Thursday, February 3, 2011

Director's Message for February 2011

Greetings, Sacred Path Community,

There is important news concerning our Spring Sacred Path Men’s Retreat and the Call to Adventure Rites of Passage Retreat. We will be hosting a Spring Sacred Path Men’s Retreat (April 7-10), but we had to make the tough decision to cancel our plans to host the CTA portion of the spring retreat this year due to a lack of funding. We need a minimum of $10,000 to provide scholarships for the young men and mentors that we invite from the inner city to attend.

Several months ago, one of our men had pledged $10,000 in matching funds to stimulate donations to the Walter Atkinson Memorial Scholarship Fund. I had spoken and written about this extensively but by the time our Wisdom Council met on January 15th we had not raised any upfront funds to engage the matching funds. In years past we have always gone forward with the retreat and chased the funding. We have tended to operate from the faith that if “you build it, they will come,” but there is a lot going on with all of our lives these days, and it’s my observation that for many there are personal financial needs requiring more immediate attention. There just didn’t seem to be the impetus to put the cart before the horse this year and chase the funding.

We don’t intend to let the CTA fall away, but it seems that we need the time off this spring to reorganize and approach that vital work with a renewed vision and broader support of our program. We are inviting men from the inner city to join us at the men’s retreat in April so that we can develop more of a core mentor group to support the group of young men that attend the retreat. We will need some scholarship money to make it possible for those men in need to be able to join us. If you would like to assist with that level of funding we would greatly appreciate your help. Please let me know if you’d like to make a donation to the Conrad Burke Memorial Scholarship Fund.

We realize that there are many choices regarding where you spend your time and invest your energies. At the October men’s retreat I expressed that it had become clear over the past 24 years that we are a community of men rather than an organization in the business of putting on retreats. We’ve always been a boutique retreat and not an agency for marketing our retreats to an extensive audience. We realize that the Sacred Path is primarily a community of men that enjoy spending time together and enriching each others' lives through programs that expand consciousness and create opportunities for training in Mindfulness.

This upcoming retreat will offer a range of possibilities rather than a one-size-fits-all. For instance, if what you really need is a respite from the hectic and driving pace of your lifestyle, then come on up and get some much needed rest, relaxation and time for reflection and solitude. We won’t bug you to participate in anything other than what serves your needs. We will offer a variety of break-out sessions on topics of interest as well as our sweat lodges, Rebirthing breathwork sessions, community and tribe times and of course the great cuisine. Read the information about the retreat in this newsletter and take advantage of the early bird discount when you register before March 3rd. We invite fathers and sons to attend with the understanding that this is a men’s retreat and we won’t be facilitating the ropes course, but why not have an opportunity to spend some quality time together in the company of other good men?

In the spirit of brotherhood,
Stephen

To download the flyer/application for the 2/5/11 Day for Men, Click HERE

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Still Time to Register for 2/5/11 Day for Men

SPIRITUAL PURIFICATION
The Science of Everlasting Life
Holy Spirit Retreat Center
Saturday, February 5, 2011


There are practices that support and sustain our ability to maintain balance as we traverse the ups and downs of life’s course for us today. The stresses and strains can take their toll if we’re not prepared and equipped to deal with them. This practicum will present information and practices to fortify you in dealing with these challenges as you determine how you will interface with this fast-paced and increasingly hectic world.

It is important to master a conscious relationship with earth, air, water and fire. These are the basic elements of the physical body and the physical universe. They are forever interpenetrating each other in an intelligent way. Basic spiritual purification practices clean and balance the Energy Body that brilliantly creates and maintains the physical body as well as keeping the mind in a state of equanimity and bliss: the peace that passes all understanding.

Spiritual purification is simple and actually pleasurable. Body-Mind rejuvenation and renewal can be achieved as we sustain the eternal process of becoming more alive and vital. The results of spiritual purification practices and philosophy, including Sacred Conscious Breathing and Mindful Meditation on Empowering Affirmations, can heal the death urge promulgating a slowing and reversal of the aging process and mastery over Physical Immortality.

Leonard Orr believes that “This is the best time in human history to achieve personal practical mastery. We are entering the Age of Truth when everyone will take responsibility for themselves, their enlightenment, and our quality of life.”

For forty years, Stephen Johnson, Ph.D., has been bringing out the best in good men. In 1974, while a Doctoral Fellow in Rehabilitation Psychology at the University of Southern California, Stephen published his research on the Benefits of Yoga Therapy on Self-Concept, Conflict Resolution and Emotional Adjustment. He went on to study a post-doctoral curriculum for four years at the National Academy of Metaphysics and was one of a group of individuals assisting Leonard Orr during his pioneering work with the powerful breathing process called Rebirthing. This became the foundation for the blending of spirituality and psychology that has been at the heart of Stephen’s personal evolvement and his professional practice as a psychotherapist and educator. This is your opportunity to participate in a life enhancing experience with Stephen and a gathering of men who are committed to living conscious lives. You are invited to attend this Practicum on Spiritual Psychology.

To download the flyer/application for the 2/5/11 Day for Men, Click HERE

Registration Open for Sacred Path Men's Retreat April 7th Through 10th

What if you could retreat from the world in such a way that when you returned, you felt more alive, more inspired and more able to create effective results in your daily life?

What if you could take a vacation from your daily life and re-discover your authentic self, open up to new possibilities and experience real brotherhood?

What if 4 days could offer you a valuable opportunity for introspection so that you can honestly review your life?

What if you could discern the changes you want to make in such a way that you return home with a realistic game plan for your personal transformation and renewed energy to put it in motion?

The Sacred Path Retreat is a 4-day experience set in a supportive environment where you can connect with your authentic self within a context of honor, acceptance and understanding. This event will take place on a mountaintop overlooking the coastline, beyond the Malibu city limits in Ventura County. Food and lodging are provided. An enriching experience is promised. An adventure of self-discovery is guaranteed.

Join Dr. Stephen Johnson and the Extraordinary Men of the Sacred Path Wisdom Council for this 4-day retreat as we explore what it means to

Be a Mindful Man Today.

YOU WILL EXPERIENCE:
• An opportunity to be heard and to heal.
• Time to relax, rest, reflect and revitalize.
• The freedom to shake loose, let go and energize.
• Encouragement to stretch, take the step and make the leap.
• Time to be together and time for solitude.
• Opportunities to explore your psyche in large & small group formats.
• Music, Drumming, Laughter, Tears, Joy & Fun

CHOICE OF BREAKOUT SESSIONS WILL INCLUDE:
• American Native Sweat Lodges
• Rebirthing Breathwork
• Relationships — How to improve them, or how to dissolve them with dignity.
• Anger — Learn to deal effectively with the triggers and manage your reaction.
• Parenting — Discover more effective ways of engaging with your children.
• Recovery — Support for your recovery from traumas and life crises including health, addiction, infidelity & divorce.
• The Father Gap — Attend to the wound that never seems to heal.
• Aging — Explore how to sustain youthfulness while becoming an Elder rather than just an Older.
• Mindfulness Training — Expand your awareness and raise your consciousness.
• Movement and Meditation — Get up and go or slow down and go within.

ADDITIONAL INFO
1. Deposit of $175 will reserve your spot and secure an Early Bird discount if balance of payment is received by March 24th.
2. Early Bird fee is available until March 3rd.
3. Registrations will be accepted until April 5th, space permitting.
4. Cancellations on or before Thursday, March 24th are eligible for a refund, less a $50 processing fee.
5. Deposit fee is non-refundable after March 24th.
6. Full fee is nonrefundable after April 4th.
7. Refunds will be processed within two weeks following the retreat.
8. No registrations will be held without deposit.

To download and print the fill-in registration form, click HERE

To register online, click HERE

Two Events for Men and Women with Leonard Orr

at Holy Spirit Retreat Center on June 3rd and 4th

Mark your calendars now and plan to attend two upcoming events for men and women with Leonard Orr, considered the father of the Rebirthing and Spiritual Purification movement. On Friday evening, June 3rd, Leonard will present on one of his favorite topics: THE FIVE GREATEST IDEAS OF THE CENTURY. On Saturday, June 4th, Leonard will facilitate a day to explore the practical spiritual purification practices enhancing health, vitality and longevity. Each person will experience a Rebirthing session guided by a skilled Rebirther. Leonard will share the salient truths that he has discovered during his worldwide exploration into the phenomena of physical immortality. More information will be forthcoming in future newsletters.

Colorectal Cancer Symposium

Tower Cancer Research Foundation will be Hosting Colorectal Cancer Symposium at which expert panelists will answer questions and explain the latest advances in treatment and research.

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., January 18, 2011 – Tower Cancer Research Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to cutting edge cancer therapy and research, will host the second in its series of free symposiums on March 8. The 2011 Tower Oncology Winter Cancer Symposium – Advances in Colon and Rectal Cancer Research and Treatment: A Multidisciplinary Panel Discussion – will take place from 7:00-9:00pm at the Pacific Design Center, 8687 Melrose Blvd., West Hollywood, Calif.

The symposium is open to the public and will feature in-depth presentations from Tower Hematology Oncology Medical Group physicians and other specialists. Panelists will discuss new colon and rectal cancer treatment options, the importance of early screening, the latest news on clinical trial research, and the importance of diet in colon and rectal cancer treatment and recovery. In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to pose questions to the panel.

Doors open at 6:15 p.m. for registrant check in; light refreshments will be available.

“We consider it a privilege to be able to share the latest colon and rectal cancer research and treatment information with the public through this forum,” said Dr. David Hoffman, a Medical Oncologist with Tower Hematology Oncology Medical Group who will moderate the symposium. “Educating the community is an integral part of Tower’s mission and I believe that everyone who attends our symposium will benefit from a better understanding of colorectal cancer.”

Panelists for the March 8 symposium will include:
• David Hoffman, M.D. – Medical Oncologist and Symposium Moderator, Tower Hematology Oncology Medical Group
• Henry Yampolsky, M.D. – Radiation Oncologist, The Center for Radiation Therapy of Beverly Hills
• Peter Lee, M.D., Ph.D. – Interim Medical Director, Tower Cancer Research Foundation
• Mari Madsen, M.D. – Colorectal Surgeon, Colon & Rectal Surgeons of Southern California
• Carey Strom, M.D. – Gastroenterologist, Tower Digestive Health Medical Group
• Jodi Newson, M.S., R.D., C.S.O. – Oncology Certified Dietician, Tower Hematology Oncology Medical Group

“This symposium is designed to offer helpful information to anyone who has just recently received a colon or rectal cancer diagnosis, or who has a family history of colorectal cancer,” said Solomon Hamburg, M.D., Ph.D., President of Tower Cancer Research Foundation. “But we also are well aware that cancer affects many more people than just the patient, and that’s why we’re inviting family members and friends, and anyone who would like to know more, to join us for this symposium. This is an opportunity for the whole community to become more aware of what’s being done to offer treatment, healing, and hope.”

Reservations to attend the Tower Oncology 2011 Winter Cancer Symposium are required. To RSVP, or for more information, please call 310-205-5789.

About Tower Cancer Research Foundation
Founded in 1996, Tower Cancer Research Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to providing research, community education, and patient support while developing more effective treatments for cancer and blood disorders. For more information, please call 310-285-7242 or visit www.towercancerfoundation.org

We Have Come to be Danced

We have come to be danced
not the pretty dance
not the pretty pretty, pick me, pick me dance
but the claw our way back into the belly
of the sacred, sensual animal dance
the unhinged, unplugged cat is out of its box dance
the holding the precious moment in the palms
of our hand and feet dance.

We have come to be danced
not the jiffy booby, shake your booty for him dance
but the wring the sadness from our skin dance
the blow the chip off our shoulder dance
the slap the apology from our posture dance.

We have come to be danced
not the monkey see, monkey do dance
one, two dance like you
one, two, three dance like me dance
but the grave robber, tomb stalker
tearing scabs & scars open dance
the rub the rhythm raw against our souls dance.

We have come to be danced
not the nice invisible, self-conscious shuffle
but the matted hair flying, voodoo mama
shaman shakin’ ancient bones dance
the strip us from our casings, return our wings
sharpen our claws & tongues dance
the shed dead cells and slip into
the luminous skin of love dance.
We have come to be danced
not the hold our breath and wallow in the shallow end of the floor dance
but the meeting of the trinity; the body, breath & beat dance
the shout hallelujah from the top of our thighs dance
the mother may I?
yes you may take ten giant leaps dance
the ollie ollie oxen Free Free Free dance
the everyone can come to our heaven dance.

We have come to be danced
where the kingdoms collide
in the cathedral of flesh
to burn back into the light
to unravel, to play, to fly, to pray
to root in the skin sanctuary
we have come to be danced