We become human only in the company of other human beings.

And this involves both opening our hearts and giving voice to our deepest convictions.

—  Paul Rogat Loeb

Mindful Yoga with Misha Gitberg – Sept 1, 8 + 15

The focus for the Oneness Wednesdays Mindful Yoga  is Metta or Loving Kindness. This is an ancient Buddhist practice of training the mind to be loving without clinging

Mindful yoga is ideal for those who want to experience yoga as a spiritual practice, not merely as a physical workout.  In this style of yoga, the work with the mind is as important as working with the body. The result is a deeper experience of mind-body connection, inner peace and health.  Each class will consist of a series of asanas followed by a formal Metta practice.

Please bring your mat.

About Misha Gitberg:

Misha Gitberg is a yoga and meditation teacher as well as a mind-body psychotherapist, who combines classical Hatha Yoga teachings and Buddhist meditation practices.  His professional and personal trajectory included Western psychotherapy, body-focused psychotherapy, Buddhist meditation practices and yoga, and he lived and learned in Russia, Canada, India, Nepal and Thailand.   His aspiration is to live an aware and creative life and to be of service to others who are inspired to follow this path. For more information, please visit Misha’s website: www.soulstir.net

Oneness Wednesdays Details:

Date: Wednesdays,  September  1, 8 + 15

Time: 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Location: Church of Truth, 111 Superior Street (in James Bay)

Cost: Free or by donation

Information: Linda at (250) 380-6383 or http://cotvictoria.ca

Article on Misha Gitberg – March 2009

Misha’s Mindful Yoga Course – (Theme:  Compassion) on Thursday, Sept  2 – Oct 7, 5 – 7 p.m. at Church of Truth.  By donation.    Please feel free to drop-in to any and all sessions.  Everyone Welcome.

Autumn Equinox Celebration ~ Finding Inner Balance in a Changing World – September 22

The Autumnal Equinox marks a time of crossing an invisible threshold; a brief moment of balance between the forces of darkness and light, warmth and coolness, playful nurture and earnest action, gathering in and giving out.  While we prepare for the shift in our daily rhythms, we also hold in our awareness the larger, not-so-seasonal shifts happening on our planet – and we seek ways to care for these changes as we create a more just, caring, and sustainable world.

This Autumnal Equinox event, Finding Inner Balance in a Changing World, invites us to gather for a time of collective reflection on the changes we see and feel happening around us; a time to acknowledge the beauty we love and care for in the world; a time to celebrate all that has been given; and a time to welcome the future we wish to create together. We gather as our ancestors have done for many thousands of years to honour the changing seasons and cycles of life; and, we gather to creating meaningful ritual for our times and the challenges that we face.

About Heart and Soul Group:

One of the off-spring of the Victoria Transition Town Initiative (http://transitionvictoria.ning.com/) has been the Heart and Soul Working Group.  The Heart and Soul group is a mix of practitioners who follow different paths and fellow sojourners. Through this Equinox celebration, which will be facilitated by Joy Emmanuel and led by members of the Heart and Soul group, we honour and celebrate our evolutionary consciousness through a diversity of approaches to engaging this planetary shift.

Oneness Wednesdays Details:

Date: Wednesdays,  September  22

Time: 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Location: Church of Truth, 111 Superior Street (in James Bay)

Cost: Free or by donation

Information: Linda at (250) 380-6383 or http://cotvictoria.ca

Way of the Playful Warrior” with Paul Monfette and Friends -  September 29

Paul Monfette will introduce vocal improvisation and other fun and creative activities.   Other details currently TBA.

About Paul Monfette:

Paul Monfette  is a playful warrior and has been involved in dance, vocal improvisation, singing and theatre.  He brings a wealth of experience from the men’s movement (`a la  Robert Bly, Sam Keen and Wild Men Drumming), poetry world, theatre and recent involvement with 2 1/2 year olds.

Oneness Wednesdays Details:

Date: Wednesdays,  September  29

Time: 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Location: Church of Truth, 111 Superior Street  (in James Bay)

Cost: Free or by donation

Information: Linda at (250) 380-6383 or http://cotvictoria.ca

Oneness Wednesdays  Fall/ Early Winter  Line-up:

• Mindful Yoga with Misha Gitberg – Theme will be Metta / Loving Kindness - September 1, 8 + 15
• Fall Equinox Celebration:  Co-Creating Balance in a Changing World with Joy Emmanuel + members of  Transition Victoria’s Heart and Soul Group - September 22
• Ways of the Playful Warriors with Paul Monfette + Friends - September 29
• Ego Busting with Cedona Holly-  October 6, 13, 20 + 27
  
• The Dance Circle – Where Oneness and Wholeness Meet with Betsy Nuse – November 3, 10, 17 + 24
• TBA – Joy Emmanuel -  December 1, 8, 15 + 22

At this time in history, we are to take nothing personally. Least of all, ourselves. For the moment that we do, our spiritual growth and journey comes to a halt. The time of the lone wolf is over. Gather yourselves! Banish the word struggle from your attitude and your vocabulary. All that we do now must be done in a sacred manner and in celebration.

— A Hopi Elder Speaks

June 2  –   The Return Home: Recognizing the Ones we have Been Waiting for.

The first session begins in the only place where we can begin, in the present moment.  And, with the one who waits for us, our self.  What is possible when members of a community come home to their own wholeness, wisdom and wildness?

Bio for Susan Neden: Susan Neden has worked for over thirty years with organizations, communities and individuals as they move through times of change and transformation.   Her work is strongly influenced by Buddhist teaching and the practice of deep inquiry.  Playfulness is one of her most treasured companions.  She is a member of the Victoria Vipassana Community and leads weekly Dharma Walks

June 9   -  The Power of Curiosity and Personal Story

What do we value in life?  Lives are being transformed by powerful questions.  It’s all based on the belief that everyone has a story worth knowing and sharing.  We’re going to celebrate what makes life worth living, what we bring to each day.  We’ll look at how to craft the questions that bring out the ‘golden stories’ and we’ll discover and use your questions.  This is a highly engaging workshop with immediate implications and applications for our lives.

Bio for Christopher Bowers: Christopher is the creator of ConversationWorks.ca and the Executive Director of  Community School Interviews. He has been called the Story Catcher of Victoria.  He works with education, business and community organizations to understand the power of the great questions and resulting personal story.  Christopher also coordinates Green Drinks Victoria, a network that supports sustainable businesses and community development.  His latest initiative is the launch of What’s Gone Well Today.com – a new way to shift thoughts.

June 16 -  Community  Circles:  Exploring Voluntary Simplicity

Community Circles are wonderful ways for group - sharing  and in engaging with others.  Questions are designed  so that it is  an  open inquiry- there are no right or wrong answers;  Discussions move into interesting and unexpected areas.  There is  a curiosity to discover other points of view .   The purpose of  the community circle  is to understand one another and ourselves more fully and to move towards harmony with all of earth.  This evening will be facilitated by Beth Cruise, Canadian Earth Institute with assistance  from the James Bay Sustainability Commons Voluntary Simplicity Discussion Group.

Bio for Beth Cruise:

Artist, environmentalist, group facilitator/counselor, and visionary with a long standing commitment to living harmoniously with the earth.  With her first Voluntary Simplicity course in 1997, her passion grew to facilitate the exchange of ideas on how our habits and attitudes affect the environment and what each one of us can do to make a difference.  She founded and is Executive Director of the Canadian Earth Institute, a sister to the North American network that has inspired over 100,000 participants to become more earth friendly with eight sustainability discussion courses.  CEI now offers hands-on Natural Building courses such as Cob Building, Earthen Plasters, Earthen Floors, and Lightclay/woodchip Infill.

“To understand the heart and mind of a person, look not at what he has already done, but what he aspires to do.”

Kahil Gibran, 1883-1931, Lebanese poet and novelist

June 23 — Summer Solstice: Celebrating the Heart and Soul of Transitioning at this Time of Planetary Change

Summer Solstice has been celebrated in many cultures over the centuries and is associated with such common themes as Fullness, Manifestation, Balance, Coming into the Light. This is the time when we see what has come forth from the seeds planted in, and nurtured through, the dream-womb of winter and quickened by spring’s luscious dance of life. Yet this is a time of a new story unfolding in the history of life on earth. It is a time of planetary change, of challenge, and, what some call, the birth of the Universal Human. The new story is emerging and we are part of that Great Unfolding. This Solstice celebration will reflect some of the diversity of ways that we are naming and engaging the heart of this journey, as we soulfully seek to manifest new ways of being on this precious planet

Joy Emmanuel will be coordinating the evening and joined by Betsy Nuse, Libby Seabrook, Gertie Jocksch, and others.

Bio for Joy Emmanuel:  Joy  is a Transformational Coach, Adult Educator, Organizational Developer, and Community Animator.  Joy offers transformational change programs for individuals and groups of all sizes and hosts one-day retreats with a focus on Spiritual Awakening.  Summer and Fall Events 2010:  Turning Time News In the fall of 2009, Joy was privileged to do a training program with Joanna Macy.  She is also active in the Victoria Transition Town initiative – a global grassroots movement around creating a post-oil dependent society.  During the Summer, Joy and Libby will be co-facilitating Earth Camp.

June 30 — Letter Writing as a Vehicle for Social Change

Personal giving has always been an important of community action; small efforts by many really do add up. But no matter how deep your pockets or how great your energy, individuals will always be limited in what they can accomplish.

But writing letters to elected officials can transform the power of one to the power of the state, which has vastly more resources. And despite commonplace cynicism, elected officials do listen to the people and do respond – when approached the proper way.

For more than twenty years RESULTS Canada has demonstrated the power of the pen in motivating government and leveraging hundreds of millions of dollars towards effective aid programs in the developing world.

Bio for Nathaniel Poole:

Nathaniel Poole is a Victoria counsellor, writer and sailing instructor. He has volunteered with RESULTS Canada for 18 months and seen just how influential a few motivated citizens can be in delivering enormous resources to where it is needed most.

A HOPI ELDER SPEAKS

“You have been telling the people that this is the Eleventh Hour, now you must go back and tell the people that this is THE HOUR. And there are things to be considered…

Where are you living?
What are you doing?
What are your relationships?
Are you in right relation?
Where is your water?
Know your garden.
It is time to speak your Truth.
Create your community.
Be good to each other.
And do not look outside yourself for the leader.
We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.

Then he clasped his hands together, smiled, and said, “This could be a good time! There is a river flowing now very fast. It is so great and swift that there are those who will be afraid. They will try to hold on to the shore. They will feel they are being torn apart and will suffer greatly. Know the river has its destination. The elders say we must let go of the shore, push off into the middle of the river, keep our eyes open, and our heads above the water. And I say, see who is in there with you and celebrate. At this time in history, we are to take nothing personally. Least of all, ourselves. For the moment that we do, our spiritual growth and journey comes to a halt. The time of the lone wolf is over. Gather yourselves! Banish the word struggle from your attitude and your vocabulary. All that we do now must be done in a sacred manner and in celebration.

We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.

Oraibi, Arizona
Hopi Nation

Oneness Wednesdays

Church of Truth, Community of Conscious Living

111 Superior Street

Wednesdays, June 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30

7:00 pm to 8:30 pm

Info:  http://cotvictoria.ca or Linda (250) 380-6383

Everyone Welcome!

Free or by donation

Wednesdays, May 5, 12, 19, 26 – 7 – 8:30pm

“It is not the magnitude of our actions but the amount of love
that is put into them that matters.” Mother Teresa.

Many people ask themselves: What can one person do? Can we transcend our sense of hopelessness and powerlessness? What is our greatest service to humanity at this time? We recognize that the consciousness with which we take action in the world is as important as what we do. Please join us if you wish to be supported in taking loving action and in becoming a part of the great shift which is taking place right now, the shift into the paradigm of the heart. This series will be facilitated by Cedona Holly. You are invited to drop-in to one or more evenings.

May 5: Forgiveness Practice.

Understanding the journey of the soul helps us recognize that each person is inherently innocent and worthy of compassion. We will take concrete steps in forgiving others. Forgiveness heals the divisions of our world and sets everyone free.

May 12: Compassion as A Way of Life.

How can we bring more compassion into each thought, word and action? What are we already doing and how can we increase the quality of compassion in our lives?

May 19:  Follow Your Heartbreak to Take Action In the World.

In Andrew Harvey’s new book The Hope, he outlines the importance of bringing spiritual practice together with compassion in action to create the necessary shifts for humanity’s survival. He asks us to follow our greatest heartbreak. What is yours?

May 26: Becoming a Clear Instrument of Love.

In order to be able to stay in our hearts we need to clear the shadows which keep us from being as loving as we wish to be. We will explore techniques which can help us set ourselves free.

Oneness Wednesdays

7:00 p.m. – 8: 30 p.m.
Church of Truth, Community of Conscious Living
111 Superior Street

Free or by donation

Information: http://cotvictoria.ca or Linda at (250) 380-6383

About Cedona Holly:

Cedona Holly is the author of Meditation Manual for the Modern Day Mystic, a practical guide to meditation and spirituality. It has been called “A Treasure!” She is an ordained Minister with  CoreLight, dedicated to humanitarian service. Through spiritual counselling and mentoring she helps individuals awaken to their true nature. She is currently producing Meditation CDs as well as an audio version of her book. Her website is www.eternaloneness.org. She is also the new co-ordinator of the Compassion in Action Committee at the Church of Truth, Community of Conscious Living.

****

Participate in a facebook discussion board on the topic of Unconditional Forgiveness:

Reflect on:

1)   If you chose to live life in a state of unconditional forgiveness of everyone and everything, what effect do you think that would have on your body, your life and the amount of  love you are able to give and receive?

2)  If everyone on this planet forgave everyone else what do you imagine would happen?

3)  What is holding you back from choosing to live your life in unconditional forgiveness?

Awakening the Dreamer – Changing the Dream

Join us to explore a new global vision built on Sustainability, Spiritual Fulfillment and Social Justice…..

This series of four evening presentations is based on the Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream Symposium developed by the Pachamama Alliance and will be facilitated by Michael Tacon, Program Director of The Well Foundation.  The series is designed to engage people about the issues of change in our world today and to inspire us to get involved and become more part of the solution.

View the trailer at:  http://awakeningthedreamer.org/content/view/115/135

Each evening will consist of inspiring short films featuring respected community leaders and leading edge information along with lively group interaction. There will be time for reflection, group sharing and some guided meditations.

You are invited to drop-in to one or more evenings although we recommend that you attend the whole series.

April 7 – Where Are We?

We review the state of our modern world environmentally, socially and spiritually; We reflect on our personal responses and explore ways to centre ourselves through meditation.

April 14 – How Did We Get Here?

We examine the world view and assumptions that underlie our current way of life and take a look at what needs to change within ourselves – our attitudes, core beliefs and behaviors.

April 21 – What is Possible For the Future?

We open up to new perspectives and possibilities that will form the foundation for a bold new future.  We will take a look at the groundswell of grassroot activism which is emerging all over the world including here in Victoria.

April 28 – Where Do We Go From Here?

We explore what each of us can do, both individually and cooperatively to move the world in a new direction.  We join with others in the common cause of creating a truly sustainable, socially just and spiritually fulfilling presence on Earth.

Oneness Wednesdays

7:00 – 8:45 pm

Church of Truth – Community of Conscious Living

111 Superior St. James Bay

Free or by donation

Additional Information: Linda at (250) 380-6383 or http://cotvictoria.ca

About the Well Foundation:

The Well Foundation is a volunteer-based non-profit society with the mission is to promote the learning and acquisition of new skills, attitudes and resources to empower people individually and collectively to handle the challenges that profound change will bring to our lives.  Their purpose is to:

1. To foster and support an orientation towards the future and its challenges that is positive, hopeful, sustainable, and creative on a local and grassroots scale.
2. To operate as a catalyzing and facilitative influence on Southern Vancouver Island by promoting the learning of resilience and the development of social as well as technical ingenuity.
3. To offer conferences, community circles, retreats, workshops, public presentations and ongoing support groups to inform, stimulate, and empower people to become proactive and engaged in the challenges presented by profound change.

Well Foundation website:  http://www.wellfoundation.org

Michael Tacon Facilitating “Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream” in April 2010.

Awakening the Dreamer:  Staying Awake — Daily Practices

Awakening the Dreamer — Listing of recommended books and online resources

Church of Truth – Community of Conscious Living

Oneness Wednesdays – March 2010

Facilitated by Joy Emmanuel

We live at a pivotal moment in human and planetary history, a time some refer to as The Great Turning.  The way humans choose to live on the planet over the next fifty years may well determine the destiny of all life on earth.  Yet the Great Turning is not about despair and hopelessness, it is about empowerment, hope, and being present to what each of us is called to do.

Inspired by the passionate work of eco-activist and Buddhist teacher Joanna Macy, this five-part, Oneness Wednesday series will offer opportunities to connect with our own deep feelings around the unprecedented global challenges of this century and how we can each be a positive force for change.

Wed March 3 – We Begin in Gratitude

Gratitude has been called the first movement of the human spirit. Gratitude awakens us to the precious gift of the present moment and the extraordinary privilege to be alive at this time on the planet. Appreciation for the richness of our lives and the beauty of Mother Earth can be a beginning point in our own contribution to healing on our planet.

Wed March 10 – Connecting the Emotional Dots – from Despair to Empowerment

Many of us carry deep feelings of despair, fear, and anger as we observe the changes in our planet’s ecosystems and witness environmentally destructive processes in our own communities.  It takes courage to be present to the pain in our world.  It takes “great heart” to transform despair into hope and fear into compassionate empowerment.

Wed March 17 – Seeing with New Eyes

As we open to our deep connection with the Earth, we can also choose to open our senses to new ways of experiencing and knowing our place in the miracle of life on this planet.  The profound beauty of a flower, the defenceless stance of inter-beingness, the visionary knowing of our connection to past and future generations can carry us to a renewed sense of commitment to live more consciously on our planet.

Wed March 24 – Equinox Celebration – A Cosmic Walk through Time to Honour all Life on Earth

Wed March 31 – Opening to our Calling

What does it mean to live consciously on the planet at this time?  What is the unique role each of us is called to play in contributing to The Great Turning of our planetary course toward a more just, sustainable, and loving world? Let us acknowledge and honour what each of us can do and the synergistic power of the collective to change the course of history.

7:00 – 8:45 pm

Church of Truth – Community of Conscious Living

111 Superior St. James Bay

Free or by donation

Additional Information:  Linda at (250) 380-6383 or http://cotvictoria.ca

Joy Emmanuel is a Transformational Coach, Adult Educator, Organizational Developer, and Community Animator.  Joy offers transformational change programs for individuals and groups of all sizes and hosts one-day retreats with a focus on Spiritual Awakening. In the fall of 2009, Joy was privileged to do a training program with Joanna Macy.  She is also active in the Victoria Transition Town initiative – a global grassroots movement around creating a post-oil dependant society. She can be reached at joye@telus.net

Mindful Yoga with Misha Gitberg

Feb 3, 10, 17 & 24

This gentle style of yoga is based on classical Hatha yoga asanas, which are held for a period of time to allow our body to unfold into a deeper release and opening

On Wednesday nights we will practice either on a mat or in a chair. Chair Yoga is based on mindful performance of classical yoga postures (asanas) while sitting in a chair or using chair for support. It is ideal for seniors, those who are new to yoga and may benefit from an increased sense of safety with chair support, and also those who would

like to learn chair yoga to practice in an office or while in travel.

Whether you practice in a chair or on a mat, the focus will be on respectfully working with the edge of your ability.

Please bring your own mat or blanket for yoga.

About Misha Gitberg:

Misha Gitberg is a yoga and meditation teacher as well as a mind-body psychotherapist, who combines classical Hatha Yoga teachings and Buddhist meditation practices.  His professional and personal trajectory included Western psychotherapy, body-focused psychotherapy, Buddhist meditation practices and yoga, and he lived and learned in

Russia, Canada, India, Nepal and Thailand.   His aspiration is to live an aware and creative life and to be of service to others who are inspired to follow this path. For more information, please visit Misha’s website: www.soulstir.net

Oneness Wednesdays Details:

Date: Wednesdays, February 3, 10, 17 & 24

Time: 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Location: Church of Truth, Community of Conscious Living, 111 Superior Street

Cost: Free or by donation

Information: Linda at (250) 380-6383 or http://cotvictoria.ca

Article on Misha Gitberg

Facilitated by Esther Hart

January 20 & 27

“How can I get so angry with someone I love?” If this question is familiar to you come and learn how to find the answer to that question and to transform the situation.

The sessions will be led by Esther Hart, author of Journey to Personal Freedom. Esther’s passion is to share her insights and experiences to inspire people to live their lives free from guilt, self-doubt and despair. She has personally lived with all of those feelings and shares her stories of sorrow and triumph from her heart. Through her books, speaking engagements, coaching and friendship, Esther’s stories have transformed many lives.   You can learn more about Esther at www.authorssolutions.com

About “The Anatomy of Peace”:

“What if in our conflicts with others there is something we want more than solutions? What if conflicts at home, conflicts at work, and conflicts in the world stem from the same root cause? And what if individually and collectively we systematically misunderstand that cause, and unwittingly perpetuate the very problems we think we are trying to solve? These are among the important questions explored in The Anatomy of Peace.

Through an intriguing story of parents who are struggling with their children and problems that have come to consume their lives, we learn from once bitter enemies the way to find peace whenever war is upon us. Yusuf al-Falah, an Arab, and Avi Rozen, a Jew, each lost their fathers at the hands of the other’s ethnic cousins. The Anatomy of Peace is a story of how they came together, how they help warring parents and children to come together, and how we too can find our way out of the struggles that weigh us down.”

Everyone Welcome!  Church of Truth, Community of Conscious Living, 111 Superior Street, 7 pm to 8:30 p.m.   Free or by donation.  Information:  Linda (250) 380-6383 or http://cotvictoria.ca

Broken Open: Embracing Change, Welcoming the Unknown

Facilitated by Joy Emmanuel

As the seasons shift from the fullness of summer’s play to a focus on fall’s activities and gently moves us toward the growing darkness and inner stillness of winter’s embrace, we know in the core of our being that one thing we can count on in life is change.  The river of life is the river of change.  We are constantly being asked to redefine who we are and what is important. Change may be welcomed – such as when we begin a relationship or new job, or when we become a grandparent; but, change can also shift the ground of our being in a way that is deeply challenging and take us into unknown and unwelcomed territory.  Broken Open is a four part series oriented to exploring those unknown waters in a safe and supportive way.  It is a time to dance with our shadow, befriend the gifts of uncertainty, and find our light in the darkness.

Although the four sessions will build on one another, they will also be set up as stand-alone events. Each session will cover a variety of activities, including: guided meditation, writing and reflective exercises, gentle movement, readings, and optional sharing.  Time: 7 to 8:45 each Wed evening in November.

• Nov 4 – Into the Desert – Connecting with our stories, mapping the territory.
• Nov 11 – Broken Open – Dancing with our shadows and letting go of emotional baggage
• Nov 18 – Bowing into the Unknown – Re-framing the map from a new vantage point.
• Nov 25 – The Hero’s Journey – Returning home to reintegrate the gifts of the journey.

About Joy Emmanuel:

Joy Emmanuel has trained in Transformational Leadership and adult education for over twenty five years including the Healing Journey (the work of Brandon Bays), Harville Hendrix Relationship therapy, Council facilitation, and Joanna Macy’s The Work that Reconnects. Recently she completed training in Transformational Coaching and now offers this service to the broader community.

Joy believes that “Each of us hold the seeds of inner wisdom, resourcefulness, and possibility to heal ourselves and the planet and create a more just, loving and sustainable world. The intent of spiritual practice is to help us connect with that deep inner source of guidance and peace.”

Everyone Welcome!  Church of Truth, Community of Conscious Living, 111 Superior Street, 7 pm to 8:45 p.m.   Free or by donation.  Information:  Linda (250) 380-6383 or http://cotvictoria.ca

ONENESS WEDNESDAYS – October 7, 14, 21  & 28

Rev. Cedona Holly will share little known meditation techniques from her brand new book: “Meditation Manual for the
Modern Day Mystic” as well as tried and true ways of Opening the Heart.

About Cedona: Cedona is a Spiritual Counsellor and Mentor, a CoreLight graduate and Minister,and has been meditating since 1980.”

All are welcome.   Free or by donation.

7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Church of Truth – Community of Conscious Living, 111 Superior St. in friendly James Bay.

For additional information, please contact Linda at (250) 380-6383