MAY 2011

***Please note that our regular sessions, classes, Psychic Readings, Reiki, Meditation, Astrology, and weekly classes are listed at the end of this email and at  breathebooks.com. 

Monday, May 2, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Meet Sharon Salzberg Author of Real Happiness: The Power of Meditation, A 28-Day Program

(Off Site Event at The Bolton Street Synagogue)

We are excited and honored to be hosting one of the greatest Buddhist teachers of our generation, Sharon Salzberg. Sharon has been a student of meditation since 1971, and leading meditation retreats worldwide since 1974. She teaches both intensive awareness practice (vipassana or insight meditation) and the profound cultivation of lovingkindness and compassion (the Brahma Viharas). During this evening we will explore our notions of happiness, strength, aloneness and possibility. We'll practice meditation along with dialogue and discourse. This event is suitable for both beginning and more experienced meditators. Doors open at 6 p.m. at The Bolton Street Synagogue, 212 W Coldspring Lane.

Cost: This is a FREE event, but we do request that you purchase Sharon's new book, Real Happiness, either at breathe books or at the event. Only books purchased from breathe books will be signed by Sharon. Your purchase supports the bookstore so that we are able to continue to bring you events like this one!

Tuesday, May 3, 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. Meet Vegan Chef Emily Mainquist (of Emily's Desserts) author of Sweet Vegan: A Collection of All Vegan, Some Gluten-Free and a Few Raw Desserts    

Emily Mainquist wanted to create a cookbook for everyone - vegans and vegetarians; people with dietary restriction, food allergies, and health concerns; and those who are environmentally conscious. She succeeds with more than seventy

sensational recipes that are easy and yield moist, rich, flavorful (and cholesterol-free) desserts that anyone will want to share with friends and family. 

In 2008, Emily founded Emily's Desserts, her 100% wind-powered, vegan dessert company.  Her products can be found in Whole Foods and Wegmans and other stores nationally, food sources online and in her kiosk in Towson.  She has been featured in both national and local media, including VegNews, Daily Candy, Baltimore Magazine, The Baltimore Sun, and more. Visit her online at www.emilysdesserts.com. Cost: Free

Thursday, May 5 & Friday, May 27, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Empathic Angel Readings and Karmic Astrology with Julie Madill: Individual Sessions

Angel readings help connect us to our higher selves and the energies around us. Astrology gives us the tools to identify prior life gifts and talents, as well as make conscious blocks and karmic patterns. Cost for reading: $50 half-hour, $85 hour

Fridays, May 6 & 27, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Individual Sessions: Reiki for Animals with Kathleen Lester

Reiki is a non-invasive, complementary and alternative healing practice, promoting overall health and well-being.   It balances the energy patterns and strengthens the animal's natural healing systems. When the animal's healing systems are performing at optimum level, the body, mind and spirit can heal itself. Reiki is a wonderful healing therapy to aid in pain management (arthritis, cancer, etc.), promote relaxation and calm for stressed or anxious animals, increase the bond between human and animal, and ease the transition from life into death. Bring your animal companion in and see what wonders Reiki can do. Kathleen, founder and Executive Director of the Animal Reiki Alliance. Kathleen is a Reiki practitioner & teacher and owner of Zubhaa, LLC. She is an accomplished equestrian, grew up on a farm with horses, dogs, cats and cows and has lived and worked with animals ever since. Kathleen is also a Certified Canine Massage Therapist offering sports massage therapy to small animals. Cost: $75 for a 50-minute session

Thursdays, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. Meditation with Susan Weis-Bohlen

Join us for meditation, Dharma talks and questions and answers with Susan. No experience necessary! Open to anyone who wants to sit with us and learn more about the meditation process. Susan has been meditating for over 20 years

and is thrilled to share her practice with you. We practice meditation based on the teachings of Yogananda, Muktananda, Deepak Chopra (Primordial Sound Meditation) as well as Jewish and Vipassana practices. By teaching you how to easily incorporate these meditation tools and techniques into your life, you'll see that you can reduce stress, have less reactivity and drama in your life, and feel more focused, calmer and at peace. Cost: suggested donation per class, $10 appreciated

Friday, May 6, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Individual Sessions with James Wanless

 A perceptive and creative intuitive, James Wanless gives you the insight, power, tools and map to create your future. His Readings are guaranteed to be motivating and entertaining as you journey into your inner universe through the worlds of Voyager Tarot.

Cost: $150 for one hour. Sessions also available on Sunday, May 8.   

Friday, May 6, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Tarot for Lovers and Relationships with James Wanless

Explore Tarot as a truly timeless and universal "roadmap" for healthy relationships of all kinds: love, family, friends and work. In this hands-on class of learning how to read the cards, you will experience how the process of doing the tarot is a communication tool for conflict resolution, partnership-building and truth-telling.  You'll receive insight to inspire you to action in this way of "fortune creation" that goes beyond old, fortune telling. And you get your own 2011 Voyager Tarot "take-home card" for your social life. Cost: $50

Friday, May 6, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Screening of the New Documentary "WAKE UP"  -

with special guest speaker Jonas Elrod (Off Site Event at St Luke's Lutheran Church - next door to breathe)  

Jonas Elrod was leading an ordinary life until he woke up one day to a totally new reality. He suddenly could see and hear angels, demons, auras and ghosts. The documentary movie WAKE UP follows this fascinating story of an average guy who inexplicably developed the ability to access other dimensions. This film shows how all of us can search inward for our own peace and happiness while contributing towards a positive shift in global consciousness. WAKE UP is a call to consciousness to everyone who sees it; an invitation to accept that there is more to this life than meets the eye. Jonas joins us for a Q&A after the film! See more here! Cost: $10

Saturday, May 7, 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. The Spirited Life with James Wanless

In this interactive, creative experiencing of the Tarot, you will discover a tool and process for becoming consciously powered by the life force.  As a result, you become more alive, aware, inspired, purposeful, creative regenerative, successful and energized - key qualities of the "spirited life."  By doing a reading of these qualities in you by the cards, you experience the Tarot's holistic map of life and get "in-spirited" to be all that you are meant to be.  And you will learn how to use the Tarot as a "spiritual practice."  In so doing, you become more adept in the art and way of spiritual counseling. Cost: $75

Monday, May 9, 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Baltimore IONS Discussion Group

Baltimore IONS explores the mysteries and potential of human consciousness. Everyone is welcome! Find us on Facebook at: www.tinyurl.com/baltions. Baltimore IONS is a local group affiliated with the Institute of Noetic Science. Cost: $5 donation

Friday, May 13, 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. Bomba Kirtan with Michael Harris

Kirtan with Kundalini & Sanskrit chanting, reggae and Brazilian beats, songs in many languages, free dancing, Bomba African drumming. This will be a spirited journey! Please be prepared to chant, sing, and dance. Lose your mind and let the music lift your spirit. Kirtan is an ancient Indian devotional call and response form of chanting with music and drumming. Bomba is a style of chanting and drumming developed in Puerto Rico in which one dancer at a time comes up from the crowd and leads the rhythm with their dance moves. Cost: $10 suggested donation

Saturday, May 14, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Sh'maYoga - Integrating Kabbalah and Yoga with Rabbi Sigal  

Is your heart longing for a spirituality that integrates your religious background with the beauty of yoga? Are you searching for a meaningful and embodied prayer experience? Come and let your soul dance with Sh'maYoga. Experience an inspiring integration of yoga and Jewish spirituality and let the wisdom of your body and the mystery of your soul flow freely. We welcome you to explore and deepen your connection to your soul and the divine with a universal integrative approach.   

With her deep knowledge of mysticism, Rabbi Sigal Brier  

an innovative and inspiring teacher, weaves yoga, meditation, Kabbalistic insights, and her beautiful, original music into tr

ansformative experiences. Classes are a fusion of yoga flows with Hebrew chants, Pilates, Qigong, music, breath awareness, toning, and mystical teachings that are designed to energize the body, mind, and soul. Rabbi Sigal also teaches around the country and at

Kripalu. Cost: $80

Saturday, May 14, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Mystic Rhythms of Kabbalah Hebrew Chanting (Kirtan) with Rabbi Sigal  

The life of a mystic is a rich path of receiving and giving to the point of merging in a united flow where all boundaries are rendered invisible. The repetitive call and response style of the chants mirrors the dynamic relationship between receiving and giving; listening to God's call, or to the yearning of our souls, and responding. With her deep knowledge of Jewish mysticism and her inspiring spirit and voice, Rabbi Sigal creates aural environments to accompany the mystical journey of your soul. Join her for a joyous evening of chanting with Kabbalistic insights. People of all religious backgrounds are welcome. Cost: $25

Monday, May 16, 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Baltimore IONS Book Club

IONS, the Institute for Noetic Science, explores the science and mysteries of the Universe. Join us for our book club to discuss Fingerprints of God: What Science Is Learning about the Brain and Spiritual Experience by NPR reporter Barbara Bradley Hagerty. This is a fascinating investigation of how science is seeking to answer the question that has puzzled believers and scientists alike for generations: Can science explain God? Let's talk about it! Cost: $5 donation. Book club choices are 20% off at breathe!   

Tuesday, May 17, 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Ravensong Shamanic Drumming Circle with Erin Reeve, MD

Wednesday, May 18, 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Holding a Butterfly: An Experiment in  

Miracle-Making with Author Lynn Woodland

 Holding a Butterfly-an Experiment in Miracle-Making is about consciousness, time, quantum science and God, all woven into a series of practical, personal experiments in miracle-making. It goes far beyond current teachings on the law of attraction and sheds light on why popular techniques for having whatever we want don't work as predictably as advertised. Holding a Butterfly will sweep you up in a collaborative experiment that pushes all the boundaries of human potential. It's sure to boggle your mind, touch your heart and forever change your reality. Come join the experiment-it may just change your life! Cost: donation

Friday, May 20, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Psychic Readings with Allyson Walsh

Meet Allyson Walsh, one of the Psy-dentical Twin Sisters whom The Washington Post reported the "best professional psychic mediums" of the Mid-Atlantic area. She has an uncanny ability to connect with her clients and offer messages that deeply resonate and can help you on your path. Allyson joins us once a month for readings. Cost: $75, 1/2hour; $150, 1 hr

Friday, May 20, 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Nichiren Buddhist Discussion Group

Spend an evening learning everything you want to know about Buddhism with Soka Gakkai International (SGI). Learn the practice of chanting Nam Myo Ho Renge Kyo. See www.Sgi-Usa.org or call Kristin at 410-340-8431 for more information. Cost: donation

Sunday, May 22, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Embracing Your Spiritual Gifts with Craig Wright

We are all blessed with spiritual gifts - but sometimes it's difficult to discern. This workshop will enable participants to determine their special talent/skill/ability and provide insights as to how these gifts can be used to enhance life.

Dr. Craig Wright is an author, adjunct professor, radio host and spiritual advisor. He holds a PhD in Metaphysical Counseling from The University of Sedona, is a member of the Metaphysical Doctors Association, International Metaphysical Ministry and has over 25 years experience advising clients as a professional Numerologist. Cost: $30  

Tuesday, May 24, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. India! Learn about our November trip with Tour Guide Deepak Singh

Our India trip coordinator Deepak Singh joins us from Boston to talk about our November "breathe deep" tour of India. Deepak will speak about the amazing sites we will visit, the logistics of the tour and will take registrations for those who want to join us! He will also prepare some Indian food for us to enjoy.

Deepak was born in India, studied as a mechanical engineer in England, but soon after began pursuing his passion to foster personal and cultural growth of others and launched a number of Ayurveda-based health care products. He now facilitates cultural and spiritual growth of individuals by arranging discretionary travel services to Cambodia, India and Thailand from all over the world. He has helped raise tens of thousands of dollars for non-profit organizations in Hyderabad (India) and in Boston. Cost: Free

Wednesday, May 25, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Channeling the Great Mothers with Aurora

Aurora offers us messages given to her from the Great Mothers, including Gaia, Hera, Kwan Yin and others. Come with questions or just listen to the messages and call to action. Cost: $20

Friday, May 20, 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. Deep Relaxation and Sound Healing with Andrea Wenger  This gentle session is an opportunity to relax profoundly and enter a healing state, restoring balance and harmony on physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual levels. Cost: $15

Monday, May 30, Memorial Day -closed for the holiday!

JUNE HIGHLIGHTS!

Friday, June 3, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Meet Lynne McTaggart, author of The Bond: Connecting Through the Space Between Us. Lecture and Booksigning  

As a nation and as individuals we are suffering from health crises because we live a lie. We believe we flourish because we compete and fight - personally, as a nation, and as the dominant species.

But we succeed and stay healthy only because we share, we care and we're fair, as Lynne McTaggart's latest, profound and life-altering book proves.

This belief - that the essential impulse of human beings and all of life is a will to connect - is at the core of THE BOND: Connecting Through the Space Between Us, the result of McTaggart's extensive research into the work of frontier scientists in a vast array of disciplines.

In fact, the only truth is the space between us-the Bond - which means that we must share and recover wholeness in our lives if we are to survive, flourish and be healthy in body and soul.

Among a host of new scientific revelations, McTaggart will discloses that we are not "individuals" in any sense of the term:

· Our bodies are created through so many complex interactions with their environment that they cannot be considered to exist independently.

· Our health, our mental stability, and possibly even much of what we consider our uniquely individual motivation are partly at the whim of solar activity.

· Happiness, loneliness and even obesity, always considered wholly individual, is like a virus, transferring from person to person in an endless and unconscious circle of contagion.

· We seek belonging above all else: for every 10 per cent more your neighbors make than you do, your suicide probability increases by 7.5 per cent.

· Connecting with others is a matter of life and death; the lone-wolf, Gary Cooper-style all-American hero is a perfect candidate for a heart attack.

· A desire to help others, even at personal cost, is so necessary to us that we experience it as one of our chief pleasurable activities, as essential and pleasurable as eating and having sex.

· There is even an "it's not fair" spot in the human brain, so that people are less interested in making money for themselves than in rectifying financial inequality.

The key to health is to conceive of ourselves as a part of a bigger whole. By removing a self-serving aim from life, says McTaggart, we stop fighting nature and surrender to our natural impulse toward holism.

Besides shifting our sense of reality, in this talk, Lynne McTaggart will offer first roadmap of how to live according to this new scientific story, in harmony with our true nature and each other. Cost: $25  

Visit Lynne's website for more details on her fascinating projects!  

Saturday, June 4, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Workshop with Lynne McTaggart

In her workshops, Lynne offers a detailed prescription for living 'The Bond'. McTaggart offers a detailed toolkit of exercises and practices to help foster more holistic thinking, more cooperative relationships and more unified social units.

The Bond Workshop provides an intense experience with Lynne as we explore these topics:  

*a new understanding of our place in the universe - not as its master, but as part of a larger whole
*a new way of 'seeing' - to perceive the world more holistically
*a new method of relating to other human beings - in cooperation and partnership
* The Power of Eight - a new loving and supportive network to act as a one's own 'tribe'
*a new model of community, fashioned specifically to be interconnected and supportive, that honors individual contribution while supporting the whole.

The Bond ultimately aims to posit an alternative future, a new paradigm for living to replace the metaphor of battle with one of partnership and connection. Ultimately, in her talks and workshops, McTaggart hopes to inspire her audience to come to an entirely new understanding of themselves and their place in the world, not as its master, or its competitor, but as its cooperative partner.

We are so excited to be hosting Lynne in Baltimore! We expect people from around the region to attend. Space is limited so please sign up early and take advantage of the early-bird pricing.

This event will be held off-site at The Roland Park Country School, 5204 Roland Avenue, 21210.

Cost is as follows: $125 if paid by May 3; $135 after May 3 or at the door if space is available. Please call breathe books at 410-235-7323 to reserve your space.   

Saturday, June 12, 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. Ayurvedic Cooking for the Season: Summer Heat and How to Cool Off! with Susan Weis-Bohlen

Ayurveda is the 5000 year-old Indian system of Health and Healing. Ayurveda believes that food is medicine -- what we eat directly impacts our health, physically, emotionally and spiritually.

June is Pitta Season - fire - the perfect time to learn to cook a few dishes that will help cool your body and mind, help you more efficiently absorb nutrients, feel more satisfied (which reduces cravings), and feel perfectly balanced and in harmony with yourself and your surroundings.

Be your best at any weight by eating to balance your mind/body constitution - your Dosha. Come learn more about it and how easy it it to incorporate Ayurveda tools and techniques into your daily routine. And learn how to use spices to promote health and healing!

Susan is a Chopra Center Certified teacher of Ayurveda and has studied with celebrated Ayurvedic Cookbook author and teacher Amadea Morningstar. Through Ayurveda Susan lost 40 pounds and reduced her cholesterol by 80 points.

Cost: $60. Please sign up soon! Classes almost always fill up early and space is limited to 12 students.

Future classes: Saturday, August 13, 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.; Sunday, October 9, 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.