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Lovingkindness meditation

1/20/2017

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This week's inauguration really brought into focus the need to find a way to connect across the divide of different political ideologies and even ways of being among the people living in this country and around the world.  In the spirit of healing, we shared a lovely meditation that explored the Buddhist practice of lovingkindness.  We also shared readings from Jack Kornfield's "The Art of Forgiveness, Lovingkindness and Peace" (more below).  We'll continue to explore practices that offer healing through forgiveness in our February meditation on Ho'oponopono 2/10).  You can always find the schedule for our Friday evening meditation on our website at www.amethystretreatcenter.org/schedule. :)
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From the book:

Forgiveness is a letting go of past suffering and betrayal, a release of the burden of pain and hate that we carry. Forgiveness honors the heart’s greatest dignity. Whenever we are lost, it brings us back to the ground of love. With forgiveness we become unwilling to attack or wish harm to another. Whenever we forgive, in small ways at home, or in great ways between nations, we free ourselves from the past. It is hard to imagine a world without forgiveness. Without forgiveness life would be unbearable.

We begin the work of forgiveness primarily for ourselves. We may still be suffering terribly from the past while those who betrayed us are on vacation. It is painful to hate. Without forgiveness we continue to perpetuate the illusion that hate can heal our pain and the pain of others. In forgiveness we let go and find relief in our heart. Even those in the worst situations, the conflicts and tragedies of Bosnia, Cambodia, Rwanda, Northern Ireland, or South Africa, have had to find a path to reconciliation. This is true in America as well.  It is the only way to heal. Sometimes this means finding the courage to forgive the unforgivable, to consciously release the heart from the clutches of another’s terrible acts. We must discover a way to move on from the past, no matter what traumas it held. The past is over:  Forgiveness means giving up all hope of a better past. Sometimes strong action may be needed for our defense. Let this be done with compassion or our own hatred will poison the response. We can meet the tragedies of the world with what Gandhi called “soul force.”

If you want to see the heroic, look at those who can love in return for hatred. If you want to see the brave, look for those who can forgive. ~Bhagavad Gita

You hold in your hand an invitation: To remember the transforming power of forgiveness and lovingkindness. To remember that no matter where you are and what you face, within your heart peace is possible. The teachings in this book contain age-old understandings about love. They give simple and direct practices to help cultivate its qualities in your own heart. This wisdom is essential for all who live in modern times. The words of the Buddha offer this truth: "Hatred never ceases by hatred but by love alone is healed". This is the ancient and eternal law. Often we find ourselves in conflicts that unsettle our peace of mind. We face difficult situations, and our problems can feel insurmountable. Pain, anger, and fear can arise in ourselves, in families, in business, in communities, and between nations. We would like to find a way out of the suffering.  Even in the worst situations, the heart can be free.

We who lived in the concentration camps can remember those who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread…. They may have been few in number but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from us but the last of human freedoms … the freedom to choose our spirit in any circumstance. ~Viktor E. Frankl

Forgiveness and compassion are not sentimental or weak. They demand courage and integrity. Yet they alone can bring about the peace we long for. ˜True love is not for the faint-hearted. ~Meher Babà

How can we begin? In any moment we can learn to let go of hatred and fear. We can rest in peace, love, and forgiveness. It is never too late. Yet to sustain love we need to develop practices that cultivate and strengthen the natural compassion within us. It is not enough to know that love and forgiveness are possible. We have to find ways to bring them to life.

˜The truth is we are not yet free; we have merely achieved the freedom to be free". ~Nelson Mandela

From The Art of Forgiveness, Lovingkindness, and Peace (pp. 1-16, 18-23), by Jack Kornfield. Random House Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
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Active Hope Workshop (Saturday, May 14th)

5/9/2016

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Join Lapis Studio for a retreat at Amethyst!

3/7/2016

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May 13th to 15th at Amethyst.  Click here to find Lapis Studio's Event  on Facebook or Contact us if you are interested in having Amethyst host your group's retreat sometime!

NCBTMB Approved: Earn 20 CEs
Onsite lodging available.

Harmonic Therapy is a sacred art and tradition. This workshop provides a solid foundation and basic understanding of sound energy principles, sound & vibrational therapy. Harmonic Therapy is an integrative experience that requires the practitioner to develop a connection with their sound tools and learn the power and impact of sound on the human psyche and physiology. It is a experiential learning process. Ongoing mentoring will be offered for students.

Workshop participants will have hands-on experience in using Himalayan Singing Bowls, gongs and other Tibetan and Nepalese sound tools during this workshop. Massage Therapists, Reiki Practitioners, other Energy Practitioners, and anyone who is drawn to these magnificent sound tools are highly encouraged to attend. No experience necessary.


Learning Outcomes:

Students will demonstrate fundamental understanding of sound and harmonic therapy
Students will demonstrate proficiency in Himalayan Singing Bowl Playing Techniques
Students will demonstrate ability to integrate sound with other Modalities


Learning Objectives:

Students will acquire basic knowledge of harmonic, sound and vibrational therapy
Students will acquire knowledge of other sound and vibrational therapy modalities
Students will learn Tibetan Sound Massage and other bowl placements for energy balancing
Students will learn about other Tibetan and Nepalese sacred sound tools
Students will learn and demonstrate proper techniques/application of harmonic therapy using Himalayan Singing Bowls

Evening Gong Bath will be held on Saturday evening.

Students will receive Certificate of Completion, booklet, and NCBTMB CE Certificate (issued upon request). In addition, students will be eligible for three 60-min private consultation sessions to hone their skills.

Energy Exchange:
$550.00 (Register by Feb 28, 2016 - Code HARMONY)
$600.00 (Register by Apr 18, 2016 - Code RESONANCE)
$675.00 (Register after Apr 18, 2016)

(Students who have taken this course in the last 2 years may audit at a reduced cost ~ call for details)

Dormitory Style Lodging: $25 per night
Donation for Lunch & Snacks: $25 per day

Class is limited to 16 students.

What to Bring: Participants should plan to bring pen/pencil, notebook, and any singing bowls, Tibetan or Nepalese sound instruments they own. Himalayan Singing Bowls, gongs and other sound tools will be available for use during the workshop.

Advance registration and $350.00 non-refundable deposit required at time of registration. To register visit https://goo.gl/HiUULw or email contact@SerenityThroughSound.com. If you prefer to register by check please send deposit or full payment made payable to Manaola LLC to Lapis Studio Serenity Through Sound, 275 Cumberland Parkway #324, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055. Please include your full name, address, best phone number and email address .

Cancellation Policy: Written cancellation must be received 30 days prior to start of class to receive 50% credit toward any event or workshop held at Lapis Studio. No refunds for no-shows.

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Winter 2016 locations for Friday evening meditations

12/30/2015

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Here is Dan Heacock's address for meditations in Wormleysburg:
504 N. Front Street
Wormleysburg Pa 17043

Here is Kandy Melillo's address for the Sai Maa Enlightened Living groups:
2438 East Bayberry Drive
Harrisburg PA 17112
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 Harmony Walk, September 20th, 2015 at 2pm 

9/21/2015

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Harmony Walk: Celebrating Unity in our Diversity, Rain or Shine

Harmony Walk, a celebration of cooperation among religions in the Harrisburg area, will begin at 2:00 pm on Sunday, September 20, 2015, at the entrance to Wesley Union AME Zion Church, 2219 N 5th Street. The Walk will bring together people of many faiths in harmony and peace.

The Harmony Walk route Includes Christian, Jewish, and Islamic houses of worship. At each stop, the religious leader will share words about the value of unity among religions.

People of all religions, including Buddhist, Baha'i, Hindu, and Sikh, and those of no specific faith are invited. A bus will be provided for individuals with difficulty walking.

The event is held in conjunction with the United Nations International Day of Peace.

THE HARMONY WALK IS SPONSORED BY

The InterReligious Forum of Greater Harrisburg

Co-sponsors:

Mayor’s Interfaith Advisory Council and The Interfaith Center of Greater Harrisburg

A light dinner will be provided at the Hadee Mosque by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. For additional information, please contact Rev. Cynthia Mara at interfaithcenter@juno.com, or Behzad Zandieh at bzandieh@hotmail.com.

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Love Thy Nature film at Midtown Cinema 9/29/15 (7:30 pm)

9/7/2015

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In an exciting development, Physicians for Social Responsibility is bringing a film of rare beauty and importance to our community.  (They ask us to support their efforts by communicating this opportunity to who may be interested).  The film is "right down the alley" of the work that we are all doing.  It should be an evening of extraordinary enjoyment and inspiration for your constituents.  (Thanks to Andrea Minick Rudolph of Oryoki Zendo for sharing this info!)
 
Title of film:  "Love Thy Nature"

Date:  One night only:  Tuesday, Sept. 29, 7:30 pm.

Location:  Midtown Cinema, 250 Reily St., Harrisburg, with plenty of free parking


Tickets: ADVANCE TICKET PURCHASE REQUIRED THROUGH THE WEBSITE https://www.tugg.com/events/39514, AVAILABLE FOR $10 STARTING AUGUST 26, although limited tickets will be available at the screening.  For more information about the film, its website is http://www.lovethynature.com/synopsis

 

Description  

"Traversing the globe, “Love Thy Nature” shares dazzling spectacles of our planet that immerse the viewer in the beauty of our natural world.  Narrated by Liam Neeson, the documentary uses mesmerizing artistry to return all of us to the sheer joy of nature.  

Far more than breathtaking cinematography, however, the film reveals in a practical way how nature can restore and heal each of us as individuals and all of human society.  The great accomplishments of science have obscured the enormous potential of nature as an ally in advancing human evolution.  While not overlooking present day realities, the film shows that a new highly advanced technological age might just be dawning:  The Biological Revolution.

Audiences leave the theater feeling uplifted, optimistic and refreshed.  A special audience-participation discussion will follow the screening."


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Eco Justice Working Group workshop August 26th

7/19/2015

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The Eco Justice Working Group is hosting a workshop in Harrisburg on August 26th to support the faith community in expressing concerns about climate change.   From their mailing:
"We know the spiritual and moral messages are critical and yet we sometimes struggle with how best to share our deepest commitments.  Come join us for an interfaith training on public witness, speaking from our hearts.  The workshop is being held at 1280 Clover Lane in Harrisburg (the Unitarian Church), from 9:30 to 4:00.  Would you please be willing to send this flyer out to your members and attenders. If you are a member of a local interfaith council, we ask you to do us the kindness of sharing this with them as well.  We held the first of these workshops at Friends Center in February. It was well attended and very powerful. We hope you will join us in Harrisburg.  Registration information: 
http://tinyurl.com/EcoJusticeWorkingGroupAug26  In peace, Paula Kline Westtown (Quaker) Monthly Meeting
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climatedisruption.pdf
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Sai Maa Darshan 8/29 and Workshop 8/30 in Philadelphia

7/12/2015

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Contact Kandy at KandyUU@aol.com or (717) 571-7452 for more info.  If there is enough interest, perhaps carpools can be arranged!
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Open house at River House Drumming Center in Shypoke on Sunday, July 19th

7/12/2015

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Open house at River House Drumming Center in Shypoke, Harrisburg on Sunday july 19 . Energy practioners will be there, meditation, reiki, drumming and more from reiki by ricki.  Location:100 Convoy St, Harrisburg, PA. Call 828-273 5645 for information.
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