Shadybrook Spring Retreat “Discover Peace Within: Tools for Transforming Awareness” May 5 - 7, 2006 St. Joseph Christian Life Center

With the spring flowers in bloom and a clear, blue sky overhead, Shadybrook couldn’t have chosen a more beautiful weekend to hold its spring retreat. Some folks chose to start their experience with a stroll through the grounds and along the lake shore of the retreat center.
Dinner Friday evening proved to be tasty and plentiful, as were all the meals shared throughout the weekend. New chef Connie did an incredible job of making sure the dietary preferences of all were more than met.
The programs were held in the large Chapel Hall this time. There was plenty of room for the wide variety of presentations, including walking the labyrinth. That was exactly what the group did Friday evening, as well as experiencing other healing practices, such as Massage Therapy.
Participants spent the rest of the weekend exploring these and other spiritual practices.

Here are what some of them had to say about their experiences:

Morning Chi-Gong “Great energy flow.” “Excellent!”

Vipassana Meditation “Need to incorporate it in my life.”

Intro to Reiki “Excellent”

Imagination Arts I “Thank you, Kristen, for the wonderful gifts you shared, material and spiritual.“ “Loved it! Felt very relaxed.”

Intro to Chi-Gong “Very interesting. I want to take lessons.”

Body Movement Therapy “Needed this!”

Imagination Arts II “Was very fun. I was surprised by my ability.” “Extraordinary environment created for both sessions.”

Saturday Evening Music “I always like to sing along.” “A lot of FUN!”

Morning Yoga “Organized, excellent teacher” “Fantastic!”

Sunday Morning “Nice wrap up. Sense of closure.” “Lovely to get plants and prints.”

Here's what retreat goers enjoyed the most about their experiences:

“The opportunity for my own spiritual growth and being with good people.” - Steve Imbornoni

“The whole concept of meditations and interaction & participation.” - Lois Ruskin

“Peace, compassionate friends.” - Kristina Drvenkar

“The variety of things to learn, meeting new people, and connecting with friends.” - Kristen Boyesen

“Camaraderie, shared time along with depth of commitment, resources that the presenters shared with us.” - Linda Durnbaugh

“It was the best thing I have done for myself in years.” - Kathy Williams

Compiled by Beth Bracale

 

Navigating the 4th Dimension   With Linda Stein-Luthke and Martin Luthke, Ph.D.   September 13, 2005

This program proved to be an appropriate beginning for Shadybrook’s 2005-2006 programming year, themed “Live Peace, Expect Healing.” It was based on their book, Navigating the 4th Dimension.

Martin led the group in a guided meditation which introduced participants to summoning the healing light of the universe. Then he and Linda talked about beings of light - not just angels and ascended masters, but we ourselves. They explained as best they could in the time allotted about our life’s work on the plane of existence we call reality, and how our spiritual growth can be enhanced.

Linda led the group in another meditation, demonstrating quickly a technique participants could use at home in their own spiritual practice. The Luthke’s reminded the group that living in the light isn’t only done during prayer or meditation time, but is a constant practice, which we can rely on to guide us in making even the smallest of choices.

For more information, visit the Luthke’s at their website, www.u-r-light.com.

SHADYBROOK’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

A special thank you to everyone who helped to create this special day, and such special memories…

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An Experience of Sacred Dance with Ellie King May 10, 2005

Ellie King has a warm, gentle presence that lights up any room she enters. One can see why she is a healer by profession - it makes perfect sense.

Ellie shared a bit of her personal history with Sacred Dance, telling about some of her experiences, including working with children. She told of one Christmas performance that was quite unusual, where the dance group acted out the chaotic whirl of the material trappings of Christmas, which was offset by the minister and others portraying the quiet, simple Christmas story of the birth in the manger.

Ellie and fellow dancer, Julie Kundtz, demonstrated three dances. The graceful moves illustrated the words of the songs, and gave depth to the meaning and beauty of the music. Then the two instructed the audience in a simple dance to the chorus of “Eagle’s Wings.” Moving in unison to this uplifting hymn made it clear why sacred dance is considered a form of prayer. The experience felt like a holy offering, and expression of our love for each other and the Universe.

Ellie and audience members who are also sacred dancers encouraged others to try it on their own. They emphasized there is no right or wrong way, that it’s not about perfection or competition. It’s about expressing our relationship with the Divine

 

Songs of Peace and Healing with Judy Wimmer April 12, 2005

As one participant put it, Judy Wimmer “made my heart ache, and then sing with joy.” Judy told the story of her often difficult search for love through words and song. The tale of her quest for more meaningful relationships with her family and for a better life for herself was inspiring and uplifting. It was a treat, as always, to listen to Judy’s sweet voice, accompanied by acoustic guitar. Her original songs were simple, yet compelling. Judy herself brought light to the room with her gracious, loving demeanor and bright smile.

During the second part of the program, the audience broke into small groups to create a peace song for Shadybrook, writing their own verses to the tune of “Shanendoah.” It was a fun exercise, and the result was a surprisingly cohesive piece, which Judy will lead us in singing at Shadybrook’s anniversary celebration on June 18.

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Presenter Frank Mills

SPRING RETREAT 2005 From Me to We, From Chronos to Tempus: Creating Community through Celtic Spirituality with Frank A. Mills, Ph.D. April 1 - 3, 2005

It was the weekend of what we hoped was the last big snowstorm of the season. The group gathered in a twelve sided room, surrounded by windows. Someone commented that it felt like we were on the inside of one of those snow-filled paperweights you shake up - the wind howled and the snow swirled around us for most of the weekend. Even though we couldn’t do some of our activities outdoors as planned, it was still a thoroughly enjoyable event.

 

Frank Mills knew his topic inside and out, and gave us a great overview of Celtic spirituality and its origins. He led us in experiential exercises that helped us discover what was meant by the “thin places” - a state of being where time stands still and one gains a heightened awareness of things both inside and outside oneself.

Saturday evening we brought songs and poems to share, and it turned out to be a lot of fun. A few highlights: Vic Leanza led us in a rousing rendition of “The Drunken Sailor,” as a group of us raised the sails on Vic’s imaginary ship. New members Rick Valente and Kristen Boyesen led us in an impromptu sing-a-long, while Rick accompanied us on acoustic guitar. In honor of Pope John Paul II’s passing that afternoon, Steve closed the evening by playing Pink Floyd’s “Knocking on Heaven’s Door.”

Sunday morning we participated in one ritual where we blessed ourselves, and another where we blessed each other and the greater community of Shadybrook. Performing rituals is a very traditional way of creating and maintaining community. And very Shadybrook!

Adele Eisner                         Barb Mallin

Introduction to Kaballah with Adele Eisner March 8, 2005

The overall message presented by Adele Eisner about Kaballah is that the universe and all that is in it is a unity and as parts of the unity, people may regain balanced relationship within the whole, thus expressing spiritual life. Sound is light is form is meaning: everything is interrelated. Kaballah is based upon the concept that the ancient Hebrew alphabet was received as a divine message and that each letter’s form, sound and numeric equivalent represents a fundamental archetypical aspect of creation. Humans are co-creators within the active process of the unfolding of universal creation and by understanding Kaballah, humanity may follow a path that is in harmony with the whole. Even the thoughts we send out have a profound effect on creation and our personal futures.

Adele also talked about the four universes people live in. A person’s level of consciousness determines the universe they live in and experience. These represent the levels of consciousness that progress from self-centered to more holistic views. The tree of life is a graphical representation of the four universes, ten containers and the twenty two Hebrew alphabet characters, which comprise the known universe and the relationships with it. This brief introduction was barely sufficient to briefly introduce the many concepts within the sacred science of Kaballah. By Ron Bracale

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A Peacemaking Journey to Israel and the West Bank with Vic Eyth February 8, 2005

This was no ordinary vacation slide show. Vic Eyth was a delegate with Christian Peacemaker Teams on one of their witnessing trips to Israel last year. The pictures and stories Vic shared from his adventures were both heart-warming and disturbing. Learning about what actually takes place near Israeli settlements was quite an eye opener for some of us. These weren’t the same stories we get from TV and newspapers here in the U.S.
Vic talked about the protective wall being erected by the Israeli government, which often separates Palestinians from their work, their orchards and vineyards, and even their families. He spoke of the harsh treatment of the Israeli Army and settlers against the Palestinians. Part of the Christian Peacemaker Teams work involves escorting children safely to school, as well as helping in whatever ways they can, large or small, to bridge the divide between the two sides of the conflict. Vic reported that the effort to remain impartial was very difficult at times. He also pointed out there are many people on both sides who want peace, and who are working both separately and together toward that end.
On a lighter note, Vic ended the program by leading the group in singing “It’s a Small World After All” while accompanying on his autoharp.
Vic brought huge, sweet carrots to share with us – freshly dug from the organic garden he keeps on the Shadybrook House property. And here’s a recipe for using those carrots that’s sure delight.

COPPER CARROT PENNIES Courtesy of Vic Eyth

2 lbs. carrots, fresh, sliced into rounds

1 sweet pepper, cut into 1/2 bite size

1 or 2 medium sweet onions, cut into 1/2 bite size (according to your taste)

1 can tomato soup

1 cup sugar

3/4 cup white vinegar

1 tablespoon dry mustard

1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce

Cook carrots until tender. Set aside to cool. Mix rest of ingredients – do not cook them! Add carrots when they’re cool and mix. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours – stir periodically. The taste improves with time!

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Keeping Your Memory Fit with Kathryn Kilpatrick January 11, 2005

Kathryn Kilpatrick provided us with a wealth of information on memory fitness. She went over the causes of memory problems, and pointed out that memory loss in not inevitable in the normal aging process. “The brain is a dynamic organ and can improve with age.” Kathryn shared various ways to take care of ourselves and keep our memory abilities at their peak, including making wise lifestyle choices, reducing stress, and staying organized.
Here’s what some of the participants had to say about the program:

“Her talk was both practical and inspirational. Thank you.” – Virginia Brand

“This was our first time here and the speaker was so refreshing and inspiring. Your group is very interesting and I would probably be back some time soon.” – Lynn McAlister

“Exceptional presentation.” – D. Lois Ruskin

“I feel my life has improved in one evening. Thank you, Kathryn.” – Annette Gydosh

“A wealth of information to digest and relish.” – Barbara Mallin

For information on memory fitness, visit Kathryn’s website: www.connectionsincommunications.com. Sign up for her quarterly newsletter to receive additional ideas and tips.

“The Art of Pilgrimage” a weekend retreat with Phil Cousineau by Deborah Guy "Travel can be torture or it can stretch you." Phil Cousineau, leader of the 2004 Shadybrook Fall Retreat, was referring to the gruesome origins of the word "travel" from its Latin root "trapalia"- the medieval rack. In a garden setting at the St. Joseph's Retreat Center on the shore of Lake Erie, with the trees at their peak of autumn color, we convened October 22-24 to examine both the inner and outer journeys of our lives. This sensually vibrant environment was conducive to learning how to follow the call to spiritual adventure, to imbue our travels as well as our larger lives' journeys with a greater divine presence. Phil came to us with impeccable credentials, having created and collaborated on an extensive body of work in film, photography and print. He has also led pilgrimages and tour groups to sacred and secular sites the world over. That first evening, Phil gave us an overview of the seven stages of the pilgrimage. He illustrated them with an impressive slide show culled from images taken during his extensive global travels. The images were reinforced with resonant quotes from great thinkers and pilgrims.

Retreat Photos Deborah Guy and Phil Cousineau Rose M. Allen and Carole Clement

Retreat participants could choose from several options to begin their Saturday morning. Laura Christian Imbornoni offered yoga and movement sessions. The crisp October air invited a stroll through the lakeside gardens, and provided an opportunity to practice the arts of attention and gratitude. Spending a few extra moments in dreamland was a tempting third choice.

Fueled by a hearty pancake breakfast, we began a more detailed examination of the Departure and The Pilgrim's Road stages. Our examinations were facilitated by small group discussions. Phil introduced us to five spiritual practices which, if followed intentionally, could transform any traveler from a "tourist" to a "pilgrim." They would help us to avoid the scourge of "must-urbation" in our future travels. That afternoon, we again broke into smaller groups to share stories from our own experiences of the dark side--the travails of our travels and the lessons learned.

The Saturday evening program gave members a chance to share their own stories and travel boons with the full group. Tales of enchantment, romance and adventure left us all spellbound well into the night. It was decided to continue the story-sharing session when we reconvened Sunday morning.

There was a sense of longing for the story session to last all the next day, but we had only reserved the conference center until eleven. As we walked onto the grounds, the overcast skies finally began to clear. The temptation to take a final stroll through the gardens demanded indulgence.

We definitely came away from this weekend "stretched" in our perceptions of travel. I'll reserve judgment on any "torture" aspects for the individual participants! One boon of this retreat was to be able to put the teachings imparted into immediate practice--on our individual journeys home.

Peacemaking and Shamanism with Michele Hofer by Ron Bracale The group joined in drumming in the Spirits, the Guides and the Ancestors to open the program. Michele Hofer described the shaman’s idea of reality as an alternative to our limited physical perception which lacks an explanation for the deep mysteries of life and death. Shamans believe that people can lose parts of their souls through various life events, such as trauma and illness. Shamanic healing is the process of recovering parts of our soul that have been lost, in order to regain our sense of wholeness and the vibrancy of our beings. Many generations have embraced the illusion of separation from nature and from each other. The earth has soaked up the vibrations of the past and one task of the shamans is to free the accumulated negative energy. Peacemaking requires healing the energy of the ancestors, thereby freeing the living to express their natural, loving potential. Michele led us on a shaman’s journey. Many people in the group followed her instructions in visualizing this internal quest, passing through a portal into our Mother Earth, seeking our own personal place of inner peace. Individual’s experiences varied, as was revealed when impressions and sensations were shared afterward. Many expressed the desire to delve into the process more deeply. They’ll have that chance, and so will you, when Michele leads our retreat at Highbrook Lodge next fall. There we’ll be able to enjoy the full experience of circling around the campfire, and communing with nature. Save the date: October 21 – 23, 2005!

Music That Touches You with Vic Leanza New Member Social November 9, 2004 New Members Juniper Mainelis, Joann Leach and Sandy Woolf The evening started with introductions over pizza, veggies, and home-made chocolate chip cookies. New members were given polished river rocks, with cards that read, “You are the foundation of our community, the stones upon which Shadybrook is built.” The “stones” we met that night were certainly an interesting assortment. Among our new members were a singer/songwriter, a metaphysical teacher, an energy healer, a playwright, a buyer/greeter for Geauga Parks, an early child development teacher and a radical ecologist! The social hour flowed easily into the monthly program, where we each shared a favorite piece of music. What a special way to get to know each other! We sampled classical, rock, chanting, world music, movie soundtracks and more. Some pieces were so lively, we had to get up and dance. As Joshua Peeples put it, “I realize now that when you share...a song that touches you, you're exposing yourself intimately.” Thanks to all of you who chose to share a special part of yourselves. Together we created an evening to remember.

Jeff Moyer Provides "Rhythms for Life"
	On Tuesday evening, September 14, 2004, we were treated to an evening of drumming, clanging, gonging, chiming and all-out rhythm making at the Shaker Lakes Regional Nature Center.
Jeff Moyer was our mentor as we participated in Native American, African, Brazilian and Asian percussion rhythms. Jeff has collected hundreds of instruments of all kinds from many parts of the world. There were several dozen percussion instruments and many wind instruments laid out on a large table in the middle of the room. Jeff introduced some of them, and spoke of the various ways in which societies and cultures communicated with one another and with their spiritual creator through percussion rhythms and music.

Jeff performed on several antique wind instruments, including flutes, whistles and even a miniature ocarina. He also sang and played the guitar and other stringed instruments, leading us in some songs of peace and love. He encouraged us to join him after each demonstration by inviting us to come up to the table and select an instrument of our choice, or trade with someone else. Each event within the evening menu was different and involved a tradition or genre which was quite a contrast from the previous one. Our varied selections of instruments also changed the mood as we transitioned from one piece to the next.

Jeff has been studying and researching various kinds of music played on authentic period instruments for many years. He has performed at conventions and conferences throughout the U.S. and abroad. His original songs about people with disabilities and people who are different have been recorded on CD'S and audiotapes and were available for purchase at this meeting.

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Peaceful Heart: Meditation and Therapeutic Harp with Carol J. Spears

About the Presenter: Carol Spears plays for patients one-on-one in medical facilities, as well as for group meditations. She presents lectures on Reiki and therapeutic harp music, and teaches meditation throughout northeast Ohio.

“It is the responsibility of the musician to create heaven on earth and
To create balance, peace and harmony in the environment. ” - East Indian Saying

Carol Spears provided not only an informative and entertaining presentation, but gave attendees the opportunity to meditate together. With the music of both harp and singing bowls as background, attendees experienced the therapeutic properties of Carol’s practice for themselves.

“More than anything else, rhythm and melody find their way
To the inmost soul and take the strongest hold upon it.” - Plato

Book Reference List

The Power of Sound, Joshua Leeds
The Healing Musician, Stella Benson
The Life Energy in Music, John Diamond, MD
Quantum Healing, Deepak Chopra
The Rhythmic Language of Health & Disease, Mark Rider
Biomedical Foundations of Music as Therapy, Dale B. Taylor
Music Therapy in Palliative Care - New Voices, David Aldrich

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India: Ancient Books, Ragas, and Modern Spirituality with Ron Bracale October 11, 2005

Ron Bracale provided a taste of the music, spirituality, and ancient texts of India. He even brought along snacks purchased at the local Indian grocery! The experience left participants eager to learn more about the cultures and influences of this diverse country.

For a full re-cap of the program, Ron’s notes can be found on his website, www.spiritinservice.com.

Here are some comments from the program participants:

“Very interesting - very professionally done. Tremendous amount of accurate information delivered very clearly and effectively. One of the best talks that I have ever attended.” - Santosh Keswani

“The entire program was one of the most thought provoking spiritual experiences I’ve ever had. Ron’s knowledge is astounding.” - Annette Gydosh

“I liked the variety of lecture, music, and meditation in the presentation. Ron’s knowledge of the subject was evident and his talent/intelligence/memory amazed me.” - Barb Mallin

“Ron’s presentation was warm, informative, spiritual, relaxing, wonderful!” - Norma Joseph

“Ron is both erudite & inspiring, a treat to listen to.” - Martin Luthke

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October 2006 Retreat Peacemaking and Shamanism with Michele Hofer Submitted by Cheryl Petro

I was not prepared for the wonderful spiritual growth that occurred at the retreat lead by Michele Hofer in October at Highbrook Lodge in Chardon. Michele led us in a very easy way to discover the peace and healing of the Shamanic spiritual practices she teaches. I arrived on Saturday morning and she quickly made me feel part of the group. She led us in activities to help us get back in balance and harmony with ourselves. The activities were to help us heal, but not to erase ourselves to get to a new plane.

The drumbeat was an important part of our experience. Michele explained the drumbeat was to match our heartbeat and help us on our spiritual journey. We were to go back to the drumbeat if our thoughts strayed to help us achieve centeredness. Practice helped, and as we journeyed throughout the weekend, I felt more in tune with the drum and the journey. We called in spirit guides or angels to help us. I felt the peace in the room. Michele used stories to help our understanding of the balance and harmony we need in our lives and explained we could help the next seven generations with our practices.

Anger in Shamanism is an opportunity to change and is called nayce or monster spirit. Negative energy does not have to stick to us, because we can learn to surround ourselves with love. On our first journey we were told there are three worlds: 1. Upper World, consisting of four rivers, air, water, fire and earth. 2. Middle World, the Now. 3. Lower World. We asked our spirit guides to take us to the four rivers and heal an emotion. We had partners and we shared what we felt moved to share of our individual experiences.

We did demon work next. Michele explained that what she referred to as demons were emotions or characteristics we experienced as being negative. Many demons make us feel like we are not good enough, but we can learn lessons from them. We fashioned play dough representations of our demons with bits from the outdoors and ribbons. We asked our demon, “What are you here to teach me?” Michele told us to honor our demons by taking them home and placing them in the place we felt they belonged and to honor them until we felt we had learned the lesson.

There was power in our journeys. On Sunday, we shared the Peace Tree Ritual. I had a powerful experience during this ritual. Trees give peace. We had ten white strips of cloth representing the nine levels of the upper and lower worlds and the tenth to represent the spirit. We were to say a prayer or affirmation for each strip as we tied it around a branch of the tree we had chosen to work with. After tying all the strips onto the tree, we gave small gifts of rice and milk to feed the upper and lower worlds. Then we were to beat a drum or shake a rattle as we circled the tree six times clockwise and ask for peace within us. As I finished my circles, three deer came into view, then quickly ran off when they saw me next to the tree with the white strips catching the breeze. The group had talked about power animals earlier, and I believe the deer is sacred to me. What a wonderful end to my journey.

After we each did our Peace Tree Ritual, we gathered around the new water pond that had just been installed that week to celebrate our weekend together, bless the new fountain, and send Peace into the world. We also honored Renette Armstrong for feeding us such wonderful meals all weekend.

We are grateful to Michele for her tireless spirit in helping us achieve this spiritual sense of community. It turned out to be a meaningful, healing experience.

 

Imagination Arts & Nature with Kristen S. Boyesen Tuesday, September 12, 2007 reviewed by Donna Tiroly

How delightful! Such fun! Pure joy! So relaxing!

We began by listening to a very lovely short story in a little book from another century. It was chock-full of deliciously wonderful and descriptive words and phrases that conjured up picture upon picture. They created a simply fantastic and beautiful movie in my mind. My mind was happy! My body was happy! What a delightful way to relax!
Then we were gently led into our first fun art experience – drawing seashells without looking at the pen or paper: just keep looking at the shell! Meanwhile, beautiful music soothed away any anxiety. This activity was all about getting one’s right side of the brain in gear -- not about making an accurate drawing. “Try your non-dominant hand,” Kristen suggested. “You’ll see that the drawings won’t look any different.” She skillfully helped us quiet that judgmental critic that resides in the brain’s left side.

A second beautifully descriptive reading brought us back into the theater of mind pictures, relaxation, & fun. Then, on to drawing the mystery shapes hidden in bags. We just felt the object inside the bag while another relaxing music selection accompanied our experience. “Imaginative doodling,” Kristen called this activity. Her directions gave us complete freedom as she told us, “It doesn’t matter … no one will know what it really was anyway.” This freedom enabled everyone to allow the images in their minds to just flow out onto the paper. Pure fun!

A third reading of a very descriptive poem preceded the last activity, “Drawing Nature Shapes.” Flowers and leaves of all kinds awaited us on the tables. Once again, the directions and the music, along with Kristen’s gently supportive style, facilitated the right brain’s easy flow of creative activity.

Later, I remember a potato chip commercial that claimed: “You can’t eat just one.” On a healthier path for mind, body, spirit, I think, “WOW! You can’t DO just one -- be it sea shell or mystery bag or gentle touch drawing of nature shapes – you’ll want to do another and another.” It was truly an excellent program for revitalization in today’s seemingly crazy world. If you missed this program, call Kristen and find out when you – or your organization - can also experience it. (Kristen’s email is wildernessartist@sbcglobal.net).

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	Mandalas and Musical Rounds of Joy and Peace A Shadybrook Weekend Retreat With Donna Tiroly and Marge Eiseman October 13 - 15, 2006 at River’s Edge

It was a wonderful weekend of spiritual unfolding through the process of creating mandalas and joining in song.  Mandalas are circular centering images and do not require a person to be an artist, rather it is a realizing of the creativity that we all hold.  Marge would start us with a song to energize us and then Donna would lead in a guided visualization exercise to draw out our creativity.  We would either gain an insight into what we were to create or have opened our minds to let the momentum of the creative process carry us through the manifestation of our personal mandalas.

Friday we each created a mandala with crayons and/or markers to emphasize that you do not need high end art supplies to create a wonderful mandala.  Saturday morning we created a mandala with a white pencil (light stick) on black paper according to the methodology of Judith Cornell, Ph.D. and then in the afternoon we created another mandala, but added colored pencils.  Saturday night Marge sang some of her original songs, led us in singing some rounds, and guided us in creating a song by having three groups each choose four mandala words (see words below).  She also told a wonderful story, “This too shall pass.”  Sunday we concluded with another little mandala, white pencil on black paper and added colored pencils.

Just like people and snowflakes, no two mandalas are ever alike.  The great diversity of our creations was a testament to the diversity in our humanity.  Many people reported that an inner healing process was at work as they manifested their unique mandala. 

Throughout the weekend we drew spiritual insight cards that expressed the synchronicity of all things.  It was a true Shadybrook weekend of retreat and inner work, combined with community, that renewed our personal energies.
 
In our Colorful Circle
   we have Joy and Peace, Joy and Peace.
Creating Community with Laughter -
   Connections, Connections.
Warm Acceptance
   brings Sacred High.

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"How to Do Healing is How to Be Healthy" with Warren Grossman Reviewed by Harry Peets

     Although Warren Grossman's unique Oct. 10 presentation was billed as, "How to be Healthy," the title of his book better describes his explanation and demonstration i.e.:   "To be Healed by the Earth."    He started his presentation by telling us about his near death illness that the medical profession had given up on.   Dr. Grossman explained how his lying on Mother Earth and experiencing universal energy led to where he is today.  

     Today he uses this earth energy to flow up through his feet, to his heart and out to the person being healed.   Dr. Grossman demonstrated this skill for us on a number of people with favorable results.   His gentle caring manner gives evidence that he is only a conduit for the energy and healing that comes from the Creator.  

     Dr. Grossman stated that he feels anyone can learn to access this energy.   He began the Warren Grossman School of Healing to teach the skills of connecting to Mother Earth for healing.   More information can he found on his website: www.warrengrossman.com.

 

"'Tis Better to Give" with Stephen Post submitted by Lois Ruskin, Shadybrook Board Member

    
     Dr. Stephen Post, Professor of Bioethics, School of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University, made an excellent case for “Good Samaritan” behavior.  He is also the President of The Institute for Research on Ultimate Love which is engaged in scientific research to show that it is not only good for us individually to be helpful to others, it is also beneficial for our own health. Brain scans reveal that even positive thoughts show up on the screen as activating portions of our brain that make us feel better. 
     He read a portion from his forthcoming book, Why Good Things Happen To Good People to be published next year, in which he tells an inspiring story about one of our Shadybrook members, Vic Leanza, who is the Commodore of the Cleveland Sight Center Sailing Program, teaching visually impaired people to sail as he learned as a freshman at the University of Notre Dame from a priest who saw beyond Vic’s limitation and turned it into an asset.  Vic in turn shares his expertise with others who might otherwise never have such an experience.
     It was an informative and inspirational presentation and elicited excellent feed-back Dr. Post attracted one of our largest audiences, about 80 people.  I hope that means that the idea of altruism is “alive and well and living” in Cleveland, to paraphrase Jack Brel.
     “Soooo, be good, for goodness sake”!!