ARTICLES
…
And a Beautiful Rose Blossomed
A
Circle Unbroken: A story of healing tragedy
Connections
& KVNF: Community Voices
Free
alternative health choices seminar set
Meditations:
Soapbox of the President ...
Tickets
to Columnist and Author Molly Ivins’ Grand Junction Appearance
Go On Sale August 21st
… And a Beautiful Rose Blossomed
A Review by Joshua Hayward
There is the world we live in. The world where we try to
get along with one another as best we can. The world where we
do our best not to hurt one another. The world where we rarely
succeed at such idealistic intentions. It is a world where
fear permeates the structure of all relationship and all
community. And it is a world where war sometimes happens.
This is the world we live in. The world where we argue
fiercely for our limitations and wallow with grim glory in our
failures. The world where our environment is a waning resource
due to ignorance and arrogance. It is a world where community
is set against community, person against person. And it is a
world where wisdom is eschewed in favor of specialized
facts.
It is the world of strife and struggle. It is what we know.
It is ours.
Then there is the world we could create. The world where we
would realize we all connected, all One. The world where we
would choose to value each other, value community, value all
of life enough to pay attention on the deepest of levels. It
is a world where we would ‘prayer walk’ to bless each others’
homes. It is a world where we would become ‘nectar collectors’
of the sweetness of life. And it is the world where we would
live in ‘deep heart’ with one another.
Friday night, August 23rd , and Saturday, August 24th, at
the Methodist Church in Montrose, a marvelous opportunity was
created to get a taste of a world based upon awakening
individuals unfolding into awakening community. “All the
Petals of the Rose” not only offered opportunity, it created
the environment and provided the inspiration for implementing
the kind of change that is needed to build ‘communitas’, or
enlightened community.
The Whole Life Network hit home in a big way in employing
Dr. Judith Boice and Rev. Evan Hodkins to co-facilitate this
profound and momentous event in Montrose, Co, a deepening
community just coming into its own. The Board of Directors of
WLN decided to change the usual structure of its annual
symposium into a more homegrown event focused on community
healing. Marilynn Huseby spearheaded the project from the
beginning, and saw that it was brought all the way through.
She is to be commended for her vision and her persistence, for
‘All the Petals of the Rose’ most certainly was a sublimely
transformative experience for the collective who attended.
The stage was set from the very beginning, and a powerful
frequency was opened for tuning into the Heart and the Soul.
Ute Elder, Roland, had graciously accepted an invitation to
bless the ceremonial event. The rolling timbre of Roland’s Ute
prayers echoed through us hauntingly, stirringly. I knew a
doorway had opened, cleanly and appropriately, and I saw Soul
after Soul step through.
I knew there was no going back.
I had just had Boice and Hodkins on the radio the day
before, and it was a super program. The door was opening, even
then.
So after Roland gave his blessing prayers, the energy
stayed high, and remained so throughout the affair. Everyone
seemed ready for something to happen, and happen it did. It
was experiential. It was joyous. It was heart-full. It was
funny. It was touching, often literally as well as
figuratively.
It was opportunity after opportunity to go deeper into
listening to Spirit.
It was music and song and dance.
Boice and Hodkins alternately, and sometimes together, led
attendees into new states of awareness. Hodkins uses music in
a similar fashion to his friend and sometimes mentor, the late
Rabbi Schlomo Carlbach. Music and movement serve to open Heart
to the true desires of the Soul. Dr. Boice added her excellent
violin playing to an adept group of musicians. Their continual
presence, with just the right pieces at just the right times,
made for an exquisitely textured experience.
I wore all kinds of caps in relationship to All the Petals.
I was invited to participate as well as to promote and also
observe in the capacity of reviewer. All in all, I think one
thing enhances another, so let me begin by saying I could feel
a high level of planning and organization having laid an
excellent foundation and setting. Let me continue to say that
energy flowed from sequence to sequence as if a feng shui
master had fashioned the design.
I noticed an organic flow of music, movement, and imparting
of information. The segments were destined to interweave, and
they did. Also important, I could tell the structure intended
spontaneity in expression and freedom of personal expression,
and it was successful. People were invited to speak out their
hearts’ truth, and they did so with confidence,
gratefully.
One cool thing about All the Petals was that it opened up a
frequency for connection and healing in the area. It laid down
a template in consciousness for Western Slope communities; it
effected an energetic resource to pull off of for those drawn
to explore new approaches toward community, and for those who
require healing within present community.
No matter how one is disposed toward the growth, Montrose
is morphing into a more complex, a more diverse community. I
feel All the Petals addressed diversity and cultural bridging
in a serious, and sometimes playful, fashion. Much work is
needed in community with regards to diversification, and it
seemed some groundwork was laid for future considerations.
Another cool thing was that no formulas were given as to
how to make life better. I feel there are no answers, just
better questions, so I delighted the experience never slumped
into sentimental dogma. The witty and informative Dr. Boice,
and charismatic, adventurous Hodkins, never sounded didactic
and never for a moment ‘laid their trips’ on anyone. They
invited and challenged, persuaded and cajoled all present to
seek a connection with their own Source of Truth. People were
also encouraged to interact with each other based on that
connection with (what I sometimes call) Source.
At the penultimate point during Saturday afternoon, Dr
Boice had positioned all attendees, including a wonderful
handicapped woman whom I helped to transfer from chair and
back, on the floor in a circle, heads pointing at a circular
altar which: visually symbolic of All the Petals of the Rose.
Then she expertly lead us in a meditation of attunement. Boice
then had us finish the exercise by going out in pairs into the
neighborhood where we would intuitively bless homes and the
families within.
Then the climax of the presentation came with Hodkins
giving his dharma teachings. He wove stories and truths with
dizzying humor. He claimed that humanity was suffering from
‘terminal seriousity’. Hodkins, in the manner of a true
alchemist, a true magician, caught the group up in a spell of
silliness, exhorting all to become ‘spies of the light’, and
to perform random acts of mirth. During the talk, he told the
story of a oriental man in Boulder, Co, back in the nineties,
who dressed in a flowing robe and walked about the town
beating a hand-drum and chanting for peace. This touched me,
as I, a former Boulderite, remember that remarkable chanter as
an old friend.
I must say I have participated in these kinds of events for
years, and in that context of experience All the Petals of the
Rose stands out as a fair flower among the other beautiful
ones in the meadow. Another cool thing about this community
connection, maybe best of all, is that Dr. Judith Boice and
Rev. Evan Hodkins do after all live in the area. They are
available to us. Shall we see them again? I just cannot think
that is not a distinct possibility.
All that is left is to thank the Whole Life Network for
having the courage and vision to bring this moving event to
Montrose!
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A Circle Unbroken: A story of healing tragedy
A Guest Column By Patti Templin
I had a most amazing experience I want to share it with as
many as possible.
Some background first. Wendy Brooks directs Telluride
Academy, a camp program during the summer. After the tragedy
of 9-11, Wendy felt compelled to do something for the families
affected. She raised money to bring a number of children and
their parents to the mountains, to heal in the beautiful
surroundings, to get away from the city. The children attended
camp as parents did horseback riding with Rowdy, hiked, biked,
and took in numerous other field trips.
Dee Dee Johnson, who is president of the board for
Telluride Academy called and asked me if I would be willing to
come to Telluride and do a massage for a woman who was there
for this special camp. Of course I would go. The experience
was beyond words as I felt a ton of grief, anxiety and fear
leave this woman as I worked on her. We both felt that her
husband had come to visit her during her treatment and we kept
hugging after the treatment not wanting to leave each other.
It was truly a gift.
The next morning Wendy Brooks called and asked if I would
come up to West Meadows to lead a drumming, healing circle for
about 16 of the women who were there for this special camp. I
was so honored and thrilled with the idea of working with more
of these remarkable, strong, courageous women. I changed my
appointments for the day and headed back up to Telluride.
As I arrived, the beauty surrounding us awed me. The Wilson
Mountain range and the San Juan's cradled us like arms of the
Mother Earth. There was a small pond and a teepee in which to
hold the ceremony. We were totally supported by the Mother
Earth. As the ladies and three little ones gathered, I asked
if they had ever participated in Native ceremony. Every one
was a complete novice and had never experienced any Native
teachings, which makes it even more remarkable that they
requested this circle.
We began with a ceremony of calling in the Spirits of the 4
winds. Many times people watched as I faced each direction and
invoked, invited, blessed, and called in the Spirits. This
time each woman participated fully. Before entering the teepee
I had the women stand in front of me one by one to be smudged.
I used an eagle feather gifted to me by a Navajo medicine man
from Farmington. I lit a sage stick and fanned the smoke over
the front and back of their bodies. As they faced me again we
opened up their hearts with the feather and sage so they could
feel. We opened their throats so they could speak their truth.
We opened their third eye so they could clearly see. Finally,
we opened their crown, so they could truly feel the connection
to Wankantanka, Great Mystery. I instructed them to enter the
teepee, clockwise, to find their places to sit. I had gone in
earlier to bless the space and prepare an altar in the center
of the teepee.
After we were all in the teepee we passed a sacred talking
stick. The snake-headed talking stick has been blessed by many
of my Navajo teachers. Each was asked to share from their
hearts what the last two weeks in Telluride had meant to them.
These women with tears in their eyes spoke of how the
mountains had been so healing. One woman spoke of how she
could now return and fully love her children again. Another
said that for the first time since September 2001, she felt
that she could move forward and begin living her life with
renewed purpose and strength. We were all moved beyond words
by their heartfelt thanks to Wendy and Dee Dee and all the
members of the Telluride community who opened their hearts and
beings to these guests.
We sang, chanted and drummed. We howled to the heavens
giving thanks for this blessed time together. Spirit spoke to
these women about their sacrifice to humanity; with such
sacrifice comes grace. Spirit challenged them: "and now
what?"
When we suffer great tragedy we tend to ask "Why?" Why is
never the question to ask. The question to be asked is "How?"
How can this bring me closer to Spirit?
We prepared a water-healing circle. We blessed water with
sage and holy water from the blessed Lady of Guadeloupe, then
each woman passed a wooden ladle to the woman sitting on her
left saying, "This is the water of life sister. Take it, drink
it, it will heal your mind, your body and your spirit."
We finished the circle outside singing to each, "All I ask
of you is forever to remember me as loving you." The time
together was a healing, heart rending connection to Oneness
and simply a blissful, sacred time.
I was approached at the end of the ceremony and was asked
to return the next day to give five more massages. I truly
feel blessed working with these women towards their health,
their return to wholeness. Thank you Great Spirit for allowing
me to be the hollow bone and participate on such a heart level
with these women. AHO.
(Persons interested in healing
circles emphasizing Native Spirituality may contact Patti
Templin at 252-8385)
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Connections & KVNF: Community Voices
Whole Life Connections, the radio program of the Whole Life
Network on KVNF, has a special program in store for the
Western Slope. September’s show will feature guests Allan Joel
and Stephanie Yeh in a program entitled, “The Way of
Shamanism”. Joel and Yeh combine their arcane knowledge in
running ‘The Warthog School of Practical Wizardry and Magic’,
in Olathe. They practice and teach from age-old principles of
Universal Law. During the show, they will discuss the simple
beauty of Shamanistic tradition and how the principles of
nature can be of great benefit for ordinary day to day life.
Join co-hosts Arlyn Macdonald and Joshua Hayward as they lead
a lively discussion on healing and magic with Allan Joel, Dr.
of Acupuncture for 30 years, and Stephanie Yeh, current member
of the Board of Directors of the Whole Life Network. Tune in
at noon on Thursday, September 26th, to KVNF radio and get
‘connected’. (We regret that circumstances prevented
airing this program for August.)
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Free alternative health choices seminar set
This free seminar introduces to the community and general
public alternative health choices and many unique healing
modalities. Learn to take control of your own health the
natural way. These holistic presentations teach
self-improvement by harmonizing the mind, body and spirit. For
those who often ask, is there another way and what can I do to
change or help myself? Is there another way for pain control,
anxiety, anger, depression, deep-seated emotional problems, or
just plain general feelings of fatigue and listlessness? To
those unfamiliar with a spiritual approach and to those
healers who would like to share knowledge, come and join
us.
ALTERNATIVE HEALTH
WHAT IS IT?
WHAT CAN IT DO FOR
YOU?
EXPERIENCE FREE HANDS ON MASSAGE THROUGHOUT THE DAY
HERBS AND HOW TO USE THEM
MEDICAL ASTROLOGY-HOW CAN IT
HELP YOUR HEALTH
ASTROLOGICAL ASPECTS AND HERBOLOGY
NUTRIENTS-RIGHT COMBINATIONS
MEDITATION & COLOR
HEALING
NEW MASSAGE THERAPY ALTERNATIVES &
CHIROPRACTIC TECHNIQUES
Our speakers, massage therapists and presenters are
practicing healers, counselors and educators from the local
community of Montrose and include:
**Laurel Ann, Visionary
Counseling, Holistic Counselor, Hypnotherapy, Medical
Astrologer
**Patti Templin, LaStone Educational Center,
Reiki Master, Teacher, Healer and Specialized Massage Therapy
using the Besalt Marble Stone method
**Yvonne Barron, Touch
for Health, Massage Therapist & Certified
Herbalist
**Mark and Brandon Luttrall, Ancient Arts Healing
Therapies
**Dr. Timothy J. Redd, D.C., Dr. Redd’s
Chiropractic Center, Advanced Techniques in Pain
Control
The seminar will be conducted at the Montrose
Regional Library Saturday, Sept. 14, 11 am - 5 pm.
For
more information call 970-240-3627
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Meditations: Soapbox of the President ...
By Larry Lemser
Call For Board Nominees
Can the Summer be over already? As this is being written
there remains only one more quarter in office for the 2002
Board of Directors of The Whole Life Network. It has been a
year of transition and change and now it is time to begin
planning ahead for the next Board.
You may recall the big deal that was made back in March
over the adoption of new by-laws. One of the "reforms" that is
included in the newly adopted by-laws changed the term of
office of the Directors to three (3) years. Institutions
awarding grants to non-profit organizations want to see
continuity on a Board. Another change states that "Terms of
office shall be staggered" In other words, not all Directors
will be running for office during the same year.
To institute the new by-laws for 2003, we will have to have
to set up this staggered system. Therefore, at our Annual
Meeting this November prospective Directors will run for one
(1), two (2), or three (3) year terms.
The Whole Life Network needs effective Directors for next
year. As members we all feel passionately about the Mission of
The Whole Life Network. Why doesn't this passion translate
into service? Maybe you just haven't been asked? Maybe you
served on the Board and feel that it is some one else's turn?
Whatever the reason, we ask that you rethink your priorities.
We all realize that promoting the cause of sustainable living,
holistic health, and spiritual development will change the
future for the better for the coming generations. How can we
not become more involved?
The Nominating Committee is looking for a few dedicated
individuals who are really passionate about our future and
willing to donate time and energy. Nominations may be made
from the floor at the Annual Meeting, but advance nominations
allow time for the nominees questions to be answered. Please
use the form below. If you are nominating someone other than
yourself, ask beforehand if the nominee is willing to fill the
position.
Person Making the Nomination:
_______________________
Phone: _______________
Nominee:
________________________________________
Statement of
Support:______________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
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Tickets to Columnist and Author Molly Ivins’ Grand
Junction Appearance Go On Sale August 21st
Tickets to the Grand Junction speech by Molly Ivins, one of
America's funniest and best-known political pundits, go on
sale on Wednesday, August 21. Ivins headlines the 22nd Annual
Meeting of the Western Colorado Congress, to be held on
Saturday, September 21st in Liff Auditorium at the Mesa State
College Center.
Ivins is a nationally syndicated columnist, three-time
Pulitzer Prize nominee and the author of four best-selling
books. She writes about national politics, the Texas
legislature and “other bizarre happenings.” A sharply funny
political writer, Ivins writes and speaks from a heartfelt
humanity. She deflates the pompous by criticizing their
political stands and activities, while at the same time
acknowledging their human charms and foibles. Her approach is
ardently “little-d” democratic and refreshing in the midst of
mean spirited, factional politics.
The program also features a panel discussion entitled
"Colorado--Bought and Paid For?” Panelists will discuss the
role that money and corporations play in decisions affecting
Colorado’s communities and environment, and ways citizens can
ensure that lawmakers represent their interests rather than
those of corporations and high-paying campaign donors.
Panelists include Pete Maysmith, Executive Director of
Colorado Common Cause; Rex Wilmouth, Lobbyist for Colorado
Public Interest Research Group; Gwen Lachelt, Executive
Director for the Oil and Gas Accountability Project; Nancy
Watzman, Research and Investigative Projects Director for
Public Campaign; Art Goodtimes, San Miguel County Commissioner
(invited); and Andrew Romanoff, State Representative
(invited).
Ms. Ivins will sign copies of her best-selling books at a
reception following her speech. The reception will be
highlighted by tastings of local wines and beers, a silent
auction featuring such varied items as a pack burro and
tickets on the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, and a
raffle drawing for nearly $6,000 in prizes plus five $100 cash
prizes. Chances of winning $100 in the Western Colorado
Congress raffle are four times greater than the chances of
winning $100 in Colorado PowerBall.
The public is invited to attend. Tickets for Ivins’ talk at
4:00 pm ($10 for members and $20 for non-members) and the
reception at 6 pm ($5 members, $10 non-members) may be
purchased by calling Western Colorado Congress at (970)
249-1978 or by visiting its office at 7A North Cascade in
Montrose.
The Western Colorado Congress is a grassroots alliance that
organizes people to protect their communities and environment.
Western Colorado Congress formed in 1980 and has eight
community groups and more than 1500 members throughout
Colorado’s western slope. To become a member, contact one of
our offices: Montrose-970/249-1978, Grand
Junction-970/256-7650.
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