Archive for the ‘Spiritual’ Category
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 »
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 »
07/01/2010
by Stephen Messenger,
Porto Alegre, Brazil
Difficult to see from the ground,geoglyphs go unnoticed by locals
With the aid of satellite imagery from Google Earth, soon archeologists in Brazil will be finding more and more large geometric designs carved into the ground in the Amazon rainforest. The geoglyphs are believed to have been sculpted by ancient people from the Amazon region around 700 years ago, though their purpose is still unknown. So far, nearly 300 geoglyphs have been identified, but with advances in satellite imaging–and increased clearing of the jungle coverage–scientists are hoping to discover many more of these strange, geometric designs. Read the rest of this story
Photo via Diego Gurgel
Tags:Amazon, Brazil, Clearcut forest, Dexter R. Richards, Diego Gurgel, geoglyphs, Mountain Spirit, Porto Alegre, Stephen Messenger, TreeHugger
Posted in Archeology, South America, Spiritual, Traveling | Leave a Comment »
16/12/2009
Mt. Everest, Dramas and Ticklists..And, Another Way
By R. Richards
Drama in the Mountains
I probably would have had the opportunity when mountain guiding for Alpine Ascents International, to eventually guide on Mt. Everest. Had I the interest to do so, or stayed with the company, that opportunity might have arisen. But I moved away from the classical “guiding life” to return back to my experiential education roots, and started Mountain Spirit Institute.
There seem to be a few **main types of characters in the mountains. The tribe with which I’m most comfortable is the Outward Bound experiential group of students and instructors, who are willing to step out of their comfort zones, “stretch” and allow the place and experience to change them.
Then there’s the N.O.L.S. (National Outdoor Leadership School) student or graduate who tends to be more pragmatic in wanting an experience in just the mountain skills with a touch of “expedition behavior” mixed in and important “leave no trace”.
Then there’s a third group, usually professionals, but not always, who want to tick off another peak, whether it’s one of the seven summits, or Mt. Rainier. They want to say they’ve done it. They’re more interested in the trophy than the experience. (more…)
Tags:Alpine Ascents International, best practices, Communication, Ethics and Guiding, Expedition behavior, Expeditions, Experiential Education, Health in the mountains, High Crimes, Kurt Hahn, Michael Kodas, mountain crimes, Mountain Spirit, Mt. Everest, NOLS, Outward Bound, Willie Prittie
Posted in Books, Climb/Ski/Mntneering, Environment, Experiential Education, Focus on MSI People, Holistic Living, Inner Work, Leadership, Peru, Power of Place, Room For Improvement, Spiritual, Traveling | 2 Comments »
10/12/2009
by Bob Stremba, PhD
MSI Board Member
TV- Not all it's cracked up to be
A couple of weeks ago I stumbled onto the Simple Living Network and was reminded about what’s important in life. I don’t think it’s Thanksgiving day football games on a bazillion inch widescreen flatscreen high def LCD 1080p 120 megahertz TiVo Wifi iPod-enabled TV. What’s important, I’m convinced, is authentic connections to self, others and the environment, and that happens to be what Mountain Spirit Institute (MSI) is all about.
The Simple Living Network has its roots in a movement, which began in the 1970’s with publication of the book, Voluntary Simplicity, by Duane Elgin and Arnold Mitchell. Simple living, according to their website, is about living an examined life—one in which you have determined what is important, or “enough,” for you, discarding or minimizing the rest. Living in a way that is outwardly simple and inwardly rich. So I recently cleaned out some closets, donated more clothes to the local thrift shop, and got rid of more clutter. More stuff brings more stress.
Weaving in Willoc, Peru
It struck me that Mountain Spirit Institute is doing today what voluntary simplicity launched over 30 years ago. The values at the heart of a simpler way of life are…
1. Material simplicity: Owning and buying things that promote activity, self-reliance, and involvement, rather than items that induce passivity and dependence.
2. Human scale: A preference for human-sized living and working environments, rather than institutions and living environments that are anonymous, incomprehensible, and artificial.
3. Self-Determination: Less dependence upon large, complex institutions whether in the private sector (the economy) or public sector (the political processes); a desire to assume greater control over one’s personal destiny and not lead a life so tied to installment payments, maintenance costs and the expectations of others.
Field/Lake near Chinchero, Peru
4. Ecological Awareness: The interconnectedness and interdependence of people and resources. This awareness often seems to extend beyond a concern for purely physical resources to include other human beings as well. A preference for living where there is ready access to nature.
5. Personal Growth: For many persons taking up a materially simple way of life, the primary reason is to clear away external clutter so as to be freer to explore the “inner life.” (more…)
Tags:Bob Stremba, Chinchero, Duane Elgin and Arnold Mitchell, Experiential Education, Fort Lewis College, Huaraz Peru, Mountain Spirit, Peru, Simple Living Network, Voluntary Simplicity
Posted in Books, Experiential Education, Holistic Living, Inner Work, Power of Place, South America, Spiritual, Sustainable Travel, Traveling | Leave a Comment »
01/11/2009
Online Release of Chimu Inka DVD
By Randall Richards
Chimu Inka's 3rd CD
This is short version of a video, taken a few years ago on the streets of Cusco. It’s a project to promote my good friends, and Mountain Spirit Institute Program Chimu Inka and their US educational tour. The band toured the northeast US in the fall of 2008 and we have plans to sponsor their return again in 2010. These guys are amazing.
If you would like to help support their tour by a donation or help with logistics, please let us know. Their first tour was hugely popular, and we expect their second visit to be so too.
The group performed and taught about the spirit of Peruvian Folklore music in their country. They also spoke of their instruments and lifestyle in Peru in a series of Q&A sessions after and during their performances. They visited schools, universities, kindergartens, town bandstands and coffeehouses.
Although I’ve had this video on disk for a year, I’m finally getting it online tonight. This is a shortened version of the original production. The higher definition and longer version is available for purchase through our Fair Trade page. I hope you enjoy watching this as much as I enjoyed taping and producing it. Enjoy!
Tags:Chimu Inka Video, Guillermo Seminario, Music Exchange, Peruvian Music
Posted in 1- Video Posts, Fair Trade, Film/DVD, Focus on MSI People, MSI News, Music, Peru, Spiritual, Supporting MSI | 4 Comments »
28/10/2009
Randy and Amanda Richards have purchased a small parcel of land near Hauraz Peru, which if their plans come to fruition, could mean a basecamp for Mountain Spirit Institute. The couple would eventually like to build a small retreat center/basecamp on the spot which overlooks the Cordillera Blanca range in northern Peru, including the highest peak in Peru, Mt. Huascaran.
Possible MSI Basecamp, Peru
Richards first saw the site 12 years ago when we was taken up there by his godchild’s family. Richards was guiding Huasacaran at the time. He always had it in the back of his mind that the site would be ideal for either a small cabin or retreat where participants could come and take Mountain Spirit programs.
Huascaran from MSI's Basecamp(?)
The site had only been accessible by foot – a 1.5 hour hike from the valley floor below, but two years ago a dirt road was put in to access the area, and Richards thought it was better to act now than wait any longer.
Although Richards purchased the land, depending upon funding from Mountain Spirit, the organization could become involved if the board thinks it would like to expand operations in Peru by offering a basecamp. Regardless, The Richards will enact conservation and stewardship practices, maintaining the protecting the area from further development by possibly purchasing additional acreage or seeking others willing to put the land into protection. The location is particularly special and deserves protection from hotel interests that have been interested in the area. The area us currently used for farming, and the couple will encourage their “Peruvian family”, the Sanchez family to add the parcel to their nearby fields.
Tai Chi on Land near Hauraz, Peru
Says Richards, originally of Sunapee, NH, “I never thought I’d be purchasing land in Peru, but the time and situation seemed right.” He added, “It has a special spirit of the place,” which would be a appropriate for an organization called “Mountain Spirit”.
Tags:Amanda Hamilton, Amanda Richards, Conservation, Huaraz Peru, land protection, Mountain Spirit, NH, Power of Place, Purchase land in Peru, Purchasing Land abroad, Purchasing land in Peru, Randy Richards, Sacred Summits, Sunapee, Tai Chi in Peru
Posted in Conservation, Environment, Mountain People, MSI News, Peru, Power of Place, South America, Spiritual, Sustainable Living/Communities | Leave a Comment »
17/10/2009
By Randall Richards
Joel Cage prior to taking the stage
Tonight, I just heard my good friend Joel Cage play an evening at our local Sunapee Community CoffeeHouse. This will be one of the harder posts to write because no words will justify the experience. You had to be there. Nevertheless…
Joel played to a small audience tonight. He’s always been the consummate professional. When I first heard him during our early days, when the CoffeeHouse was just starting out in Sunapee Harbor, he blew us all away with his style and technical know how. But hearing him tonight was like hearing a different person. He seems wise beyond his years, and presents an affable, grounded style.
Joel in action at SCC
Aside from his stunning guitar playing and vocals, he’s really made a major shift skyward. His whole energy, the way he takes the stage, the feeling put into every note, brings the audience, (at least those willing to go), to a new level of warmth and community. It seems he’s been on a long journey in a short time. He’s making the most of his journey with the time he’s given – that is clear.
The first thing I noticed immediately, was his total commitment to the performance, right from the first note. The second thing I noticed about Joel, was his guitar.
At first I thought, “That’s an interesting sound hole placement for a *guitar”, and “what a cool finish and woodwork.” Then I realized what I was seeing. It wasn’t a sound hole. Joel had actually worn away the finish, and then the wood just above the strings with his strumming, until he created the hole after years of playing .” That in itself might be a curiosity, but it’s how he plays the thing, and how he and the guitar are one. The guitar is an extension of Joel. (*see image)
Joel Cage consciously creates a space, for himself, the audience, and each person in the room. He’s got the technical skills to pull off an amazing performance, but more importantly has put the heart behind his craft that puts him at the cutting edge, leading the way.
Read this book.
Often I talk about leadership in these posts, and the “Courage to Create” comes to mind (Read Rollo May’s book about this, with the same title). Joel is a true leader. It takes courage to present and show a new way, and break the mold of what we think music should or shouldn’t be. The gift that Joel brought to the audience tonight, was his ruthless walk to the edge and his skill in bringing us with him on his journey. Thanks Joel, we’ll be making the trip to see you tomorrow night, at The Mill. Keep up the good work.
This is why we need live music. Unplug the computer, the TV and get out to hear someone play this weekend, or pick up a guitar and play it. To be continued.
Tags:CoffeeHouses, community through music, Courage to Create, Joel Cage, Leadership, Live Music, Mountain Spirit, Music Therapy, Old guitar, performing, Rollo May, stage presence, Sunapee Community CoffeeHouse
Posted in Books, Inner Work, Inspirational People, Leadership, Music, Spiritual | 4 Comments »
30/09/2009
Perceiving Without Naming – Why Traveling Can Quiet the Mind
MSI Dir., Richards with Children, Lake Titicaca
An excerpt from Eckhart Tolle’s A New Earth aptly describes how some people can travel to a country without actually experiencing anything new. I’d not quite heard it put this way, and always felt I had observed two types of travelers, but couldn’t put my finger on it, that is, not until I heard the passage below by Tolle.
Our goal at Mountain Spirit Institute, and the reason we strive to take people to Peru and other such magical places, is to encourage radical growth of inner wisdom and help participants reconnect with one’s self, fellow world community members, and the mountains of a place.
Tolle writes, “Most people are only peripherally aware of the world that surrounds them. Especially if their surroundings are familiar. The voice in the head absorbs a greater part of their attention. Some people feel more alive when they travel and visit unfamiliar places or foreign countries because at those times sense perception, experiencing takes up more of their consciousness than thinking. They become more present.”
Learning about a Mud Oven, Lake Titicaca
He adds, “Others become completely possessed by the voice in the head even then, their perceptions and experiences are distorted by instant judgments. They really haven’t gone anywhere. Only their body is traveling, while they remain where they have always been, in their head.”
Tolle concludes, “This is most people’s reality. As soon as something is perceived, it is named, interpreted, compared with something else, liked, disliked, or called good or bad by the phantom self, the ego. They are inprisoned in thought forms, in object consciousness. [One does] not awaken spiritually until the compulsive and unconsciousness naming ceases, or at least until [one becomes] aware of it.”
This may be why a participant on our Peru program spontaneously had a wave of emotion come over him, at a historical site in Cusco. Maybe it had something to do with the tone setting I’d done a few minutes prior, at the start of the program, where I encouraged participants to step out of their comfort zone, open their minds and try new things.
Our job is to simply put the people, the setting, and situations in place so that the participant may have an insight. Of course, you don’t need the mountains or a foriegn country to do that, but it can’t hurt.
Posted in Experiential Education, Health, Inner Work, MSI News, Peru, Power of Place, South America, Spiritual, Sustainable Travel, Traveling | 1 Comment »
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