Tibetan Culture Program at Pavilion
W.C. Friends of Tibet Network Release
The Western Colorado Friends of Tibet is especially pleased to announce a program of Tibetan music, discussion, and presentations at the Montrose Pavilion on Saturday, August 13, 2005.
The program will feature
two world famous Tibetans:
Thubten (Sam) Samdup: Sam is the head of Tibet Canada, the largest
Tibetan organization on the North American continent, and is one of the 9
original members of TIPA, the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts. This
Institute was established by the Dalai Lama in an attempt to save the Tibetan
culture when many of its leaders escaped to India in 1959 during the Chinese
invasion and take over of Tibet. Sam is an amazing leader for Tibet in exile
and has solid working and persuasive relationships with Tibetans in Canada and
the Canadian government including the national Parliament and the Prime
Minister. Sam was able to meet with the Parliament and get them to officially
pass a resolution directing the Prime Minister to go to China and make a formal
request to the Chinese government to begin negotiations with Tibet to restore
their country to its international position prior to the Chinese invasion. Sam
then met formally with the Prime Minister of Canada who agreed to the direction
of the resolution. This is an accomplishment unrivaled anywhere in the world
and it is a stunning tribute to Thubten Samdup for his persuasiveness and his
persistence. Sam will sing and play Tibetan instruments and talk about his
experiences and about what WE can do to help Tibet.
Ven. Palden Gyatso:
Palden Gyatso is one of the world’s most famous Tibetan monks who was
imprisoned in Tibet by the Chinese for 33 years and was severely beaten and
tortured during his years of imprisonment. He was nearly executed, the severity
of his torture and punishment was so great. He refused to admit to the
conditions the Chinese insisted and was finally released. Unbelievably, Palden has recovered and has
authored two books about his imprisonment, his torture, and his persistence,
along with his views of the status of Tibet and what can be done to help Tibet
and Tibetans. He has toured the entire world twice and appeared in Missoula,
Montana, the first time that Bill Duckworth, founder of the Western Colorado
Friends of Tibet was able to see him. Another very articulate Tibetan, Ridzgin
Tingkhye, will provide translation, and add his own knowledge.
Our program will begin
on Saturday morning with a series of films on Tibet and we are still attempting
to gain the latest and most powerful film, What Remains of Us, which was
recently featured at this springs’s Telluride Mountain Film Festival. Other films would include A Song for
Tibet (featuring Thubten Samdup), Tibet’s Stolen Child (about the
abduction and importance of the Panchen Lama), and Red Tibet, Free Tibet (by
local filmmaker (Keya Horiuchi).
Saturday afternoon we
plan to feature a talk by Ven. Palden Gyatso in which he will describe his
memories of Tibet before the Chinese take over, his imprisonment by the
Chinese, the torture and the terror of the imprisonment, how he management to
remain focused, his release from imprisonment, his efforts since that time, and
his description of how each person can help Tibet and the world. Following that
program we plan to have a discussion group to include Thubten Samdup, Palden
Gyatso, Ridzgin Tingkhye, plus local participants, Kelvin Kent, Stu Krebs, a
representative of the Western Colorado Friends of Tibet, a representative from
the Whole Life Network, and at least one other person. This discussion will
focus on what remains of Tibet, how each person in the world can help, why the
situation in Tibet is so important for every human being, and why it is so
important for those of us “half a world away”, and how each of us can become
involved. We plan to also make this truly interactive encouraging questions and
observations and participation by the audience in attendance.
Saturday evening will
feature a concert by Thubten (Sam) Samdup using his array of Tibetan musical
instruments and his wonderful Tibetan voice.
It will feature traditional Tibetan music as well as music developed
during the loss of Tibet and the hope of each Tibetan to regain their home. The
music is absolutely beautiful and mystical and promises to be a marvelous
concert by one of the world’s true ethnic musicians. Interspersed with all of
this will be Thubten’s personal thoughts and observations and challenges to the
rest of us to become personally involved to help out. Each person in the
audience will truly appreciate the depth of Thubten’s understanding, his
commitment to a free Tibet, his concern for the condition of the world, and his
fervent efforts to bring about change, not only for Tibet but also in the way
we all look at our world.
This program is at a
level only attainable by large and influential cities and we are very fortunate
to have the quality of participants and the level of world influence this
program presents. We encourage everyone with an interest of the world and to participate
in history in the making to attend this remarkable program.
Bill Duckworth, founder
and guiding spirit of Western Colorado Friends of Tibet
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John Mayo at Tuesday Noon Talks
Whole
Life Network Release
John
Mayo is returning to our valley and has agreed to appear as our featured T-N-T
presenter on July 12th. As
usual it will begin at 12:00 noon, but the location has changed. The Uncompahgre Yoga Circle at 310 S. 9th
Street in Montrose will be the site of this opportunity to meet with one of
the world’s most gifted healers.
John
Mayo a remarkable unassuming man from England (a complete skeptic until 1984)
who not only treats people, animals, bird's and yes plants too with his hands
but also with his voice. John discovered his amazing natural gift of healing
after treating his wife who had suffered injuries after a severe auto accident
in 1984. She was left with a permanent headache and a very swollen leg that
would take no weight and would not bend. After 5 months of treatment at the
hospital, she was discharged and told they could no longer help her. Since 1984
and with John's healing ability he discovered at that time, she made a complete
recovery and has been fine ever since.
He
believes no illness, ailment, injury or addiction is incurable. Look at the dog
with John in his website, it was vicious until John put his hands on him, not
any more.
For
appointments with John, contact Crista on 626 277-7228. He will be in Boulder for several days
starting July 6th and will arrive in our area following his stay in
Boulder.
Do you
have a subject on which you wish to be heard?
The Whole Life Network with Lynda Alfred of Uncompahgre Yoga Circle as
hostess plan to schedule a free-to-the-public presentation every 2nd
and 4th Tuesday at noon. To
have your T-N-T reserved for you, call Jennifer Halbach at 240-2846. Be a part of the action: come to Tuesday
Noon Talks.
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The Seven Worst Things To Say To Your Child
by Laurel Ann Browne
Parent Talk That Wounds the Spirit
Words can empower and
words can wound. They can nurture or
shame, encourage or scold, uplift or bring down. No parent consciously tries to
build a negative core belief in their children; they don’t mean to tear down their
self-esteem and confidence, or leave them feeling dependent and out of
control. It is unintentional, it was
the way they were taught, and parents just don’t realize the full impact of
their words on their children.
1. “If you don’t stop that, I’m going to leave
you here”
Threatening a child’s worst fear of being abandoned or left alone and unsafe in
an effort to manipulate them into a desirable behavior is a sure sign the
parent needs to be in time-out.
Solution: One alternative is to give the child a
choice instead of scaring them say “If you keep choosing this behavior we’ll
just go home. If you choose to talk in
a normal voice we’ll stay and shop. You decide”.
2. You ought to be ashamed of yourself”
(stolen recently baked cookies.) or misbehavior in the grocery store. This is
an attempt to create guilt in the heart of the child believing that shame will
create better behavior. There are times when shaming works and produces the
behavior we want from a child, but at what price? Along with the shame and
guilt come the core beliefs of “I am wrong,” “I’m not good enough”, and “I can
never do anything right”. When children act out of these core beliefs, they
attract more shaming, which confirms their beliefs and perpetuates the cycle of
further shaming responses.
3. “We Never Wanted You Anyway”
“I
wish I never had you,” “If I had it to do over again, I would never have
children,” ”We never wanted you anyway” are inexcusable pieces of parent talk
and totally inappropriate. This language should serve as a signal that
something is more than amiss in your child/parent relationship. Use it as a
catalyst to get some help. Turn to a
counselor, clergy member or school authority.
Do it now. You and your children
are worth it.
4. “You’re the reason we’re getting a divorce”.
What an emotional burden
to place on a child, let alone the guilt, potential of self-loathing. Even if you explain in a loving way they are
not the reason for the divorce, the fantasy still holds, deep inside the being
and soul. They begin to think that
somehow “If I had only been different, my parents would still be together.” If
I had just been better, they wouldn’t have fought so much”, sometimes these are
unconscious feelings of guilt in some way or another and as they grow and blot
out the guilt already in the subconscious, they appear confused about their own
identity. They have listened to you and now wonder why they feel doubtful about
their own feelings. They don’t seem to remember when you sat down and quietly
and lovingly explained that the reason for the divorce was not them.
5. “Why can’t you be
more like your brother or sister?”
When parents compare
their children one has to be deficient.
The message to the deficient child is that he is not good enough, smart
enough, fast enough, or thorough enough. You’re not good enough” messages
internalize as core beliefs and contribute to sibling rivalry by
fostering feelings of separateness. Which one is being shown deficient?
Solution: Except each
child as unique. Help your child see that uniqueness. Each has personal
strengths, capabilities, and needs.
Danny can do this, but Clara can do something else acknowledging each
siblings abilities. This strengthens
the desire of both siblings to help each other as they focus on what they CAN
do.
6. “Here, let me do that for you”.
Message “let me handle
it because you can’t do it yourself”. If “I’ll do it for you this time” is a
pattern of your parent talk on a regular basis, you create a lot of unnecessary
work for yourself throughout his/her life. This kind of parent talk could be
contributing to a learned helplessness in your children. This message is disempowering to the
child. If you do this “helping” more
than twice then you’re creating a pattern of behavior that will come back to
haunt you later. This child will want
to stay at home and have you take care of him much longer than the excepted
transit flight. He/she will always be
asking you for money, things, and an “I can’t do it” attitude. Taking over and
doing things for a child that could be doing for themselves diminishes him/her.
It encourages them to view themselves as incapable.
7. “Because I said so that’s why”
The message: “I’m big
and you’re little”. I’m smart and you’re dumb. I have power and you don’t. My
job is to tell; your job is to obey”. If you want your child to feel belittled,
your have accomplished the job. This style of parent talk breeds resentment and
creates power struggles. Instead try communication that instills respect while
you tell the child directly your feelings and desires. “It bothers me John when you continue to ask
‘Why’ over and over. As a parent here I make the decision. I won’t be changing
my mind on this one, because I feel it’s in your best interest”.
Language is the primary
delivery system for the emotional abuse of children. If you monitor your manner
of speaking you will find a distinct better reaction and response from your
child. If you become conscious of using one or more of these above worst things
to say to a child, or other abusive language, stop. Take a deep breath. Go for
a walk. Take a hot bath. Give yourself and your child time to cool off and
regain perspective. Then begin again,
remembering that words can empower or words wound.
CENTER FOR CREATIVE
CHANGE
For more information: 970-249-1345
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Remembering Aztlán
a column of poetry, culture & spirit by Art Goodtimes
PRAIRIE DOGS
… Given the controversy over exterminating prairie dogs in an exclusive enclave
above Telluride and the one-time shooting contest that Nucla used to brag
about, I found it timely reading to find Jeff Rice’s piece “Talking Dogs” in
the May issue of Salt Lake City’s stylish alternative monthly, Catalyst
(www.catalystmagazine.net, $18 a year) … A cornucopia of great stories and fine
columns, Greta and John deJong’s publication has been a mainstay in my mailbox
for a dozen years. While focused on the Wasatch Front, its pieces often have
relevance far beyond the Jordan River, and it’s an excellent antidote for those
who think Utah means Mormons only. Catalyst is the mouthpiece for as lively an
alternative community as anywhere in the Inner Basin West – including Denver or
Albuquerque … Rice reports on the work of Dr. Con Slobodchikoff of Northern
Arizona University in Flagstaff, who’s documented at least 20 distinct prairie
dog words. Says Rice, “A prairie dog can describe a coyote or a red-tailed
hawk; there are chirps that denote the presence of humans, and even calls
describing shapes and colors.” … And this isn’t just the stuff of popular
culture. Dr. Slobodchikoff has published his findings over the last 20 years in
the prestigious journal, Animal Behavior, and other scientific journals
… And the irony, as Rice points out, is that just as we’re beginning to
understand how interesting and intelligent these creatures are, they’re
disappearing. Several species are on threatened or endangered lists. According
to Dr. Slobodchikoff, “In a general sense, we now have about 2% of the prairie
dogs we had 100 years ago.” Estimates from the 19th Century suggest
there were once five billion of these talkative little creatures … Why is it
that the human species finds it okay to poison non-human relatives of ours in
the animal kindom [no, not “king”-dom], possibly even to extinction, without
even examining their world? It’s a blindness for sure. Which was a big part of
the message of Mountainfilm this year. If we really want to be sustainable, we
need to understand the interconnectedness of all things. Even of our cousins
the prairie dogs.
MOUNTAINFILM
… Telluride’s first big festival of the summer season. A Memorial Day
tradition.. New Director Arlene Burns did a great job following in Rick
Silverman’s footsteps. She had a talented crew, including folks like Catherine
Soutter, Jamie Morrison, Stash Winslocki and dozens of others, not to mention
the hundreds of volunteers. And once again it was a very full weekend of
serendipities, new friends and old friends connecting, plus very powerful
cinema … My favorites didn’t track the official jury, except for Paul Fusco’s Chernobyl
Legacy – a film that every politician ought to be required to see before
they even think of resuscitating nuclear power in this country -- or anywhere
else … Of course, as an emcee at the Opera House and the Nugget, I was limited
in what I saw (which is why I was sad they skipped the after-the-festival films
this year). But there was a buzz around several films … Simone Duarte’s En
Route to Baghdad offered up the amazing life of U.N. diplomat Sergio Viera
de Mello, truly one of the great world leaders of our time. And ironically, one
of my old seminary classmates, Gil Loescher, was caught in the same blast that killed
de Mello. Gil lost both his legs …
Velcrow Ripper (now there’s a funny name -- coming out of its Goretex at
you) had a gripping film in Scared Sacred, taking you to the sites of
many of the world’s greatest tragedies and finding redemption and hope amid the
unspeakable horrors of the past … I missed Neal Marlens and Carol Black’s The
Lost People of Mountain Village, but the word was it was hilarious … Thor
Freudenthal had a lovely little short in Motel, where the roles between
roaches and humans get reversed … And then there were the speakers. Paul
Stamets (borrowed from the Telluride Mushroom Festival and Bioneers) did a
dazzling talk at the Moving Mountain Symposium, telling us all the ways that
mushrooms could save the world. Including a species of forest conk, found only
in the old growth forests of the Pacific Northwest, that appears to have
significant antiviral promise again the weaponizing of poxes (smallpox,
monkeypox). Hence, Stamets’ brilliant conclusion (employing the kind of
political aikido Michael Kinsley of Aspen has long preached) – we need to save
old growth forests in the name of national defense! … And some personal
highpoints – meeting Jon Turk (former Tellurider who left about the time I came
to town) and discussing his fascinating new book (which I bought), In the
Wake of the Jomon: Stone Age Mariners and a Voyage Across the Pacific. Were
the first humans on this continent seafarers, not land bridge hunters? Check it
out. Available at Between the Covers … And another high point was meeting Cyril
Christo and Marie Wilkinson, whose incredible coffeetable book Lost Africa
is a treasure all its own, also featured at our local bookstore … And all of
that is just scratching the surface of a wonderful weekend – an opportunity to
learn and view and listen and connect … For me, the Telluride summer is a
season that begins with Mountainfilm and ends with Mushroom. My M&Ms.
WEEKLY QUOTA …
"Should any political party attempt to abolish social security,
unemployment insurance, and eliminate labor laws and farm programs, you would
not hear of that party again in our political history. There is a tiny splinter
group, of course, that believes that you can do these things. Among them are a
few Texas oil millionaires, and an occasional politician or businessman from
other areas. Their number is negligible and they are stupid." -President
Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1954.
IF WE REALLY CARED ABOUT
PEAK OIL … To break the regulatory stalemate between
the U.S. government and the auto industry over increasing fuel efficiency
standards for the U.S. vehicular fleet, we ought to do a bunch of things,
including … SUBSIDIZE COST-EFFECTIVE OIL SAVINGS … The federal government
currently gives $1.5 billion in annual subsidies to oil companies, regardless
of whether or not they find or develop any new oil supplies (the oil depletion
tax allowance). This is in spite of a projected 2004 net profit for the seven
largest Western oil companies of $71.3 billion, according to the Wall Street
Journal. Instead, invest the $1.5 billion in innovative private sector
programs to save gasoline, paying $0.25 to $0.45 to the company based on each
gallon of gas saved by the initiative of the company. This is substantially
less than the subsidy currently paid for new oil discoveries. Programs to
accelerate sales of efficient low-rolling-resistance tires and lower friction
motor oil formulations look particularly promising.
THE TALKING GOURD
Owed to Capital
O mushroom truck!
What luck that Betzi
paid that pig-farmer’s loan off
brought you home to me.
Odi et amo.
I love you. I hate you.
But who in our midst doesn’t
dance that Marxian daisy chain
of car sales sex?
Market niche.
Corporate nirvana.
All of us on wheels
dispensing sweet toxins
with each tap of the shoe
on the accelerator.
© 2004 Art Goodtimes
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Dea's
Kitchen: Wild Mushroom Magic
by Dea Jacobson
Wood ears, shaggy manes,
fairy rings, puffballs, what are these strangely-named wild critters? Well,
according to those in the know, we are about to find out. Because of all the
moisture we've had,is the "year of the wild mushroom"! Now, be
advised that there are bold mushroom hunters and there are old
mushroom hunters, but there are no old, bold mushroom hunters! And that's precisely my disclaimer for this
month's column, borrowed from my first and favorite cookbook, the Joy of
Cooking. And, while I think of myself as a liberal in many ways, I am
definitely conservative when it comes to sampling wild mushrooms. So, when on a
serious hunt for edible fungi, I am usually in the company of an experienced
"'shroomer".
But, as we know, life is
what happens while we are busy making other plans and, while on a wildflower
walk after a recent beautiful rainfall on the south slope of the Grand Mesa I
made a huge haul...one bowling ball-sized giant puffball! What a wonderful
surprise! Roy's daypack held our prize, although I have since read that it is
best to use a paper bag when harvesting wild mushrooms, so they can breathe.
Next time I'll be prepared.
Even a novice like me
can positively identify a puffball - no stem or gills, and white, through and
through. My prize was creamy white and firm throughout, and so light tasting
that it absorbed whatever flavors I cooked it with. I cleaned it and cut it
into small pieces, and sauted it with basil, garlic and a little diced Red Bird
Chicken breast...and served it over linguine. Yumm! We couldn't tell the
mushroom pieces from the chicken, so thoroughly had the flavors blended. The
following evening I sauted it in ghee with garam masala, cumin and a little
cardamom, combined with shredded cabbage, carrots and a little onion and served
it over jasmine rice. Very versatile vegetable!
Interestingly enough,
mushrooms are rich in Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, which surprised me,
since they flourish in caves and in dark woody places. In nature, mushrooms
draw upon that which is decaying; and, in the human body, mushrooms, according
to Rebecca Wood, are said to absorb and safely eliminate toxins. These toxins
include undesirable fat in the blood, pathogens and excess mucus in the
respiratory system. They are not to be eaten raw, however. Carcinogenic
compounds found in raw common mushrooms are destroyed by cooking. And, since
the properties of wild mushrooms are so variable, they must be prepared
according to their individual properties. You can't saute all species in garlic
and olive oil. Some do well marinated, some in soups or sauces. The Wild
Vegetarian Cookbook, by Steve Brill is a good place to start.
The Colorado Mycological
Society (mycology is the study of fungi, including wild mushrooms) has a
website, www.cmsweb.org chock full of info and pictures, and holds field trips
across the state. Mushrooms Demystified is recommended reading, by David
Aurora, and the Audubon Society has a Field Guide to North American
Mushrooms, as well. Crested Butte hosts the 2005 Wild Mushroom Festival on
August 18-21st. More info can be had at www.crested-butte-wild-mushroom-festival.com.
There are workshops, cooking classes and other experiential ways designed to
educate people about mushrooms in the Rocky Mountain region. Happy Hunting!
Dea Jacobson is owner of
Blue Heron Yoga and Fitness in Cedaredge, Colorado. She can be reached at
www.blueheronyoga.com, Box 95 in Cedaredge, 81413, or at 970 856 4905. She is a
registerd yoga instructor and therapist, a Religious Science Practitioner and a
graduate of Naturally Grand Cooking School. She teaches yoga in Delta and Mesa
Counties and is available for private yoga therapy, nutritional or spiritual
counseling.
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Wedding Memories
by Jill Burkey
I always cry at
weddings, and last weekend was no exception. A friend of mine was married in a
beautiful outdoor ceremony at the Phipps Mansion in Denver. As I sat on the
south lawn in the mid-day sun with my husband, old friends, and other wedding
guests, the scene unfolded before us; the musicians played under the shade of
mature trees, the anxious, overjoyed and hopeful groom nervously fidgeted while
he waited for his bride to join him, we stood to watch the beautiful bride make
her grand entrance, and as I watched the bride and groom recite their vows, I
realized that through them, we were getting married all over again. We were
reminded of the vows we made, how we felt when we made them, and how important
it was. As I watched, it became me under that brilliant blue sky, making that
step, saying those vows, holding my husband's hands, being part of something
I'd never known, but by the divine design of marriage and the courage he showed
looking back at me, I knew I was not alone.
Yes, being witness to a
wedding, we can see where we started and contemplate where we've been and where
we are. We know some of the tough times the minister eludes to, and we
understand what "growing together" feels like. We know the sacrifices
we've made both generously and unwillingly. We see how the fabric we started
weaving together years ago has grown large enough to keep us both warm, despite
a few snags and tears in the material.
And now, with children
of our own, we watch the parents of the bride and groom and imagine their pride
and satisfaction. We imagine our husband kissing our daughter's cheek and
giving her away to a grateful and strong groom. We wipe away our tears when we
listen to a sister's admiration and devotion in a toast thirty years in the
making, knowing the seeds for such love are just beginning to sprout in our own
children.
Yes, I always cry at
weddings. As we grow older, we never stop dreaming. The dreams just change.
Instead of a little girl dreaming of her future husband, we re-live our own
special day or dream of one for our daughter. Just remember if you catch me
crying at a wedding, I'm happy for the couple, I'm contented for myself, and
I'm full of hope for the future and fairy tale endings.
Jill Burkey is a
freelance writer & stay-at-home mother of 2 children. She has a B.S. in
English, Business, and Secondary Education from Nebraska Wesleyan University
& provides professional writing services through Word Wise, Ink. Contact
Jill at 255-7348 or at burkey@frontier.net.
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Peaceful Contributions for the Soul
by
Kathy Gates
In the middle of the day
of summer we feel the warmth of the bright shining noonday sun. Everything around us is in full growth.
Blossoming, trusting in it's own potential to become.
Like a pink rose: how
does it know to be a pink rose? It's spirit filled essence just does. The pink
rose lets off a heavenly scent, sharing its love with all who come in contact
with it. It grows and gives of itself never questioning who will pick it, or
sniff it or what its condition was the previous year. Roses live in the moment.
Wild roses offer us a
wonderful source of vitamin C a natural gift from the earth.
The color pink is good
for healing. Pink represents
unconditional love. Try putting a few
pink roses in a clear bowl of water.
Meditate by looking at the roses through the glass bowl from the
side. Look at the richness of life. Let
the color pink fill you, take a deep breath in through your nose, the aroma of
the sweet rose will calm you. As you
breath in, take a deep breath filled with unconditional love. Feel it move through you. Do this until you feel a sense of
peace. Let your mind quiet in the
moment. Know that you are like a rose,
growing and trusting in life, and becoming the love that you are. Each day of
Life, learning to Love yourself and others. Enjoy the warmth and beauty of
summer. Take a bundle of fresh flowers to a friend or family member. We are all so lucky to live on this beautiful
earth. The earth always giving to us
freely all that it has. We have a lot to learn from the Earths great classroom.
Here is a nice affirmation: In this moment I allow myself to enjoy all the
beauty that surrounds me and to see the good in all life, as life sees the good
in me.
Blessings to all living
beings. Kathy Gates
wsretreat@aol.com or
visit our website for upcoming retreats and programs
www.womensspiritretreats.com.
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Tree Medicine
© Anne Calzada Herbalist
They give us breath.
They give us shelter and protection. They offer us food and medicine. They
inspire us and raise our spirits. They can be hundreds of years old, if not
thousands.Existing since the beginning of time, as we know it, trees have
brought sustenance. Have you ever hugged a tree or danced around one? Perhaps
you have spoken with one. If you have you know that they are special
allies/spirits. They witness the past, present and future. Children know the
joys of trees for climbing, swinging or their very own tree houses.
Environmentalists climb them and sit in them to save them from destruction,
namely old growth forests. With so many species and properties, they are in
their own tribe. Trees are planted for ceremonies and spiritual purpose. We often
think about flowers and plants, but what about planting trees? Medicinal and
spiritual properties of trees would take pages, but here are few of my
favorites. Cottonwood (Populus sp.) This beautiful strong tree is a member of
the Willow family and is a cousin of the Aspen. Where you see a Cottonwood is
where you will find water.
The Cottonwood tree is
used in the center of the great Sundance ceremony given to the Lakota by the
White Buffalo Calf Woman. The buds of the Cottonwood are used medicinally as an
expectorant and diaphoretic. The leaves and bark are anti-inflammatory. A salve
made from the leaves or buds has been used to treat aches and pains. The leaves
infused in vinegar have been used for gout and arthritis.Cottonwood tea has
been used to reduce diarrhea. Cottonwood will tell you when it will rain by
turning their leaves upside down.
Elder (Sambucus nigra) A
member of the Honeysuckle family, the Elder is wise in it's ways. Used for
thousands of years for medicine and magic, legend has it that the cross of
Calvary was made from Elder. The Elder is known as the "Pipetree" as
the pith can be removed to make flutes and pipes. This tree is medicinal in all
its forms. The flowers are diaphoretic, used to lower fever and induce
sweating. Elderflowers are used to reduce hayfever and sinusitis. Elderflower
water is astringent and soothing to skin that has been blemished or sunburned
or to puffy eyes. The Europeans used it to lighten freckles and age spots. The
berries are rich in Vitamin A and C and contain antiviral properties. Harvested
in the fall they are dried for tea or made into syrup. The berries are used for
colds and flu and respiratory difficulty. Elder has long been recognized for
its magical properties. Europeans created magic wands from the wood of Elder.
Elderberry jam, elderberry wine or elderberry pie anyone?
Pine (Pinus sp.)
Recognizable by almost anyone, Pine has 250 cousins in its family. Pine is
antiseptic, astringent, expectorant, diuretic and diaphoretic. Native Americans
knew the healing value of Pine and used it for its nutritive benefits. Pine
needles are high in Vitamin A and C. Native Americans used it to treat scurvy.
It has been used to lessen colds and flu. Being antiseptic, the needles were
used as a tea to cleanse wounds. The resin of Pine has been melted and used to
retrieve splinters out. Pine yields turpentine, which used to be used to expel
worms internally and soothe aches externally. The antiseptic resin has been
chewed to relieve sore throats. Externally it relieves arthritis pains. Pine
needle baths are refreshing and toning to the urinary system. Pine nuts are a
delicacy used raw, cooked, whole or otherwise. Pine oil is used for its
disinfectant qualities in such products as Pinesol. The Japanese hang a Pine
bough over their doors to ensure a joyful home In Orthodox Jewish funerals it
is custom to use a coffin made only from Pine. Dr Edward Bach created the Pine
flower essence used to balance guilt and self blame. Many a Christmas tree has
been enjoyed because of Pine!
Trees have evolved and
remained through millions of years. Ginkgo is known as the oldest living tree
species dating back to prehistoric times and speaking of which, the plant
Horsetail was actually a 300 ft. tall tree that has evolved into a small plant.
Amazing! Unfortunately some of the Earth's trees are threatened by extinction.
Please visit www.unitedplantsavers.org, www.globaltrees.org,
www.savetheredwoods.org and www.arborday.orgfor moreinformation.
Anne
Calzada is a Certified Herbalist and founder of Healing Heart Herbs. Her
products can be found at Food For Thought in Ridgway and at other fine natural
health outlets. For consultations or classes she may be reached at 626-5663 or
by email annecalzada@aol.com).
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PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE:
CONTACT: Kathy Ziola
"Heart to
Heart" Introductory Workshop in Communicating with Compassion - Friday
July 8, 6:30-9:30pm
An evening of
information and practice using the effective, heart connecting communication
skills and principles from the work of Marshall Rosenberg, PhD in Nonviolent
Communication. This event will
expose you to a powerful language of compassion that offers a new way of being
and expressing with true honesty and deep connection.
This communication model
offers tools that can enable you to understand others clearly and deeply,
decrease anger and defensiveness, handle conflict successfully, communicate
with respect for self and others, respond to needs with compassion, and create
relationships that provide greater appreciation, acceptance and enjoyment for
all.
Cost: $35/Individual,
$60/Couple.
"The Power of
Empathy": A follow-up workshop will be presented on Saturday
July 9, 9am-4pm for more depth and practice in communicating with
compassion. Cost $75/Individual, $140/Couple
"Anger &
Compassion: An Unlikely Pair?" A
follow-up workshop on expressing and receiving anger in the Compassionate
Communication Model will be presented Tuesday July 19, 6-9pm,
$35.
Special Rate when
pre-registering for more than one workshop simultaneously.
Facilitator: Kathy Ziola, MA
Koinonia Church, corner of 25 and G 3/8
Roads, Grand Junction
Please call Kathy to
register: (970) 216-8597
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ReConnections: A Look Back
The heritage of The
Whole Life Network from the pages of Connections.
One Year Ago**”The
Whole Life Network became a co-sponsor of the upcoming R. Carlos Nakai Quartet
concert to benefit Western Colorado Congress ….”
**The Whole Life Network
in conjunction with Fire of Truth Satsanga will host a satsang with Neelam at
the Cimarron Golf Center in Montrose…”
Five Years Ago**”Atlas
Chiropractic opened recently in Montrose.
Kathryn Brittain, D.C. uses a unique, gentle approach called NUCCA to
remove nervous system interference.
**Ellen Bailey
instructed us in Chakra Balancing: “As the majority of people begin developing
their higher centers, moving the energy up to the heart level and higher, the
world will become at peace”.
Ten Years Ago**”Titles,
times and prices have been set for the fifth annual Whole Life Network
symposium featuring Larry Dossey MD and Barbara Dossey, RN”.
**It was announced that:
“Food For Thought in Ouray is presenting a ten week series of free lectures by
various practitioners in the Ouray County area”.
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Who Do You See Yourself To Be?
by Dr. Jerry Overton
"Too much of a good
thing can be wonderful."—Mae West
Hey Ms. Mae, easy for
you to say—movie idol that you are! But, surely you must know it doesn’t seem
so true for the rest of us out here in the real world trying as best we can to
just make ends meet.
And perhaps that's our
main problem—we think only the glamorous, the rich, the famous, the privileged
have a right to the good things in life. Then add to that thought our belief
that anything in excess is a bad thing and we're in real trouble.
No wonder we tend to
struggle through life so much of the time, putting up with whatever happens to
come our way—finding it so hard to muster up any reserves—living from hand to
mouth, from meager pay check to pay check.
It's not that the Spirit
of the Universe plays favorites. Rather it's just that many of us think we
don't deserve good things in our life—we’re not worthy of them—and to have
them, especially in abundance, would be a bad thing—a bad and selfish
thing.
It's precisely those
thoughts which determine who we see ourselves to be. And it's those thoughts
which will determine our fate every time.
So, how did we get so
far off track? How did we get such life-limiting thoughts so deeply embedded in
our psyche? Where'd they come from and on whose authority did we so readily
accept them?
Unfortunately, we often
got them from those who love and care about us the most—our parents, teachers,
family, even our preachers and church school teachers, who all thought they
were being true and faithful to the teachings they had received. And what's so
sad is that they were!
For example, I was a
United Methodist for most of my life. And I still cringe when I remember those
words in the liturgy for Holy Communion that said "Lord, we are not worthy
so much as to gather up the crumbs under thy table." Now saying that week
after week for most of your life will convince you that indeed you are not
worthy—not worthy even of the "crumbs under the table" (the ones
apparently dropped by those who are worthy and have finished their meal
seated above you at the table!). Not worthy of crumbs—much less of abundance!
In all fairness, that
kind of thinking is not limited to Methodism. Catholics, when receiving the
Host in communion, work it in like this, "Lord I'm not worthy to receive
you…". Now please know that I'm not religion-bashing here—I've been a
minister for nearly 30 years. And besides, those teachings aren't limited to
those of the church—they are rampant in our society.
The point is that those
kinds of teachings and beliefs will determine who you see yourself to be, and
cause you to think you're unworthy of the abundance of life. They'll keep you
from expecting much, and from reaching your potential. They'll keep you
stuck—living from hand to mouth—thinking that you don't deserve anything really
good in your life.
And the end result will
be that that kind of self-perception will keep you from ever knowing the
abundance that the God of the Universe wants for us all!
Here's what I suggest:
·
Take a hard and honest look at your
beliefs. How are they determining who you see yourself to be?
·
Assess how those long-held and perhaps
unexamined beliefs are keeping you from accepting the abundance that is
available to you.
·
Decide if you're willing to change those
beliefs, and consider the consequences if you are not.
·
Take courage, and make a new decision
about yourself—one that allows you to actually attract abundance.
·
Then receive and enjoy the abundance that
is there for you!
As Mae West put it so
well, "Too much of a good thing can be wonderful." And as a Precious
Child of God, you deserve nothing less!
Copyright
©2005
Dr.
Jerry D. OvertonAll Rights Reserved
Jerry is a therapist,
Master Certified Coach, and Director of The Center for Personal and Spiritual
Growth. He can be reached at 970-252-9311, and he welcomes your call!
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Business Member Profile
Fire of Truth
Satsanga
The
Western Slope of Colorado is blessed to be the home of Neelam, founder of Fire
of Truth Satsanga. (Please read the Connections article, A Teacher in
our Midst, May 2004.)
Neelam was a student of Papaji.In 1995 she realized the truth of who she is and
started leading Satsang with Papaji's blessing.Neelam teaches that truth is
found inside our own being. Her Satsang
is the direct transmission of Self.She teaches connection with space (silence,
consciousness, being) and treating oneself with tenderness (accepting what
is).She explores our experience of honesty, reaction, and resistance. Neelam is
a very gentle presence, always taking the time in a question and answer format to
fully explore issues.
Neelam’s
busy schedule appears daunting to even a seasoned traveler. On July 4th there will be a
Satsang followed by a potluck supper in Hotchkiss at the home of Lee Byrd and
Craig Dawson beginning at 5:00 pm. On
July 9th a daylong Satsang is planned for Paonia at the Old Paonia
Middle School. A potluck lunch will be
served. Wednesday July 13th
will find Neelam in Boulder. A very
special weekend combing the work and "presence" of Neelam and the
Dances of Universal Peace led by Bernie Heideman will be held Fri Aug 5 -Sun
Aug 7Paonia Colorado. On a longer
range, you can access the wisdom of Neelam at: a Relationship and Inquiry
Weekend in Boston from July 22nd to July 24th, a 4 day Autumn
Retreat in Hotchkiss from Sept. 2nd until Sept. 5th, and
an India Retreat in early November in which participants will have meditations
in sacred caves, waterfall hikes and Satsang by the Ganges. To register or for more information, please
contact the Fire of Truth office at 970.527.4397 or email: info@neelam.org.
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