, by the almighty. If Adam or Eve looked up and thought what am I going to eat for lunch today, God would lean down and hand them a nice sandwich. Or, even if he were busy, he’d have an angel set up a nice grill for them with a whole heap of skewers and lamb burgers laid out just waiting to be cooked to perfection. Yep. It must have been nice for a while. Just imagine life in the garden. There wouldn’t have been any need for anything. So there wouldn’t have been any work, or any money, or any suffering or death. There wouldn’t have been much of anything at all, come to think of it.
No God worth his salt would have left his creations in such a miserable condition—just sitting around for eternity doing nothing and going nowhere. It should be considered an act of love, or at least, an act of letting go, that the figure of the Old Testament God had let his creations fall and move forward into the wasteland realms—which, he just happened to have waiting for them. Just in case. Wink, wink.
Yep. It must have been nice for awhile. Just imagine life in the garden...
It would have been a chilled out paradise where time effectively didn’t exist. Urges, I suppose, would have existed—the basic ones. But the beauty of Eden was that they were all instantly met. No resistance. No fuss. No need or place for fear or violence or doubt because it was all covered. It was the cool place to be, a heavenly outpost on earth—an endless VIP room, separated from the wasteland by a long red rope. God was like an all-powerful casino manager who could walk in and comp people unlimited chips for all eternity. And if we had stayed there it would have been very boring. There would have been no conflict, no pressure, no loss, and no growth. Existence would have been static— just a long drawn out smile, a perpetual lukewarm bath. The process of being born is analogous to the expulsion from Eden. In many ways the story of the fall is the story of a person entering the world from the stasis and comfort of the womb, where all needs are met and where nothing appears separate or unattainable. But of course, ultimately, there is a need to be born, to leave Eden and eat apples and sneeze and make a mess and screw things up and even eventually to
From that point comes civilization, and art and science and all of human history. There’s no way the Greeks could have invented democracy, much less the gyro sandwich, if Eden hadn’t closed up shop and forced humankind to slouch forward toward its destiny. Because of the fall we were allowed to enter into a realm of time and space and true consequence. That’s the process of being born, and the opportunity to live. So, we can look at leaving Eden as a punishment, as a curse, as a condemnation of mankind by a very touchy deity, or we can look at it as the process of being born—as an opportunity for spirit to test its mettle against a physical world. Don’t get me wrong; there are things about it that suck. A partial list of things I’m not particularly fond of is as follows: halitosis, warfare, yellow cars, and interest bearing loans.
As I’ve said, it’s a partial list. I don’t want to get into it too much or we’ll be here all day. And since, thanks to the fall, we’re now entitled to only so many breaths and heartbeats, I figure I should just get on with it. So maybe Eden was a great place to be for all eternity and maybe it wasn’t. Or maybe Eden exists still—as a place where spirit transforms into matter—where all potential gathers together, waiting to be born. I’m just going to sit here awhile longer eating my apple and think about it—but not for too long. I’ve got things to do, and I can feel a sneeze coming on.
Curtis White lives in Aberdeen, Scotland. He is a freelance copywriter, and an internationally ranked Chutes and Ladders champion (Grandmaster, 1st Class). Well, no. That’s not exactly true. He’s doesn’t play competitively. Not anymore. Not since that time in Istanbul when things got tragically out of hand. He’s given up that world now. Sure, he occasionally misses the razzle dazzle of the competitive board games circuit. The women. The cars. The cash. But, he rolled the dice. He took his turn at the table, and in the end he wound up with more ladders than he did chutes. And that’s the main thing. His email address is cwwhite78@gmail.com.
We hope you have enjoyed this issue of Inner Tapestry! Aug/Sept 2012 Inner Tapestry 23
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Or maybe it’s genetic memory—some cellular reminder that Adam once ate an apple and things went rapidly downhill from that point. After all, it must have been pretty swell in the Garden of Eden. Lots of nice, green, dry, warm land. Lots of al fresco dining and hanging out naked.
die. And thank God for that. Life would be intolerably boring in a perpetual state of blissed-out serenity.
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Initiation: Fire Of Creation Or Descent Into Chaos? by Teresa Piccari Ken Foster
T
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he reality culture we are steeped in was a fast and furious initiation, powered by a writer’s strike, which gave birth to early shows like Survivor and Big Brother, just before 2000. Practically overnight, our society took an evolutionary nosedive as creative drama was replaced by real human drama, packing a dog eat dog mentality. So long Lassie. If you have ever wondered what happens when an environment is deprived of its creative juice, tune into the prime time media and you will see plenty of up close and too personal examples. Over time the reality culture has entrenched itself in our psyche and we have found ourselves acting like the tragic real life heroes and heroines on the small screens. We are leaking everywhere, on Facebook®, in email, in picture and text messages and in cyber videos, not to mention in public. There is nothing inherently wrong with the technologies that are allowing us to connect like never before. It’s just that for many of us, the tools are being combined with low level behavior. It seems we have lost our sense of decorum, of what should be kept private and what gets trotted out for public consumption. Tune into most reality programming and you come face to face with one human train wreck after another. Over time, we have become desensitized and have begun to accept reality culture as our new normal. The missing crucial ingredient of creativity – whose organic process guides us through a necessary journey, where characters experience initiations as they evolve and stokes the fires of transformation – has led to too many human tragedies being played out in our living rooms, a sinking into chaos. No lessons learned, no remorse, no transformation, no resolution, few happily ever afters. It defies the natural order of life.
Live and Let Live
When I talk with people with whom I came of age there is a common theme that we have honed in upon about those years. There existed a Live and Let Live philosophy which, loosely translated, meant we enjoyed life, liberty, the right to earn a living and the pursuit of happiness, through the blessing of personal freedoms. We chose the people to whom we were suited as friends. We did not apologize for not choosing others, nor did we make them our enemies. We just lived, learned and played. In hindsight, I have considered that we must have been basking in some extreme state of Grace to have been so fortunate. I am keenly aware that the freedoms that were our birthright, were hard won by previous generations, including my ancestors. In recent years I have also waken up to the fact that I was born at the right time! I was enmeshed in yogic principles long before I took my first yoga class. The revolutionary benevolence that courses through me at a cellular level is a gift of 60s consciousness, showered upon us from unique planetary alignments. As a culture we opened up to our peaceful and loving natures, but allowed war and drugs to derail us from completing our mission.
Judgement Day
One of the benefits of being raised in a metropolitan area is the diversity of people, cultures, ethnicities, politics, religions and lifestyles that are a natural and accepted part of the environment. As children we played and had the great good fortune to not be concerned with where or how our neighbors prayed, as long as there were enough of us around to get a game of kickball underway, we were happy. Sure we were aware of our differences, which showed mostly in our home environments, particularly in the food on our tables. Sitting at one another’s tables and having sleepovers with friends was common. We innately understood that we had much to learn from one another. By getting close enough to peer out of a neighbor’s lens, our perspective on the world was expanded and enriched. Our parents played together too. Visiting and eating at one another’s homes allowed them to show off their culinary talents and tastes, immersing themselves into other worlds through the short journey over the side lawns and streets that connected us. Our differences were shared and celebrated as opposed to separating us. They connected over swapped recipes and skills. One of the many new families that arrived in our neighborhood on the cusp of my adolescence changed things for all of us. They were “Christian,” which to be honest, 26 Inner Tapestry Aug/Sept 2012
confused me about how that was something that separated me from them. Raised Catholic, I was pretty darn sure I was a Christian myself but apparently not in their minds. Within a few months, the daughter of their family had become friendly with the daughter in the Jewish family (where I watched episodes of Speed Racer and got my first taste of blintzes and Matzo ball soup while listening to the brilliant animated father who spoke with a thick accent) that lived right next door to us. Relations quickly spiralled. Our idyllic bubble had been burst by judgement. It was a sad day in the neighborhood.
Change Your Channel
It is a sad day for our country as national election activity is being fueled by judgements around lifestyle, religious and political choices – these were great hard won freedoms that previous generations labored over and gifted us with as their legacy. As we change, our environment needs to change with us. Flip your channel, raise your vibration. Choose your friends and lovers with great discernment. We really are products of our environment and the company we keep. The work you do will definitely help you and can make a difference for those who choose not to or are not yet able. If you are a swan being heckled in the duck pond, lift yourself up and find your own kind. Let the ducks go on happily being ducks. Live and let live. Help when you are asked, if you think it will make a difference. Maybe you will inspire another person to realize they are a swan. Or just be who you are and shine, allowing for the possibility that your life, as Yogi Bhajan said, will act as a lighthouse to keep others off the rocks. We truly are at a crucial juncture – similar to what we saw in the 60s. We can learn from the mistakes that were made then. We cannot afford to be derailed again. It is time to own who we are, to claim and celebrate our own divinity, as well as acknowledging that of others. It is time to steer clear of people who do not value you or who cannot see who you are.
Primal Time Vs. Prime Time
As long as we’re talking reality, I have a confession to make. I am not as nice as I used to be. I was nice for the first 45 years of my life and it came with a huge price tag. When I hear someone describe a virtual stranger they have just met as nice, I secretly cringe. I’d rather someone see me as intriguing, spirited or passionate than soul-killingly nice. Being too nice, or falling asleep at the wheel of your life, opens the door for others to knowingly and sometimes out of ignorance, take advantage and carve away at your gifts and the liberties that are your natural inheritance on this planet. If you find yourself in uncomfortable situations where you are being judged or information is being demanded of you for no good reason, pay attention to that inner voice, and set a boundary. People who are trying to make genuine and sincere connections with us do so in ways that feel good. They are respectful of what we deem an appropriate exchange when meeting strangers, understanding that getting to know another person should be a beautiful dance and need not be an interrogation. As a woman I have called on my primal instincts to care for and protect each member of my family during personal and health crises, even my dog. I am embarrassed to say there have been times in my life when I have not shown myself the same respect and love by standing up for myself in challenging situations. I don’t do that anymore. Through initiation, I have been reminded of who I am. If pressed, I have been known to show my incisors when a scenario warrants such a response. Not exactly lady like – I’ve given up my membership in that club. I am no longer willing to throw myself to the wolves. Now I run with the wolves, as any wise woman should. © 2012 Teresa Piccari Teresa Piccari is a writer, teacher and creativity coach living in coastal Maine. She is the proprietor of The Village Scribe, a professional writing and editing business, at The Wellness Center in Camden at 71 Elm St. She teaches writing workshops including Memoir, Creative Writing and Mythic Structure, and she also runs the monthly Ducktrap Writers’ Round Table on third Sundays at the Camden Public Library from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Contact her at: The21stCenturyBohemian@hotmail.com or (207) 975-7075.
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SANKOFA PROVIDING: Neuromuscular Therapy, including but not limited to: Myofascial Release, Soft Tissue Mobilization, Sports Massage, Trigger Point & Deep Tissue Massage
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Caring therapeutic touch to honor and nurture the total being.
Helen G. Caddie-Larcenia Licensed Massage Therapist
207 845-2707
Washington, ME 04574
A Day Long Retreat Yoga Sail on Penobscot Bay
Lunch will be served in the pilothouse on the sail home.
All ages and experience levels welcome!
Call For Sail Dates Time: 9:00 AM -3:00 PM Breast Screening
• Safe, Painless • Radiation-free • Non-invasive FDA Registered
Ingrid LeVasseur
5 Fundy Road, Suite 10C Falmouth, ME 04105 207-781-6060 www.MyInnerImage.com
Price: $120/per person 6 people maximum 207-505-1618
http://www.sailingmissnina.com
Aug/Sept 2012 Inner Tapestry 27
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Our yoga instructor, April Dove, will lead you on a meditation of the senses as we sail across this protected and secluded bay from Belfast to the northern tip of Islesboro. Enjoy the serenity as she guides you through a 1 1/2 hour yoga routine overlooking the water.
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An Astrological Forecast for Aquarian Age Consciousness
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May through July represented a major spike forward in our transformational journey into an Aquarian Age. The Eclipses, the Venus passage, Uranus square Pluto, and other planetary movements helped to shake up our world, our lives, and our consciousness. That shakeup has helped us to release old patterns and belief systems that were aligned with the programming we have received from a society attached to an old Paradigm and Age. Each time we receive the energies and patterns from important planetary movements, as we did this past spring and early summer, we not only are able to release the old toxic energies and patterns; we are also more open to breakthroughs into more healthy and whole bodies, souls, and consciousness. The power of transformation is extremely strong now and will be for several more years, as we are in transition between Ages, Paradigms and Worlds. 2012, according to Mayan beliefs, is a big year for transformational change out of an old world and into a new world. The turning point day is said to be December 21, 2012. That is when the Old World ends. Most astrologers believe the beginning of the Aquarian Age is upon us, though there is much disagreement as to when that begins. I personally believe that will happen after December 2020 when Jupiter conjuncts Saturn at 0+ degrees of Aquarius. So as your life changes more and more, remember that all is happening in a meaningful and sacred manner. Your consciousness and life are wanting to align with your deeper soul’s intentions, with the Universe, and with the Age and paradigm we are moving into. For some the movement is relatively graceful, but for most others the journey of healing and transformation into a New Age can be challenging at times, as we sometimes painfully let go of our old toxins, programming, and dysfunctional patterns. Learning to trust our authentic souls, our own minds and body wisdom, and of course our hearts is a deep journey. Trusting the Universe is connected to trusting our selves, and astrology shows us the planetary movements in line with nature and that Universe. In late June, early July we all entered a new chapter of our lives, both personally and globally. We have made deep soul decisions to move forward on our Soul’s path, and to let go more the old path and old ways. In the bigger picture, there is much intensity growing because of the split between worlds. An old world is tugging with its fears and material priorities in one direction, and the new world is opening us to greater connections, more love and truth.
The Full Moon in Aquarius on August 1 is at 11:27 PM EDT. Individual and group priorities are reshuffled. Big personalities confront demands for equality and social awareness. This is a culminating event from what was begun on July 18/19 at the New Moon in Cancer. Look now for resolution or fulfillment from what was started 2 weeks ago. On August 8 Mercury goes back Direct. Clarity begins to appear, direction is forming. Relief is felt by many. For some it is best to wait a few days to truly see reality in a clear way again. On August 17 is a New Moon in Leo at 11:54 AM. It is time for new beginnings at a New Moon, a time to best visualize what you desire to create. In fact Leo is all about creativity, the natural heart spontaneous creativity of a child. So connecting with this Leo New Moon will help you to follow your heart to what is best for you. Just remember that Leo energies out of balance are egos out of balance. Just as the child is heart spontaneous, he/ she also requires much attention and praise. So get in touch this solar Leo month with your need to be noticed and admired and perhaps even in the spotlight. But most important get in touch with an open heart that expresses naturally. And get in touch with your personal creativity and creative projects. On August 22 the Sun moves into Virgo, so your focus is going toward putting things in order, to fixing what needs to be fixed or healed, to making your life more simple and grounded. The Sun and Mars make aspect with flowing and mystical Neptune on August 24-26, so let go of any rigid agendas and yield to your desire to trust and flow. Do not push so hard and be so goal oriented. This Neptunian influence is running counter to the Virgo need to put things in order, so you may have to work out a suitable balance. There is Full Moon in Virgo/Pisces on August 31 at 9:58 AM EDT, so the aforementioned conflict between finding order and being in the flow persists. Oceanic Neptune is the “ruler” of Pisces. What Virgo and Pisces have in common is a desire to sacrifice the self and be of service to others or to God. Virgo is more attuned to the material world and Pisces to the mystical world. Virgo is grounded, focused and sometimes even obsessive. Pisces floats and spaces out and “disappears” into other realms. Virgo mechanically fixes, analyses, and makes work. Pisces is a healing energy that disarms, and finds connective inner unity.
Learning to trust our authentic souls, our own minds and body wisdom, and of course our hearts is a deep journey.
August 2012
August brings events and changes to our greater world and personal worlds that are a result of the shakeups from the Eclipse Season and Venus Passage. The new chapter we have thus entered as a human family is bringing us more fully into Aquarian Age consciousness. As August begins, we are still in Mercury Retrograde, and there is a Full Moon in Aquarius August 1st here in the USA. Mercury went retrograde on July 15, and will stay there until August 8. While it is retrograde one’s mental perceptions are shifting, sometimes subtly, yet sometimes putting us in a more obvious Twilight Zone fog. It is best to stay aware that we are in a Mercury Retrograde time period, so one can more closely check one’s communications, thinking process, and big decisions. Remember that Mercury Retrograde is part of nature’s natural cycles, so there is nothing to be fearful or superstitious about. It is a time of naturally shifting mental airwaves; thus the old logic will not work as well, more reflection and creative thinking is best.
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September 2012
The process for election of the President of the USA intensifies in September as we are only 2 months away from Election Day. We will look more closely at the election and the candidates’ charts and their possibilities in the next issue of ITJ. In mid September energies intensify greatly. On September 15 there is a New Moon in Virgo at 10:11 PM, putting pressure on needs to put your life in order. It is time to get back to hard work, to school, to fixing what needs to be fixed, to cleaning up, to doing what had been put off before. Virgo is strongly discriminating, but also can be very critical, especially of itself. Virgo is about being humble, and sometimes that can mean humiliated. Virgo does not fly high and is uncomfortable if others do. At this Virgo New Moon, it is time to get real and grounded. The 17th through the 19th bring powerful aspects. Pluto, ruler of Scorpio, changes directions and goes back Direct on September 17/18. Its extremely intense and transformational energy permeate our energy field and lives now. It is even more powerful than usual, as Pluto is now in square to Uranus.
29 Uranus and Pluto make their second square to one another on September 18/19. Remember the first pass was in late June, at the end of the spring Eclipse Season. Uranus and Pluto together bring strong revolutionary and evolutionary movements. In 1965/66 their conjunction brought on the ‘60s powerful revolution. And now between 2012-2015 they meet again, this time in square. Expect life changing world events now and for the next few years. In your personal life, be aware of how powerful the energies of transformation are now. Important issues may come up in your life and in your emotions surrounding this time period. It is time to do deeper releasing, to let go of old fears, dramas and dysfunctional patterns that are ready to be passed. The process may be painful for some. As you release now, you are making room for more love and light to come in. You are opening to your Higher Self, and to a healthier and whole authentic soul self. This is one of those, turning point time periods, and the events you need to help you to turn the corner in your healing and transformation process will come to you. On September 23 we go through Autumn Equinox 2012, it is at 10:49 AM EDT. This is a time when light and dark, yin and yang are equal. But after this moment we turn to more yin darkness. It is Libra time of year and the balance of the scales is equal but changing toward downward motion. This is metaphorically the sunset time of the year; and as we get more darkness, we change our priorities away from more self-centeredness to social awareness and relationship. The approaching darkness reminds us that in vulnerable times we need others.
Darkness continues to increase until the Winter Solstice, when dark minutes of the day will be greatest, yet then beginning to move toward more light. That next shift, at Winter Solstice is on December 21, the date of the ending of the Mayan Calendar. So much is likely to be stirring at this Autumn Equinox, as it is the last seasonal marker before the end of an old World according to Mayan traditions. September comes to a close near the Full Moon in Libra/Aries on September 29 at 11:19 PM EDT. This is a Full Moon that seeks to balance your needs to take for your self, with your needs to be sensitive to others, social needs, and relationship. This Full Moon may be quite powerful as it makes close aspect to the Uranus/Pluto Square. See you in October. Leo Knighton Tallarico is co-director of Spiritual Renaissance Center with his soul mate Deborah. He has been a full-time professional astrologer, counselor, spiritual guide, and writer for 26 years. He specializes in guiding and counseling individuals and couples through the transformation of their consciousness and lives during change and crisis. Knowing the big picture of one’s life is essential for positive transformation, and is a big part of any consultation with Leo. For more information about Leo’s readings and consultations contact him at soulus@aol.com or call him at (207) 653-7717. He has a weekly forecast blog at www.spiritualtherapy.wordpress.com, and has a website at www.spiritualrenaissance.com.
by Ari Joshua Bouse
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ere in Northern New England, we are blessed with the great White Mountains. By George, once atop Mount Washington, we read about a legend that posits this mountain range once dwarfed the rocky mountain high that John Denver sang beautifully. I remember when some mates from The Clubhouse and I ventured out to embark on a hiking excursion. Feeling inebriated by spirit of the season, we walked together while staying rooted as we traversed the rugged terrain. During our ascent, I remembered the memory that reaching the summit is always a peak experience and carrot to look forward to eating, while digesting the valley below. We journeyed to a hut and bore witness to an elaborate telepathic exchange that involved an elaborate heist crafted by a red squirrel and a chipmunk. Together, my fiends and I observed a clandestine operation of an accomplice-red squirrel posted as a sentinel. Coupled with his other Nervous Woodland Creature (NWC) partner-in-crime, in his bravado, we watched the chipmunk going’ Straight Outta Woodland by breaking into our hut without permission, climbing into our backpacks and fleeing the crime scene with a phat cache of dried fruits and nuts. But I remembered to stay calm in the pocket and cut back to inner peace like Tom Brady and Barry Sanders, as I realized the possibility that Instant Karma might offer our NWC friends a payment in kind. But we did not see any “Do Not Cross Police Line” plastic stickers, nor did we witness a subsequent natural consequence directly. However, our collective forensics training reminded us that it was not long before a turkey arrived and harvested balance in their thievery by taking it back and leveling the playing field. Can’t you hear the earworm of the South Philadelphia neighborhood choir from the American film classic Rocky? As I gaze onward from the Mountaintop, I know I will choose to focus on feeling pleasantly full after becoming two Full Moons in August and drinking in the waning days of Summer. Yes, the squirrels are going nuts, while reminding us to be laborious, get organized and prepare for Autumn’s waning light. The dog days of August cue us that the intensity of Summer is leaving and back to school fever is scratching us in the air. Here in Maine, we watch most of the tourists leave us alone and go away,
which conjures up mixed feelings of grieving Summer’s passing and excitement that September is scintillating here, with less humidity and freedom to venture out in circles among like-minded folks. Somewhat akin to the Yin-Yang egalitarian balancing act of the past Spring Equinox, we look forward to the Fall Equinox, especially the peeping leafers. However, we shift gears during this time of energetic alignment, as masculine wanes and feminine energies turn back our clocks Yin-ward, preparing us for rest and inner work. Feminine energy is waxing. What is more, I am reminded of the Bob Dylan energy in me that sings it’s not dark yet, but it’s getting’ there. At this junction in nature’s cycle, mountain goats, rams and squirrels are powerful animals to tune into by allowing ourselves to receive their spirited energies. In harvesting their power, we remember to keep our footing while climbing, seeking new heights, adapting to previously uncharted summits and weathering vibrational shifts. When tapping into goat energy, we find balance in being scholarly and industrious, while tempering ambition and opportunism. In our clairvoyance and forecasting, we learn to more effectively weather Climate Change with secure footing, staying rooted and avoid getting washed out in the process. Ram assists us in stimulating our mental activity, curiosity and imagination by gripping small portals of opportunity so that we are equipped to manifest Heaven on Earth. In picturing a figure 8, we step into the realm of Infinity by keeping one foot in spirit, one foot in ground, as Native American legend teaches us. God as my witness, I’ll try to remember that mantra when I suit up to play Sunday morning football with the local menfolk from around the way. Ari Joshua Bouse is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and light-heartily working toward co-creating Heaven on Earth. Ari is also a Reiki Master, proud dad, devoted husband and passionate about his daily meditation puree, venturing out in nature, playing music and sports. To learn more, please feel free to visit his blog at: www.darknightwalksinsunlight.wordpress.com. Aug/Sept 2012 Inner Tapestry 29
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Classroom Mothership Earth: Climbing Onward
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t he way o f l i fe i t- se l f
A New Cosmology How living orgainisms work is unlike anything ever imagined. by Norm Hirst
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he current paradigm change is making a transition from a rigid, mechanistic, and materialistic worldview to one that is built on a foundation of interconnectedness, cooperation, and the intersection of science and spirituality. What used to work no longer will. We can find evidence everywhere. Without awareness and meaning, consciousness becomes a random thought and sound-bite generator. Living entities can initiate acts. In acting they add an uncontrollable quality that cannot be calculated through any physical laws of force. Living entities do not passively await an external force to do something. For life there is no cause and effect. No determinism. Life is wholistic from bottom to top. Using reductionism destroys knowledge of our living organization and how best to work with it; the very aspect we should be trying to understand.
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So a shift in the consciousness that’s been with us for over 25 centuries is occurring. It demands new ways of knowing. A time of such fundamental shifts brings possibilities as well as confusion. Now new discoveries are revealing the arena we live in to be a living organism. Indeed it appears the cosmos is a living organism. In structure, an organism may appear to have many parts, but in process and function organism consists of societies of actors, acting on the basis of communication and coordination with all that organism’s societies and actors. Thus organisms function as a single holism, a quantum living holography. A new understanding of what life is and the organizing principles in life are being revealed during the past two decades as never before. Living entities are self-creating. They are autopoietic. A self-knowing process creates them. Ironically, as humans, it seems we have much to learn about what it means to be alive because a majority of effort by humanity has gone into learning more about things, technology and matter, not life-itself. Scientific materialism has dominated every fabric of our existence so much so that few people today even know that it was a philosophical, metaphysical choice so many years ago (at least 2500 years) that took science in the direction it has. Unfortunately, today, the nature of science has been totally lost. I’ve learned that today’s philosophy has lost the analytic and synthetic, an unfortunate regression. The practice of science has been thoroughly corrupted by greedy sponsors who suppress scientists from speaking truth. I hate to mention science; but we do need to restore real science to provide help for us now in confusing times. In the old paradigm of scientific materialism is the belief that we exist as material beings in a material world, all of whose phenomena are the consequences of material relations among material entities caught in a life destroying trap. From that perspective, as we explore the arena we live in and try to make sense of it, all we can assume is matter is senseless, valueless, and purposeless. There has been no room for understanding values beyond thinking of them as Sunday-School virtues. In the new paradigm conscious awareness of value processes becomes essential to the way living entities choose their acts and assert their will. Since, as yet, we do not have sufficient understanding of the role of value processes we think force makes sense. Politicians stand up and promise to be tough. This is just futile posturing because under the heading “tough” there is nothing they can do that doesn’t exacerbate the problem they are trying to solve. Where life cannot find ways to fulfill itself, results will be abhorrent, unhealthy work-arounds. If subverted long enough, violence is inevitable. Life will not be controlled by any degree of force. Unfortunately, given a materialistic meta-physics, scientific explorers have been limited to a minor territory, the domain of the physical/non-living. But the technology produced by materialism has enabled us to see life-itself in process for the first time. Now, a great deal more of reality can be seen. However, with this new capacity, it becomes clear that the diminished perspective of materialism is destroying life. We must quickly create a philosophy and science for the 21st Century. The dominant 30 Inner Tapestry Aug/Sept 2012
Western worldview has no room for life! It is a world focused on nonliving matter governed by laws that require force. It is a view of mechanisms, cause and effect, and determinism. Can all those deterministic forces possibly account for our experience? Is there anyway to combine them all together in such a way as to produce what we experience? Simply, no. There is no way. So biologists explain that it’s “random processes” and survival of the fittest. There is no chance in hell that random processes can produce what we have in our experience; nor produce us for that matter. Life charged with creating novelty under conditions of great co-intelligence can create life and evolution. But scientific materialism has provided technology by which the internal workings of living organisms can be observed as they live. But – how living organisms work is unlike anything ever imagined! As we learn how living entities function, it turns out that it is nothing like we thought. Living entities are not machines, nor machine-like. Their workings are not subject to cause and effect, and they are not carrying out calculations. Living entities are capable of initiating their own acts based on values. They live in societies that give them maximum freedom within coherence conditions required by life. That is true even in the cells in our bodies. It is true of the molecules in cells, and, in nature. It is true of us on the living earth. Reality is not just rocks with accidental creation of life as epiphenomena here on earth. Life itself is fundamental. In the last three decades there have been scientific discoveries that materialism cannot account for. I mean laboratory discoveries that cannot happen if the materialism view is correct. Outside of certain scientific circles, such as some biophysicists, they are unknown. Though I often find people are not surprised when I speak of them. A change of consciousness is happening. In 1947 Schrodinger wrote his book, What is Life, in which he said living organisms are not subjected to entropy. It is clear today that they are not. Entropy represents a loss of order. Living organisms create order. In life, value processes replace cause and effect; it makes such a difference that living processes can increase order, thus living entities are not subject to the second law of thermodynamics.
Ironically,
as humans, it seems
we have much
Biology had tried to become scientific by adopting the protocols of physics. These conformed to materialism, cause and effect, and reductionism. But the living process is made up of totally interconnected and interactive organisms. An organism is a focus for coherent acts. Life requires coherence laws, not control. The coherence conditions are just now being discovered beginning with quantum coherence. Living organisms learn by acts of inquiry. Acts of inquiry are based on what reason provides. When we reason, there are necessary starting assumptions that drive how we inquire. They are metaphysical assumptions. We require drastic changes in metaphysics based on process, not matter.
to learn about what it means to be alive...
Matter isn’t fundamental, energy is. Physicists have discovered the Dirac Sea; zero point energy that fills all of what we thought was empty space. The physicist, P.A.M. Dirac, made a change to Schrödinger’s quantum equations that lead to discovery of this pervasive energy; thus it is named the Dirac Sea. Much of fundamental reality occurs in the Dirac Sea from which it becomes manifest in our space-time of material. Rather than matter being fundamental, energy flows in the Sea of Dirac are fundamental. The reality-underlying quantum theory is a living organism. That is why quantum theory is so difficult to interpret. The dynamics of those energy flows are, I believe, the dynamics of life. The energy flows manifest matter and living entities. All life is one, a living organism. Due to its connectedness we have primary unmediated experience. Actually living entities is a broader category then we previously knew. For example, our bodies are composed of cells that contain molecules. Traditional biology claimed that the molecules were just jostled about; occasionally two would
31 collide and their shapes were such that they would lock together. Now it is known that the molecules are emitting signals. They are “singing” to find one another. To be alive is to be able to act. There is nothing in our history of ideas, whether philosophical or scientific, that deals with living self-acting entities. Everything in our philosophy and science is an attempt to imitate life with non-living entities not capable of action. We will talk about life as energies within the electronics nature of living organisms. Mysteries such as how can bodies of so many parts be holistic? The answer is: the living processes within it are holistic. The living processes within it are “metastable” and constantly have to be maintained by energy. If the living processes are gone, all that’s left is hardware. What is coming out in today’s research requires understanding how living processes are free to act and combine in societal unities. It is life itself that produces evolution, not random processes or survival of the fittest. Life evolves based on values, which requires an awareness of the holism. At all the levels mentioned above, living entities are choosing acts based on values characteristic of their level. That the molecules in cells are living is contrary to what biologists have traditionally thought. Now laboratory evidence shows signals and
behavior indicating that they are living and acting. In life, valuation processes are pervasive. We have lived with materialism too long to remember the qualities of life. It seems to me that many are trying to live as if they are machines; we are not well suited to being robots. It is the adventure of living fully that gives life meaning. And that ain’t all. We’re just beginning – some initiation truly!
Norm and Skye Hirst, PhD – co-founders of The Autonomics Institute. Together they are combining their work as consultants, researchers and educators to bring this emerging view of life as organism into focus. As the shift of consciousness occurs, Skye works as coach and educator to individual progressive leaders worldwide, helping business owners, policy makers, and community organizers process the difficult challenges facing us at this time. Beginning at MIT studying physics, mathematics and values, Norm chose as his life work the study of where and how values show up in science. 50 years later he’s bringing out his findings of a whole new reality, philosophy and science for understanding life-itself dynamics. Contact them at hirst@autognomics.org or shirst@autognomics.org.
The Benefits Of
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Detoxing The Body By Sitaji Devi
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ost people do not have a good understanding about health. I include my former self in that statement and admit that it took me quite a long time and many bouts with sickness before I learned how to eat right. It has not been emphasized enough in our education system to leave any lasting impression on young people as they embark on their own into self-sufficient living. Even the parents that are raising them probably don’t know enough about good eating habits to make informed decisions when food shopping and preparing the meals for their family. These days many people eat fast-food out or buy prepared/packaged meals that deprive them of whole foods and nutrition. Larger portions and eating a great amount of unhealthy foods like cookies and ice cream is destroying our society’s well-being. It tastes so good I know, but it is basically empty calories that deprive your body of the nourishment it needs. Sugar has a multitude of negative effects on the body. Enough about our bad eating habits we’ve grown so accustomed to, I’ll get right into the health challenges we create when we let the fast food establishments and the standard American diet (S.A.D.) dictate our nourishment requirements. Due to an imbalance in our daily meals of too much meat, dairy, wheat and sugar, we are now one of the unhealthiest countries in the world with the most obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Our bodies don’t stand a chance if we continue to eat foods that aren’t good for us. Therefore we need to find a solution. The Essenes, a religious group from the time of Jesus, stated the importance of detoxing the body and adopting a healthy lifestyle in order to be whole in mind, body & spirit. One way to do this is by not eating before bed and giving your organs a chance to rest. Also decreasing the amount we eat, never satiate yourself; it is good to stop eating at 80% fullness. Most people’s bodies are overrun with unfriendly bacteria called Candida due to taking antibiotics combined with a stressful, sedentary unhealthy lifestyle—while lacking live foods due to overcooking. Once the body is compromised by an overgrowth of this fungus the internal organs begin to clog up and lose their ability to function properly. We have discovered a solution to this problem and are excited to teach others how to be free of this epidemic—which wreaks havoc on your health, by lowering your energy level and libido and can cause many other emotional and physical illnesses. Some examples are depression, moodiness, hormonal imbalances, thyroid disease, skin problems like eczema and acne. It is essential to have a body that is alkaline in order to be free of diseases like cancer. Scientists have discovered that cancer cannot grow in an alkaline environment.
You can use test strips to determine your ph level—if it turns blue/green you are alkaline/healthy or if it stays yellow you are acidic/unhealthy. For years my strip stayed yellow, Type A blood types like myself have a high acid level in their digestive system which requires a lot of alkaline foods (green leafy vegetables) in their diet, they also need to keep their stress levels very low. My spiritual practice of yoga and meditation relaxes me. Another way I keep my body alkaline is through diet, by eliminating sugar and drinking lemon in water and kefir (probiotic), which we teach people how to make without sugar and is part of The Body Ecology Diet by Donna Gates. We have many wonderful recipes to share. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune to eat healthy. It’s affordable, easy-to-do and you don’t have to feel deprived on this new way of eating, there are many alternative ingredients that make the food taste great. Xylitol is a natural sugar substitute that comes from birch trees and it’s not only sweet it is anti fungal and good for your teeth. There are many other types of flours to replace wheat (a gluten allergy which affects many, weakens the immune system, and can cause many health issues). One dollar spent on preventive care saves you $16 in medical expenses in the future. It’s worth eating healthy to stay out of the hospital—good for your body and good for your wallet. If you would like to look and feel younger and have more energy to enjoy your life, lose weight effortlessly and keep it off naturally—give us a call for more information about our upcoming retreats or to schedule a private in-home detox/healthy diet training. The Center for Health & Spirit, (207) 491-2313, is located in Farmington, Maine. We offer a stressfree, relaxing environment in nature to help set you on the right path to wholeness and a better way of life. We offer retreats that train you in healthy cooking, relaxation methods and spiritual guidance. Our meals are organic, vegetarian-based with some fish and always delicious! You will learn how to menu plan, set up a healthy pantry, receive food shopping guidance and learn easy recipes. We have a hands-on approach and would be happy to come to your home and help you organize your kitchen, take you food shopping and assist in meal preparation. We understand that it takes time to change such deeply ingrained “bad” habits and that assistance may be needed. We feel confident that after a weekend detox retreat you will leave with a good understanding of how to live better and eat for life.
(Disclaimer) This isn’t meant to treat, cure, prevent or diagnose any illness, we know that the body and nature heals itself when it has a strong immune system and a healthy environment.
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Calendar And Classified Guidelines And Advertising Rates Are Located on Page 35
August ~ Vermont August 5th, 3:00pm-8:00pm Qigong Day Retreat Gentle Breathing & Movement Training for Energy Cultivation. Beginners welcome. Includes Vegetarian Dinner, Campfire Ceremony, and Fire Spinning Demonstration Shen Qi Gardens, Vershire, Vermont. www.shenqiyoga.com, (802) 685-4448.
August 17th-19th Touch the Earth - Weekend Retreat
H eart V isions August ~ Maine August 2012 Camp Etna Events August 5th-August 11th: Medium Reverend Rosy D’Elia August 12th-August 18th: Medium Louis Gates August 19-August 25th: Medium Steve Herman For more information www.CampEtna.com.
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August 11th, 11:00am-1:00pm Meditation and Healing Workshop Life is an adventure and we each possess the tools to make it richer and more fulfilling. Come join me to discover your inner resources. I am Suzanne Camp, a practicing Energy Healer and Teacher for over 30 years. Testimonial: The class is wonderful. I recommend it to anyone on a spiritual path. SG, Belfast, ME. Free to the Public! Location: Belfast Library. Call for information (207) 338-3081 or www.suzannecamp.com.
August 11th, Saturday, 10:00am-6:00pm The 2012 Phenomenon What does 2012 mean to you? A day discussion of inspiration and navigation through this magical year. $25 per person / $40 per couple http://atthecenter.net/2012, atthecenter@gmail.com, (207) 204-1151.
Strengthen your connection to Mother Earth. Program includes Deep Relaxation, Tai Chi, Qigong, Zen Yoga, Meditation, Drumming Circle, Vegetarian Meals. Shen Qi Gardens, Vershire, Vermont. www.shenqiyoga.com, (802) 685-4448.
September~Connecticut September 13th-Weekend Grand Opening of CT Yoga Center – Middletown Offering free chair massage and Reiki sessions, free yoga and meditation, special offers on massage sessions and yoga class passes while enjoying complimentary snacks and tea. Please check our website for a detailed schedule of the weekend’s events, www.ctyogacenter.com or call Erika Halford, ERYT, LMT (860) 986-2017.
September ~ Maine September 7th-9th Sisters of the Sacred Spiral This retreat weekend for women includes; Ceremony, Sweat Lodge, Teachings and Relaxation. More Information: www. atthecenter.net, atthecenter@gmail.com, (207) 388-2155 or (207) 240-1151.
September 8th, 11:00am-1:00pm Meditation and Healing Workshop
Silent Retreat w/Patricia Brown at Rolling Meadows Retreat Center, a 100-acre sanctuary in Brooks, Maine. www.rollingmeadowsretreat.com (888) 666-6412.
Life is an adventure and we each possess the tools to make it richer and more fulfilling. Come join me to discover your inner resources. I am Suzanne Camp, a practicing Energy Healer and Teacher for over 30 years. Testimonial: The class is wonderful. I recommend it to anyone on a spiritual path. SG, Belfast, ME. Free to the Public! Location: Belfast Library. Call for information (207) 338-3081 or www.suzannecamp.com.
August 24th -25th Downeast Spiritual Life Conference- Ellsworth
September 8th & 9th, 9:00am-4:00pm both days Welcome to “Shamanism: What’s it all about?”
August 12th-18th Body Prayers Yoga and Vipassana Meditation
Pre-conference workshops on Friday. Saturday conference with Fr. Richard Rohr, Andrew Harvey, and Phyllis Tickle followed by Paul Winter concert. More information at www.downeastspiritual.org.
This workshop will be an introduction to shamanic practice. We will examine history, practice, and students will experience basic journeying techniques. FMI-Yvonne Thibodeau, Sacred Heart of the Wolf at (207) 356-2662.
August 26th, Sunday, 11:00am-4:00pm Annual Healing Arts Festival
September 8th-30th The Sewall House Yoga Teacher Training
by the river at Gardens of Atlantis. Healers, Psychics & Card Readers, Local Artisans & Crafters, Huge Yard Sale, Great Food and Music. Free Admission! www.gardensofatlantis.org (207) 929-5088.
August 26th-September 1st Camp Etna International Week Featuring International Mediums Sandra McFadden- Mixed Level Mediumship & Colin Hall- Psychic Art, 9:00am-12:30pm$125. Hurry spaces are filling fast! For more information go to www.CampEtna.com.
August 31st-September 3rd The Undefended Heart - Yoga & Meditation Retreat w/Surya Chandra Das at Rolling Meadows a 100-acre sanctuary in Brooks, Maine. Vegetarian meals, nature, silence. www.rollingmeadowsretreat.com or (888) 666-6412.
August 31st-September 3rd Belly Dancing and Yoga Yoga with Donna Davidge and Belly Dancing with Reyna Alcala. $500 plus tax, Island Falls, ME. FMI call (888) 2352395, ((646) 316-5151 or info@sewallhouse.com.
32 Inner Tapestry Aug/Sept 2012
with Donna Amrita Davidge, 200 hours. Island Falls, ME. See www.sewallhouse.com/application for on website training page. FMI: info@sewallhouse.com, or (888) 235-2395, (646) 316-5151.
September 12th-16th Got Fear?? A retreat inviting you to freedom from fear and insecurity. 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 a powerful process of self-inquiry, The Work. www.thework.com,: www.ntnretreats.com, (207) 452-2929, Denmark, Maine.
September 22nd & 23rd Engaging Cellular Breathing: with Karin Spitfire Continuing Education for all bodyworkers.... Grounding your touch in cellular consciousness. Bangor, ME (207) 947-7087, www.MaineMassageSchool.com.
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September 22nd-29th Look Within Self Retreat Week Silent Meditation Retreat w/Patricia Brown at Rolling Meadows Retreat Center, a 100-acre sanctuary in Brooks, Maine. www. rollingmeadowsretreat.com (888) 666-6412.
September 22th & 29th, 9:00am-4:00pm both Saturdays Usui Reiki II Workshop: Learn symbols augmenting Reiki energy, treatment techniques, Reiki techniques, and guided meditation. Ample practice time. FMI-Yvonne Thibodeau, Sacred Heart of the Wolf @ (207) 356-2662.
September ~Vermont September 8th, 10:00am-3:00pm Qigong Day Retreat Gentle Breathing & Movement Training for Energy Cultivation beginners welcome. Includes Vegetarian Lunch, Garden Tour, and Sword Dance Demonstration Shen Qi Gardens, Vershire, Vermont. www.shenqiyoga.com, (802) 685-4448.
Upcoming~Connecticut October 13th &14th, 9:00am-5:00pm both days Cranial Sacral Philosophy and Practice, Part II at CT Center for Massage Therapy, 75 Kitts Lane, Newington, CT. This is the second of a two-part cranial series. This class is open to anyone who has taken Part I or who has prior experience using cranial therapy in their practice and would like to expand their level of comfort and skill in helping their patients. Tuition $275. FMI contact Joe Belanger, PT (860) 372-8236, joeb.pt@snet.net; to register, call Jessica Porter at (888) 216-0547.
November 17th, 9:00am-1:00pm Introductory Cranial Sacral Therapy Workshop at Middlesex Hospital Cancer Center Wellness Room, 536 Saybrook Rd., Middletown, CT. For practitioners and anyone else who would like to learn and experience what Cranial Sacral Therapy is, how it works, what types of symptoms and conditions it may be used for and how it’s applied. This is an interactive sharing of how cranial technique can be helpful and, for some, to determine if this is something you would like to study more in-depth. FMI, registration, call Joe Belanger, PT at (860) 372-8236. CEU’s provided to those that need them. Sliding scale: $35-$55.
Upcoming ~ Maine October 5th-8th Fall Foliage Yoga ~ Meditation Eco-Retreat at Nurture Through Nature. Experience Maine’s magical splendor in a beautiful setting. Open yourself through daily yoga, mediation, woods walks, canoeing, sauna steam bath and the bounty the fall harvest offers. FMI: www.ntnretreats.com. (207) 595-8260. Denmark, Maine.
October 5th–8th Columbus Day Weekend -Yoga & Meditation Retreat w/Surya Chandra Das at Rolling Meadows a 100-acre sanctuary in Brooks, Maine. Vegetarian meals, nature, silence. www.rollingmeadowsretreat.com or (888) 666-6412.
October 5th-8th Mother~Realized Retreat Join this conversation to see what is left between you and your mother. It does not matter if she is dead or alive, if you were raised by a monster or a saint, discover the ways you are still mother~realized so that you may better become self~realized, for your freedom’s sake. www.ntnretreats.com, www.thework.com, (207) 595-8260, Denmark, Maine.
info@innertapestry.org
33 October 6th, 9:00am–4:00pm Healing Arts & Psychic Festival Enjoy this festival of holistic health practitioners, readings from psychics and mediums, gems, jewelry, numerology, energy healing, workshops, and more. $5.00 admission. Fairfield Community Center, 61 Water Street, Fairfield, Maine (near Waterville). More information and workshop schedule on website: healingartsandpsychicfestival.com, (207)314-1499.
October 6th, 11:00am-1:00pm Healing Power of Essential Oils
Sunday ~ Bhakti-Yoga Festival – 3:00pm
Healing And Prayer Circle ~ Free
Join us for kirtan, philosophy and vegetarian dinner. No charge. Hare Krishna Temple. 1683 Main St. East Hartford (860) 289-7252, www.iskconct.org.
2nd Thursday 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.
Ongoing Reiki Offerings Individual Reiki Sessions, Crystal Healings, Reiki Shares & Classes in Eastern CT. Please call Carleen, RMT at (860) 884-3125 for more information.
Holistic Moms Network
Come reclaim your gift of health and vitality. Free. Island Falls, ME. FMI: (646) 316-5151, (888) 235-2395, info@sewallhouse.com.
National non-profit organization for parents with an interest in holistic health and green living. Visit www.holisticmoms.org to find a local chapter.
October 7th, 2:00pm-5:00pm Thai Yoga Bodywork
SunDo Mountain Taoism
with Anna Winkler. $35 or $60 per couple. Island Falls, ME. FMI: (646) 316-5151, (888) 235-2395, info@sewallhouse.com.
October 13th & 20th, 9:00am-4:00pm, both Saturdays Usui Reiki III, ART Workshop: Advanced practitioner attunenment and techniques, working with crystals and the Reiki Grid, meditation and aura balancing techniques. Ample practice time. Must have completed Reiki II. FMI-Yvonne Thibodeau, Sacred Heart of the Wolf at (207) 356-2662.
October 14th-19th The Ease of Being - Yoga & Meditation Retreat w/Surya Chandra Das at Rolling Meadows a 100-acre sanctuary in Brooks, Maine. Vegetarian meals, nature, silence. www.rollingmeadowsretreat.com or (888) 666-6412.
October 20th & 21st I Feel It In My Bones: with Karin Spitfire Continuing Education for all bodyworkers... Aid alignment and movement. Bangor, ME (207) 947-7087, www. MaineMassageSchool.com.
November 9th–12th Living from our Sacred Self – Yoga & Meditation Retreat
November 10th, 9:00am–4:00pm Healing Arts & Psychic Festival Enjoy this festival of holistic health practitioners, readings from psychics and mediums, gems, jewelry, numerology, energy healing, workshops, and more. $5.00 admission. Hutchinson Center, 80 Belmont Avenue, Belfast, Maine 04915. More information and workshop schedule on website: www.healingartsandpsychicfestival.com, (207) 314-1499.
Upcoming~Massachusetts October 13th, Saturday, 10:00am-5:00pm, Newton Psychic Development, Past Lives & Angel Communication Workshop with Ross J. Miller, psychic healer, medium, regression therapist. In this unique, experiential workshop you’ll learn how to identify your guardian angels and spirit guides by name and receive their guidance, healing and inspiration; discover your soul’s life purpose; experience two of your past lives and heal the residual karma from them; give psychic readings to others in class and more. To register for the workshop or to schedule a psychic or past-life reading or healing session in person or over the phone, visit our website: www.TheMysticWay.com or call Ross J. Miller (617) 527-3583.
Ongoing~Connecticut Cranial Sacral Study Group meets on the second Monday of each month 7:00pm-9:00pm at Bodymind Center for Thai Massage, 95 Kitts Lane, Newington, CT. This group is for any practitioner looking to expand and deepen their level of comfort and “skill” in using cranial therapy in their practice. If you have a portable massage table, please bring it. Information/registration, call or email Joe Belanger at (860) 372-8236, joeb.pt@snet.net. Donation $10.
Every Monday 6:00pm YOGA class The Sunflower Bungalow all levels, (with heated Floor in the Dream Room) 1273 Queen Street Southington, CT 06489 (860) 747-1100.
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
ECKANKAR Temple of CT -- a place for all who love God. ECKANKAR Worship services 10:00am, 2nd Sunday of the month. Inspirational talks and uplifting music awaken spiritual understanding in everyday life. Middlefield. www.ct-eckankar.org; eckinfo@ct-eckankar.org.
Ongo ing ~
M aine
Holistic Coaching Immersion with Jen Deraspe, Denmark, Maine The intention for this silent immersion into You is to truly embrace life as a living meditation. Retreat into an environment that creates space for the deep truth within to honestly arise. Contact Jen for complimentary phone session. www.ntnretreats.com, (207) 452-2929.
Yoga Alliance School Southwest Maine www.WellHeartYoga.com Year round, ongoing monthly modules 200hr. yoga certification/brush up, thematic, courses (CEC) for certified teachers. Always the first Saturday/Sunday of each month 8:00am-4:00pm, $300 per module/$2300 for the entire 8 months. FMI: (207) 625-4756.
Twin Hearts Meditation Group Every Thursday at 7:30 PM at The Maine Center for Pranic Healing, 47 Pleasant St. Oxford, ME 04270. FMI call (207) 240-4637 website: www.mcks.pranichealing4me.com.
A gathering together as a community Third Saturday of each month. Those of us in this Spiritual Field can come together to meet and to create a community. This will be a potluck lunch, with good laughter, good company, and a chance to meet each other, face to face, in a safe environment. We will meet at the Unity of Greater Portland facility, at 54 River Road, in Windham, Me. The gathering will be from noon until 4:00pm. FMI: Bob Beane, (207) 749-1857, or email sebagojourney@yahoo.com.
Experience New Options in Life! Release stress and discomfort in gifted healer, Suzanne Camp’s ongoing Meditation Class. Testimonial: "The class is wonderful. I recommend it to anyone on a spiritual path." SG Belfast, ME. FREE to the Public! Location: Belfast Library. Call for dates and reservations (207) 338-3081 or www.suzannecamp.com.
Access Consciousness™ The Bars Ongoing private sessions and classes with Anneshin. Energetically release thoughts, beliefs, emotions that keep you from being you. Windham, ME. FMI anneshinhealing@gmail.com (207) 523-9941 www.accessconsciousness.com.
Augusta Spiritualist Church Sunday Service 10:30am, First Thursday, Mini Readings 7:00pm-9:00pm $15/15 min. Awareness Classes, Thursday 7:00pm-9:00pm. Corner of Perham/Court St. FMI call (207) 504-1088 or visit our website, www.augustaspiritualistchurch.org.
Monthly Dowsing Classes Learn how to dowse with a pendulum or L-Rods. Check out www.trustyourspirit.org or www.leapinlizards.biz for classes and times. FMI call Paul at (207) 332-9681.
Women’s Group Meeting weekly for support and relaxing body-mind exercises. Thursday’s 6:30pm-8:00pm in Damariscotta. Call Angela Hassenpflug at (207) 592-7888 or email angela@gestaltyourlife.com
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.
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.
Reiki - Healing Ways of Kennebunk Reiki classes offered monthly. Learn this ancient art of hands-on healing for yourself, loved ones, and pets. FMI Rachel Pelletier, LMT (207) 967-0035 or www.healingwaysonline.com.
The Ducktrap Writers’ Round Table meets on third Sundays at Camden Public Library from 2:00pm-4:00pm. A venue for writers who wish to share work, receive feedback and be supported in their craft. Call Teresa Piccari, proprietor of The Village Scribe, at (207) 975-7075 for more info. Suggested fee is $15.
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 17 Dunn St., 2nd floor, Westbrook (American Legion) 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, 17 Dunn St., 2nd floor, Westbrook (American Legion) 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, 17 Dunn St., 2nd floor, Westbrook. (American Legion) Classes start at 7:30pm. Most classes are by donation. FMI call (207) 6556673 or visit our website at www.portlandspiritualistchurch.org.
Meditation and Buddhism: Are you searching for happiness, freedom, transformation and positive thinking? "We become what we think" (the Buddha). Learn more at Nagaloka Buddhist Center, 54 York Street, Portland. Our program includes weekly meditation sessions, regular scheduled introduction classes on meditation and Buddhism and events for all levels of practitioners. www.nagalokabuddhistcenter.org, (207) 329-8041.
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.
Spiritual Horizons Maine Seeking a spiritual community? Share illuminating, spiritual discussions/presentations in an open, welcoming environment. Meets every Tuesday at 7:00pm at 75 State Street, Portland. We've Changed Our Programing Format! For more Information: www.spiritualhorizonsmaine.ning.com.
EnergizeTM Sessions with Emmanuelle Chaulet Stress relief, energy clearing and balancing, RYSE®. Selfconfidence, boundaries and empowerment issues. For artists, performers, women, body workers. $80 ($70 students) Holistic Pathways, Gorham, (207) 929-2651. www.emmanuellechaulet.com.
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w/Surya Chandra Das at Rolling Meadows a 100-acre sanctuary in Brooks, Maine. Vegetarian meals, nature, silence. www.rollingmeadowsretreat.com or (888) 666-6412.
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.
Have a problem with food?
34 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.
Regular Oneness Deeksha Circles (free) Experience the transmission of Divine Grace – declutch the mind and awaken the kundalini – shift your life! Oneness Trainers Elizabeth and Maha'al. Contact Elizabeth@IntegralReal.com or (207) 619-1663.
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.
Dragonfly Taijiquan, Larry Ira Landau Group & Private Instruction in T’ai Chi Ch’aun (taijiquan) & Chi Kung (qigong) for beginners & experienced students. Studios in Portland and Kennebunkport. Ongoing classes, workshops & retreats. FMI: (207) 761-2142 or (207) 967-4070.
Doula tea ~ meet with doulas in person Learn how doulas help families during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. We meet one Sunday each month at the Birth Roots, 101 State St., Portland from 9:00am-11:00am. There is no fee, pre-registration is required. Call Rebecca Goodwin at (207) 318-8272.
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.
“SANT MAT RADHASWAMI SATSANG”
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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 Eaton Satsang 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.
Portsmouth Spiritual Chats Every Saturday during June and continuing on Saturdays weekly. Bring your spiritual questions to a free public spiritual chat offered on Saturdays from 10:00am-11:30am, throughout the year at Breaking Grounds Coffee House, 14 Market Square, Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Sponsored by Eckankar, Religion of the Light and Sound of God. Eckankar teaches ancient spiritual wisdom for people of all faiths, with practical tools for thriving as a spiritual being in today's world. Monthly themes & discussion topics are listed on our website www.eckankar-nh.org.
Ongoing ~ Vermont Tai Chi for Kids Daytime Class - Basic Tai Chi movements help to develop coordination, structure and discipline in a fun and mentally stimulating environment. Fridays 2:30pm-3:30pm Ages 5-7 $10. Shen Qi Gardens, Vershire, VT. Phone (802) 685-4448 www.shenqiyoga.com.
Zen Yoga Breathing, movement, stretching and deep guided relaxation meditation. Every Wednesday evening. Beginners 6:00pm-7:00pm. All levels 7:00pm-8:30pm. $10 per class. Location: Studio Time and Space in Springfield, VT. Everyone welcome. www.studiotimeandspace.org. (802) 591-0990.
Shen Qi Yoga Evening Class - Breathe & Movement with Gentle Yoga, finishing with a Guided Relaxation. Mondays 6:00pm-7:15pm. $10 Beginners Welcome. Shen Qi Gardens, Vershire, VT. Phone (802) 685-4448 www.shenqiyoga.com
Classified Listings HEALING PLACES & SPACES ~ Maine Nurture Through Nature specializes in holistic personal retreats. Experience peace, healing and connection with self and nature in a simple and earth-friendly environment. Enjoy yoga, body work, a Finnish wood-fired sauna steam bath, dips in the mountain brook, hiking, meditation, The Work of Byron Katie, canoeing, kayaking... create your own getaway for individuals, couples and small groups. Bridgton Lakes Region, Denmark, (207) 452-2929, www.ntnretreats.com.
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.
HEALING PLACES & SPACES ~ Vermont Touch the Earth Retreat Shen Qi Gardens is a rural outdoor retreat center situated on 150 acres of Mountain, Ledge & Forest, With Camping Area - Yoga Studio - Zen Shiatsu Massage - Meditation Gardens - Swimming Pond - Hiking Trails and Organic Vegatable & Herb Gardens, it is the perfect environment in which to relax and let go for the weekend. See main ad under Directory of Resource Retreats, 1152 North Rd., Vershire, VT 05079. Phone (802) 685-4448. www.shenqiyoga.com
Continuing Education for Massage Therapists Zen Yoga Online Courses, Workshops and Retreats provide CE hours for Licensed Massage Therapists. Zen Yoga is certified with the NCBTMB. Please contact us for more information. www.artofzenyoga.com
Zen Shiatsu Healing Massage Energy balancing massage for pain releif, injury rehabilitation, stress reduction and deep relaxation. Trained in Japan, Aaron Hoopes has over 25 years experience. If your body needs healing visit: breathe@artofzenyoga.com
PRACTITIONERS ~ Connecticut Intuitive Phone Readings: Jennifer Page has been giving intuitive phone readings for over 25 years. If gaining clarity or assistance in decisionmaking would benefit you; dial (860) 919-7107 to make an appointment. See jenniferpage.org for more information.
PRACTITIONERS ~ Maine Radiant Healing Linda Deming, Reiki III Master and certified Full Spectrum Healing practitioner, is a graduate of The Rhys Thomas Institute of Energy Medicine. She invites you to experience deep healing on many levels. Located in Blue Hill. (207) 374-9292 www. radianthealing.info.
Reiki: The Path to New Beginnings New Reiki Practice in Portland/Free introductory treatment. One on one classes for certification in Reiki. Please call or email Mary Jo DiBenedetto at (207) 233-7181, mdibenedetto@ maine.rr.com.
Learn to develop your gifts Unicorn Cove School of Metaphysics offers private classes inhouse and online. Psychic development, astrology, numerology, tarot, dream interpretation, spellwork, healing and others. www.unicorn-cove.com.
Holistic Event Organizing and Planning Hosting your own wellness event? If you are interested in putting together your own local wellness event and need assistance in planning, please contact Doug Reighley at (207) 749-1961 or dareighley@comcast.net.
SACRED RENTAL SPACE ~ Maine 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, yurt, private camping, wood-fired sauna, yoga studio, hiking trails, mountain brook, Denmark, ~ Greater Bridgton Lakes Region, www.ntnretreats.com, (207) 452-2929.
34 Inner Tapestry Aug/Sept 2012
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.
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Mantra of Unification
The Peace Movement; Education; Sustainable living; Socially responsible business, Fair trade, Rio+20 UN Conference on Sustainable Development. International Inter-religious Peace Councils; Awakened World 2012; World communication, internet, group truth ever evolving individual to group consciousness; and all the hopeful youth movements; One, Me to We, Free the Children. These and many others are all signs of the awakening heart of humanity. Herein lies our hope, that we will cross the burning ground. Grasping our spiritual heritage, we are now aware of the choice before us, a Soul conscious inclusive and non-separative direction. “It is the unfoldment of the human consciousness in response to the presented conditions in any country or countries that is of moment; the “human state of mind” is just beginning to focus itself on the things that matter and to express itself in a living fashion. The thinkers and servers must learn to concentrate upon the awakening consciousness, and not upon the superficial movements.” (The Externalization of the Hierarchy, pg.74) Sometimes pain and suffering are overbearing, we cannot see beyond the burning ground and fear there is no end in sight. But hope lies in the recognition of the signs of progress. We are not alone… We are one. As our polarity shifts up and orientates to a more spiritual life, we should remain ever vigilant for signs of the One, known by many names, whom we all wait for.
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.)
~ Alice Bailey, Djwal Khul Discipleship in the New Age, Vol II.
Bob Svihovec – When asked, what one does for a living, Bob Svihovec usually responds that he is an animator, breathing life into matter. Searching for the path home has led to the outer expression of the stories, which help to inspire our journey. He has published the graphic novel Hercules: The Mythic Journey Retold, and has developed several animated films, from the children’s film, “Little Blue” to the just released Buddhist story, “The Ritual Cat.” It is his belief that we are all animators. Travel well. svihovec@littleblue.us
with love and joy. A couple of days ago, for the first time in my life, I felt our baby move inside my wife’s belly. I have the distinct feeling that we’ve begun another journey that will be transformative! I hope you’re inspired to follow your dreams and grow! River lives an abundant life and loves to spend time with his family, hunt and gather food, cut firewood and maintain his home. River’s professional life reflects a tapestry of skills and interests. River leads trips and teaches outdoor skills through his guide service, Maine Bound Guides. River also owns and operates Ridgetop Construction, a small company with a green focus.
http://www.maineboundguides.com http://www.mountainspiritjourneys.com/ (207) 461-4840.
Calendar of Events and Classified Guidelines
~ Ongoing Event Listings ~
Classified Ads
A six-month (3 issue) listing is $25 for 30 words, additional words are 50 cents each.
Classified ads are $20 for 30 words, additional words are 50 cents each.
Please follow the format of our Ongoing Listings found in the journal and online, (Title, frequency, description, location and contact information.)
Please send formatted listings. We do not publish press releases.
All Calendar and Classified Listings are listed on the Inner Tapestry Website!
JAug/Sept 2012 Inner Tapestry 35
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My motorcycle was fairly beat up from carrying the heavy load over such rugged terrain. The frame was cracked in a couple of places, the luggage rack seemed to be constantly breaking, one rear view mirror was broken, and the fork seals were leaking. When I was just miles from the literal end of the road on the island of Tierra del Fuego at the very southern tip of South America, a wire frayed through its sheath and began to short out on the frame of the bike. Emergency electrical tape application saved the moment and I was able to ride the rest of the way to the town of Ushuaia. However, the moment I arrived in town the engine lost compression and the motorcycle was finished. This synchronistic event had meaning for me. The fact that the motorcycle died at the end of the trip, in a safe place, made me feel protected and guided by forces greater than myself. I imagined the motorcycle felt like a marathon runner who collapsed at the end of a race. This trip was a gate between my old life and new life. I feel emotionally richer. As I write this I am listening to my pregnant wife move about the house and am filled
The sons of men are One and I am One with them. I seek to love not hate, I seek to serve and not exact due service, I seek to heal, not hurt. Let pain bring due reward of Light and Love. Let the Soul control the outer form, and life and all events And bring to light the Love that underlies the happenings of the time. Let vision come, and insight. Let the future stand revealed. Let inner union demonstrate and outer cleavages be gone. Let Love Prevail. Let All Kind Love.
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e xp l o r i ng the wo rl d rel igions
Changing Your Destiny By Contemplating The Divine Light Within by James Bean Accumulated Thoughts Cause Births and Deaths Again and Again “With our thoughts we make the world.” (Buddha) “Having been blessed with this human form, one must make proper use of their ‘Pradhan Buddhi’ or Supreme intellect by utilizing it for the attainment of SelfRealization and thus make fruitful or productive this human birth.” (The Shri Paramhans Advait Mat Granth) “Desire for anything assumes the form of a thought. The moment a desire to attain something or the other, arises in the mind, that very moment, man is thrown into an ocean of thoughts. These very thoughts become the basis of resolutions and options, which cause one to enter into different forms after death [transmigration, reincarnation]. Whatever the nature of thought at the time of death is determines the next form or birth for that soul.
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“All the doubts and desires should be made to merge with the Shabd Naam or Word [the Divine Current of Light and Sound], to get rid of the consequences of innumerable births and transmigration. Except for the desire to recite Naam, no other desire should take hold of the mind... By remembering the Lord, one attains God-realization and when this stage is reached, then there is no need to resort to any other means of attaining moksha (liberation).” (The Shri Paramhans Advait Mat Granth)
Spirit, etc. Any name of God can work. Whichever name symbolizes for you the highest truth and the Lord of Love is a very good name, a natural mantra. (Note: formal Initiation into a much more advanced version of meditation practice is also available at various locations around the world and online.) As we remain focused and mentally repeat our sacred word or words, we may notice the appearance or manifestation of inner Light. We may see sparks of Light that look something like fireflies, stars, various colors or other visions of Light. “If thine eye be Single, thy whole body shall be full of Light,” say many Masters of the past and present. In the Gospel of Thomas, Yeshua says, “if one is (whole), one will be filled with Light, but if one is divided, one will be filled with darkness.” If the energy of our attention is scattered and dissipated into the outer world of the five senses, we see darkness, but if our attention returns to the Single Eye Focus – the seat of the soul – Light shall appear. Or, in other words, we will discover the Light that is already there. Masters say it is a good idea to meditate everyday to lighten the load of karma. The inner Currents of Sound and Light wash away karma and give us more divine grace, thus uplifting our destiny to the highest good. The Force known as Shabd Naam (Divine Sound and Light) coming from above, busts into the world of time and space, freeing souls from the law of karma. We become what we see. If we contemplate the Light of God – we become That.
“Whatever man thinketh, that he obtaineth. If he were to dwell on the Absolute – he would become immortal!” (Namdev) Harmony of All Religions is a free online book I just added to the Library Section of my website at SpiritualAwakeningRadio.com. It contains a very useful presentation about successful meditation practice. It’s so easy to fall asleep during meditation, to discover our attempt at meditation turning into a ‘sleep-itation’. The focus can also be lost as the mind resumes thinking during that period we call meditation, gets caught up in daydreaming, fantasies, remembering past events, worries, planning for future events, etc. We can hear our thoughts so well in the silence. The running commentary of the “monkey-mind” is like a sportscaster constantly giving us the play-by-play and never wants to stop. Discipline is most definitely required, along with good techniques, spiritual exercises that are effective. Sant Sevi Ji uses the term “Pratyahara” meaning, “the repeated practice of bringing the wandering mind to a focus,” to bring our attention back to the Seat of the Soul, Third Eye Center. We sit ourselves down and focus at the Third Eye with eyes closed. That shifting from the outer waking state to the meditative state, in this particular Hindu Sant tradition of mysticism, is called pratyahara. “Dharana” is a term for the “sustaining of focus for small periods” of time – quality meditation time, in other words. I am so glad someone has identified terms for these meditative states so that we may better communicate and examine the quality of our own meditations, and seek to develop a stronger, more sustained, focus within. For those of you who are new to meditation practice, I should mention that at the beginning of one’s meditation each day, to help overcome the running commentary of the mind, one can mentally repeat a sacred name or names of God within ones self as one gazes into the darkness ahead with eyes closed. This mental repetition is called “Manas Jap”. Sufis call it “Zikhr”. Others may call it “Simran,” which is a term that also means, “Remembrance.” It is, in other words, the repetition of this sacred name is a way to remember who we are, and call upon the Positive Power for aid and assistance. It is the “Prayer of God’s Name”. The answer to this prayer is the manifestation of God within us during our experience of meditation. Those of you who have not been given a mantra by a living Master to repeat, can, for now, adopt your own sacred word to use during practice – a name you’re comfortable with already, like perhaps: Allah, Ram, Radhaswami, Yeshua, AUM, HU, Great 36 Inner Tapestry Aug/Sept 2012
Returning to the Source Through the Inward Journey is Dharma, by Sant Sevi Ji Maharaj The individual soul has descended from the higher worlds [realm of the Divine] to this city of illusion [bodily existence]. It has descended from the Soundless State [the God State, Nirvana] to the essence of Sound, from that Sound to Light, and finally from the realm of Light to the realm of Darkness. The qualities (dharmas, natural tendencies) of the sense organs draw us downward and away from our true nature. The nature of the soul (atman) draws us upwards and inwards and establishes us in our own true nature. To go back to our origin means returning: withdrawal from the sense organs to go upward (by withdrawing consciousness) from the darkness to the realms of Light and Sound, in other words, to go inward from the external sense organs to the depth of the inner self. (Both of these expressions are exact special metaphors describing the same movement). The natural tendencies of the soul (atman) are to move from outward to inward. The current of consciousness, which is dispersed in the nine gates of the body and the nine senses, must be collected at the Third Eye Center between the eyebrows. Therein lies the path for our return. This is the act of leaving the gates of the sense organs and becoming established in the soul. We travel back from the realm of Darkness to the realm of Light, from the Light to divine Sound, and from the realm of Sound to the Soundless State. This is turning back. This is what dharma or religion really intends to teach us and it is the essence of dharma. The Inner Journey Involves Reversing the Consciousness Current. The mind must go inward, which is the reverse of its usual and easy outward path. Just as the fish struggles against the current, so an equal effort must be made to go against the current of the mind. By going inward against the current of the mind, we experience divine joy. But how exactly is this concentration accomplished? It is accomplished by withdrawal within with intense focus. When collected, consciousness is of unimaginable speed. This is the force of the soul, which is capable of reaching God.
37 What is the place to be reached? When we close our eyes and see darkness, this is the realm of ignorance. When the Light dawns within you, then you understand that you reside in noble regions. In darkness resides ignorance and in Light resides Knowledge. For example as we are sitting in light right now we are able to see one another. However, if the electric power goes out ensuing total darkness we will not be able to see others. We will not even be aware of other people, coming and going. In this analogy light signifies knowledge and darkness signifies ignorance. In the same manner when we see darkness with our eyes closed we are in the realm of death and re-birth [we are unaware of our true nature]. When we come out of the realm of darkness and enter into the realm of Light, we will at the same time transcend the web of death. It is not possible that we can remain in darkness and be free from the net of birth and death. Having achieved inner Light we can be liberated from the cycle of birth and death. Some one asked Saint Mira Bai, What kind of practice did you do to control your mind – our mind wanders far away during meditation? Mira replied, "Through my consciousness I traveled the skies and then my mind came under control and agreed to be still." Let us ponder on this subject. What vehicle did Mira Bai use to travel the skies? Was it an airplane, helicopter or a rocket? Mira Bai›s journey was not in the outer world but it was inside the inner realms. Her vehicles were divine Light and divine Sound." (Harmony Of All Religions)
James Bean explores the world of spirituality, comparative religion, Sant Mat Mysticism, and Inner Light & Sound Meditation via Spiritual Awakening Radio as well as satsangs (meetings) around Maine. Address questions or comments to: MeditationForBeginners@gmail.com (207)-358-9381.
ARE YOU LISTENING?
What if... as we travel on our journey through this Earth School, our animals are leading the way? What if... we listen to what they have to say? As an animal communicator, I can assure you that the amount of love, compassion and caring we receive every day from animals makes our journey easier. If you are blessed with an animal companion in your life, please take the time to listen. The only place you will find animals are in the space we refer to as the "now." Animals do not spend their time speculating on the past or worrying about the future. If you want to relate and communicate with them, bring yourself to the present and focus on what is now. We all have busy schedules and life challenges us all every day, so I know from experience how difficult it is to stay in the "now." Spiritual teacher, Eckhart Tolle, writes in his book, Guardians of Being that “just watching an animal closely can take you out of your mind and bring you into the present moment, which is where the animal lives all the time – surrendered to life.” Animals come into our lives for a reason. You may think that you did the choosing, but I can assure you that you did not. And if you did by chance, you may find that the animal left you very soon because the need to follow his own path is great. The length of time that animals stay with us depends on how long they are needed. While you may want them to stay longer, they must leave if their goal with you has been met. There are many reasons for an animal to come into your life. One of the most powerful reasons is to help you stay on your life’s course – to assist your spirit guides in fulfilling your purpose for being here and to help guide you toward your goals. Sometimes it’s an emotional reason when you are going through tough times... sometimes it’s just to get you moving when your health is being challenged. They never give up on us, no matter what, because they are totally accepting and the real basis for unconditional love. All animals are where they are supposed to be. As difficult as it may be to see an animal in an abusive situation, understand that the animal is there for a reason. We do not have the right to interfere or judge. Most of the time, it is to make us aware and motivate us to do the right thing. And if you are not in a position to report or help, just honor that animal by acknowledging him and thanking him for his gift. You have just met a very old soul. The way we treat animals is a reflection of the way we relate to the world. If we mistreat the basic aspects of life, we can not cherish life. So... listen. Be in the moment, take a deep breath and listen. Our animals are talking to us. www.speakingtoanimals.net
Telephone. (207) 229-0099
trainging & retreats
Transform your life ~ become a certified yoga teacher
ShivaShakti Yoga Teacher Training brings you into the heart of yoga with comprehensive and affordable 200 and 500-hour Yoga Alliance approved trainings offered locally, in New England, and at enchanting retreats abroad. Hatha Vinyasa 200/500-Hour Yoga Teacher Trainings 200-Hour YTT Locations & Dates The 200-hour course is 21-Day YTT Retreat Immersions designed to initiate students onto • Costa Rica: October 6, 2012 and the path of yoga and prepare one March 17, 2013 to teach classes. The program • Bali: November 2013 offers a strong foundation in asana, concentrating on one’s Weekend-Format Trainings begin: personal practice as well as • Rockland, Maine: April 26, 2013 teaching theory and experience. • Stowe, Vermont: May 31, 2013 The yoga sadhanas (practices) 500-Hour YTT Locations & Dates taught are rooted in Patanjali • Costa Rica: Fall 2013 yoga, hatha yoga, tantra, bhakti, kundalini and Ayurveda. The asana taught at ShivaShakti is a Vinyasa form influenced by the meditative qualities of Sivananda yoga, and the purifying, strengthening flow sequences of Ashtanga. ShivaShakti classes reflect the dynamic polarity of nature, varying from vigorous flow sequences to more restorative, introspective routines. Yogic philosophy is interwoven throughout the program, drawing on the systems of Vedanta and Tantra. The ShivaShakti YTT also includes instruction in Sanskrit and Kirtan (chanting.) Students receive a thorough education in Anatomy and Physiology as it pertains to a yoga practice. Upon completion of the course, students receive their ShivaShakti Yoga Teacher Certification and are eligible to register with Yoga Alliance as a RYT. The 500-hour certification (a 300-hour program, which combined with a 200hour training culminates in a 500-hour certification) offers yoga teachers and dedicated yoga practitioners the opportunity to deepen their personal journey on the yogic path, enhance teaching skills and understand yoga in a universal context. Students strengthen and refine their yoga teaching skills in the exploration of therapeutic aspects of yoga with in-depth study of Applied Anatomy and Physiology, as well as study of Ayurveda. Students learn a unique ShivaShakti Partner Stretching Series (akin to bodywork,) which deepens the students' understanding of the musculo-skeletal system, energetic anatomy, and hands-on adjustments. Participants also learn how to live an authentic, yogic lifestyle integrated in the world through the teachings of Vedanta, Tantra and Ayurveda. Why choose ShivaShatki for your yoga teacher training experience? • Affordable Rates: early registration discounts, payment plans and scholarships available. • Intimate class sizes to provide individual attention from faculty. • Beautiful training locations - ocean, mountains, tropical splendor and more! • Authentic teachings conveying the spirit and heart of Yoga. • Inspiring, experienced faculty. Entering the ShivaShakti program was the single most important thing I ever decided to do in my life. It was thorough on the technical side and provided a deep dose of bhakti/spiritual practice: pranayama, meditation, chanting/kirtan. The program is transformational on all levels… For the first time in my life I feel I am walking the path of my true Self, and now teach from my home studio and a local yoga studio." - Julie G., Maine. ShivaShakti YTT directors, Krishna Peter Perry, LMT, E-RYT 500, CAC and Aiyana Athenian, LMT, E-RYT 500, CAC and their stellar teaching team bring years of experience in the fields of yoga, meditation, anatomy, western medicine, ayurveda, music and more to their teaching. These instructors live authentic yogic lifestyles, which is displayed in the love and integrity they bring to their teaching.
www.ShivaShaktiYogaSchool.com ShivaShakti School of Yoga & Healing Arts 1370 N. Union Rd., Union, ME 04862 phone: (207) 431-8079 e-mail: info@ShivaShaktiYogaSchool.com Aug/Sept 2012 Inner Tapestry 37
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by Diane Emery, Telepathic Animal Communicator
destination healing journeys
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INNER TAPESTRY's Directory of Resources Holistic Practitioners, Products and Resources Each category contains practitioners from various states. as t ro l og y
Astrology ............................................................. page 38 Counseling & Therapy ................................... pages 38-39 Creative Healing Arts ........................................... page 39 Dentistry .............................................................. page 39 Evolutionary Consciousness ................................ page 39 Holistic Healing Centers ...................................... page 40 Holistic Publications & Radio ............................... page 40 Hypnotherapy ...................................................... page 40 Integrative Healing ........................................ pages 40-42 Internet Services ................................................. page 42 Life Mastery ................................................... pages 42-43 Living Spaces ...................................................... page 43 Meditation ............................................................ page 43 Nutrition ............................................................... page 43 Psychic & Spiritual Mediumship ..................... pages 43-44 Reflexology & Healing Massage .......................... page 44 Retreats ......................................................... pages 44-45 Schools & Trainings ....................................... pages 45-46 Shamanic Healing ............................................... page 46 Writing Services.................................................... page 46 Yoga, Tai Chi & Meditation .................................. page 47
counseling & the r ap y -con t. Maine
Astrology&MorewithAnanur Offering Astrological Chart readings since 1976, the Divine Feminine approach to Primal Therapy, Past Life Regressions and the Detoxifying Ionizing Foot Bath.
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A Course in Miracles, states that life is about, "removing the blocks to the awareness of Love's Presence, which is our natural inheritance." John Lennon said, "There are no problems only solutions." Astrological chart readings with Ananur bring this fact to light, that we all need the cosmic perspective. Often clients say that they see me as a Cosmic Cheerleader, born with the Moon and Jupiter rising, I do feel like a cosmic cheerleader! I look forward to connecting with you. www.AstrologyWithAnanur.com 207-594-2565 Rockland, Maine in the Milky Way Galaxy ananur@AstrologyWithAnanur.com
Maine
Live From Your Center Mark Nakell, LCPC Awareness-based Psychotherapy Growth and Self-Realization Individual & Couples Counseling All of life happens in the present moment: Our natural condition is an
open awareness of each moment as it occurs. Increased awareness of this moment—now—and of yourself in the moment, provides an increased experience of life, more joy, and greater fulfillment. Developing the capacity of your own center enables a deeper, more immediate experience of your aliveness and presence now. The result is increased freedom—freedom of choice, freedom of action, freedom of purpose—and deepened participation in the events of your own life. For a FREE introductory session, call (207) 773-4413 or email mnakell@openawareness.com, 25 Middle Street, Portland, ME 04101. Further information can be found at www.openawareness.com.
cou n s e l ing & t h er apy Maine
Patricia A. Burke, MSW, LCSW, CCS Holistic Psychotherapy, Spiritual Development Work, Wellness Counseling, Personal/Professional Coaching
"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 thirty years of experience I have merged a variety of psychological, 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, discover what optimum wellness is for you and embody your full potential in your personal and professional life. I offer individual, group and couples consultation, supervision and training. Skype video conferencing now available. Yarmouth, ME, (207) 625-7012, pab@patriciaburke.com, www.patriciaburke.com.
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.
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39 co u n s e l in g & t h er apy- c ont. SoulMoves: Anna Abaldo, M.A. Family Constellations, 5Rhythms & Authentic Movement Individual & Relationship Counseling Since 1995, I’ve worked as a psychotherapist and workshop facilitator – in Europe, Aruba, & Maine. Visit www.soulmovesME.com for current offerings.
Family Constellations provide a powerful, immediate entry into our family dynamics on an energetic and soul level – without needing to bring your partner or family. Setting up a family constellation allows hidden tensions, conflicts and influential relationships within a family to become visible. What was buried is brought to light. We can then work with these dynamics, and often solutions can be found, releasing and shifting the unconscious energy that was stuck and pointing to new ways for you to be within your family system so love can flow again. I have seen this work greatly benefit people working through childhood trauma, issues of alcoholism, unprocessed grief, abandonment, separation from loved ones, challenging parenting situations, and difficult transitions. After participating in a family constellation, people often experience a heightened insight, a greater level of compassion, more connectedness and belonging, and peace with what is. Rockland/Camden/Portland ME, (207) 763-3322, soulmovesME@gmail.com, www.soulmovesME.com
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, Innovations in Recovery (207) 619-2989 www.innovationsinrecovery.com.
creative healing arts Maine
Surry Music Therapy Center: Alan Wittenberg M.A., CMT Certified Music Therapist, (AMTA) American Music Therapy Association Music therapy opens new channels of communication and contact through the creative and interactive use of music towards self-expression and self-discovery. It goes beyond
words and emotionally, physically, and intellectually touches those with psychological issues and special needs. Music Therapy is a dynamic clinical, educational, developmental and rehabilitative treatment approach. Alan specializes in autism spectrum disorders, emotional and behavioral issues, speech and sensory integrative delays, as well as work with the elderly and Alzheimer’s.The Surry Music Therapy Center is a unique facility in Maine offering individual and small group sessions, seminars, conferences, in-service training and workshop programs throughout Maine. Contact Alan Wittenberg at (207) 667-1308, alan@surrymusictherapy.com. Visit www.surrymusictherapy.com for seminar and conference information.
dentistr y HEALTH CENTERED RESTORATIVE & COSMETIC DENTISTRY At the restorative and cosmetic office of Steven M. Balloch, located near Hartford, CT the health, comfort and satisfaction of our patients comes above all else. We look at the
connections of dental and systemic illness, knowing that a diseased mouth often means a diseased body. We are trained and experienced in the safe removal of amalgam fillings containing mercury and work with local physicians that recommend the removal of these fillings for their mercury sensitive patients. Our sincere mission is to provide the finest health centered, advanced cosmetic and restorative dentistry in New England. Absolute pain control is practiced and sleep dentistry is offered for those phobic about dental treatment. You will find yourself being treated with compassion and respect by our friendly, well-trained staff that understands that your time is precious. We want your time with us to be a pleasant experience. We are located at: 300 Hebron Avenue, Suite 112, Glastonbury, CT 860-659-8660 Please visit our website at: www.hartfordcosmeticdentist.com You can also find us on Facebook.
evolutionary consciousness 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.
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.
TAI; 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.
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Are you ready to make a profound transformation from addiction to fully engaged living?
creative healing ar ts-cont.
40 holistic healing centers
holistic publications & radio Maine
Maine
Gardens of Atlantis Healing Arts Center Welcome in the changes of 2012 with new perspectives and a renewal of your Spirit.
Positive changes can sometimes create a bit of chaos, but with outcomes that take us new places and wonderful options. Take some time for yourself this summer to relax, meet new people, have positive experiences and fun! Join us for our 6th Annual Healing Arts Festival on the lawns of gorgeous Gardens of Atlantis, Sunday, August 26th. We’ll have local crafters & artisans, psychics, card readers, fabulous food, music, healers, Huge Yard Sale, and more! (207) 929-5088, www.gardensofatlantis.org.
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, classic rock, heavy metal, Broadway tunes, and more. Many shows feature live music with local guests. Talk shows range from news to public affairs discussions 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 Maine
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HypnoWave Hypnosis Training Center Exhale ~ Breath & Body Work, formerly known as Awake Healing Arts offers Therapeutic Breathwork and Holistic Bodywork in support of your wellness. With a membership you pay only $40 for a one hour massage. exhalebreathandbodywork.com becca@exhalebreathandbodywork.com 222 St. John Street, Suite 208, Portland ME (207) 776-2006
Wild Grace Wellness Center Wild Grace Wellness Center is the only integral & sustainable healthcare center in Mid Coast Maine. We provide Aquatic & Physical
Therapy in a spa setting; accept most medical insurances and offer healing scholarships for area residents. We are a collective of complementary practitioners offering: acupuncture, chiropractic, meditation, tai chi, yoga, life coaching, spiritual development and more. The heart of Wild Grace is our 94° saltwater therapy pool. She reflects our belief that healing in water is a sacred practice. Our pool water is pure and sweet with disinfection through a high-tech saline generator. The air is kept fresh with no chlorine odor. We specialize in Watsu™, warm water Shiatsu stretching and massage. We also provide the advanced therapies of JFB Myofascial Release, Upledger Craniosacral Therapy, Integrative Manual Therapy, many types of massage and exercise classes. Wild Grace is a newly constructed green building with many energy saving features. The luxurious treatment rooms are spacious and quiet with views of birch and pine-filled woods along the Kennebec River. From “away?” Try our “Play & Stay” program. Stay as a guest in a gorgeous log home and immerse yourself in multiple therapy sessions for a week or a weekend. Breakfast of organic, locally-grown foods included. Wild Grace is just west of Wiscasset and easy to find on 36 Ludwig Road in Dresden, ME 04342. For pictures and directions: www.wildgracewellness.com or call (207) 737-2478.
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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.
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Inner Wisdom Chiropractic
integrative healing-cont. Pan Gu Shengong
Pan Gu Shengong is a specialized Qigong form that draws Qi/energy from the Universe regulating and intensifying our Life Force and Immune System. It is simple to learn, and its benefits to health and well-being can
be experienced immediately. The positive effects from regular practice include: • Balance, Harmony, Peace of Mind • Empowering the Immune System • Increased Well Being, Happiness & Inexhaustible Vitality FMI on Pan Gu Shengong, go to PANGU.ORG. For class schedules call Inner Wisdom Chiropractic and More, at (860) 440-6754, 76 Fort Hill Rd., Groton, CT 06340.
Drs. Kim and Ken Peterson are Chiropractors certified in Advanced Biostructural Correction, a unique Chiropractic Technique, which releases tensions from the soft tissue surrounding the spine, spinal cord and nerve system allowing the body to unwind naturally, correcting balance, posture alignment, and proper curvatures of the spine. The body's ability to function at a high, normal level is thus achieved allowing for true expression and freedom of life. FMI on ABC, go to ABCMiracles.com and to get to know Drs. Kim and Ken, InnerWisdomChiro.com.
Sherry Russenberger Energy Healing / Spiritual Healing Sherry Russenberger – Sherry is a 2005 graduate of Connecticut Healing Institute (CHI), co founder of NESHA the Wellness Connection facilitating many Wellness workshops and events, a Certified Holistic Life Coach and Reiki Master/Teacher and is a certified grief counselor. She is currently attending The College
of Pastoral Supervision & Psychotherapy. Currently Sherry works with the Middlesex Hospital Hospice & Palliative Care Unit and was the recipient of the 2011 Heart of Hospice Award. She also volunteers as a Bereavement Group Facilitator for the hospital. Through her own life altering health challenge she is able to support those in the process of grief and recovery. Her goal is to help people gain optimal balance and harmony in their live’s, and to support the healing process; of mind, body and spirit. Sessions in Marlborough and the Integrative Medicine Department of Middlesex Hospital, 536 Saybrook Rd., Middletown, CT. Phone (203) 314-1855, Email: sherry.russenberger@midhosp.org.
Maine
Energy and Sound Healing Holistic Spiritual Support Through free will we have the ability to affect change in our experiences as human beings. We
have a choice to continue to exist as we have or to access the aspect of our selves that exists beyond the human condition. It is what we focus our attention on that becomes empowered with our conscious energy. I offer you my support as you choose to allow the outdated ways of thinking and being to fall away and find the light of your true expression. The ability to be able to feel and express our true selves is often blocked by physical and emotional traumas, big or small, and releasing the root causes is the most effective path to healing. It is my honor to be of service to you in helping you explore the possibilities. Results can unfold on many levels, from feeling emotionally settled, being relieved of pain and/or stress, to receiving spiritual insight. I use an integrative approach of different energy healing modalities, vocal toning and song, as well as spiritual support. I have office space in Marlborough, CT and also offer distant healing for yourself or your pet. Call: (860) 682-4640 or email: asmith5109@sbcglobal.net.
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 (203) 779-0345 with questions or for more information. Sessions and groups available.
"There is more hunger for Love and Acceptance in the world today than there is for bread." (Mother Teresa).
“Secret to Health and Happiness,” is what
Mikao Usui said of his spiritual practice to bring balance & harmony to mind/body/spirit. Roberta R. Barnes, CHT, Gendai Reiki-Ho & Komyo Reiki Kai Shihan, and Herbalist
teaches and practices Japanese styles of Usui Reiki Ryoho that go beyond hands-on healing. In classes and healing sessions, you experience the simple yet profound universal unconditional love and harmony that helps you connect with the unlimited possibilities within you. Roberta has practiced various forms of natural healing for over 30 years, but now focuses on Japanese Usui Reiki, Meditation, and Healing Herbs. Two of Roberta's Japanese Usui Reiki energy and technique lineages have only three teachers between her and Mikao Usui, the founder. Roberta's Natural Healing & Learning Center is nestled in a serene wildlife habitat, which reflects the tranquility, peace and joy of Japanese style Usui Reiki. In this harmonious place you can – Complete levels or enjoy Healing Sessions in Japanese style Usui Reiki – Learn Meditation – Journey into your past for discovery or healing – Enjoy workshops. You can also listen at home to 2 of Roberta's original relaxing guided meditations on the CD "Finding Your Solutions." Begin your healing journey, call (207) 445-5671 or visit www.naturalhealinglearning.com.
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. Aug/Sept 2012 Inner Tapestry 41
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Ana Smith
IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF YOUR LIFE, and THE LIVES AROUND YOU.
42 integrative healing–cont.
Susan Ortiz, MD Science + Intuition + Compassion = Healing Are you a "sensitive" person who is having a health issue? If so, you have likely found that most medical
treatments do not work for you and may even worsen your symptoms. There are so many options, so many different healing techniques to try. At the same time, you would like the safety and guidance that a knowledgeable physician can provide. Using my science and medical background as well as intuitive and healing gifts, I can guide you back to health. (207) 990-2934, Bangor, ME DrSusanOrtiz@gmail.com www.stillpointrehab.com
integrative healing–cont. Balance your Energetic Body, Physical Body, Emotions and Spirit Experience your energetic system balanced through non touch MCKS Pranic Healing. Stagnant and
diseased energy is painlessly cleansed and removed and then balanced with specific healing techniques, which release natural flowing life energy to nourish your physical body. All aspects of your being are treated: energetic, 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, Certified Pranic Healer at mgsenergy@comcast.net or (978) 683-6129. www.PranicHealingNE.com.
internet ser vices
Integrative Medicine & Medical Marijuana
Connecticut
At Integr8 Health, LLC we care about the whole person.
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Our focus is providing you with the best of care through the careful application of conventional and complementary therapies including but not limited to building a strong patient-practitioner relationship, osteopathy, cranial osteopathy, energy medicine, supplements, homeopathy, herbs, lifestyle changes and much more. One of the many herbs we offer as treatment is medical marijuana. We acknowledge the broad therapeutic potential of medical marijuana and recognize how many people can be helped by this often misunderstood herb. Marijuana has many holistic applications including the treatment of chronic pain, cancer, spasticity, nausea, or a variety of other conditions. We also recognize the limitations of pharmaceutical and surgical interventions, and emphasize safe, natural, and less invasive interventions whenever possible. As the leading Medical Marijuana Specialists in Maine, led by Dr. Dustin Sulak D.O., we are ready to help you get your life back, legally. We will guide you through the process of becoming a legal medical marijuana patient in Maine. Our providers are experts in helping each patient learn how to maximize the medical benefits of marijuana for his or her condition(s). We stay up-to-date on medical marijuana research, the medical marijuana certification process and the legal routes of obtaining it. We offer in-office or telemedicine medical marijuana evaluation visits from Falmouth, ME. To set up an appointment call (207) 482-0188.To learn more about the health benefits and qualifying conditions for Medical Marijuana, please visit www.Integr8Health.com.
Mark Hollis has over 25 years in media, having worked in television production and post-production for a number of companies, including NBC. He now brings that media
knowledge to our newest dominant medium, the Internet. With an understanding of what draws the eye as well as knowledge about the fast-paced technology of the Internet, Mark Hollis works with small businesses to best promote their products, services and offerings. Special Offer: $200.00 off a website design package.* Mention Inner Tapestry when you call for your complimentary website assessment or new site consultation. (860) 665-8024 www.HollisInternetMarketing.net *Exclusions may apply to some packages. Call for details.
life mastery Maine
Massachusetts Wendy Marks
M.Ed, C.A.S.,FAPA
"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 changes that have a ripple effect on 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.
Ocean of Possibilities Life Coaching Deb 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 principles 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.
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nutrition Maine
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, be it in person, by phone or webcam/Skype. I am happy to offer a complimentary phone consultation if you are interested in the possibility of working together. www.ntnretreats.com, (207) 595-8260, HolisticCoachJen@gmail.com.
Holly Noonan, CHHS, CELC — Food Empowerment Counselor, Certified Holistic Health Counselor and Certified Empowerment Life Coach
Food is the foundation of both your physical life as well as your emerging consciousness—what you choose to put into your body becomes your blood cells, your muscles and brain cells and then becomes your ability to think clearly, connect lovingly and envision your future. As humanity approaches a new era, getting nourished by your life and breaking free of food drama means that you can become a powerful catalyst for higher consciousness in our community. Discover your “food fingerprint” to find out which proteins or grains serve your body best. Learn about ancestral food and experiment with fermented foods, sprouted grains, pasture-raised animal products and getting addicted to vegetables. Comb through your unique life to find out what’s holding you back from your most ambitious vision for yourself, then experiment with how vital food, sleep, exercise and creativity can catapult you forward. Learn how fierce self-compassion can help heal even decades of emotional eating patterns. 20% discount on initial consultation if you mention this ad. http://wwwMindBodyNutrition.net Camden Whole Health, 91 Elm Street Camden, ME 04843, (207) 975-9442
psychic & spiritual mediumship
living spaces
Connecticut
Jennifer Page
Intuitive Reader
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 or call David Dobson and Kristine Schares at (207) 892-0221.
I was almost a teenager before I realized everyone did not perceive the world as I did. Growing up
on a farm, the fairies & angels were more a part of my life than other children. Perhaps that is why I believe the truth of our own paths are clear inside of us & we all need help sometimes remembering or reconnecting to that truth & our heart’s desires. It is my desire to assist you in gaining clarity in your life circumstances and help you to make conscious decisions. Over 25 years ago I found myself going public with my readings and soon after began teaching & lecturing. I earned several labels including Reiki Master & hypnotist. If I may be of service or if you would like to learn more about me, intuitive phone readings, or guided mediations on CD, please visit jenniferpage.org, email me: jenniferpage22@gmail.com, or call 860-919-7107. Enjoy the day you are creating!
meditation
Maine Maine
Sant Mat Radhaswami, The Path of the Masters The Maine Sant Mat Society presents the Enlightenment Experience as taught by Sant Sevi Ji Maharaj of Bihir, India, a series of free lectures,
meditations and satsangs around Maine facilitated by James Bean, a local representative of the Sant Mat tradition of Inner Light & Sound Meditation known as Surat Shabd Yoga, in the lineage of Tulsi Sahib. For meeting info and a free introductory CD or podcast with meditation instructions, call (207) 358-9381, or Email: MeditationForBeginners@gmail.com
PsychicMediumship, Hypnotherapy
Bonnie Lee Gibson is a professional Psychic Medium, Hypnotherapist, Registered Counselor, Reiki Master, healer, teacher and lecturer with thirty years of experience. She
resides in Fairfield and Northport, Maine. Her first experience with Spirit was at the age of four. She has connected many people with loved ones who have crossed over, as well as their angels and spirit guides. Bonnie Lee communicates with pets, both here and on the spirit side. She gives spirit readings all over the world by telephone and travels in the US and Canada. Services include: Hypnotherapy, Psychic Mediumship Readings, Gallery Readings, Workshops, Classes and Lectures, Reading Circles and Private Groups in the comfort of your home. Call (207) 453-6133, cell (207) 649-7089, spirit@bonnielee.net, www.bonnielee.net, and www.hypno.us. Aug/Sept 2012 Inner Tapestry 43
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Maine
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retreats
Kat Logan
Maine
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.
The WELLNESS CENTER
The knowledgeable and experienced practitioners at The Wellness Center offer a full spectrum of holistic, traditional and alternative techniques.
Enjoy engaging seminars that will flex your intellect. Join a movement class to tone your heart and spirit. Experience the skilful 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.
For class schedule see the ITJ Calendar listings. 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.
Camp Etna
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2012 Summer Program Mediumship Readings and Healings Beginner - Advanced Workshops in Developing Mediumship, Intuition, Healing Modalities & Self-Discovery.
An international camp dating back to the Victorian era. Once home to many historical mediums and healers who are still present in spirit today. Come experience the healing rock, our hiking trails, swim in the pond, or meditate in our organic gardens. Bring the family for a day, a week or the season. Affordable lodging available. • • • • • •
Camp Etna International Week - August 26th-September 1st Message Circles - Mondays & Wednesdays 7:00pm 8/29 Table Tipping - Saturdays 7:00pm in August Mediums Days - 10:00am - 3:00pm 8/18 Please refer to our website for: A complete list of Mediums available for readings. Our complete schedule & workshop descriptions. Program subject to change. www.CampEtna.com - (207) 269-2094
reflexology & healing massage Maine Hands on Feet ~ Lynn Danforth, Certified Reflexologist Reflexology is a science-based, non-invasive method to rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit.
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. 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.
44 Inner Tapestry Aug/Sept 2012
ROLLING MEADOWS RETREAT A sanctuary for yoga, meditation and silence
Silent residential meditation and yoga retreats scheduled throughout the year at 100 acre rural retreat center overlooking the hills of coastal Maine.
Guidance for beginning, deepening or inspiring your meditation and yoga practice. Small group environment supporting inner stability, compassion, stillness, silence, and the recognition of your True Nature. From their 30 years of practice and teaching, Patricia Brown and Surya Chandra Das focus their retreats to encourage the development of a personal practice to provide self-sustanence after the retreat is over. Miles of wooded walking trails, spring fed swimming pond, sauna, organic vegetarian meals, uninterrupted, vast expanse of night sky and deep quietude. 83 Sullivan Road Brooks Maine 04921. Two hours north of Portland, 10 miles inland from the coastal town of Belfast. www.rollingmeadowsretreat.com, (888) 666-6412.
This land is a living resource! The 24 blessed
acres on which “Forest Circles” is located continues to provide visitors with uniquely personal mystical experiences. Overnight solo retreats in the forest are popular. Come for a gathering in a peaceful inside space, a program around the sacred fire pit or a walk. All are invited to experience this parcel of Earth that is eager to communicate and teach you how to find your way back to your heart. At Forest Circles we offer programs which include: multi-cultural spiritual ceremonies, classes for enhancing one’s connection to Earth and inner self, solo and group retreats, classes on native medicinal plants 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 “Forest Circles,” Topsham, Me.( 207) 776-3152, www.forestcircles.com.
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schools & trainings Connecticut
At The Center Retreat & Learning Facility The vision of At The Center is to promote creativity and the human potential, where individuals will grow and groups learn to work together. It is our intent to provide a safe and sacred
space for creative expression and continued learning in an enchanting setting that honors the Earth. At The Center offers traditional wood fire sauna and hot tub spa rentals during the cooler months, weekend retreats for groups and individuals, Meditation in Motion class, Sweat Lodge Ceremonies, Pranic Energy Work and teachings centered around nature, spirit and the arts. At The Center is located on 100 acres of forest in the foothills of Western Maine. 2153 Bear Pond Road, Hartford, Maine 04220 207-240-1151 or 207-388-2155 atthecenter@gmail.com atthecenter.net Connect with us on Facebook!
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.
Vermont Shen Qi Gardens is a rural outdoor retreat center situated on 150 acres of Mountain, Ledge & Forest. With Camping Area - Yoga Studio - Zen Shiatsu Massage - Meditation Garden - Swimming Pond Hiking Trails and Organic Vegetable & Herb Gardens, it is the perfect environment in which to relax and let go for the weekend. Learn to enjoy more of
your life by addressing body, mind, food and lifestyle via mindfulness, meditation, yogic, shamanic and other Eastern healing traditions. Enjoy daily home grown & home cooked vegetarian meals, gentle Yoga, Tai Chi, Meditation and Outdoor Activities in a peaceful rural setting. We offer guidance for beginners and experienced practitioners alike. Our programs are developed to encourage, inspire and deepen yoga and meditation practice. Learn and take home simple but effective tools for integrating these practices into daily life. Groups are small so personal attention is assured. Your hosts Aaron Hoopes and his wife Elfeya have over 3 decades of combined experience in the Eastern healing arts and offer unique, holistic and personal retreats for individuals, couples and small groups. 1152 North Road, Vershire, Vermont 05079 Phone (802) 685-4448 www.shenqiyoga.com
strives to enable professional development through personal transformation, and many of its unique degree programs are not offered anywhere else in the U.S. Its ground-breaking and experiential programs are facilitated by internationally-recognized artists, scientists, healers and educators. TGI offers six Masters degree programs: Organizational Leadership, Integrative Health and Healing, Oral Traditions, Learning and Thinking, Conflict Transformation and Conscious Evolution. Regarded as "colleagues" instead of students, program participants join a cohort of approximately 15-20 individuals who meet one weekend per month for class (Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). The Institute's personalized and self-directed learning model encourages participants to apply what they are learning in the classroom to their real-world endeavors. For more information please call (203) 874 4252 or visit: www.LEARN.edu
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, ME, (207) 626-FEET. Classes start in February & September, www.treatyourfeet.com. Licensed by the State of Maine Department of Education.
Healing Ways of Kennebunk Reiki Certification Classes
For Massage Therapists and Bodyworkers Reiki I and Reiki II training offered monthly NCBTMB approved – 8 CE hours per class Learn the ancient hands-on-healing technique known as Reiki. This training is designed to inspire and teach massage therapists to integrate Reiki into their existing practice. Reiki is a powerful yet gentle therapy. Reiki has no contraindications so you will never have to turn another client away. This practical, hands-on workshop allows you to work on yourself, others, pets and animals. Reiki is essential for every massage therapist, even if you do not need continuing education hours. Register early – class size limited for individual attention. For more information on class details contact Rachel Pelletier, LMT, Kennebunk, Maine (207) 967-0035 or www.healingwaysonline.com.
“Rachel Pelletier is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a continuing education Approved Provider.”
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Sewall House Yoga Retreat
The Graduate Institute (TGI) is an accredited, not-for-profit institute that offers Masters Degrees in emerging fields of inquiry. The institute
46 schools & trainings-cont. Therapeutic Bodywork Learning Center (TBLC) www.MaineMassageSchool.com Bangor, ME (207) 947-7087
TBLC students gain the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to become an exceptional Massage Therapist and Bodyworker. Through comprehensive curriculum our students learn how to combine expert technique with caring presence. We provide weekend training programs that allow the flexibility to continue with your job, care-giving, etc. We offer an affordable avenue of study and licensure qualification through small hands-on classes and clinical experience. Learn an integrated approach to bodywork that encourages the body/ mind/ spirit connection. * 500 Hours (plus) Initial Massage Therapy Training * 171 Hours Associate Polarity Practitioner APTA Certification * 10 to 100 Credit Hours in Advanced Hands-on
Licensed by the MAINE DEPARTMENT of EDUCATION Maine State Approved Initial Massage Curriculum NCBTMB Approved Initial Massage Training
shamanic healing
shamanic healing D O R Y C OTE
…Follow the Path to Your Own True Essence. At
the core of my shamanic healing practice is the belief that we have the capacity to be whole, stable and functioning at our highest potential. My healing space is safe, quiet and nourishing. I regularly perform soul retrievals, communicate with the spirits of deceased loved ones and facilitate healing the numerous wounds The Center for of life in the 21st century. I have completed a Three-Year Earth Light Healing Program in Advanced Shamanism and Shamanic 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 worldrenowned shaman, Sandra Ingerman. In addition to my private practice with adults, children and animals, I lead a One-Year Shamanic Apprenticeship Program, a Two-Year Advanced Shamanic Initiations Program, Shamanic Retreats, Vision Quests and teach a myriad of other weekend workshops. You may join my mailing list to receive my shamanic blog and to visit the Marketplace on my website. Please see my workshop schedule or make an appointment for a private session at www.earthlighthealing.com, email me at: dory@dorycote.com, or call (207) 841-1215.
writing ser vices
Maine Cyan Magenta Yellow Black
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.
Maine
The Village Scribe The Wellness Center, Camden, Maine
(207) 975-7075
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.
Pacha Works
Holding New Possibilities. Working with traditional shamanistic practices for healing. Eva Rose Goetz, director
"Healing is a collaboration. I love working with people privately or with groups. By working together we remove energies that may be in the way of our coming into wholeness and balance." Eva Rose Goetz: BFA University of Texas
at Austin, MS Ed. Bank Street College NYC, Medicine Wheel Training with Alberto Villoldo, Ph.D. and Lisa Summerlott. Certified In Light Body Medicine with Alberto Villoldo, Ph.D. Core Shamanism with Evelyn Rysdyk and Allie Knowlton. Eva gratefully continues her studies with indigenous medicine people in Peru, New Mexico, Canada, Africa and Mexico. Eva hosts workshops, leads ceremonies and has a private Shamanic Energy Practice in Falmouth, Maine. 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." 46 Inner Tapestry Aug/Sept 2012
The Spiral of Memory and Connection. The Spiral of Memory and Connection is a sacred symbol of Celtic origin. It was believed that these symbols carved into the stones at sacred sites were the gateways to the Otherworld, a mystical realm that exists just out of phase from our own. Meditation on the spiral can bring deep insight into our spiritual nature and lift the veils that keep us from seeing the magic and beauty of the world.
Artist ~ Aarom Hoopes
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Yo g a ~ T ' a i C h i ~ M e d i t a t i o n
Yo g a ~ T ' a i C h i ~ M e d i t a t i o n - c o n t .
Connecticut Midcoast Maine GLASTONBURY
Wicked Good Yoga
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 BELFAST
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 welcome. Massage is also available by appointment. Website: www.wickedgoodyoga.com. We are also on Facebook or call us at (207) 882-6892.
Vermont
Monthly Meditation and Healing Class (FREE) Join me to discover inner pathways to healing and joy. Let go of stress and discomfort. I am Suzanne Camp, a practicing Energy Healer and Teacher for the past 30 years. Testimonial: "The class is wonderful. I recommend it to anyone on a spiritual path." SG, Belfast, ME. Location: Belfast Library.
VERSHIRE Shen Qi Gardens Yoga & Outdoor Retreat Center
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.
Offering classes, workshops and private sessions for all levels in yoga, tai chi, qigong, meditation and the martial arts. Also available Zen Shiatsu Massage. Personal development and spiritual deepening programs are offered online in addition to teacher training courses and retreats. For more information please visit the Shen Qi Yoga website: www.shenqiyoga.com
www.ntnretreats.com, (207) 452-2929, getaway@ntnretreats.com.
GORHAM Wai Nei Academy of Health 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.”
"If you think you are to small to make a difference... Try sleeping with a mosquito!
Mention this ad and receive a free private consultation. info@integrated-performance.com; (207) 839-LIVE(5483).
....The Dali Lama
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 Aug/Sept 2012 Inner Tapestry 47
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Call for dates and reservations (207) 338-3081 or www.suzannecamp.com.
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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.
Saturday ~ September 22nd 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Tickets are: $70 Banner Total Fitness, 1 Banner Rd., Moodus, CT 06469
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For More Information & Reservations: email joan@ronandjoan.com or call A Simple Truth ~ 203 779-0345
THE REJUVENIZER
®
A LIFETIME OF HEALING AND PROTECTION THE REJUVENIZER IS DESIGNED TO HELP :
• Protect you from EMFs and other damaging frequencies
(from computers, cell phones, microwaves, TVs, satellites, wireless internet, etc.)
• Clear negative subconscious programming
• Uplift you spiritually • Protect you from other
people’s negative energy
Light Unlimited (512) 301-2999 www.lighthealing.com