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NAMASTE! Welcome to Earth and Sky Living! Discover wellness through yoga, Reiki, feng shui, qi gong, nature programs and storytelling! Life offers much to bring our spirits down, Earth and Sky Living is a way of life that lifts our spirits. Through nurturing body, mind and spirit, we are grounded in the earth, yet can touch the sky. "We are the connection between Earth and Sky!"
Children's Gathering (8/31/10)
Earlier this month, I was blessed to be able to attend the first Children's Gathering on the Anishanaabe ceremonial grounds near Vesper, WI. I was also honored to be able to teach some yogic lessons about the interconnectedness of the world and to honor the Earth. The children created medicine pouches, bear claw necklaces, bracelets and dream catchers under the direction and teachings of Jackie Redwoman. Jackie also told them many stories with important lessons. The kids were able to partake in a sweat lodge with Dusty. Dan Hull organized the event and put together a lovely activity book with the lessons of the Good Red Road. Dan's daughter, Tammy, made all of the meals for the kids (and adults).
I am ever grateful to be on this path of self-discovery and spiritual connection and renewal. I am also ecstatic to have opportunities such as this to share what I am learning with my children and other children.
Blessings to all the children--young and old!
Tonya
Ceremony & Healing (7/4/10) Happy Independence Day!
Last Saturday (6/26), I was unbelievably fortunate to be invited to attend the "Ceremony for Peace and Healing for Our World", by my Shamanism teacher, Lee Hilfiker. The purpose was to unite representitives of the four major races of humans in a day focused on unity and healing for our world.
As such, there were ceremonies including an Anishinabe Sweat Lodge, South American Despacho, Planting of the Birch Tree, and lots of ceremonial drumming and singing. There were also prayers made by the various representatives, including a Buddhist prayer and a Sami ["Saw mee"] prayer.
For me, it was a day of peace, connection and hope. There was a great deal of respect and honor in all of the ceremonies--combined with humor and openness. I am excited to keep following this path, and discover the lessons that will undoubtedly unfold in connection with the day.
I send a special thank you to Lee Hilfiker and Dan Hull for leading the day!
Also, last night, I took my family to Lee's house to attend a "Drum Lodge". More drumming, singing and prayers for healing. It was a special gift to share with my husband and my kids some of what I have been experiencing.
I must say that my two preschoolers especially enjoyed trying a variety of drums. The youngest one even danced as he played. My husband and teenage daughter also found peace and enjoyment in the evening.
Thanks Lee! Thanks Ray for the hike afterwards!!
Pathways of Healing (6/15/10)
Another amazing weekend of healing and connection! June 11-13, I helped coordinate the "Pathways of Healing" workshop at the UU in River Falls, WI. Lewis Mehl-Madrona, MD, PhD, was the presenter. (http://mehl-madrona.com/index.html) Lewis' methods of teaching indigenous approaches to healing are welcoming, well-studied, loving and sometimes downright funny.
I am grateful to Lewis for coming to UUSRF for the third year. Each time he visits, the journey unfolds in both expected and unexpected ways. Regardless, the journey is valuable. The journey is valuable, because it is a journey, not because of the destination.
The connections of life are showing themselves with ever-increasing frequency to me. Connections are priceless. Thank you, Lewis, for bringing me more connections, and being a part of my journey!
Check out Lewis' latest book--just released--Healing the Mind through the Power of Story.
Thanks also to all of the sponsors for the event!
Unitarian Universalist Society of River Falls
www.uusrf.org
Earth and Sky Living
www.earthandskyliving.com
WyseWomen
651-894-3208
www.wysewome.typed.com
The Bookhouse in Dinkytown
www.thebookhouseindinkytown.com
Healthy.net
www.healthy.net
Healing Waters QiGong Center
715-381-8123
www.healingwatersqiong.com
Awaken Counseling & Services
715-505-7268
www.awakencounselingandwellness.com