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| Humanity's Team Canada - June 2006 Newsletter | |||||||||
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Have you asked the question, "What does Humanity's Team do?" The
answer to that inquiry is as various as the individuals who do the asking. In
this month's newsletter a compilation of reflections about one shared
experience, a retreat called Faith in the Rockies that was held in the beginning of May
with NDW, will offer examples of the different answers each person found to
their question, "How am I a part of Humanity's Team?"
The outside world we share is bombarded by fearful consciousnesses. We strive
to balance that outside input through listening to our Divine Selves and
following our hearts.
We can resent the world we've inherited (living in the past), we can worry
about the state of the world (living in the future), or we can stay in the
moment. When we stay in the now, we have the energy we need to work toward the
spirit of forgiveness to resolve past issues, or the solutions we'll need to
step into a glorious future. We were born perfect, and despite beliefs to the
contrary, we are perfect now.
We have asked ourselves, "If not me, whom, if not now, when?" In joining
together as co-creators of Humanity's Team our confidence that we are the
answers grows. We welcome you to join Humanity's Team and let your intention to be the change
in your world be known. | |||||||||
| A Message from our Country Coordinator | |||||||||
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Dear Teammates,
It’s been a busy time for me this past month. At the beginning of May, it was
my great pleasure to spend time with a group of about 100 people in Canmore,
Alberta for Faith in
the Rockies with Neale Donald Walsch. I had an amazingly wonderful weekend,
and being able to meet people I have only had contact with by email and phone in
the past was very special.
Shortly after Faith in the Rockies, Barry Auchettl, the creator of ‘Conversations – An Inspirational Game’ was here in Calgary to
do a workshop called ‘Step Into Your Power’ (He then went on to Ontario and
Quebec) and I had the opportunity to learn a lot about myself through this
workshop and this amazing game.
I’ve recently been asked to sit on the board of director’s for The Group of 1000 and will
be heading down to Ashland, Oregon in August for my first Board meeting. I’m
looking forward to that.
There have been many changes in my life recently, mostly ‘good’ changes – and
by that I mean conscious changes, and those that are moving me forward. I
understand that there is a certain amount of stress that comes with change, and
I was talking with Ruth Luna (Country Coordinator for HT Peru) this morning, and
we were discussing this concept. She shared some wisdom with me that is so
exciting and empowering for me that I wish to share it with you. She shared that
for her, she’s noticed that it’s not change which she finds unsettling but this
period within change where we’re not anymore where we were, but we’re still not
where we want to be... like sitting between two chairs.
If you find yourself between two chairs, I invite you to enjoy the standing
while you are standing. I suspect that in doing so, finally taking the second
seat will be so much more amazing.
Sending you all love,
Chers Coéquipiers, chères Coéquipières,
Le mois qui vient de passer fut pour moi une période très occupée. Au début
de mai, ce fut un immense plaisir pour moi de partager une fin de semaine avec
100 personnes à Canmore, en Alberta, à l'occasion de notre retraite "Célébrons la Foi au cœur
des Rocheuses", avec Neale Donald Walsch. Cette fin de semaine fut
merveilleuse pour moi, en plus de la joie que j'ai ressentie en pouvant enfin
rencontrer des gens avec lesquels je n'avais qu'échangé des courriels ou des
appels téléphoniques jusqu'ici.
Peu de temps après cette retraite, Barry Auchettl, le créateur de "Conversations; the Inspirational Game" (c.-à-d.
"Conversations; l'inspiration par le jeu"), nous visitait à Calgary (pour
ensuite se rendre en Ontario et au Québec), afin d'animer un atelier intitulé
"Step Into Your Power" (c.-à-d. "Puise en ton pouvoir intérieur"). Cet atelier
autant que ce jeu me donnèrent une merveilleuse opportunité de me connaître
encore mieux.
Récemment, on m'a demandé de faire partie du conseil d'administration de "The Group of 1000" (c.-à-d.
"Le Groupe des 1000"), dont la réunion se tiendra en août prochain. J'ai bien
hâte de participer à ma toute première réunion de ce conseil.
Récemment, beaucoup de changements se sont produits dans ma vie et, pour la
plupart, ce sont de " bons " changements - ce que je veux dire ici, c'est que
ces changements furent conscients et m'amènent à avancer dans la vie.
Je comprends qu'il y a un certain niveau de stress qui vient avec le
changement et, ce matin, je parlais de ce concept avec Ruth Luna (la
coordonnatrice nationale de HT pour le Pérou). Je fus tellement emballée par ses
paroles enrichissantes que je souhaite les partager avec vous. Elle m'a
mentionné que, pour elle, ce n'est pas tant le changement lui-même qui est
dérangeant mais plutôt ce lapse de temps durant lequel nous ne sommes plus où
nous étions auparavant, tout en n'étant pas encore où nous souhaitons être…
c'est comme être assis entre deux chaises.
Si vous vous retrouvez "assis entre deux chaises", je vous invite à profiter
de cet endroit où vous vous retrouvez présentement. Je soupçonne qu'en agissant
ainsi, il sera encore plus merveilleux d'occuper la prochaine place.
Avec amour,
Tanya Dixon
C'est avec une grande joie que je me joins à Tanya pour souhaiter la bienvenue à Marilyn Rowe en tant que coordonnatrice provinciale pour le Québec. J'ai eu le plaisir de rencontrer Marilyn à plusieurs reprises et je suis confiante que vous serez heureux autant que je le suis d'avoir l'opportunité de partager avec cet Être de Lumière. Si vous êtes intéressés à soumettre des textes en français pour notre prochain bulletin, veuillez les faire parvenir soit à marilyn@equipehumanitecanada.com soit à mireille@equipehumanitecanada.com et nous nous ferons un plaisir de communiquer avec vous en français. Mireille
Cantin | |||||||||
| The Team | |||||||||
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Tanya
Dixon - Country Coordinator HT Canada is
growing, and we are ready for teammates to step up into other stewardship roles
within our organization! There are openings for provincial coordinators,
functional team coordinators, functional team members, and group hosts and
facilitators. These roles are easily filled with ten hours or less of your time
a month. If you feel the call to fill a role, email connect@humanitysteamcanada.com
– we’d love to hear from you!
Sending much love and many blessings. | |||||||||
| A Message from Neale Donald Walsch | |||||||||
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Neale Talks About "Right" and "Wrong"…
One of the most controversial concepts in the messages of CwG is the idea
that there is no absolute right and no absolute wrong in God’s universe.
The human mind finds this difficult to accept. If there is no absolute right,
how can we know when we are on the path to God? By what measure shall we
estimate our progress? By what determination shall we know what our actions
should be in any given circumstance? How shall we create our laws? What shall
constitute our values? And how shall we justify the meting out of our
punishments?
The difficulty some people have with the "no right or wrong" message in CwG
is that they assume the book to be saying that we need to eliminate "right" and
"wrong" from our ways of doing things, and they do not see how we can proceed
with any kind of orderly society if we do that.
Regarding the first assumption, they are mistaken. Regarding the second, they
are correct. We cannot, given our current stage of development as a species,
have an orderly society if we abandon our ideas of "right" and "wrong."
Yet the CwG trilogy does not ask us to do that. It does not even suggest that
this would be a good thing for us to attempt. Indeed, it does exactly the
opposite. It suggests that we hold tight to our values, so long as we see that
they serve us.
There is the key point. Values are only values so long as they are
value-able. That is, able to be of value. We once thought it value-able to burn
witches at the stake in this country, and we did so. Since then, our values have
changed, and we don’t do that anymore. We may shoot doctors at abortion clinics,
and we may electrocute murderers, but we no longer burn witches. So one presumes
our society has made a step up.
The dialogue says that "every act is an act of self-definition". It is
precisely through our choices about what we currently call "right" and "wrong"
that we define ourselves as individuals, and as a society.
So the CwG statement that "there’s no such thing as right and wrong" is not
an argument for abandoning our current notions about what is right or wrong. It
is an argument for being clear that our notions are precisely that; our notions.
They represent our current ideas about things.
This has nothing to do with objective reality. In other words, it would be
inaccurate to suggest that the reason we should make these our values is because
these are God’s values.
God has no values. In the sense that God thinks that one course of action is
"right", and another "wrong", God has no values. He has no preference in the
matter. She does not sit in judgment saying, "You did this, and I wanted you to
do that, so now you must be punished".
Repeatedly, CwG makes the statement that "your will for you is God’s will for
you". This is difficult for many people to accept. It means, quite literally,
that you may do whatever you wish, without recrimination from the Lord.
What we must do to make some sense out of the "no such thing as right and
wrong" message of CwG is decide to stop using force (economic, spiritual,
physical, emotional) in our attempts to get others to accept and adopt our point
of view on things.
What allows us to use such force now, and to do so with impunity, is our
thought that, after all, "right is on our side", and so, we are justified in
whatever we are doing to get others to see that.
And let’s be clear on something, or else even this discussion will be bogged
down in misunderstanding. The reason for not using force is not that using force
is "wrong". The reason to stop using force is that it doesn’t work. War doesn’t
work. Fighting and killing don’t work. Economic blackmail doesn’t work. Not for
a society which says it wishes to live in peace and harmony.
CwG, Book 3 makes the point that Highly Evolved Beings (HEBs) living in
advanced civilizations are different from human beings in two ways. First, they
observe what is so, and, second, they do what works. Among the largest number of
humans, observing what is so and telling the truth about it, is not common, and
doing what works is even more rare.
The point here is that HEBs do not have a value system based on artificial
concepts such as "right" and "wrong", but rather, on what "works" and what "does
not work" for their health, welfare and happiness.
If we applied such a rule-of-thumb here, everything would change overnight.
- NDW | |||||||||
| DiscoverOneness.com | |||||||||
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 DiscoverOneness is an interactive web page that allows us to talk talk, and or text talk with each other through our internet connections. Much like a two way radio operates, while one individual shares, the other voices are silent. What is most unique is that one is able to text chat while someone else is talking offering unparalled efficiency in communication terms. (And it's not considered impolite to be text talking while someone else is talking). The only equipment required to meet and talk to people from across this land and around the world is a headset with a microphone. Simply type in the words www.discoveroneness.com, download the program from the "CHAT" link (about one to five minutes down load time depending on your connection speed) and you’ll be able to join us for our regular meditations or set up your own meetings. As we’ve experimented and explored our oneness through discover oneness our sense of wonder has grown in direct proportion to our experiments. We have held meditations, business meetings, and emotional support groups through the medium and have only touched on the smallest potential contained within this new website. It is a joy to be able to announce that Humanity’s Team Canada has been gifted the privilege of turning DiscoverOneness.com over to the world. We are looking for facilitators for these meetings, please fill out this form on the DiscoverOneness website with your suggestions and ideas. | |||||||||
| Our Prayer Jar | |||||||||
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Have you ever wondered whether you were praying
"right"? Have you wondered if those prayers were being heard? My friend Nannette
shared an idea about how to answer both those questions that I'd like to share
with you.
She has a prayer jar (hers is a big mason jar), sitting in a prominent place
by the phone in her kitchen. On top of the prayer jar is a sticky note pad. As
the need to say a prayer for someone arises she writes the persons name on a
sticky pad, with an intention of love, forgiveness, healing, whatever is
appropriate. When the need is great a persons name can go in the prayer jar as
many times as it takes. Nannette described her most uplifting days as being the
days she's taken the best part of a day to put prayers into the jar for
everybody in her world.
I pass this story on by way of inviting us all to set up our Prayer Jars.
Simply write a name, and set your intention with a word or two. Through the day,
when your thoughts turn to the Prayer Jar it is as easy as focusing your
intentions on sending a prayer to all the names that have been collected.
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| DAYDREAMS Art Glass is delighted to introduce the art glass "NORTHERN LIGHTS" | |||||||||
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Now only available on through the HT Canada Website, these hand painted "fat albert" light bulbs
will give you up to fifteen hundred hours of viewing pleasure. When lit up the
spirals of color painted onto the light bulb simulates the effect of the aurora
borealis or Northern Lights onto walls, or ceiling.
They will make a stained glass lamp effect out of an ordinary white
lampshade.
The coloured flecks of relief work on the bulb insures that when a bulb has
finished its life as a light bulb they can be hung on your Christmas tree or in
the garden as an ornament.
Artist's Bio: An order of six light bulbs will receive a 10% discount of the $72.00 price to $64.80 plus shipping. Shipping is $12.00 within Canada or US regardless of the size of the
order. | |||||||||
| Online Art Auction | |||||||||
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The first HT Canada online art auction is
running!
Up for auction is this beautiful stained glass piece titled "Eagle Eye". This
piece is being donated by Anne
Cressy, with all proceeds donated to HT Canada.
Please visit the auction page on the HT Canada website HERE for auction status, rules, and to make a bid.
 HT Canada is accepting art pieces for future auctions. If you would like to donate a piece to be auctioned please let us know by emailing us at auction@humanitysteamcanada.com | |||||||||
| Humanity's Team Canada is Really Growing!!! | |||||||||
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Tomorrow’s God by NDW contains the following inspiration in which God is quoted, saying: "Live this message of the nonseparation, of the Unity of Life and the Oneness of All Things. Live it in a practical way, not merely in a conceptual way. Allow it to seep into your being at the deepest level, and become a part of your subconscious and immediate response to every life encounter. Humanity’s Team is founded on this inspiration and collectives are used to do what needs doing at all levels within Humanity’s Team. Collectives exist at the Global Level, and at the National Level. At the local level, collectives are called Humanity’s Team Groups. A major part of our vision here in Canada is to create and support local HT Groups across the Country, giving new and existing teammates a nearby collective, providing them with support and inspiration. These are the foundational units of Humanity’s Team. All Teammates are asked to involve themselves in the creation and support of collectives, thereby being a part of this grass roots movement to serve Humanity and Planet Earth through the collective wisdom and the combined contributions of the many. Should you feel inclined to be part of the creation of an HT Group in your area, please contact your Provincial or Regional Coordinator for their support and guidance. Here are a few of the basics needed to begin this blessed process:
P.S. Those of you involved in group activity based on CwG materials are invited to connect with Humanity’s Team. We are all one, and acting out of that oneness has great mutual benefits.
Presently, Humanity’s Team is a voluntary organization and all vacancies are filled by people volunteering their time. This has certain purity, bringing the focus to our highest self by promoting greater-good motivation. There are those volunteering their time and making contributions at the local level, with your local HT Groups. This is also true of those volunteering time and making contributions at the National Level, known as the Core Team. From time to time, vacancies arise at the National Level and people are called to serve. Should you feel so inclined, please express your interest by contacting your Provincial or Regional Coordinator. Thanks to John Ross for this written example of dedication and love in action! The Group Loop For a listing of all the groups and events being carried out in your area, go to the Humanity's Team Canada website and check the Main Menu. If you have new groups you'd like to start, contact us at connect@humanitysteamcanada.com and we'll be happy to list it for you. You can view Ontario Groups & Alberta Groups online! | |||||||||
| Education and Innerwork Update | |||||||||
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At Faith In the Rockies, Canmore, Alberta, May 5-7th, 2006 On May 5th to the 7th, 2006, HT kids group with Lynne Cox and myself presented the initial children's spiritual retreat program during the Neale Donald Walsch retreat "Faith in the Rockies". This program was created by the Canadian HT kids team as the first stage of the goal to create a spiritual program for children at gatherings and HT groups. 8 children were registered for workshop, with two 4 year old girls, two 6 year old boys and one each of age 7, 8, 9 and 11 (the 9 year old a girl). Lynne and I each brought material selected from a list of materials that had been complied previously (refer to HT Kids Spiritual Retreat program outline), based on the ages of the children in attendance. The organizers supplied us with a dedicated room, paper, CD player, TV/DVD player, pillows, blankets, chairs and couches, flip charts and healthy snacks and drinks between meals. The program times exactly matched Neale's schedule (7-10pm Friday, 9 to noon, 1:30 until 6:00 and 7:00-10:00pm Saturday, 10:00am until 1:00 and 2:00 until 4:00pm Sunday), so parents could fully enjoy their gathering. Lynne and I met each other for the 1st time at the retreat, and agreed to come a day early to put together the agenda for the program. Situated at the Radisson Hotel in incredibly beautiful Canmore, we were awed at the view as we unpacked and sat down choose the agenda together.
A solid format was chosen for Friday PM, and generally for the remainder of the weekend. Lynne is the creator of the "Shining Light Program" for young children, and we chose to stay with younger children activities for the most part, with the intention to fine tune one day at a time as we learned more about those in attendance. We were quick to discover our kindred spirits in the process, and spent wonderful hours each evening compiling our plan from the material brought, while supporting and enjoying each other in the process. Pictures were taken when there was a volunteer to allow myself to withdraw to do so, but many of the most precious moments lie in our memories only!
Themes for the Program: The focus is on introduction of the concepts of spirituality as outlined in the CWG book series in a fun, practical and interactive way. Body, mind and spirit (tri part being) is addressed directly (or indirectly, depending on the age level of the children in attendance) with the incorporation of principles such as chosen lifetimes, soul/light within and finding ones inner voice, communication and listening, equal voice and sharing/caring activities, developing intuition skills, interconnectedness of all life, creative power of imagination, visualization. The underlying theme is Love of Self, with plans in the future for incorporating a portion on diverse cultures and beliefs. Spirituality is definitely the gist, but we wish children to tie this into the everyday stuff of life and have fun!. What Happened? Lynne and I recognized the importance of ourselves models of behaviour for the children, and set the intention of the positive, loving atmosphere for the weekend. From the beginning we were amazed and encouraged at the beauty of the children, the openness, and respect of/for each other. Each session we created a list of activities, alternating between discussion, games, crafts or artwork, stories, music and other interactive activities which were aimed at the sub-themes listed in our outline. We shared who would lead each segment of material. The following is the highlights of what happened. The Friday PM opening was circle time with an exercise of getting to know each other by pairing up and learning more deeply about the other, and introducing your partner to the group. Then an exercise of looking deeply within each others eyes, and expressing how they felt. We then moved into creating life-sized drawings of themselves to hang on the walls, which would tie into looking at feelings each day, and how that would be reflected in drawing their faces and personal energy. Stories were a big part of the delivery of spiritual messages, and an easy way for children to understand and discuss the meaning(s) for themselves. We were constantly amazed that even with the diversity of ages within the group how each could draw something from what was read. The first story was "God Made You Special", a funny, poetic story about vegetables talking about why each of them were special based on physical features. Each child was asked how God made them special, and all of them had something beautiful to share. Neale's story "The little Soul and the Sun" was read next, with lovely discussion following on re-incarnation that had some really interesting responses of what they have felt or seen, and bridging into discussion around seeing angels. From here is was outside for a playtime, as several had been asking and we agreed this was the time, then back to use the remaining time until 10:00pm with the movie "Brother Bear" (a movie about reincarnation and learning to love and understand an "enemy" and all living creatures as one family on this earth).
Saturday AM opened with welcome exercises, and putting new faces on their paper selves to represent their inner feelings that day. Lynne then opened with "Breathing Free" meditation story, and moving on to talking about feelings, and what you focus on grows. Questions were asked to allow the children to explore how feelings (happy and sad) affected how they thought and behaved. Images such as thunderstorms, waves on the ocean and how things always changed were used. A slinky was used a visualization of how certain part of us can g..r..o..w with those feelings, and how we are whole (forming a circle with the slinky) no matter what part of us we are feeling at any one time. Physical feelings were compared to emotional feelings (when you are cold - put on a coat) so emotional feelings can be signals to alert them to pay attention to what the feeling were telling them. Although it was getting almost too much for them at this stage, it moved into breathing to relax, and look at things differently when sad or upset.
 Group with Brian and Lynne and Wholeness (click picture for larger image) Laughter Yoga was next, which the children really enjoyed. The exercise helped immensely in showing how feelings (happy in this case) affected them. Outdoor activity was needed at this point for the children to engage in some play and some healthy energy burn. It then moved back inside to the story "All I see is Part of Me" by Chara Curtis (about a child who discovers the light within, and then expands this vision to see the same light within all living things). The discussion following was about "the light within" each of us. Next was the song "This little light of Mine" followed by a craft called "Blanket of Love". In this (Shining Light Program) activity Lynne introduces how each individual could beautifully decorate paper strips, but when everyone's strips were woven together, it became something of even greater beauty. Saturday PM we were blessed with Master Young Hee and a Dahn Hak session for the children. It was an amazing, high energy session that went spontaneously and beautifully into "I love myself" and movement to feeling personal energy and the body. From here we went to a game of removing one of the senses by blindfolding and through feel, taste and touch, visualizing items being passed around and identify them, one at a time.
 Using Your Other Senses (click picture for larger image) Outdoor activities were next, and the first time we split the children into completely separate activities. Three at a time to the forest nearby learn to sit quietly and silently back to back and observe and record all that was seen, heard and felt in nature. A drawing was made of what each felt was the most interesting thing discovered, and then discussions around what each had recorded (discussions only with the younger group who could not write). A small walk about followed to see more closely what had been observed while sitting quietly (complete with magnifying glasses) and then a gift of sunflower seeds left by each to the animals. At the same time a bubble blowing activity went on in the playground, and observing how bubbles joined, the colours and how long and large they could make them. Games created by the children themselves followed these two activities. Story time was next with "Children of the Earth.. Remember" by Schim Schimmel. A magnificent story that highlights the oneness of all life, as told from the view of the animals and the earth. Questions and answers followed. Immediately following was the story of the "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silvertein (a story of unconditional love). A craft of putting together a puzzle - one piece per child - was introduced as an illustration of wholeness and belonging, and afterward a spontaneous game (suggested by a child) of making a pictures on the floor by arranging their bodies together. The picture shows the fun, with all of us joining!
After supper Saturday was intended to be a quieter time with movies from Kids Spiritual cinema. "Ryans Well" - about a 6 year old boy who manifested his dream of a fresh water well for those in Africa, "Paws" - a spoof on animals and their consciousness, and "Finding Neverland" (imagination in adults and children, and the importance of dreams). Paws was well received, but the other movies were not and the children decided to create a tent city. When completed it took up nearly half the room and was promised to left up for the next AM for all to enjoy.
 Tent City and Creators (click picture for larger image) Sunday AM circle time was held within the tent, with each child expressing how they felt at that time, followed by the Shining Star meditation. After creating their faces for representation of their feelings for the day, we began an activity of appreciation where each child was asked to speak about what they appreciated about each other as well as the volunteers who had helped for a few hours within our group. The older children then helped create "We Appreciate" certificates for those volunteers, while others listened to the story "Its OK to be Different" by Todd Parr. Outdoor physical activity and games followed (very popular with all the children - and a good format for Lynne and I to speak or work with a child individually). The indoor tent city was then dismantled while a picture "The soul needs nourishment" was coloured by younger children. We then introduced musical instruments and making music and rhythm together. From here we took the children to a large mirror to study their own eyes then looking at each other and making faces and how all of it affected them.
 Story Time (click picture for larger image) Next was the story "The Incredible You - 10 ways to let your greatness shine through" by Wayne Dyer. It was introduced as 10 mini stories and themes in one, and we worked together one at a time, with separate comments and questions for each theme. Although there was concern it would be too much, the themes in this book are beautifully and simply presented and it in fact held them attentive throughout. Themes were "Share the Good, Find what you love, You are filled with Love, Find a quiet place Inside, Make today great!, Change your thoughts to Good, Take care of yourself, Picture what you want, Everyone is special, especially you and Good thoughts give you Energy". After lunch Sunday we were blessed with Young Hee again, and after observing Lynne and the "Sand Castle Dreams" story and the children describing their visualizations from that, Young Hee chose to respond to the lower energy levels in the room (the children were getting tired) worked with their crown chakras and personal energy in discussion more than actual physical activity. The "I Can Bee" wishes and dreams craft was then introduced, followed by the story "The Value of Believing in Yourself - the story of Louis Pasteur" by Spencer Johnston. Not only was this story about believing in yourself, but introduced well the theme of believing in the unseen, and enduring ridicule for those beliefs. The "I Can Bee" activity emphasized belief in the seemingly impossible based on the life of bees. Appreciation certificates were handed out to the children that highlighted each of the wonderful observations the children had expressed about each other earlier, as well as personal notes of the same from Lynne and I to each of them to take home and remember for the future. We also handed out certificates to each (with the 11 year old Anthony generously offering his incredible calligraphy skills for the certificates) as being the first group to participate and help create the first spiritual retreat program for children. This spontaneously took the children to asking (through the suggestion of one child) to creating posters about the program they had just experienced. Lynne and I both felt this, and the parents comments as they came to pick up their children from that final session- was indeed a very precious gift to us (picture "Lynne and Wilma HT kids"). We also had private times individually with parents to give our observations about their children, and how incredible they really were.
 Kids Posters (click picture for larger image) Conclusions: Although a rather long summary of the 1st HT kids spiritual retreat, the intent is to show everyone that the magic of these children is magic that can be created by anyone or group who wishes to work with children. The rewards of such cannot truly be described, and a suggested list of materials is available for all to try. Many things happened at this program that are unsaid and a result of the high and positive energy created and supported in what was a nurturing and respectful environment for each child as an important part of the group. The children felt and inherently knew this was for each and everyone of them. The program presentation was based on how we perceived their needs and responsiveness while following our themes, and responsive they were! Parents appreciated how the children enjoyed themselves and reflected back to us what their children had spoken and enjoyed of the program. We were rewarded so richly by their eagerness to be with us (and would come to be with us before scheduled times or engage with us in the hallways with small gifts and conversation). Each offered something unique to the dynamics, and all accepted, enjoyed and became unified as a group who openly called each other friends in their statements of appreciation. One 4 year old had to return to her parents when a certain fears set in, but would return with eagerness later, while another older (soul) of a child chose to spend some of the last hours partially with his mother in Neale's session, while still returning to partake of the activities with us he did not wish to miss. One child required far more individual attention from ourselves and volunteers than the rest, but this was accepted and facilitated the progress of the program focus for all. When we look at our intended themes of body, mind and spirit (tri part being) we find it was addressed both directly and indirectly in this case, based on the young ages in attendance. The incorporation of principles such as chosen lifetimes, soul/light within and finding ones inner voice worked well, while communication skills was eliminated based on the 4 year olds in attendance. Listening and respect for others was modeled, and a stuffed Beaver was respected as the "talking stick" in which the holder was respected by all (adults included) as being the one to speak. Equal voice and sharing/caring activities was part of the entire weekend, interconnectedness of all life, creative power of imagination, visualization and dreams were addressed through certain activities and stories, but need more exploration, time and discussion beyond that of a single retreat. All in all, it was a wonderful first attempt at a spiritual retreat program for children, and very positive results to build upon in the future. Much more of the material is waiting to be used that were not based on age of the children in attendance and lack of time. We encourage all HT groups to explore the material (refer to HT Kids Spiritual Retreat program outline) to involve children in their meetings with any of it. Thank you to HT Canada for allowing and supporting this first retreat program to happen! Love and LIFE, Canadian Education and Innerwork Coordinator Also on behalf of
By Wilma Lagerwerf Introduction: HT kids is an initiative of Humanity's Team Canada to create a spiritual program for children. The retreat format is the first portion to initiate for HT kids, with emphasis on HT groups to incorporate this material in their local groups in the future. Overall Theme: Love of Self Sub Themes: The focus is on introduction of the concepts of spirituality as outlined in the CWG book series in a fun, practical and interactive way. Body, mind and spirit (tri part being) is addressed directly (or indirectly, depending on the age and level of the children in attendance) with the incorporation of principles such as chosen lifetimes, soul/light within and finding ones inner voice, communication and listening, equal voice and sharing/caring activities, developing intuition skills, interconnectedness of all life, creative power of imagination, visualization. The underlying theme is Love of Self, with plans in the future for incorporating a portion on diverse cultures and beliefs. Spirituality is definitely the gist, but we wish children to tie this into the everyday stuff of life. Outline of Program: Bring together a variety of activities, stories, art, music and film with the emphasis on getting to know the children in attendance (and the children to each other) with a set of chosen activities on Friday PM, then choose from a range of material listed below to represent each sub theme that seems most suited for the children in attendance. Cues on how to introduce, discuss or explore a theme to what is ultimately chosen from their interest and emphasis is decided on site. Having the children thoughts and input is encouraged and supported at all times, and varied presentation styles taken as a normal part of the agenda. The source of material listed below far exceeds the ability to present in a single retreat, but is brought by guides as material from which to choose and present as considered best to the children in attendance. Choice of Materials/Activities to Date:
(book reviews in process for the above) Music: Children bring their favorite CD’s, and classical and other varied selections brought by facilitators to expand of a theme of energy and feelings created and experienced through music (Mozart / Bach / Vivaldi, Madonna, Alannis Morrisette, Michael Tanaka) Film: Modalities encouraged: Alternate Culture(s): (All of the above is a beginning of what can be used, and is by no means a complete list)
Typical Program location and set up: A large dedicated room with natural lighting, washroom, healthy snack mid morning and PM(s), CD player DVD/Video player and TV. Pillows, blankets ,tables, chairs, flipcharts, art supplies, self directed activity support material, outdoor play area(s), access to nature and a pet therapy cat or dog if possible. Challenges at Retreats: Enough chosen volunteers to help facilitate the amount of personal contact with children that allows for normal individual reactions and behavior in children in a manner that is both supported and guided so the program and experience of it is effective for all children in attendance. Supplies and/or facilities for self directed activities. Benefits at Retreats: No prior judgments by any children’s or guides as all are new to each other and easy to keep the program in the "Now" moment. | |||||||||
| It's The Little Things | |||||||||
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http://www.spiritualcinemacircle.com/?af=30694. A portion of each sign-up through this link will be given to HT Canada. | |||||||||
| Reflections of Faith In the Rockies | |||||||||
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End of work on Friday… I find myself leaving Calgary
on the trip to Canmore. A weekend to myself away from the hustle and bustle of
the city; away from the hustle and bustle of the family. Though I love them with
all my heart, Life knows they take a lot of energy! Cruising west on the
highway, I find that I’m drawn to the mountains like a magnet…. Drawn to the
peace they promise and the immense grandeur of them… Drawn down the road like a
ribbon winding its way across the Kanaskis countryside.
Sun beaming down on me through the car windows… I’m feeling its energy
infusing me as the tension of the work day week eases its way out of my body. As
I drive through the foothills, I gaze into the distance. There’s no doubt about
it. The Rocky Mountains have no parallel. There truly is no way to describe the
beauty and majesty that they hold.
"A weekend in Canmore", I think to myself. What a break… the peacefulness is
something I have looked forward to since I signed up for this retreat back in
September, the months between never seeming to end. I think to myself how much
of a shame it is that we spend so much of our lives lost in the illusion of
every day life... Running from one place to the next, never noticing each other…
Talking, meeting, doing "business"… and never truly connecting. This weekend
promises to be different, though in my thoughts I truly do not have any
expectation... never having attended a Humanity’s Team event before. I guess I
would be considered a "newbie"… I chuckle to myself with the thought as the
mountains continue to roll by.
I pull into the hotel parking lot, and check in, deciding to register before
settling into my room. I approach the table, and two smiling faces greet me…
positive energy flowing right at me… it’s a tangible feeling… I can’t help but
smile and return the energy as I get my nametag and "green dot". As I walk back
to gather my things, I think to myself, "if this is the way the whole weekend is
going to go then I’m in for a real eye opening experience!"
Tonight, Neale is holding a Satsang. An assembly to listen to, talk about and
assimilate the truth. The time is drawing near, so I quickly settle into my
room, then step out for a bite to eat. I make my way into the dining room and
choose a seat next to a set of large picture windows. The grandeur of the
mountains is there with me. There’s a group of people sitting on the other side
of the room, and I notice that Neale is with them. As I make my order and
observe, I notice that he conducts a conversation unlike any person I have ever
seen before, giving absolute and complete attention to whomever he is talking at
the time. I focus on my dinner as I do not want to appear intrusive, but the
energy at the table draws me… During my dinner, Brandon walks by and introduces
himself to me. Having been receiving the Humanity’s Team email over the last few
years, I finally have the opportunity to put a face to the name. Once again, I
am struck with the feeling that this weekend is going to change my whole outlook
on life. The prospect leaves me feeling excited.
In the Satsang. Neale is discussing concepts in his latest book, and the
energy in the room is flowing. Laughter, tears, happiness and joy. All these and
more are felt and experienced as wisdom, curiosity, love and feelings are shared
with and by all who are present. Neale reminds us all to not take for granted
the exceptional beauty of where we are, and where we live - its jaw dropping
beauty. Mixed with the concepts discussed in his new book and the interactions
with all, energy becomes a tangible thing as it flows through all of us, and
reminds us all of why we are there. People of all ages interact and share their
thoughts, with one notable youth bringing us all to a cheer. It’s a wonderful
evening, and it seems to come to an end far too quickly.
I go back to my room to turn in for the night and touch base with my family.
Love sent both down the line and through the air. I think about going to bed,
but I’m too excited for the prospect of tomorrow. Too excited, and it’s only a
few hours into the retreat. I decide to step out for a walk to see which other
souls are out and about. I step outside and look to the stars… Feeling humbled
by the vastness of the universe. At the bar, I sip a beautiful wine, and just
soak in the energy of those around. It’s solitary, but at the same time I feel
that I am far from alone.
Morning retreat. Once again we are moved in more ways than words can
describe. We hear a voice that expresses deep sorrow, and we all feel the pain
of a fiercely majestic people... their deeply spiritual, exceptionally unique
and magical culture on the brink of being lost. We are all moved to tears,
experiencing the pain and feelings of loss. Neale shines his light into the
darkness, and we all feel a sense of release. We hear a voice that describes the
experience of a loved one moved on, and listen in wonder at the meaning behind
the experience. The room is filled with a joy and warmth that infuses the being.
Time for lunch. We eat a wonderful meal, and I decide to take a walk outside
and enjoy the scenery. Gazing at the mountains, Neale’s words from the previous
night come back to me. His reminder to not take this grandeur for granted. There
is no doubt that the world that we are living in is amazing in its complexity,
and exceptionally beautiful in all ways. But looking up at the mountains, I’m
struck with a thought - or perhaps a revelation:
Afternoon retreat. Again, we are plunged into a wondrous experience, filled
with truth and love. Master Young Hee gets us off of our feet and has us move
and interact with one another. This helps to bring us back in touch with our
physical presence and the joy that it can bring us. Fully energized, Neale then
takes us through the awe-inspiring experience of holding our own soul in the
palm of our hand; feeling the pure energy of our beings in a real and very
tangible way… Pulsing in time with our breathing, and infinitely ductile and
flexible. He also demonstrates to us how we can use this energy to heal, and
bring love to those around us.
Dinner. It’s hard to believe that the retreat is now half way done. Like a
great story, I never want it to end. Though I never had any expectations, it has
exceeded all of them so far…
Evening retreat. We continue to explore the wonder that is the human soul,
and what happens to it after death. Resonance is discussed, and Neale
demonstrates to us how we can feel the resonance of things around us in a way
that can reveal to us how beneficial these things may be. Neale also takes us
through a couple of exercises, where we begin to explore the most fundamental
questions of all. "Who am I?" and, "What am I doing here?" During the first
exercise, a number of us have "a-ha!" moments of revelation, and we are asked to
share them with everyone. Being totally unlike myself, I decide to speak up, as
my "a-ha!" moment feels like a big cosmic boot to the rear. We continue onto the
next exercise and most of us share the results with those around us. Some are
quite surprised at how the answers to these questions come about.
Again, I go back to my room to turn in. I touch base, and being too keyed up,
I go back out to walk around under the stars and see who else is out and about…
It appears as if I am not the only one who is infused with an abundance of
energy. Sitting having a drink, I am approached by a soul that I have felt drawn
to for the entire weekend. We have an excellent conversation, and the resonance
is good. After some food and drink, I reluctantly leave this soul to retire to
my room… sleep soon calls me.
Morning retreat. It’s almost over, and I’m feeling a sense of loss already. I
wish that I could stay with this wonderful energy and this group of people
forever. Again, amazing concepts are discussed, and we learn so much about each
other and how we are all of the same stuff. These final hours of the retreat are
open to more interaction, and those who have questions are encouraged to ask and
participate. A voice speaks up in challenge. How can a soul choose to have
horrible things happen to it? How can a child "choose" to be abused? We feel the
pain of the experience and are all moved to tears. Again, Neale shines through
like a beacon and illustrates to us how each of us decides what will happen to
us in this life in order to experience ourselves as who we really are. He
reminds us that when another soul chooses to be the "villain" in these
interactions, we are beseeched to truly remember who they REALLY are,
because they do not.
Lunch break, and I find myself outside sketching the mountains in my book. I
wonder how it is possible to maintain this flow… maintain this energy after I am
no longer in this retreat. How can we all go back to "real life" and maintain
this inertia? Maintain this wondrous feeling of love and acceptance… I wander
through the halls, simply experiencing the energy flow, feeling its varying
strengths and textures. One perceptive soul remarks that I am "beaming", and
that by doing so, I honor them. Hard for me to believe, but at that, I am filled
with even more love… brimming over… I have a permanent smile stuck on my face as
I go back into the room for the last retreat of the weekend.
Afternoon retreat. Others must be feeling the same things as me. Ideas on how
we can bring this wonderful energy with us where we go are discussed. In
relation to that, the question of how we can really, truly experience that we
are all one with each other is asked, because "knowing" this and "experiencing"
this are two completely different things. Neale tells us that we can experience
this at any time by doing three simple things… Making direct eye contact for at
least ten seconds, smiling at each other and touching each other. All things
that are considered uncomfortable to most people. It is revealed that the reason
for this is that if we do these simple things, we will fall in love with one
another… because we will see ourselves looking back. This is simply wonderful,
and I vow to myself to take this with me when I leave. To look every other soul
in the eyes, and fall in love with them.
The retreat is over, and I linger. I feel reluctant to leave, but I must, as
I have obligations to meet. I seek out a few wondrous souls, and though I do not
want to, I must say goodbye…
Goodbye all of you wonderful souls. I will never forget you… Nor will I
forget this amazing experience. I thank all who were involved and thank all who
were responsible for its being realized. I love you more than words!
- Submitted by Joel Sinclair, Calgary, Alberta. Thanks for sharing!
Beloved Ones,
It was a blessing and pleasure to travel to Canmore Alberta in the beginning
of May to participate in a retreat facilitated by Neale Donald Walsch, and to
meet for the first time eyeball to eyeball with my Canadian Humanity’s team
mates. I started the journey visiting with my brother, and each of my three
sons, which meant a visit with my grand daughter Paige before going to Canmore.
By the time I arrived in Canmore I was manifesting a sore throat and beginning
of a cold...just like the one Paige had when we visited.
As a result of that cold I wasn't up to my usual rambunctious self. It was
really discombobulating to feel so helpless and childlike, wanting only to go
home and curl up in a ball. When that wasn't possible, I had to admit to the
people I was sharing the retreat with that I didn't feel well. Everyone was so
kind, someone (I think Brandon, thank you, thank you) even had a bottle of
Vitamin C's brought up to my room when I said I would be staying in bed for the
morning session.
When I examined the situation for the "lesson" I soon realized that this was
the perfect opportunity for me to have to ask for and accept help...not one of
my strong points. During the course of the weekend I found myself receiving
lovely little energy bursts from people, bursts of empathy and concern that,
while they didn't remove the symptoms of the cold, made it possible for me to
keep going. Writing this down and sharing it is part of my commitment to being
the change by acknowledging lessons and offering eternal heartfelt gratitude to
those souls who shared their love when I needed it, in some cases without
conscious awareness.
I realize that usually when we send pictures of a journey we send pictures of
ourselves and the people we visited along the way. It's taken me being home a
week to feel up to trying to capture my journey in words on paper to share with
you all, and it took a picture of our RV to spark the creative writing juices.
Chatting with my husband and a friend about the trip I found myself paying
homage to the valiant vehicle who transported me/us through time and space to
Calgary, and Canmore to Faith in the Rockies. My friend, who knows that we call
our RV, the "Travettski" (my husband has painted the "ski" onto the end of the
word "Travette", short for Travel Trailer) suggested that we could call her
"Tina Travettski". So be it.
Tina Travettski was born with a Toyota four cylinder heart back in 1977, and
then sent to California to be outfitted with a small camper package before
hitting the road in 1978 as the working man's version of the RV set. I spotted
Tina last August, after looking for her for years, in a driveway on our regular
run to town for supplies. My husband Court wasn't nearly as enthusiastic, he
being the one who would have to "pimp our ride" to acceptable levels. The
$2700.00 price tag probably looked like a cheap way to get my want for an RV
met.
After hundreds of hours of tender loving care and attention from Court, Tina
was reborn. She trekked over 1300 miles in a two week period, offering bed and
coffee daily, without missing a beat. My pride in her is based in part on the
fact that at twenty eight years of age, she’s a unique way for my husband and I
to express our beliefs about living in an environmentally friendly way while
enjoying the benefits of technology.
Tina loves adventure with a leaning toward economy class. Her dual rear axles
give her a certain rock when you roll over in her at night. I’m singing Tina’s
praises and sharing them with you because she is an expression of being the
change we wish to see in the world.
I’d been on the road visiting family for a week before picking up our B.C. HT
Coordinator Helen Layton outside Salmon Arm on Wednesday to share the rest of
the journey to Calgary and Canmore. Many thanks to Helen for helping me set up a
Daydreams Art Glass show in the Radisson Hotel on the Friday afternoon and to
everyone who made purchases over the weekend. I have a $45.00 dollar tithe,
representing 10% of those sales for HT Canada’s coffers.
After months of planning and pining it was a delight to easily find Tanya’s
and Brandon’s home in Calgary (because of Helen’s help with maps) in a beautiful
older neighbourhood with ideal parking on the street for Tina the RV. Most
perfect was finally meeting Tanya and Brandon in the huggable flesh. I know I
can speak for the three of us when I say that our feelings at that first meeting
covered the complete gamut of human emotion. We each found ourselves returning
to touch and look again at the beautiful gift of love made physically visible
for the first time in each other’s eyes.
It was the next day when Tina Travettski transformed herself into the
Humanity’s Team Express Bus from the Calgary airport to Tanya’ house that her
fame was insured. She carried team mates Lynne Cox, (Vancouver), Wilma Lagerwarf
, (Ontario), and in the front seat next to me riding navigator, Roger Dafoe,
(Ontario) and their luggage. That drive across Calgary stands out as one of the
many memorable moments of my journey. It seemed to me as our driver that we were
being carried along as much by our high spirits and love as we were being
carried along by the gasoline in Tina‘s fuel tank.
The afternoon we spent getting to know each other in the front yard, is a
another precious memory. Karen Coffee, from Atlanta and a representative of the
CWG Foundation arrived with Brian Dickson an active member of the CWG study
group at the Unity Church in Calgary and awesome shining light chauffeur person.
That evening most of us attended the CWG meeting at the Unity Church to be
surprised by an impromptu visit by Neale and Master Young Hee. The energy in the
church had been raised through a Dahn Yoga workshop that Master Young Hee had
presented, co-facilitated by Neale through the day and made an ideal springboard
for more wonderful energy raising through drumming, praying and sharing our
stories.
I met Robbie at that meeting, a team mate whose support almost a year before,
when I first walked into the HT world, was instrumental in signing, sealing and
delivering my participation within HT Canada. We knew each was the other that
night, at first sight…like love at first sight, only better! I met Rachael and
Diana as well that night and though we’d never made contact before it was if I
was meeting sisters I’d known since time began.
As I write names down, like Gina and John's I savour these memories and
realize there are enough names to fill another couple of pages about this
journey. There is one name though that attracted us all and I’d like to share
more about that part of my experience.
On Thursday evening I met Neale as a team mate at a CWG study in the Unity
Church in Calgary, that was inspiring. On Friday evening I was part of a Group
of 1000 gathering at dinner with Neale, Master Young Hee, Rita Curtis (Director
of the Group of 1000), that was informative. I was able to ask Neale a question
that had been on my mind since first becoming part of this movement. "What" I
asked, "Are you doing about the Neale worshipping that goes on around your
person?"
Over the weekend I grew to identify with and love Neale’s sense of humour,
but that evening I was a bit taken aback by his flippant quick retort "I love
it…why stop it?". I quickly returned with, "That’s what I thought". Neale then
looked me in the eye and spoke seriously to the question. In short his answer
was that the more he resists those that would worship him, the less those that
would worship can hear him.
I share my question and Neale’s answer with you by way of illustrating an
important aspect of the CWG message that Neale/WeAreOne serves. We have a
tendency to see other people as "more" than we are, especially successful
authors conveying the kind of message that Neale is. That tendency means we’ve
put another human being on a pedestal, a place that Neale for example will not,
can not stand on. The real question is "If not you who, if not now, when?"
If there is anything I would share about my experiences at the retreat with
Neale it would be that I met a passionate, inspired ordinary man whose example I
am more willing than ever to follow. It was a joy to be reminded in person of
the CWG message from the "horses" mouth, it was a wonder to witness the message
being taken in by so many people. The passion of Neale's intentions when he uses
the words " I am going to save the world" was surpassed when he shared a simple
formula he suggests we use to "save the world" too. The recipe goes like
this...look deeply into every eye and smile while holding that eye for a minute
and a half and you'll find yourself falling in love. Combine the smile, and eye
contact, with physical touch, and you've engaged in an act that just charged our
world with love.
As I write this I again bask in the glow of so many open heart chakras
creating and exchanging powerful and intimate moments for themselves and each
other, with Neale as a heart chakra conductor for the chorus. As the energies
moved from the profound through to the profane and back, our oneness was made
manifest to some degree, for every person (including hotel staff) coming within
the glow of that circle.
Another memory of special import to me is of the hour Master Young Hee shared
Dahn Yoga with us. Set in the middle of an afternoon of sitting and listening,
I, who have never been attracted by any yogic practices, found the exercises and
affirmations she led us through a perfect refreshment of body, mind and spirit.
Knowing that Young Hee’s smile is sufficient to lighting up any room, combined
with her mastery of Dahn Yoga, I will avail myself of the first opportunity in
the future to take one of her workshops.
Tina Travettski and I spent our last night in Canmore at a "real" RV park. I
plugged her in and she rocked me to sleep and kept me warm through the very
light snowfall that fell. If you have any reminisces of our time together,
please send them on…I’d love to see or hear from you again!
Sending tons of love, heaps of peace and oodles of laughter.
- Submitted by Anne Cressy, Lund, B.C.
Faith in the Rockies has helped me to take a different perspective when
looking at not only the past events in my life, that I had formerly placed in
the "permanently scarring" category, but I am also viewing everyone and
everything that happens with a new lense. I feel sort of freed, a kind of
release that is hard to capture in words - I just feel different. I have started
classes at our local Dahn Yoga centre which has helped me remain in touch with
my soul energy that I first felt at Faith in the Rockies. I've introduced the
children in my grade1/2 class to breathing exercises, yoga and brain gym. But
the most moving, although fleeting, experience that I have had since the event
involved a homeless man.
I was sitting in my car and busy counting up my change and marvelling at how
much money I suddenly seemed to have (my bank account seemed to have more money
than I'd previously thought and my credit card balance was less than I 'd
expected). This fellow walked by with his grocery bags: one for plastic, one for
cans and bottles and started to go through the can outside the coffee place.
When he was done, he carefully emptied and stacked all the paper cups on top of
the lid. I couldn't figure out why, they weren't worth any money. He didn't ask
me for anything or even look at me but I suddenly felt connected to him and
thought of Neale's words - Don't ever pass judgement, don't ever ignore the
homeless, just give them the dollar. I suddenly went after the fellow and caught
up with him in the next parking lot and again he was sorting the rubbish. I
rolled down my window and asked him how he was doing and if he was okay. He said
he was fine. I asked him if he could use a few dollars and he looked at me with
disbelief but then recovered and said that he was okay and he had some money. So
I said, "Then you're just doing this job because you like to?" He sort of
shrugged and nodded. I told him I seemed to have more than I needed this morning
and I'd like to share it with him. He asked if I was sure that I could spare it.
I said yes and held out my hand. He came over to the car and I gave him some of
my coffee money. I looked right into his eyes and he into mine. I thought to
myself,"he is beautiful inside" and at the same time he said, "You're beautiful,
thanks."
Before Faith in the Rockies I thought I was short on cash - nothing changed
but I don't see it that way anymore. Before Faith in the Rockies I would have
rolled up my window and locked the door if a homeless person wandered close by.
I've always felt a connection to mountains and I love to hike to peaks. I almost
feel as though I've been visiting all these mountains searching for something
that I finally found. I was in the right place, at the right time. And by the
way, I realize now that I was meant to meet Neale and hear his words.
Thank you and Tanya for sticking your necks out and creating a venue for my
first baby-step into a better life. You're courageous.
Marlene Mitchell
- Submitted by Marlene Mitchell, Vancouver, B.C....eternal love and gratitude
to you Marlene for sharing your story with us.
Neale Donald Walsch Interview:
Neale did a television interview in Calgary during the Faith In the Rockies
event. Click HERE to view it. | |||||||||
| Canwest Regional Update | |||||||||
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Onederful news, Alberta now has a provincial
Humanity's Team Coordinator. Rod Caroca of Edmonton has volunteered for the
position. He can be reached at: rod@humanitysteamcanada.com. He is
here to help Alberta Teammates grow into the grandest vision of themselves that
they can, (you can) imagine. Contact him and welcome him in his role as a
Messenger of the New Spirituality!
An Edmonton Teammate is working towards setting up a study group for Edmonton
and area Teammates. Once the details are arranged those Teammates who expressed
an interest in meeting in study groups will be contacted. If there is anyone
else who is not listed in our data base, which has the interest please contact
me and once the group is established I'll be happy to send you the information.
The information will be posted on the Humanitysteamcanada.com website once the details are worked
out.
Recommendation
John Thompson | |||||||||
| B.C. Teammate Update | |||||||||
|
May 25th, 2006
Hello Everyone,
Last week Helen Layton – BC’s Humanity’s Team Coordinator sent you an email
indicating that I would be contacting you so I am hoping this is not an
intrusion for you at this time. The last thing most of us need is more email.
However, if this is not an intrusion and if you will allow me a few minutes of
your time, this message may be of great interest to you in the context of who
you really are and the statement you may wish make about that in the world
today. I invite you to please read on.
My name is Rene Beauchamp and I am the Vancouver Humanity’s Team Coordinator.
My wife Lynn and I live in North Vancouver. I work for a First Nation Non-profit
Society (FNSDS) as a staff
trainer/facilitator and policy advisor for First Nations bands across BC. Lynn
is a research nurse and patient educator in the field of breast cancer research
at St. Pauls and UBC Hospital . We have three grown children and two grand
children. We are part of a meditation group, are amateur astronomers, on and off
artists, kayakers and sailors. Mostly we love to spend time with our family and
friends. We have been familiar with the CWG books for over 5 years. The
information in the CWG material has impacted our lives in the most
transformational way. Not that the information was anything new per se, (for we
had been on the spiritual path for over 20 years and had studied many approaches
and disciplines and we have a chosen spiritual path) but more importantly, the
information has reawakened for us that inner knowing and hope that had been a
little bit obscured, leading us to being a little bit less optimistic about life
and mankind. Life’s challenges, trials and tribulations and identification with
it all can sometimes do that, don’t you think? The CWG material has and
continues to help us put it all in perspective.
It may be the same for you and it may be one of the reasons that you have
joined Humanity’s Team. Somehow the material resonates with you and who you
really are and perhaps you have joined Humanity’s Team to make that statement to
the world? Perhaps you have also joined to put that knowing, caring into action
and to be part of something that offers a positive and possible solution to
impact the way things are in your life, your community and/or the world?
Recently I joined The Group
of 1000 after my wife Lynn and I attended one of Neale’s workshops in the
Canmore Alberta. One of the commitments that I made to myself after that
workshop was to take a stand about bringing into being and into my experience -
a planet that will resolve its spiritual, environmental, political and economic
issues and create a world of peace, equality, health and harmony. A tall order
to say the least and one, that no doubt, appears to be a near impossibility at
this time. However, isn’t this something that everyone wants at the core of
their being? Isn’t it this that we feel when we take the time and the stillness
to access that deepest part of our heart and soul? But all outward appearances
seem to indicate that humanity is heading swiftly and mindlessly into the
opposite direction. It is easy to feel helpless with such an apparently colossal
challenge in front of us.
At least that how I had been feeling over the last few years. As a result, I
was becoming content to live out my own life heading into eventual retirement
and while in the meantime doing the bit that I could each and everyday to make a
small difference. But then a novel idea popped into my head (actually it usually
takes a sledgehammer for me to notice my inner guidance sometimes). What if
everything I have been reading and musing about IS ACTUALY TRUE! Is it possible
that it isn’t just words on the page? Important words, good words, good ideas
but what about the "real" world? I thought what if the world is actually
supposed to be a place of safety, love and happiness? What if I could actually
bring into my experience by the choices that I make – a world where everything
actually begins to work? What if I actually chose a world that works each and
every day? Each and every moment? Now wouldn’t that be something? Wouldn’t that
change my every action? And wouldn’t that make a bigger impact on the way the
world is and upon my individual life as part of the collective?
If you have read the CWG Books
and, most notably, "The New Revelations" and "Home with God" you
will concur that all is not yet lost and that in fact, we are on the brink of a
world transforming opportunity. More and more of humanity is coming to the
realization that how we have been doing it for thousands of years isn’t working
and that this "not-working-ness" is leading us swiftly to self-destruction. The
issues are complex and solutions as hopelessly complex. However, there is a way
to accelerate the process of transformation and that process IS simple. The
issue is one of personal belief, about God, about what we really need as opposed
to what we want, about who we really are and about addressing the underlying
beliefs that have operated through most of mankind over millennia.
In "Home with God" (if you haven’t read it, get it ASAP, you will not regret
it. It is the culmination of all the CWG Books and more!) God lays out reality’s
cosmology. Remember in Book 1 or 2, when God mentions that all possibilities
exist now. Every possible thought, decision and outcome has already happened
like a video game whose every possible outcome is part of the program. Quantum
Physics now alludes to the fact that in an infinite universe all possibilities
will eventually come about. What if this is so and the possible outcome most of
us have been collectively choosing to date is an outcome where the world does
not work and probably will not work…ever? A world where I choose the "I am at
the affect of life" outcome, rather than a world where I choose the "I am the
source of Life" outcome? Or at least a world where I choose the "I am the source
of my own experience" outcome? And/or how about a world that works due to my
very choosing that it works? A world where I am committed to make each and every
step within that context! A world that works! Think about it (if you haven’t
already).
Here’s my invitation
Let us explore together what that will look like in our little part of the
world? In BC? In Vancouver? In our work? In our play? In our relationships? How
will that look like in our individual lives? What can we do and choose today to
bring about a world without war, without hunger, without poverty? A world that
works!
Lets share our ideas, our energy, our commitment. Lets explore the CWG
material and see what we can create as individuals and as a community. It
probably won’t be easy or comfortable but I bet it will be fulfilling and it
will definitely make a difference.
When I look at my grandchildren the choice is choice less one for me. I must
change, the world must change if they are to survive and live to be the highest
expression of themselves. The buck stops here, it starts with me.
As Humanity’s Team Coordinator for Vancouver my vision for 2006 – 2007 is:
HT Vancouver Gatherings
At this point I’m making it up, but I suggest as an initial step, a casual
get to know you gathering at our home in North Vancouver. We can hold a meeting
for 20 comfortably at our home. If the responses are greater than 20, I may then
find a public venue where we can convene.
A tentative date of Wednesday June 14th, 7- 9pm has been set. If you wish to
attend please respond to this email by June 2nd. If you wish to attend such a
gathering but the date does not work, please let me know. If the date doesn’t
work for many people, I will set a date for another time. Please advise me of
your preferences.
If you wish to be removed from this email list, please let me know.
I look forward to your reply,
Heartfelt Regards,
| |||||||||
| IT/Web Guy Report | |||||||||
|
There is not a lot of stuff to update you on this
month in the IT department. I've been spending more time outdoors as the weather
is getting warmer (actually down-right sweltering this week in Southern
Ontario). Yes, that's right, some of us Web guys aren't all pasty-faced,
basement-dwelling, Monty Python quoting, internet addicts. This year I've got a
bunch of landscaping to do and a vegetable garden to plant.
On with the update:
For those of you who are wondering what that means, there is an IRC tutorial
available on the HT Canada website that explains it all. Click HERE to view it.
Peace. | |||||||||
| Prison Light Update - Freedom Inside | |||||||||
|
It is my belief that we come to this life to connect
with one another. One of the most beautiful and meaningful connections I’ve ever
made was with prisoners. I recognized people whom, on the face of it, I have
nothing in common with. People who have lived lives so very different from mine;
people who make so very different choices. I looked into their eyes and I saw
myself. I saw my Self. And I knew, without a doubt, without a question or
hesitation that We Really Are All One.
It is one of the most beautiful gifts I have ever received.
Freedom Inside is a newsletter with the mission to continue and extend this
connection, this gift. It is based on the CwG material and is written mostly by
and for prisoners. It is a medium through which people can exchange stories,
comments, questions and answers about how to apply the new spirituality to their
everyday lives whether in or out of prison.
It is sent free of charge to any prisoner interested in receiving it.
Please join us in our connection.
With love and peace, Freedom Inside | |||||||||
| Words of Vision/Wisdom | |||||||||
|
This section of our Newsletter gives you, whether a
member of Humanity's
Team Canada or not, the opportunity to ask questions, share experiences, and
contribute insights.
Over the next months we are going to try a little old fashioned bribery to
bring in your letters to the editor. HT Canada wants to give you a 2006 Oneness calendar in exchange for your contribution
(Quantities are limited). Email us at connect@humanitysteamcanada.com.
A Personal Journey As a Canadian - but not born and educated - I always smile when I listen to my friends talk about the weather. Since I was very young, I have always been a keen observer of people, so it's easy to find out who are the optimists and who are the pessimists, just by listening to their comments - whether they are appreciative or just plain bitter - about such a natural occurrence as the weather. When you view other people's points of view about life situations, you realize there is a lot to ponder. For quite some time, I confused this sense of observation with being overly critical of others and thinking I was judgmental. With more experience, I realized that a situation could be seen according to your attitude and therefore could be twisted or enlarged to meet your ego's needs, with little respect for facts and truth. With time passing by, you have no time to waste getting stuck in denial. What "is" is simply what you observe as a non-judgmental or emotionally involved human being. Sure you can choose to be steered, influenced, and act in ways that seem appropriate in response to an observed situation. The point here is to explain or try to find out who is the observer. As far back as I can remember, I have been observing myself and talking to myself. No matter what life has in store, this inside dialogue with the observer involves your ego, which is noisy and full of wants and needs. There is a smaller voice, always very accurate, that we do not listen to much of the time, which with the passage of time, often proves Itself correct. At some point you come to realize that you do create your reality according to the thoughts of desire and your intentions. If you act upon them, your reality is created. Even when you choose not to act, or participate, life will go on with someone else's choice taking you along the way for better or worse. The crunch comes when your realize that attitude is paramount in life situations. Then comes what appears at first like an even greater challenge, the fact that without an attitude of gratitude, even which is, or seems like a great living experience, is very volatile and does not benefit you much at the core level of yourself. The saying "Count your blessing" makes so much sense. It directly points out how you are going to feel about a life situation and is connected to attitude. How do you describe a glass with half the content? Observe yourself, or others, saying that the glass is half full or half empty. Sounds silly but it does point out how you feel about your needs. This is a very elementary example. More complex examples, while subtle, have the same roots. We need to look inside ourselves for truth, spirituality and fulfillment of all true needs. What I call "the observer" is directly related to the soul. At the end of one's life, all that truly matters is whether or not you have listened to your soul. I believe that we all belong to One great Source or Soul of God. We are challenged to live our life in the grandest manner possible by our soul or the God of our understanding. We cannot deny the Oneness of all things and the spirituality that goes with it. Whatever brings you to this understanding creates an enormous shift of consciousness at the personal level. Positive people know that personal culture and education is not enough to carry you through life. Joy and thankfulness are the two important keys to happiness. Positive people are magnets for laughter and good times. You look forward to talking to them, seeing them or participating in some project with them. Observe their sense of gratitude. Their position in life is not the issue. They belong to all levels of society. What matters is the joy they bring to others. I'll let you think of the opposite and observe what it feels like. You can observe it at all levels in society. No matter what your religious belief, cultural background, race, or nationality, what does your personal observer point out to you? Will you dare to listen? - Submitted by Roger Dufau, Elora, Ontario resident
Forgetfulness I forgot what drew me to you -Mounir
| |||||||||
| The Editorial Section | |||||||||
|
As editor of the Northern Light it has been my
pleasure to gather Humanity’s Team Canada together in our last six monthly
newsletters. This June newsletter will be our last complete newsletter for two
months. During July and August we will be offering a two part original
unpublished story written by team mate and Group of 1000 Information Coordinator Nannette Kennedy.
When we joined Humanity’s Team many of us felt that we’d been members of such
a team all our lives. The sense of homecoming became more palpable as we started
meeting team mates with whom we resonated like long lost family members. Who was
to know that the sense of loneliness and isolation that plagues mankind at this
time could be assuaged with the click of an internet connection?
Humanity’s Team has become a doorway for many of us. This doorway has grown
to encompass many rooms full of people sharing, learning, daring to recreate
themselves and learn the lessons. Holding hands on this journey through
ourselves offers each of us a sense of Oneness that alleviates years of
separation theology.
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| Be sure to visit the Humanity's Team Canada website for the latest news and events! |
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