Greetings,
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Hello friends,
I’m writing to you during a weekend retreat to the desert. I truly enjoy the occasion for solitude that provides further opportunities to practice mindfulness. Whether I’m held up in traffic that allows me to meditate on the thoughts that “I can wait, I am patient” or encountering an experience, like with my golf game, that affords ample opportunities to practice non-resistance or non-judgment when its not going so well, mindfulness has been my focus. Facilitating the Practicums has been good for me in that it reminds me to be a committed student to the teachings and to practice what I preach. We’re all on this journey through life together and it’s through the concentrated power of the Sacred Path that we evolve as individuals and as a community.
At the end of February twelve men from the Wisdom Council joined retreat coordinators, Scott Ewing and Andrew Soliz, for a 3-day kayak trip down the Colorado River. We convened in Boulder City, Nevada, on Thursday night for a meeting to go over the itinerary for the trip and to set our intentions. Scott encouraged us to be mindful on this journey since it could make all the difference in our safety and overall enjoyment, and Andrew spoke of the sacred nature of the commitment we each made to participate in the adventure. The next morning we met in the parking lot with all of our gear ready to be loaded on the bus that would transport us to our launch site at the base of Hoover Dam. Security at the dam is quite high since 9/11, which only served to reinforce the awareness of how we would approach self-care and care for one another.
After packing our one-man kayaks with everything that we brought to support all of our needs while on the trip we started downriver. I’m going to refrain from discussing all of the nuances of our journey because there is far more to say than I have room for here, but I will express that it was truly a rewarding experience. It was challenging while quite invigorating. The preparation for the trip commenced weeks in advance, and I quipped to the men at our first meeting that I hoped that the trip would be like a colonoscopy with the preparation being the hardest part of the experience. The truth is that the trip itself was hard at times. We paddled a total of 15 miles and hiked through canyons, even using ropes to assist us to scale up and down canyon walls. We entered a lengthy vapor cave, the mouth of which was 1,500 feet below the top of the canyon walls, which narrowly snaked its way back about 100 feet into mother earth. And the men, one after the other, spaced about 4 feet apart, with one hand over head to feel the top of the cave and one hand at the left side to feel the wall of the cave, crouched in a bent over fashion and stepped carefully in the warm water toward the end of the cave, where we huddled together for about 45 minutes as we spoke our truths. Andrew just asked us to trust, and we needed to control our minds that raised images for some of the trapped miners and thoughts of what would happen if there were an earthquake. That, after crossing the river with the use of a rope against a rushing current of 55-degree water was just the beginning of the trip. While huddled together in the dark, each man spoke about what he was feeling, and there was consensus that we all relied on each other to help us man up to the challenges and that it would have been overwhelming to attempt them alone. That set the intention for the excursion and there were no injuries through the whole experience.
It was indeed a trip designed for spiritual warriors and it was filled with immense love. We laughed and cried together and we spoke from our hearts and reached into the depths of our souls to express our most authentic truth as we sat in council around the fire and shared in the stone people lodge. Yes, we even packed in all of the willows, tarps and stones for our sweat lodge that we constructed in the dark and entered late in the evening at the end of a very full day. Two additional men hiked in on Saturday and joined one of our men, Dan Stanton, for a three-day vision quest to commence on Monday. They had been in preparation for a year and Andrew watched over them from a distance as they sat on their medicine blankets for the three days and two nights without food or water. Another amazing challenge! My hat is off to those men.
I highly recommend this kayak trip to you. Scott and Andrew are facilitating them through Sacred Ways twice a year, so consider joining them for one. You won’t be sorry that you committed to the experience.
Commitment was key to participating in the kayak trip and commitment is the theme of our upcoming Call To Adventure retreat that begins next Thursday, April 10th. The kayak trip, the spring retreat and the practicums revolve around the concept of mindfulness. Commitment is central to living a mindful life. Pema Chodron, in her book titled Comfortable With Uncertainty, quotes her teacher Chogyam Trungpa as saying, “You can hear the dharma from many different places, but you are uncommitted until you encounter a particular way that rings true in your heart and you decide to follow it. In order to go deeper, there has to be a wholehearted commitment. You begin the warrior’s journey when you choose one path and stick to it. Then you let it put you through your changes. Without a commitment, the minute you really begin to hurt, you’ll just leave or you’ll look for something else.”
Pema states that, “The question always remains: To what are we really committed? Is it to playing it safe and manipulating our life and the rest of the world so that it will give us security and confirmation? Or is our commitment to exploring deeper and deeper levels of letting go? Do we take refuge in small, self-satisfied actions, speech, and mind? Or do we take refuge in warriorship, in taking a leap, in going beyond our usual safety zones?
This Call To Adventure retreat is designed to provide safe and yet challenging opportunities to stretch outside of your comfort zone in order to encounter yourself at deeper levels of experience. The dharma, as Buddha taught us, is about letting go of one’s familiar story line and opening to what is: to the people in our life, to the situations we’re in, to our thoughts, to our emotions. The dharma never tells us what is true or what is false. It just encourages us to find out for ourselves.
The Mindfulness Practicums have also provided the opportunities for this type of self-discovery. In January we dealt with the concept of non-resistance. In March we explored the practice of patience and in May we will delve into the practice of stillness.
Eckhart Tolle, in his book Stillness Speaks, states that, “When you lose touch with inner stillness, you lose touch with yourself. When you lose touch with yourself, you lose yourself in the world. Your innermost sense of self, of who you are, is inseparable from stillness. This is the I Am that is deeper than name and form.”
On May 17th we will enter the dimension of stillness and touch the deeper sense of awareness that allows us to truly know. In Discourse 40 from Paramahansa Yogananda’s extraordinary two volume darshans on The Second Coming of Christ: The Resurrection of the Christ Within You, he states, “When bodily motions cease and thoughts become quiet, God begins to appear as the blessedness of stillness and divine bliss on the altar of peace and changelessness.”
I have been asked if it is necessary to have participated in the first two Practicums in order to benefit from the Practicums that follow and my response is that each Practicum stands on its own. I am enjoying working with the men that have committed to participate in all or as many of the six Practicums scheduled for 2008 and I am always delighted to have someone engage in an individual Practicum and walk away with exactly what he needed to get from it.
May I encourage you to contemplate the meaning of commitment in your life today and consider that when you make the decision to participate in the retreat and the Practicums it is in that moment of commitment that your life opens itself for new learning to occur and it begins in that very moment that you dared to say yes and to take another step forward on your path.
Further information and registration forms can be found on our blog and on the web site.
I look forward to seeing you soon.
In brotherhood,
Stephen
Monday, March 31, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Men's Drum Creation Workshop
Through the act of combining two of Mother Earth's great creations, we come to find Her Heartbeat. We can take a look at ourselves, through a natural mirror, and find an idea of how to reach our essence.
In this workshop, you will bring together hides of Elk and rims of Cedar, to create a drum you can play, dance, cry, sing and pray with. All of the materials are provided, all you need to bring is yourSelf and your willingness to look through a natural mirror. We will lace together the web of our drums and talk about our life paths. As we tighten the lacing, we strech ourselves to bring out our truth, until the base vibration of the Earth is felt.
We will also be sharing ourSelves through the talking stick and our breath. Come and join me with an open heart and mind, to share ideas of life and love. Workshops are planned for Friday and Saturday, and you are invited to come and play a drum at any time during the retreat - to feel its heart, to decide which drum speaks to you.
good medicine,
Justen Bear
Cost: Men $125, Boys $100
In this workshop, you will bring together hides of Elk and rims of Cedar, to create a drum you can play, dance, cry, sing and pray with. All of the materials are provided, all you need to bring is yourSelf and your willingness to look through a natural mirror. We will lace together the web of our drums and talk about our life paths. As we tighten the lacing, we strech ourselves to bring out our truth, until the base vibration of the Earth is felt.
We will also be sharing ourSelves through the talking stick and our breath. Come and join me with an open heart and mind, to share ideas of life and love. Workshops are planned for Friday and Saturday, and you are invited to come and play a drum at any time during the retreat - to feel its heart, to decide which drum speaks to you.
good medicine,
Justen Bear
Cost: Men $125, Boys $100
Friday, March 28, 2008
Phillip Jennings' Kayaking Experience
At some time about the middle of last year, members of the Wisdom Council made the decision to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Sacred Path by going on a kayak trip down the Colorado River under the guidance of Scott Ewing and Andrew Soliz. An invitation was given to all members of the WC, both current and past. Fourteen of us came together Thursday night, February 28, and began a bonding and a creation of brotherhood that still blows me away even as I write these words.
I can’t possibly tell you all that occurred while we traveled that river. The advantage started from the beginning for me. I was lodged on the 14th story of the hotel in the tower while the rest of the WC roomed on the first floor. Friday morning’s view from my window displayed Lake Mead to the left and mountains to the right. We gathered our things in the lower parking lot of the hotel and wondered for the thousandth time how all these things were going to fit in a kayak. Unbelievably, they did!
We launched and traveled downriver about 100 yards, I believe Scott said, and made our first stop. In my mind, the reality of bonding and the creation of a brotherhood of spiritual warriors had already begun to build. I watched a mountain of a man walk across a section of river with a rope over his shoulder so that he could tie it off on the other side as a support line for the rest of us. I watched others of us help each other across water that was cold enough that our legs became numb halfway over. We were waist-deep, and the current pulled on each of us as we waded across. The distance was short but the crossing was rough. One of us lost a sandal and almost more, but with the commitment of his brothers, he crossed safety. Then, after that high moment of adrenaline, we entered the womb of Mother Earth, sitting as a group in the darkness of a vapor cave. We held ceremony in the darkness and held each other in the silence that is brotherhood.
This was but one of the many moments that occurred during the three days on the river. I will state for myself that I am not the same being I was before this trip. I left a great deal that was unneeded on the river and came back with much more. It gave challenge to my body, my mind and my spirit. The warrior lived and was awakened to the beauty that is nature. He sleeps not. Two days after my return, a friend remarked that ..."you're glowing, man." That was the effect this trip had had on me. If the opportunity arises again, brothers, reward yourselves with it. I am overwhelmingly pleased with myself that I did.
Blessings to all.
Phillip Jennings 03.25.08
I can’t possibly tell you all that occurred while we traveled that river. The advantage started from the beginning for me. I was lodged on the 14th story of the hotel in the tower while the rest of the WC roomed on the first floor. Friday morning’s view from my window displayed Lake Mead to the left and mountains to the right. We gathered our things in the lower parking lot of the hotel and wondered for the thousandth time how all these things were going to fit in a kayak. Unbelievably, they did!
We launched and traveled downriver about 100 yards, I believe Scott said, and made our first stop. In my mind, the reality of bonding and the creation of a brotherhood of spiritual warriors had already begun to build. I watched a mountain of a man walk across a section of river with a rope over his shoulder so that he could tie it off on the other side as a support line for the rest of us. I watched others of us help each other across water that was cold enough that our legs became numb halfway over. We were waist-deep, and the current pulled on each of us as we waded across. The distance was short but the crossing was rough. One of us lost a sandal and almost more, but with the commitment of his brothers, he crossed safety. Then, after that high moment of adrenaline, we entered the womb of Mother Earth, sitting as a group in the darkness of a vapor cave. We held ceremony in the darkness and held each other in the silence that is brotherhood.
This was but one of the many moments that occurred during the three days on the river. I will state for myself that I am not the same being I was before this trip. I left a great deal that was unneeded on the river and came back with much more. It gave challenge to my body, my mind and my spirit. The warrior lived and was awakened to the beauty that is nature. He sleeps not. Two days after my return, a friend remarked that ..."you're glowing, man." That was the effect this trip had had on me. If the opportunity arises again, brothers, reward yourselves with it. I am overwhelmingly pleased with myself that I did.
Blessings to all.
Phillip Jennings 03.25.08
Dan Stanton's Kayaking Experience
Hello Fellow Brothers,
What an incredible trip on the Colorado River! It was a pleasure being with each and every one of you. I can still feel the warmth of the hot springs and the closeness of Mother Earth from the Vapor Cave. The adventure of being on the river, the exploring of the trails, the camping on the beach, the evening campfire, the beautiful stars, and the camaraderie of you men will be with me for some time to come. There is something magical being on retreat with men who speak from the heart and who are on the path of the spiritual warrior.
After the main group left on Sunday, Andrew, John Rosenberg, Chris Jones, and myself prepared for Hanblecheya “crying for a vision”, which is one of the seven Lakota sacred ceremonies. Initially we were prepared to go to our prayer locations on Sunday evening, but as spirit works we were not fully ready, so we began on Monday evening. Spending three days and two evenings fasting and in prayer was probably the most difficult thing I have ever done, but it was definitely one of the most incredible experiences I have ever had. For the most part the Hanblecheya was very joyful with only minimal moments of anxiety or sadness. Having my meltdown during the sweat lodge on Saturday night and having the support and prayers from each of you really provided the container I needed for a great experience. I had several interesting dreams that provided much insight to the feelings I had been experiencing over the last few years. I came off the mountain with a much lighter heart and a clear picture of the kind of person I want to be as I move into my senior years. The spirits also took good care of my health, where I did not need any medications to regulate my blood sugar during the 96 hours I was in ceremony. I was full of energy and felt well taken care of during the entire time. Visions of your faces visited me at night and the voice of Dr. J reminded me to breathe whenever I felt a little anxiety or sadness. It was also interesting that I could FEEL your prayers come to me throughout the ceremony. It was like a warm breath that was delivered to me.
I look forward to keeping in touch over this next year. You’ll get an e-mail or a phone call from me touching base. Please do the same… I hope we have the chance to do another kayaking trip next year. It’s a wonderful experience that is great for the heart and soul, which helps keep us grounded and connected. Please forward your pictures when you have a chance.
With Much Love,
Your Brother Dan... :-)
What an incredible trip on the Colorado River! It was a pleasure being with each and every one of you. I can still feel the warmth of the hot springs and the closeness of Mother Earth from the Vapor Cave. The adventure of being on the river, the exploring of the trails, the camping on the beach, the evening campfire, the beautiful stars, and the camaraderie of you men will be with me for some time to come. There is something magical being on retreat with men who speak from the heart and who are on the path of the spiritual warrior.
After the main group left on Sunday, Andrew, John Rosenberg, Chris Jones, and myself prepared for Hanblecheya “crying for a vision”, which is one of the seven Lakota sacred ceremonies. Initially we were prepared to go to our prayer locations on Sunday evening, but as spirit works we were not fully ready, so we began on Monday evening. Spending three days and two evenings fasting and in prayer was probably the most difficult thing I have ever done, but it was definitely one of the most incredible experiences I have ever had. For the most part the Hanblecheya was very joyful with only minimal moments of anxiety or sadness. Having my meltdown during the sweat lodge on Saturday night and having the support and prayers from each of you really provided the container I needed for a great experience. I had several interesting dreams that provided much insight to the feelings I had been experiencing over the last few years. I came off the mountain with a much lighter heart and a clear picture of the kind of person I want to be as I move into my senior years. The spirits also took good care of my health, where I did not need any medications to regulate my blood sugar during the 96 hours I was in ceremony. I was full of energy and felt well taken care of during the entire time. Visions of your faces visited me at night and the voice of Dr. J reminded me to breathe whenever I felt a little anxiety or sadness. It was also interesting that I could FEEL your prayers come to me throughout the ceremony. It was like a warm breath that was delivered to me.
I look forward to keeping in touch over this next year. You’ll get an e-mail or a phone call from me touching base. Please do the same… I hope we have the chance to do another kayaking trip next year. It’s a wonderful experience that is great for the heart and soul, which helps keep us grounded and connected. Please forward your pictures when you have a chance.
With Much Love,
Your Brother Dan... :-)
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Director's Message for March
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Greetings,
I presume that you may be reading this on or about Saturday, March 1st. At this point approximately a dozen of us guys from the Sacred Path Wisdom Council are kayaking down the Colorado River out of Boulder City, Nevada with Sacred Ways lodge leader Andrew Soliz and another of the men from our mutual communities, Scott Ewing, who organized the trip. We will be building a sweat lodge, traversing some canyons on foot, exploring a cave or two and performing ritual and sitting in council. We’re packing in all of our gear including food and water and will be bonding with each other and our natural surroundings. In a way this is in preparation for our spring Sacred Path Call To Adventure retreat.
Forty years ago I backpacked from the top of the Grand Canyon to the bottom and camped for 3 days along Bright Angel Creek that fed into the Colorado River before making the challenging full-moon assisted 14 mile ascent to the top in a mere 6 hours. It’s been a true Mindfulness experience to prepare for this trip and it has brought up memories of my former journey down to the river as well as other camping trips over mountain peeks into the deep forest along streambeds and backwoods lakes. I especially look forward to being with my brothers, these men that have been there for each other during smooth times and through a myriad of personal challenges and occasional crises. These are the same men that have been there for you on past retreats and will be there to support you on “our mountain” in April.
The mailing went out in the middle of February so if you didn’t receive your retreat flier you can go to the web site and download one or you can let us know and we’ll mail you a new one. In any event, it would be a good idea to let us know that you didn’t receive one so that we can make sure that we have your current address. If you’re considering joining us, it’s time to get registered for the retreat. The theme is on commitment and in actuality once you fill out the form and send in your deposit you have taken the first step of commitment and have essentially commenced the initial preparatory stage for your Call To Adventure. I recommend that you read the information concerning the retreat and become Mindful of your intentions regarding your participation and the outcome that you would like to create for yourself. We will be holding our community and dining activities in the new building on the mountain and it is fantastic.
Before leaving town I checked the registration list for the second Mindfulness Practicum scheduled for Saturday, March 8th at Holy Spirit Retreat Center in Encino. There were a few spaces open so if you were considering signing up but thought it might be completely full at this point you still may be able to participate. The purpose of this series of Practicums is to build more personal support so that you can integrate mindfulness practices such as meditation, breathing awareness, light Yoga and discernment into your daily life. Mindfulness practices are a way to quiet and calm the mind by paying nonjudgmental attention to your moment-to-moment experience. It helps to restore and maintain a sense of personal balance and to develop the skills to avoid emotional and physical depletion. This is important not only for persons who are facing stress-related conditions (so who isn’t?), but also for those who want to avoid physical or professional burnout. We will be focusing on the attribute of patience in the March Practicum and there will be ample opportunity to consider how our daily practices are applicable in dealing with our day-to-day concerns. All information and registration forms for the events are contained herewith as well as on the web site so I encourage you to exercise your commitment to step into action.
Looking forward to seeing you when I’m back from the river.
Mi Takuye Oyacin,
Stephen
TO DOWNLOAD THE MARCH PRACTICUM FLYER/APPLICATION, CLICK HERE
TO DOWNLOAD THE CALL TO ADVENTURE RETREAT FLYER/APPLICATION, CLICK HERE
Greetings,
I presume that you may be reading this on or about Saturday, March 1st. At this point approximately a dozen of us guys from the Sacred Path Wisdom Council are kayaking down the Colorado River out of Boulder City, Nevada with Sacred Ways lodge leader Andrew Soliz and another of the men from our mutual communities, Scott Ewing, who organized the trip. We will be building a sweat lodge, traversing some canyons on foot, exploring a cave or two and performing ritual and sitting in council. We’re packing in all of our gear including food and water and will be bonding with each other and our natural surroundings. In a way this is in preparation for our spring Sacred Path Call To Adventure retreat.
Forty years ago I backpacked from the top of the Grand Canyon to the bottom and camped for 3 days along Bright Angel Creek that fed into the Colorado River before making the challenging full-moon assisted 14 mile ascent to the top in a mere 6 hours. It’s been a true Mindfulness experience to prepare for this trip and it has brought up memories of my former journey down to the river as well as other camping trips over mountain peeks into the deep forest along streambeds and backwoods lakes. I especially look forward to being with my brothers, these men that have been there for each other during smooth times and through a myriad of personal challenges and occasional crises. These are the same men that have been there for you on past retreats and will be there to support you on “our mountain” in April.
The mailing went out in the middle of February so if you didn’t receive your retreat flier you can go to the web site and download one or you can let us know and we’ll mail you a new one. In any event, it would be a good idea to let us know that you didn’t receive one so that we can make sure that we have your current address. If you’re considering joining us, it’s time to get registered for the retreat. The theme is on commitment and in actuality once you fill out the form and send in your deposit you have taken the first step of commitment and have essentially commenced the initial preparatory stage for your Call To Adventure. I recommend that you read the information concerning the retreat and become Mindful of your intentions regarding your participation and the outcome that you would like to create for yourself. We will be holding our community and dining activities in the new building on the mountain and it is fantastic.
Before leaving town I checked the registration list for the second Mindfulness Practicum scheduled for Saturday, March 8th at Holy Spirit Retreat Center in Encino. There were a few spaces open so if you were considering signing up but thought it might be completely full at this point you still may be able to participate. The purpose of this series of Practicums is to build more personal support so that you can integrate mindfulness practices such as meditation, breathing awareness, light Yoga and discernment into your daily life. Mindfulness practices are a way to quiet and calm the mind by paying nonjudgmental attention to your moment-to-moment experience. It helps to restore and maintain a sense of personal balance and to develop the skills to avoid emotional and physical depletion. This is important not only for persons who are facing stress-related conditions (so who isn’t?), but also for those who want to avoid physical or professional burnout. We will be focusing on the attribute of patience in the March Practicum and there will be ample opportunity to consider how our daily practices are applicable in dealing with our day-to-day concerns. All information and registration forms for the events are contained herewith as well as on the web site so I encourage you to exercise your commitment to step into action.
Looking forward to seeing you when I’m back from the river.
Mi Takuye Oyacin,
Stephen
TO DOWNLOAD THE MARCH PRACTICUM FLYER/APPLICATION, CLICK HERE
TO DOWNLOAD THE CALL TO ADVENTURE RETREAT FLYER/APPLICATION, CLICK HERE
"Manifestation" Playshop/Ceremony at Learning Light
GREETINGS MY DEAR FRIENDS AND SOUL FAMILY!!
As we move closer to the upcoming equinox and the rite of the Spring season, I am being asked to facilitate a very special "Manifestation" playshop/ceremony....with my dear friend Michele Anderson...
at The LEARNING LIGHT in Anaheim....
which allows for a celebration of the March 8 New Moon energy ...
( first one after the last full Moon eclipse, and before the Equinox Full Moon)
I like to feel it as Embodying Your Sacred Intentions...
Please join me for this exceptional evening at this legendary event space...see the details below and please open the attachment for specifics and contacts wishing you the very brightest blessings for your abundant, healthy and sacred life Christo Pellani
EMBODYING OUR SACRED INTENTIONS
A new and innovative concept for creating your joyful abundant life!!
In our true nature we are inherently creative beings. Moment by moment , with each breath we take, we are continuously creating our reality. Our outer world is merely a reflection of our inner energetic consciousness, though we may not always be “aware” of it. Through our intentions and affirmations, we are aspiring for balance and harmony in this personal process of becoming our heart’s desire. We can actualize our intentions for whatever we want… better health, relationships, abundance, peace of mind through principles of Chinese Medicine, Aikido, and Vibrational Medicine.
Group and individual sessions also available!!
This experiential learning process accelerates the integration of intentional and affirmative energy into the cells of our organs and into the energy centers known as the “chakras” through a variety of interactive processes including:
· Vocal over-toning of specific sound structures for balancing and harmonizing the organs and chakras
· Specific Chi Gong exercises for energizing and purifying the organs and energy field.
· Facilitated expressive spontaneous flow movement with live rhythm accompaniment
· Guided visualizations and meditation techniques
· Various breath-work techniques
· Dynamic color processes
This safe, supportive group process allows a realization of our potentiality through the synergy of sound, color and movement therapies for self healing, expression and well-being.
Christo Pellani
is the founder of Earth and Sky Lodge & Soundformation Music. He is a master percussionist, sound healer and insightful teacher of inspirational modalities for personal growth, expression and well being.
Please visit: www.soundformation.com
As we move closer to the upcoming equinox and the rite of the Spring season, I am being asked to facilitate a very special "Manifestation" playshop/ceremony....with my dear friend Michele Anderson...
at The LEARNING LIGHT in Anaheim....
which allows for a celebration of the March 8 New Moon energy ...
( first one after the last full Moon eclipse, and before the Equinox Full Moon)
I like to feel it as Embodying Your Sacred Intentions...
Please join me for this exceptional evening at this legendary event space...see the details below and please open the attachment for specifics and contacts wishing you the very brightest blessings for your abundant, healthy and sacred life Christo Pellani
EMBODYING OUR SACRED INTENTIONS
A new and innovative concept for creating your joyful abundant life!!
In our true nature we are inherently creative beings. Moment by moment , with each breath we take, we are continuously creating our reality. Our outer world is merely a reflection of our inner energetic consciousness, though we may not always be “aware” of it. Through our intentions and affirmations, we are aspiring for balance and harmony in this personal process of becoming our heart’s desire. We can actualize our intentions for whatever we want… better health, relationships, abundance, peace of mind through principles of Chinese Medicine, Aikido, and Vibrational Medicine.
Group and individual sessions also available!!
This experiential learning process accelerates the integration of intentional and affirmative energy into the cells of our organs and into the energy centers known as the “chakras” through a variety of interactive processes including:
· Vocal over-toning of specific sound structures for balancing and harmonizing the organs and chakras
· Specific Chi Gong exercises for energizing and purifying the organs and energy field.
· Facilitated expressive spontaneous flow movement with live rhythm accompaniment
· Guided visualizations and meditation techniques
· Various breath-work techniques
· Dynamic color processes
This safe, supportive group process allows a realization of our potentiality through the synergy of sound, color and movement therapies for self healing, expression and well-being.
INFO : 310-578-5174
When: Saturday, March 8 at 7 PM.
Where: Learning Light, Anaheim
Donation: $30 per person
Christo Pellani
is the founder of Earth and Sky Lodge & Soundformation Music. He is a master percussionist, sound healer and insightful teacher of inspirational modalities for personal growth, expression and well being.
Please visit: www.soundformation.com
Remembering Art Pierson
ART PIERSON, 1944 – 2007
I’d like to say a few words about my friend and our brother, Art Pierson, who finally succumbed to pancreatic cancer after a two-year battle. His picture is on the lower right corner of our brochure, with grizzled white hair and beard and a Sacred Path cap. I’m sure those of you who attended the fall retreat a year and a half ago remember Art. He was the focal point of one of the most moving and powerful healing ceremonies ever held at a retreat, where all the participants gathered around him during a Saturday night ritual and held him for a long, long time, sharing our vitality with him. We all felt healed and moved to an extent far beyond my experience.
Art never forgot that night or the retreats. For him, they had taken on a holy quality. They were a reason for him to stay alive. In the midst of his second round of chemotherapy where he was down to 120 pounds, he sent in an application to the next retreat. When we e-mailed or talked on the phone, he was always looking forward to the next trip up the mountain, although when the time came, he was always too weak to travel. He’d tell me to hold his deposit and application for the next go-round. Well, he never made it back to the mountain, having died on November 30 of 2007, but I can assure you that his thoughts were seldom of anything else.
Art and I were good friends from 1972 until he died. We would sit on the curb together watching the July 4th parade in Evanston while sipping Mimosas. I wrote music scores for him when he was a clay animator working out of a 110-degree garage in Evanston, Illinois, and I worked with him when he owned the advertising agency that had Ace Hardware for a client. He went way, way up in his career, and fell even farther at the end, but I never once heard him complain or say a self-pitying word throughout his ordeal in business or with cancer.
Art was a Renaissance Man, held two degrees in fine arts, was a great cook, a carpenter, a welder, a connoisseur of fine beers, a shrewd businessman, and a good friend. There are few who would be able to fill his shoes in so many capacities. I will miss his energy, his sense of humor, his candor.
I know that his spirit will be with us at future retreats, where it has longed to be. Rest well, brother.
- Rich Manners
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