REVIEWS ARCHIVE     Global Warming with Eric Schreiber March, 2008   A SHADYBROOK TALK PROVES TIMELY BEYOND EXPECTATION Submitted by Jane Halbedel   Eric Schreiber is one of Al Gore's official emissaries and his provocative presentation,"Global Climate Change"  proved timely in ways which were unanticipated.   His condensed version of An Inconvenient Truth, sent a powerful message: global warming is unequivocal and ongoing.  Failure to deal with it by reducing man's Carbon emissions will result in species extinction, the destruction of Earth's natural resources, and the ultimate demise of mankind.   Shrinking glaciers were undeniable as Eric's pictures of glaciers from around the world showed progressive retreat.  A full 99% of all glaciers are of that status.   The Himalayan watershed provides water to 40% of the world's population. Over half of the water in its rivers and system of springs comes from glacier melt water. The demise of the Himalayan glaciers due to global warming would impact an extraordinary number of people who have traditionally relied on this melt water for a significant portion of their water supply.  A cessation of this glacial water could force massive numbers of people to abandon their living areas to seek out safe and abundant drinking water as well as food and other natural resources elsewhere.    World class climate scientists have scientific evidence for the potential collapse of the West Antarctic and perhaps even the Greenland ice sheets. Should the West Antarctic ice sheet surpass its "tipping point," unstoppable melting would result in its demise.  The magnitude from the melt-down of this ice sheet would cause extensive flooding and the creation of "hundreds of millions" of climate refugees. (Dr. James E. Hansen).  A massive number of  people around the globe live within 20 feet or less above sea level; their homes will be vulnerable to the projected invasive flood waters. This would become a global phenomenon not just restricted to Africa and other Third World countries.  The United States would not have immunity to these rising waters.  States along the Gulf Coast would be especially vulnerable to flooding because their  location is in such close proximity to sea level.    The United States contributes 30.3% to the world's global warming emissions, but its elected officials have pointedly refused to sign the Kyoto Treaty that binds countries to substantial reductions of their greenhouse gases. It is Carbon dioxide emissions, in particular, that endanger planet Earth due to their significant impact on global warming and, consequently, climate change.  Severe and explosive weather and droughts are related to the latter.  The continental United States is experiencing increased chaotic climate conditions that are well documented and attributed to climate change. Disaster payouts have undermined the financial confidence of the insurance industry, so much so that the insurance icon, Lloyds of London, has expressed dire concern for the potential demise of their industry.  This is due to increasing catastrophic weather related events, and the enormous financial toll they take on the industry itself, as disaster victims are compensated with increased regularity.   Just a few years ago the West Nile Virus was active in this country.  It is predicted to increase within the U.S., Southern Canada and Central America.  Certain areas, when subjected to deluges of water, are apt to become stagnant and can provide opportune areas for mosquitoes to breed that carry the disease.    The moral imperative that something must be done to stem the tide is obvious.  Eric reminded the audience that the ozone hole was once an atmospheric emergency as it dangerously increased in size.  Society moved swifly to address this, and it is thought that a similar level of urgency will compel the world to expediently reduce its Carbon emissions.   Eric discussed various ways to minimize the Carbon footprint that each of us asserts on the planet's atmosphere.  By virture of the lifestyle each of us lives, an individual is capable of reducing the amount of Carbon emissions used to sustain his or her lifestyle, even on a day-to-day basis.   Careful monitoring of your heating and air conditioning, along with a "lights off" mindset, when not needed, will reduce coal (Carbon) emissions.  Replacing plastic bags which are a "petrol" product with cloth bags will also reduce emissions.  Driving a fuel efficient car such as a Prius and reducing idling will prove helpful. Replacing fluorescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lightbulbs, (CFL's), will over time, substantially reduce the amount of energy normally used to light the traditional bulb commodity. Vegetarian diets reduce methane, a global warming gas that cows discharge to the atmoshere, and will also work to reduce the amount of grain consumed to sustain these herds. Purchases of fruits and vegetables from local farm markets will result in the reduction of diesel emissions normally required to transport produce great distances.   Al Gore was awarded the distinquished Nobel Peace Prize for his profound contribution to the Global Community, by bringing the import of global warming and its intrinsic connection to climate change to the world stage.  He sought to educate and raise public consciousness on the importance of Carbon emissions reductions, but also to make the importance of water an issue of global concern.  Water and food scarcities are becoming increasingly apparent, as global pleas for subsidies are being issued by approximately 36 countries.  Official droughts of significance have now been identified in areas of Africa, Australia and the United States.     On April 2nd, 2008, Al Gore launched a $300 million dollar campaign, "The Alliance for Climate Protection," that "ranks as one of the most ambitious public campaigns in U.S. history," according to The Washington Post. 3/31/08.    The goal of this campaign is to promote a national Carbon emissions cap and a global pact on climate change, to be ratified within 3 years. Gore has resorted to this extensive campaign because the United States has failed to initiate legislation imposing stiff regulatory laws for Carbon emissions reductions.   Dr. James Hansen, internationally renowned NASA climate scientist, and Director of the Goddard Institute of Space Studies, provided much of the scientific heft behind An Inconvenient Truth. Hansen aggressively lobbies countries around the world to institute extensive Carbon reductions.    On April 7th, 2008, Dr. Hansen forewarned the EU and its international partners, that they "must urgently rethink targets for cutting carbon dioxide in the atmosphere because of fears they, (the scientists), have grossly underestimated the scale of the problem." It is clear that Dr. Hansen has made Al Gore's message more compelling.   Befittingly, Eric closed his presentation with a beautiful picture of planet Earth, the result of an enormously successful NASA spaceflight, then concluded with the prose of Carl Sagan.  "Pale Blue Dot" is planet Earth, as seen from 3.7 billion miles away by the Voyager 1 spacecraft on 6/6/1990.  You will likely find the truth of today in Carl Sagan's poignant words of yesterday.   "Look at that dot.  That's here. That's home. That's us. On it everyone you love, everyone you know, everyone you ever heard of, every human being who ever was, lived out their lives.  The aggregate of our joy and suffering, thousands of confident religions, idelogies, and economic doctrines, every hunter and forager, every hero and coward, every creator and destroyer of civilization, every king and peasant, every young couple in love, every mother and father, hopeful child, inventor and explorer, every teacher of morals, every corrupt politician, every "superstar," every "supreme leader," every saint and sinner in the history of our species lived there - on a mote of dust suspended in a sunbeam.   The Earth is a very small stage in a vast cosmic arena.  Think of the rivers of blood spilled by all those generals and emperors, so that, in glory and triumph, they could become the momentary masters of a fraction of a dot.  Think of the endless cruelties visited by the inhabitants of one corner of this pixel on the scarcely distinguishable inhabitants of some other corner, how frequent their misunderstandings, how eager they are to kill one another, how fervent their hatreds.   Our posturings our imagined self-importance, the delusion that we have some privileged position in the Universe, are challenged by this point of pale light. Our planet is a lonely speck in the great enveloping cosmic dark.  In our obscurity, in all this vastness, there is no hint that help will come from elsewhere to save us from ourselves." - Pale Blue Dot   As Jan Phillips' so wisely reminded us in her book The Art of Original Thinking, The Making of a Thought Leader:                                                                     "NOW IS THE TIME; WE ARE THE ONES."   These prophetic words reverberate like a steady drumbeat, awakening the courageous spirit within to convert complacent inaction to compassionate action to save our Precious Planet.    To learn more:   An Inconvenient Truth is available as a DVD, and the companion book is available in either soft or hardback versions. The copyright is 2006 and it is published by Rodale and Melcher Media.   National Geographic has published its Special Report, "CHANGING CLIMATE" and presents the topics "What you should know" and "What you can do."   At reports's end, forty-two important resources are listed along with their e-mail addresses.         The Power of I Am John Maxwell Taylor January 8, 2008               John Maxwell Taylor is not “just another speaker” andhis presentation at the Shaker Lakes Nature Center on January 8 made that clear to the more than sixty attendees who packed the room.  We responded with laughter, head nodding, mental light bulbs and plenty of “aha” moments to his life stories, insights and demonstrations.       His message is to change the way you see yourself, the world, and your responses to the world. One of the ways he suggests for making these awareness changes is to live each moment in a state of “conscious acting” while “self-remembering” and feeling the sensations picked up by your body.   This is the third time this reviewer has heard John Maxwell Taylor give a talk, presentation, or retreat.  Each one was inspiring.  No one leaves a Maxwell Taylor presentation without a raised consciousness  and new sense of purpose in life.  His lessons are accessible and can immediately be utilized for a new path in personal growth.      I would recommend all who missed this presentation to visit John’s web site, www.johnmaxwelltaylor.com.  Register at the “Stay in Touch” option to receive email notifications of future events in the area by this internationally-known entertainer, actor and musician.  He is the author of “The Power of I Am”, a hit pick of the One Spirit Book Club.        Review by Kristen Boyesen      John Maxwell Taylor will be the presenter for Shadybrook’s fall  retreat, October 25 - 26, 2008, at River’s Edge. Winter Solstice Celebration 2007 with Laura Christian Imbornoni “Opportunity for New Beginnings”      On December 21, Laura Christian Imbornoni, again treated a fine audience to a wonderful smorgasbord of the various Season Solstice stories with musical accompaniment.      In addition to this bounty, there was a writing exercise and group dancing with the highlight being Laura's graceful solo dance which reminded me of Edvard Grieg's “Anitra's Dance” from his Peer Gynt Suite.      Lastly, the lighting of the candles and finishing off the refreshments-- a truly memorable Solstice Celebration. Submitted by Lois Ruskin   "Horse Spirit: Horses Helping People Heal" with Jackie Lowe Stevenson November, 2007 The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes                    Jackie, a former presenter, is familiar with our organization, and she suggested that Shadybrook as an organization could be perceived as a herd.  After acknowledging  introductory remarks about her many roles and accomplishments, she chuckled and assured us that her horses could care less about “worldly” identities.  Their identities are connected to the herd; at the same time, each horse’s unique qualities contribute to the herd’s identity.  She compared the idea of a “herd,” to that of a “team” since both words are frequently used when implementing  group leadership programs.  “Team” is a sports metaphor, based on the notion of winners and losers.  In a herd, each individual member always belongs.  Survival of each is dependent on the whole herd. Being a herd is all about trust.  She said her herd sent her to us to share their communication mode which has no words, the language of our hearts.  Over 25,000 years ago, petroglyphs portrayed drums because they are the heartbeat of the earth, and a horse walking, blessing the land.  Horses hear through their feet; the pressure of the earth against the foot pumps blood to their heart.  Community drums can give us a similar sense of belonging as they connect us to Earth, the first mother, who is an alive and vibrant being.  In the Mongolian tradition, the drum equals the horse as it carries people to the dream world and other realms of consciousness.  More familiar mystical and metaphysical horses are Pegasus and Sea Horses.              Among the horse language hints that Jackie shared:  ears forward – curious, interested; flat back  - really mad; swishing tail - “you’re in my space!”  She also demonstrated the gaits and attitudes of five horses in her herd, and we got to try them out.)  Qualities shared – Bea:  lead with clarity; Rojo:  age gracefully; Thunderheart:  companionship; Raven:  be playful; Spirit: beauty is inside. Jackie suggested that each “walk” style can reveal different parts of our energetic freedom and aliveness to be who we age into.  Awareness can help free us from the roles we take on to be safe in the world.  For the final part of her program, Jackie led us in two journeys to the beat of her drum and to music that captured the “spirit of horse.”  First, we met or re-connected with our own spirit horse and then we traveled around the four directions of the Medicine Wheel.  Many groups, like a class from the Weatherhead School of Business at CWRU, are beginning to explore some non-verbal herd instruction at Jackie’s Pebble Ledge Ranch in Novely where she also mucks stalls as a meditative practice..  Lessons from the herd include: listening, trust that we’ll get there, and trust that we’re going in the right direction.  Dietz Zeichmann said of Jackie’s program: “Wow! What a holistic evening!  The sights, sounds, images, feelings, and inspiration of horse-sense, gung-ho (working together).”                Review by Linda Durnbaugh     Fall Retreat "Spirituality and Creativity" with Kim Langley, M.Ed. October, 2007 at River's Edge               Shadybrook has done it again!  What a weekend! The timing of this retreat was ideal since I am literally in transition from one state to another as I explore new creative options for re-inventing myself.  To share and explore this Cleveland-based actual and metaphoric “touchdown” with the camaraderie of treasured friends was nothing short of bliss.  I enjoyed seeing the sweet familiar faces; hearing zippy comments that always seem to be delivered with a genuine smile; and the perspectives of interesting, inviting members (old and new).  Many thanks not only to the staff, speaker, and participants; but also to the spirit of St. Joe, the Bountiful, for a friendly place of respite that cradled each participant in its bosom of faith and nourishment for the body, mind, and soul.      The speaker, Kim Langley, was a delightful treat, from beginning to end.  Her depth surfaced like a meandering river.  Each session held the careful stream of thought filtering through our waters to mingle in discussion before heading toward the ocean.  Kim’s own well was both refreshingly nourishing and receptive.  She pulled from all streams of literature, philosophy, religion, psychology, etc.  Her invitations to “drink” were gentle, flexible, and the films, music, and handouts, were excellent.       I rode in a special bus with Vic Leanza to and from the lovely St. Joseph’s Center that encompasses River’s Edge.  I had a great private room.  I swam in a warm pool (anyone who really knows me knows I use the word “swim” loosely).  I had 2 Yoga sessions with Laura Imbornoni….who is always challenging, charming, and certifiable (she knows!!)   I walked with Dietz and Vic past a lovely fenced in garden full of lush fall flowers and still ripe tomatoes.       I filled my cup and drank it up. I am replenished and ready to demonstrate creativity and spirituality. I give myself permission to do so every day.   - Sally Pisarchick         The weekend was indeed a retreat for me, having the opportunity to explore spirituality and creativity and how they are connected.  I felt nurtured by the abundant hospitality, comfort, beauty, and variety of healthy food that was available at River’s Edge.      Yoga was available and much appreciated, with Laura Christian  Imbornoni, early Saturday and Sunday for those early risers.      Kim Langley, the facilitator, was very engaging, light hearted and genuine. She brought to us a variety of exercises and materials to explore, including: poetic readings, prayers, chants, meditation, journaling, discussion and artistic opportunities.      We saw a variety of well chosen, delightful short movies, which were all very different, yet wove together the creative process in a joyful, spiritual and very inspiring way. One of my favorites was “The Dot and the Line”, a cartoon with so much humor and insight.      It was fascinating to see the variety of original creative artwork and to hear the beautiful insights of the other participants.  Kim commented on how many times she has used the “pipe cleaner art” exercise in other seminars, and this group came up with some she had never seen before.       Kim has a gift for bringing forth people in sharing their own faith beliefs with an attitude of openness and respect for where people are at.  She also discussed, with some encouragement, about how some in our culture have “consumerism” as their religion.      Kim brought with her a large variety of books and bibliography for continued exploration on our own.  I thoroughly enjoyed the weekend and Kim’s methods of utilizing a variety of modalities, as well as her openness to the group’s needs.  I was very inspired and touched, and so enjoyed the connections with other Shadybrookers.       Submitted by Annette C. Fine         The  October, 2007 Retreat at Riverside’s Edge on “Spirituality and Creativity”, expertly facilitated by Kim Langley, M. Ed., was a fulfilling experience. There was a wonderful mixture of inspirational slides and videos, as well as participatory self-expression both oral and written, chanting, pipe-cleaner sculptors and lots of laughter. The icing on the cake was watching the English movie, “Millions”: a sweet and delightful fantasy featuring two pre-teen brothers trying to deal with a bag of stolen money seemingly falling from the sky. Well worth seeing again.         Submitted by Lois Ruskin A 22 Cent Day      The Shadybrook Fall Weekend Retreat, Spirituality and Creativity led by Kim Langley at the Rivers Edge Center was attended by close to 20 people. The entire weekend was full, full, full of lively discussion.  Often times heated, but all in good fun. There were a number of short video clips, including: “Touching the Divine” and “Everyday Creativity”. Ample time was allowed for journaling, meditation, prayer, and just plain quiet time.  Inspiring activities included the creation of both two and three dimensional art, with sharing afterwards.  Famous quotes from famous people also added to the discussion.  Many grand ideas were brought forth. I was also introduced to some great books and tapes by my fellow retreatants.  There were more than 20 handouts. I realized creativity is our life.  Each one of us manifesting the Divine in our own particular way, no matter what we do or do not do.  I feel I got more than my 20,000 pennies worth at this retreat. (Inside joke for those who  attended).                   Submitted by Joseph Patella   “Understanding Manifestation" with Dr. Martin Luthke and Linda Stein-Luthke October, 20007 Review by Dietz H. Ziechmann      “The truth must be repeated over and over again; because error is repeatedly preached among us, not only by individuals, but by the masses. In periodicals and cyclopedias, in schools and universities, everywhere, in fact, error prevails, and is quite easy in the feeling that it has a decided majority on its side. Often, too, people teach truth and error together, and stick to the latter.” Goethe (1850)      The couple gave us a little respite from a weary, toilsome world, a moment of peace in the midst of modern day turmoil. We began the evening with a moment of peace offered by Ron Bracale. Then the Luthkes began their presentation as we gathered seated in a circle of chairs in the tranquil ambiance of the Nature Center of Shaker Lakes; he cool, intellectual, and logical, she warm, intuitive, and imaginative. “We won’t tell you anything you don’t already know, deep down inside, but it’s nice to have a chance to gather together, relax, and meditate.” We had a chance to meditate with the synergy of a friendly, appreciative group, to clear our minds of distractions, to focus on the important things, which are of an intangible, ineffable, transient, metaphysical world. Dr. Luthke cited the contrast between the World of Illusion perceived by the physical senses (called Maya in Sanskrit) and the multidimensional World of Reality, transcending time and space, the universe of endless possibilities and personal empowerment and creativity. The concept is so simple and profound, yet enormous in its ramifications, that it is often overlooked.      Let me elaborate a little. A wooden chair and a wooden table are real things, tangible to our touch, yet our routine thinking about such objects is that they are “solid objects”, and at one level, they certainly are. Yet, they are also composed at different levels of transformed plant cells (drawn from a living organism) and at a further level of great multitudes of atoms further subdivided into subatomic particles and waves (which have the oscillating properties causing them to be known as “wavicles”) influenced by a close observer. This is quantum physics which leads us to recognize that all matter and -- even anti-matter? – is energy in motion. A concept to think about and enjoy.   “The Extraordinary Being, You” with Ron Bracale September, 2007 Submitted by Beth Bracale        Due to a family emergency, the presenters for September were unable to give their program.  Ron Bracale stepped in and gave his own version, complete with meditations, flute music, and Qi Gong movements. It turned out to be an inspiring evening.  Here is an exercise that participants enjoyed. Try it yourself, and have fun with it. You might be surprised at where it might lead you. Taken from LifeLaunch: A Passionate Guide to the Rest of Your Life by Frederic M. Hudson and Pamela D. McLean, 2006. The Hudson Institute Press.  (Ed. Note: Hudson and McLean theorize that our lives can be broken down into specific chapters, such as childhood, the teen years, college, building your career, raising children, etc. They encourage people to create the chapters in their lives, rather than just letting them happen. This exercise can help you decide what you want the next chapter of your life to be like.  Dare to dream!)  1. If you were granted one wish for the next chapter of your life, what would it be?  2. If you could live out the next chapter of your life in any place in the world, where would you go?  3. If you could hire three advisors to guide the next chapter of your life, who would they be?  4. If you could inherit money to fund the next chapter of your life, how much would that be?  5. If you could move now to some future point in your life, what are you doing and who is with you?  6. If you have children, how would you like them to be five years from now?  7. If you were recognized as a gigantic success at the end of the next chapter of your life, what would you be known for?  8. If you could have friends attribute one quality to you at the end of the next chapter of your life, what would you want it to be?  9. If you could have someone from the past work for you as your personal assistant in the next chapter of your life, who would it be and why?  10. If you could provide a title for the next chapter of your life, what would it be?    Active Dreaming with Brett Joseph May, 2007 Review by Vic Leanza        Brett Joseph, who has followed many of his own dreams, introduced us to the "way of the dreamer" as taught by Robert Moss in his school of active dreaming.  Dreaming includes not only what we do while we are sleeping, but, also, what we do while we are semi-conscious or even fully conscious.   As active dreamers, we can reclaim the power of the three "only" things.  1. It's only a dream.  2. It's only a coincidence.  3. It's only my imagination.       After an introduction to the concept of "active dreaming," we joined in a Shamanic ritual while the leader kept a steady drumbeat while we all followed along with rattles and shakers.  We each gave a name or title to whatever dream or reverie came to us during the drumming. A few people shared their dreams in some detail with the whole group.       After that, we broke into pairs and shared our dream with a partner.  There was a lot of energy during the two-person sharing.  Some folks shared the feelings they had experienced during the dream or during the sharing of the dream with another person.      We closed with a circle of contact which brought the evening to a loving and spiritual conclusion.      Brett has made many of his own dreams come true.   He spent his honeymoon sailing Lake Superior in a rented sloop for a week with his new wife.  He worked as an environmental lawyer for the U.S. Department of Commerce, inspecting and helping enforce wetland standards. Recently, he left the security of a federal government position to form a community farm in Conneaut, Ohio where he and other like-minded people plan to grow natural foods, provide opportunities for families to have a farm vacation or for individuals to have a "hands-on" agricultural experience.
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…

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.

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

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

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!

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.

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.

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

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

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).

	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.

"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”!!