The Simple Life

   In this very fast paced life, changes are constantly being made. As an elder, it is almost beyond my ability to "keep up!" I have always been eager to learn and fascinated by new ideas and inventions. As a child I always questioned everything and wanted to understand how things worked. My mind was always whirling with thoughts, and as most people close to me know, full of questions. It was how I managed my life. If I didn't understand something, I simply asked, and to many people's dismay, I asked until it made sense to me. I was a curious person eager to understand life's complexities. 
   Now that I am an elder, I ask fewer questions. I suppose it is because my "beautiful mind" is full of knowledge while  my Heart is full of life experiences. There is no room for the types and amount of answers I need to understand technology which is advancing and changing at warp speed while the now "dot matrix" speed of my "beautiful mind" receives the material.  And so, I rely on the accumulation of life experiences to continue to grow. For the Mind knowledge gained helped me grow in this world; it is my Heart life experiences that helped me grow with courage and compassion into the Wisdom phase of life.
   The teachings that are simple make sense to me; hence, I embrace the indigenious teachings of those that lived a simple life. Based on those ways, my heart understood my life experiences and guided me to condense the massive amounts of knowledge I learned and processed in my "beautiful mind." Thusly, the Mandala retreats were created to offer curious people a way to maximize their well-being and live a life in balance that engaged their hearts and offered their "beautiful minds" simple tidbits of facts they probably already knew. It is a simple way to condense the four basic needs of every human being while providing ways in which balance life. The meaning of the word Mandala is sanscrit for circle, or as the indigenious teachings offer, life is a Sacred Path which moves with the seasons and stages of life referred to as "The Sacred Wheel of Life." 
     Saturday, August 8 is our next offering of the "Using the Mandala to live a life in balance."  You may read more about that on our Community Events link, along with a few comments from prior participants. Of course, send questions via the Comment link if you would like a more personal response. 
     As we move through this very warm season of Summer, take the time to notice the gifts nature offers, along with the marvelous opportunities to gather and connect with new and old friends and family. For in this season we learn to discover all the gifts offered by the inhabitants that share this amazing planet Earth and discover the true meaning of living  "A Simple Life."

REMINDER:
The Deepening into Wisdom circle this month has been cancelled. Our next gathering will be the third Thursday, August 20, from 6:30-8 p.m. We would love to see you there.

The Clan Mother, Loves All Things, was heralded in with the Strawberry  full moon, June 29.  She teaches us how to use Forgiveness to grow in wisdom and compassion. Check the 13 Original Clan mother link for a bit more information and a few questions to consider. Taking a few moments to ponder those questions will prepare you for the retreat, Using the Mandala to live a life in balance, is Saturday, Aug 8 1-4. Space is limited to 6 participants. To sign up and/or to ask questions, go to the Comment link on our website.  Those who sign up will be sent a few items to bring to make personalize their Mandala.
     
"When the Power of Love overcomes the Love of Power, the world will know peace." Jimmy Hendrix and is highly supported and encouraged by the "old woman in the woods"!
                                                                   These are my words, Vicky