Archive for February, 2010
27/02/2010
By D.R. Richards
Do Your Part: Breathe
I wrote in a recent post, “As I write this, my wife is sitting peacefully in the mountains of Quebec at a Vipassana retreat center. I feel the ripple effect. Janice Vien, in her Iyengar Yoga classes always closes with the phrase, ‘May the benefits of this practice be extended to others’”.
Knowing that somebody in your family is sitting quietly in a little mountain snow-bound retreat without saying a word for four days, has a profound effect. Through Amanda’s action in meditation, I feel calmer. What’s more, she borrowed my watch, for the alarm function, to wake up at 4am to begin meditation. So I find myself staring at my wrist a few times these past days.
Scientific studies have shown that groups of people meditating can actually bring down the crime rate. One particular study/meditation event in Washington D.C. had dramatic effects. Now I see.
Tolle says “You’re either part of the problem or cleaning up the mess”, and that “No one else it going to do it. If you wait for the rest of the world to become enlightened, you’ll wait forever. Start by cleaning up the inner landscape, and in that way you’ll make a change in the world.”
I’ve been meditating since I was about 11 years old. I read The Making of a Psychiatrist by David Viscott when I was about 12. I’m not sure why, I just took to it. When I was about 20, I read the complete works of Emerson. So I’ve been on my path for while – but to quietly feel the presence of my wife’s meditation in southern Quebec, while I’m south of the border, is quite an amazing experience.
So if you wonder if the inner work you’re doing has an impact on those around you, I definitely say yes.
Tags:Holistic Living, Iyengar Yoga, Meditation, Mountains, Quebec, Retreats, Vipassna, Yoga
Posted in Health, Holistic Living, Inner Work, Inspirational People, MSI News, Power of Place, Spiritual | 3 Comments »
27/02/2010
Duke Student Plans for Film Making Project in Peru on Traditional Folklore Music
By D.R. Richards
Berkowitz applies for Fulbright
Avery Berkowitz will be sponsored by Mountain Spirit Institute should his application for a Fulbright Scholarship be accepted this spring. Berkowitz approached MSI in February to see if we were interested in providing contacts, support, and in-country affiliation for his film project, a documentary on traditional folklore music in Peru. The film will cover, not only the music, but the lives of the performers, as well as the impact the music has on audiences and the culture.
Guillermo Seminario, the muscial director of Chimu Inka, co-facilitator on MSI programs in the Cusco region, and key member on the Peru/USA Music Exchange in the U.S. will also provide support on the ground in Cusco. The exposure could also be good for Chimu Inka, who, although are superb musicians, deserve to have their music and story told more than is presently happening for them. Any film coverage of their story would be beneficial.
Berkowitz is a student at Duke, and if accepted for the Fulbright, plans to head to Peru either in the summer of 2010 or 2011. We look forward to doing what we can to support Avery and wish him the best with his application.
Tags:Avery Berkowitz, Cusco, Documentary, Duke, Film on music, Fulbright, Guillermo Seminario, Mountain Spirit, Peru, Peruvian Folklore Music
Posted in Film/DVD, Music, Peru, South America | Leave a Comment »
27/02/2010
Art Exhibition at Art 3
“Meditate. Live purely. Be quiet. Do your work with mastery. Like the moon, come out from behind the clouds! Shine.”
Buddha
Thanks to Tom Pirozzoli for sending this quote on one of his emails. Tom also happens to be a participant at Artist’s Reception and Art Exhibit on Thursday March 4th 11 am-2 pm in Art 3 Manchester, NH, USA
Tags:Art 3, Art Exhibit, Buddha, Manchester, Meditation, NH, Tom Pirozzoli
Posted in Inner Work, This Just In Department | Leave a Comment »
26/02/2010
By Christine Muhlke
New York Times Sunday Magazine
Image: David La Spina, NY Times
“Who brought their own wheelbarrow?” Rob Jones asked the group of 20-somethings gathered on a muddy North Carolina farm on a chilly January Sunday. Hands shot up and wheelbarrows were pulled from pickups sporting Led Zeppelin and biodiesel bumper stickers, then parked next to a mountain of soil. “We need to get that dirt into those beds over there in the greenhouse,” he said, nodding toward a plastic-roofed structure a few hundred feet away. “The rest of you can come with me to move trees and clear brush to make room for more pasture. Watch out for poison ivy.”
Bobby Tucker, the 28-year-old co-owner of Okfuskee Farm in rural Silk Hope, looked eagerly at the 50-plus volunteers bundled in all manner of flannel and hand-knits. In five hours, these pop-up farmers would do more on his fledgling farm than he and his three interns could accomplish in months. “It’s immeasurable,” he said of the gift of same-day infrastructure. It’s the beauty of being Crop Mobbed. Read the rest of this story
IMAGE: The Crop Mob gathers mulch and finishes the greenhouse – just two of the day’s tasks at Okfuskee Farm in Silk Hope, N.C.
IMAGE CREDIT: David La Spina for The New York Times
Tags:Christine Muhlke, Crop Mob, David La Spina, New York Times, North Carolina, Okfuskee Farm, Silk Hope
Posted in Holistic Living, Leadership, Sustainable Living/Communities | Leave a Comment »
26/02/2010
Eckhart Tolle Launches new Online Video Series
Over the years, Tolle’s words have rung true to many. His new online video should prove helpful to those who like his message.
From Tolle’s Welcome Video:
“Welcome to the present moment, here, now, the only moment there is, ever, and welcome to our little experiment. This is how I consider it, of bringing the truth of presence, the truth o f spiritual transformation of consciousness to you through this strange medium that we call the internet, through this new technology. It’s a little ironic that a person like myself is using this technology, of course with the help of many people, a person that is totally computer illiterate and doesn’t even use email. And yet here I am, and here you are in this moment, together.”
Tolle's Online Video Page
Tags:Eckhart Tolle, Videos
Posted in Film/DVD, Health, Holistic Living, Inner Work, Spiritual | Leave a Comment »
26/02/2010
By D. R. Richards
Telltale signs of "joie de vive"
What is it, that makes Quebec, Canada a breath of fresh air for those of us who often escape there from the northeastern U.S.? It’s interesting to experience this question through the eyes of my wife, who’s from New Zealand, Australia and South Africa. She’s new to the U.S, and to New England, and is not afraid to share her observations. I always felt more comfortable when I lived in Europe, South America and New Zealand, but, honestly, still struggle to put into words exactly why an ex-pat life could still be my destiny. I had my “Euro-epiphany” at 21, after having a chance meeting with Erga Rehns in Portugal. It took two years to sink in, and I almost didn’t return stateside. I still have that ex-pat perspective. I still look at the U.S. with the eyes of an foreigner.
My wife just got her Green Card a few days ago, on the 22nd, and the next day we were outa here, off to Magog, Canada. Partly because my birthday was on the 23rd, and partly because she was on the wait list for a Vipassana course for which she was accepted and started the following day.
Mt. Orford with "Visitor's Center"*
As we walked the streets of the little Quebec towns, and went for a walk at Mt. Orford Provincial Park, we discussed what exactly is it that makes us feel more relaxed away from the U.S.? Here’s what our conversation yielded: For one, the people take care, and pay attention of their food and time. They are not as stressed. Immediately it’s obvious that there isn’t an anxiety in the air – in fact, there’s a calmness. Kids are smiling, people are quietly enjoying their week-day afternoon. We also concluded it takes a lot more effort in the U.S. to relax because of the nervousness of the collective consciousness. Today’s Health Care Summit in Washington illustrates the deep crisis Americans are experiencing about such basics as going to the doctor. In other countries, people are incredulous that there’s even a debate in the U.S. about profit over people. The idea that someone could lose their house should they become sick is a foriegn concept. It would simply not happen in France or New Zealand, or in Canada. (See the movie Sicko)
Meditation: The Ripple Effect
As I write this, my wife is sitting peacefully in the mountains of Quebec at a Vipassna retreat center. I feel the ripple effect, and I hope you do as well. Janice Vien, in her Iyengar yoga classes always closes with the phrase, “May the benefits of this practice be extended to others”. It’s clear Americans face difficult roads ahead because of the greed of the “corporatracy”. And yes, of course, one can keep their center no matter where one is, as put forth by Eckhart Tolle. But for those that are sensitive, the difference in energy between the U.S. and Quebec is striking.
Maison Verte's B&B = Quality and Care
*The reason I put quotes around the Mt. Orford Visitor’s Center is the sense of scale in Quebec, and other countries is more realistic than in the U.S. When one thinks of “Visitor’s Centers” in the U.S., usually the image of the Denali National Park, Arches National Park, or the Smithsonian most likely comes to mine. The Center is Quebec however, is a small lodge, (with fireplace, bathrooms and picnic tables), despite it being a popular national park.
Tags:Amanda Richards, Anxiety, Arches National Park, Corporatracy, Cultural Differences, Denali national Park, Dexter R. Richards, Eckhart Tolle, Erga Rehns, Green Card, Iyengar Yoga, Janice Vien, Magog, Quebec, Smithsonian, South Africa, Sunapee NH, Vipassana
Posted in Focus on MSI People, Health, Holistic Living, Inner Work, Spiritual, Sustainable Living/Communities, Traveling | 1 Comment »
23/02/2010
By D.R. Richards,
Learning to live with an Open Heart, Part I
Martha and Don Rosenthal
I first met Don and Martha Rosenthal about 10 years ago when I enrolled in a monthly meeting of “Awakening Together” sessions here in New Hampshire, where couples meet to witness, listen, talk and learn vital life skills in relating to one’s partner. The group was started 18 years ago and a few of the original couples are still continuing today. Other couples have naturally come and gone. Indeed, the gathering is more about becoming a more fully realized human being, about living in the present, than how to only relate better to one’s partner. It’s about learning to love unconditionally with all who come across one’s path. At least this has been my experience of the meetings and the work.
Amanda and I just completed the Rosenthal’s Awakening Together couples retreat” at their country farmhouse in central Vermont, as a proactive approach to building a good foundation for our marriage. We’re so glad we committed to going to the Rosenthal’s for the weekend. We are also enrolled in the once monthly group mentioned above, but the weekend was a “full on” laboratory for personal disarmament.
The Rosenthal's "Learning to Love"
Six couples of various ages and socio-economic backgrounds attended the weekend retreat. Amanda and I were blown away not only with the wonderful format and top quality information covered, but with how both Don and Martha walk their talk, not to mention their well versed articulation and perceptions of participant’s situations. In fact, if you haven’t heard of Don Rosenthal, I expect you will as his reputation will most likely grow . His book and his way of being in the world is direct and heart felt. In short, he walks his talk.
We suggest this as one of the best, if not the best, couples workshops a couple can attend. It is mostly advertised by word of mouth, so I thought I’d post this today. I will write more about our weekend in Part II.
From their website:
Don and Martha began their 31-year journey together in Alaska, where they lived in a remote cabin and explored the quiet life together. Emerging after some years, they moved to the coast of California where they began what has now been more than two decades of counseling couples and individuals. Don received training in psychotherapy and began a career as a counselor. Martha studied mind/body/spirit connection with various teachers and developed a private healing practice. They have a son, now grown, whom they home-schooled.
Don's Second Book
In 1989 Don and Martha moved to rural northern Vermont, and shortly thereafter began offering weekend workshops for couples. Through word-of-mouth these soon expanded to a wide circle, becoming the core of their work. In addition, Martha leads meditation retreats for women and works with couples and individuals privately; Don offers consulting to individuals and couples, fundamentally as a form of spiritual guidance. Don and Martha view their own relationship, with all its trials and wonders, as the testing ground and measure of their teaching. They are co-authors of Learning to Love: From Conflict to Lasting Harmony.
For more information on their work, or the weekend workshops see their website.
Editor’s Note: Another book “The Unquiet Journey” is a book of reflections, written by Rosenthal that provides the philosophical and spiritual context for his later publications. Many readers have found it valuable.
To Be Continued in Part II
Tags:Amanda Richards, Awakening Together, Corinth, Counseling, couples workshop, Dexter R. Richards, Don and Martha Rosenthal, Inner Work, Learning to Love, Open Hearted Listening, Randy Richards, The Uncharted Journey, Vermont, Weekend for Couples
Posted in Experiential Education, Focus on MSI People, Holistic Living, Inner Work, Inspirational People, Leadership, MSI News | 2 Comments »
16/02/2010
Randy Richards, founder of the Sunapee Community CoffeeHouse returns on February 19th
Sunapee, NH, USA
R. Richards
Singer songwriter Randy Richards returns to the Sunapee Community CoffeeHouse on February 19th at 7PM. Richards will play two different sets, one on guitar and the second on piano. Piano is his first instrument, which he learned as a child, and started playing professionally at age twenty-one in Austria. However, says Richards of his guitar playing, “I had advice when working in France, from the lead singer of The Rascals – to write music on something other than my first instrument.” He adds, “After years of playing guitar, (since college) I finally feel as comfortable on the guitar as on the piano”. He will also be playing a bit of Native American flute and a Zampona from Peru. (more…)
Tags:Music, Sunapee Community CoffeeHouse
Posted in MSI News, Music | 1 Comment »
16/02/2010
Specialists in Peru & Holistic Education Since 1998
Mountain Spirit Institute announces June 18th Holistic Learning Program in Peru
By R. Richards
Mountain Spirit first started leading programs to Peru in 1998. I guided high altitude mountains for Alpine Ascents International, such as Mt. Huascaran in Peru, Aconcagua in Argentina and other volcanoes in Ecuador prior to that for a number of years , but then decided holistic experiential education was more for me.
Hiking on Amantani Island, Lake Titicaca
Readers may have heard of the term “nature deficit disorder”, coined by Richard Louv in his book, Last Child in the Woods. MSI also addresses “cultural deficit disorder” by taking people to Peru. We were doing Peru before it was fashionable, and know the country well. We focus on education, service, hiking, music and mountains. We’ll be headed to the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco, and Lake Titicaca.
Our program is limited to 8 participants and will start on June 18th and last for 14 days. We will be staying with long time friends and educational partners. Our logistics is well organized after leading many trips to Peru.
MSI Peru'09 with Cari Family, Amantani
Description of Curriculum:
MSI’s Cultural immersion focuses on learning rather than touristing, giving back through service, hiking in the Andes, weaving, agriculture, community building, learning music, language and indigenous shamanism and socioeconomic issues. Some hotels and lodges, but also family stays and off-the-beaten track. Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, Cusco. Oh, and great time too.
Testimonials from two Peru’09 particpants:
Machu Picchu
Thank you for a wonderful time in Peru!! You offered us such a diverse opportunity to really connect with the people, customs and languages. Your continued kindness, constant patience and
positive attitude really helped. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for a job well done, an unforgettable time..
G. B.
Peru 2009 Cultural Immersion
I liked meeting the real people of Peru. Randy’s example of energetic interaction with the people worked well and set a good tone for the program.
T. Y.
Peru 2009 Cultural Immersion
More Tesimonials
Stay tuned for more posts about more details, and what we’ll be doing on this year’s 2010 Cultural Immersion Program in Peru. We hope you’ll consider joining us for a learning of a lifetime. See our detailed itinerary. Learn more about who’s leading the program. Also see posts on Peru to the right.
Tags:Aconcogua, Alpine Ascents International, Argentina, cultural immersion, Cusco, Dexter R. Richards, Ecuador, Experiential Education, Huascaran, local culture of Peru, Machu Picchu, Mountain Spirit, Peru 2010, Understanding Peru, Volcanoes
Posted in Inner Work, MSI News, Peru, Power of Place, Service, South America, Sustainable Travel, Traveling | 1 Comment »
13/02/2010
Keeping Land Developers in Their Box
By D.R. Richards,
I remember that particular afternoon, when a friend and I talked about trying to do something to help save Mount Sunapee from the dread of slope-side condo development. Sullivan county, New Hampshire had no history* of activism, none, zero, zip. Being a native, of a conventional, conservative county, I had to really watch my thoughts of not wanting to make waves in my home town. I didn’t want to stand out. Besides, people I talked to said there was “nothing that could be done”, “it was already a done deal”, or they were “going to develop the mountain and what could anyone do anyway”. That particular afternoon, the friend and I decided to call a few people, and set up a meeting at the Abbott Library in Sunapee to see what could be done. That first meeting eventually led to the formation of Friends of Mount Sunapee. (*Current FOMS Vice President Linda Dennis was a founding member of a previous Mt. Sunapee land protection group, but at the time we convened, it was not active).
Mt. Sunapee has Friends
Never underestimate what the efforts of a few committed people can do in the face of deep pockets and driven land developers. Thanks to many, (too many to mention here) the word spread about the threat to our State Park, and eventually it spread to the candidate for New Hampshire governor, John Lynch. Lynch has been the most popular Governor New Hampshire has seen, and because of his courageous stance to defend the state lands of Mount Sunapee, the developers decided to sue him, and the state of NH, because their imaginary back-door deal wasn’t honored. Now I read the owners are threatening to sue again. This time they’re stomping their feet at the U.S. Forest Service in Colorado, for again, not getting their desires met to expand their ski area. (For more info click here)
Overdevelopment is not pretty, Okemo, VT
It makes one wonder how some can be so incredibly out of touch with reality, out of touch with the wishes of the locals and the natural environment. I just watched the movie Avatar, (I still have a headache from the Imax 3-D version three days later) and the Muellers’ insatiable appetite for land and profit remind me of the miners in Avatar and their lust for the precious “unobtainium” mineral at all costs.
My dad was a developer. He built one of the first “funnel developments” on Lake Sunapee called Fisher’s Bay. (more…)
Tags:Avatar, Backcountry Magazine, Bob Bell, Catherine Bushueff, CBMR, Charles Richmond, Crested Butte, Crested Butte Mountain Guides, Crested Butte Weekly, Dexter Richards, Edward Abbey, Fisher's Bay, Friends of Mount Sunapee, Friends of Snodgrass Mountain, Governor John Lynch, Jay Gamble, Jayson Simons-Jones, land protection, Mark Reaman, Mountain Reach, Mt. Sunapee, National Environmental Policy Act, Ridgeline protection, Sunapee, Tim and Diane Mueller, United States Forest Service, unobtainium
Posted in Conservation, Environment, Focus on MSI People, Leadership, Power of Place, Room For Improvement, Sustainable Living/Communities | Leave a Comment »
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