I started eating only vegan food last summer - I was doing some detoxing and was on a raw food diet which is vegan. Then I went to Rainbow Gathering in Wyoming and read some pamphlets on how farms treat the animals cruelly. Even the organic and free range chickens may not be so free on a large farm. When we were driving out of the Rocky mountains on the way home, we stopped at an all night dinner and I ordered steak and eggs. The food was good quality but my stomach hurt as I ate it and I didn't sleep well all night long. I think it was a message from my body to not eat this kind of food. So I chose to become vegan that morning. It was both a health issue, a spiritual issue and a green issue for me. (Green because to produce the same amount of nutrition from meat takes 2-10 times as much resources as from plant food).

Since then I have either eaten vegan or raw food. I did slip once last year when I had a craving for chicken but adding more protein (nuts, hemp milk, beans) to my diet solved that problem. I feel healthy and I have lost about 10 lbs too.

Here is a link to the cover article in Time Magazine that makes a strong arguement for re-evaluating our food choices (and it's packaging)

http://www.time. com/time/ health/article/ 0,8599,1917458, 00.html

This entry was posted on August 25, 2009 at 8:43 PM and has received 795 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

I will be teaching a Shamballa unconditional love healing workshop on Saturday 9/12/09 and Sunday 9/13/09.

Shamballa is a healing and ascension method. It clears blocks in our heart and other charkas so that more love energy can flow. This lets you doing healing work more powerfully and to feel connected to source more easily.

The main purpose of these clearings and initiations are for your own evolutionary development. As you evolve, you make it easier for the rest of humanity to follow in your footsteps. You help the collective consciousness—and unconsciousness—of humanity to expand and grow into the consciousness of Love. As a by-product, you may call upon the Shamballa energies to help facilitate healing, both your own and that of others.

This entry was posted on August 24, 2009 at 10:46 PM and has received 854 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

I will be doing a Shamballa unconditional love healing meditation at the Matrix practice group on Sunday 9/23/09. It is a free event.

Shamballa is a healing and ascension method that adds to your Matrix abilities. It clears blocks in our heart and other charkas so that more love energy can flow. This lets you doing healing work more powerfully and to feel connected to source more easily.

The main purpose of these clearings and initiations are for your own evolutionary development. As you evolve, you make it easier for the rest of humanity to follow in your footsteps. You help the collective consciousness—and unconsciousness—of humanity to expand and grow into the consciousness of Love. As a by-product, you may call upon the Shamballa energies to help facilitate healing, both your own and that of others.

This entry was posted on August 21, 2009 at 1:37 AM and has received 692 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

Some interesting predictions at Astrology Zone: "September won't be an easy month for anyone, of any sign. Mercury will be retrograde throughout the month, but on top of that we have a series of very difficult aspects involving Saturn, Uranus, the Sun, and new moon. Your finances will be a sore spot, so keep a close eye on those and try to avoid problems by reducing spending a little."

"The hardest part of September will extend from September 15 to 23, and the hardest day of all will be September 17. Try not to schedule any important meetings or initiations for then. September  will draw on your ability to be completely practical, objective, and unemotional, and certainly you are capable of meeting the challenge."

"We study astrology so that we can be prepared - now you know the score and you will have the edge. And one parting word - the financial nightmares you might have faced in the past, and which may show a bit of a speed bump in September, are so close to being a thing of the past."

I wanted to check the dates for Mercury retrograde - found this site with dates and background info to share
http://www.alphalifetrends.com/mercuryretrograde.html

Mercury turns retrograde September 7th, 2009 at 6 Libra - 12:39 am EST
Mercury turns direct September 29th, 2009 at 21 Virgo - 9:03 am


The signs of a Mercury retrograde include communications going bonkers, people getting lost trying to get places, and technology going haywire.

This entry was posted on August 20, 2009 at 11:12 AM and has received 680 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

This workshop has been rescheduled to 4/17/10

Tantra is an ancient form of Yoga and is unlike most forms of Yoga today it is non-postural yet it activates, clears and balances the Chakras (energy centers) of the body.  When these centers are balanced, you feel more alive; you look more attractive and sexy, you manifest what you desire.

Tantra originates from 6000 year old Egyptian, Indian, and Tibetan practices that teach us what our bodies are capable of: more pleasure, agelessness.

Wouldn’t you want these benefits if you found the practices quick and easy?

Learn something new and transform your life.  

9/20 - Bliss Beginner’s Tantra Intensive – Baltimore/DC area

Times: Sunday 10am-7pm

Cost: $260 (this includes Cobra breath, DVD, handouts and online egroup). Special offer-2-for the price of 1 with purchase of Sex & Happiness: The Tantric Laws of Intimacy book.           

Location: Home of Michael Smith in Rockville – address given when you register

To register call: (202) 686-7440 or for more info www.butterflyworkshops.com

Laurie Handlers is a spiritual leader and dynamic speaker.  She holds a Masters degree in Education and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology.  She has taught Butterfly Tantra workshops for women, men, couples and singles since 1999.  She is an international presenter and workshop leader and has been featured in articles, on radio and TV in the United States and abroad. You can order her Shamanic Release & Latihan CD her Bliss: Beginner’s Tantra DVD or her new book Sex & Happiness: The Tantric Laws of Intimacy on her website below. You can catch pod casts of her radio show at www.tantracafe.com.

Here are some of my favorite quotes from Laurie's Sex & Happiness: The Tantric Laws of Intimacy book:

• “If I could distill all my advice about Tantra and sex into one sentence, that sentence would be, Make love in the unknown. In answer to all your fears and doubts about sex, I’d simply say to you, bring back your beginner’s mind. Come to the bedroom with no expectation. Come with openness in your heart for whatever happens.”
•  “In Tantra you'll feel more peaceful, more tolerant, more aware of the world that has nothing to do with doing; everything to do with being.”
• “Intimacy with another requires first and foremost coming to peace with your own emotional and physical needs.”
• "Through Tantra, the power of sexual energy is able to render transformation."

This entry was posted on August 10, 2009 at 6:00 PM and has received 998 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

This Wednesday Sandbox gathering we look at "What is Tantra?".

This short lecture with audience participation that explains what Tantra is, and what it isn't. The presentation includes a few quick Tantric breath techniques guaranteed to give you an experience in your body. This is a funny, entertaining and enlightening way to learn about Tantra.

While Laurie can not be with us this time in person, she will be here on audio CD for the exercises.

Laurie Handlers is a spiritual leader and dynamic speaker.  She holds a Masters degree in Education and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology.  She has taught Butterfly Tantra workshops for women, men, couples and singles since 1999.  She is an international presenter and workshop leader and has been featured in articles, on radio and TV in the United States and abroad. You can order her Shamanic Release & Latihan CD her Bliss: Beginner’s Tantra DVD or her new book Sex & Happiness: The Tantric Laws of Intimacy on her website below. You can catch pod casts of her radio show at www.tantracafe.com.

Laurie is teaching a one day workshop Intro to Tantra called "Bliss" on Sunday 9/20/09 in Rockville.

Here are some of my favorite quotes from Laurie's Sex & Happiness: The Tantric Laws of Intimacy book:

• “If I could distill all my advice about Tantra and sex into one sentence, that sentence would be, Make love in the unknown. In answer to all your fears and doubts about sex, I’d simply say to you, bring back your beginner’s mind. Come to the bedroom with no expectation. Come with openness in your heart for whatever happens.”
•  “In Tantra you'll feel more peaceful, more tolerant, more aware of the world that has nothing to do with doing; everything to do with being.”
• “Intimacy with another requires first and foremost coming to peace with your own emotional and physical needs.”
• "Through Tantra, the power of sexual energy is able to render transformation."

The workshop begins after dinner at 8pm.  I invite you to join us, though as always what ever choice you make you will be honored in.

Some tips on Tantra at http://www.newfrontier.com/nepal/whatis.htm

This entry was posted on August 10, 2009 at 5:00 PM and has received 592 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

This Wednesday Sandbox gathering we gather at Joel's house. More details to come.

The workshop begins after dinner at 8pm.  I invite you to join us, though as always what ever choice you make you will be honored in.

This entry was posted on August 10, 2009 at 4:00 PM and has received 537 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

This Wednesday Sandbox gathering we look at Living with an Open Heart.  What are the benefits of opening your heart and are there any downsides? Finally we will look at how can I live with an open heart independent of external circumstances. This part is especially important in the coming shifts that are manifesting on our planet. Staying in heart space can be hard when others are in fear and the news is filled with panic. However I think it is vital for our health, happiness and in some cases our very survival!

We will learn some methods for moving our consciousness into a heart space of love, including a beautiful relaxing Shamballa meditation. And practice some ways to stay in our heart when others are not.

The workshop begins after dinner at 8pm.  I invite you to join us, though as always what ever choice you make you will be honored in.

What does living with an open heart mean to you?

Here are some good thoughts on this

...  living with an open heart means fully possessing and expressing trust, faith, love and hope.  To me it does not mean wearing your heart on your sleeve, as much as it means that you are genuine in how to approach others, and give fully of yourself at any given time to any given individual...

... living with an open heart used to mean give everything that I have to others, and have nothing to sustain myself.  That has changed in a big way.  You see, if I give everything that I have, and don’t reserve any for my own needs, eventually the well goes dry.  ...

... one must be willing to give, and to also, receive.  One also must be willing to take care of the heart needs that we have ourselves, so that our souls will be forever strong to assist others when they need us. 

... you have to be ready to heal the cracks within.  I have had several cracks, and outright breaks in my heart.  I have hurt, and angered, and loved and lost....

More at:

http://vanessaleighsblog.wordpress.com/2008/09/18/in-the-spirit-of-ubuntu-live-with-an-open-heart/

I have some fears about living all the time with an open heart. What if 
I am hurt? What if someone rejects me? What if I get ripped off?

What fears do you have around living with an open heart?

PS interesting article and technique for opening your heart and health 
benefits of doing so at
http://www.drlaman.com/living_with_an_open_hearth.html

This entry was posted on August 10, 2009 at 3:30 PM and has received 619 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

This Wednesday Sandbox gathering we hit the topic of spanking for fun and pleasure. Whether it is a few gentle taps or a full OTK experience, many people find spanking to be exciting and a turn on. Activities range from occasional sexual roleplay (such as ageplay) to domestic discipline and may involve the use of a hand or the use of a variety of spanking implements, such as a spanking paddle or cane. Many cultures describe pain as an aphrodisiac. For example, the Kama Sutra, in particular, goes into specific detail on how to properly strike a partner during sex. We will also look at the spiritual side of spanking and pleasure. There will be a demo and if you want to be a demo bottom or top let me know!

We will also look at how to spank safely and areas that you should avoid spanking.

Here is an erotic spanking story to give you some ideas:

Communication is key:

"Communicating clearly and honestly with your partner is the first step, in any exploration or experimentation with new sexual ideas, and spanking is certainly a topic that will require discussion and honest communication between partners. While you are not in a sexual situation, fantasize with your partner about what you would like to do. Talk about sexy ideas, and incorporating some sexy erotic spanking into your sexual play. Together, decide your boundaries. Does she want to be spanked to tears? Does he fantasize about being spanked as ‘punishment’ or as pleasure? Discuss what you will do if one or both of you aren’t crazy about spanking." Read more

On the question of should the spanker stand or sit and what is best for the spankee... check this article out see this article:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/975860/bdsm_101_spanking_guide_for_new_and.html?cat=7

Some thoughts on the spiritual side of spanking and BDSM:

"Unable to move, unable to see, capable only of assimilating the dull thud of the strikes, I touched on a very pure and unfiltered awareness, something accessible only when enough layers had been pulled away to uncover it. For the first time, I had a sense of truly being myself -- no brainspace for taking notes for future stories or distancing myself from my own experience in any way. My standard methods of filtering information were completely shattered. Read more

The workshop begins after dinner at 8pm.  I invite you to join us, though as always what ever choice you make you will be honored in.

This entry was posted on August 10, 2009 at 3:00 PM and has received 634 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

This Wednesday Sandbox gathering we gather by the bonfire in the backyard and chant, drum and dance to celebrate summer and the harvest. We will do a ritual for abundance and healing during the remainder of the year. Summer is a time of great abundance - corn and vegetables growing, friends and lovers meeting and long summer nights. This is a chance to connect with each other and with Mother Earth.

In the event that Father Sky sends rain we will drum, chant and dance in the new basement.

The circle begins after dinner at 8pm.  I invite you to join us, though as always what ever choice you make you will be honored in.

This entry was posted on August 1, 2009 at 2:21 PM and has received 587 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.