Download - Evolution Track #2 Jan 2011
No. 2, January 2011
New Beginnings
Evolving Business
Healing Modalities
Buddhist Practice
We need to give each other the space to grow, to be ourselves, to exercise our diversity. We need to give each other space so that we may both give and receive such beautiful things as ideas, openness, dignity, joy, healing, and inclusion.
-- Max de Pree
January 2011 evolution track 1
206 14
New beginnings
The ego
Releasing emotions
A new real i ty
Evolving business
The breath as l i fe
Benefits of Buddhist practice
4
6
7
10
11
12
14
16 Love’s inclus ive power
Yearning for love
Varied relat ionships
24
9
31
31
32
L i fe lessons
Re Cal ibrat ion
Saving energy means saving money
Laughter
Events and services
23
26
28
lthough the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.
Helen Kellerhealing
Spir i tual survival
Heal ing
Heal ing modal i t ies
Heal ing touch
18
19
22
2 evolution track January 2011
Jan
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ry 2
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1EditorBarbara King
ContributorsAndrew CohenAndromedaAnn-Marie AhyeGarfield KingGerard GittensGwyneth FranksonHilary BengocheaKaren StollmeyerLinda Hutchinson-JafarLynden AllicockMarilyn RobbNeale Donald WalshRinchen BlakeSandee BengocheaVanessa Soodeen
Design and LayoutKaribgraphics Ltd.
evolution track is published by InkingsLillian Heights, D’Abadie, TrinidadTel: (868) 646-3158, 774-4942, 774-0965Email: [email protected]: evolutiontrack.com
Our cover illustration is “Ste. Madeline ponds at dawn”, by Stephen Doobay
The feedback regarding our first issue has been exciting. (Some of the comments can be seen on page 3). We have confirmation
of at least 1500 emailed magazines that went directly to our clients, friends and contacts. Then there are those that readers sent out. Evolution Track has travelled the globe to: USA, Dubai, Germany, England, France, Japan, India, Spain, Belgium, Australia, Canada, the Dominican Republic, Cayman Islands, Scotland, Wales and New Zealand.
Garfield King designed and manages the website which welcomed over 420 visitors (over 270 unique visitors) and over 1700 page views between October 6, 2010 to January 7, 2011. Site visitors were from 27 countries including: Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Jamaica, United States, Canada, U.K., Hong Kong, Sweden, Egypt, Ireland, Slovakia, Spain, Bahamas, Germany, Portugal, China and South America. Not bad for a newbie in experimental mode.
It is clear that Caribbean people are eager to have a magazine that highlights what is available for those who seek a non-traditional road to personal growth. Yes, there were a lot of yoga articles, because the yogis were keen to share their offerings, but this is not a magazine about yoga. It is my hope that the wide variety of available alternatives will come to light as the community becomes aware of this avenue for sharing, and readers like you put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) to share your wisdom, experiences and strategies for evolving.
Evolving relates to all areas of human endeavour and so in this and future issues we include articles on the environment and the world of business. The topic of healing is featured with articles on Spiritual Survival, Releasing Emotions, Where Does the Healing Begin? Healing Touch and a listing of more than twenty healing modalities with website links for you to explore.
For those of you who find it a challenge to read the magazine on screen, you will find the articles on the website (www. evolutiontrack.com) so you can drop in and read as time permits or peep to see what events are happening online or in your area.
So, read, pass it on, send feedback and keep evolving.
Barbara KingJanuary 2011
January 2011 evolution track 3
Thanks for sending through your magazine – what an
undertaking! I thought it was beautifully presented - illustrations/
photos were fabulous – amazing what can be done without
creative experts really. I liked the use of and range of quotes. It
should appeal to anyone who cares about the planet and has
an interest in spiritual growth and well being.
Sue King, Regeneration Ltd, UK
“I like it because it is spiritual rather than religious and focuses on
the dynamic biological equilibrium between each of us and the
world we live in. If we don’t stop wrecking our world there will
be little future for the human race. We use resources up at 140%
the rate they are being replaced and the trend is increasing. It
is totally unsustainable. What will future generations have to look
forward to??”
A consultant from New Zealand who specialises in technology and innovation.
“And thank you now for this amazing magazine ...I “leafed”
through it quickly but with each page, knew I would get back
to it and savour every article ... it is quite wonderful and I will be
sending it on to friends and family who would appreciate it ...
Blessings and gratitude ..”
Maureen Arneaud, Trinidad
“Wow! This IS AWESOME! Cheryl, my sister, I feel your joy and
share it with you all. I felt humbled to be reading the works of
such phenomenal people. Would you in your upcoming edition,
discuss the difference between Joy and Happiness, please? The
topics are wide ranging, yet contributing to developing The Total
Human. Evolution Track seems to encapsulate the TOTAL HUMAN
workshop that I attended at SJC last month. Bravo Barbara,
Cheryl and friends.”
Maria McShine-Ransome, Trinidad
Feedback from our first issue
Great magazine! It’s about
time TT had a mag like this,
with these topics. It would
be great if it was in print
or even if it was a monthly
newspaper. I have not looked
at the entire magazine yet,
but thought I would write first
to congratulate you. I have
a feeling many in the spiritual
community will be into it. I
would like to see this kind of
material be accessible to the
average “man on the street”.
Great work. Thanks for asking
me to be a part of the
inaugural issue.
Elspeth Duncan, Trinidad
I love it! Well done! It’s
wonderful to see the rise
in consciousness in the
Caribbean manifesting in
this way at this critical time in
earth’s evolution …
Maureen Marks-MendoncaOntario, Canada
4 evolution track January 2011
Neale Donald WalshReproduced with permission
I like to use January as a Time of Forgiveness. For me it is a Time of Cleansing, when I try
as hard as I can to forgive myself my trespasses, even as I forgive those who trespass against me. I am not always successful with that first part. I can forgive others, and believe that I sincerely do. I am not so good at forgiving myself. It seems indulgent somehow; it feels self-serving. And so I have to let go of my thought that it is not okay to serve myself. It is self-serving to forgive oneself. There’s no question about that. The question is not whether it’s self-serving, but whether it is okay to be so self-serving. God says that the answer is yes. You must serve yourself to know yourself. Indeed, you cannot know anything without serving it. Service is the experience of Knowing, in action. This is how we come to Know God. It is how we come to Know Life. It is how we come, at last, to Know the Self.
Serving God is, of course, Self-service. And this is what we ultimately come to Know. Through the process of serving God, we come to know that we are serving the Self. Through the process of serving the Self, we come to know that we are serving God. And through the wondrous process of serving others, we come to know that we are serving both. The circle completes itself, and we see that the circle has always been, and will always be. There is nothing but the Circle, there is nothing but the Cycle, and it is only a question
of where we are, now, on that never-ending revolution of the soul.
We are revolving, and as we experience each revolution we see more clearly that it is a Spiritual Revolution, producing a Spiritual Evolution. We are doing much more than simply “going around in circles” here. For the soul, revolution is evolution. The Cycle is Eternal, but that does not mean it is getting nowhere. Ever upward the Cycle goes, and one day we see that the Circle is not a circle at all, but a Spiral. Looked at one way, from a place of perception that sees with no depth, but only on the surface of things, it looks for all the world like a circle. Only when we see into the depth of things, only as our perception grows deeper, do we see that the circle is a spiral. It is like a Slinky.Remember the Slinky? What a wonderful childhood toy. Pushed together, crammed together, it looks like a circle. Only when it is expanded does it reveal itself to be a spiral.
Maybe it’s time for all of us to hop up to a New Level. To take the next step, to make the next leap—a quantum leap into new understanding, new awareness, a new experience of ourselves and of what it means to be human. Maybe this will be the year in which we do that. And maybe enough of us can do that to make this next 12 months the year that the world itself changed forever.
Or at least began to. What do you say? Want to make this the YEAR of the New Beginning? In the larger cycle, want to make this the time when we first saw, really saw, the Spiral? Let’s begin. Let’s start now. Let’s use this onset of the New Year as the onset of the New Self. Let’s forget everything we think we know about ourselves, let’s forgive everything we think we’ve done that is “bad,” and let’s start over, this time recreating ourselves anew in the next grandest version of the greatest vision ever we held about Who We Are—as a species, as an individual, and as an Aspect of Divinity expressing That Which Is.
Remember today that you are not your Yesterdays. Remember today that you are not your weaknesses, not your foibles, not your offenses, not your failures. Remember today Who You Really Are, and claim that.
Happy New Year, everyone. Happy New YOU.
Excerpts from The CwG Reader #4
Neale Donald Walsh through the years
has given hundreds of talks and written
scores of articles revolving around the
messages he received in his Conversations
with God. You can access more of his
writings, live calls and more at: http://
www.nealedonaldwalsch.com/
http://www.conversationswithgod.org/
New Beginnings
January 2011 evolution track 5
Don’t QuitAnonymous
When things go wrong as they sometimes will.When the road you’re trudging seems all up hill.When funds are low and the debts are high.And you want to smile, but you have to sigh.When care is pressing you down a bit.Rest, if you must, but don’t you quit.Life is queer with its twists and turns.As every one of us sometimes learns.And many a failure turns aboutWhen he might have won had he stuck it out:Don’t give up though the pace seems slowYou may succeed with another blow.Success is failure turned inside outThe silver tint of the clouds of doubt.And you never can tell how close you are.It may be near when it seems so far:So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hitIt’s when things seem worst that you must not QUIT.
Change Your World
You cannot change the world, but you can present the world with one improved person, yourself. You can go to work on yourself to make yourself into the kind of person you admire and respect.
You can become a role model and set a standard for others. You can control and discipline yourself to resist acting or speaking in a negative way toward anyone for any reason.
You can insist upon always doing things the loving way rather than the hurtful way. By doing these things each day, you can continue on your journey toward becoming an exceptional human being.
Brian Tracy
Ben Wi lson
6 evolution track January 2011
There is a profound contrast between the
enlightened perspective, which is the absolute,
universal, and impersonal view of the
Authentic Self, and the unenlightened perspective,
which is the relative, separate, and personal view
of the narcissistic ego. It is literally the difference
between heaven and hell.
When I speak about ego, I am not using the
term in the psychological sense, which usually refers
to what we could call a self-organizing function in
the psyche. In an enlightenment context, the word
ego refers to something else altogether.
Ego is the deeply ingrained, compulsive need
to remain separate and superior at all times, in all
places, under all circumstances. In contrast to the
inherent freedom of the Self Absolute and the fearless
passion of the authentic Self, ego is experienced as
an emotional quagmire of fear and attachment. It
is the part of you that has no interest whatsoever in
freedom, feels victimized by life, avoids anything that
contradicts its self-image, is thoroughly invested in its
personal fears and desires, and lives only for itself.
Ego is an anti-evolutionary
force of powerful inertia in
human nature —attached
to the past, terrified of change,
and seeking only to preserve
the status quo.
The Ego - an anti-evolutionary forceBy Andrew Cohen, published with permission
Ego is the one and only one obstacle to
enlightenment. If we want to be free, if we want
to be enlightened, we have to pay the price.
The great wisdom traditions have always told us
that the price is ego death, and in evolutionary
enlightenment it is no different: if the Authentic
Self is going to act through us as the uninhibited
expression of evolution in action, then our
attachment to ego must be transcended.
Andrew Cohen is an internationally respected spiritual teacher, cultural visionary, and founder of the global nonprofit EnlightenNext and the award-winning EnlightenNext magazine.
January 2011 evolution track 7
“Unfelt emotions are stuck energy and when we
leave our emotions unprocessed we deprive
ourselves of access to that energy”... Daily OM
Blocked access to our energy is not the only
consequence of unreleased emotions.
When we keep these emotions locked up
in our system our bodies give us excellent clues
that we need to do something. We feel the tension
in our shoulders and back when we hold in our
anxiety and worry. Prolonged tension results in
chronic aches in various parts of our bodies such as
unexplained headaches and stomach aches. Stress
and the associated negative emotions have been
found to affect the immune system and therefore
can exacerbate symptoms in diseases that have an
immune system component.
Stored up emotions have been associated
with serious illnesses such as cancer, arthritis, chronic
fatigue and irritable bowel syndrome. Apart from
the physical consequences of unreleased negative
emotions, there are also mental and psychological
consequences that though they may not be as
obvious and direct, are just as significant. Feelings
and thinking are so tied to each other that our
functioning and action in the present moment are
directly influenced by how we feel at that moment.
How do you react to everyone around you when you
are angry with one person? How do you ‘behave’
when you are hungry? Are you able to ‘think straight’
when you are scared?
Fortunately for us, we are blessed with
mechanisms for healing emotionally. Human nature is
so diverse and rich in variety that like everything else
with us, there is no one way of releasing emotions
that works for everyone. However, the important
thing is that though we may take different pathways,
all roads lead to the one purpose: emotional healing
and better functioning. Some of the strategies that can
be used for getting rid of these unwanted negative
emotions include journaling, meditation, and
counselling.
There are so many different counselling techniques
and approaches available. My most favourite
technique for emotional release is a process called
Re-evaluation Co-counselling. Not only have I
found it to be the most effective process of releasing
emotions that I have been exposed to and practiced
for the past twenty-four years , but the ‘co-‘ part of
it makes it accessible to a wide array of people and
adds the element of community –building for on-
going support.
When I first came into contact with Re-
evaluation Co-counselling it hit me like the proverbial
lightning bolt that what was different about this was
that it truly fulfilled its promise of not only identifying
the negative emotions we carry, but the techniques
were truly effective in getting those emotions out of
the depths of one’s being and clearing them out of the
system. This was my aha moment! For all those years
before, my interest in psychology and counselling
had left me with a void. I could see how emotions
were labelled and behaviours were identified and
even named - all the personality disorders, all the
syndromes, all the conditions. Yet none of these
schools of psychology really offered a process for
healing from these, except for lying on a couch
weekly for years on end and talking about these
behaviour patterns.
Re-evaluation Co-counselling involves the
availability of another human mind to facilitate the
process of unravelling the emotions that get tangled
8 evolution track January 2011
with an experience; and not only unravelling but
effectively clearing them out. Re-evaluation Co-
counselling is based on the premise that the human
body is equipped with inherent strategies for doing
that, for example we cry to release sadness, we
shake fear away, we rant and rage out the anger, we
giggle away embarrassment, etc. The techniques are
therefore built on the co-counsellor providing an
emotionally safe space and the right ‘contradictions’
to these negative emotions that allows the body to do
what is naturally healing.
Building a supportive community is an
important factor in this process. Breaking isolation,
interrupting feelings that we are alone in our
distress or that our ‘stuff’ is too ugly or hard to show
anyone else. It remembers us that the old patterns
of behaviour are not the truth of our present selves
and provides contradictions to the chronic patterns
we carry - feelings of inadequacy, incompetence,
disempowerment.
There are many ways I can tell that I am
benefiting from my commitment to this process.
However the largeness of my positive attention in the
present is the best indicator. I could tell when I was a
graduate student and I could see and others noticed
how I was the only one who was not distraught
by studying and actually enjoyed coming to class
and doing my work. I could tell when I keep my
cool and respond well to people in situations and
environments that normally will trigger others. And
those are the surface level benefits. The amount of
emotional and mental energy that I have reclaimed
over these years is immeasurable. The deep shifts in
my emotional well-being that allow me to parent,
teach and support others with such a wide open mind
is another story.
Author’s note. Re-evaluation Co-Counselling
is based in Seattle, Washington, USA and has
communities in more than 80 countries in the
world, including Trinidad and Tobago.
lot of people say they want to get out of pain,
and i’m sure that’s true, but they aren’t willing to make healing a high priority. They aren’t willing to look inside to see the source of their pain in order to deal with it.
L indsay wagner
A Joyful PlaceAn Education and Family Resource Centre
Dr. Mari lyn Robb Ph.D.Educational Consultant/Family Counsellor
Phone:(868)-221-8890email: [email protected]
website: www.ajoyfulplace.webs.com
Marilyn offers face-to-face and online consult ing and counsell ing services for
individuals, famil ies, schools and educational institutions.
January 2011 evolution track 9
How can we escape from the uncertainties that most feel in life? How can we find freedom from the things and situations that create
unrest? How can we move beyond the confusion that we feel and find peace of mind and peace of heart? How do we come to know that the things which are happening around us that are not nice, is not the way things will continue to be? And finally, how can we have access to a power to right the wrongs, and literally create peace and prosperity? So many souls are searching. So many souls are wanting, being needy. Many think that it is the physical things that they can put their hands on that will satisfy the need that they are feeling; to fulfill the lack that they might be experiencing. But when they get hold of the material things, they find that the dissatisfaction is still there. When they respond aggressively to situations that might have disturbed them, they find that they still feel torn after. The peace and fulfillment they thought they would have found, continues to elude them. There is a way for souls to come to the place of peace that will last. To come to a power that is truly powerful. That can say to the storms that create unrest: Peace be still. Every person is more than what meets the eye. We are truly spirit beings clothed in bodies of flesh. The reality of this truth is made known to you when you begin to quest inward, yearning to know what you are; yearning to discover the truth about your own being, and truly coming to know that you are supported. Not only by that which is material, but profoundly more so by that which is spiritual and Divine. The nature of spirituality continues to elude many because their minds continue to grapple with and reduce everything to what they think is the expected norm. The ego mind cannot fully understand true spirituality. This does not mean spirituality is beyond knowing. For true knowing can only happen through the heart. It is important to recognize that it is not through struggling with the mind that a soul comes to know what it is. But by letting go of struggle and coming to the place of feeling that is with each of our hearts.
When you are hungry, you feel that hunger. There are no words. You can articulate it in words after, but from experience we all know what hunger pangs are. It is the same with thirst. The body aches for food or for fluid to satisfy the immediate need. All the hungers and passions felt in the body are really passions in the soul that are waiting to be acknowledged; to point each individual to that ‘place’ that is within them. So that through the conscious awareness of the feeling that arises from all of our senses is what develops the correct knowing of what we are. You are a being of feeling. Not just plain emotions. The knowing that comes from your feeling helps you to acknowledge the power that is with you. And from that place of power that comes from feeling all of your senses, you will know that you can open that space within your heart. For all your feelings mark where your spiritual heart is. It marks the space through which you can yearn for that which is beyond time, space and matter. Yearning for Love that is truly Divine that can only come from that Source that created you. As you feel through all of your senses, you breathe. And with each breath that you take your heart opens in yearning to receive Love. And this Love comes to the souls that are sincere in their allowance to receive it. Love flows and brings about a knowing, a fulfillment, a peace. And this peace gives each person a power. You receive a power to live your life to bring about more peace and harmony that improves your wellbeing and the wellbeing of others.
The Beingness of Love is real. It is present within our world. Every soul is being called by Love to Love. Only those who answer yes, receive.
Lyndon Andrew Allicock is the author
of “Human Operations Manual”.For
consultations or to purchase “Human
Operations Manual” in Trinidad and
Tobago call: 868-645-7532/8532
For more insights visit:
www.nucomsystems.com
10 evolution track January 2011
The economic turmoil can erode family relationships. Finances are typically among the top issues
spouses and partners along with their families will face and, while the economy may improve with time, relationships may not. The challenge is to identify the stressors that occur and manage them. Economic challenges can either bring families closer together or cause tremendous strife. We need to bond and work as a resilient team to find ways of improving financial management skills and explore all options and resources that would ensure our survival. We can start by identifying our priorities, paying the bills, keeping our home safe, ensuring our children’s education, managing our health issues. Then make decisions as to how we are going to achieve our new ambitions. Do we really need the latest model cell phone or a bigger television screen?
planning and creativity we can accumulate huge savings. Could this be our new reality?
Adding value
Today as we look at television, listen to the radio and read the newspapers we are bombarded with negative news and views of the economic landscape. We can come to believe that the opportunities for business are scarce and the horizon is bleak. However we must remember this is just a mental construct and that the bounty of the earth and its people have not changed. The blessings of nature and the need for services and products by the peoples of the World have not diminished. The failure is in the man-made financial and economic models of business. In these times we are challenged to think differently, to look at events from a new angle and to use our creativity. Recently I heard of a young woman in England who found herself with a salary cut, but still wanting to indulge her desire for new outfits. She came up with the idea of inviting her friends over, asking them to walk with something to eat and drink and to bring along an item of clothing or fashion accessory that had not been used more than once, with the intention of exchanging with friends. The evening turned out to be a great success with each person leaving with a different outfit. The young lady had succeeded in maintaining her lifestyle on her lower salary while also creating a social network. She has turned the concept into a business with a website to set up similar home parties all over the UK. Focusing on adding value to people and society this young woman was able establish a new creative business model. That was her New Reality of Business and Wealth.
Next we need to focus on the things we can control and let go of the rest. Explore opportunities, and be creative in reaching solutions. Family meals for example can return to basics – if you don’t already, maybe its time to start going to the market, or if there’s a farmers market close to you check it out on weekends.
You can save a lot of money by getting up early. Exotic foods and expensive cuts of meats can be reserved
for perhaps one meal a week. Food takes a big bite out of our budget, however with some
January 2011 evolution track 11
Its already eight years since I nervously left the security of a high paying/high flying Corporate Marketing Executive
job and embarked on the adventure of being a self employed Business Coach specializing in Sales, Marketing and Customer Service. And what a ride it has been. Surprisingly, it has been the best years of my working career. There have been times that I have missed the corporate flights to exotic lands, the VIP invitations to grand special events, the pictures and name in the newspapers, rubbing shoulders with the who’s who and of course the guaranteed monthly salary and pleasant smiles of the bankers. But I have gained so much more: the opportunity to chart my own course, more time with my family, being able to build a family business along with my wife, developing my God given talents, having time to devote to my church and surprisingly achieving better financial security. And all this in addition to: no more unending office meetings, no more office games and no more manipulated end of year reviews.
A new reality in business
The traditional way of looking at business is for
creating profits. But an obsessive focus on
profits at any cost has resulted in a
mantra of “greed is good for me” which has led to aggravated climate change, the global financial turmoil
and the subsequent increase in poverty and loss for so many.
We are therefore seeing a new reality dawning where the focus is not solely on profits and return on investment, but also for the good of the employees and the local community. Business professionals are now encouraged to focus on stability
and sustainability over the long term and to measure success not only on revenue and profits, but also on its contribution to the well being of the society. They are being urged to add not just economic value, but also value to the communities in which they operate and society in general. Recently I was informed that a senior executive at one of the local corporations had chosen to downsize his car, choosing a smaller model than he was entitled to, because he felt it was the correct thing to do in the face of the difficult times many were experiencing. He said having made the decision he experienced a feeling of inner peace and satisfaction. Of course business still needs to focus on creating wealth, but wealth is not just financial it also takes the form of a secure community, environmental sustainability and the spiritual and emotional well being of oneself, one’s family and co-workers. Could this be the New Reality of Business and Wealth?
Hillary can be contacted at: coachbengo.blogspot.com or http://www.sandeecommunications.blogspot. You can also connect with him on his Facebook Business Group page: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=225670259945
Sandee and Hil lary Bengochea are co-owners of Sandee Communicat ions Ltd. , a Market ing Promotions Company special izing in Personal Development Promotions.
12 evolution track January 2011
There is a profound truth in this very simple
statement. Breath is life, and if we are only
half breathing, then we are only half living.
In yoga, the breath is referred to as prana,
which is the life force that permeates all things.
The very foundation of all yogic practices
begins with the breath, and it is the breath
that is the basis of sound physical, mental and
emotional health.
Most of us give no thought to our breath, or to
how we are breathing, and simply take it for
granted that it happens. However, the breath
is so much more than simply the air that keeps
us alive. There is a deep connection between
the breath and your state of mind, as it is the
breath that controls the mind. If you are not
aware of your breath and are not actively
controlling the breath, then the mind will often
be in a disturbed and anxious state. Also, the
way that you breathe will significantly affect the
quality of breath that you take in. For starters,
we should only breathe through the nostrils and
not the mouth, as the air needs to be filtered
and warmed before it gets to the lungs.
“He who only half breathes, half lives.”
Hatha Yoga Pradipika
The breath as life Karen StollmeyerMA, Yogacharya, Yoga Therapist
Most people breathe incorrectly, using only
a small part of their lung capacity. This results
in breathing that is short, shallow and rapid.
People with this type of breathing will be more
likely to suffer from irritability, nervousness,
anxiety, insomnia, and an imbalanced
personality. Health problems will also be more
likely to develop as the body and its organs
will be chronically deprived of oxygen. This is
in contrast to breathing that is long, slow and
deep, which stimulates calm, relaxed, and
balanced states of mind. Slow, deep breathing
also brings about a longer and healthier life as
the body is nourished by the increased flow of
oxygen resulting in improved physical health.
The breath also serves as a bridge into the
unconscious, a doorway into exploring
the deeper aspects of the mind and spirit.
Pranayama (the expansion of the dimension
of prana through breathing techniques)
is a system of exploring the breath and of
experiencing the deep states of relaxation
that come when a mind is steady, calm and
balanced. When the mind has been brought
into a state of calm, concentrated awareness
through these powerful techniques, it can
then enter into that state of indescribable
peace, otherwise known as samadhi, or bliss.
By practicing yoga we become intimately
connected with the breath. Profound changes
may then be made in many areas of our lives
as the breath often reflects things that are out
of balance. By simply improving the way that
we breathe, we are able to effect positive
changes where they are needed, and bring
about improved health, increased vitality,
greater peace of mind, and a more balanced
and mature outlook on life. Following are a
January 2011 evolution track 13
Karen StollmeyerMA, Yogacharya, Yoga Therapist
couple of simple pranayama techniques for
you to put into daily practice.
Abdominal Breathing Abdominal breathing is the easiest and most
efficient way to breathe. Due to tension,
poor posture, restrictive clothing and lack of
training however, it is often forgotten. Once this
technique again becomes a part of daily life
and correct breathing is restored, there will be
great improvement in the state of physical and
mental wellbeing.
Abdominal breathing promotes proper
diaphragmatic breathing, relaxes the mind
and body, oxygenates the blood and purges
the body and lungs of residual carbon dioxide.
Can be used daily and continually. Do not be
alarmed if you experience feelings of light-
headedness or dizziness when you first try these
techniques. If this happens simply return to your
normal breath and wait for the sensations to
pass. This will stop once the body becomes
accustomed to the increased flow of oxygen.
How to do itSit with your spine erect, or lie down on your
back. Begin taking long, slow, and deep
breaths through the nostrils. Place both hands
over the abdomen. As you inhale, allow the
belly to fill with air, drawing air deep into the
lower lungs. As you exhale, allow the belly
to deflate like a balloon. Try not to expand
the chest or move the shoulders. Feel the
abdomen expanding and contracting.
Continue breathing slowly and deeply, keeping
the breath smooth and relaxed, and never
straining. Continue for a few minutes.
Yogic BreathingThis breath is used to maximize inhalation and
exhalation. Its purpose is to gain control of the
breath, correct poor breathing habits and
increase oxygen intake. It may be practiced
at any time and is especially useful in situations
of high stress or anger for calming the nerves. It
should be practiced daily for short periods.
How to do itBreathe through the nostrils into your belly as
stated above but also expand the mid and
upper chest region by allowing the rib cage to
open outward to the sides. The shoulders and
collarbones should also move up slightly. There
should be no jerks or unnecessary strain. Exhale
and repeat 5-10 times, eventually increasing
to 10 minutes daily. There should never be any
strain and the entire movement should be
harmonious and flowing, never forced.
Practicing these simple breathing techniques
daily can bring many positive and lasting
changes to your life, and you will soon begin
to see significant improvements in your mental,
emotional and physical health and well being.
The divine light in me honors the divine light in
you. Namaste
Karen Stollmeyer MA
Yogacharya, Yoga Therapist, Founder/Director
Bliss Yoga, Trinidad
www.omblissyoga.org
Karen teaches Integral Hatha Yoga in the
Satyananda yoga tradition. She also offers
private yoga therapy sessions where the
focus is on physical, mental and emotional
healing through deep relaxation, pranic
healing, Korean hand Acupuncture, sound
and vibration healing, chakra balancing and
energy clearing.
14 evolution track January 2011
Rinchen Blake, Buddhist Monk
Photo: Gerlinde Grunt
January 2011 evolution track 15
I think if most people were to look carefully and honestly at their life they would find that, while many things are good, there is also a sense of
something being missing, or something slightly unsatisfactory. Maybe they would look at life itself and see birth, old-age, sickness and death and find the whole process of living and the nature of our own bodies and minds leaving something to be desired. The same thought occurred to a young prince 2500 years ago who lived in northern India. I think most of us try and make the best of it and if any people are good at celebrating life Trinis would have to be amongst the best - perhaps the best! And yet at any moment, if we investigate now at this very moment, do we feel completely content and at peace, relaxed - completely fulfilled? The Buddha to be, this young Indian prince, had a feeling that all the unsatisfactoriness of life, like anything else that happens, must have a cause. And he felt that if he could find the cause of this unsatisfactoriness, or dukkha, then he would be able to bring it to an end - not just for himself, but for all living beings. He then left his palace and spent the next six years in his quest until eventually he sat underneath a Bodhi tree outside a small village in northern India vowing that he wouldn’t get up until he’d found the cause of suffering. Legend has it that after meditating day and night for seven days, he saw the morning star rise and at that moment realised perfect enlightenment. So, what is this enlightenment that he later helped people find - what is this liberation from suffering? The Buddha (as he then was - it just means somebody who was woken up to the truth of life) saw the all our suffering in the end comes from our own mind. We somehow create it. We have mental habits which cause us to suffer. All of us do. And he summarised these as greed, hatred and ignorance. He said it’s not what’s happening around us that is the main problem, it’s the way we are reacting to it. If we can just train the mind to react in a different way, in a better way, then we won’t have to suffer any more. In fact, we come to convert these negative mental habits, negative emotional traits, into very beautiful qualities. We become fully human in the best sense,
having developed compassion, love and wisdom in their stead. So the practice, as I learned and now teach, is focused on training the mind so that it doesn’t give us all this grief, all this suffering. We give up the feeling of being the victim of circumstances and instead work towards true liberation. This liberation is not some cute idea but a very real reality. Wonderfully, the Buddha said ‘Don’t believe anything, even if I tell you it’s true, or even if it’s written in the ancient scriptures, or agreed by a group of wise old men. But instead find out for yourself’. The way we find out is through doing the practice he recommended and seeing if we do truly find ourselves moving towards peace and liberation. If we do, then we can be said to be on the path and working towards liberation. This enlightened state of mind knows nothing about gender or race or age. It doesn’t matter what’s happened to us in the past, or what we’ve done, or what kind of a person we are now. It’s said that only from the human state can we attain liberation and therefore this life should not be wasted pursuing things which in the end we find to be unsatisfactory: they disappoint us and we go looking for something else. We tread endless treadmills.
Rinchen is a Buddhist monk who’s been visiting Trinidad since 2003. He first started meditating in 1970 and became a monk 20 years later having lived in the West Indies most of that time. His country of origin is England.
You can contact Rinchen Blake on Cell: (868) 710 8413. Email: [email protected]
16 evolution track January 2011
Vanessa Soodeen Gestalt Psychotherapist / Artist
The image “Spiritual Survival” was created for my exhibition titled “Inner Awakening… Love Live & Laugh” held in Trinidad in 2001.
I had returned four years earlier, knap sack on back, after a long time living & travelling in Europe, and my intended visit to Trinidad turned into an extended stay and journey of deeper inner healing and revelation. The term “survival” usually arises in context of being faced with some trial, difficulty
SPIRITUAL SURVIVAL or challenge and coming out of it with some degree of success… and so it has been with my own healing process … and so it is for many of us. The painting depicting the resurrected Christ walking again, symbolically represents rebirth, hope, survival and coming back to life in a more enlightened way. As my upbringing has been in the Catholic tradition, I have more of a sense of images that come from that institution … however my intention is not to align with any particular “religion” as such but to portray what I have come to understand
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Spi
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Healing
January 2011 evolution track 17
as an eternal life process that is evolving and continuing organically and endlessly. Surviving our trials is part of our healing process, a process which is only necessary and which only makes sense in the context of where we are in our evolutionary process right now. With our egos and dualistic perceptions (good evil/ right wrong etc.), we perceive ourselves as being separate from the totality, from our environment, from each other… and it is only in this perceived separated state that we are in need of being healed. How is this so? The way I have come to understand it is that the healing which is needed is that of our perception of being separate and isolated, an individualistic state that is also necessary for our growth, all being perfect in the totality of life. Our egos seem to work on a “no-win” basis because on one hand their parameters and vision are limited and “holistically false” causing suffering, fear etc. and on the other hand this is exactly what they cling to, this limited perspective. It is not to condemn the ego as being “bad” as this too would be a dualistic judgement. The ego also has its evolutionary purpose, to let us experience our individuality… Healing then can exist only in our dualistic state of separateness (“you” and “I”) because only in this disconnected state is there something to heal. The purpose of healing is to restore the awareness of our unity and connection to all (“you and I are one”) through healing our perception and illusion that we are separate. This false perception leads to illnesses on many levels:- physical, mental & emotional, personal & interpersonal, our connection with the environment & afar and is held and upheld by our egos. Life itself as an evolutionary process which I have come to trust will lead us naturally and organically to wholeness. At the same time and I am reminded here of Michelangelo’s “The Creation of Adam”, we too have to reach out and participate actively and consciously in
our growth process. In each incarnation there is an opportunity to learn and to exercise our will and responsibility to work with and heal ourselves, cultivating a multitude of talents such as self-discipline, right-mindedness, patience… …. And most importantly, the way back and the way forward to wholeness is through healing our relationship with love both intellectually and emotionally. We grow through expressing this love by expanding outwards towards our fellow humans, our environment, our cosmos, our macrocosm and by expanding inwards towards our microcosm, our smaller but no less important reality with our organs, cells, subatomic particles, spreading care and love in all directions. “Health is inner peace.” (A course of miracles). The concepts Spiritual Survival and Healing will become redundant as we evolve to wholeness. And on that note … onward I go, loving, living and laughing!
[email protected]://vanessa-soodeen.blogspot.com/
Inspired by Martinus Cosmology - http://www.martinus.nu/
18 evolution track January 2011
While hospitals may be overflowing with
the physically wounded or ailing, my
experience of working with individuals
and groups on self development, has shown me
that beyond hospital walls there is an abundance
of emotionally, psychologically and spiritually
wounded people. Some are crippled by various past
experiences, some limp through life hobbled by
erroneous beliefs and misunderstandings and others
suffer the pains of memories and damage from
abuse, neglect or abandonment in childhood and
adulthood. I’ve often wondered: “Is there anyone
who does not need to heal some open wound from
their past?”
So where does the healing begin? It seems
to begin with dredging up the memories and stories
we hold on to and acknowledging that there was
hurt, breaking the silence or disclosing one’s truth to
one’s self and to a trusted listener. That listener does
not have to be a trained expert, simply someone
who can give undivided, non-judgemental, loving
attention; who can allow you to vent your anger,
fear, grief or other deep emotions safely and
confidentially. While God can be the greatest
listener, I’ve seen that it is also necessary to be able
to unload with another person.
Having brought the story into the light of
day, the healing can proceed by examining the
experience with increasing levels of detachment,
reviewing it from the perspective of all concerned
and with increasing understanding. The Work of
Byron Katie offers an effective tool for doing this
(http://www.thework.com/dothework.php). The
aim has to be to reclaim the piece of your self that
was trapped in that episode, get past the story,
leave it behind and stop toting it through your life
and relationships. Of course, it may not happen
in a day, it can require repeated efforts to keep
looking and moving forward, choosing again and
again to be different, that is: to think, feel and
respond differently, in new ways. This is where
tools like prayer, affirmations, gratitude journaling,
inspirational reading and meditation can be the
wind beneath your wings.
It used to be that years of therapy
were considered necessary to address deep-
seated wounds, but practitioners of the healing
community suggest that is no longer the case. They
purport that energy healing modalities can shorten
the process significantly.
Spiritual healing
Healing, in a spiritual context, recognizes that
an ailment or disease may manifest as a physical
problem but have its roots and origins beyond
the physical in the emotional, psychological, or
spiritual. It has become quite common to hear
people talk of psychological connections to such
ailments as heart disease, fibroids, ulcers and even
certain cancers. Scientific research in recent times
has confirmed what spiritual practitioners have
known for centuries – that the healing of the body
cannot be complete without the healing of the
mind and soul.
Holistic healing
Holistic or wholistic healing addresses the whole
person. Deepak Chopra describes healing as more
than the absence of disease of infirmity. “Healing
is a positive state of well-being: A state of physical
well-being; a state of social well-being; a state
of spiritual well-being; a state of emotional well-
being and ultimately, a state of environmental
well-being.” Healing, he asserts, comes from the
Where does the healing begin?
January 2011 evolution track 19
word holy. “Healing is the return of the memory
of holiness.” So to truly heal one has to address all
aspects of the Self. Chopra and his colleagues also
speak of Quantum Healing. Quantum Healing sees
human bodies as fields of information, intelligence
and energy. He has described the healing process as
involving a shift in the fields of energy information,
so as to bring about a correction in an idea that has
gone wrong. “So Quantum Healing involves healing
one mode of consciousness: mind, to bring about
changes in another mode of consciousness: body.”
There is a vast number of healing modalities
to be found at this time in any spiritual community
and on the internet. The Church of Healing Energy
has created a marvelous resource listing just some of
the techniques they recognize and their origins with
website links. Rev. Barbara Mallory, Director of the
church, has generously given permission to share that
listing here.
Warning
As with any aspect of life that we chose to explore,
as thinking adults it is important to enter into spiritual
explorations with an open, but critical mind. A
wounded individual is vulnerable and can be open
to abuse. Research, question, question, question
and go forth cautiously, not with fear, but with the
consciousness that not every type of service offered
is suitable for everyone. Look for a modality that is a
“good fit” for you.
HEAling ModAliTiEs from The Church of Healing Energy
Published with permission
All of the modalities listed below are based upon or facilitated by energetic healing principles. The primary principle underlying energy healing is this: A major part of all negative experience - physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual - involves disruption in at least one of the body’s energy systems. Relief of the energy disturbance relieves the discomfort or negativity of the experience. In our list, we focus on energy approaches with which we are familiar. In their application, some of these modalities are “user-friendly” and many include empowering self-care strategies. Most attribute their inspiration and efficacy to a Higher Source. Allergy Antidotes - presented by naturopathic physician, Sandi Radomski, ND, LCSW, MSSW; a collection of non-medical, clinically effective, energy-based approaches to allergy-like or energy-toxic reactions; uses muscle (energy) testing to identify energy disturbances and measure effectiveness of outcome. Many techniques are user friendly. Website: www.allergyantidotes.com Be set Free Fast (BsFF) - originated by clinical psychologist, Larry Nims, PhD; an inspired, elegant, and systematic approach to resolve emotional problems at a deep level; BSFF enlists the subconscious mind as co-therapist; muscle (energy) testing skills are helpful. User friendly. Website: www.besetfreefast.com Creative Energy Therapy (CET) - originated by psychologist, Mary “Mo” Wheeler, PhD, working with Spiritual resources; a creative, eclectic blend of spiritual and energy-based helping techniques; uses pendulum Dowsing for energy testing and sometimes for clearing energy disturbance as well. User-friendly applications. Website: www.energyhealingpartners.com
Healing takes courage, and we all have courage, even if we have to dig a little to find it.
Tori Amos
Harry Crews
20 evolution track January 2011
divining Health - originated by psychologist, Barbara Mallory, PhD, with Spiritual resources; a list-based approach to identify energy disturbances which cause or maintain emotional problems; uses Dowsing modes to energy check, including muscle testing; Dowsing selects appropriate healing modalities and self-care activities. User friendly. Website: www.feelingfree.net
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) - developed by performance coach and ordained minister, Gary Craig; quick and easy self-treatment to eliminate energy disturbance causing emotional distress; uses tapping with fingers on a series of acupuncture treatment points plus simple verbal and eye-movement activity. User-friendly. Website: www.emofree.com
Energy Medicine - developed by Donna Eden, medical intuitive with gift of seeing all levels of the human energy field; simple body tests (kinesiology) identify energy blocks; enjoyable energy exercises treat both physical and psychological distress; User-friendly. Website: www.innersource.net
Esoteric Healing - based on the teachings of Djwhal Khul as presented in the book Esoteric Healing by Alice Bailey and further developed by Brenda Johnston. Practitioners use hands off the body, balancing
techniques, and triangles of resonance that relate the body’s energy centers and endocrine system to facilitate unimpeded soul life, healing and a more harmonious state. Website: www.esoterichealing.com
Essential Energy Healing* - Integrative spiritual-energy healing approach originated by Mary Maddux, MS, Certified Healing Touch Practitioner, background in counseling and teaching meditation. Energy interventions, with or without light touch, use conscious healing intent to balance the human energy field for self-healing of body, mind and spirit; apprenticeships possible. User-friendly. Website - www.heartofhealing.net
Healing Touch* - developed by registered nurse, Janet Mentgen, RN, BSN; an energy-based approach to healing using the hands to identify and clear energy disturbance; done with or without direct hand touch; restores harmony and balance in the body’s energy centers (chakras) and energy field (aura). User-friendly applications. Website: www.healingtouch.com
Healing Touch spiritual Ministry - Developed by Healing Touch instructor and registered nurse, Linda L. Smith, RN, MS, Healing Touch Spiritual Ministry (HTSM) is an educational program that provides the student with the tools to do healing ministry--prayer, hands-on healing and anointing with healing oils. The deeper roots of HTSM go back to Judeo-Christian prayer, the laying-on of hands and anointing with oil as modeled by Jesus in his healing ministry. Website: www.htspiritualministry.com
HeartMath - Research at the Institute of HeartMath has shown the heart’s energy field to be 5000 times stronger than that of the brain. Developed by Doc L. Childre and Howard Martin, HeartMath is a gentle, systematic protocol for inducing coherence in heart rate variability which, in turn, allows access to the heart’s problem-solving wisdom. HeartMath is used to advantage by Fortune 500 companies, educators, clinicians, and clients. User friendly. Website: www.heartmath.com
Jin shin do Acupressure* - developed by clinical counselor, Iona Marsaa Teeguarden, MA, LMFCC; a skillful integration of counseling with acupressure treatment; uses finger pressure on “acu-points” to balance body energy and release disturbing emotions; promotes deep relaxation, feelings of well-being and heightened awareness. User friendly. Website: www.jinshindo.org
Polarity Therapy* - a comprehensive energy therapy developed by Randolph Stone, DO, DC, ND; assesses and resolves disturbances in the Human Energy Field caused by a wide variety of sensory and life experiences including relationship, trauma and environmental factors; palpation, observation and interview methods are used to support the client’s innate self-healing potential. Website: www.polaritytherapy.org
January 2011 evolution track 21
Quantum Touch* - The Quantum-Touch practitioner uses simple breathing and body awareness exercises to focus and amplify life-force energy around a client’s affected body area. QT is a hands-on healing method easily learned by both lay persons and professional practitioners and combines well with other physical and energetic treatment modalities. Website: www.quantumtouch.com
Reflexology* - Reflexology may be generally defined as the practitioner’s application of specific pressure by hand, thumb and fingers to a reflex map resembling a human body which is believed to exist on the body’s extremities. Only when defined and offered as a healing intervention in the human energy field, is reflexology an appropriate modality for CHE healing ministers’ practice. Applications must be limited to clients’ hands, feet and outer ears, without use of mechanical tools. Website: www.reflexology-usa.org
Reiki* - natural healing method developed in Japan by M. Usui Sensi; introduced in USA by recovered patient, Mrs. H. Takata; Usui System endeavors to remain faithful to its origins; uses hands to reduce stress, invite deep relaxation, and infuse universal spiritual life energy for improved health and enhanced quality of life. User friendly. Websites: www.reikialliance.com and www.reiki.org
seemorg Matrix Work - originated by psychologist, Asha Clinton, PhD; an inspired energy-plus-counseling approach; integrates hand-positions on major energy centers with statements correcting negative beliefs; uses muscle testing to track energy changes; uses long-term clinical applications for deep, trauma-based problems. User-friendly applications. Website: www.seemorgmatrix.org
self Wellness Energy Evaluation Technique (sWEET) - originated by spiritual healer, Rev. Sandra Itenson Sweetman; SWEET uses muscle testing or dowsing to identify the presence and nature of energetic disturbances in the biofield/aura; then appropriate correction mode is selected, applied, and locked in place. User-friendly. Website: www.mydivineblueprint.com
Tapas Acupressure Technique (TAT) - originated by Tapas Fleming, Licensed Acupuncturist. The client’s gentle hand positions on forehead and back of head support clearing of energy disturbance related to trauma and other negative emotional experience as well as toxic sensitivities. User-friendly. Website: www.tat-intl.com
Therapeutic Touch* - originated by Dolores Krieger, PhD, RN and Dora Kunz; involves use of practitioner’s hands to balance the body’s energy centers (chakras) and energy field (aura); practiced in and out of hospital by many holistic nurse practitioners; scientific research supports efficacy. User-friendly adaptations. Website: www.therapeutic-touch.org
ThetaHealing - Created by intuitive healer, Vianna Stibal, ThetaHealing is a technique that teaches how to use our natural intuition, relying upon the
unconditional love of Creator Of All That Is to do the actual ‘work.’ By changing one’s state of consciousness to include the Theta state, the individual can actually ‘watch’ the Creator Of All That Is create instantaneous physical and emotional healing. Website: www.thetahealing.com
Thought Field Therapy (TFT) - originated by psychologist, Roger Callahan, PhD, Thought Field Therapy, also known as the “Callahan Techniques,” involves tapping with fingers on specific acupressure treatment points. Specific tapping sequences are used to resolve specific emotional problems. User-friendly. Website: www.tftrx.com
* This modality involves, or may include, the healer’s use of physical contact using fingers/hand to enhance energy flow and balance in the human energy field and energy systems. Healing ministers wishing to use such modalities with clients may require professional licensing.
©Church of Healing Energy-2003/2010
website http://www.energy-church.org/id23.htm
22 evolution track January 2011
The last time that my Mother spoke to me in a full sentence was at about 9.00 a.m. on September 04, 1995. She had not slept well the night before and she was going to play “catch up” with sleep. Around 10.00 a.m. on that same day my Mother had a stroke. In August 1995, I had attended Part 1 of the Healing Touch Programme in Payson, Arizona. We had been taught a technique that could be used on persons making any kind of transition. I used this technique on my Mother at the hospital several times that first day. When I reviewed the technique in my Workbook the next day, I realized that I had been doing it in the wrong sequence! However, it was my intention that mattered! My intention was that whatever I did for my Mother would be for her highest good and I poured my heart and soul into the work. My Mother received regular treatments during her ten-day stay in the hospital. I am convinced that the loving, healing energy in the “Touch”es that she received, kept her alive. On her return home, we continued to be a healing presence with her. She finally made her transition nine months later. The journey to becoming a Certified Healing Touch Practitioner was a nine year journey with long lasting benefits. It was also for me a journey of spiritual and emotional growth and development. Nurturance of the spiritual, physical and emotional self was strongly advocated. Intellectual growth was stimulated by the wide range of required reading material. Balancing all of these other activities with play was highly encouraged. Mentoring was provided.
What is Healing Touch? Healing Touch is a holistic energy therapy that emphasizes intentional, compassionate and heart-centered care in which the Healing Touch provider and client are equal partners in facilitating health and healing. Healing Touch providers use their hands with gentle, light non-invasive touch to help clear, balance and energize the human energy system, thus promoting healing for the mind, body and/or spirit.
How does Healing Touch work?“Energy therapies focus on removing energy congestion that form in our energy fields (aura) and energy centers (chakras). Once these imbalances and disturbances are cleared, the
energy channels resume their task of integrating the body, mind and soul to restore health and/or promote healing. It may also help prevent future issues by restoring balance to energy field disturbances, which could later result in illness if left unbalanced.” Healing Touch complements conventional health care and is also used in collaboration with other approaches to health and healing. The goal of Healing Touch is to restore harmony, energy and balance within the human energy system.
Source: http://www.healingtouchprogram.com/about-healing-touch-program/what-is-healing-touch
Gwyneth is a Health Care Professional and a Certified Healing Touch Practitioner. She uses Sacred texts, Creative activities and Hands-on healing to journey with adults seeking reconciliation with self, others and God. Gwyneth has found that most of us are so burdened by stress, overcommitted in our routines and occasionally paralyzed by past hurts that we are not even conscious that we are seeking something, far more - reconciliation. When we take part in a creative activity, contemplate nature or reflect on sacred texts, we slow down and relax. In this relaxed state, we meet our truest, best self and are able to access joy, peace and freedom to make changes in our lives and restore harmony. We begin to live authentically.
For information on her Handprints of God Retreats or the Healing Touch Spiritual Ministry Programme, you may contact Gwyneth Frankson 1 868 686 7745.
Healing Touch Gwyneth Frankson
January 2011 evolution track 23
One of the things I have been doing
recently to maintain control of situations
around me is dropping baggage that has
been weighing down on me, both mentally and
psychologically.
Recently, I had to make two major decisions
that have been churning around my mind, occupying
my thoughts much more than I would like and in the
process, becoming a serious mental burden.
Firstly, I examined the pros and cons of the
issues that were weighing heavy on me. Do I feel the
decisions I’m about to take would be the right ones
and would I look back and have regrets? In the end,
I confidently felt I was taking the correct course of
action.
After taking action, the second thing I did
was remove them from occupying my thoughts. It
was no longer important, I told myself. The deed has
been done. Immediately, I felt as though a physical
heaviness was lifted off me and I became free.
Just as we de-clutter our homes, getting rid of things
that are no longer needed or in a state of decay and
taking up valuable space, once in a while we also
need to examine the state of our minds and get rid
of the clutter and junk that continue to pile in that
virtual space.
You know the feeling when you have de-
cluttered your living room or your closet and it feels
light and airy, it’s the same when you get rid of the
junk that you have been storing in your mind as an
illegal and unwanted occupant.
It could be that bit of animosity towards
someone in your workplace or the feelings that you
are being misunderstood and you want others to see
you differently or that people around you haven’t
really appreciated your work.
It could also be, like in my case, freelance
writing jobs for two Caribbean newspapers which
after examining, I concluded that value was not being
gained at either end. Before arriving at this point, the
issue occupied my thoughts in a nagging sort of way
and became mentally burdensome.
To bring an end to it, I wrote polite emails,
thanking editors for considering me but also pointing
out that the relationship was not beneficial for either
one of us. For me, it was more than time to move on
to other ventures that brought mutual satisfaction and
more importantly, exorcising the baggage that I was
lugging around.
I’m also ‘training’ my mind to remove what I
call ‘dead’ thoughts, ideas, fears, and other emotions
that can be quite overwhelming at times. Instead,
I’ve found having an ‘open’ mind without prejudicial
thoughts and feelings, the outcome of a situation can
be pleasantly surprising.
Even though the mind does not take on a
physical shape or is something that one cannot touch
and hold, the memories, thoughts, ideas, worries,
fears, hate, jealousy and obsessions swirl through
endlessly, repeating over and again, churning away
until sheer exhaustion takes place.
Mind is defined in Buddhism as a non-
physical phenomenon which perceives, thinks,
recognises, experiences and reacts to the
environment. It is described as having two main
aspects: clarity and knowing; meaning that the mind
is clear, formless and allows for objects to arise in
it, and that the mind is knowing, an awareness, a
consciousness which can engage with objects.
My own experience, difficult as it may be sometimes,
is that you can control what enters and what stays
in your mind. You can cleanse it and you can set
yourself free.
Linda Hutchinson-Jafar is a Trinidad and Tobago-
based Caribbean news agency Journalist and is the
Editor of the digital quarterly publications Earth
Conscious magazine and Business Journal.
life lessonsLinda Hutchinson-Jafar
24 evolution track January 2011
I was thirty-one and engaged for the second
time. My wedding day was just five weeks
away when the proverbial rug was pulled out
from underneath me. My fiancé had strayed and
our future as husband and wife was shattered. We
had lived and worked together in London for sev-
eral years. Now every essential part of my life was
in collapse. Soon I would leave my job and then
the home we shared. Further, I would leave the
country where I was born and had lived for much
of my life. This unparalleled event was indeed a
rude awakening that shook me to the core. It felt
tantamount to death.
Sanctioned DissolutionFor several years prior to this now expired relation-
ship I had been practicing yoga and meditation
and had attended a comprehensive program in
Practical Philosophy. I soon realized that this in-
ner work was in fact the catalyst for our break up
and not the more obvious reasons in sight. I had
lived so much of my life ‘towing the line’ and fol-
lowing the preordained dictates of society and
my mother (no blame here as she did what she
knew). Now, the insight that surged from my self-
inquiry allowed me to relinquish empty standards
and align instead with my intuitive guidance.
Under ordinary circumstances, these losses
would have been sufficient to cause me
to spiral into depression. Instead I had the ex-
traordinary experience of witnessing two oppo-
site forces simultaneously in effect. My personal-
ity was swept up in a torrent of emotion with its
efforts directed towards trying to fix what was
already broken. Meanwhile my spirit soared with
a renewed vigor exclaiming “Freedom at last!” It
was a most unique phenomenon to observe one
part of me clinging to what was familiar while a
deep inner knowing sanctioned this dissolution.
As a result of my conscious self-search, I was in
a prime position to really experience what I was
going through, without the pitfall of becom-
ing swallowed up by it all. It was the momen-
tum of this self-study and the fruit garnered that
enabled me to meet the chaos of this break up
with significant clarity. Though there was practi-
cally nothing left to hold on to and my future was
unknown there was an all-embracing trust alive
inside me. This abiding trust would spearhead my
way forward.
Conscious Self-care Before I left the home we had shared, many
insights were revealed. As I contemplated my
imminent departure a question arose, “Now,
Ann-Marie, soon you will be walking out the front
door. And, when you do so, what will you take
with you?” It was not material stuff that was be-
ing brought forward for my consideration. Rather,
I was being summoned to look closely at what
I would take on an energetic level. Would it be
the emotional weight of this last ten percent
of our relationship, which was upsetting, pain-
ful and filled with disappointment? Would I then
use this injured tone to smear the other ninety
percent of our relationship, which had been filled
with mutuality and an authentic love? Or, would
I walk out the door and radiate what was most
prominent in my heart?
As this question was presented to me I
was very clear of the choice I would make and
exactly why I would make it. Immediately I felt
Love’s inclusive powerAnn-Marie Ahye
January 2011 evolution track 25
unwilling to harm myself further by trying to ex-
tricate any feelings of love that I naturally held. I
knew that walking out with a feeling of bitterness
would taint the good of our past and allow an-
ger, resentment and a general feeling of ill will to
prevail. The price going forward would be mine to
pay. It was clear that choosing to carry the valu-
able energy of the major part of our relationship
made simple math sense. Additionally and most
importantly this choice would enhance my experi-
ence of well-being.
The Power of InclusivityThis decision revealed my desire to take care of
my psychic space and to cultivate a more com-
passionate view towards myself and by extension
another. Such conscious choice equates to an
act of self-love. Love reveals itself to be an inclu-
sive force that allows the potency of what resides
as a heart feeling to coexist with any feelings of
hurt and pain. Whereas, the reactionary choice
of anger and resentment would deny the space
for love to exist. These are clearly divisive forces
whereas love holds the power of inclusivity. Within
love’s embrace the discordant tensions find
a release and the power that fueled them is
reset to its original essence; Love. When we al-
low the need to blame or hate another to have
supreme reign over the need for authentic self-
care (which is not the same as being defensive or
running away), then we determine our own trau-
matized destiny. When we choose instead a more
expansive consciousness we are strengthened
and remain open to life.
Ann-Marie teaches Mindful Yoga & Meditation
in Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. She
has created a Guided Relaxation CD “Travelling
Inward” and a Mindful Yoga DVD.
See: www.energeticpresence.com
Matu!ng Emotional ToneMindful Yoga & Meditation Retreat
With Ann-Marie Ahye10 T o b a g o R e t r e a t 12 - 19 M a r c h 2011
Mindful Yoga Pranayama Meditation Yoga Nidra Gazing Chanting Dialogue
- Two, 2hr Workshops daily
- 7 nights at Kariwak Village Hotel with Breakfast & Dinner (5 nights)
- Kariwak Holistic Haven & Tobago’s unspoiled beauty
Retreat Cost : Local Rate US $1345 pp/dbl Add $440 single occ.
For Registration & more info. Contact Ann-Marie Ahye
[email protected] www.energeticpresence.com
26 evolution track January 2011
Re Calibration is all about getting in touch with your
inner issues in a most direct manner and learning to
sit with them using various meditative techniques.
There are many ways to grow spiritually and each of
us must feel free to explore and develop what works
best for us.
Re calibration is the unique mix of techniques
that I have developed over the years. It is always
evolving, as it is a living process guided from within
and from an expanding knowledge. It is about
learning to listen to your self with courage. It is my
hope that it will serve to inspire and guide.
It will be most beneficial to use this link http://
www.evolutiontrack.com/recalibration-the-secret-to-
freedom/ to quickly review the previous article, as
this column is a series.
Mindfulness is the first step of Re Calibration.
We must become aware of our thought clusters and
mood patterns if we are to evolve into the living light.
The objective of Re Calibration is to experience
living in peace and to achieve this we must first be
solidly in touch with our messy stuff. We must meet
ourselves where we are. We must be courageous
enough to enter the dark basement in order to
explore those things that are affecting our very
foundations.
To choose the path to enlightenment, wisdom
and peace, is to choose to work for it. We are in an
age of instant gratification and folks are seduced by
the slick marketing promises of the latest book or CD
set. No doubt there are many fine tools and courses
out there. But make no mistake about it, we are here
to grow and that means growing pains. We cannot
talk of abundant fruit in a verdant field of sun kissed
splendor without an honest willingness to also talk
about getting our hands dirty tilling the soil. We must
deal with the weeds and wild bushes that threaten the
orchid.
And so it is recommended that you start a
journal. Write your feelings down with abandonment
regularly. Do not hold back. Seek counselling if
necessary. There are many deep-seated issues that
are sabotaging our lives that must be dealt with
honestly. If we are to grow we must start in the soil.
There are pivotal moments that scar us for
life and deepen into entrenched thought and feeling
patterns that we play over and over again. They limit
us, stymie our progress and can chain us down firmly
on the launch pad. These issues sabotage our efforts
to progress, rob us of peace, sully our self-image and
can lead to bouts of depression and even suicidal
thoughts. Clearly the field must be cleared before we
talk of planting.
Re Calibration will offer you a direct means
of engaging and transcending these dogged issues
that are bound up in your energy field. And it is
imperative to be conscious of what you are dealing
with. I might add that this is no quick fix. A mature
response of self -analysis perhaps with the help of a
Ger
ard
Gitt
ens
Gerard Gittens
January 2011 evolution track 27
mental health professional and or spiritual guide is to
be commenced or continued.
For the moment try this:
Sit still with eyes closed and focus your
attention on your body for several minutes. Feel
the sensations within it. This will put you in touch
with the emotions because the emotional field is
deposited in the body. This may prove uncomfortable,
depending on how far down the spiritual path you
are or on your mood at this time. Do this daily for a
few minutes as a means of acquainting your self with
the inner world. If you keep this up you will begin to
become more conscious.
Blockages are crystallized thought pattern
trapped in the body. Because your energy meridians
are blocked by these emotional deposits it can be
difficult to stay with it. They want to control you and
usually succeed unless you learn to master them.
This is why meditation can be so difficult for many
people. By dwelling mentally on the person, event
or place that caused these emotional blockages,
these thoughts will feed the emotional field that can
be felt in the body. Untamed, the energy blockage
then feeds the mind and a crazy loop pattern is set
off. This, to a large extent, is what Re Calibration
addresses.
I realize that this is not what many of you
may want to hear, but I know of no authentic way to
construct a fine house without starting with a solid
foundation. Following articles will get into how
to manage this excavating work and how to move
toward completing and finally moving into your new
“home”. I hope you will bear with me.
For those of you who enjoy art, you can check
out my artwork at this link: http://www.myspace.
com/darkmaskgerardgittens
To make comments or ask questions:
Learn to draw in 3 months
Contact:Gerard Gittens
34 Pacific Avenue, Paradise West, TacariguaT: (868) 640-5321 . E: [email protected]
Art Made Easy
The Art Academy offers a comprehensive study of Art and provides the student with an opportunity to earn a certificate of completion. The course is divided into 3 trimesters:
Courses are open to:Students of art (14 years and up)Individuals wishing to develop a talent in art
--
Learn to draw and shade like a professional using an easy to follow step by step system
Painting. Having learnt colour theory and mixing you go on to complete at least ten increasingly impressive paintings
Create tremendous depth in your original pieces as you master drawing in perspective with impressive pen and ink finishes
28 evolution track January 2011
Saving energy means saving money
Save the planet? What’s it ever done
for me? I recently heard someone say
that, jokingly of course, but it did get me
thinking about the payback for trying to live as
if the environment is a partner in my life rather
than something that gets in the way.
When asked to recycle, save energy, or
live green many people will think “what’s in it
for me?” The comments I usually hear can be
summed up this way, “Where’s the incentive?
After all, in this modern world where technology
makes it easy for me to do very little and think
even less, why should I turn my comfortable
lifestyle on its head and worry about stuff that’s
not likely to affect me? I mean, climate change
and all those trendy issues won’t trouble Planet
Earth until long after I have left it.”
Well, the effects of climate change
and our unbalanced relationship with the
environment are already with us. Have you
noticed the shift in weather patterns that
have affected farmers? Have you or someone
you know been affected by the floods that
catch us woefully unprepared? Have you
heard fishermen warning about the pollution
Garfield King First published in Earth Conscious,
April 2009
in our rivers and seas threatening marine life?
Has your weekend lime ever been spoiled
by the reckless disposal of garbage that
has turned some beaches and recreation
areas into playgrounds for rats and snakes?
In 2008 officials at the US Centre for Disease
Control warned that the potential effects of
global warming range from an increase in
catastrophic weather events like hurricanes
and heat waves, to a reduction in the quality of
our water and food.
The real incentiveEven with all the information about the possible
devastating impact climate change may have
on the quality of our lives in the years ahead
and our future safety, the real incentive for
many people to live a greener life is when they
realise there’s money to be saved right now. As
the mood of economic uncertainty continues
to weigh on our shoulders it’s just plain common
sense to look for ways to get more out of what
you have and for what you spend.
Saving energy reduces CO2 (carbon
dioxide) emissions - one of the main
greenhouse gases contributing to climate
change. Saving energy means saving money.
How much? Well, that’s up to you and depends
on what actions you take. For example, you
could save hundreds of dollars a year by
switching off. Don’t leave your TV, DVD players,
and music centres on standby, switch them off.
Instead of charging your cell phone overnight,
charge it for a couple of hours. You’ll save
money and help reduce the impact of climate
change.
January 2011 evolution track 29
Giving your fridge-freezer regular care
and attention could save you some cool cash
and extend the life of the appliance. Regular
defrosting (if it’s not frost-free), positioning out
of direct sunlight and away from the cooker
will make your fridge-freezer more efficient.
Vapours from liquids make the fridge work
harder, so keep them covered. Clean the door
seals and replace them if they’re damaged.
The CO2 emissions from your fridge will be
reduced and the foods inside will likely stay
fresh for longer. This adds up to even more
savings.
Eating locally grown food is not only
a healthy option, but also helps reduce the
effects of climate change. Imported produce
has to travel hundreds or even thousands of
miles to get to us. Imagine the fuel and other
energy used en route. Locally produced foods
require less energy to get to the diner table.
Eating local also helps the local economy and
that has to be good news for all of us.
In the workplaceWhen you’re at work, look around to see where
waste can be reduced. It has been estimated
that UK businesses lose up to 4% of annual
turnover every year through avoidable waste.
Greening your workplace includes reducing
waste. The strategy adopted will depend on
the nature of the business. It could be simple
measures like using both sides of a sheet of
paper; printing pages only when essential;
energy-saving lighting throughout the building;
switching off lights when not required; using
ceramic cups instead of plastic or Styrofoam;
recycling any non-hazardous material in the
manufacturing process.
I know in our tiny office at home, my
wife and I have been able to save money
by using the blank side of printed pages as
note pads and printing in draft mode until
the final document is ready to print. Also, by
repositioning our desks to capture maximum
light for more hours of the day and making
use of natural ventilation we’ve been able to
reduce the electricity bill.
Getting more out of what is used is
a more efficient model that can lead to
increased profits, while saving valuable
resources. This adds up to more money in
your pocket, less contribution to pollution
and wastage and the creation of a healthier
environment. Recycling can play a significant
role in reducing carbon emissions. According to
the Energy Saving Trust in the UK “The amount
we recycled in the UK last year saved the same
amount of carbon as taking 5 million cars off
the road.”
So, if all the scientific and ethical
arguments are not enough to convince
someone you know that dealing with climate
change and reducing carbon emissions is
good for all of us, you can always point out
that being Earth Conscious and saving energy
means saving money.
If you want to save some money by cutting your energy bills, reducing your carbon emissions, recycling or any other Earth conscious strategy, you might want to visit the BBC’s climate change Bloom website. http://www.bbc.co.uk/bloom/ Also, have a look at National Geographic’s Green Guide for Everyday Living. http://www.thegreenguide.com/ There are endless resources online. They can be a good starting point if you sometimes feel overwhelmed by the mountains of information coming at you from all sides. Some of the tips of course will need to be modified for our use in the Caribbean. Some websites you could check for more information on swapping clothes: http://www.swishing.org and
http://www.swapstyle.com/
30 evolution track January 2011
Heal ing may not be so much about gett ing better, as about lett ing go of everything that isn’t you - a l l of the expectat ions, a l l of the bel iefs - and becoming who you are.
Rachel Naomi Remen
Snow petrel over pancake ice by Kevin B i lyk; http://www.f l ickr.com/photos/86445296@N00/Kevin Bi lyk
January 2011 evolution track 31
Society and tradition direct us toward
linking with a particular life partner
or mate, but in reality no one person
can meet all our emotional needs. When
we demand that our boyfriend or girlfriend,
husband or wife, be everything to us, it can
lead to resentment, bitterness and violence.
No-one benefits. The partners are constantly
dissatisfied with each other and children lose
out because they live in a troubled home.
To survive, thrive and function at
optimum level, we need to consciously
establish and nurture a variety of relationships
that enable us to look after our personal well
being - our mental, physical, social, emotional
and spiritual needs.
Most of us need a primary partner or
“significant other” - someone who is a special
Varied relationships
laughter – it’s just hilarious how good it is for you
Staying active and regular workouts are good for the body, we know that. But studies now suggest that laughter can also bring some surprising benefits. These include improved cholesterol and blood pressure, decreased stress hormones, a strengthened immune system and a healthy appetite. The latest study, presented recently at the 2010 Experimental Biology conference in Anaheim, California, focused on the appetite effects of a good laugh. Researchers measured the hormone levels of 14 volunteers before and after they watched a
friend, sexual partner, confidante, a source of
support and an active co-parent. Everyone
also needs a close friend. Preferably someone
in similar circumstances with whom one can
share confidences, explode, cry and laugh.
One who listens well, can be trusted with
secrets, who is open and honest.
Playmates are also essential. We need
people who allow us to laugh, play the fool
and let off steam in healthy ways. Then there is
a need for a mentor or spiritual guide: someone
to share spiritual things with, one who inspires,
challenges and is unafraid to pull you up
when you need it. And of course, a two-way,
loving relationship with the one you call God is
essential for deep experiences of unconditional
love and a sense of a larger, eternal reality.
L a u g h t e rdistressing or hilarious video clip. The researchers were particularly interested in two hormones which regulate appetite. The appetite hormones did not change significantly as people watched the upsetting video. But after the amusing video clip hormone levels changed as if the participant had engaged in moderate physical exercise. Study researcher Lee Berk, says the finding adds to the understanding that the body’s response to repetitive laughter is similar to the effect of repetitive exercise. Medical experts say while the findings are interesting the sample size was very small, so more research needs to be done.
32 evolution track January 2011
The energy of change and rebirth is all around
us. Mother Earth is rebirthing herself to host
the new, evolved Human Angels (us) in the
New Age. Massive Earth changes: floods, tsunamis,
storms and earthquakes etc. have become the norm.
All birthing is painful.
In the New Age we will have light bodies and
live in a world of peace and love. This will happen
when we realize that we are ALL ONE and what we
do affects each other and our home planet. Presently
humans are evolving spiritually and physically to
inhabit the new Earth. The mission of the Andromeda
Foundation is to prepare souls for this mass ascension
in consciousness through our Spiritual Wisdom
School which incorporates both healing and teaching.
Ascension is achieved through initiations.
Most humans are currently doing their third or fourth
initiation. When you complete the sixth initiation
Ascension is attained. This means immortality,
world service and freedom from rebirth. It is not a
matter of choice. We are all engaged in the process
whether we are aware of it or not. We volunteered
for this by coming to Earth. Our purpose here is to
help ourselves, Earth and humanity to ascend. We
do this by raising our own level of spirituality and
completing our sacred contract with God.
Jesus, St. Germain and other masters took
many lifetimes to complete their ascension. However,
God/dess has given many dispensations so that
ALL may ascend in this lifetime. For those who are
unaware the process goes slowly. The aim is to merge
with one’s Higher Self and I AM Presence to complete
Ascension. The Andromeda Foundation has the tools
to help.
Workshops consist of channeling the Higher
Self and Guide as well as lectures on aspects of
Ascension such as: What is Ascension, Sacred
Contracts, Karma and the Violet Fire, Life in the Fifth
Dimension, DNA activation and Spiritual Response
Therapy (SRT). Sessions on the Art and Science of
Dying and Healing are also available. All workshops
are based on material channeled by the inner plane
Ascended Masters including Dr. Joshua Stone, Jesus,
and Melchizedek. Some of these have been published
in the Andromeda articles in the TnT Sunday Mirror.
An Opening to Channel workshop is
scheduled to take place in January 2011. This is
a prerequisite of the Ascension 1 class, which is
scheduled to begin in February/March 2011.
Students benefit from free Spiritual Clearings and
a DNA activation. Clearings can improve/ remove
problems arising from health, emotional and karmic
issues. When soul blocks are removed it can have a
positive effect on your mental emotional and physical
well being. It becomes easier to connect to God/dess
and ascend the spiritual ladder.
The services of the Andromeda Foundation
are available to members of the public. All facilitators
are Reiki Masters and competent in Emotional
Freedom Technique (EFT), Healing Touch and Extra
Terrestrial Healing.
Find out more at www.andromedafoundation.com
or call Anne Elder on 746-5771 or 386-4155
By Andromeda
Open Mind: Events & Organizat ions
January 2011 evolution track 33
Manifest Miracles through the Guidance of your SoulA series of dynamic Kundalini Yoga workshops
2011 is the beginning of the Age of Aquarius. Hard Times will begin to give way to greater peace and prosperity for those who properly
prepare themselves. Our pains, problems, and struggles cannot be resolved by looking outside ourselves. The only power that will save us and prevail lies within each of us; it can be accessed by tapping into the full potential of Consciousness. We all have the natural mechanisms to thrive during intense change: sensitivity, intuition, meditative mind, seven chakras and protective aura, and the steady guidance of the soul. When we experience our exalted Self and feel the powerful presence of the Soul, peace reigns in our lives. Eventually all will know and use the voice of the Soul for guidance and success. A proven effective technology for accessing the Soul and manifesting a steady flow of happiness is an ancient system called Kundalini Yoga. A complete body of powerful practices, Kundalini Yoga produces miracles of healing, and physical, mental and spiritual well-being.
UPCoMing oPPoRTUniTiEs FoR TRAining
introductionLead trainer Guru Meher Singh Khalsa of Los Angeles will be in Trinidad over the weekend of 22 – 23 January 2011 to offer a series of self-mastery workshops based on the technology of Kundalini Yoga.
MoRE loVE, MoRE MonEY - Direct your desires to create satisfaction, contentment, fulfilment of your life purpose.
EMoTionAl liBERATion - learn to harness the intense energy of your feelings for healing and success. Transform anxiety, anger, and even depression into allies to your progressive well being.
YoUR liFE QUEsTions AnsWEREd - Learn to quickly and reliably consult your own personal Guru—the Divine Soul. Full day workshop featuring a variety of powerful yogic techniques.
go deeperGain the knowledge and confidence to challenge yourself and venture beyond subconscious limitations to discover your amazing potential, power and purpose. Experience deep, lasting self-transformation through a full 200 hour immersion training in the yogic technique and lifestyle called The Aquarian Teacher. This fully accredited teacher training in Kundalini Yoga, to be held in Trinidad in March and July 2011, is the first of its kind in the Caribbean. It includes non-residential and residential options for three, week-long intensive training sessions. This course is designed for you—whether you want to transform your life and expand your consciousness, become a certified teacher or deepen your experience of Kundalini Yoga. All are welcome. Guru Meher Singh Khalsa began studying under Yogi Bhajan in 1981, and has been teaching Kundalini Yoga ever since. He is the Director of Teacher Training at Yoga West, Yogi Bhajan’s original studio in Los Angeles, travels internationally to train teachers in Level One and Two programs, and works with the Aquarian Academy to train the next generation of teacher trainers. As a professional Life Coach, he helps people identify and transform personal blocks to their happiness and fulfillment, and as a public speaker introduces non-yogic audiences to body-mind-spirit training.
For more information and registration please email [email protected] or call Marilyn Ali – 773-6700, Elspeth Duncan – 786-2539 Hari Sant – 628-3335, Deirdre Ramirez – 362-5996.
When you understand who and what you are, your radiance projects into the universal radiance and everything around you becomes creative and full of opportunity. (Yogi Bhajan)
34 evolution track January 2011
The primary aim is to provide a systematic study and practical guidance for men and women wishing to embark on the journey towards Self-realization, awareness and contentment. The School’s curriculum is inspired by the world’s great universal teachings. Particular emphasis is given to the philosophy of the unity of the Self, the works of Plato, his Florentine follower Ficino, Emerson and others who speak of discovering an underlying unity and joy in all things. The School of Practical Philosophy is staffed and cared for by its own students on a purely voluntary basis, without remuneration. Its tutors are all students of the school who have studied their subject for many years. In addition to presenting Practical Philosophy to the community, students have taken the universal principles presented and, through study and devotion, applied them to the disciplines of Economics, Law, Calligraphy, Education, Art, Science, Music, and others. The results have led to a wealth of great beauty, creativity, and understanding. Public lectures and concerts are some of the ways the students and the School have so far been able to share with the community the benefits they have received.
INTRODUCTORY COURSE“philosophy works”A 10 session programme in “Self Development” designed as a model for pursuing answers to questions such as, Who am I? Can I realize my true potential? What am I meant to be doing in this life? The programme shows that
these questions are not only of passing theoretical interest, but can form part of an effective strategy for living. The result is happiness, freedom and success.
DATES AND FEESThe dates and times for the next introductory course are as follows:
PORT OF SPAIN Beginning Monday 10th January 2011, 6:00 - 8 p.m Beginning Saturday 15th January 2011, 9:30 - 12.00 noon DRETCHI (Association for the Hearing Impaired) Wrightson Road, (Before John Donaldson Technical Institute)
SAN FERNANDOBeginning Monday 10th January 2011, 6:00 - 8 pmUPFLOW -Upstairs Teachers Credit Union Independence Avenue (Opposite The Hospital)
Beginning Saturday 15th January 2011, 9.30 - 12.00 noonRenaissance Preparatory School (Hubert Rance Street, Vistabella)All Courses run for 10 weeks. Contribution: $300.00 For registration Call 680-1078 or on the first evening or morning of attendance. The School of Philosophy is a non-profit education charity incorporated by parliamentary Act No. 23 of 1991.
THE SCHOOL OF PHILOSOPHY
1 HEALING WORKSHOP Saturday February 19thTime: 9:00 – 11:30 amCost: $200Learn self-help methods to heal pain & trauma: Healing Touch, Source Healing, EFT & TAT
2 OPENING TO CHANNEL WORKSHOPSaturday March 19th, 26th , April 2nd ,9thTime 9:00 – 11:30 amCost: $700Learn about 2012, the 5th dimension and DNA activation & Contacting your Higher Self & GuideFREE OPENING SEMINAR & REGISTRATION!!SAT. MARCH 12TH – 9:00-11:30 amLIMITED SPACES!! Tel: Ann 746-5771 to register
Andromeda FoundationSpiritual Teachers and Healers Workshops
website: andromedafoundation.com
January 2011 evolution track 35
IntRoDuCtIon to BuDDhIst PRACtICE:
From mid-January for 10 weeks in Cascade
Cal l Rinchen: 710 8413. Gyal tso on 684 5776
Emai l : monk.r inchen@gmai l .com
Al l are very welcome to come. There are no charges for any of our
act iv i t ies and meet ings. Donat ions wi l l be accepted.
healing
Private healing sessions for people who need healing on any level, physical, mental or emotional. Counselling, deep relaxation,
Korean Hand Acupuncture, pranic healing, sound and vibration healing, and chakra energy balancing to assist people in
regaining balance and health in their lives.
Karen Stollmeyer, MA,Yogacharya, Yoga Therapist
Tel: 768-1251www.omblissyoga.org
BLIss YoGA tEAChERsHatha Yoga Studio
Long Circular Road, POS
Yoga for adul ts, chi ldren and teens; Yoga for k ids wi th special needs; Pre-natal yoga
Cert i f ied Bl iss Yoga Teachers
Rachel Gui l len 620-7224
Rachel Choo Quan 681-0487
36 evolution track January 2011
December 2010 ISSN 2070-4593