Teton Spirit Issue 1

TETON SPIRIT C O N N E C T I O N

ONE STOP WELLNESS SHOPS HEALING PRACTITIONERS COMBINE VISIONS TO CREATE WELLSPRINGS FOR WELLNESS IN JACKSON HOLE p. 10

STAR WEATHER

ASTROLOGICAL HIGHLIGHTS p. 24

THE SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TETONS TODAY p. 28

ISSUE 1 | 2013 | FREE www.tetonspirit.com

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 5

24

An Introduction

Astrological Highlights from August-December 2013

WELCOME

BY SAMANTHA EDDY

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CONTRIBUTORS 8

DESTINATION TRANSFORMATION A Returning Grace

BY LYN DALEBOUT

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ONE STOP WELLNESS SHOPS Healing Practitioners Combine Visions to Create Wellsprings for Wellness

BY JULIE KLING

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30 YEARS OF AWAKENING

STAR WEATHER

BY LYN DALEBOUT

26

KEEP THE FLAME BURNING

Yoga teacher practices being a student

BY ANGELA TONG

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THE SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TETONS TODAY Physical and Metaphysical Energies

BY CAROL MANN

31

GOT COSMIC QUESTIONS?

Carol Mann Answers

The Evolution of Spiritual Gatherings

32

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Three Different Voices on Yoga in Jackson Hole

BY DIANA WALTER

KICKSTARTER GRATITUDE & TETONSPIRIT.COM 22

HEALING: FINDING THE DIVINE WITHIN

YOGA CIRCLE 34

INNER SUSTAINABILITY Being Grounded on the Inside

BY TIMOTHY O’DONOGHUE

A Personal Narrative

BY EDIE BENNETT

www.tetonspirit.com

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Teton Spirit Connection Magazine Issue 1 • Summer/Fall 2013 Publisher Teton Spirit Connection, LLC Editors Samantha Eddy Julie Kling Art Director Kristen Joy Advertising Sales Julie Kling Lyndsay McCandless Catherine Hunt Contact tetonspirit@gmail.com

Cover photo: Catherine Hunt reaches out to the Tetons, GTNP Back Cover: A moment of introspection in the setting sun This Page: Hand of Buddha Jamye Chrisman photos

Welcome to Teton Spirit Connection!

It’s 2013 and the time has come. Jackson Hole and its surrounding area is finally claiming its natural essence as the potent energy center that it is.

We all know Jackson Hole is one of the most beautiful places in the world, but have we considered the spiritual significance of this place?

The Native Americans known as the Shoshone Sheepeater tribe, who summered in this valley for hundreds if not thousands of years before the white man’s arrival, have always known this valley to be sacred land.

The French explorers who first arrived here also recognized something significant. They named our majestic mountains The Tetons, French for female breasts. And what are the breasts? The chest: the home for the heart, a place of love and nurturing.

This heart connection is only enhanced when we consider the physical structure of our beloved mountains. The granite Tetons are infused with clear and rose quartz, crystals most known for emanating clarity and unconditional love.

From the base of our mountains, flows the powerful Snake River that bubbles up from the depths of Yellowstone’s deep caldera, the core of the earth. Cultures all over the world recognize snake energy as a creative life force and healing energy. Native Americans have always seen the snake as a symbol for transformation. In Greece, the snake represents alchemy and healing. The Cadeucues, Hermes’ winged staff featuring two snakes intertwined, has become the global symbol for western medicine. In India, the Kundalini is the snake-serpent that lives at the base of the spine inside the human body and rises up as consciousness expands.

Teton Spirit Connection is about expanding our consciousness and opening ourselves to this powerful energy that pervades our area. It’s about bringing to light all of the amazing Body, Mind, and Spirit wellness practitioners and businesses that are tapped in to this place.

I hope you enjoy reading this magazine as much as I have.

Please take the time to explore our website directory and calendar at www.tetonspirit.com and find out everything happening in the spiritual wellness scene in our area.

Teton Spirit Connection is a resource for letting your life force rise through you, opening to the healing power of the Tetons, and healing your heart, body, and soul.

Isn’t it cool 2013 is the Chinese year of the Snake?

Handcrafted Silver Earring Annie Band Jewelry www.annieband.com

With love and gratitude,

Samantha Strawbridge Eddy Visionary and Editor, Teton Spirit Connection Owner, Spirit: Books, Gifts, Life www.tetonspirit.com

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Contributors Lyn Dalebout

Lyn is a poet, educator, biologist, sidereal astrologer, Jin Shin Jyutsu practitioner who has lived in the Grand Tetons Wyoming for over 35 years. She has taught in various contexts for the Teton Science Schools since 1976. While on the board of the Grand Teton Association, she started Writers in the Park. Her first book of poetry is “Out of the Flames” from Blue Bison Press and she was the voice of Mardy Murie’s writings in the film “Arctic Dance” that honors the conservation legacy of the Muries. As a sidereal astrologer, Lyn has developed a unique cutting edge way of understanding the benefit and wisdom of utilizing the astronomical real-time star alignments in working with one’s astrological chart. www.earthwordskyword.com

Jamye Chrisman

Born and raised in Colorado, Jamye has traveled the world with her camera in hand. Specializing in “photography for passionate and adventurous souls, Jamye is best known for capturing weddings in an intimate and fun-loving way. Photography has been my greatest joy and biggest teacher. It slows me down, brings me to the present and allows me to appreciate and capture the magic of life. Photography connects me with people and capture moments filled with honest emotion and beauty.” www.jamyechrisman.com

Diana Walter

Diana is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor of thirty years who also works as a yoga instructor and astrologer in her studio, Padma Mountain Studio located at the foot of the Tetons in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. She has self-published four books at OpenSky One Eleven Press. For more information see: www.opensky111.com 6 |

www.tetonspirit.com

Angela Tong

Angela, E-RYT, MaOM, Dipl.Ac, BaBIO, is a mother, a yoga teacher, an acupuncturist and the cofounder of the Teton Yoga Shala, a sanctuary of Yoga and Wellness, located in the Aspens in Wilson. angela@tetonyoga.com www.tetonyoga.com

Julie Kling

In addition to her role as Co-Editor of Teton Spirit Connection, Julie is a freelance journalist who works at the Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival and helps organize TEDx. She moved to Jackson from Rochester, NY, in 2010 to improve her quality of life in the Tetons. A part-time ski instructor at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, she practices yoga almost every day she sends her two children off to school. She is a graduate of Boston College and Northwestern University.

Before coming to Jackson, Julie worked in Congress and at news organizations in Chicago and New York City, covering everything from cattle futures and banks, to police corruption and art.

Carol Mann

Carol is a Harvard University trained educator whose life-long study of things spiritual and her talent as a clairvoyant are reflected in her many professional endeavors.

Carol lives in Jackson, where for more than twentyfive years she has been teaching, writing, leading seminars, and offering individual sessions locally, nationally and internationally. Carol’s long-running Cosmic Café Radio program is aired locally Mon-Fri at 1:30 pm on KMTN 96.9FM. Her new book, “WHY WAIT~ Wisdom for Life from Those Who Have Passed Over” is available in local bookstores and also on Kindle at amazon.com. To learn more go to: www.yourcosmiccafe.com or email carol@yourcosmiccafe.com.

Edie Bennett

Edie organizes the looselyknit community known as Oneness Jackson Hole.

Oneness Jackson Hole hosts public Oneness Blessing Deeksha events, weekend intensive courses, and regular group processes to enhance participants’ inner growth. Edie has received certification as a Oneness Trainer from the Oneness University, a spiritual school located in southern India. This school brings together ancient wisdom and powerful inner technologies to help people worldwide from all religions, cultural backgrounds, and socioeconomic levels to heal, grow, and to awaken to the truth of who they are and to their relationship with the Divine Presence. As a Oneness Trainer, she is dedicated to sharing teachings, meditations, and spiritual practices that, in combination with the grace of Deeksha, catalyze a greatly accelerated process of awakening into Oneness. www.onenessjacksonhole.com

Timothy O’Donoghue

Tim is a consultant providing services for communities, destinations, and businesses in sustainability as Principal of Riverwind LLC. He also is Executive Director of the Riverwind Foundation which offers educational and experiential programs on sustainability. He is the former Executive Director of the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce where he led efforts to integrate and promote economic, environmental, and social values and priorities into the policy and practices of businesses, including the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce. Tim’s other professional nonprofit and private sector career includes working in various other industries, including energy, hazardous waste, space science and NASA programs, and health and wellness. He has taught classes and coordinated retreats in sustainability, deep ecology, and earth-based spiritual traditions. In addition, Tim is currently the Chair of the National Geotourism Council, Coordinator of the Greater Yellowstone Geotourism Program, and working to develop and unify our community’s sustainability programs and activities.

DESTINATION TRANSFORMATION

A Returning Grace

by Lyn Dalebout

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www.tetonspirit.com

{~Grace is: courteous goodwill~ a bestowal of blessings~ divinely given talent or blessing~a short prayer of thanks~} a holy love of place has brought us here today with wholeness in our hearts we sense a returning Grace we are embedded in this land timeless yet eternally new we are wedded to this land constantly renewed once a valley of outlaws and rebels now innovators explorers all celebrants of wild beauty answering the vision questers call feel the common ground below embrace the unity of sky above we live in this unified Field this land itself heals all great divides as Earth we want you present as Earth we want you whole as Earth we seek to bridge the great divides within each soul walk with your wild cousins: Deer Antelope Great Bear Hummingbirds Eagles Wrens with Mountain Lions and Wolves ~~~~Share~~~~

open space for each to grow open space for each to be free dream long-range free range think longevity of the Whitebark Trees as Earth we see you present as Earth we see you whole as Earth we see you balanced as whole and holy souls you are embedded in this land timeless yet eternally new you are wedded to this land constantly renewed this place has a way of shifting you you can’t remain here unchanged destination: transformation this gift of the Tetons remains a holy love of place has brought us here today with wholeness in our hearts may we thrive in this emerging Grace

The Tetons have always been a home to visionary movements and futuristic trends. Many waves of leadership have emerged out of our community. The Wilderness Act of 1964 was essentially birthed on the porch of the Murie Ranch in Moose WY. The initial meetings conceiving the Greater Yellowstone Coalition took place here. Teton Wellness Institute dubbed Jackson Hole WY as Destination Wellness.

These are only a few of the cutting-edge collaborations this place has spawned over the decades and that’s just in modern times.

www.tetonspirit.com

Jamye Chrisman photo

How blessed we are to participate in a vibrant ecosystem where we humans live intimately amongst the animal tribes of Bison, Bear, Bluebird, Antelope, Pika, Wolf, Hummingbird, Wren. Many of us have committed our lives to protecting even prioritizing these animal citizens. We know our own health and sanity are tied to a robust wildness and that these relationships with our Animal Others are central to our spiritual health.

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One Stop Wellness Shops

Healing Practitioners Combine Visions to Create Wellsprings for Wellness in Jackson Hole

By Julie Kling Photos by Jamye Chrisman

While some people teeter on the edge of the Grand Teton trying to reach the summit, others are grounding their bodies on a cellular level in Jackson Hole by lying on a bed of amethyst crystals, peering into an eye scope or grasping the handles of an Asyra machine to create a homeopathic remedy.

With dozens of therapists using multiple healing modalities, Jackson is home to cutting edge preventative and restorative care. When it comes to homeopathy and physical therapy, West Pearl Wellness, Peek Iridology and Roadrunner Apothecary have a unique alchemy of professional opinions and one of a kind gadgets and gizmos that yield results.

EXcellent Space

www.tetonspirit.com

Francince Bartlett and Maria Lofgren work their magic.

photo courtesy of Excel PT

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Heather Erson photo

On any given day you can get a full hour’s worth of physical therapy at Excel, walk into a MELT (Myofascial Energetic Length Technique) class or Belly up to the Barre at Studio X, experience acupuncture, natural healing arts, adjust your back and get massage all in one building.

West Pearl Wellness, which opened two years ago across from the Center for the Arts on the corner of Pearl Ave. and Glenwood St. is confusing at first. But once you read the roadmap of practitioners, you can find authentic Chinese massage, integrative health practices, a chiropractor’s office, Fisher Fitness classes that teach self-healing techniques and a bright room upstairs at Excel full of bells and whistles for physical therapy.

“It is just boundless amounts of Bobbi Reyes collaboration,” said Stacy Fisher, a personal & Stacy Fisher trainer who offers group classes to reduce beauty up to the inflammation and support healing alignment. A Barre core part of her MELT class is to teach people self awareness by starting and ending in corpse pose to get an anatomical zero and tap into their body sense. “The physical therapists see results faster and I get new clients. If there is an issue I can’t address I refer them to someone else.”

The wellness center is the vision of Francine Bartlett and Maria Lofgren, who left Teton Physical Therapy at St. Johns Hospital and began working together at One to One Wellness seven years ago with one treatment table and one desk. When One to One moved south of town, they decided to create a facility on the bus stop that would make it easy for patients to get innovative, quality care. They started out downstairs and two years ago in November ended up taking the upstairs as well.

Shelves at Roadrunner Apothecary

“We decided if you build it they will come,” Bartlett said. “And all of a sudden we had this amazing space.”

In addition to supporting local products, Bartlett and Lofgren have hung art by local snowboarder Travis Rice’s Asymbol Gallery and artist Lisa Hadley to create a healing space.

“You can’t totally heal someone only with physical therapy,” Bartlett said. “You have to do it through body, mind and spirit. This is a convenience body shop where you don’t have to go all over town to get what you need.”

Bartlett stays current on physical therapy products and trends by travelling to conferences and introducing new therapies. One of her latest purchases from a trip to Alaska is a biomat that gives crystal therapy. It is a heated bed with amethyst crystals on it that transfers the healing powers of ions and infrared rays. It is supposed to be very effective for seasonal affective disorder and depression. Some people pay $30 just to lie on it for an hour. Other alternative therapies onsite include dry needling and a traditional Chinese massage therapist Zhao Yu, or “Mae.” “They have a good spiritual vibe there because it’s all happening and people are getting well,” said Tim Flannigan, a professional skier and the owner of skiprophet.com who has had five surgeries since he ripped his ACL in 1983. “It’s clean and open with big windows. They say that physical therapy is one of the happiest professions because they see their patients getting well. You can feel it in that space.”

Eyes and Apothecary South of town off Highway 89 in the Smith’s Plaza there is another cooperative wellness center that has a unique chemistry of it’s own. There’s an apothecary in the back where women in white coats combine active ingredients with supplements and nutraceuticals to revive deficiencies in the body. Licenced as a traditional pharmacist, Roadrunner Apothecary owner Babs Melka, has been fighting what she calls an “uphill battle” to be “proactive with health” for 10 years by treating the cause and not the symptom. Her goal is to balance the body so that it can fight off autoimmune threats, allergies and hormonal changes.

“Vitamin D3 is extremely deficient around here,” she said. “There are also a lot of gut issues. Seventy percent of the immune system is in our gut. If the gut gets inflamed, it leaks proteins and causes inflammation in the body that can affect the brain.”

Melka has found a partner in Jennifer Hawks, the owner of Peek Iridology. A certified medical assistant, Hawks was drawn to iridology, the study of the iris for inherent weaknesses, when she experienced the benefits it gave her 7-year old sister after suffering from epileptic seizures. Her sister went to an iridologist and was able to treat her epilepsy by taking supplements and balancing her diet instead of being on medicine for the rest of her life. She has been seizure free ever since. www.tetonspirit.com

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“I have not had a single person who walks in and says this is crap,” Hawks said. “Wives are sending husbands and kids. The great thing is that I do not treat anyone. I just recommend a list of things that a patient might benefit from.”

Melka and Hawks have merged their efforts in Simply Health, a pharmaceutical-grade, nutraceutical-grade and raw supplement store in the same building that provides personal consultation on supplements and food to support individuals interested in supporting their system from the inside.

A Lesson in Iridology “Your eyes are your window to your soul and it is there that balance, healing and wellness originates,” Hawks said.

Looking into someone’s eyes will never be the same after visiting Peek Iridology and learning about the significance of pigment, structure and color. There are 150,000 nerve endings in the iris.

When fibers separate, they cause lacunas that could raise a red flag. The right eye correlates with your father’s genetic makeup, and the left eye correlates with your mother’s.

Each tells it’s own story about your glandular system, lymphatic system, kidneys, liver, heart, pancreas, circulation, digestion and even your stress level. The darker the pigment the farther back the genetic mutation.

This stuff is fascinating. All my life I thought my eyes were green.

Come to find out there are only two colors, brown and blue. And just because my iris appears closest to blue, doesn’t mean it is. A photograph of Babs Melka’s eye shows her brown eyes are blue.

The Zyto Compass machine, which takes a picture of the iris, tests 76 biomarkers. It doesn’t give strengths but calls out weaknesses that can be strengthened with homeopathic remedies.

Iridology Chart

Innovative Options Hawks’ latest toy, which she procured in November, is called an Asyra machine and it tests biomarkers like iridology only on a cellular level. Using physics rather than body chemistry, it reads energy in your body. Widely used in Europe, the Asyra identifies your bodies ability to absorb minerals like magnesium that work with enzymes to regulate energy.

“Sometimes the body doesn’t recognize the magnesium from a bottle,” Hawks said. “A change in vibrational pattern allows the body to improve absorption.”

Jennifer NelsonHawks zooms in on Amanda Stilson’s irises

Absorption also improves with better circulation and a cleaner system. So instead of a pedicure and a massage chair, check out Roadrunner’s whole body jiggler machine or new Aqua Detox foot bath and watch the water turn brown with a formula that gives your feet millions of detoxifying ions. The ions attract toxins that come out in the bath.

Benefits of detoxification include clearer skin, increased energy and concentration, weight loss, improved digestion and more.

Shared space Navigating all of the alternative therapies in Jackson can be overwhelming at times, but the choices are as enlightening as the stories about what brought professionals together in these spaces. Health practitioners have been sharing space and combining interest in Jackson and all over the world for hundreds of years, but the potential for creating whole body wellness in shared space has been evolving rapidly.

Jessica Marlo, who works as a holistic nutrition coach out of West Pearl Wellness also opened Healthy Being Juicery at Inversion Yoga last year.

“When like-minded people share physical spaces it offers an opportunity for individuals to connect, create friendships and build community,” Marlo said. “New ideas are dreamed, new partnerships are created, and we offer our clients a holistic center to support their growth and engagement by creating a new heart space. That is where the potency is.”

Treatments: Peek iridology • Asyra Pro BioEnergetic — $150 for a 1 hour consultation. Followup $50.

• Zyto Compass Initial Reading — $75.

Followup $30.

• Swami Express 1 hour consult to set up personalized meal planning guide — $250 Roadrunner Apothecary • Health and Wellness consults — $150/hour. $60 followup • BPro Cardio Pulse-Wave Screening — $75 • Aqua Detox — $50 (packages available) • Hormone/Vitamin D testing — $60 • Jiggler machine — $50/month West Pearl Wellness • Introductory Package: $350 for 60 minute massage, 60 minute acupuncture, 45 minute nutrition consultation, unlimited month long membership to Studio X

www.tetonspirit.com

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Treatments cont’d: Studio X • Drop in — $17 • Punch Card -- $70/5 MELT, therapeutic yoga, barre kickboxing and rehab classes, $130/10 • New Member intro: $30 Unlimited classes for 7 days • Unlimited monthly membership: $140 • Physical Therapy based on insurance Fisher Fitness • MELT Assessment package — $340 for 4 sessions • Personal training including pilates, MELT, AIS flexibility — $75, $90 for two people • packages available Blue Sky Healing Arts Center • Dr. Thomas Sexton Dark field blood testing — $125-$175 for 1-1/2 hour appointment including acupuncture, naturopathic and herbologist consultation Core Training & Wellness

• 60-90 minute massage — $90-$135 • 60 minute personal training session — $70 • Foot/Hand MELT workshops — $20 East of the Tetons • Taug Boshen, acupuncture and chinese medecine — $50 per session Healthy Being Nutrition • Customized packages and juice cleanses J Bird Massage • 60 minute private yoga, massage, and JBall self-care ­— $100 Zhao Yu “Mae” • 30-120 minute Foot, body, Thai, Lymphatic Drainage and Gua Sha Treatments — $30-120

307-690-8906 120 W. Pearl Ave. | Jackson, WY

M O V E with P U R P O S E MELT Method Barre Pilates Personal Training

www.FisherFitness.com 14 |

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30 YEARS OF Awakening

BY DIANA YVONNE WALTER PHOTOS BY AMELY GREEVEN

World Peace and Prayer Day 2012

As I gathered music, altar objects, and prepared material for the four women’s metaphysical groups that I lead at Padma Mountain Studio, I found myself reflecting on their faces and how they have changed in the past 30 years.

I saw commitment to spiritual awakening, passion to learn tools to empty the mind, heartfelt emotional connection, spiritually energized bodies and liberation.

I saw wisdom built on other generations of seekers and marvel at how we have come to this present moment.

I was only 23 years old when I moved to Jackson in 1982 and began working at the mental health center, and I hadn’t yet had much life experience. There was a new age community here then, wise women like Astrologer Ann Kreilkamp, Reiki Master Linda Scantlebury, and Herbalist Clarissa Smith. Terry Yazzolino and Lyn Dalebout created art, and together, we would write music and organize events for the winter and summer solstices.

On my first summer solstice here, I was invited to frolic in the woods with some of these wise women, celebrating the goddess and the moon.

In those days we didn’t have smart phones or the internet, and computers had 80 mb of hard drive storage.

Jean Payne taught me how to calculate astrology charts ‘by hand’ and we had a small group that met regularly to study and work on our charts.

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In 1987, something changed. It was as if the world itself had started to accelerate. We were talking more about harmonics, vibrational frequencies and the ability to change the world through mass consciousness. There were people in Jackson who were channeling and local healers like Janet Bishop, Natasha Yon or Mickey Waller helping us prepare for that future.

Margot Snowdon had a yoga studio teaching Iyengar.

I was teaching yoga at the Recreation Center. The transcendental meditation group in Jackson taught and led meditations. Buddhist monks and later the Dalai Lama came to Jackson. Tom Kenyon led a workshop on sound healing and we were all reading books by Deepok Chopra and Carolyn Myss.

Jose Arguelles, a Mayan Cosmologist spearheaded the world’s first globally synchronized meditation called the Harmonic Convergence. We had entered the world of global communication, quantum physics and the internet. Before the convergence, Arguelles came to Jackson. I arrived with a small group of people to bury large crystals at the foot of the Tetons and carry magical stones shaped like pyramids to the top of twelve peaks in the Jackson Hole Valley. As a power center, the Tetons are a chakra point on earth. It made sense that the Teton’s needed to be on this harmonic earth grid as we energetically united.

In 1992, I became profoundly interested in information I was channeling regarding synchronicities and vibrational frequencies that I called then the 11/11 Vibration. I named my business OpenSky111 in 1992 because I believed that we had shifted to an open door, an interdimensional gateway where we would eventually learn how to manifest the alchemy of creating our vision on earth. I wrote a book about this called Vulcan and The Golden Teachings.

Event after event unfolded toward global awakening. Within 20 years the 11/11 vibration had become a phenomena experienced by thousands. Other gateways were opening also among the natural world with the plants and animals and between men and women. One that I particularly remember was in 1997 when Princess Diana and Mother Theresa died. It felt as if the goddess had awakened in mass consciousness. There was a total eclipse of the moon. My husband and I watched it alone on Signal Mountain. I remember saying to him, “look the time is 12:12.” Years later I read that during that eclipse hundreds of thousands of lightworkers had set a time of 12:12 to meditate towards Signal Mountain from all over the world to make Jackson hole a Grail, a cup for the rebirth of the Mother on Earth.

Around that time I had noticed that there were many young women who were interested in astrology and I had started some astrology study groups. Those groups lasted for six years, morphing into metaphysical women’s support groups. It was my turn to pass on what I had learned to another generation of women, who today are yoga instructors, authors, spiritual leaders and networkers, women like Lyndsay McCandless, Michelle Ohmart and Samantha Eddy. These women all are mothers whose children who will be leading the next part of our spiritual journey when they grow up.

Anushka Olvera and Dylan Kling create a crystal mandala

For decades every year Lucinda Abbe and the drumming group organized full and new moon ceremonies or summer and winter solstice events. Teton Sangha was doing silent meditation retreats. Connie Kemmerer and Marcia Craighead were organizing the Wellness Festivals which were well attended and a forum for exciting speakers. Yoga studios were springing up all over Jackson teaching a wide variety of yoga traditions. Hundreds of healers, massage therapists, counselors, and energy workers had made

Physical Therapy & Rehabilitative Bodywork with a gentle approach

Functional movement is central to what it means to be healthy. When movement and function are threatened by aging, injury or disease, Jackson Physical Therapist Laura Simmons can assist your body to achieve balance, regain its functional movement and facilitate optimal health.

Laura Simmons, PT (307) 690-5558 Laura@LauraPT.com

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Laura SimmonS, PT LLC 215 Scott Lane in Jackson, Wyoming www.LauraPT.com

Jackson Hole’s new healing arts gallery and studio just off the town square. A space where crystal sound bowls, jewelry and heart-based workshops resonate with inner beauty.

"What makes Intencións unique is that inner connecting of art, sound vibration, crystal therapy and flower essences." ~ Daniela

160A W. Broadway (corner of Milward St.) , 83001 www.intencions.com • 307.733.7525 • info@intencions.com

Jackson their home base. People were dancing the Universal Peace Dance, drumming, meditating and praying. The energy of the Teton’s was still calling.

Then we began to experience a decade of earth changes.

The ancient Maya believed in recurring cycles of creation and destruction and thought in terms of eras lasting about 5,200 modern years. The current cycle was believed to end in 2011 or 2012. The earth was reaching the culmination of her connection to the center of the galaxy. As predicted, category 5 tornados, massive hurricanes, devastating fires, and 9 point earthquakes were shaking the earth and causing billions of dollars of property damage. Our economic system was on the brink of collapse. The spiritual community was meeting these disasters with faith and the ability to manifest new paradigms on earth.

In India, avatars like Amma and Bhagavan were among others who had made ‘awakening’ the goal on Earth. Hundreds of thousands of people were beginning to shift into higher states of consciousness. I came into contact with this through Oneness Jackson Hole, which was being spearheaded by Edie Bennett, Margaret Thompson and other dedicated teachers.

They were offering blessings of grace to hundreds of people and it was affecting lives. I was fortunate to experience a shift on October 25 of 2012 that has been permanent for me. I would describe it as a state of being completely present in the current moment. Time has slowed down and expanded. Suffering and fear has dropped away. My sense of identification with ego has dropped away. This phenomena is real and available to all. As of 12/21/12 the earth has transformed giving us the opportunity to experience grace, enabling every individual to reach his or her highest potential as a Light Being.

In December, the call to action was put out in the Tetons. A committee was formed to celebrate the Awakening 2012 Winter Solstice. Twenty organizations seized the opportunity to offer over 25 community wide events from sweat lodges, to reiki, to meditation, to altar flower ceremonies, dance, and speakers culminating in a community celebration that was the best party in decades. Musicians like Daria, Nancy Alf, DeeElle and Daniella Botur drummed and rang our way into the Golden Age. Now we come to the year 2013. It seems to me that all of the doors have been thrown wide open. What we once thought of as a dream, what we worked for during those 30 years has now become a reality in mass consciousness. TV, music, and the internet make alternate realities the norm. UFO’s, quantum philosophy, astral travel, holographic realities are common stories in sitcoms and books. Those pioneers who lit the flame many years ago are now seeing people who are hungry for more. People are ready to experience themselves as a multidimensional awakened being. For those of us who were there at the beginning we thought we could rest after the year 2012. Now we are finding out the work is just beginning with the best yet to come.

To meet the current needs I have started groups for women who want to have a metaphysical support group. The response has been overwhelming. I now have 46 women meeting in four different groups who are committed every month to supporting each other on their spiritual dance. We work with crystals, celebrate the moons and our astrology charts, make altars to our divine, honor the earth and our shamanic journey, and set intentions to heal and transform our lives.

GRATITUDE

“ Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude.” — Denis Waitley In 30 days, Teton Spirit Connection raised more than $11,000 through www.kickstarter.com to help launch this magazine and www.tetonspirit.com. Tremendous thanks goes to all of the contributors who helped to bring this Body, Mind, Spirit community to fruition.

We are grateful to the over 100 backers who made the effort to donate. Each gift, from $5 to $1,000 is honored and appreciated. Thank you! $50+ Teton Spirit Connection Sponsors

Contributors Thank you to the 30+ who pledged up to $25

Sponsors Jennifer Anderson Dave Barrett Amanda Botur Daniela Botur Kathy Bressler Alison Brush Dan Buchan Jenny Collins Anne Corley Diana Dyer Knoblauch Eleanor Garrett Arabella Hall Lauren Harris Martha Hayworth Megan Jenkins Jenny Karns

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$100+ Teton Spirit Connection Community

Kathy Kline Dana Nagel Mary Pokorny David Saurman Caroline Sheehan Kristy Sievert Gary Silberberg Hilary Smith Oak Strawbridge Didi Thunder Tom Turiano Thekla von Hagke Donna Watkins Brad & Becks Watsabaugh Libby Wood

Community Mickey Babcock Edie Bennett Petie Bennett Jennifer Boyer

Special thanks also to those last minute contributors who gave after the magazine went to press on August 2.

We know who you are and are grateful for your support!

Our amazing Kickstarter video was created by Marni Productions. Thanks also to the video contributors: JenTen Productions, Yoga Today, Paul Maddex & One Day in Jackson Hole, Fisher Fitness, Alden Wood, Oneness Jackson Hole, and Amely Greeven. $250+ Teton Spirit Connection Development

Hope Buchbinder Kit DesLauriers Pamela Eddy Julianne Falcey Brigitte Feaster Sara Flitner Sheila Fustanio Brian Hayden Della Holmes Meredith Landino Jean Jorgensen Heidi Jost Nona Yehia & Penny McBride Linda McHuron Alexandra & Mike Menolascino Timothy O’Donoghue Tina Ray’Seay

$500+ Teton Spirit Connection Founders

Winifred Ross Reilly Maria Sloan Katharine Sterling Suzanne Strawbridge Stephen Sullivan The Plates Place Aubrey Thorne Carey Charlotte Weber

Development Nancy Alfs Kathy Cook Jane Hill

Julia Nielson Kichan Olpin Oneness JH Troy Roper

Founders Pilar Bass Sophie Craighead Marilyn Flaherty Sandeep Goel Connie Kemmerer John Strawbridge

A single website that lists all the yoga and fitness classes from all the different public studios in Teton County, Wyoming and Idaho.

A single website with a directory of all the spas and body treatments available in our area.

A single website that promotes all of the greater Jackson Hole area’s programs, special events and speakers about taking care of yourself, calming down, and connecting to your heart and soul.

www.tetonspirit.com We are all looking to enrich our lives and feel better from the inside out. Teton Spirit Connection is the place for locals and visitors to find ways to nurture their bodies, minds, and spirits.

Teton Spirit Connection is a membership directory designed to promote and create easy access to the Body, Mind, Spirit practitioners, businesses and organizations in the greater Jackson Hole area. All members listed in the directory are eligible to list their events or specials on Teton Spirit Connection’s homepage calendar, making it easy for the public to find out what is going on in the

Body, Mind, Spirit scene.

Teton Spirit Connection is an affordable way for practitioners, businesses and organizations to get their word out about who they are and what they do. If you are a practitioner and are interested in joining this community of like-minded and heart-connected professionals, please go to www.tetonspirit.com and click on member sign up.

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/tetonspirit

Jamye Chrisman photo

www.tetonspirit.com

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HEALING: FINDING THE DIVINE WITHIN A personal narrative by Edie Bennett of Oneness Jackson Hole Photos by Jamye Chrisman It is summer in Jackson Hole. The verdant green of the valley shines into my windows with almost shocking intensity. As I gaze into shimmering aspen leaves over pink honeysuckle blooms in my yard, I’m finding it difficult to move away from this sublime present moment to take my readers with me on a journey back through time.

But I know why I should tell my story. The same reason I’d love to hear yours. Your story is in me, my story is in you. We are all a part of the whole. The drop cannot be separate from the ocean.

Ten years ago, I was at the lowest point of my life.

Paradoxically, I was living in paradise (also known as Jackson Hole). I had quit my secure job as a personal assistant to create my dream store – a little specialty health supplement retail shop on Pearl Street. I had a business partner I loved, and teenagers that were for the most part reasonable and enjoyable. I was divorced, yes; but it was the most amicable divorce of anyone I knew. I was living the dream – or so it appeared.

But I was TIRED, very tired. Somehow, over the previous five years, an insidious fatigue had taken over my life. One by one, my favorite activities had fallen away.

First, runs turned into hikes, which ultimately dwindled to 15 minutes of dragging myself around the neighborhood.

Things such as nights out on the town, yard work, or travel became just too much trouble. I had reached a point where I had to spend my entire four days off resting on the couch, just to muster the energy for three days on the job. It took monumental effort to psych myself up for basic tasks such as housecleaning or grocery shopping.

I told myself I was just being lazy, that I needed to whip myself back into shape. The athletic culture of Jackson Hole lent its support to this predicament. My friends and I didn’t “do lunch.” We socialized while on long runs or intense ski tours. I was losing my friends, because I very literally couldn’t keep up. I believed they didn’t have time for slow walks or sitting quietly to chat. The crazy thing was, I had not yet admitted to myself that anything was 22 |

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Edie Bennet gives Deeksha to Scott Kocher

wrong. I was in intense discomfort, and at the same time was all wrapped up in trying to pretend everything was fine.

When I forced myself to go on that one final extra-long hike, it happened. My energy totally crashed, to the point that no amount of rest would help. I had brain fog that made it difficult to function at work. I had trouble remembering my customers’ names, and at day’s end, closing out the register was an endless, frustrating process of counting and recounting until the numbers balanced.

THE SHIFT This is when the beauty started to unfold, although it would be some time before I could see it that way.

Something shifted. I started to see that I was living an inner lie, and I felt like it was killing me. I owned a health store, yet felt such dissonance as I put on the face of vibrant optimism while someone was in the store. Often, during breaks between customers, I crumpled to the floor behind the register, desperate for rest. I saw that there was something very wrong going on, and this act of seeing spontaneously allowed the opening of new doors.

I really thought I had been listening to my body’s messages. I was tired, so I took time to rest. I changed my job to one that I loved. Still, things weren’t improving.

I developed a voracious appetite for information. I spent hours every day on the internet, researching natural healing regimens. It is not my intent to write the tome it would take to tell specifics of how I healed, as it involved many starts and stops, a multitude of practitioners, protocols, diets, therapies, and countless hours of research. What I’m moved to share is my journey of discovery — a reconnection — to myself, but much more importantly, to that which exists beyond the little “me” – which I now call the Divine.

By 2007, my physical healing got to about 90% of normal, and I started to see that the last 10% had nothing to do with the physical. I had benefited from the skills of many talented practitioners – acupuncture, rolfing,

homeopathy, functional medicine, chelation therapy and stem cell therapy in Mexico, and so many beautiful souls who lovingly practiced body work modalities on me. I had treated myself with truckloads of supplements and an array of frequency machines, such as rife, magnetic resonance, lasers, colloidal silver makers, far- infrared, and photon therapy. Each was a stepping stone for the next, and, looking back, it is clear that the Divine was constantly there with me, always presenting the next best step.

When it came to that last 10%, however, I saw that I was stuck. I came to know that somehow I had to find my way into an emotional and spiritual healing which I had been avoiding for my entire life. Why had I been avoiding it? Fear. We all have fear at the core of our being. The self is, at its foundation, simply fear. As the saints and sages say, the self is only a construct of the mind, and thus an illusion, so of course the self is afraid of being discovered for what it truly is. What is the result of this unconscious struggle in each of us to make the illusion seem real? A huge drain of energy; exhaustion, fatigue. No wonder our society is strung out on caffeine and various other modes of self-medication.

At the time I knew none of this. I only knew that, after 48 years of acting like the person I thought I should be, i.e., confident, independent, productive, fun, happy, energetic, etc., if I was completely honest, I was none of that. The inner dissonance had finally become unbearable. I was ready to face my fear and look for help. I delved into astrology, human design charts, the I Ching and other forms of divination. At one point, I consulted a psychic, and she said I would be using energy coming from my hands. I searched, but was not drawn to reiki or other energy practices. So, I waited and watched for what might come my way.

MY AWAKENING What presented itself was beyond my wildest dreams. I came upon the book Awakening Into Oneness, and before I had even finished reading it, I was buying a plane ticket to India, of all places. Never in my life had I had the slightest inkling or desire to travel to India. The small spiritual school I attended, called the Oneness University, Happy in operates on the vision “To set mankind health! totally and unconditionally free.” This answers a longing I’ve had all my life. My Mom and I have the same memory of me as a 5 year-old, abjectly crying about wishing that I could help people. Something in me has always known that life doesn’t have to be hard; it is not our natural state to struggle.

Yet for so long, that inner knowing just didn’t match my outer experience.

The energy the psychic saw coming from my hands is called Oneness Blessing Deeksha. It is not a talent or a gift, it is a

powerful benediction for which I and many thousands of others worldwide are simply a vehicle. It is a gift to humanity at this crucial time which calls for a specieswide shift in consciousness. Deeksha literally rewires the brain, to the point where it becomes impossible to see oneself as separate. That is revolutionary.

It certainly has been revolutionary in my own life. My health has come back to 100% or more. I had lost my drive for athleticism, but as a test of my physical recovery, I climbed the Grand Teton in 2010, a feat that would have been utterly unthinkable before.

I’m now very gentle with myself, lead a quiet life, and treasure my good health. I offer what I’ve learned in India to those who are interested. I’m very passionate about sharing this blessing called Deeksha with my community, simply because of how powerfully it has freed me from the conflicted chatter of my own mind.

These days, I live from a fundamental shift in perception — there is no longer fear at the core of my being. I look back and see that only a short time ago, my life was fueled and motivated by discontent. I firmly believed that I must always try to be better, to always become something other than I was, whether as an athlete, mother, entrepreneur, or spiritual person. I was truly fearful that if I dropped this quest to improve myself, I would just vegetate and become a useless person, feeling ever more separate and alone.

What a surprise: the discontent is gone, and my world has not come to an end — far from it. I’m full of energy and motivation. After a lifetime of perfecting the art of procrastination, I find myself losing this trait, without even trying. I’m growing internally every day, and most wonderfully, I’m moving ever more deeply into the personal experience that I couldn’t possibly be disconnected or separate from anything or anyone in the universe. Put simply, I’m content, to the core of my being.

I could never have thought myself, or decided myself, into this expansion of consciousness. It has been a happening, directed by Grace. The immense inner shifting, dissolving, and opening is a result of my exposure to Deeksha — I’m convinced of this because I have pursued little else in the last 5 years.

For me now, life is a very natural and unending stream of gratitude. I wish this for all beings, however they are led — running, stumbling, or crawling — on their unique path. “May all beings be happy.”

I used to think this was a hopeful but impossible prayer. Now I know, from my own experience, that happiness is nothing more and nothing less than our natural state. Most importantly, I know we are all destined to return to our natural state, because if it happened to me, it can absolutely happen to anyone. www.tetonspirit.com

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Star Weather August-December 2013 from Sidereal Astrologer Lyn Dalebout

On the facing page are some key nuggets of the coming astrological weather from August-December 2013.

The overarching sky dynamic at this time is a catalytic sometimes violent aspect of Uranus - astrological ruler of revolution, whistleblowers, breakdowns leading to breakthroughs — in a tense 90 degree square to Pluto ­— transformation, power struggles, plutocracy, death and rebirth — from 2012-2015. All our big issues are up for re-evalutaion: climate change, old power trying to stay relevant while the next generation of upstarts are taking the world by storm, and the culture wars. We must fall apart so we can be reborn into greater health and vitality. My advice? Remain hopeful and embrace your own necessary releases that will lead you to resurrection.

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AUG 20: JUPITER SQUARES URANUS.

Very auspicious that Teton Spirit Connection is being launched around the time that Jupiter and Uranus make the first of 3 squares from August 2013 to April 2014!

Jupiter encourages expansion and optimism while Uranus pressures us to take risks, leaps of faith, and even rebel.

When they form a 90 degree square in the cosmos, we see technological innovation and progressive ideas taking a deeper foothold in the mainstream. Whistle blowers or extreme fringe radicals feel more confident to come forward. There is always an upside and a less fortunate way this aspect may manifest.

AUG. 24- 26: VENUS TRIGGERS THE URANUS SQUARE PLUTO. Venus is currently transiting sidereal Virgo which indicates our values, our money, our love life are seeking to find a healthier more sustainable versions of expression. These days might see volatility in the stock market, forward momentum on economic/ecological fronts, and a transformation of your core relationships.

Death may precede an eventual rebirth. Hang in there.

SEPT 8: MARS SQUARE SATURN.

Frustrations and passions run hot and heavy. This aspect is like lifting heavy weights to become stronger.

You may vent your anger or face your depression but then hopefully refocus this potent energy in constructive directions. This is a day of decisions either by choice or by default. And with both these planets in signs that speak to our family relationships, that might be where this drama is seeking resolution.

OCT 8: MERCURY CONJUNCT SATURN

Mercury is the planetary ruler of our mind, ideas, technology, vehicles. Saturn is the teacher of responsibility and sometimes manifests as limitations that slow us down so we can refocus our core intentions.

Vehicular, mechanical, technological breakdowns may occur, or temporary depression. Get your head out of the clouds and face the hard realities and responsibilities of your life. Only then can you make positive needed changes.

OCT 21-NOV10: MERCURY RETROGRADE.

When Mercury goes retrograde for 3 weeks 3 times each year, we are given a chance to catch our breath, to stop the relentless moving current of daily life and unending communication feeds that might take too much of our time and PAUSE, reflect, clear our desks, our decks. This particular cycle coincides with the Saturn event I spoke of above so this promises to be a very intense period of re-evaluation, re-focusing and ultimately re-dedicating yourself to what matters most.

NOV 1: URANUS SQUARE PLUTO

From the middle of October till mid November we will see the 4th planetary square of Uranus and Pluto taking shape in our heavens and in our personal lives. We might see more volatility in the weather, the stock market, in

our personal internal upgrades. The good news is each time these planets square exactly we are getting closer to creating the compassionate awakened reality we envision is possible.

NOV 6: SUN/SATURN CONJUNCTION AND JUPITER TURNS RETROGRADE.

This will be a most important day in terms of personal and global shifts. With our illuminating Sun making the annual conjunction with serious, deadline oriented Saturn, things might come to a screeching halt or you might sign the contract to make the deal real. And as Jupiter heads into retrograde until March 6 2014, you may have set some new project in motion, but now have to be patient with the manifestation of that dream in real Earth time. Retrograde periods allow us to re-evaluate, release, cleanse so we will ultimately move forward at the completion of the cycle.

NOV 13: NEPTUNE GOES DIRECT

Today marks a turning point for moving forward with what you set in motion around June 7 2013 when it went retrograde. Neptune is the ruler of imagination, art, spirituality, addictions, deception (remember even the planets have a shadow manifestation). Think back on that time. What was erupting and demanding your attention?

You have made changes since then perhaps so now your more evolved Self takes hold of your life.

DEC 12: SATURN TRINE JUPITER

Both these planets are the wise rulers of how society functions and evolves. So when they are in a supportive trine, it seems all elements are willing to move beyond competition and toward cooperation. And since Saturn is the realist and Jupiter is the optimist you strike a nice balance between those dynamics in your life.

DEC 17: URANUS GOES DIRECT

Uranus went retrograde July 16 2013 so now your more radical ideas, authentic nature, experimentation can take charge. Uranus counsels: BE YOURSELF. Who else could you possibly be?

Release the last vestiges of conformity and just be YOU.

DEC 21: VENUS RETROGRADE AND WINTER SOLSTICE

What exquisite cosmic timing this is. As we reach our deepest moment of internal reflection – the darkest night, Winter Solstice, Venus, ruler of our heart’s innermost desires, also heads into reflection, the meaning of retrograde, until Jan 31 2014. Be like the Bears, hibernate, nurture your innermost desires in private, give birth in secret, in preparation for your emergence in 2014. Happy New Year. Blessed Be. Please sign up for my daily Star Signposts for more in-depth daily updates at http://earthwordskyword.blogspot.com www.tetonspirit.com

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KEEP THE FLAME BURNING Yoga Teacher Angela Tong Practices Being a Student Photos by Jamye Chrisman When I return home from a yoga training like the 7 weeks I just spent with my teachers in Maui, I can most accurately gauge its effect. Do I feel rejuvenated, inspired, different or transformed in some way? Is there more clarity with regards to my current goals, intentions and self work? Do I have more awareness and compassion for my challenges and struggles?

Absolutely! In fact, I am left with new questions and insights that keep me curious and wanting to seek more and dig deeper.

I have a renewed appreciation for how important yoga is in my life to maintain my physical and emotional wellbeing, especially since having a baby and becoming a working mom. Doing my own practice has become a luxury most days donʼt afford. But after 6 weeks and 500 hours of daily yoga practice I feel more “normal” than I have in quite a while — like Iʼve been able to press the ʻresetʻ button. I am reminded of the amazing reservoir of energy and stability that a regular yoga practice creates, and from which I can draw to do my work as a mom, partner, yoga teacher and acupuncturist.

I have been a yoga student for 22 years and participating in a yoga training this deep is no common event for me. I went to India in 1996 for 3 months to study yoga in Mysore and since then, I have only been able to extract myself from my work and life for a week or two at a time. The time and financial commitments for this extensive training were significant for me, but incredibly worth it.

The importance of making these pilgrimages is

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invaluable for the yoga student and the teacher. Teachers create and hold the space for us do our practice and challenge us to work and grow in ways that we canʼt do on our own.

One of the meanings of guru is “heavy.” A guru’s job is to provide tangible skills, tools and an environment for practice, and to maintain a steady perspective as the studentʼs “stuff” is arising — and believe me the “s....” arises!

Another definition of guru is “one who sheds light upon that which is dark.” A seasoned yoga teacher inspires and offers the compassionate “outer eye.” They help the student learn how to work more intelligently and to see the ways they are working ineffectively, and even harmfully. A teacherʼs job is to “see” the student, and to reflect back what he or she sees, whether or not they like or are ready for it. To be seen is difficult, as any yoga student knows. This is when our ego wants to fight back, get defensive, resist or avoid. It is at this precise moment when we have an opportunity to learn something new that serves us and let go of something old that doesnʼt.

This is when after 22 years of practice and 16 years of teaching I still humbly consider myself a beginner.

As a teacher, it is an incredible gift to receive yoga; to fill the well from which we give. I can truly attest that at times that well runs dry. But after six weeks, I feel a refreshed passion and enthusiasm for teaching and have new tools to offer. I also find that my yoga teacher “eye” has been honed and I am able to be helpful, get more specific and deep into the practice.

Angela adjusting student at Teton Yoga Shala

teton yoga shala The level of training was intense. The teachers were firm and relentless with the patterns they witnessed that were out of alignment, physically and personally. They took a hands on approach and were willing to get into it with us. I saw my teachersʼ and fellow yogisʼ humanity and imperfections more clearly and they saw mine.

To evolve and grow as yoga students and teachers, we need to be willing to peel away the layers of our being, be willing to be

To evolve and grow as yoga students and teachers, we need to be willing to peel away the layers of our being, be willing to be seen. seen. Our teachers help to reveal that the ceiling in yoga is quite high and there is always a new layer. These trainings can be a yoga pressure cooker of sorts, an opportunity to get “cooked,” and seasoned by our teachers who have walked the path before us. No book or dvd or power hour yoga class can replace these priceless journeys of a lifetime to be with our teachers.

Teacher Trainings • Yoga Classes • Therapeutic Yoga Special Yoga Workshops • Yoga Privates • Yoga Events

Become a Yoga Teacher!

Fall Yoga Teacher Training 10/6 - 10/29

tetonyoga.com | Located in the Aspens

THE SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TETONS TODAY

BY CAROL MANN PHOTO BY JAMYE CHRISMAN

W

e are living in the midst of the accelerated evolutionary change predicted in prophecies from all the world’s traditions. Evidence is everywhere from drastic climate shifts, to economic distress, political upheaval and collapsing institutions. NASA has identified significant changes in the magnetic fields and climate of the Earth, of our Sun, and elsewhere in our solar system.

This upheaval is not intended to do us in. It is an uncomfortable and necessary part of dismantling what has run its course, in order to recalibrate at a higher level. With the assistance of the Greater Cosmos, the Earth is forging an unprecedented evolutionary leap.

The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, which includes Grand Teton National Park and this entire valley, has always been considered a sacred landscape. Now the physical and metaphysical energies here are playing a vital role in the Earth’s return to her original path.

EARTH UPGRADES HER DESTINY From a metaphysical perspective the Earth is an intelligent, living being, and like us the Earth has a soul.

Our Earth is currently upgrading her destiny. She has begun the process of actively reclaiming the original light encoded into her design. The Earth’s original template is to be a love-based, dynamically balanced, all-inclusive, resource rich and sacred home for all her inhabitants to share.

Some call this template Heaven on Earth. Some refer to it as the Ascension. Regardless of the words we give this paradigm shift, it is the planetary-led initiative to upgrade from the constricted polarization of fear, to the expansive collaboration of love. There is no judgment about the way it has been. It’s just part of the design of the Universe that the old paradigm is over. The Earth is moving ahead, and we are invited to do the same.

What this means for humanity is that we have reached the limits of exercising our honorary stewardship of the Earth from the long-standing platform of ego-centered and fear-based ways of thinking, believing and acting.

To become stewards of the evolving Earth means we are on notice to shift to love-based attitudes, beliefs and actions towards ourselves, each other and all living creatures, and towards our planet. The word love here refers to a state of being, reflecting the true nature of creation, which is also our true nature.

A CAULDRON OF CREATION Esoteric sources say this region of America was once the western most part of the lost continent in the 28 |

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Pacific called Lemeuria or “Land Where the Mother is Revered.” This translation remains relevant to the paradigm shift at hand.

This region is a living cauldron of the planet’s creative elemental forces…earth, air, fire and water. It is said that the core of the Earth is closer to the surface in Yellowstone than anywhere else on the planet. The Teton Mountains are among the youngest mountain ranges in the world. Wild animals, birds, flora and fauna are abundant everywhere. Nearby is the fire element of the Yellowstone caldera, referred to as a super volcano.

There are over 10,000 geothermal features in this area.

Then there is the water element of the geysers and hot springs, of the Snake River, the many waterfalls and the deep glacial lakes in Grand Teton National Park. There is even an underground river system. The combination of energies is one powerful alchemical blend in service to the evolving Earth.

SUBTLE ENERGY SYSTEMS: A COSMIC INTERFACE Just as human bodies include invisible energy fields and a system of energy chakras, which create an interface between the higher cosmos, subtle aspects of ourselves and our physical experience here, so does the Earth. It has a matrix of subtle energy fields linking the planet to the greater Cosmos and vice versa.

Right now, new chakras and subtle energy systems for the rapid evolution of the planet and all of her inhabitants are establishing themselves. In the “As Above So Below” design of the Universe, new chakras are coming online for us, and the Earth is experiencing the same.

Many people are familiar with the information that the Tetons are also the location of the long-standing Retreat of the Ascended Masters, including St. Germaine and the Great White Brotherhood. There are many portals to the inner earth and the stars here as well.

However, there are lesser publicized spiritual energy systems in the Tetons and the Greater Yellowstone area facilitating the Earth’s return to her higher destiny. Two of these are the star seeded codes of the Sun Bow Clan from Orion and the Teton’s emerging role as the heart chakra in the Ascension process.

THE SUN BOW CLAN In the esoteric history of the Earth, it was known that this planet would eventually fall from its original full light path into a denser reality where light and life would separate into the duality of light and dark. It was also known that the Earth would eventually reclaim her original, full light path, and that not all of the Earth and her inhabitants would participate in the shift.

Preparations were made to ensure that regardless of what went down in the interim, certain pre-designated areas of the Earth would ascend back to the planet’s original design in a future timing.

A soul group of light code, master builders from the star Rigel in Orion, called the Sun Bow Clan, were

the lens of the heart. The heart connects us to our soul, which in turn connects us to Source. The feedback loop goes both ways. Directives from Source filter into our souls, from there to our hearts and then into myriad expressions of our lives.

The Earth’s version of embodying a higher heart alignment and receiving initiatives directly from Source comes through organized subtle energy systems, which combine to form a network of light around the planet.

The special function of the Tetons in the current synergy of light matrices is to activate the heart chakra of the new Earth.

THE GOOD NEWS Everyone is automatically immersed in the field of the quickening potential of all these cosmic and planetary energies just by being here. Walking the land, breathing the air, enjoying the vistas, reveling in the play of light, delighting in the beauty of the landscape and sky is all that is required. The effect of all the natural magnificence will automatically open your heart and begin to calibrate your body, mind and soul to the upgraded energies. By being mindful, you can choose to continue this heartcentered way of feeling, being and acting in your every day life wherever you are.

To become stewards of the evolving Earth means we are on notice to shift to love-based attitudes, beliefs and actions towards ourselves, each other and all living creatures, and towards our planet. given the task of inserting into the etheric energy field of specific land areas on the planet, light codes for the eventual ascension. In the future (a.k.a. beginning more or less now), these codes would descend into the land, lifting them to a higher frequency and enabling them to eventually come together forming the physical land in the new Earth.

One of the pre-assigned areas encoded by the Sun Bow Clan to ascend is the Greater Teton area.

Be assured that you can still ascend if you are not living in this area or one of the other encoded land areas in the world. And conversely, just because you do live here does not mean automatic ascension. That decision is up to each person’s higher soul, their angels, and the higher beings of light who guide us from higher realms of consciousness.

HEART COHERENCE AND THE ASCENSION The prerequisite for humans to embody the new frequencies is to embody a state of being called heartcentered coherence. Very simply stated, heart coherence requires retiring from an ego-driven life and living through

MORE GOOD NEWS Everyone is eager to know the exact date for the moment of transition to the full light destiny of the Earth.

But we will not be given the exact information for the moment of transition to the ascended Earth.

Why is this good news? Given our current human make-up, people will start attaching to a specific date, projecting our own stuff on to that time frame, and thereby, interfere with the flow of the cosmic design.

Once we mess with the higher design by our thoughts and emotions, the Universe will have to change the schedule, and those who made the exact predictions will be very embarrassed.

So, know that the heart is where the action is. If you feel drawn to participate in the direction of the planet’s evolution, choose to come from the heart and put your soul in the driver’s seat of your life as much as possible.

Invite the ego to sit in the passenger seat and to stay there. This new heart/soul way of being is contagious, and it will allow you and others to ride the waves of change to the new shores with grace and ease. www.tetonspirit.com

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Got Cosmic Questions?

Carol Mann answers your questions in this column in every issue of Teton Spirit Magazine. Email her what you’d like to know! carol@yourcosmiccafe.com She will answer.

• Flavors from around the world including American, Asian, Indian, Thai & Latin • Organic meats, vegetarian, vegan & raw choices • Entrees, appetizers, sandwiches, soups, pizzas & salads • Endless gluten-free choices • Full bar & house-infused botanical cocktails • Bakery, smoothies, juice & tonic bar • Espresso & premium teas • Bakery, breakfast, lunch & dinner

145 N. Glenwood St. Jackson, WY • www.tetonlotuscafe.com • 307.734.0882

with Amanda Botur & Jessica Marlo April 23-29th 2014 Amansala Resort Tulum, Mexico www.amandabotur.com - 307-690-7848

Josh’s Question: Do We Have More Than One Soulmate?

Carol’s Reply: Yes. We each have many.

Soulmates are people (souls) with whom we have had loving relationships in past lifetimes on the earth or even in other realities in which our souls have incarnated together. When we cross paths again now…even though race, religion, nationality, or gender all may be different…there is an immediate familiarity and ease. You might even feel like you’ve known them “forever” after spending only a brief time together. There is a heart/soul resonance, which carries across lifetimes.

Positive past life connections include souls who at other times have been friends, family members, partners, teachers and colleagues. Considering we have loved many people over the course of many experiences during our soul’s journey, there is the potential for numerous soulmate encounters every lifetime. Meeting someone now whom you knew and loved before sparks instant comfort and immediate connection. It is impossible to ignore!

However it does not necessarily mean drop your life and run off with this person. It will be up to the two of you to get to know each other in the here and now, which is how to discover what kind of relationship…if any…is most appropriate now.

Find out if there is a real time match between you in terms of current values, goals, attitudes, integrity and actions. It is entirely possible to have a loving connection and to also know this is not the timing and/or the person in your highest good as a life partner this time.

The bottom line of a soul-connected relationship is mutual unconditional love and acceptance of each other as is …the good, the bad, the beautiful and the ugly. Unconditional love means there is no energy expended on trying to fix or reform the other person. Unconditional love is the context in which we can safely work on our personal growth because the love is never in question.

Soulmates mutually catalyze deep stuff to come to the surface for healing and growing. Whether you choose to be friends, colleagues, lovers, or to never cross paths again, it is important to take the time to become aware this meeting is not random. There is something being evoked in you by this person’s presence, which is a potent opportunity to evolve.

Keep in mind that whether or not part of your experience this life is to be with a soul you have known and loved before, all unconditionally loving relationships are soulful. Right now we have the chance to experience soul love and to nurture those deep connections in this life, which may be soulmate “ reunions” in future lives.

Carol Mann’s full Menu of Services, including Soul Readings, books and CDs can be found on her website www.yourcosmiccafe.com www.tetonspirit.com

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FOR THE LOVE OF YOGA Angela Tong, co-owner of Teton Yoga Shala, offers reasons for yoga and Yoga Sutra Wisdom. Teton Yoga Shala is located in the Aspens behind the Aspens Market, upstairs in the Med-Tech building at 3510 N. Lake Creek Dr., Wilson. www.tetonyoga.com Q: Why do you practice yoga? (an interesting and diverse array of real student responses) A: For sanity and peace A: To balance and heal my body from many injuries A: To improve my athletic performance A: Overall health A: To meet girls A: Stress reduction A: For community A: To detox A: To connect to my Self A: To stretch my hamstrings and hips A: To calm and concentrate my mind A: To lower my blood pressure A: To get over my ex-boyfriend A: To reduce my pain in my back and neck A: To remember to breathe A: To learn to be kind to myself A: To get off my meds A: To have better posture A: For a workout and a yoga butt

YOGA circle

Yoga Sutra Wisdom (What’s the “Yoga Sutra?” ... Written in Sanskrit, Compiled Yoga Wisdom 200 BC, referred to as the “Psychological Roadmap for the Yogin” A sutra typically is a few words which impart a lot of meaning. The yogin chews on the sutra, for a while, to fully extract the deeper and personal meaning.)

1.1 Atta Yoga Nushasanam ... the very first sutra, a great one to begin any practice with.

Atta – Say it and you’ll feel the meaning,

“Attahhhhhh”! At Last! Finally! Now! That sense of relief and coming home when you experience the sanctuary of the present moment, even if it’s fleeting. Have you ever felt this way once you finally made it to your mat to close your eyes, tune in and take a deep breath?

Yoga – The simple, yet profound experience of Connection and Peace within your own being and between you and all else. Often misinterpreted as one of it’s tools or subtypes- the practice of physical postures.

Nushasanam-The pearls of wisdom, teachings and practices which are meant to cut through the layers of our conditioning and help us experience and remember Yoga.

So let’s put it all together ... At last! We are here, Now! We have arrived! We are ready to receive the teachings and practices of Yoga which are meant to guide us out of unnecessary (and often self-imposed) suffering into a state of peace.

It is only when we can fully be in the present moment and empty our cup that we are able to receive the teachings and truly experience Yoga.

How often do we arrive already overflowing with what we think we know, what we expect? In which case, how can we receive anything new or be genuinely present?

YOGA AND THE ONION ANALOGY Louise Sanseau, owner of Inversion Yoga, offers insight into the hidden layers of self revealed through yoga practice. Her studio is at 290 N. Millward, Jackson. www.inversionyoga.com When we cut and cook an onion, it becomes translucent and reveals many aromas and flavors. Its layers reveal its beauty. And so do ours. As we peel back the layers of our being, we delve into the exploration of what we are made up of, what defines us, and what remains once all the layers have been separated and dissected.

Why explore beyond our achievements, goals, appearances, and the tangible, physical realms of existence? Why dig deep and observe all the intricacies that create our behaviors and reveal

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our inner selves?

In yogic philosophy, the pancha-kosas (five sheaths) guide us from the gross outer layers of the body to the subtle innermost layers of the self.

As we navigate the kosas (sheaths), the layers of the self become transparent and we begin to recognize our true nature and inner beauty; we begin to shine.

As if visualizing an onion, the outermost layer is the annamaya kosa (physical body) composed of solid matter and nourished by food. This layer is the mass of cells, plasma, tissue, bones, muscles, skin, and filth that make up our physical structure.

The next layer is the pranamaya kosa (energetic body), which is composed of prana (energy) and correlates to movement and air.

YOGA STRETCHES IN JACKSON HOLE Akasha Yoga owner, Neesha Zollinger, upholds the Yoga tradition in a town that has come a long way with yoga in a short period of time. Her studio is at 150 E. Hansen, Jackson. www.akashayogajh.com and www.neeshazollingeryoga.com Timeline: • 300 BCE – Term YOGA first appears as union away from this realm. (TaittiriyaUpanishad) • 100 BCE – 500 CE Classical age of Yoga (transcendence) • 650 BCE – Advaita Vedanta (waking up to illusion) • 1000 CE – Tantric Revolution: (embodiment of the extraordinary in this reality. At this era yoga becomes available to women, and regular people/householders.)

• 1500 CE – Hatha Yoga (engaging the body as a path of awakening to highest potential) • fast forward through many events, teachers and lineages • 1930’s – construction of Jackson schoolhouse that is now Akasha Yoga • 1985-2005 – Margot Snowdon opens the Yoga Room in Jackson Hole • 2005-present day – Akasha Yoga continues the legacy of yoga in Jackson Hole.

The history of yoga itself is a world of

This layer is the breath and the circulation of oxygen, nutrients, and energy; it is the life force that fuels the body.

The manomaya kosa (mental body) is our mind-field and our awareness of the world as perceived through the five sensory organs. This layer is subjective and defined by personal experience, perspective, mental patterns and thoughts.

The vignanamaya kosa (intuitive body) is our intelligence and our ability to process information with our entire being. When we listen to our “gut feeling” we are tuning into the intuitive body and we are listening to what we know rather than what we think.

The subtlest layer of the pancha-kosas is

interesting conversation and inquiry. From the origins of the word YOGA as union, by transcending away from the world of matter in the Upanishads, to the Advaita Vedandic teachings of this reality as an illusion, to the movement of Tantric innovations of yoga as embodied union of mind/body spirit, Yoga is one result of the perennial human quest for the deeper meaning of life.

Schools of Hatha Yoga (Yoga that practice physical postures), take different philosophical viewpoints from the above, yet all aim at experiencing freedom from suffering and union. In Jackson, you can experience many different methods of movement and viewpoints of philosophy.

the anandamaya kosa (bliss body), which is the spiritual self. This is the ethereal body and is associated with samadhi, the complete absorption into existence beyond duality where all beings are joined together as one.

As we examine and polish our panchakosas, we become a translucent orb and we shine brighter. We are able to care for our physical body and live with heightened energy and clarity. We learn how to calm tormented thoughts, decrease mental ailments, recognize displaced emotion, and observe situations clearly without imprinting personal experiences or tainted thoughts into the arena. We listen to our intuition and allow our heart to guide our actions. We can see others

At Akasha, there are several schools of thought. I am personally intrigued by the evolution of tools we can use to know our true nature and teach with as much inventiveness as possible. The invitation with any yoga, no matter what camp, is to practice and see what is revealed through the investigation of breath in sync with movement.

In Sanskrit, Akasha means space, the very first element in creation. Akasha Yoga was founded in 2005, as the next incarnation of Margot Snowdon’s Yoga Room — the first yoga studio in Jackson Hole. The space has been dedicated to yoga for more than 28 years!

Though I am uncertain of it’s entire history, I do know that the space on the corner of Hansen and King, originated as Jacksons’ first school with indoor plumbing. Owner Ralph Gill says that he and his friends were very happy when this great building was constructed. He loved it so much that he purchased it when he grew up. The tall south windows and mountain views make it an inviting space in which to practice yoga.

Beneath a sky blue ceiling with lotus lamps, modern day yogis still come to this old schoolhouse that is now Akasha to experience the benefits of yoga: bodily balance, a workout and stretch, connection with deeper parts of themselves, fun, community, peace and so much more.

and ourselves with a clear lens. From here, we begin to think, speak and act with pure thoughts and intention.

We are spiritual beings that connect through love, compassion, and kindness. We are capable of doing harm and tainting our actions with selfish desires and behavior; however, our true nature is to love and to embrace everyone and everything around us.

Through navigating the inner bodies we find our spiritual selves, where the light that is within us shines so bright that it lights up the same light in everyone we meet. This is our true nature. The love and light that is in you is also in me; we are the same and together we can light the sky.

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Inner Sustainability

by Timothy O’Donoghue Photo by Jamye Chrisman

I

s there a path to inner sustainability?

Only if you are willing to travel through your inner landscapes and discover, no — remember, who you are and what passions and gifts you have brought into this lifetime.

This soul journey is for the courageous and faithful who are willing to go into the shadow as well as the light to recall their true nature and the eternal consciousness of which they are part.

In the past 15 years, I have been educating businesses, organizations, and citizens on how to measure success according to the interrelationship of environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic vitality. Even though many people working in the field of sustainability think this triple bottom line is sensible, most are unaware of how to integrate principles of sustainability in their business practices and home lives. While contributing to a shift in a cultural paradigm can be both daunting and rewarding, it requires perspective, patience, and perseverance, and an unwavering belief in what you are doing. It requires being able to sustain your motivation and effort over a long time. In other words, it requires inner sustainability.

As I’ve gotten older, my thoughts have lingered on life here and beyond and the reality that our individual, and shared consciousness create. Thankfully, my pace of life has slowed to support my transition from a “human doing” to a “human being,” and to allow gaps to occur in my thoughttrain. Through these gaps, the voice of my soul whispers “patience,” “depth,” and “grace.” My soul is gradually, inexorably, inevitably transforming the tug of war between my ego and my heart to a compassionate embrace of our shared humanity and reality. The fear of not having lived a life of meaning is being replaced with the knowing that every moment in life has meaning. It is a matter of tending to the present moment to allow stillness to gather and awareness to arise.

In the stillness, love can not only be found, but experienced. This spiritual experience is the “big” love, the Love that is our birthright and home. Those that have shared their experience of life after physical death or near death often describe the loss of ego, the presence of soul, and the totality of Love. I know that this available wisdom can sustain each of us through the challenges and demands of life here. Knowing, not just hoping, that we are purposely and interdependently here in the context of Love lessens the mind’s fabrication of stress. I find that what abides is a mind and heart-set that provides perspective and patience, instills compassion and fuels our passions. It empowers our ability to persevere in manifesting our gifts for the benefit of ourselves and everyone else. This inner sustainability is a wellspring of happiness and joy.

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