OCTOBER DAY OF RECOLLECTION
Our October Day of Recollection will take place on Saturday, October 17th, from 10 AM to 3 PM, at the home of Paschal Baute, 6200 Winchester Rd., Lexington. Our theme will be "An Introduction to Shamanism", and we will be led by Dave Peck who is studying and practicing this most ancient form of spirituality. He has done most of his training with The Foundation for Shamanic Studies, founded by Michael Harner.
Dave sent me this information on our coming workshop.
"Those attending the Day of Recollection workshop on shamanism that I will conduct should bring along a blanket or something else suitable to lie comfortably upon. Those, such as myself, who cannot sit on the floor might want to bring a portable low 'beach chair', (back-jack), or whatever. I would advise people to bring along their spiritual journals if they keep one or a notebook to record their experiences in. They should also bring along something suitable for covering their eyes, (a bandanna, a hankerchief, a towel, or something else). I don't really recommend reading up on shamanism or otherwise attempting to 'prepare' oneself for this workshop since we will be mostly DOING rather than talking, and I think it is best to just bring your curiosity and expect nothing, but be open to experience."
MAILING LIST UP-DATE
Every so often I update our mailing list. This helps us to send the newsletter only to those who want to receive it. If you wish to continue receiving the newsletter, please send in the postcard enclosed in this issue. You will need to fill in your name and address, making any corrections, and put on a stamp. If you haven't contributed recently to the cost of putting the newsletter into your hands, its a good time to make a donation. (The suggested donation to cover costs is around $10.) The newsletter will be sent to anyone requesting it, donations are voluntary. I will send the newsletter to everyone next month, November, our last issue for this year. If you signed up at the Many Faces of Spirit Conference this will have given you time to know whether it has value for you. Beginning in January I will only send the newsletter to those who have requested it. Thanks very much for your help. Ann
EXERCISES FROM SEPTEMBER RETREAT
The September Retreat topic was "Forgiveness." During several of the sections exercises were given as possible ways to approach and work with this topic. Here are some of these suggestions for those who might have interest in this area but could not attend the retreat.
From notes on Saturday Morning session:
As one works on the process of forgiveness one often hears many different inner viewpoints. One way to work with the topic is to give space to each so that they may be clearly heard and understood. With this perspective, let that part of yourself which opposes forgiveness speak, write down the reasoning and the reflections which are meaningful to you. Why is it a good idea not to forgive?
Another voice that may not be heard amid our inner process is that of our higher nature. To get this perspective one may wish to enter that imaginitive space of inner reflection and go to an inner temple or place of meditation. Then in your own way invite your spiritual center to speak to you about forgiveness.
Meditation from Prayers of the Cosmos, by Neil Douglas Klotz. (p.32)
Lie comfortably and feel the heartbeat and pulsing of the blood, this time focusing on its releasing power. If you have difficulty feeling your blood pulse, try placing one hand lightly cupped near the heart. Rather than reach for the pulse, imagine your hand listening to it, receptively. Feel and visualize the blood bringing to the lungs everything that wants to be released this moment. This is breathed out. With each new breath, new life is brought in and pulses back to every cell of the body. As the pulsing quality of this "body forgiveness" is felt, the muscles also relax to allow the veins, arteries, and capillaries more space and easier flow. Past tensions being held in the muscles may begin to release; old habits and 'armor' that we sometimes confuse with our natural selves begin to let go.
Contemplation derived from the process of forgiveness.
Reference: How to Forgive When You Don't Know How, by Jacqui Bishop and Mary Grunte.
Remember that hurts that need the attention of forgiveness were formed in stages. Callouses of fear, anger, and resentment may have hardened into postures and an internal vision of who we are that may be different from our natural self. One can work at softening these layers to reveal the inner healing that has been fostered. One technique is through inner dialog. Find a place where you feel comfortable, and decide either to work in a journal or in another form, (dialog, movement, music, color...) and provide yourself with the necessary materials and environment.
Begin by connecting with your inner spiritual friend. Understand with your intellect that this is only part of a long healing journey. Feel this presence guiding and mentoring you. Know that the result of this step will be an opening along this chosen path of healing.
Begin your dialog by telling your friend about what happened. Tell "your side of the story", what you needed and did not receive in the past.
Then look at your present and tell your friend how you hold on to this in the present. Express your choice to be free of this attachment and bondage.
Tell your friend what you think your next step should be. Then, be open to how your spiritual friend directs you.
End by thanking this mystery for the opportunity to consider your issues in this light.
CALENDAR
DAY OF RECOLLECTION
October 17th, Saturday from 10 AM to 3 PM
Theme: Introduction to Shamanism
Pot luck lunch
QUARTERLY RETREAT
December 4th - 6th
Theme: Deepening our Spiritual Life.
PRACTICUM ON MEDITATION
On Sunday afternoons, from 3:45 to 4:45 PM, for the next six Sundays, we will be coming together to further our understanding and practice of meditation and related issues. The first Sunday, (October 11th) we will mutually decide upon the format and topics to be covered. Suggested topics have included different forms of meditation, such as centering prayer, guided contemplation, kithing, or mindfulness, as well as other areas in the spiritual life, such as spiritual direction, and establishing practice in one's life. For the next five Sundays we will have an hour to learn from each other, and experience through practicing in this group setting. This is an open group, even if you have not attended the Sunday evening group but are interested in this area, you are welcome.
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