Reviews of Previous Programs
Gregorian Chant and Taize
with Jim Bockhoff & Fran Schaul
February 9, 2010
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An Enchanting Evening. A small, intimate gathering of Shadybrookers and guests joined in a circle to experience a sonic world of joy, mystery, and myth as Cantor Jim Bockhoff and Sufi initiate Fran Schaul led us in an exploration of sacred chants from various traditions, both ancient and modern, in a spirit of healing and peaceful intent, harmonizing our souls and minds. We began with a centering moment of silence, and then explored the quantum nature of sound as vibration.
Jim gave a brief nod to the history of chant, going back to Egyptian and Semitic origins, Armenian development, Greek expression, the Latin Mass, Russian Orthodox hymns, and modern embodiments of the choral tradition. The designers of sacred buildings, both in ancient Egypt and medieval Europe, constructed their vessels of spirit to incorporate and amplify the sounds of universe as manifested in chants embodying healing and inspiring powers drawn from the very foundations of metaphysics, of sacred geometry, of the intent of practioners to exemplify the ineffable whole.
Fran led us in a breathing exercise. (Spirit comes from the Latin spiritus, “breathing,” the basic manifestation of human life.) Jim started us out by singing the vowels of the alphabet, particularly prominent in medieval Latin (as opposed to the harsher sounds of classical Latin or the less mellifluous sounds of English). One could feel the healing aspects of the practiced discipline and sense the intent of generations of dedicated composers and spiritual questers bringing their talents to bear in this very special medium.
Submitted by Dietz Ziechmann
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The Sufi Path
with Fran Schaul
January 12, 2010
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Presentation of the Sufi path by Fran Schaul was informative, uplifting and provided much wisdom. Readings, meditations, prayers, and explanations were combined to provide a very well-balanced evening. I found many of the readings and prayers to be “heart felt” and poetic. They validated my own belief system.
The Sufi readings teach acceptance of all – Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, and all forms of indigenous spirituality. What matters to the Sufi is the shared belief of only one truth and one reality, which is that literally nothing exists other than God. Fran explained that the meditative techniques and spiritual practices revolve around remembering our true Divine nature.
Some of the sayings and thoughts I heard that were meaningful were: “At night I pursue God. During the day God pursues me.” I also related to the idea that our spiritual life is not separate from our everyday life. Our ideals are carried into our everyday life.
She read a passage about the mystic’s path in life that I found very beautiful and profound. I loved the reading and follow with some highlights:
A real mystic must show equilibrium and balance. Real mystics will have their head in the heavens and their feet on the earth. The real mystic is as wide-awake in this world as in the other. A mystic is wide-awake, yet capable of dreaming when others are not capable of keeping awake. A mystic strikes the balance between two things, power and beauty. The religion of the mystic is every religion and all religions, yet the mystic is above what people call their religion.
Submitted by Annette Fine
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Gathering Community:
Family, Friends, Neighborhood, World
December 8, 2009
Winter Solstice Celebration
with Laura Christian Imbornoni
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Laura exhibited her usual skill and dedicated enthusiasm in brightening what was one of the dreariest days in the season. She began by expressing recognition of seasonal holidays celebrated at this time of year by various faith traditions, Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanzaa, and the oldest of the group, the winter solstice itself, celebrated with the lighting of candles (and sometimes torches) in northern climes to offset winter gloom.
Laura read from an assortment of poignant quotations from various sources which bemoaned the structural loss of community in so many places and so many ways in contemporary America. Work scatters families, and the physical structure of cities have been designed to serve the conveniences and needs of automobiles, rather than knitting together neighbors, work, and shopping within walking proximity. Electronic media dominates, rather than face-to-face communication; even people living in close proximity to one another remain strangers to one another. Laura, radiating a wholesome, healthy optimism, indicated that we have to make conscious efforts to cultivate community in various ways.
We did some centering, meditating, and chanting. We, the participants, each traded some existential answers to a uniform set of questions printed on cards with a partner seated next to us.
Then we engaged in some dancing circles to free up the imagination and experience a sense of more or less spontaneous joy; Laura is a certified movement therapist DansKinetics Spirit-in-Motion™, as well as an experienced yoga instructor. The engaging sounds of music complemented the value of the words and mental symbols: food for the intellect and food for the soul. Laura brought the evening to a close with a spirited, participatory candle lighting ceremony.
Submitted by Dietz Ziechmann
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Review of Fall 2009 Retreat
Zen Buddhist Retreat:
A Detox for the Mind
with Sensei Dean Williams
October 17, 2009
Submitted by Chris Wimmer
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Seven of us met early on Saturday morning, October 17th, for a one day Zen Buddhist retreat. It was held at the Leanza's beautiful home on the shore of Lake Erie. Our teacher and guide for the day's activities was the Soto Zen Buddhist priest, Sensei Dean Williams. He first reviewed the basics of Zen Zazen or sitting meditation, and how to do the walking meditation.
Throughout the morning and afternoon we participated in cycles of group Zazen and walking meditation. Sensei Williams also shared with us his wisdom and deep understanding of Zen Buddhism through several dharma talks. He broke down the profound teachings of The Four Noble Truths and The Noble Eightfold Path into concepts the lay person could start to grasp. He gave us ample time for asking questions and for discussion. We also chanted the Prajna Paramita. A real treat for the senses was the Zen tea ceremony that Sensei Williams served to us.
This brings to mind the other real treats, the three fine home-cooked meals Fran Leanza prepared for us, not to mention the home-made apple pie we all had for dessert! Was it all that meditation that allowed us to be "in the moment" so we could fully experience and savor the food? Or was it just our material selves enjoying a basic animal need? Or both? Hmm...
To top off a truly relaxing day filled with meditation, learning, and fellowship (did I mention the food?) we were entertained by Sensei William's friends, Michael Chikuzen Gould and his very accomplished student, Brian, in a musical recital of the Japanese flute (Shakuhachi). The music was truly other-worldly as I felt myself transported back in time to ancient Japan.
I left that Saturday evening with a new understanding of Zen meditation and Zen Buddhist teachings. I had met a wise, patient, and joy-filled Zen teacher. I also met new Shadybrook friends. Did I mention the food? I have since begun a daily practice of Zazen and am looking forward to seeing Sensei Williams at the Cleveland Buddhist Temple on Thursday evenings. I'm also looking forward to more Shadybrook retreats!
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Fall 2009 Retreat Photos by Linda Durnbaugh and Beth Bracale
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A Model of the Mind:
Understanding Meditation
with Judy Churchill
November 10, 2009
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Judy Churchill inspired and informed us with her presentation of Yogic Psychology beginning with a chart that compared it to the assumptions, applications, and energy of Western Psychology. Representing the yogic approach was a visual model of the mind which showed us 4 components: Chitta, memory of past impressions; Manas, the instinctive, measuring, or judgemental area; Ahamkar, or the “ego”; and Buddi or higher mind, wisdom, understanding. The mind as a whole, coordinated instrument is referred to as Antarkarana. This mind model portrayed four interlocking puzzle pieces. Judy explained that each is influenced by the other and that a model is only just that; we cannot truly present in words or diagrams what is beyond both.
When practicing meditation, we are striving to “polish” our Buddi so that we can make better decisions. “No one can teach you to meditate,“ said Judy, “but, you can learn techniques of meditation.”
We had the opportunity to experience two meditation techniques. Concentrating on the breath is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to meditate for many people, so we tried it, counting breathes backwards from 54. I find this technique very useful myself, having learned it in one of Judy’s meditation classes at the Holden Arboretum. The deal is you have to start back at Number 54 if you lose track or let your mind wander!
The second meditation technique we tried was Stage One of Antar Mouna, which translates from the Sanskrit as “Inner Silence” and has five stages which increase in difficulty. In Stage One, we purposely immerse ourselves in our senses. With Judy’s guidance, we used each of our senses. Focusing for a period of time on what we could hear, see, smell, and touch (like clothing on your skin, feet on the floor, etc). However, you can focus on as many senses as you wish during this practice. The beauty of this technique is that you can do it any time during your day – whether you’re sitting in a traffic jam or a boring meeting at work.
Judy’s own wisdom from her study of Satyananda Yoga and years of personal practice were evident in her explanations for a wide range of questions from “Can prayer be meditation?” to “How do dreams fit into Yogic psychology?” More esoteric questions dealt with the plurality of Hindu gods as aspects of the whole, all leading to ONE. Indeed, we are all One.
Thank you, Judy, for broadening my understanding of meditation and its roots in the philosophy of India. For anyone interested in more information about meditation or Yoga, I would recommend any of Judy’s classes or visiting her website: www.yogic-wisdom.com. There you will find a complete explanation of Antar Mouna, an opportunity to write in questions, and also a listing of Judy’s classes.
Submitted by Carla Durnbaugh
Sharing Music and Poetry
with Vic Leanza
October 13, 2009
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After an absence of a few years, it was good to revive this music and poetry program. Vic Leanza presented a wonderful mixture of music which included “Sakura Sakura” which was a featured theme in two movies, “Saranoya” & “Teahouse of the August Moon.” Vic also read several poems by Emily Dickinson, including “Love” and Pain.” Other musical selections were the 2nd movement from Caselviechio’s “Guitar Concerto,” as well as “Xylophone Blues,” recorded by Vic’s son, David, and performed at his college Senior Recital.
The last hour was devoted to audience participation in which various musical selections were played and individuals read poems they had written or brought to read. Among those who read were Barb Mallin who wrote a touching poem about a personal relationship; Suzette Cohen read from an anthology; and Ron Bracale read a poem he composed during the meeting! Ron brought the evening to a close by playing a lovely composition on his new Native American flute.
It is to be hoped that this will become a yearly part of our Shadybrook programming.
Submitted by Lois Ruskin
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Vic Leanza at Leanza Lake House on the shore of Lake Erie.
(Photo by Linda Durnbaugh)
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Emotional Detox
with Linda Kirby
September 8, 2009
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What a delightful evening! Not only did I feel physically and emotionally energized after the Emotional Detox presentation with Linda Kirby, I felt enlightened and happy. She stressed happiness throughout and encouraged belly laughs. I laughed. We all laughed.
Preparing the body for the Detox is done with breath work and physical exercise. We learned about the healing effects of the Inner Smile. We also learned about the six healing sounds and colors associated with Emotional Detox that help to rid the body of toxins. Using eye movement left to right, and then right to left with eyes closed helps to release negativity and to then embrace positive emotions.
Linda Kirby led us through the Emotional Detoxification of all our major organs. I found it refreshing to have a smile as the instrument of self healing. As Linda explained, a smile is not just on one’s face, it is in your heart, and that smile can be sent to each vital organ in our bodies. She showed us that a smile can communicate with our life force. |
As the evening drew to a close and with the lights dimmed to near darkness, we were treated to a “Gong Bath.” Through the ten-minute series of soft and strong gong sounds, we absorbed vibrations that release emotional and physical blocks. The sounds resonate through one’s entire body; the skin, the muscles, the bones and the lymph system, the organs and cells. It is felt in your every breath. It echoes in your thoughts. When the lights were turned back on, I think I can speak for just about everyone, when I say we didn’t want the moment to end.
Linda Kirby is a certified Kundalini Yoga and Meditation teacher. Kundalini Yoga incorporates all aspects of yoga, physical, mental and spiritual. Oi-Gong is the science of cultivating the body’s internal energy called Chi. The exercises are used as a preventative against symptoms of old age and sickness and to help restore one’s life force. For more information about Linda Kirby, go to www.clevelandbodywise.com.
Submitted by MaryAnn Myers
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