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Dear Spirit Journeyers,
I had a wonderful phone conversation last week. The man I was speaking with was in the midst some major life changing events. He had been living a lie for many years and the lie finally collapsed all around him. So, in essence, he needed to start his life over in almost every way. He was distraught, not knowing where to go or what to do next. He told me he felt like both a failure and a fool; that he felt completely worthless and totally empty inside.
I think he was expecting sympathy, so he was taken aback when I told him how lucky he was and that I was very happy for him that he had been given such a great gift.
As our talk progressed, he began to see my point. He could now begin to create the life he had always dreamed of; a life with far fewer lies and secrets. He could begin to allow himself to be the fabulous man he always was, but kept hidden. His new life was only limited by his own imagination.
To be sure, there are many unknowns ahead for him and unknowns are great for bringing forth fear. But "fear of the unknown" can be turned into excitement and anticipation about "what might be" if we choose to see it that way.
I believe that I create my own experience. I can choose to find the good in any situation or I can choose to be filled with self pity. I can't control "what life hands me" but I can control how I respond to what I'm given. I can be grateful for all things handed me (whether I wanted them or not) or I can complain that I didn't get what I wanted. Being grateful allows me to move forward; complaining keeps me stuck in the past. I personally like moving forward better.
After I hung up the phone, I realized I too had just been given a great gift. I had been reminded of the importance of living my truth every day to the best of my ability; reminded that to live free I must be willing to let go of my own secrets and reminded once again of the importance of living a grateful life.
May you all discover that the universe is conspiring for your betterment,
Calendar Updates
The Intimacy and Eros For Men workshop has sold out, but there is a wait list. Please email or phone us if you want to be placed on the wait list in case of cancellations.
The Tantric Tribes workshop at the Bend of Ivy Lodge is coming up in June. Ray Whetstone presents an incredible four days of Tantric practice, naked yoga, connecting with yourself and connecting with others.
Our next Kirkridge event is Welcoming Happiness in July. Join us as we explore what happiness is and how to find it in each moment.
This Month's Special Focus
A comment from Ray Whetstone on tantra and making connections.
SpiritFund Information
Thanks to SpiritWear sales and your generosity, a scholarship was awarded in March that is allowing someone to attend the Intimacy and Eros Workshop.
No matter how you choose to support SpiritFund, either with direct donations or by buying items at SpiritWear, know that you are making a difference in people's lives. To date six people have benefited from SpiritFund.
Donations and applications for scholarships can be made online at the SpiritFund page. On the SpiritFund page you will also find a list of Frequently Asked Questions that should explain everything about the scholarship program.
Total Donations Last Month: $0.00
Profits from SpiritWear Sales Last Month: $40.00
Total Income to Date: $2557.00
Total Expenses to Date: -$108.00
Total Net SpiritFund Income to Date: $2449.00
Number of Scholarship Applications: 29
Total Number of Scholarships Accepted: 6
Total Amount Awarded: $2175.00
SpiritFund Balance: $274.00
The Hip Bone Connected
To The Thigh Bone
by Ray Whetstone
I will never forget the day when Dr. Stere came into Anatomy Lab wearing a t-shirt that had the skeletal system of the chest imprinted on it. She was always a little unorthodox in her teaching approaches; I loved her lectures because of her thinking. She was also one of the few full professors who also taught her lab sections as well, because she loved to interact with her students. It worked well for all of us, she wrote stellar evaluations for medical school applications.
I often think of Dr Stere when I teach a tantric yoga workshop or retreat. The themes, topics that seem to come up afterwards almost always relate to connection. Connecting with long, lost deeply wonderful recesses of yourself, connection with immediate partners in the workshop as well as other attendees. Once that organic cascade begins it is almost impossible to not connect with the world around us, thereby manifesting the concept of namaste.
The connection of Tantra and Yoga create an energy that can forge new bonds and awareness, awakening your senses and your spiritual self so that the world is your playground!
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