Monastic Chanting: Monks of the Desert

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I came into choir one day. I had already been a monk for over 47 years. Someone had asked me about how it felt to chant. That question had never crossed my mind. In our tradition, a monk or a nun chants whether he or she feels well or ill, whether he or she feels good or bad, whether he or she feels anger or happiness. A monk simply chants. If a monk gives himself totally to the chanting, then all feelings begin to take second place. Neither monks nor nuns always give themselves completely to … [Read more...]

The Stone Crone will share on the Soul’s Journey

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Denise Poole, "the Stone Crone" [StoneCrone.com] will offer private Stonesoul Readings on May 18-20 in Maple Grove, her first appearance in Minnesota. This is an opportunity to explore your soul's journey and gain insight into your own spiritual design and contractual agreements you made prior to incarnation. Something miraculous happens in a reading: sacred space is created and soul wisdom is exchanged. Denise's communion with stones unfolded over 25 years -- 12 spent in New Zealand where … [Read more...]

Ten Years of Love: 2001 – 2011

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We entered a time, in 2001, that is reflected in our common psyche. I remember so clearly the feeling of cocooning that grasped the nation after 9/11. Protectionism followed the shock of terrorism striking "here." We became vulnerable. We began a shift to realizing that as a nation and personally, we couldn't control everything. Even if we had enough money, which we soon realized we didn't, we couldn't solve all the world's problems. Maybe we weren't meant to...but how could we get out of it? … [Read more...]

The Spiritual Classrooms: Ecstatic Teachings

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The Mojo Doctors -- Bradford Keeney & Hillary Stephenson -- are now presenting eight hours of recorded ecstatic teachings free to the public. In spite of all the spiritual teaching now taking place, few have heard of "the spiritual classrooms" -- the original source of teaching where the world's oldest wisdom traditions have received guidance, healing, and spiritual know-how. With music, rhythm, and ecstatic talk, these original productions are infused with spirit and delivered as a … [Read more...]

The Brighterlife Project: Intuitive Living for Beginners

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Beaten, bloated, stupid and being taken advantage of, living a life of complete excess, I decided to change my life. I began by viewing my lifestyle through the eyes of a stranger. Applying shamanism to my existence, I was able to shake my ego and spend time in reflection and meditation. I made the decision to replace all my bad habits with good, taking time to recognize personal failings and move on from them. I've changed what I eat and how it is consumed. I found ways to develop my … [Read more...]

Signs of the Coming Transformation to Appear

Maitreya

For almost 40 years, artist, author, and lecturer Benjamin Creme has been preparing the way for the emergence of Maitreya, the World Teacher, and his group, the Masters of Wisdom. Since 1982, Share International magazine has published monthly articles from a Master of Wisdom in contact with Mr. Creme. His article from this past month follows:   The Coming Transformation  From the depth of its present problems and sorrows, humanity will find hope. So much that is taking place is positive … [Read more...]

Recipe: Banana or Pineapple Sticky Rice

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A Gluten-free, Dairy-free Whole Food Recipe  We all need a little comfort food every now and then. So here's a dessert that's a satisfying alternative from the usual high-sugar confections -- not only because it is mildly sweet, but it also contains healthy fat from coconut milk. Ingredients 1 1/2 cups sushi rice 3 cups water 2 TBS raw agave nectar 1 TBS of vanilla extract Pinch of salt 2 cans of organic coconut milk Chunks of banana or pineapple Directions 1. Combine rice … [Read more...]

Celebrating Herbs & Botanicals: HerbDay 2012

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Herbs are essential components of everything, from dietary supplements to incredible cuisine, beautiful gardens, effective personal care and vital nutrients. To honor the myriad ways herbs enhance the lives of people everywhere, the 7th annual international HerbDay will take place Saturday, May 5. HerbDay is a coordinated series of independently produced, public, educational events that celebrate the importance of herbs and herbalism. HerbDay activities are held at retail stores, schools, … [Read more...]

An Indifferent Planet

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One autumn afternoon I was driving, feeling somewhat melancholy about the world and the general feeling of indifference in our society. I slowed my car to enjoy a beautiful blazing red maple tree. Across from the tree stood a 10-year-old boy. Seeing me, he lifted his hand to wave hello. I waved back, deeply touched by the simple act. Tears streamed down my face as I drove away. That child's wave instantly shifted my glum demeanor. The world seemed much less bleak with that simple … [Read more...]

An Author’s Road to Self-Discovery

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For as long as I can remember, there have been two constants in my life - my love of cats and my love of books. I was an extremely quiet and reserved being who much preferred to live vicariously through the endless mountains of books I owned than draw attention to myself. My cats were content to leave me in peace -- as long as I provided a soft voice and warm lap, prying me out of my shell was not of importance to them. The adults in my life, of course, did not have the same courtesy or … [Read more...]

Edge Networking Event celebrates holistic diversity in Cities

Networking

The Edge invites you to join us on the 12th of each month as we explore the various, diverse aspects in the Twin Cities community. Each month we will feature a different business and highlight parts of our community to help you explore and network through consciously-based wholeness. Professionals, as well as Individuals (seekers), are welcome to participate. On Saturday, May 12, we will meet from 1-3 p.m. at Amanae FOB Retreat Center, 2324 37th St. E., Minneapolis. Pat Burdy will talk about … [Read more...]

Every Teenager Should See This

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Your social life is not as important as you think. Popularity is an illusion that ends on graduation day. It's attachment you feel, not love. Those who cultivate their talents at an early age usually do great things in life. Don't believe them. Your teenage years are not your best years. Video games and TV are traps that millions have fallen into. Don't become a zombie. Most people follow the same old blueprint for life. Most people are also unhappy. What does this tell you? Actors and … [Read more...]

How can the individual change the nature of society?

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We live in what could be called a "post-modern consumer" culture. All day, every day, we consume. As we change our surroundings from moment to moment we are constantly flooded with the opportunity to consume, whether it is food and drink, fabric, plastic, entertainment, intellectual material, or opinions, to name a general few. This influx is a never-ending chain of events systematically created to give us the sense of meaning and fulfillment in our daily lives. The problem, as we see it, is … [Read more...]

The Bear

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My most vivid dream memory from childhood is a recurring dream. Because of my age, and what I would later learn, I had no idea this dream was something of great importance and a sacred blessing. My dream would go like this: I would be in a dark forest with large trees that would be making noise. I was always on a path trying to reach a destination (much like Little Red Riding Hood) and then I would realize someone was following me. I would then see the bear -- a very large bear -- and I … [Read more...]

Sister connection: Reading between the words

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My little sister, the youngest of seven siblings, has Down Syndrome. She is 47 years old and lives in a supervised setting and is very happy with her life. She has a job, lots of friends and a full social calendar. I received a letter from her one morning. When I pulled it out of our mailbox, I was amazed that it even made it to me. Her handwriting is very difficult to read. Usually when she sends us things, the address is written by the staff that takes care of her. This letter … [Read more...]