The Farm of Peace Newsletter
Farm of Peace and Sufi Spiritual Retreat Center, Warfordsburg, PA
Our Mission:
The Farm of Peace is a spiritual community that
provides love, peace,
healing, nourishment and spiritual guidance
to all of
creation. We seek to bring
peace and healing to individuals -- adults and
children -- and the world by putting into
practice the
Love at
the core of all religions.
Dear Friends,
Winter brings a quiet phase to many aspects of Farm life: the gardens are at rest, the ewes have been bred, no more baby chicks to raise until spring. Yet activity never ceases: the seed-starter shed for the CSA garden is coming to life; some renovations are underway at the teaching barn to create a classroom for the children's school in the loft; lots of work has been done in the orchard to prepare it for the winter; and the Houcks' home is quickly rising just down the way from the Davies' home. We're also busy bringing to you some wonderful programs to enrich your life and fill your heart.
Rayhan Haider, with dad Nadeem (pictured here) and mom Nausheen, had fun collecting eggs and exploring the Farm during the latest Community Nourishment & Celebration Weekend. The weekend included an inspirational teaching from Salima, and Latifah Shay presented an inner-art healing workshop that was a benefit to all. Everyone enjoyed good food, friends, helping around the Farm and an exciting and laugh-filled evening of Pictionary. Being together on these weekends gives so much to the Farm and to all who come. We'll keep you posted about the next community weekend so you can join in!
Speaking of celebrations, the IPC was filled with happy hearts for a Thanksgiving gathering last month. It was fulfilling for all to join as one family to share a wonderful meal together, celebrate Allah's abundance and express gratitude for His many gifts. Yet another celebration took place earlier this month: Nafisa Smith and Hamid Menjivar, surrounded by family and friends, were married in a beautiful Sufi wedding ceremony performed by Salima. It was such a blessing to have these beautiful beloveds share their love and happiness here at the Farm of Peace. Congratulations and many blessings to Nafisa and Hamid!
Coming up soon, we'll be hosting our traditional New Year's Eve khalwah on Dec. 31. If you would like to bring in the new year in a holy way, join us for this all-night prayer retreat. For a truly fulfilling new year celebration, give yourself the gift of a deeper tasting of the Sufi way: come to Salima's monthly Sufi School, Gardens of Truth, Dec. 29-Jan. 1. Details are in the Upcoming Events listing.
This past weekend, the teaching room at the International Peace Center was filled with students learning the deeper meanings of Surat al Faatihah with Dr. Jeanette Hablullah. It is such a joy to welcome Dr. Jeanette, whose inspired teachings and wisdom touch the hearts of all her students. We'll let you know when her next workshop takes place -- you won't want to miss it!
We are blessed to welcome the USHS Ministry Masters students for their second zawiyah at the Farm of Peace. The students will join us at the beginning of the year for 10 holy days of teachings with Salima, who is one of the Ministry Masters program faculty members.
And in February, students in the USHS Spiritual Healing & Counseling Masters program will hold a Healing Intensive Retreat at the Farm of Peace. Faculty members Nura Laird and Rahima Schmall will guide the program. These intensives bring many benefits of healing for body, mind, heart and spirit. If you would like to participate in the Healing Intensive, Feb. 29-Mar. 4, or if you would like more information, please contact Sara Jamila Layton at
410-833-0801.
The Farm of Peace is bringing new programs and workshops for you in 2012. Foundations of Enlightened Leadership is a new two-day workshop led by Jo Ann and David Ross. It's an opportunity for leaders (and those aspiring to leadership) in all types of organizations to learn skills to enhance their leadership. Sabura and Abdul Latif Myers will present a weekend workshop on Live Foods. Read more about these programs below.
And don't forget: this spring, Salima will be leading a week-long journey in Marrakech, Morocco, April 7-15. You will stay at the beautiful riyad of Fawzia al-Rawli. Fawzia and Salima will share deep teachings for your heart, and you will be treated to delicious meals, first-class accommodations, sojourns in the souk, and visits to special and holy sites. These journeys with Salima and Fawzia are unforgettable. To register or for more information, contact Salima at 717-573-4722 or salimapeace@hotmail.com. Deadline to register is Feb. 25.
We invite all the beloveds to come and spend some time at the Farm in zawiyah retreat. It's a beautiful opportunity to be away from the world and to open to experiencing the transformation that zawiyah brings. Call us to schedule your zawiyah time: 717-573-4722.
We look forward to welcoming your beautiful hearts to the Farm of Peace -- come and share some time with us.
Peace and blessings to all,
Halima Reilly, Editor
What's Happening on the Farm
Here in December, we're really missing the fresh produce from the CSA garden, and we can't wait until spring arrives with next year's harvest, inshallah. Amin Mills and Habib Reineke have been busy on the construction of the seed-starter addition to the carriage shed. Amin will use this space to start seeds for the CSA garden. It uses passive solar energy, with a wall of windows on the south-facing side and a stone wall on the north side that acts as a heat-collector. Much of the material used for the shed is reclaimed and recycled, including the stones, which were collected from around the farm. This shed will make growing our CSA veggies much easier for Amin this year. There's running water, lots of sun and warmth, and it's located just steps away from the garden.
Thanks to the generous "donations" left by our flock of sheep, and the tractoring talent as well as hours of volunteer time from Isa Konecki, the orchard received a few tons of organic matter for mulching trees and for preparing future planting beds for blueberries, grapes, kiwis and new trees. Russ Burns and his two boys dug large holes and transplanted young fruit trees to make way for the blueberries and Maryam Hand's four grown children (plus one girlfriend) dug 29 holes for future blueberry transplants.
In anticipation of the next crop of lambs to be born next April, inshallah, our 19 ewes were bred last month. Last spring, we were blessed with 22 lambs. To bring in outside bloodlines, we will be getting a new ram from a livestock rare-breed conservancy.
Mu'min Shay and Amin Mills are working to renovate and insulate a section of the teaching barn loft to create a classroom for the children's school. With the weather turning colder, the school moved from the bank barn to a temporary site at the Davies' home. Inshallah the space will soon be ready for the children to enjoy their new classroom.
Sufi School East 2011
by Wahida Kass
Sufi School East 2011 was another special gathering with our guide! Even with some significant changes from past years, we felt blessed and enriched by our time with teachers new and old. Sidi was happy to be here, and happy with our work, inshallah
Dr. Abdul Haqq Godlas (pictured above, top row, left) of the University of Georgia, a guest teacher here for the first time, charmed attendees with his humorous and insightful teaching. Inshallah, we will welcome him here again.
Another first was that finding a date presented an unexpected challenge and, for the first time, our Sufi School was held in mid-October. Despite more wind and rain than expected, we were (most of us, anyway!) warm and dry. Volunteers worked extra hard and gave generously from their hearts to make the the weekend a success for everyone. As always, the food was delicious (many thanks to our super chefs!), with the menu featuring chickens and veggies grown right here on the Farm.
Our gratitude to all those who attended and those who helped us to welcome Sidi and our guests. May Allah bless you with goodness!
New! Monthly National Dhikr Broadcast
Come Together on Jan. 8 for Dhikr
Imagine everyone in our tariqa coming together in love at the same time to remember Allah in dhikr circles. Beginning in January, this will be be happening monthly!
On one Sunday each month, beloveds will gather for a group dhikr, at their local Center or in their homes. A faculty member from the University of Spiritual Healing & Sufism will give a brief teaching and lead the dhikr. After the dhikr, each community can join in its own potluck celebration.
You can tune in in various ways. The Farm of Peace community has the LifeSize video broadcast equipment, so everyone who can come to the Farm of Peace will be able to take part via live video. Also, you can watch the broadcast on an internet-enabled TV or computer monitor with a high speed connection. There also will be a phone connection, so you can join in that way as well.
We are very excited to be a part of this new national gathering. The first dhikr broadcast takes place on Sunday, Jan. 8 at 3 PM eastern time. Ibrahim Jaffe will be leading the teaching and dhikr on Jan. 8. We'll gather at the International Peace Center for the dhikr and then enjoy a community potluck meal.
The schedule for monthly dhikr broadcasts is: Feb. 12; Mar. 11; Apr. 15; May 20; June 10; July 15; Aug. 5; Sept. 9; Oct. 14. We'll be sending out specific instructions on how to tune in before the first broadcast. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Wahida Kass at wahidak@verizon.net.
Creating Enlightened Leaders for Today's World
By Jo Ann Samah and David Nuh Ross
Leadership is not always easy! Leaders often face challenges that seem overwhelming, that seem to require a capacity greater than they possess, and for which they feel inadequate. What's needed is greater leadership capacity and expanded awareness. Leaders need access to a deeper source of guidance and support greater than their ego or "who they currently think they are."
What if you had access to a perfect advisor who would give you unerring guidance for all the difficult decisions you must make, and who always had the comforting, encouraging message you most needed to hear in times of stress, anxiety or uncertainty?
The truth is that you always have that resource available to you through your own inner wisdom. All you have to do is learn how to access it.
Based on our many years of experience in the roles of executive coach, leadership trainer and organizational consultant, we understand the challenges that leaders face at any level in any organization. We have discovered an approach and some very practical tools that have proven tremendously effective in addressing those challenges. We would love to share them with you and support you in achieving your highest desires as a leader. Join us for Foundations of Enlightened Leadership, a new two-day program at the Farm of Peace.
If you are experiencing dissatisfaction in your leadership role, or if you are simply seeking a way to enhance your ability to take your organization to its full potential, this workshop will help you expand your awareness, develop a broader perspective and achieve your highest aspirations. In this workshop you will receive the help and support you need. The enhanced leadership capacity you gain will enable you to be more effective in the development of other aspects of your organization.
We hope you will be able to join us at the Farm of Peace, January 17-18 for this special opportunity.
To give you a "taste" of the valuable benefits of this workshop, we'll be offering a free introductory conference call on Wednesday, January 4, 8-9 PM. Please contact us at 301-565-8071 or email DavidBRoss@aol.com to register for either of these calls and we will send you the conference call number.
David Ross (Nuh) has over 35 years' experience as a consultant, executive coach, trainer and facilitator in a variety of organizations. He holds master's degrees in Organizational Behavior and Human Development from Harvard University and UCLA. He is a graduate of the Newfield Network's Coaching program and the University of Spiritual Healing and Sufism. He is a Sufi Master Teacher committed to helping leaders find satisfaction and success in their work by accessing the divine guidance in their hearts.
Jo Ann Ross (Samah) is passionate about her work as an executive coach and consultant to Fortune 100 companies, nonprofits and government agencies. She helps global leaders develop competencies in managing worldwide projects, driving virtual global teams and building trusting relationships across the globe. She is a Sufi Master Teacher who inspires individuals to discover their own divine strengths and passions in their work.
Health & Happiness Through Live Food
An Experiential Workshop, Feb. 3-5
Healthy living can be joyous and flavorful! In this introductory weekend workshop, Sabura and Abdul Latif Myers will teach you to cleanse your physical, spiritual and emotional being through live food, Sufi practices, movement and prayer.
Last year, Sabura and Abdul Latif attended a month-long training course and spiritual healing retreat learning to heal the body through live food and nutrition. Abdul Latif lost 40 pounds, healed the high blood pressure he had been suffering from for 20 years, went off all medications and has controlled his diabetes. In addressing her health challenges, Sabura has been researching healing diets since 1995. Through this program, Sabura healed chronic fevers, cellular depletions and a fatigue virus that she had suffered from for over five years. Sabura and Abdul Latif are passionate about sharing this knowledge to help bring you back to health and happiness.
In this hands-on workshop, you will learn how to prepare food that will enliven every cell in your body. From pecan pie to "pizza" to spicy "beans" to pesto "spaghetti," you will learn to make food that satisfies all palates and nourishes your being. This is an experiential workshop that will help you tune in to your inner guidance and hear what your body and spirit are asking for.
Health and Happiness Through Live Food - Introduction, Feb. 3-5. For more information, contact Sabura Myers at daphnehmyers@gmail.com, or call the Farm of Peace, 717-573-4722.
The Kitchen's Bounty
A Favorite Recipe
This dish is a tasty way to get your greens! Use bok choy, baby bok choi or other Chinese cabbage. The sauce is amazing, and you may want to create it to use with other stir fry dishes.
Stir-Fried Choi with Mushrooms & Cashews
- 1/4 C coarsely chopped, unsalted cashews
- 8 oz dry rice noodles
- 6 Tablespoons peanut oil, divided
- 1 medium choi, stems cut diagonally in ¼-in. pieces; leaves sliced into ½-in. strips
- 8 fresh shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 3 scallions, sliced in 1-in. pieces
- 1/4 C water
- 2 Tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons tamari
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Toast cashews in a heavy skillet over high heat until they begin to brown. Transfer to a dish to cool. Cook rice noodles according to package directions.
Heat a wok over high heat for 2 minutes. Add 3 tablespoons peanut oil & let heat; stir fry choi stems for 2 minutes. Add mushrooms, scallions, and choi leaves. Add water. Cook, stirring, until liquid evaporates, 8-12 minutes.
In a small bowl, whisk 3 tablespoons peanut oil, rice vinegar, tamari, and toasted sesame oil. Add a little sugar, if desired. Pour mixture over the vegetables in the wok and toss until well combined.
Drain noodles & add them to the wok along with the sauce. Toss thoroughly. You can serve this dish warm or chill it for 1-2 hours before serving. Garnish with cashews and cilantro just before serving. Serves 4-6.
Reflections on the Zawiyah
by Salima Wendy Schneider
My dad used to jokingly say to me, "Wendy, once you get there, there you are." I used to get so irritated at that; well duh, Dad! And that's exactly how I felt when I arrived for zawiyah: I'm finally here. I can just be -- nothing to do but to face myself and God in our corner, and revive our strained relationship as of late.
While being held and nurtured by my zawiyah teachers in this beautiful place, I felt my heart start to expand. Plenty of things poured out, some good, some not so good, but I still felt like it's ALL GOOD. I can't fail at this, even in constriction. What a relief!
I absorbed Sidi's teachings and began to understand the meaning behind the words. Walking through the stations began to come much easier than I had experienced thus far, even through the painful bits. The point for me is to keep walking.
I learned that I am perfect in my imperfect humanness, and I am loved in the truest unconditional sense by Allah. Will I remember that from here on out? Probably not all the time. That's the beauty of it: There is always opportunity to turn back and make tawba. I always have choices with Allah here to guide me.
I am so very grateful for the opportunity to continue to grow and open my heart.
Join us for zawiyah retreat; call 717-573-4722 or write to info@farmofpeace.com to schedule your zawiyah.
Thank You!
Your Giving Makes A Difference
Thank you to everyone who gives in so many ways to help the Farm of Peace.
Thanks to Isa Konecki (pictured here), who helped clean and repair the wood stove at the IPC. Isa also gave many hours helping move manure from the sheep shed to the orchard. Thank you, Isa! Thanks as well to Amin Mills for helping with the renovations for the new classroom!
As always, everyone who came to the Community Nourishment & Celebration Weekend in November gave in service to help with projects around the farm and at the IPC. Thank you all.
Many thanks to A'amina Thomason, who gives in many ways to the Farm. We're especially grateful for her service as shuttle coordinator, ensuring that guests coming for zawiyah and other programs have a ride from the airport and back.
We're grateful to everyone who gives financially to help the Farm. We're in the midst of our annual fund drive, and welcome your donations to support the work that the Farm of Peace is doing. You may send
your check made to "Farm of Peace" to 1212
Haven Lane, Warfordsburg, PA 17267; or call
us at 717-573-2956 and we will take your
credit card information for your donation.
Thank you!
Upcoming Events
Dec. 29-Jan. 1: Gardens of Truth . Join Salima Adelstein for this monthly Sufi School. Study the great Sufi masters, sacred alphabet and qualities, Qu'ran and Hadith, Dhikrs and Wirds, whirling, understanding and writing Sidi's teachings, healing, mentoring and more. Lodging and meals available at the International Peace Center. Call 717-573-4722 or write to info@farmofpeace.com for information.
Dec. 31: New Year's Eve Khalwah. Gather with the community for our traditional all-night prayer retreat to usher in the new year at the International Peace Center. Further details will be forthcoming.
Jan. 17-18: Foundations of Enlightened Leadership. Learn to access your inner wisdom to address your leadership challenges. Presented by Jo Ann (Samah) and David (Nuh) Ross. Contact the Rosses at 301-565-7878 or davidbross@aol.com for information and to register.
Feb. 3-5: Health and Happiness Through Live Foods. Sabura and Abdul Latif Myers present a weekend in which you learn to listen to your Divine vessel and hear what your body and spirit are asking for. Contact Sabura at daphnehmyers@gmail.com for information.
Zawiyah Spiritual Retreat: Give your
heart the
gift of walking more deeply in proximity to
God.
Zawiyah is ongoing at the Farm of Peace. Call the Farm for
information and to register: 717-573-4722.
Dhikr: Sundays, 5:30 p.m. & Thursdays,
7 p.m. Sufi healing
circle for healing of body, mind, heart and
spirit. All
are
welcome! (Potluck supper follows Sunday's dhikr.)
Jumah: Every Friday, 1:30 p.m. Gather in
community for prayers and teachings from the
Qur'an
and Sidi's writings.
Salima Healing Seminar. In this
individual
three-day seminar, Salima offers a
unique opportunity for deep healing. You'll
receive
individual assessments and healings with Salima,
and a series of complementary sessions and
bodywork. Call the Farm at 717-573-4722 to
schedule.
Farm Stay: Enjoy a mid-week getaway in the country. Guests age 16 & older are welcome to stay at
the farm (in the IPC) and
enjoy the woods, fields and animals in a
peaceful,
secluded environment, restful and
revitalizing in all
seasons of the year. Call 717-573-2956 to
make your
reservations. The Farm of Peace is a member
of the
Pennsylvania Farm Vacation Association,
www.pafarmstay.com.
